Determination of the complete mitochondrial genome of Lardoglyphus konoi (Acari: Astigmata).

The mitochondrial genome of Lardoglyphus konoi was 14,269 bp long and consisted of 37 genes including 22 transfer RNAs, 13 protein-coding genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. All the 13 protein-coding genes had complete start/stop codons. Most inferred tRNAs were extremely truncated and the T- or D-arm was missing. The position of two rRNAs and the largest non-coding region were separated by tRNAs. The Bayesian phylogenetic tree indicated that L. konoi was closely related to Carpoglyphus lactis.

Plexiform schwannomas of cavum conchae in a young girl: report of a rare case.

OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case describing a plexiform Schwannoma in the ear cavity of a young child. PATIENT: A 3-year-old girl. INTERVENTIONS: The tumor was entirely removed by surgery, the pathologic diagnosis of the isolated tissue was performed, and the surgical incision was routinely treated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Report the main clinical manifestations and rehabilitation status of patients before, during and after surgery. RESULTS: By surgery, we completely removed the mass. Unlike previous literature reports, we found that the surface of the mass was not encapsulated, and subsequent pathologic reports confirmed that it was indeed a plexiform schwannoma. As of now, the patient did not have adverse reactions or postoperative recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend a pathologic diagnosis of isolated tissues after they are completely removed during surgery. Furthermore, if the same ear has been operated on before, it may increase the difficulty of this operation.

Carpoglyphus lactis (Carpoglyphidae) infestation in the stored medicinal Fructus Jujubae.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the breeding rate and breeding density of Carpoglyphus lactisin stored Fructus Jujubaein Anhui, China in order to provide a scientific basis for prevention of Carpoglyphus lactis (C. lactis)from spoiling the dried fruit of such category. METHODS: By the breeding nature of C. lactis,we collected samples of Fructus Jujubae, which were kept over 6 months in general, from the dried fruit shop and (or) Chinese herbal medicine warehouse, and isolated C. lactisfrom those samples. The mite specimens were prepared, and microscopically and morphologically identified. RESULTS: C. lactiswas identified in 19 of the 300 samples, with breeding density and breeding rate of 6.52 heads/g and 6.33%. Constitute ratio at distinct developmental phase was associated with adult (including nymph, 85.71%), larva (12.27%), hypopus (0.56%) and egg (1.45%), respectively. The richness index, diversity index and evenness index was 1.644, 1.644 and 0.923, respectively. CONCLUSION: Carpoglyphus lactis appears infesting in large quantity in the Fructus Jujubaestored in the above places in Anhui province, and the density is higher. Therefore, it is urgent to take effective measures to prevent C. lactisfrom spreading over other dried products stored in the same room and potential human intestinal acariasis as a result of the biological contamination.

Investigation on the zoonotic trematode species and their natural infection status in Huainan areas of China.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the species of zoonotic trematodes and the endemic infection status in the domestic animals in Huainan areas, north Anhui province of China, we intent to provide evidences for prevention of the parasitic zoonoses. METHODS: The livestock and poultry (definitive hosts) were purchased from the farmers living in the water areas, including South Luohe, Yaohe, Jiaogang and Gaotang Lakes, and dissected the viscera of these collected hosts to obtain the parasitic samples. Then the specimens were microscopically identified, with reference to the descriptions in previous literatures for counting the zoonotic species found in these areas. RESULTS: A total of 41 species were detected in the domestic samples, in which 23 were zoonotic trematodes, and 18 were internal trematodes of animals. Of the 41 species, 38 were novel records in Huainan areas, and 12 were newly detected in Anhui province, including Metorchis anatinus, Echinostoma hortense, E. cinetorchis, E. angustitestis, E. lindoensis, E. nordiana, E. ilocanum, Metagonimus yokogawai, Prosthogonimus gracilis, P. skrjabini, P. anatinusand Trichobilharzia sp. which generally occurred in definitive hosts of chicken, ducks, geese, dogs, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs, respectively. CONCLUSION: A large quantity of livestock and poultry are fed by the local farmers living along the river banks in Huainan area, suggesting that the population in that area are at higher risks of natural focus of zoonotic infections, since these animals are favorable definitive hosts to the zoonotic trematodes.

Carpoglyphus lactis (Carpoglyphidae) infestation in the stored medicinal Fructus Jujubae / Infestación por el ácaro Carpoglyphus lactis (Carpoglyphidae) en frutas desecadas (Fructus Jujubae) para usos médicos

Objective: To investigate the breeding rate and breeding density of Carpoglyphus lactis in stored Fructus Jujubae in Anhui, China in order to provide a scientific basis for prevention of Carpoglyphus lactis (C. lactis) from spoiling the dried fruit of such category. Methods: By the breeding nature of C. lactis, we collected samples of Fructus Jujubae, which were kept over 6 months in general, from the dried fruit shop and (or) Chinese herbal medicine warehouse, and isolated C. lactis from those samples. The mite specimens were prepared, and microscopically and morphologically identified. Results: C. lactis was identified in 19 of the 300 samples, with breeding density and breeding rate of 6.52 heads/g and 6.33%. Constitute ratio at distinct developmental phase was associated with adult (including nymph, 85.71%), larva (12.27%), hypopus (0.56%) and egg (1.45%), respectively. The richness index, diversity index and evenness index was 1.644, 1.644 and 0.923, respectively. Conclusion: Carpoglyphus lactis appears infesting in large quantity in the Fructus Jujubae stored in the above places in Anhui province, and the density is higher. Therefore, it is urgent to take effective measures to prevent C. lactis from spreading over other dried products stored in the same room and potential human intestinal acariasis as a result of the biological contamination (AU)

Objetivo: investigar la tasa de reproducción y densidad de cría de Carpoglyphus lactis en productos almacenados de Fructus jujubae en Anhui, China, con el fin de proporcionar una base científica para prevenir el deterioro de la fruta desecada de dicha categoría. Métodos: para la cría de C. lactis hemos recogido muestras de Fructus jujubae, que se mantuvieron a temperatura ambiente durante 6 meses, en la tienda de frutas secas o en el almacén de hierbas medicinales y se aislaron C. lactis de esas muestras. Se prepararon los especímenes del ácaro y se identificaron microscópica y morfológicamente. Resultados: C. lactis fue identificado en 19 de las 300 muestras, con densidad de cría y reproducción índice de 6,52 cabezas/g y 6,33%. La proporción de ácaros en las distintas fases de desarrollo fue: adultos (incluida la ninfa, 85,71%), larva (12,27%), hypopus (0,56%) y huevo (1,45%). El índice de riqueza, el índice de diversidad y el índice de uniformidad fue de 1,644, 1,644 y 0,923, respectivamente. Conclusión: el ácaro Carpoglyphus lactis infesta en gran cantidad los almacenes de Fructus jujubae de la provincia de Anhui (China). Por lo tanto, es urgente tomar medidas eficaces para prevenir la propagación del ácaro sobre productos secos almacenados en la misma habitación y la posible acariasis intestinal humana como consecuencia de la contaminación biológica (AU)

Investigation on the zoonotic trematode species and their natural infection status in Huainan areas of China / Investigación sobre las especies de trematodos zoonóticos y su estado natural de infección en las zonas de Huainan en China

Background: To investigate the species of zoonotic trematodes and the endemic infection status in the domestic animals in Huainan areas, north Anhui province of China, we intent to provide evidences for prevention of the parasitic zoonoses. Methods: The livestock and poultry (definitive hosts) were purchased from the farmers living in the water areas, including South Luohe, Yaohe, Jiaogang and Gaotang Lakes, and dissected the viscera of these collected hosts to obtain the parasitic samples. Then the specimens were microscopically identified, with reference to the descriptions in previous literatures for counting the zoonotic species found in these areas. Results: A total of 41 species were detected in the domestic samples, in which 23 were zoonotic trematodes, and 18 were internal trematodes of animals. Of the 41 species, 38 were novel records in Huainan areas, and 12 were newly detected in Anhui province, including Metorchis anatinus, Echinostoma hortense, E. cinetorchis, E. angustitestis, E. lindoensis, E. nordiana, E. ilocanum, Metagonimus yokogawai, Prosthogonimus gracilis, P. skrjabini, P. anatinus and Trichobilharzia sp. which generally occurred in definitive hosts of chicken, ducks, geese, dogs, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs, respectively. Conclusion: A large quantity of livestock and poultry are fed by the local farmers living along the river banks in Huainan area, suggesting that the population in that area are at higher risks of natural focus of zoonotic infections, since these animals are favorable definitive hosts to the zoonotic trematodes (AU)

Introducción: para investigar las especies de trematodos zoonóticos y el estado de infección endémica en los animales domésticos en áreas de Huainan, al norte de la provincia de Anhui, China, tenemos la intención de proporcionar evidencias para la prevención de enfermedades zoonóticas. Métodos: el ganado y las aves (hospedadores definitivos) fueron adquiridos a los campesinos que viven en las zonas con agua, incluyendo el sur de Luohe, Yaohe, Jiaogang y Gaotang Lagos, y se diseccionaron las vísceras de estos anfitriones recogidos para obtener las muestras parasitarias. Las muestras fueron identificadas microscópicamente, con referencia a las descripciones de la literatura revisada para contar las especies zoonóticas que se encuentran en estas áreas. Resultados: se detectaron un total de 41 especies en las muestras nacionales, de las que 23 eran trematodos zoonóticos y 18 eran trematodos internos de los animales. Estas especies representaron 22 géneros en 12 familias de 4 órdenes. De las 41 especies, 38 fueron registros nuevos en las áreas de Huainan y 12 fueron detectadas recientemente en la provincia de Anhui, incluyendo Metorchis anatinus, Echinostoma hortense, E. cinetorchis, E. angustitestis, E. lindoensis, E. nordiana, Euparyphium ilocanum, Metagonimus yokogawai, Prosthogonimus gracilis, P. skrjabini, P. anatinus y Trichobilharzia sp., generalmente producidos en huéspedes definitivos de pollo, patos, gansos, perros, vacas, búfalos, ovejas, cabras y cerdos, respectivamente. Conclusión: los agricultores locales que viven a lo largo de las orillas del río se alimentan de gran cantidad de ganado y aves de corral de la zona de Huainan, lo que sugiere que la población en esa área tiene mayor riesgo ante el foco natural de las infecciones zoonóticas, ya que estos animales son huéspedes definitivos favorables a los trematodos zoonóticos (AU)

[The effect of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 2 allergen T cell fusion epitope on STAT6 signaling in mice with asthma].

Objective: To investigate the alterations of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6(STAT6) signaling in a mouse model of asthma receiving treatment with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 2 allergen(Der p 2) T cell fusion epitope and the mechanisms of the specific immunotherapy. Methods: Thirty mice were randomly divided into three groups by the random number table method: the asthma group, the treatment group receiving immunotherapy with Der p 2 T cell fusion epitope, and the negative control group (PBS group)(n = 10 in each group). Mice in the asthma and the treatment groups received intraperitoneal (i. p.) injection of 100 µl Der p 2 solution [PBS containing 100 µg/ml Der p 2 and 2% Al(OH)3] on days 0,7 and 14, respetively, while mice in the PBS group received same volume of PBS containing 2% Al(OH)3. From day 21, 30-min steam inhalation of 0.5 µg/ml Der p 2 was applied to the asthma and treatment groups (once daily for 7 successive days), and the PBS group inhaled same volume of PBS. From day 25 to day 27, the mice in the treatment group received i. p. injection of 200 µl of Der p 2 T cell fusion epitope (100 µg/ml) while the PBS and the asthma groups received the same volume of PBS. Mice were sacrificed at 24 h after the last inhalation, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected, and the total protein was extracted from the lung tissue. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 in BALF were determined by ELISA. The expression of STAT6 and phosphorylated STAT6 (p-STAT6) in the lung tissue was detected by Western blotting. Data were analyzed with the one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) method. Results: The level of IFN-γ in the treatment group[(234.40 ± 24.46) pg/ml] was significantly higher than that in the asthma group[(155.80 ± 20.53) pg/ml](P < 0.01). The levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the treatment group [(30.00 ± 5.50) pg/ml and (174.50 ± 25.99) pg/ml, respectively] were both significantly lower than those in the asthma group[(53.28 ± 8.26) pg/ml and (308.10 ± 28.32) pg/ml, respectively](P < 0.01). Similarly, the levels of STAT6 and p-STAT6 in the treatment group(0.803 ± 0.221 and 0.966 ± 0.323, respectively) were both significantly lower than those in the asthma group (1.669 ± 0.296 and 1.735 ± 0.298, respectively)(P < 0.01). Conclusion: The Der p 2 T cell fusion epitope may function through inhibiting STAT6 to treat asthma in mice.

[Morphological observation on hypopus of Caloglyphus berlesei by optical microscope].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the structure characteristics of hypopus of Caloglyphus berlesei. METHODS: The hypopus of C. berlesei was collected from the feed of Chinese Polyphaga, and was made into the conventional glass specimens. The structure characteristics of hypopus of C. berlesei were observed by an optical microscope. RESULTS: The hypopus of C. berlesei had 4 pairs of legs, and the foot claws and tarsus were well-developed. The structural features were shown, such as the setae of tibia and setae of genu. Genital plates were obviously ossified. CONCLUSION: The research on hypopus of Caloglyphus berlesei provides the reference for its further scientific classification and research on the life cycle.

[Immunotherapeutic Effect of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Group 1 Allergen T Cell Epitope Peptide Against Allergic Asthma in Mice].

Objective: To study the specific immunotherapeutic effect of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1 major allergen T-cell fusion epitope peptide vaccine TAT-IhC-DPTCE against allergic asthma. Methods: One hundred and twenty SPF-grade BALB/c mice were randomized into PBS group (group A), asthma group （group B）, and immune treatment groups respectively receiving intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of ProDer p 1 allergen (group C), DPTCE （group D）, TAT-DPTCE (group E) or TAT-IhC-DPTCE (group F) （n=20 in each group）. In detail, PBS （group A） or allergen extract derived from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus （groups B-F, 10 µg） was intraperitoneally injected on days 0, 7 and 14, and was continued by aerosol inhalation from day 21 for 7 consecutive days （0.5 µg/ml, once/day, 30 min each time）. The mice in groups C-F received i.p. injections of 100 µg/ml ProDer p 1, DPTCE, TAT-DPTCE and TAT-IhC-DPTCE respectively 30 min prior to inhalation challenge on days 25-27 as a specific immunotherapy, while those in groups A and B received 200 µl PBS. Twenty-four hours after the last inhalation challenge, all the mice were sacrificed. The lung histopathological changes were examined by HE staining. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-13, IL-10 and TGF-ß in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was determined with ELISA, and eosinophils in the BALF were counted (n=20 mice in each group). The serum level of IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a in orbital blood was determined by ELISA（n=5 mice in each group）. Results: HE staining revealed increased BALF eosinophils and decreased pulmonary inflammation in group F compared with group B. The IFN-γ level in group F ［（298.75±26.09） pg/mlï¼½ was significantly higher than those in groups B［（158.71±20.89） pg/mlï¼½, C［（210.38±18.92） pg/mlï¼½, D ［（229.44±13.00） pg/mlï¼½ and E［（233.24±20.39） pg/mlï¼½ （all P<0.01）. Similar results were also found for IL-10 and TGF-ß, while the IL-13 levels in groups C ［（47.35±4.71） pg/mlï¼½, D ［（41.90±4.28） pg/mlï¼½, E［（41.05±6.50） pg/mlï¼½ and F［（18.53±5.67） pg/mlï¼½ were all significantly lower than that in group B ［（66.68±6.63） pg/ml］（all P<0.01）. The number of BALF eosinophils in group B ï¼»5.65±0.91ï¼½×105/mlï¼½ was significantly higher than that in group A ［（0.45±0.39）×105/mlï¼½ （P<0.01）, while the BALF eosinophils in groups C ［（4.00±0.59）×105/mlï¼½, D ［（3.39±0.63）×105/mlï¼½, E ［（3.24±0.69）×105/mlï¼½ and F ［（1.42±0.49）×105/mlï¼½ decreased after immune treatment (all P<0.01). ELISA results showed that the serum IgE level in group F ［（5.26±1.72） ng/mlï¼½ was significantly lower than those in group B ［（32.81±2.98） ng/mlï¼½ and the other 3 treatment groups [group C, （20.06±3.17） ng/ml; D, （17.06±3.18） ng/ml; E, （16.23±3.61） ng/mlï¼½. Similar results were also obtained for IgG1. In contrast, the serum IgG2a level in group F［（43.10±1.34） ng/mlï¼½ was significantly higher than those in group B［（12.61±1.87） ng/mlï¼½ and the other 3 treatment groups ï¼»group C, （23.37±2.67） ng/ml; D, （25.60±2.10） ng/ml; E, （25.91±1.33） ng/mlï¼½ （all P<0.01）. Conclusion: Immunotherapy with chimeric TAT-IhC-DPTCE can effectively ameliorate the allergic airway response and pulmonary inflammation in mice.

[Composition and diversity of Acaroid mites' communities in indoor environments of kindergartens in Wuhu City].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the breeding situation of Acaroid mites in indoor environments of kindergartens in Wuhu City, so as to provide the evidence for its prevention and control. METHODS: From March to June and September to December in 2014, dust samples were collected from 15 kindergartens of 3 ranks every month. Acaroid mites in the samples were isolated, identified and counted. RESULTS: Totally 360 samples were selected, and 169 samples (46.94%) had mite infestation. Pyroglyphidae accounted for the most in the population, with the breeding rate of 45.00%. Totally 18 504 mites were found, and Dermatophagoides farina and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were the dominant species, with the composition ratios of 30.21% (5 590 mites) and 17.83% (3 300 mites), respectively. The third-ranked kindergartens were in the most serious situation concerning with 81.67% (98/120) of the breeding rate of Acaroid mites. The differences were statistically significant among the kindergartens with different ranks (F = 6.048, χ2 = 73.523, both P < 0.05). There were no significant differences about the Acaroid mite population among different grades in kindergartens (F = 0.132, χ2 = 2.377, both P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acaroid mites in the kindergartens in Wuhu City were in serious condition, and the population and species composition of Acaroid mite community is influenced by the human behavior and indoors environments.

[Metorchis orientalis founded in basin of Wuhu City, Anhui Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemic situation of Metorchis orientalis in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. METHODS: Three lakes (Fengming, Longwo and Kui lakes) were selected in Wuhu City, and the poultries around the lakes and freshwater fishes in the lakes were captured to test the infection of M. orientalis, and the infection rates were calculated. RESULTS: The adult worms of M. orientalis were found in gall bladder and hepatic duct of domestic ducks with infection rate of 16.7%. The metacercariae of M. orientalis were discovered in the muscle of Pseudorasbora parva and Pseudogobio rivularis with infection rates of 7.13% and 3.38% respectively. CONCLUSION: M. orientalis is endemic in Wuhu City, which should be paid enough attention to the animal husbandry, aquaculture and medicine.

[Research on dust mite allergen gathered from filters of air-conditioners].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the relation between the dust mite allergen (Der) in air-conditioner filters and the asthma attack. METHODS: The dust samples were collected from the filters of air-conditioners in dining rooms, shopping malls, hotels and households, respectively. The concentrations of Der f 1 and Der p1 were detected by ELISA, and the dust mite immune activities were determined by dot-ELISA. RESULTS: The concentrations of Der f 1 in the dining rooms, shopping malls, hotels and households were 1.52, 1.24, 1.31 µg/g and 1.46 µg/g respectively, and the concentrations of Der p 1 were 1.23, 1.12, 1.16 µg/ g and 1.18 µg, respectively. One hour after the running of air-conditioners, the concentrations of Der f 1 and Der p 1 in the air were higher than those before the running of air-conditioners, and the differences were significant (P < 0.05). Additionally, the dot-ELISA results revealed that the allergen extracted from the dust was capable of reacting with IgE from the sera of asthma mice allergic to dust mites. CONCLUSION: Der f 1 and Der p 1 appear abundantly in the filters of air-conditioners in domestic houses in Wuhu City, and the allergens can induce asthma.

[Investigation of Acaroid mites breeding in stored dry fruits].

OBJECTIVE: To study the species and density of Acaroid mites breeding in stored dry fruits. METHODS: The samples from the dried fruit stores and warehouses were collected, and the mites breeding in them were separated, then the slides with mites were prepared and observed by a light microscope for species identification and counting. The indexes such as the breeding density, species richness index, diversity index and evenness index were calculated. RESULTS: Totally 12 species of Acaroid mites belonging to 6 families and 10 genera were obtained from the total 49 samples. The dominant mite species were Carpoglyphus lactis, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus siro, and Caloglyphus berlesei. The breeding densities of mites in longans, filberts and plum candies were 79.78, 48.91, 35.73 mites/g, respectively, which were higher than those in other dry fruits. The seasonal variation experiment of mites found that the average breeding density of acaroid mites was higher in July and October, the richness index and diversity index reached the highest value in July, and the evenness index was higher in January and April. The observation of the growth and decline of Acaroid mites under the artificial condition found the number of Caloglyphus berlesei declined sharply and Tyrophagus putrescentiae first increased and then decreased. CONCLUSION: The pollution of Acaroid mites is serious in the stored dried fruits, for which the positive prevention and control measures to the mite breeding should be taken to reduce the harm.

[Morphology observation of Histiostoma feroniarum hypopus].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the external morphology of Histiostoma feroniarum hypopus under light microscope. METHODS: The samples were collected in a mushroom cultivation base, and the Histiostoma feroniarum hypopus was isolated and purified. The slide samples were prepared and observed under an optical microscope. RESULTS: The back body of the Histiostoma feroniarum hypopus was flat with tiny bristles, the epidermis was of significant ossification, the ventral had four pairs of slender feet stretched, the sucker plate was prosperous in the end of the body, and the sucker plate had eight suckers. The gnathosoma was thin, long and highly specialized. CONCLUSION: The light microscopy shows the morphological characteristics of Histiostomaferoniarum hypopus, providing the basis for identifying the hypopus.

Acaroid mite allergens from the filters of air-conditioning system in China.

Accumulation of acaroid mites in the filters of air-conditioners is harmful to human health. It is important to clarify the allergen components of mites from the filters of local air-conditioning system. The present study was to detect the allergen types in the filters of air-conditioners and assesse their allergenicity by asthmatic models. Sixty aliquots of dust samples were collected from air conditioning filters in civil houses in Wuhu area. Total protein was extracted from the dust samples using PBS and quantified by Bradford method. Allergens I and II were also detected by Western blot using primary antibody (anti-Der f1/2, Der p1/Der f2/Der p2, respectively). Ten aliquots of the positive samples were randomly selected for homogenization and sensitized the mice for developing asthmatic animal models. Total serum IgE level and IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-5 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The allergenicity of the extraction was assessed using pathological sections developed from the mouse pulmonary tissues. The concentration of extract from the 60 samples was ranged from 4.37 µg/ml to 30.76 µg/ml. After analyzing with Western blot, 31 of 60 samples were positive for 4 allergens of acaroid mites, and yet 16 were negative. The levels of total IgE from serum IL-4 and IL-5 from the BALF in the experimental group were apparently higher than that of negative control and PBS group (P < 0.01), but there were no statistical difference compared to OVA group (P > 0.05). However,the IFN-γ level in BALF was lower compared with the negative control and PBS group (P < 0.05) but with the OVA group (P > 0.05). The pathological changes were evidently emerged in pulmonary tissues, which were similar to those of OVA group, compared with the PBS ground and negative controls. The air-conditioner filters in human dwellings of Wuhu area potentially contain the major group allergen 1 and 2 from D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus, which may be associated with seasonal prevalence of allergic disorders in this area.

[Zoonotic trematode species identified in domestic animals from Huainan area].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the zoonotic trematode species identified in domestic animals from Huainan area, Anhui Province, so as to supply the evidence for the prevention of zoonoses. METHODS: The livestock/definitive hosts were commercially available on category basis, and sacrificed for obtaining the parasitic samples via dissecting the viscera. The specimens were microscopically identified, with reference to the descriptions in the previous literature. RESULTS: By identification, sorting and classification, 41 species of internal trematodes were found so far in the domestic animals fed in Huainan areas, in which 23 species were zoonotic trematodes and 18 were internally parasitic in livestock, belonging to 4 orders, 12 families and 21 genera, and occurred in 9 definitive hosts including chicken, ducks, geese, pigs, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and dogs, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the zoonotic trematodes belong to many kinds and prevalent in the domestic animals in Huainan areas, and such prevalence should call for high attention since it is urgent risk factors for zoonoses in this geographic area.

[Preliminary studies on effect of polysaccharides from Tegillarca granosa as an adjuvant on DNA vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum infection].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effect of polysaccharides from Tegillarca granosa as an adjuvant on pcDNA3.1-Sj26GST vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum infection. METHODS: Sixty SPF BALB/c mice were divided into four groups randomly (15 mice each group), including a control group, a polysaccharides group, a vaccine group, and a vaccine plus polysaccharides group. In the 0, 2th and 4th week of the experiment, the mice in the above four groups were immunized for 3 times with 100 µl PBS, 100 µg polysaccharides from Tegillarca granosa, 100 µg Sj26GST vaccine, and 100 µg Sj26GST vaccine plus equivalent polysaccharides, respectively. Two weeks after the last immunization, all the mice were infected with 40 ± 1 Schistosoma japonicum cercariae through the skin of the abdomen. After the infection for 6 weeks, all the mice were sacrificed, and their serums, livers and the adult worm of Schistosoma japonicum in them were collected, the specific sera IgG antibodies were detected by ELISA, and the worm reduction rates and egg reduction rates in the liver were calculated. RESULTS: Six weeks after the infection, the IgG antibody levels of the mice in the vaccine group and the vaccine plus polysaccharides group were 18.26 ± 0.42 mg/ml and 20.21 ± 0.89 mg/ml respectively, the difference between them were statistically significant, and both of the IgG levels of the above groups were significantly higher than those in the control (both P < 0.05). The worm reduction rate and egg reduction rate in the vaccine group were 28.60% and 35.84%, respectively, and the rates in the vaccine plus polysaccharides group were 38.04% and 49.74%, respectively, the differences between the worm reduction rates and egg reduction rates were both statistically significant (both P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the two rates in the two above groups were all significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Polysaccharides from Tegillarca granosa using as an adjuvant can increase the protection effect of pcDNA3.1-Sj26GST vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum infection.

[Preliminary studies on protective immunity induced by recombinant protein of Schistosoma japonicum P14 gene and its mechanism against schistosome infection in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the immune protective effect of the basic calponin-like protein (SjP14) in mice response to the infection of Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS: The recombinant plasmid pET28a(+)-SjP14 was built, and transferred into E. coli BL21 cell line. After induced, by isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), the target protein was purified, and then analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting, respectively. Thirty female BALB/c mice (six-week age) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 for each), including A group (rSjP14 experimental), B group (adjuvant control), and C group (saline control). The mice in the A group were subcutaneously injected with 100 microg rSjP14 vaccine for three times at 2-week interval. After the final immunization, the mice were infected by cercariae of S. japonicum. The B or C groups experienced subcutaneous injections of adjuvant or saline, respectively, except for cercaria infection. The levels of sera IgG, IL-4 and IFN-gamma were detected by ELISA before immunizing, 6 weeks after immunizing, and 6 weeks after the infection, respectively. The reduction rates of worms or eggs were also calculated at the 6th week after the infection. RESULTS: The SjP14 protein was about 38 kDa and was recognized successfully by polyclonal antibody of SjP14. The level of serum IgG in the A group at the 6th week after the infection of cercariae was significant increased [ (25.52 +/- 1.91) microg/ml] compared with that in the B [ (18.65 +/- 3.16) microg/ml] and C [(22.44 +/- 2.83) mcirog/ml] groups (P < 0.05); the level of serum IFN-gamma [(171.30 +/- 70.12) ng/L] was also increased, compared with that in the B [(136.89 +/- 37.62) ng/L] and C [(153.64 +/- 43.44) ng/L] groups (P < 0.05). However, the level of serum IL-4 [(112.05 +/- 15.02) ng/L] in A group was significant decreased at the 6th week after the infection, compared with that in the C group [(102.82 +/- 27.46) ng/L] (P < 0.05). The reduction rates of worms and eggs in the A group were 29.2% and 41.3%, respectively, after the infection, which had statistically significant differences compared with those of the C group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SjP14 has a protective immunity against S. japonicum infection in mice.