Parasitic Nematodes in Snappers (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) from the Southern Gulf of Mexico and Mexican Caribbean.

Snappers from the southern Gulf of Mexico (SGM) and Mexican Caribbean (CAR) were examined for parasitic nematodes to determine their richness, composition, and infection parameters (prevalence and mean intensity). From February 2016 to March 2018, 431 individuals of 8 snapper species were collected in 6 localities. In all, these fishes were parasitized by 2,275 individual nematodes belonging to 13 taxa: Terranova sp. was found in 7 of 8 host species and showed the highest prevalence (23%), while the rest had lower values (<10%). Lutjanus griseus (Linnaeus) harbored the highest species richness (10 species), followed by Lutjanus apodus (Walbaum) (8 species). Most localities were similar in terms of species richness but differed in the specific composition. Eight nematode taxa represent new host records for the family Lutjanidae (Gill), thus increasing to 22 the nematode taxa in the SGM and CAR. There is a potential risk to public health due to the presence of nematodes with zoonotic potential (as Anisakis sp.) and the habit in the region of eating raw fish (cebiche).

Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors in children of three rural schools in Colombia. A cross-sectional study.

Rural children are one of the populations that are most vulnerable to gastrointestinal parasite infections. Such diseases decrease the quality of life and result in growth and cognitive delays in the long term. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the frequency of intestinal parasite infections among rural schoolchildren in the municipality of Apulo, Colombia. A total of 97 stool samples from children aged between 5 and 15 years were collected and examined via direct light microscopy. Microscopic examination was repeated with sediments obtained using a fecal parasite concentrator, and the Kato-Katz test was performed. Frequency of intestinal parasite infection was 100%. Endolimax nana (77.35%), Blastocystis sp. (71.1%), Giardia intestinalis (39.1%), Entamoeba coli (25.7%), and the Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex (9.2%) were the most prevalent protozoa. Trichuris trichiura was the most prevalent helminth (12.3%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (6.15%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.1%). Among the analyzed associated factors, consumption of untreated water increased the risk of acquiring pathogenic intestinal parasites. Finally, because G. intestinalis was the most prevalent pathogenic protozoan, molecular analysis was conducted to establish genetic assemblages and subassemblages of Giardia through sequence-based genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase, and beta-giardin genes. A total of 14 G. intestinalis-positive samples were genotyped, which revealed the presence of subassemblages AI (n = 1), AII (n = 7), BIII (n = 2), BIV (n = 2), and BIII/BIV (n = 1) as well as a mixed subassemblage AII + BIII (n = 1). Our results indicate that gastrointestinal parasite infections in the tested population were mainly caused by suboptimal water quality. Moreover, molecular typing of G. intestinalis suggested contamination of water by animal- and human-derived cysts.

Bulimulus tenuissimus (mollusca) as a new potential host of Angiostrogylus cantonensis (nematoda), a histological and metabolic study.

The terrestrial gastropod Bulimulus tenuissimus is widespread in South America. It is an intermediate host of many parasites, but there are no records of infection of this snail by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, despite the occurrence of this parasite and angiostrongyliasis cases in the same areas in which B. tenuissimus occurs. For this reason, it is important investigate the susceptibility of B. tenuissimus to A. cantonensis-infection, since it can be used as intermediate host of A. cantonensis, increasing the list of terrestrial gastropods that infect wild and domestic animals and humans with this parasite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of B. tenuissimus to experimental infection with L1 larvae of A. cantonensis. The snails were exposed to 1200 L1 larvae and it was possible observe many developing larvae in the cephalopedal mass and mantle tissues, with intense hemocyte infiltration and collagen deposition, but no typical granuloma structures were formed. The glucose content and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the hemolymph varied, indicating an increase of anaerobic energy metabolism in the middle of infection, but with a tendency to return to normal values at the end of pre-patent period. This was corroborated by the marked reduction in the glycogen content in the cephalopedal mass and digestive gland in the first and second week after exposure, followed by a slight increase in the third week. The content of pyruvic acid in the hemolymph was 14.84% lower at the end of pre-patent period, and oxalic acid content was 41.14% higher. These results indicate an aerobic to anaerobic transition process. The PAS reaction showed a large amount of glycogen inside the developing larvae and muscular tissues of the cephalopedal mass, indicating that despite the high consumption of this polysaccharide by the parasite, the snail is able to maintain its energy metabolism based on carbohydrates. The results reveal that B. tenuissimus is a robust host, which can live with the developing larvae of A. cantonensis and overcome the metabolic damages resulting from parasitism.

Effect of Poor Access to Water and Sanitation As Risk Factors for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection: Selectiveness by the Infective Route.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a public health problem in resource-limited settings worldwide. Chronic STH infection impairs optimum learning and productivity, contributing to the perpetuation of the poverty-disease cycle. Regular massive drug administration (MDA) is the cardinal recommendation for its control; along with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions. The impact of joint WASH interventions on STH infections has been reported; studies on the independent effect of WASH components are needed to contribute with the improvement of current recommendations for the control of STH. The aim of this study is to assess the association of lacking access to water and sanitation with STH infections, taking into account the differences in route of infection among species and the availability of adequate water and sanitation at home. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Cross-sectional study, conducted in Salta province, Argentina. During a deworming program that enrolled 6957 individuals; 771 were randomly selected for stool/serum sampling for parasitological and serological diagnosis of STH. Bivariate stratified analysis was performed to explore significant correlations between risk factors and STH infections grouped by mechanism of entry as skin-penetrators (hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis) vs. orally-ingested (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). After controlling for potential confounders, unimproved sanitation was significantly associated with increased odds of infection of skin-penetrators (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.6-5.9). Unimproved drinking water was significantly associated with increased odds of infection of orally-ingested (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.7). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of safe water and proper sanitation pose a risk of STH infections that is distinct according to the route of entry to the human host used by each of the STH species. Interventions aimed to improve water and sanitation access should be highlighted in the recommendations for the control of STH.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths after mass albendazole administration in an indigenous community of the Manu jungle in Peru.

Few data are available on the epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon. While albendazole is being increasingly used in deworming campaigns, few data exist on the impact of mass drug administration in isolated populations. We studied the prevalence of STHs, anemia, and malnutrition in a Matsigenka ethnic group from the Peruvian Amazon. Participants had received two doses of albendazole on consecutive days, 3 months before and again 2 weeks before data collection. Overall, 290 subjects were included. Most were female (53.7%) and 63.9% were ≤19 years old. Half of the participants had helminth infections. Trichiuris (30.2%), hookworm (19.1%), Ascaris (17.7%), and Strongyloides (5.6%) were the most common helminths. Other helminth ova included Capillaria hepatica and Fasciola-like eggs. Subjects of 5-19 years (51.8 %) and 20-35 years (68.6 %) old had helminths more often than those under 5 years (38%) and older than 35 years (41.5%) (P  =  0.02). Anemia was detected in 41% of children and this was more common in children under 5 years that in those of 5-19 years [odd ratio (OR) = 5.68; 95% CI: 2.71-11.88]. Overall, 72.1% of children were malnourished. Stunting was common in children (70.7%), but wasting was not (2.9%). Despite repeated albendazole administration, this population continued to have a high prevalence of STHs, anemia, and malnutrition. In addition, we detected unusual organisms and organisms that do not respond to albendazole. Further studies are needed to assess the rationale and efficacy of mass chemotherapy for STHs in the Amazon.

New record of Dyoctophyma renale in the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyrus) in the State of Goiás, Brazil / Novo registro do Dyoctophyma renale em lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyrus) no estado de Goiás

O lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus) é o maior canídeo da América do Sul, sendo classificado como quase ameaçado de extinção pela União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza e dos Recursos Naturais e como uma espécie vulnerável pelo Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis. A espécie possui área de vida extensa, ocorrendo inclusive em áreas onde conflitos entre animais silvestres e populações humanas podem acontecer. Sabe-se que o lobo-guará pode ser infectado por diversos parasitas. Neste estudo, é apresentado um novo registro do verme gigante renal (Dyoctophyma renale Goeze 1972) encontrado em lobo-guará, no estado de Goiás. Esse parasita já foi encontrado em outros estados brasileiros, sendo associado a taxas de mortalidade em populações de lobo-guará. A ocorrência desse parasita no estado de Goiás é uma informação crucial para avaliar tanto a distribuição geográfica quanto a influência potencial desse parasita na sobrevivência do lobo-guará no Brasil.

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest canid of South America and is classified as Near Threatened by International Union for Conservation of Nature. This species has a large home range and often occurs in areas where human-wildlife conflicts are likely to take place. The maned wolf has been previously shown to be infected by a diversity of parasite species. Here we present a new record of the giant kidney worm (Dyoctophyma renale Goeze 1972) in the maned wolf found in the State of Goiás, central Brazil. This parasite has been also found in other Brazilian states and has been shown to be linked to C. brachyurus mortality rates. The occurrence of this parasite in the State of Goiás is a crucial piece of information for evaluating the distribution as well as the potential influence of this parasite on the plight of the maned wolf in Brazil.

New record of Dyoctophyma renale in the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyrus) in the State of Goiás, Brazil / Novo registro do Dyoctophyma renale em lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyrus) no estado de Goiás

O lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus) é o maior canídeo da América do Sul, sendo classificado como quase ameaçado de extinção pela União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza e dos Recursos Naturais e como uma espécie vulnerável pelo Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis. A espécie possui área de vida extensa, ocorrendo inclusive em áreas onde conflitos entre animais silvestres e populações humanas podem acontecer. Sabe-se que o lobo-guará pode ser infectado por diversos parasitas. Neste estudo, é apresentado um novo registro do verme gigante renal (Dyoctophyma renale Goeze 1972) encontrado em lobo-guará, no estado de Goiás. Esse parasita já foi encontrado em outros estados brasileiros, sendo associado a taxas de mortalidade em populações de lobo-guará. A ocorrência desse parasita no estado de Goiás é uma informação crucial para avaliar tanto a distribuição geográfica quanto a influência potencial desse parasita na sobrevivência do lobo-guará no Brasil. (AU)

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest canid of South America and is classified as Near Threatened by International Union for Conservation of Nature. This species has a large home range and often occurs in areas where human-wildlife conflicts are likely to take place. The maned wolf has been previously shown to be infected by a diversity of parasite species. Here we present a new record of the giant kidney worm (Dyoctophyma renale Goeze 1972) in the maned wolf found in the State of Goiás, central Brazil. This parasite has been also found in other Brazilian states and has been shown to be linked to C. brachyurus mortality rates. The occurrence of this parasite in the State of Goiás is a crucial piece of information for evaluating the distribution as well as the potential influence of this parasite on the plight of the maned wolf in Brazil. (AU)

Contaminación de los Parques Públicos de la Localidad de Suba, Bogotá con Nemátodos Zoonóticos / Zoonotic nematode contamination in recreational areas of Suba, Bogotá

Objetivo: Establecer la presencia en los suelos de parques públicos de la localidad de Suba en la ciudad de Bogotá, de nemátodos gastrointestinales zoonóticos durante el periodo comprendido entre Julio de 2005 y Junio de 2006. Metodología: A través de una sedimentación inicial en suelo y posterior flotación con solución de Sheather, fue posible determinar la presencia de huevos, larvas y ooquistes de varios parásitos gastrointestinales, algunos de ellos responsables de importantes enfermedades zoonóticas. Resultados: Se identificados parásitos en 376 muestras que fueron descritos como huevos de Ancylostoma spp 10,7 por ciento, larvas de Ancylostoma spp 0,6 por ciento, huevos de Toxocara spp 5,4 por ciento, huevos de Strongyloides spp 3,3 por ciento, huevos de Dipylidium spp 0,1 por ciento y ooquistes de Sarcocystis spp 0,1 por ciento. Otros parásitos identificados fueron huevos de Toxascaris spp 0,9 por ciento, huevos de Spirocerca spp 0,3 por ciento, ooquistes de Isospora spp 0,3 por ciento. No fue posible clasificar algunas larvas y huevos en 522 muestras; no hubo evidencia de parásitos en 702 muestras 45 por ciento. El 94,2 por ciento (n=49) de los parques estaban contaminados. Conclusiones: Lo anterior, indica que dichos parques constituyen un factor de riesgo para la adquisición de enfermedades parasitarias en los animales y los seres humanos. Debido a la relevancia de este problema de Salud Pública, es necesario instaurar políticas gubernamentales, involucrando la comunidad, educando las familias para mejorar sus prácticas sanitarias en lugares recreacionales con relación a la tenencia adecuada de los animales domésticos (mascotas).

Objective: Establishing the presence of zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodosin soil samples in recreational areas in Suba (one of the largest localities of Bogotá , Colombia ) between July 2005 and June 2006. Methodology: The presence of several gastrointestinal parasites' eggs, larvae and oocysts were determined by initial soil sedimentation and later flotation with Sheather solution; some of them were responsible for important zoonotic diseases affecting the human population. Results: Parasites were identified in 376 samples: Ancylostoma larvae (10,7 percent), Ancylostoma eggs (0,6 percent), Toxocara eggs (5,8 percent), Strongyloides eggs (3,3 percent), Dipylidium eggs (0,06 percent) and Sarcocystis oocysts (0,06 percent). Other parasites identified were Toxascaris eggs (0,9 percent), Spirocerca eggs (0,25 percent) and Isospora oocysts (0,25 percent). Some larvae and eggs present in 522 samples could not be classified and there was no evidence of parasites in 702 samples (45 percent). 94,2 percent, (n=49) of the recreational area was thus polluted. Conclusions: The high percentage of recreational areas so polluted indicated that these places would constitute a risk factor for the transmission of parasitic diseases to animals and human beings. Due to this sanitary problem's relevance in public health programmes, government policy must be determined involving communities so that people are educated to improve their sanitary practices in recreational places regarding caring for their pets.

[Zoonotic nematode contamination in recreational areas of Suba, Bogotá]. / Contaminación de los Parques Públicos de la Localidad de Suba, Bogotá con Nemátodos Zoonóticos.

OBJECTIVE: Establishing the presence of zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodosin soil samples in recreational areas in Suba (one of the largest localities of Bogotá, Colombia) between July 2005 and June 2006. METHODOLOGY: The presence of several gastrointestinal parasites' eggs, larvae and oocysts were determined by initial soil sedimentation and later flotation with Sheather solution; some of them were responsible for important zoonotic diseases affecting the human population. RESULTS: Parasites were identified in 376 samples: Ancylostoma larvae (10.7%), Ancylostoma eggs (0.6%), Toxocara eggs (5.8%), Strongyloides eggs (3.3%), Dipylidium eggs (0.06%) and Sarcocystis oocysts (0.06%). Other parasites identified were Toxascaris eggs (0.9%), Spirocerca eggs (0.25%) and Isospora oocysts (0.25%). Some larvae and eggs present in 522 samples could not be classified and there was no evidence of parasites in 702 samples (45%). 94.2%, (n=49) of the recreational area was thus polluted. CONCLUSIONS: The high percentage of recreational areas so polluted indicated that these places would constitute a risk factor for the transmission of parasitic diseases to animals and human beings. Due to this sanitary problem's relevance in public health programmes, government policy must be determined involving communities so that people are educated to improve their sanitary practices in recreational places regarding caring for their pets.

Relationship between intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections and anemia during pregnancy.

A direct relationship exists between the intensity of hookworm infection and blood loss. Other parasites may also contribute to blood loss. Our objective was to assess the relationship between the intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections and anemia in pregnant women in a highly endemic area of Peru. Recruitment occurred between April and November 2003. Overall, 47.31% of 1,042 women had anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL), 47.22% were infected with hookworm and 82.25% with Trichuris. Prevalences of infections were not associated with anemia. However, those infected with moderate and heavy intensities of hookworm infection (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.17) and those with moderate and heavy intensities of both hookworm and Trichuris infections (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.13) were more likely to suffer from anemia than women having no or light intensities. These results support routine anthelminthic treatment within prenatal care programs in highly endemic areas.

Transmissäo transmamária de larvas de nematóides gastrintestinais a bezerros búfalos. II. Larvas de Toxocara vitulorum / Transmammary passage of gastrointestinal nematodes larvae to buffalo calves. II. Toxocara vitulorum

A via transmamária de transmissäo de Toxocara vitulorum foi evidenciada pela presença de larvas no colostro/leite de 14 (70 por cento) búfalos, no período compreendido entre o parto e o 26§ dia pós-parto. A maioria dos animais mostrou-se positiva durante os primeiros 10 dias pós-parto (54,8 por cento). Pelos exames coprológicos foi constatada a presença de ovos de T. vitulorum, principalmente durante a lactaçäo. Os ovos deste helminto começaram a ser detectados nas fezes dos bezerros do 6§ ao 29§ dia de vida. Destes animais, 26,7 por cento e 6,3 por cento já estavam parasitados nos primeiros 10 dias de vida, 66,7 por cento e 41,2 por cento até o 20 e 100 e 100 por cento até os 30, nos anos de 1989 e 1990, respectivamente

[Intestinal parasites and ectoparasites in the V region, Chile: study in the Psychiatric Hospital of Putaendo]. / Entero y ectoparásitos en la V Región, Chile. Estudio en el Hospital Psiquiátrico de Putaendo.

A prospective study was carried out in 229 chronic patients (of both sexes) from the Psychiatric Hospital of Putaendo, in order to find out the frequency of intestinal parasites and/or commensals in the period 1987-1989. One hundred and ninety four (84.7%) out of the 229 studied patients were infected by parasites and/or commensals. The high prevalence of commensals Entamoeba coli (55.0%) and Endolimax nana (50.5%) became more evident. Among the parasites, the most frequent was Trichuris trichiura (41.5%). The presence of Pediculus humanus capitis and lesions suggestive of those produced by Sarcoptes scabiei were detected in 7.2 and 0.6 of the examined patients. The results obtained show the high frequency of intestinal infections by parasites and commensals in the patients of the studied hospital.

[Natural infection of fresh water fishes with third stage larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum and its dynamics of transmission to man. First report in Ecuador and America]. / Infección natural de peces de agua dulce con el tercer estado larvario de Gnathostoma spinigerum y su dinámica de transmisión al hombre. Primer reporte en Ecuador y América.

We are presenting here an investigative study done in our country in order to demonstrate the G. spinigerum the way it is transmitted is nature; its ecosystem and the identification of the different varieties of fish that are intermediate hosts, infected with larvae. The internal and external morphology of the parasite's third larvae stage is also described.

Anisaquíase: uma enfermidade de origem marinha pouco conhecida / Anisakiasis: a rare disease of marine origin

É discutido o problema da infecçäo parasitária produzida por nematóides da família Anisakidae, vermes que afetam principalmente peixes marinhos, mas possíveis de infectar o homem se este ingerir peixe cru ou insuficientemente cozido. Os vermes adultos säo parasitas de peixes predadores, aves ou mamíferos marinhos. As larvas säo encontradas em invertebrados e peixes marinhos. As espécies mais importantes do ponto de vista da patologia humana säo Phocanema decipiens e Anisakis simplex. Outros gêneros de Anisakidae, como Hysterothylacium e Terranova, säo também potencialmente zoonóticos