Concordance between a New Rapid Point-Of-Care Assay and Standard ELISA in the Detection of Cysticercosis Antigens in Urine.

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic disease of major public health importance. Definitive diagnosis requires neuroimaging, which is typically unavailable in rural impoverished regions of endemicity. Screening immunoassays can support diagnosis in this setting by identifying individuals most likely to have severe forms of disease for referral to imaging. Urine sampling is convenient, painless, and generally well accepted. We developed a rapid point-of-care (POC) assay to detect urinary antigens and assessed concordance with a standard antigen ELISA (Ag-ELISA), both using monoclonal antibodies TsW8/TsW5. From 28,145 stored community samples with Ag-ELISA results, we selected 843 for comparison, 281 each from nonreactive (ratio <1), reactive-below-cutoff (ratio 1:3), and positive (ratio ≥3) samples. Overall agreement was 73.6%, with strong agreement observed in the nonreactive (280/281, 99.6%) and positive (255/281, 90.8%) groups. This affordable noninvasive POC test can be applied to identify individuals in the community most at risk of developing severe disease.

The muscle and neural architecture of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci revisited; implications on head-tail polarization of the larvae.

Taenia crassiceps has been used for decades as an experimental model for the study of human and porcine cysticercosis. Even though, its life cycle, tissue organization, ultrastructure and immune response elicited in the host, have been extensively described, there are many other biological questions remaining to be addressed. In the present study we revisited the muscle and neural architecture of cysticerci in two of the most frequently used strains (WFU and ORF), using conventional staining and confocal microscopy imaging, aiming to assemble an updated anatomy. Differences between both strains, including polarization processes during development of the young budding larvae, are emphasized. We also performed a search for genes that have been related to peptidergic neural processes in other related flatworms. These findings can help to understand the anatomical and molecular consequences of the scolex presence or absence in both strains.

Concordance between two monoclonal antibody-based antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for measuring cysticercal antigen levels in sera from pigs experimentally infected with Taenia solium and Taenia hydatigena.

BACKGROUND: Antigen detection in Taenia solium cysticercosis confirms viable infection in the intermediate host (either pig or human). The reference B158/B60 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based Ag-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity in human neurocysticercosis with multiple brain cysts, although its sensitivity is lower in cases with single brain cysts, whereas in porcine cysticercosis the assay specificity is affected by its frequent cross-reaction with Taenia hydatigena, another common cestode found in pigs. Our group has produced 21 anti-T. solium mAbs reacting against antigens of the whole cyst, vesicular fluid, and secretory/excretory products, identifying TsW8/TsW5 as the most promising pair of mAbs for an Ag-ELISA. METHODS: We report the use of the TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA to measure cysticercus antigen levels [expressed as optical density (OD) values] in two panels of sera collected from day 0 (baseline) to day 90 postinfection (PI) from pigs experimentally infected with T. solium (n = 26) and T. hydatigena (n = 12). At baseline and on days 28 and 90 PI, we used Bland-Altman (BA) analysis and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) to determine the concordance between the TsW8/TsW5 and the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. RESULTS: The TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA was able to efficiently measure circulating antigen levels in T. solium-infected pigs, similar to that obtained with the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. Almost all paired log-OD differences between assays were within the limits of agreement (LoA) in the BA analysis at baseline and on days 28 and 90 PI (92.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively), and a high concordance of log-ODs between assays was also found (Lin's CCC: 0.69, 0.92, and 0.96, respectively, all P < 0.001). In pigs infected with T. hydatigena, almost all paired log-OD differences were within the LoA in the BA analysis, whereas the concordance of log-ODs between assays was low at baseline (Lin's CCC: 0.24) but increased on days 28 and 90 PI (Lins' CCC: 0.88 and 0.98, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA recognizes antigens in pigs with T. solium cysticercosis and is highly concordant with the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. However, its diagnostic use is hampered by cross-reactions with T. hydatigena, as in other mAb-based Ag-ELISAs.

Using the model cestode Taenia crassiceps for the study of cysticercosis.

Taenia solium is the aetiological agent of taeniasis/cysticercosis, one of the most severe neglected tropical diseases (NTD) according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The life cycle of T. solium alternates between pigs (intermediate host) and humans (definitive host). In addition, humans can act as accidental intermediate hosts if they ingest infective eggs. In this case, the most severe condition of the disease occurs when parasites invade the central nervous system, causing neurocysticercosis (NCC). The complexity of the life cycle of T. solium imposes a barrier to study this pathogen thoroughly. Thus, related species, such as T. crassiceps are commonly used. Due to its capacity to multiply asexually, T. crassiceps can be maintained by serial passage in laboratory mice in standard biosecurity level facilities. In addition, an in vitro system to generate cysticerci in the presence of feeder cells has been recently developed. Despite model species display biological differences with their zoonotic counterparts, they have historically helped to understand the biology of the related pathogenic species and hence, generate improvements in NTD detection and control. In this chapter, we describe the procedures to carry out both in vivo and in vitro systems for T. crassiceps in the laboratory.

Epidemiology of swine cysticercosis in two rural communities of Zacapa, Guatemala.

Taeniasis/cysticercosis complex caused by Taenia solium, is a serious public health problem and causes major economic losses to swine producers in developing countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Despite scarce epidemiological data, Guatemala is considered endemic for T. solium. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Azacualpa and Malpais, two villages in the department of Zacapa, to assess the prevalence of swine cysticercosis and associated factors. Between March and October 2019, 149 pigs were examined by tongue palpation and serum samples were then collected to detect antibodies by ab-ELISA, and necropsy was performed on pigs that were positive by tongue palpation and/or ab-ELISA, to assess parasite load. Pig owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire on factors related to pig husbandry and occurrence of swine cysticercosis. Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate analysis were used to measure the association between serological results and other variables (p < 0.05 was considered significant). The seroprevalence of swine cysticercosis was 13.4% (13/97, 95% C.I. 6.6%-20.2%) and 25% (13/52, 95% C.I. 13.2%-36.8%) in Azacualpa and Malpais, respectively, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 17.4% (26/149, 95% C.I. 11.4%-23.5%). Parasite loads ranged from 1 to over 23,000 metacestodes per carcass. No bivariate association was found between exposure variables and seropositivity. A positive diagnosis by tongue palpation increased the odds of finding pigs seropositive for cysticercosis by a factor of 16.1 in the multivariate analysis. Despite the high prevalence and parasite load of T. solium, risk factors associated with cysticercosis were not significant in this study.

Spatial transferability of an agent-based model to simulate Taenia solium control interventions.

BACKGROUND: Models can be used to study and predict the impact of interventions aimed at controlling the spread of infectious agents, such as Taenia solium, a zoonotic parasite whose larval stage causes epilepsy and economic loss in many rural areas of the developing nations. To enhance the credibility of model estimates, calibration against observed data is necessary. However, this process may lead to a paradoxical dependence of model parameters on location-specific data, thus limiting the model's geographic transferability. METHODS: In this study, we adopted a non-local model calibration approach to assess whether it can improve the spatial transferability of CystiAgent, our agent-based model of local-scale T. solium transmission. The calibration dataset for CystiAgent consisted of cross-sectional data on human taeniasis, pig cysticercosis and pig serology collected in eight villages in Northwest Peru. After calibration, the model was transferred to a second group of 21 destination villages in the same area without recalibrating its parameters. Model outputs were compared to pig serology data collected over a period of 2 years in the destination villages during a trial of T. solium control interventions, based on mass and spatially targeted human and pig treatments. RESULTS: Considering the uncertainties associated with empirical data, the model produced simulated pre-intervention pig seroprevalences that were successfully validated against data collected in 81% of destination villages. Furthermore, the model outputs were able to reproduce validated pig seroincidence values in 76% of destination villages when compared to the data obtained after the interventions. The results demonstrate that the CystiAgent model, when calibrated using a non-local approach, can be successfully transferred without requiring additional calibration. CONCLUSIONS: This feature allows the model to simulate both baseline pre-intervention transmission conditions and the outcomes of control interventions across villages that form geographically homogeneous regions, providing a basis for developing large-scale models representing T. solium transmission at a regional level.

Cisticercosis lingual. Diagnóstico, manejo clínico y tratamiento de un caso clínico / Lingual cysticercosis. Diagnosis, clinical management and treatment of a clinical case

Objetivo: Las comunicaciones bucosinusales y buco- nasales son condiciones patológicas que se caracterizan por la presencia de una solución de continuidad entre la cavidad bucal y el seno maxilar o la cavidad nasal respectivamente. Una vez que se ha instalado una comunicación es deseable ce- rrar este defecto, evitando así la infección del seno maxilar y posibles dificultades en la deglución, fonación y masticación. Se han propuesto diferentes tratamientos para su resolución, algunos no quirúrgicos y otros quirúrgicos. Los quirúrgicos pueden realizarse desplazando tejidos locales, regionales o injertando. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar situaciones clínicas de comunicaciones bucosinusales y buco- nasales con diferentes etiologías y sus distintos tratamientos según tamaño y ubicación del defecto. Casos clínicos: Se identificaron pacientes que asistie- ron al Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Piñero presentando cuatro comunicaciones bucosinusales agudas y crónicas y una comunicación buconasal crónica. Los casos analizados fueron tratados de manera quirúrgica utilizando di- versos colgajos según tamaño y ubicación del defecto (AU)

Aim: Oroantral and oronasal communications are patho- logical conditions characterized by the presence of a solu- tion of continuity between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity respectively. Once a communication has been installed, it is desirable to close this defect, thus avoid- ing infection of the maxillary sinus and possible difficulties in swallowing, phonation, and mastication. Different treatments have been proposed for its resolution, some non-surgical and others surgical. Surgical procedures can be performed by dis- placing local or regional tissue or by grafting. The aim of this case report is to present clinical situations of oral sinus and oral nasal communication with different etiologies and their different treatments according to the size and location of the defect. Clinical cases: A group of patients who attended the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of Piñero Hospital presenting four acute and chronic oral sinus and one oronasal communi- cations were identified. The analyzed cases were treated sur- gically using different flaps according to the size and location of the defect (AU)

Sexual dimorphism in the murine model of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis is a heterogeneous disease, and the patient's sex seems to play a role in this heterogeneity. Hosts' sexual dimorphism in cysticercosis has been largely explored in the murine model of intraperitoneal Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis. In this study, we investigated the sexual dimorphism of inflammatory responses in a rat model of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis caused by T. crassiceps. T. crassiceps cysticerci were inoculated in the subarachnoid space of Wistar rats (25 females, 22 males). Ninety days later, the rats were euthanized for histologic, immunohistochemistry, and cytokines studies. Ten animals also underwent a 7-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Female rats presented a higher concentration of immune cells in the arachnoid-brain interface, reactive astrogliosis in the periventricular region, in situ pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and more intense hydrocephalus on MRI than males. Intracranial hypertension signals were not observed during the observational period. Overall, these results suggest sexual dimorphism in the intracranial inflammatory response that accompanied T. crassiceps extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis.

Cysticercosis in free-ranging agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

The study describes the occurrence of cysticercosis in liver of 22 wild agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Brazilian Amazon. The phylogenetic analysis and microscopic characteristics of metacestodes in liver tissue sections, associated with the geographic distribution of the intermediate hosts indicated that a possibly novel Taenia sp. metacestode caused the parasitism. Additionally, two cases of hepatic co-infection by Taenia sp., Calodium sp. and Echinococcus oligarthra were also observed among the analyzed animals. The results point to the need for a better understanding of hepatotropic parasites among wild rodents in the Brazilian Amazon.

Development and Laboratory Evaluation of a Simple, Field-Applicable Coproantigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Taeniasis in Northern Peru.

Coproantigen detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (coAg ELISA) is a vital tool for detecting and treating cases of Taenia solium taeniasis. However, the assay's procedures require costly materials and sophisticated equipment, which are typically inaccessible in rural settings where the disease is endemic. To overcome these barriers, we developed and evaluated a field-applicable coAg ELISA. The field coAg ELISA was developed and evaluated across four phases using known positive and negative stool samples collected from northern Peru. Phase I focused on field assay development, phase II on a small-scale performance evaluation, phase III on a large-scale evaluation, and phase IV on the use and reliability of a colorimetric scale card. All samples were processed using the field and standard assay procedures and compared using signal-to-noise ratios, correlation tests, performance characteristics, and agreement statistics where appropriate. The field coAg ELISA using reagents stored at -20°C and commercially available water and milk powder, and relying on spontaneous separation of the supernatant, had performance comparable to the standard assay. The field coAg ELISA was strongly correlated with the standard in both the small- and large-scale laboratory evaluation (r = 0.99 and r = 0.98, respectively). Finally, the field assay had an almost perfect agreement between independent readers (kappa = 0.975) and between each reader and the spectrophotometer. The field coAg ELISA demonstrated performance comparable to the standard, providing a low-cost alternative to the standard assay for identifying cases of intestinal taeniasis in a low-resource setting.

Knowledge and practices about taeniasis/cysticercosis complex within the framework of the national plan for its elimination in Colombia, 2019.

The taeniasis/cysticercosis complex (TCC) belongs to the group of neglected infectious diseases with a multifactorial transmission that includes hosts such as humans and pigs of the parasitic tapeworm (Taenia solium) and environmental factors. This study represents the first phase of the National and Cross-sectoral Plan for TCC Elimination. OBJECTIVES: To obtain data about knowledge and practices in relation to the TCC from knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys applied in two pilot localities for building a baseline of the potential risk factors related to identification, prevention, and control of TCC in Colombia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey from October to November in 2019 was carried out using a structured questionnaire and random sampling by single-stage conglomerates in the municipalities of Mahates, Bolívar (n = 152) (Atlantic Region) and Mercaderes, Cauca (n = 152) (Andean Region). RESULTS: Respondents in Mahates showed moderate knowledge about TCC compared to those in Mercaderes, however, risky practices were identified in both places (consumption of pork with cysts and defecation in places other than the bathroom or latrine). Deficiency in infrastructure and failure in basic services were observed as potential risk factors for TCC transmission in both municipalities. CONCLUSION: Based on the framework of the National and Cross-sectoral Plan for TCC Elimination, adequate knowledge on identification, prevention, and control of the disease must be reinforced; cultural and ecological differences should be considered when designing communication and knowledge transmission tools. We consider that major investment should be made in improving basic services and creating sustainable modernized pig farming in Mahates and Mercaderes.

Taenia solium: Socioeconomic changes and prevalence evolution in four endemic communities in northwestern Mexico.

In Mexico, for the past 30 years, a continuous decrease in the incidence of clinical taeniosis/cysticercosis has been documented. This work aimed to determine the influence of improvement in socioeconomic conditions on the prevalence of Taenia solium in four endemic communities in northwestern Mexico. This study was carried out in two phases. First, documentary information (1989-2018) was collected about the prevalence of Theridion solium in the federal entity of Sinaloa State. Second, a pilot study was performed in four communities of Sinaloa, which had an endemic history of Taenia transmission. In each community, a risk factor questionnaire was applied, and serum and stool samples were collected for convenience in a non-probabilistic way. Anti-cysticercus antibodies and adult worm coproantigen were determined. The documentary analysis showed the incidence of taeniosis and cysticercosis to have decreased by 98 and 53%, respectively, while the human development index increased by 5% (1992-2017). Our data suggest that the risk of parasitic transmission is low, although female sex was a risk factor for reporting tremors or seizures (prevalence rate 2.1336, CI: 1.1821-3.8508) and background of tapeworm infection (prevalence rate 1.2893, CI: 0.9795-1.6972). No tapeworms or eggs were found while examining stool samples, but protozoa cysts were observed in four samples. Unexpectedly, only one of the 79 stool samples was positive for coproantigens. This positive result was confirmed in a second sample. However, the evaluation of a third sample was negative. No antibodies were found in human (n = 377) or pig (n = 69) samples. These data suggest parasite transmission has been interrupted and could be possibly associated with improving socioeconomic conditions. Further studies are needed to determine the real prevalence of zoonoses in Mexico.

A Rapid Point-of-Care Assay for Cysticercosis Antigen Detection in Urine Samples.

We report a proof-of-concept study using a dipstick assay to detect Taenia solium antigen in urine samples of 30 patients with subarachnoid neurocysticercosis and 10 healthy control subjects. Strips were read in blind by two readers. The assay detected antigen in 29 of 30 cases and was negative in all 10 control samples. Although this study was performed in samples from individuals with subarachnoid neurocysticercosis who likely had high circulating antigen levels, it provides the proof of concept for a functional urine antigen point-of-care assay that detects viable cysts. Such an assay could serve to support a clinical diagnosis of suspect neurocysticercosis or to identify patients at risk of developing severe disease in areas where medical resources are limited, providing evidence to refer these individuals for imaging and specialized care as needed.

Cysticercosis & Heart: A Systematic Review.

Cysticercosis is a parasitic tissue infection caused by larval cysts of the tapeworm Taenia solium. These larval cysts infect brain, muscle, or other tissue, and are a major cause of adult-onset seizures in most low-income countries with tropical climate. Prevalence it's around 50 million people. Although cardiovascular system is not the most affected, this disease can also be associated with multiple and randomly distributed cysts in the subpericardium, subendocardium and myocardium in up to 25% of infected patients. Most cardiac cysticercosis' cases are asymptomatic, but it can manifest with ventricular arrhythmias and conduction disorders. Area Covered: The "Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases affecting the Heart" (NET-Heart project) is an initiative by the Emerging Leaders group of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology to systematically review all these endemic conditions affecting the heart. A systematic review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines and including articles published in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, PubMed and LILACS databases. A total of 41 papers were included in this review. Expert Opinion: In the areas of greatest prevalence, unhealthiness and poverty favor the development of this disease, which highlights the need to establish global health policies that reduce morbidity and mortality, economic losses of the affected population, and health costs related to hospitalizations for cardiovascular involvement. Authors provide an algorithm to evaluate the possibility of Cysticercosis' cardiovascular complications.

Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis in Guatemala: a prevalent public health problem?

In Guatemala, neurocysticercosis (NCC) was first recognized in 1940; since then, cases of NCC have been reported in all Guatemalan departments. However, epidemiological studies on Taenia solium infections are scarce and most information remains unpublished. This study aims to provide evidence of T. solium infections as a public health problem in Guatemala. All information available, either published or unpublished, on T. solium infections in the country was compiled. Official data from the Ministry of Health for the period 2003-2019 were reviewed and analyzed, and all cases of T. solium infections were classified and counted. In total, 5246 cases of taeniasis and 454 cases of human cysticercosis were recorded. On the other hand, 44 studies were identified, mostly from local journals, which included 1951 cases of taeniasis, 2873 cases of human cysticercosis of which 543 were classified with complete diagnosis, and 2590 cases of porcine cysticercosis. Cases were classified by geographic region, patient sex, and Taenia species in taeniasis cases when information was available, and the departments with the highest number of taeniasis and cysticercosis cases were identified. Meanwhile, in Zacapa, a northeastern department of Guatemala with one the highest number of taeniasis cases, a young man diagnosed with a severe form of NCC and two cases of porcine cysticercosis (both confirmed by necropsy) were identified. Taken together, the data herein reported indicate that T. solium infections are a major health problem in Guatemala that needs to be addressed.

Impact on condemnations of bovine carcasses for tuberculosis and cysticercosis after changes in federal legislation in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (2014-2020) / Impacto nas condenações de carcaças bovídeas por tuberculose e cisticercose após as modificações na legislação federal no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (2014-2020)

The inspection of products of animal origin, carried out by veterinary agricultural inspectors, is based on the Brazilian legislation described in the Regulation of Industrial and Sanitary Inspection of Products of Animal Origin of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. On March 29, 2017, Decree No. 9,013 was published, which repeals Decree No. 30,691, of 1952, with this, major changes occurred in the legislation described in RIISPOA, such as the criteria used for judging carcasses. The objective of this study was to verify whether these changes had an impact on condemnations of bovine carcasses because of cysticercosis and tuberculosis in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The number of animals slaughtered and the number of carcasses condemned because of tuberculosis and cysticercosis between 2014 and 2020 were obtained from the database of the Agricultural Defense System (SDA), the official data system of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development (SEAPDR), it was possible to observe an increase in the number of cases of carcasses condemned because of cysticercosis and a reduction of animals affected by the disease in the period after the changes in the regulation. The number of carcasses condemned because of tuberculosis, as well as the number of animals affected by the disease, remained stable after the changes in the regulation. The results showed that the changes in federal legislation had a real impact on the historical series of condemnations of bovine carcasses due to cysticercosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In carcasses affected by tuberculosis, the impact of carcass condemnation on the historical series after changes was not significant.

A inspeção de produtos de origem animal, realizada por médicos veterinários fiscais agropecuários, é baseada na legislação brasileira descrita no Regulamento da Inspeção Industrial e Sanitária de Produtos de Origem Animal (RIISPOA) do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). No dia 29 de março de 2017 foi publicado o Decreto nº 9.013, que revoga o Decreto nº 30.691, de 1952, com isso grandes alterações ocorreram na legislação descrita no RIISPOA, como os critérios de julgamento de carcaças. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar, se essas alterações tiveram impacto nas condenações de carcaças de bovídeos por cisticercose e tuberculose no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). O número de animais abatidos e o número de carcaças condenadas por tuberculose e cisticercose entre 2014 e 2020 foram obtidos do banco de dados do Sistema de Defesa Agropecuária (SDA), sistema oficial de dados da Secretaria da Agricultura Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural (SEAPDR), foi possível observar aumento do número de casos de carcaças condenadas por cisticercose e redução de animais afetados pela enfermidade no período após as alterações no regulamento. O número de carcaças condenadas por tuberculose, assim como o número de animais afetados pela doença se manteve estável após as mudanças no regulamento. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que as modificações na legislação federal trouxeram impacto real na série histórica de condenações de carcaças bovídeas por cisticercose no âmbito do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul enquanto nas carcaças afetadas por tuberculose o impacto das condenações não foi significativo.

Cysticercosis in free-ranging agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon / Cisticercose em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) silvestres na Amazônia Oriental brasileira

The study describes the occurrence of cysticercosis in liver of 22 wild agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Brazilian Amazon. The phylogenetic analysis and microscopic characteristics of metacestodes in liver tissue sections, associated with the geographic distribution of the intermediate hosts indicated that a possibly novel Taenia sp. metacestode caused the parasitism. Additionally, two cases of hepatic co-infection by Taenia sp., Calodium sp. and Echinococcus oligarthra were also observed among the analyzed animals. The results point to the need for a better understanding of hepatotropic parasites among wild rodents in the Brazilian Amazon.(AU)

O estudo descreve a ocorrência de cisticercose no fígado de 22 cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) silvestres da Amazônia brasileira. A análise filogenética e as características microscópicas dos metacestódeos em cortes histológicos de fígado, associadas à distribuição geográfica do hospedeiro intermediário, indicaram que, possivelmente, uma nova espécie de Taenia sp. Causou o parasitismo. Adicionalmente, dois casos de co-infecção por Taenia sp., Calodium sp. e Echinococcus oligarthra também foram observados entre os animais avaliados. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de um melhor entendimento dos parasitas hepatotrópicos entre roedores selvagens da Amazônia brasileira.(AU)

Serological surveillance of parasitic zoonoses in 13 highlands regions of Peru: Period 2016-2019. / Vigilancia serológica de la zoonosis parasitaria en 13 regiones de la sierra del Perú: Periodo 2016-2019.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study. To understand the characteristics and distribution of the main parasitic zoonoses in Peru and to generate data for decision making in surveillance, prevention and control. Main findings. These parasitic zoonoses are distributed in areas of extreme poverty in the central and southern highlands of Peru. Fascioliasis seropositivity was found to be higher than for echinococcosis and cysticercosis. In addition, sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits influence the transmission of these zoonoses. Implications. An active search for these zoonoses should be carried out in other risk areas with similar epidemiological characteristics to determine the prevalence of each of these zoonoses and implement multisectoral prevention and control programs. . To determine seropositivity to anti-IgG antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus, Fasciola hepatica and Taenia solium cysticercus infection and to describe the characteristics of the infected patients in 13 regions of the Peruvian highlands between 2016 and 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Cross-sectional, observational study, in which we analyzed 7811 epidemiological records of laboratory-based surveillance of parasitic zoonoses from 2016 to 2019. Diagnosis was established by detecting IgG type anti-E. granulosus, F. hepatica and T. solium cysticercus antibodies using native antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Immunoblot. We evaluated the difference in the frequency of the cases according to identified characteristics using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS.: Seropositivity was 7.9% for fascioliasis, 4.9% for cystic echinococcosis, and 2.3% for T. solium cysticercus. These rates were higher in Cerro de Pasco for cystic echinococcosis (24.5%), in Ayacucho for T. solium cysticercus (4.5%) and in Puno for fascioliasis (40.6%). Regarding the sociodemographic characteristics, we found a statistically significant difference in the frequency of cases for all zoonoses according to age group, occupation, and region of residence. We also found a difference with the consumption of vegetables in emollients, and between clinical-epidemiological characteristics and having a family history of parasitic zoonoses. CONCLUSIONS.: From the 7811 samples, we found that these parasitic zoonoses are distributed in 13 regions of the Peruvian highlands, and represent a major health problem, with frequencies that change according to different characteristics.

OBJETIVOS.: Determinar la seropositividad a anticuerpos anti-IgG por infección de Echinococcus granulosus, Fasciola hepatica y cisticerco de Taenia solium y describir las características de los infectados en 13 regiones de la sierra peruana entre 2016 y 2019. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio observacional transversal, que analizó 7811 fichas epidemiológicas de la vigilancia basada en laboratorio de las zoonosis parasitarias del periodo 2016-2019. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante la detección de anticuerpos tipo IgG anti E. granulosus, F. hepatica y cisticerco de T. solium utilizando antígenos nativos mediante el ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas (ELISA) e Inmunoblot. La diferencia en la frecuencia de casos de estas zoonosis según características identificadas se realizó mediante la prueba chi-cuadrado de Pearson y prueba exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS.: Se determinó una seropositividad de 7,9% para fascioliasis, 4,9% para equinococosis quística, y 2,3% para cisticerco de T. solium. Estas frecuencias fueron mayores en Cerro de Pasco para equinococosis quística (24,5%), en Ayacucho para cisticerco de T. solium (4,5%) y en Puno para fascioliasis (40,6%). Entre las características sociodemográficas, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la frecuencia de casos para todas las zoonosis según grupo etario, ocupación, y región de residencia. Además, se encontró diferencia con el consumo de verduras en emolientes, y entre las características clínico-epidemiológicas con tener antecedentes familiares de las zoonosis parasitarias. CONCLUSIONES.: A partir de las 7811 muestras evaluadas, se encontró que estas zoonosis parasitarias están distribuidas en 13 regiones de la sierra del Perú, ocasionando un problema de salud importante, con frecuencias que varían según diversas características.

Ocular cysticercosis in pediatric patient / Cisticercose ocular em paciente pediátrico

ABSTRACT Ocular cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Taenia solium. Its early diagnosis and treatment decreases the possibility of visual morbidity. It can either compromise the anterior chamber or the posterior segment, which translates into an very variable and interspecific presentation that changes depending on the site of the infection. It is important to report this case due to its low presentation rate and the fact that a high suspicion index is required to make an assertive and timely diagnosis. This is especially important in geographical areas that are endemic to this parasite due to the direct relationship between an early diagnosis and treatment and better visual outcomes. In this case report, we will discuss the multidisciplinary interventions of a pediatric patient in a high complexity hospital.

RESUMO A cisticercose ocular é uma infecção parasitária causada pela Taenia solium. O diagnóstico e tratamento precoces diminuem a possibilidade de morbidade visual. Ela pode comprometer a câmara anterior ou o segmento posterior, o que se traduz em uma apresentação muito variável e interespecífica, que muda dependendo do local da infecção. É importante relatar esse caso devido à sua baixa taxa de apresentação e ao fato de que é necessário um alto índice de suspeita para fazer um diagnóstico assertivo e oportuno. Isso é especialmente importante em áreas geográficas endêmicas para esse parasita, devido à relação direta entre diagnóstico e tratamento precoces e melhores resultados visuais. Neste relato de caso, discutiremos as intervenções multidisciplinares de um paciente pediátrico em um hospital de alta complexidade.