Impact of Alcohol on Inflammation, Immunity, Infections, and Extracellular Vesicles in Pathogenesis.

Alcohol consumption is a widespread social activity with a complex and multifaceted impact on human health. Although moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with certain potential health benefits, excessive or chronic alcohol use can disrupt the body's immune balance, promote inflammation, and increase susceptibility to infections. The deleterious effects associated with alcohol toxicity include the loss of cell integrity. When cells lose their integrity, they also lose the capacity to communicate with other systems. One of the systems disturbed by alcohol toxicity is extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. EVs are critical mediators of cell-to-cell communication. They play a significant role in alcohol-induced pathogenesis, facilitating communication and molecular exchange between cells, thereby potentially contributing to alcohol-related health issues. Investigating their involvement in this context is fundamental to resolving the intricate mechanisms behind the health consequences of alcohol use and may pave the way for innovative approaches for mitigating the adverse effects of alcohol on immune health. Understanding the role of EVs in the context of alcohol-induced pathogenesis is essential for comprehending the mechanisms behind alcohol-related health issues.

Complexities in using sentinel pigs to study Taenia solium transmission dynamics under field conditions.

The transmission dynamics of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, remain a matter of research and debate. In a longitudinal field study performed in southeastern Nepal, 18 sentinel pigs were serologically monitored to study the field kinetics of Taenia antigens and anti-T. solium antibodies. At the end of the twelve months' study period, necropsy was performed and suspected lesions were subjected to molecular identification of the Taenia species. The study generated new hypotheses on the transmission dynamics of Taenia spp. and exposed crucial complexities in the use of sentinel pigs in longitudinal field studies. Sentinel pigs can be useful epidemiological tools, but their use should be thoroughly planned before initiating a study and carefully monitored throughout the course of the study. Important aspects to be considered are those affecting the pig's susceptibility to infection, such as passive immunity, age, hormonal levels, and infection with competing Taenia species. In addition, serological test results should be interpreted considering possible cross-reactions and with proper understanding of the significance of a positive test result.

Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Vellore, South India.

BACKGROUND: Porcine cysticercosis is acquired by pigs through consumption of human faeces containing Taenia solium ova and indicates the presence of active transmission of the parasite between pigs and humans. METHODS: The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was assessed by an antigen ELISA and enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for antibodies in rural and urban areas of southern India. RESULTS: Of the 112 porcine blood samples, 13 (11.6%) were positive for cysticercal antigens and the free-range pigs were 3.6 times more likely to be infected than the slaughtered pigs and 67 (59.8 %) tested positive for serum antibodies indicating high exposure to T. solium eggs. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of porcine cysticercosis recorded in the study areas mandates public health measures, which includes meat inspection.