Geographic Distribution of Human Infections with Zoonotic Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Anthropophilic Hookworms in Ecuador: A Retrospective Analysis of Archived Stool Samples.

Zoonotic human infections with Ancylostoma ceylanicum have recently been reported in the Americas. We used archived human stool samples to study the geographic distribution of human infections with A. ceylanicum and anthropophilic hookworms in different geoclimatic regions (coastal, Andean, and Amazon) of Ecuador. We analyzed retrospectively archived human stool samples from five studies previously screened for hookworm infection by microscopy, of which four included hookworm-positive samples only and one involved hookworm-negative samples to increase geographic distribution of sampling. Stools were analyzed using multi-parallel quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays to detect Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, A. ceylanicum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Sequencing was done for the A. ceylanicum cox1 gene. A total of 132 samples were analyzed, of which 69 (52.3%) were from hookworm-positive and 63 (47.7%) from hookworm-negative individuals by microscopy. Overall, 82.6% of microscopy-positive samples and 33.3% of microscopy-negative samples were positive for hookworm by qPCR. Of microscopy-positive samples, 36.2% were A. ceylanicum, 37.7% A. duodenale, and 33.3% N. americanus, whereas equivalent proportions for microscopy-negative samples were 1.6%, 31.7%, and 1.6%, respectively. Ancylostoma duodenale was the most widely dispersed geographically, followed by N. americanus. Ancylostoma ceylanicum was least dispersed but was detected in coastal and Amazon regions. In conclusion, human infections with A. ceylanicum, A. duodenale, and N. americanus were detected in different geoclimatic regions of Ecuador. Additional studies are required to further define the epidemiology of human A. ceylanicum infections, but the potentially widespread presence of this helminth in human populations in Ecuador has implications for hookworm control strategies.

Estudo aborda redução de casos de esquistossomose e ancilostomíase no Brasil

Inquéritos realizados no Brasil, entre os anos de 1947 e 2015, para verificar a prevalência de duas importantes doenças causadas por vermes, a esquistossomose e a ancilostomíase, constataram uma diminuição na ocorrência dessas enfermidades. Agora, uma pesquisa da Fiocruz Minas avaliou os fatores relacionados a essa redução, verificando, principalmente, a influência das melhorias sanitárias.

Reflecting on the past and fast forwarding to present day anthelmintic resistant Ancylostoma caninum-A critical issue we neglected to forecast.

Reports of anthelmintic resistance in Ancylostoma caninum are increasing in frequency in the United States of America (USA). In the last few years in vitro and in vivo studies characterized individual isolates, demonstrating multiple anthelmintic drug resistance (MADR). In 2021, the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists initiated a hookworm task force to address this issue. The first report of drug resistant A. caninum occurred in 1987 in Australian racing Greyhounds. In the last five years multiple case reports and investigations show drug resistant A. caninum is becoming a much greater problem in the USA and now extends beyond racing Greyhounds into the general companion animal dog population. The literature, regarding drug resistance in livestock and equine nematodes, provides helpful guidance along with diagnostic methods to better understand the evolution and selection of canine MADR hookworms; however, there are limitations and caveats due to A. caninum's unique biology and zoonotic potential. Mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthic drugs to humans to reduce morbidity associated with human hookworms (Necator americanus) should consider the factors that contributed to the development of MADR A. caninum. Finally, as Greyhound racing undergoes termination in some regions and the retired dogs undergo subsequent rehoming, drug resistant parasites, if present, are carried with them. Drug resistant A. caninum requires greater recognition by the veterinary community, and small animal practitioners need to be aware of the spread into current pet dog populations. The current understanding of anthelmintic resistance, available treatments, and environmental mitigation for these drug resistant A. caninum isolates must be monitored for horizontal spread. A major goal in this emerging problem is to prevent continued dissemination.

Compte rendu The canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum: A novel threat for anthelmintic resistance in Canada.

The canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum is one of the most prevalent parasitic nematodes in dogs worldwide and has the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans, including the development of cutaneous larva migrans. Recent confirmation of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in A. caninum to several anthelmintic classes, mainly in the USA, indicates the potential for this scenario in Canada. We consider various factors that may lead to resistant isolates in Canada, such as the widespread use of antiparasitic drugs without the assessment of efficacy; increased A. caninum prevalence in various Canadian provinces; and the importation of dogs, mostly from the USA, with a history of persistent infection by A. caninum. Our objective was to review factors that influence A. caninum to develop AR and raise awareness regarding the need for a strategic plan to control this parasitic nematode through the appropriate use of anthelmintics.

Le ver à crochet Ancylostoma caninum : une nouvelle menace de la résistance aux vermifuges au Canada. Le ver à crochet du chien Ancylostoma caninum est un des nématodes le plus répandu chez les chiens dans le monde, avec un potentiel zoonotique, car ils peuvent infecter les humains et provoquer des maladies telles que la larva migrans cutanée. Les récentes découvertes de la résistance d'A. caninum à plusieurs classes d'anthelminthiques aux États-Unis ont attiré notre attention sur ce scénario possible au Canada. Nous considérons que des facteurs tels que l'utilisation répandue de médicaments anthelminthiques sans évaluation de l'efficacité, l'augmentation de la prévalence chez A. caninum dans différentes provinces canadiennes, et la migration de chiens, surtout des É.-U., ayant des antécédents d'infection persistante par A. caninum, peuvent conduire à la présence d'isolats résistants aux anthelminthiques usuels au Canada. L'objectif de cette revue est de réviser tous ces aspects concernant les caractéristiques d'A. caninum à cette résistance et de prendre conscience qu'il pourrait devenir un problème majeur dans la santé des animaux de compagnie au Canada, donc il faudrait mis en place une planification stratégique pour contrôler ce strongle par l'utilisation judicieuse des antihelminthiques.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Comparative transcriptomics from intestinal cells of permissive and non-permissive hosts during Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection reveals unique signatures of protection and host specificity.

Soil-transmitted nematodes (STNs) place a tremendous burden on health and economics worldwide with an estimate of at least 1.5 billion people, or 24% of the population, being infected with at least 1 STN globally. Children and pregnant women carry the heavier pathological burden, and disease caused by the blood-feeding worm in the intestine can result in anaemia and delays in physical and intellectual development. These parasites are capable of infecting and reproducing in various host species, but what determines host specificity remains unanswered. Identifying the molecular determinants of host specificity would provide a crucial breakthrough towards understanding the biology of parasitism and could provide attractive targets for intervention. To investigate specificity mechanisms, members of the hookworm genus Ancylostoma provide a powerful system as they range from strict specialists to generalists. Using transcriptomics, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in permissive (hamster) and non-permissive (mouse) hosts at different early time points during infection with A. ceylanicum were examined. Analysis of the data has identified unique immune responses in mice, as well as potential permissive signals in hamsters. Specifically, immune pathways associated with resistance to infection are upregulated in the non-permissive host, providing a possible protection mechanism that is absent in the permissive host. Furthermore, unique signatures of host specificity that may inform the parasite that it has invaded a permissive host were identified. These data provide novel insight into the tissue-specific gene expression differences between permissive and non-permissive hosts in response to hookworm infection.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum Hookworms in Dogs, Grenada, West Indies.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworms are recognized agents of human infection in the Asia-Pacific region. We investigated prevalence of zoonotic hookworm infections in dogs in Grenada in 2021; 40.8% were infected by hookworms, including Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Surveillance of this parasite in dogs and humans is needed in tropical/subtropical countries in the Americas.

Zoonotic Ancylostoma ceylanicum Hookworm Infections, Ecuador.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworms are zoonotic parasites that can infect humans. To detect autochthonous transmission, we analyzed human fecal samples collected in 2000. Multiparallel quantitative PCR detected infection in persons who had never traveled outside Ecuador. These data indicate human transmission of A. ceylanicum in the Americas, although endemicity remains unknown.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum Infection in a Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed.

PURPOSE: Canine hookworm disease is a global zoonotic parasitic disease caused by a variety of nematodes in families Ancylostomatidae, including Ancylostoma spp., Necator spp., and Uncinaria spp., in the small intestine (mainly the duodenum) of dogs. The disease is widely distributed in China. The purpose of this study is to systematically diagnose and treat canine hookworm disease through the case of miniaturization Schnauzer dog feed infected with A. ceylanicum, so as to provide experimental basis for subsequent prevention and control of canine hookworm disease. METHODS: In the current study, we isolated hookworm eggs from a diseased miniature schnauzer, then the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequence from genomic DNA extracted from hookworms. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequence sequences was inferred using MEGA-X. After phylogenetic analysis, etiologic and symptomatic therapies were used to treat the canine hookworm disease. RESULTS: The sequencing results showed that the length of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequence was approximately 960 bp, and ITS1 and ITS2 were extracted to analyze similarity with other hookworms to build a phylogenetic tree. After phylogenetic analysis, the results showed that the diseased miniature schnauzer was infected by A. ceylanicum. Using etiologic and symptomatic therapies, the sick dog with an A. ceylanicum infection was also treated for 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of diagnosis and treatment for canine hookworm disease in Guangzhou city. In addition, with the improvement of economic level, the scale of pet dog breeding is also increasing. The diagnostic methods and treatment schemes adopted in this report will help to standardize the prevention and control of canine hookworm disease.

Cytokine production in Ancylostoma duodenale infection.

Cytokine response to Ancylostoma duodenale (A. duodenale) infection was measured after starting treatments with piperazine. This study aims to determine the impact of cytokine production after infection with A. duodenale before and after treatment with piperazine. Blood and stool samples of 50 patients with A. duodenale infection and 28 healthy individuals (control) were collected. In this study, IFNγ, IL-5, IL-12, and IL-13 in serum (using ELISA-based methods) were measured. Stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz technique to detect A. duodenale parasites. Blood and stool samples were analyzed 14 days after starting piperazine treatment for A. duodenale infection. The medium concentration of IFNγ, IL-5, IL-12, and IL-13 in the serum samples with A. duodenale infection is higher than that of the control group. IFNγ, IL-5, IL-12, and IL-13 levels were significantly higher in the infected individuals (10.5±7.4 pg/ml, 14.6±5.1 pg/ml, 8.5±3.2 pg/ml and 13.6±7.5 pg/ml respectively) than the control group (4.7±2.4 pg/ml, 7.8±4.06 pg/ml, 6.3±3.4 pg/ml and 3.5±2.7 pg/ml respectively). Also, piperazine treatment can significantly reduce cytokines levels (IFN-γ: P=0.043, IL-5: P=0.02, and IL-12, p=0.001). This study shows that piperazine treatment can reduce cytokines profiles in patients with A. duodenale infection.

Comparison of percutaneous vs oral infection of hamsters with the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum: Parasite development, pathology and primary immune response.

BACKGROUND: Hundreds of millions of people in poor countries continue to suffer from disease caused by bloodfeeding hookworms. While mice and rats are not reliably permissive hosts for any human hookworm species, adult Golden Syrian hamsters are fully permissive for the human and animal pathogen Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Similar to humans, hamsters may be infected with A. ceylanicum third-stage larvae orally or percutaneously. Oral infection typically leads to consistent worm yields in hamsters but may not accurately reflect the clinical and immunological manifestations of human infection resulting from skin penetration. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study we compared host responses following percutaneous infection to those utilizing an established oral infection protocol. Infected hamsters exhibited a dose-dependent pathology, with 1000 percutaneous larvae (L3) causing anemia and adult worm recovery comparable to that of 50 orally administered L3. A delayed arrival and maturity of worms in the intestine was observed, as was variation in measured cellular immune responses. A long-term study found that the decline in blood hemoglobin was more gradual and did not reach levels as low, with the nadir of disease coming later in percutaneously infected hamsters. Both groups exhibited moderate growth delay, an effect that was more persistent in the percutaneously infected group. Fecal egg output also peaked later and at lower levels in the percutaneously infected animals. In contrast to orally infected hamsters, antibody titers to larval antigens continued to increase throughout the course of the experiment in the percutaneous group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrate that the route of infection with A. ceylanicum impacts disease pathogenesis, as well as humoral and cellular immune responses in an experimental setting. These data further validate the utility of the Golden Syrian hamster as a model of both oral and percutaneous infection with human hookworms.

A Case of Zoonotic Ancylostoma ceylanicum Infection in a Suburban Area of Selangor, Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: The animal hookworm, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, is a dominant hookworm species of dogs and cats. However, it has increasingly been found infecting humans in Southeast Asia. PURPOSE: We report an autochthonous case of A. ceylanicum in a suburban area of Selangor, Malaysia. A 66-year-old Indian lady who is an avid gardener presented with chronic diarrhea of 4 months' duration. METHODS: The patient was examined clinically and colonoscopy was performed. Adult parasites obtained via colonoscopy were subjected to microscopy and molecular investigations. RESULTS: Clinical examinations were unremarkable, and blood investigation revealed normochromic normocytic anemia. Stool occult blood was positive but negative for ova, cyst and adult parasites. Colonoscopy performed showed multiple diverticulae and worm infestation from the terminal ileum to sigmoid colon. Morphological examination on the adult worms showed the specific characteristics of Ancylostoma species. Molecular investigations further confirmed the nematode as Ancylostoma ceylanicum. She was treated with albendazole 400 mg daily for 3 days with symptomatic improvements sustained 3 months later. It is suspected that the patient had ingested or contacted soil contaminated with filariform larvae while gardening. CONCLUSION: Information on the A. ceylanicum infection in humans, especially in urban and suburban areas, is limited, necessitating further epidemiological and clinical studies.

Food handlers: an important reservoir of protozoans and helminth parasites of public health importance / Manipuladores de alimentos: um importante reservatório de protozoários e helmintos parasitas de importância para a saúde pública

Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formol–ether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P<0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.

Os manipuladores de alimentos desempenham um papel fundamental na transmissão de protozoários e helmintos parasitas patogenicamente importantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de protozoários patogênicos intestinais e helmintos parasitas entre manipuladores de alimentos na Universidade de Malakand, Lower Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 642 manipuladores de alimentos (todos do sexo masculino) em um estudo transversal de janeiro a novembro de 2017. Técnicas de montagem úmida e métodos de concentração usando soluções de sal e formol-éter. Trezentos e oitenta e quatro casos (59,8%) foram encontrados infectados com mais um parasita. A maioria dos indivíduos foi encontrada infectada por helmintos (47,6%) em comparação com protozoários intestinais (0,93%). Setenta e dois casos (11,2%) dos casos apresentavam infecção mista com protozoários intestinais e helmintos parasitas. A ordem de prevalência de helmintos intestinais foi Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40,1%), seguido por Taeniasa ginata (n = 96, 14,9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8,40%) e Trichuris trichura (n = 30, 4,60 %). Para protozoários intestinais, Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (n = 36, 5,64%) foi o único protozoário detectado. Monoparasitismo foi maior do que poliparasitismo. A renda familiar e o nível de escolaridade foram os fatores significativamente (P <0,05) associados na prevalência de parasitos. A pesquisa atual mostrou que os IPIs são principalmente os patógenos de origem alimentar, ainda um importante problema de saúde pública no Paquistão. Programas eficazes de controle da transferência de doenças parasitárias e seus fatores associados são recomendados.

Una experiencia ecuatoriana en la determinación del comportamiento clínico del síndrome de fragilidad en el adulto mayor con ancylostomiasis / An Ecuadorian experience in determining the clinical behavior of frailty syndrome in the elderly with ancylostomiasis

En adultos mayores, la ancylostomiasis tiene manifestaciones básicas como pérdida del apetito y masa muscular, evacuación excesiva, debilidad y otras que hacen propenso al adulto mayor a un estado de fragilidad, un tipo de síndrome de fallo multiorgánico crónico, donde interviene la disfunción de diversos sistemas. Este agravante fundamenta el objetivo de la presente investigación, centrado en identificar el comportamiento de los criterios clínicos, funcionales, mentales y sociodemográficos en la evaluación geriátrica del síndrome de fragilidad en adultos mayores parasitados por Ancylostoma spp. en el cantón Santiago de Píllaro. La muestra resultó integrada por un total de 102 adultos mayores a 65 años. Mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas y la aplicación de una encuesta a los participantes, se evaluó el comportamiento de los criterios sociodemográficos, médicos, funcionales, mentales y de comorbilidad asociada. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados estadísticamente mediante análisis bivariado y regresión logística múltiple. Los factores estadísticamente asociados a la fragilidad fueron el sexo femenino (p= 0,003, IC 95% ,LI= 1,564 y LS= 8,950), los bajos ingresos económicos (p= 0,011, IC 95%: LI= 1,786 y LS= 7,433), la polifarmacia (p= 0,006, IC 95%: LI= 2,452 y LS= 14,415) ), las evacuaciones frecuentes (p=0,009, con IC95%: LI=2,704 y LS=7,536) y las afecciones bucodentales (p= 0,004, IC 95%: LI= 1,895 y LS= 6,572), por lo que se justifica la elaboración de estrategias y acciones de salud que minimicen los efectos del estado de fragilidad en la población estudiada(AU)

In older adults, ancylostomiasis has basic manifestations such as loss of appetite and muscle mass, excessive evacuation, weakness and others that make the older adult prone to a state of fragility, a type of chronic multi-organ failure syndrome, where dysfunction of various systems. This aggravating factor supports the objective of the present investigation, focused on identifying the behavior of the clinical, functional, mental and sociodemographic criteria in the geriatric evaluation of frailty syndrome in elderly adults parasitized by Ancylostoma spp. in the canton Santiago de Pillaro. The sample was made up of a total of 102 adults over 65 years of age. By reviewing the medical records and applying a survey to the participants, the behavior of the sociodemographic, medical, functional, mental and associated comorbidity criteria was evaluated. The data obtained were statistically processed using bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. The factors statistically associated with frailty were female sex (p = 0.003, 95% CI, LI = 1.564 and LS = 8.950), low income (p = 0.011, 95% CI: LI = 1.786 and LS = 7.433) , polypharmacy (p = 0.006, 95% CI: IL = 2.452 and LS = 14.415)), frequent bowel movements (p = 0.009, with 95% CI: IL = 2.704 and LS = 7.536) and oral disorders (p = 0.004 , 95% CI: LI = 1.895 and LS = 6.572), which is why the development of health strategies and actions that minimize the effects of the state of frailty in the population studied is justified(AU)

Zoonotic hookworms of dogs and cats - lessons from the past to inform current knowledge and future directions of research.

The early-to-mid 1900s was an era that marked the first published reports of clinical cases and experimental human infections that provided valuable evidence to inform our current knowledge on the zoonotic nature of the canid and felid hookworms. To this day, descriptions of the pathognomonic syndromes produced in humans by these early pioneers provide vital information on the putative geographical distribution of these hookworm species, even before their discovery in dogs and cats. Cases of hookworm-related cutaneous larvae migrans and Ancylostoma caninum-induced eosinophilic enteritis continue to be reported in the medical literature, most commonly in recent migrants or returned travellers who have spent time in regions in which these canine and feline hookworms remain highly endemic. Ancylostoma ceylanicum, now recognised as the second most common hookworm infecting humans in the Asia Pacific region, is also being reported in regions of Africa and South America previously assumed free of this parasite. Despite the substantial technological progress made in the field of parasite diagnostics, our knowledge on the epidemiology and population-level morbidity impacts of these zoonotic hookworms in humans has remained relatively stagnant over the last few decades, with 'covert' infections continuing to remain undetected by currently available forms of routine diagnostics. Improved diagnostic tools that enable accurate and rapid species-specific diagnosis of zoonotic hookworm infections in humans are required to provide the necessary evidence to advocate for future investments in One Health-based intervention strategies.

Hookworm infection in central China: morphological and molecular diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Necator americanus is one of the major etiological agents of human ancylostomiasis. Historically, the epidemiology of ancylostomiasis in Henan Province of central China and the molecular characteristics of N. americanus have been poorly understood. METHODS: In this study, we report a case of ancylostomiasis in Zhengzhou city of Henan Province. We also review the epidemiology of ancylostomiasis in Henan Province from 1949 to 2020. In addition, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of one clinical isolate is fully characterized using Illumina sequencing. All available mt genomes of hookworms in GenBank were included to reconstruct the phylogeny using both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. RESULTS: A total of three worms were collected from the patient. These worms were identified as N. americanus based on morphological characteristics as well as confirmed by genotyping with the barcoding gene cox1. Although ancylostomiasis cases have dropped substantially in recent years, hookworm infection is still a public health problem in underdeveloped areas and remote rural areas in Henan Province. The mt genome features of the N. americanus contained 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a major non-coding region. The nad1 gene showed high sequence variability among isolates, which is worth considering for future genetic studies of N. americanus. Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of hookworm isolates from different hosts and distinct geographical locations. CONCLUSIONS: The mt genome of N. americanus presented here will serve as a useful data set for studying population genetics and phylogenetic relationships of hookworms. Positive measures for preventing and controlling ancylostomiasis are required by both health services and individuals in Henan Province.

Expression and biological functions of Ancylostoma ceylanicum saposin-like protein.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a common zoonotic nematode that inhabits the small intestine of humans, dogs, and cats. Saposin-like proteins (SLPs) have hemolytic and antibacterial activities and could be used as diagnostic or vaccine candidates. To explore the biological functions of Ancylostoma ceylanicum SLP (Ace-SLP-1), cDNA-encoding Ace-SLP-1 mature peptide was cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) to induce expression. After incubation of canine red blood cell suspension with different concentrations of recombinant Ace-SLP-1, the supernatant was separated to measure OD value and calculate the hemolysis rate. The different concentrations of recombinant protein were co-cultured with E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis, and colony-forming units (CFU) were determined by the plate counting method. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy dogs were incubated with different concentrations of recombinant Ace-SLP-1, and the cytokine expression was evaluated by relative quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the hemolytic activity of Ace-SLP-1 increased with the increase in protein concentration from 25 to 100 µg/mL. The recombinant protein had no antibacterial activity against the two kinds of bacteria but could stimulate the secretion of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-13) in canine PBMCs. These data suggest that Ace-SLP-1 is involved in hookworm blood-feeding and survival and has good immunogenicity, supporting its potential as a diagnostic and vaccine target molecule.

Albendazole and mebendazole in the treatment of ancylostomiasis in school children between the ages of 6-15 in Swat, Pakistan.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September, 2018 on the efficacies of albendazole and mebendazole against ancylostomiasis in school children of district Swat, Pakistan. Faecal samples were collected from primary school children and preserved in 10% formalin. The samples were then sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology, in the University of Malakand for microscopic analysis. On the basis of drug availability, the Ancylostoma dueodenale infected students were divided into two groups. Group A was treated with Albendazole 400-450mg while group B was orally treated with Mebendazole 350-400mg. Eggs per gram were calculated before and after the treatment. From the total sample of 296, 192 (64.8%) children were found infected with Ancylostoma duodenale. Of the total number of infected children, this study found 87.8% (n=137/156)of them with light intensity of infection, 10.8%(n=17/156) with moderate and 1.2% (n=2/156) with heavy intensity of infection. Albendazole showed a high rate 75% of efficacy than mebendazole 71% (p<0.05). The present study concluded that albendazole and mebendazole are drugs of choice for the treatment of Ancylostomiasis.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum infections in humans in Vietnam.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is recognized as the only zoonotic hookworm species that is able to mature into adult stage in the human intestine. While human infections caused by this hookworm species have been reported from neighboring countries and this hookworm is prevalent in dogs in Vietnam, human infection has never been reported in Vietnam. The present study, therefore, aimed to identify human infections with A. ceylanicum in Vietnam. A total of 526 fecal samples from the residents in Long An Province were collected and the presence of hookworm eggs was detected by the Kato-Katz method. The results indicated that the overall prevalence of human hookworm infection was 85/526 (16.2%). After filter paper culture, 3rd stage larvae were successfully obtained from 48 egg-positive samples. The larvae were identified for their species using semi-nested PCR-RLFP on the cox1 gene. As a result, two hookworm species were confirmed; single species infections with Necator americanus or A. ceylanicum, and mixed infections with both species were found in 47.9%, 31.3%, and 20.8% of the samples, respectively.