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We report the unusual case of a 5-year-old migrant boy from a rural area of Morocco with an almost-giant lung hydatid cyst that was an incidental finding on a chest X-ray performed during routine visa procedures.Echinococcus granulosusserology test was initially negative with subsequent positive seroconversion. Albendazole was started at 4 weeks before surgery and maintained for 4 months, with a favourable outcome. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered aneglected tropical diseaseand affects more than one million people worldwide, mostly from a lower socioeconomic background. Preventive measures have been limited in underdeveloped regions. Children with CE are especially vulnerable, due not only to the high pathogenic potential of the disease but also to their frequent involvement in challenging socioeconomic situations, including migration. The incidence of CE is increasing in Europe because of high immigration flows from endemic countries. Nevertheless, CE is not covered by current migrant screening protocols.

Cystic hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally endemic zoonosis caused by the larval cyst stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Concomitant presence of CE and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare clinical scenario. A 70-year-old male patient presented with acute abdominal pain to the surgical outpatient department. On evaluation, a cystic lesion with solid components and free fluid in the abdomen was observed, which led to multiple differentials in the working diagnosis. A CT showed the mass to have a delayed enhancement. Surgical exploration revealed a partially ruptured hydatid cyst with daughter cysts in the abdominal cavity and a solid-component mass lesion. We proceeded with a right partial hepatectomy. Pathological evaluation revealed a pale mass lesion with a large collapsed cyst. HCC with unusual dense fibrillar fibrosis and cystic interface with normal parenchyma was observed. This case connects the multimodal assessment of radiology, surgery and pathology.

Resumen La hidatidosis es una zoonosis causada por la larva del cestodo Echinococcus granulosus. La afectacion cerebral en el ser humano es inusual, solo en el 1-2% de los casos se observa compromiso encefalico. Este cuadro se presenta fundamentalmente en poblacion pediatrica y se caracteriza por la presencia de quistes unicos y uniloculares. A continuacion, se presenta el caso de una paciente de 29 anos que acude a urgencias por una cefalea invalidante de varias semanas de evolucion. El estudio cerebral mediante imagen, revela la presencia de una masa de origen desconocido, siendo el diagnostico final de quiste hidatidico bilobulado. A proposito de este caso, se revisaran los aspectos clinico-epidemiologicos, los diagnosticos y los tratamientos de la hidatidosis cerebral.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected helminthic zoonosis in many parts of the world. Some CE cysts in the intermediate host are non-fertile. Considering the function of microRNAs in many biological processes such as embryonic development, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, this study investigated the function and comparison of miR-71 and let-7 in fertile and non-fertile CE cysts. Here, we determined the expression level of the miRNAs for 33 animal cysts and 16 human cysts (Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1). The quantitative real-time PCR method was conducted for the expression evaluation of miR-71 and let-7. The expression of both miRNAs in all samples was determined using the following formula: [ΔCT = CT (target) - CT (internal control)]. A comparison of Δct of miR-71 and let-7 in fertile and non-fertile cysts did not show a significant difference (P = 0.911 and 0.354). In cattle, sheep, and humans, Δct of miR-71, and let-7 were higher, respectively. Therefore, the mean expression of miR-71 and let-7 indicates an increase in humans compared to other intermediate hosts. Also, statistical results show a significant difference in the expression of these miRNAs in sheep, cattle, and human cysts (P = 0.025 and 0.01). The lower expression of these miRNAs in cattle cysts and their common infertility might be associated with the hypothesis and function of miRNAs in the fertility of CE cysts. So we should not ignore the function and role of miRNAs in this subject due to the importance of infertility in E. granulosus epidemiology.

Hydatid disease caused byA total of fifty-seven children diagnosed with hydatid disease were analyzed retrospectively from hospital records. Diagnosis was based on clinical, serological and radiological findings. Treatment response was evaluated with clinical, radiological and serological findings.The male/female ratio of 57 cases was 2.4:1 and the mean age was 113.6±45.9 months. The most common presenting complaint was abdominal pain (42.1%). While 22 (38.6%) of the cases had eosinophilia; indirect hemagglutination test positivity was detected in 27 cases (47.4%). Multiple organ involvement was present in 18 cases (31.6%). In patients with multiple organ involvement, the possibility of cysts being located in the abdomen was higher (p=0.005). Of the 50 cases (87.7%), 45 (78.9%) were operated with open surgery and 5 (8.8%) with percutaneous aspiration-injection-reaspiration method for treatment. There were 52 (91.2%) patients who were given albendazole in conservative treatment and the mean duration of treatment was 15.5±17.2 months. There were 10 cases (17.5%) who developed cyst rupture and the symptom duration was shorter than the cases without cyst rupture (p=0.017). Cyst rupture was more common in cases with dyspnea and fluid discharge from the mouth called rock water (p=0.001, p=0.005, respectively). Recurrence was observed in five cases (8.8%) during follow-up.In areas where the disease is endemic, despite prevention and control programs consisting of personal habits and health education, active transmission of hydatid disease is seen in children and continues to be an important public health problem. Hydatid disease should definitely be considered in the presence of suspicious radiological and clinical findings in endemic areas. Controlled clinical studies are required for diagnosis and treatment procedures.Hidatik hastalığı,Hidatik hastalığı tanılı 57 çocuk olgu, hastane kayıtlarından geriye dönük olarak incelendi. Tanı, klinik, serolojik ve radyolojik bulgulara dayandırıldı. Tedavi yanıtı klinik, radyolojik ve serolojik bulgularla değerlendirildi.Toplam 57 olgunun erkek/kız oranı 2.4:1 ve yaş ortalamaları 113,6±45,9 ay idi. En sık görülen başvuru yakınması karın ağrısıydı (%42,1). Olguların 22’sinin (%38,6) eozinofilisi mevcutken; indirekt hemaglütinasyon test pozitifliği 27 olguda (%47,4) saptandı. Olguların 18’inde (%31,6) çoklu organ tutulumu vardı. Çoklu organ tutulumu olanlarda, kistlerin batın yerleşimli olma olasılığı daha yüksek bulundu (p=0,005). Tedavi amacıyla cerrahi girişim uygulanan 50 olgudan (%87,7), 45’inin (%78,9) açık cerrahi, 5’inin (%8,8) perkütan aspirasyon, enjeksiyon ve reaspirasyon yöntemi ile opere olduğu saptandı. Konservatif tedavide Albendazol verilen 52 (%91,2) olgu mevcuttu ve tedavi süreleri ortalama 15,5±17,2 aydı. Kist rüptürü gelişen 10 olgu (%17,5) mevcuttu ve semptom süreleri, kist rüptürü gelişmeyen olgulara göre daha kısaydı (p=0,017). Dispne görülen ve ağızdan kaya suyu gelen olgularda kist rüptürü olma olasılığı daha yüksek bulundu (sırasıyla p=0,001, p=0,005). İzlemde beş olguda (%8,8) nüks geliştiği görüldü.Hastalığın endemik olduğu bölgelerde kişisel alışkanlık ve sağlık eğitiminden oluşan önleme ve kontrol programlarına rağmen, hidatik hastalığının aktif geçişi çocuklarda görülmekte ve önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunu olmaya devam etmektedir. Endemik bölgelerde şü pheli radyolojik ve klinik bulgular varlığında hidatik hastalığı mutlaka akla getirilmelidir. Tanı ve tedavi prosedürleri oluşması adına, kontrollü klinik çalışmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.

Objective Cystic echinococcosis is a kind of parasitic disease that seriously endangers human and animal health. At present, its prevention and treatment still do not achieve the desired results. The aims of this study were to explore the effect of CE on intestinal microflora in mice. Methods In this study, 16S rRNA metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics were used to analyze the intestinal flora of mice infected with E. granulosus s.l. Changes in intestinal microbial community abundance were investigated and the differences in microbial populations of mice infected with E. granulosus s.l. were screened. Results Our results show that at the phylum level, nine abundant taxa were identified, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were enriched in infected mice, whereas Bacteroidetes and Patescibacteria were enriched in control mice (P P P P P P Conclusion This study comprehensively demonstrates the differential intestinal microbiota of infected mice and analyzes the metabolic pathways related to the specific microbiota. This could provide new targets and research direction for the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by E. granulosus s.l.

Isolated hydatid disease of the breast is a rare condition, possessing a diagnostic dilemma for the clinicians. Hydatid disease is common in endemic areas affecting most commonly the liver and lungs. Other organs rarely involved are the kidney, bone and brain. It is caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, widely spread by cattle and sheep. Humans are the accidental host for this organism. We present a similar case of isolated hydatid cyst of the breast, which was diagnosed preoperatively and managed successfully.

Final PhD thesis report for the MACE project.

The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nrf2 signaling pathways in Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs) cultured in vitro were divided into different groups: a control group, PSCs were pretreated with various concentrations of propofol followed by exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and PSCs were pretreated with MAPK inhibitors, then co-treated with propofol and incubated in the presence of H2O2. PSCs activity was observed under an inverted microscope and survival rate was calculated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorescence microscopy, western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, Bcl-2, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the PSCs among different groups. Pretreatment of PSCs with 0–1 mM propofol for 8 h prevented PSCs death after exposure to 0.5 mM H2O2. PSCs were pretreated with PD98059, SB202190, or SP600125 for 2 h, co-treated with propofol for an additional 8 h, and then exposed to 0.5 mM H2O2 for 6 h. On day 6, the PSCs viability was 42% and 39% in the p38 and JNK inhibitor groups, respectively. Additionally, pretreatment with propofol significantly attenuated the generation of ROS following H2O2 treatment. Propofol increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 compared with that of the control group. Pretreatment PSCs with SP600125 or SB202190, co-incubation with propofol and H2O2, can reduce the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCL2 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that propofol induces an upregulated expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 by activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. This study highlights the cross role of metabolic regulation of ROS signaling and targeting signalling pathways that may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of E. granulosus disease.

Hydatid disease is a neglected zoonotic parasitic disease caused by cysts of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Canids, especially domestic dogs, are definitive hosts of the parasite and are the most pragmatic targets for control programs. A governmental dog deworming campaign was established in 1979 to control hydatidosis in southern Chile, which succeeded in reducing the prevalence of canine echinococcosis in Tierra del Fuego province from 68.4% (in 1978) to 1.2% (in 2002). In 2004, however, the program was dismantled to reduce costs, and since then, no follow-up echinococcosis monitoring has been conducted. We surveyed 356 domestic dogs and interviewed owners or workers at 45 ranches in Chilean Tierra del Fuego during the summer of 2015-2016. Faecal flotation was employed to detect Taeniidae eggs, and PCR was used to test faecal samples for Echinococcus granulosus. Taeniidae eggs and Echinococcus sp. DNA were detected in the faeces of 45.4% (147/324) and 6.9% (23/331) of dogs, respectively. Infrequent dog deworming and the presence of culpeo foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) were significant predictors of the prevalence of Echinococcus sp. DNA and Taeniidae eggs. Furthermore, the presence of introduced chilla foxes (Lycalopex griseus), the municipality, and several operational characteristics of ranches (number of sheep, frequency of sheep slaughter, number of dogs, frequency of removal of dog faeces, feeding of dogs with sheep viscera) were also predictive of the prevalence of Taeniidae eggs. Our findings reveal an ongoing risk of echinococcosis with pathogen maintenance in ranch dogs in Chilean Tierra del Fuego, and in the absence of adequate control programmes, there is a tangible risk of re-emergence of hydatid disease as a public health concern.

RESUMEN El Paraguay integra la Iniciativa Sudamericana para el Control y Vigilancia de Equinococosis Quística. Con el fin de optimizar los informes epidemiológicos sobre hidatidosis, presentamos tres casos clínicos vistos en centros nacionales y realizamos una revisión de la literatura local sobre el tópico. Desde 1969 hasta la fecha se describen 70 casos de equinococosis quística. Se requieren estudios epidemiológicos sistemáticos para evaluar el grado de penetración, la distribución geográfica y las características de transmisión de esta enfermedad en nuestro país. ABSTRACT Paraguay is a member of the South American Initiative for the Control and Surveillance of Cystic Echinococcosis. In order to optimize the epidemiological reports on hydatidosis, we present three clinical cases seen in national centers and we carry out a review of the local literature on the topic. From 1969 to date, 70 cases of cystic echinococcosis have been described. Systematic epidemiological studies are required to assess the degree of penetration, geographic distribution, and transmission characteristics of this disease in our country.

Echinococcosis is a worldwide zoonosis. The mechanism of the establishment, growth, and persistence of parasites in the host has not been fully understood. Exosomes are found to be a way of information exchange between parasites and hosts. They exist in various body fluids widely. There are few studies on host-derived exosomes and their miRNA expression profiles at different infection time points. In this study, BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with protricercariae. Exosomes were extracted from plasma (0, 3, 9, and 20 weeks post infection), and the expression profiles of exosome miRNA in the peripheral blood of mice were determined using RNA-sequencing. Compared to the 0 week groups, 24, 35, and 22 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in infected mouse at the three infection stages, respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences in the miRNAs of exosomes at different infection time points. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to annotate the different miRNAs. The results showed that the biological pathways of parasites changed significantly at different stages of infection, with many significant and abundant pathways involved in cell differentiation, inflammation, and immune response, such as MAPK signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, Wnt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, etc. These results suggest that miRNA may be an important regulator of interactions between Echinococcus granulosus and host. The data provided here provide valuable information to increase understanding of the regulatory function of microRNAs in the host microenvironment and the mechanism of host-parasite interaction. This may help us to find targets for Echinococcus granulosus to escape host immune attack and control Echinococcus granulosus infection in the future.

Echinococcus granulosus is a major public health problem in lower middle-income countries (LMIC). Children are commonly diagnosed with cysts in the lungs and/or the liver.The purpose of this study was to describe a pediatric cohort diagnosed with pulmonary Cystic Echinococcus (CE) and treated with a combination of medical and surgical therapy.This was a retrospective study performed between July 2017 and December 2020 at Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa. Clinical, laboratory, radiological, medical, and surgery-related outcomes were reviewed.The cohort consisted of 35 children, 17 (49%) were male, with a mean age of 9 ± 5.4 years. The most frequently encountered presenting symptom was cough (93%) followed by fever (70%). Isolated pulmonary CE accounted for the majority of cases (74%) with left lower lobe predominance. A significant proportion of the cohort exhibited chest computed tomography (CT) characteristics consistent with complicated pulmonary CE. Eighteen (58%) children had a positive indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) test result. All children received medical treatment whilst 30 (86%) of children required surgery. Children with complicated pulmonary CE stayed a mean of 12.5 ± 6.6 days, while those with simple cysts stayed 6.8 ± 1.5 days.Isolated pulmonary CE is common in children, whereas extrapulmonary cysts are uncommon. Pulmonary CE is diagnosed using chest X-ray and, CT imaging. IHA serology has limited diagnostic utility for pulmonary CE. Combined surgery and chemotherapy remains the gold standard for treating pulmonary CE.

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that is highly endemic to the Qinghai province of China. Limited data are available on the prevalence of the causal pathogen, Echinococcus spp., in definitive hosts in this region. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in wild foxes and stray dogs in Qinghai province. Five hundred and twenty-eight feces from wild foxes and 277 from stray dogs were collected from 11 counties in the Golog, Yushu, and Haixi prefectures and screened for Echinococcus spp. using copro-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In total, 5.5% of wild foxes and 15.2% of stray dogs tested positive for Echinococcus spp. The prevalence rates of Echinococcus spp. in wild foxes in Golog, Yushu, and Haixi were 7.3%, 5.2%, and 1.9%, respectively. In stray dogs, these rates were 13.3%, 17.3%, and 0%, respectively. Sequencing analysis determined that Echinococcus multilocularis was the most prevalent species, occurring in 4.0% and 12.6% of wild foxes and stray dogs, respectively. Echinococcus shiquicus was observed in 1.5% of wild foxes and 0.7% of stray dogs. Echinococcus granulosus was observed only in wild dogs, with a prevalence rate of 1.8%. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence of E. shiquicus in dogs in Qinghai province. The current results improve our understanding of the transmission and dissemination of human echinococcosis and suggest that exposure to the eggs of E. multilocularis harbored by wild foxes and stray dogs may pose a great risk of alveolar echinococcosis to humans in Qinghai province.

Cystic echinococcosis, known as hydatidosis, is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus. Renal hydatidosis is a very rare condition, representing 1% to 2% of cases. We present an 18-year-old patient who, after suffering a trauma, experienced severe lower back pain and persistent gross hematuria disproportionate to the trauma. Ultrasonography and tomography revealed cystic images compatible with right renal hydatidosis and hemoperitoneum. In addition, rapid clinical deterioration was observed with decreased hematocrit, leading to lumpectomy with abundant cysts inside and outside the right kidney, without viable parenchyma. Therefore, a total nephrectomy was performed. The patient was discharged with albendazole treatment. Pathological anatomic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of hydatidosis. Surgery remains the best therapeutic option. The use of ultrasonography improves the early detection of zoonosis, especially in pediatric patients, and favors the use of more conservative therapeutic techniques.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a highly prevalent parasitic disease resulting from the hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus. It is also described as a zoonotic disease and considered a neglected tropical infection. Aim: This study assessed the antiparasitic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), against E. granulosus infection in BALB/c mice. Methods: The green synthesis of AgNPs was accomplished using Zizyphus spina-christi leaves. AgNPs were orally administered to BALB/c mice for acute short-term toxicity evaluation, in doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg/kg, and observations for toxic signs were carried out at 24, 48 h, and 14 days, continuously. Moreover, a total of 20 mice divided into two groups were intraperitoneally administered with 1500 viable protoscoleces for secondary hydatidosis infection. Results: The results showed that AgNPs did not induce any adverse effects or signs and no death, in either group of mice. The histopathological findings in the liver, kidneys, and intestine of the mice administered with AgNPs revealed mild histological effects compared with the control ones. The treated-infected mice showed a change in the appearance of the liver hydatid cysts from hyaline to milky cloudy compared with the untreated infected mice. Conclusion: Biosynthesized AgNPs showed anti-hydatic effects and are suggested as anti-echinococcal cyst treatment.

Kist hidatik (KH), etiyolojik ajanı olan Echinococcus granulosus olan zoonotik paraziter bir hastalıktır. Türkiye bu hastalığın endemik olduğu ülkeler arasında yer almaktadır. Bu çalışmamızda Türkiye'de önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunu olan KH konusunda yayınlanan araştırma makalelerinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı. Çalışmada Scopus bibliyometrik veritabanı bibliyometrik veri analiz tekniği ile incelendi. Makalere ulaşmak için "hidatik" "kist" ve "Türkiye" "İnsan" "Makale" "Echinococcosis" anahtar kelimeleri kullanıldı. Analizde; KH konulu tüm literatürün %95,7'inin Türkiye kaynaklı olduğu saptandı. En fazla yayına sahip kurumlar ise Atatürk Üniversitesi (%9,2) ve İstanbul Üniversitesi (%9,1) oldu. İlk yayın 1966 yılında, en fazla yayın 2007 yılında (n=107) yapılmıştı. Bu makalelerden 56 tanesi en az 56 kez atıf almıştı. Ülkemiz için endemik olan hastalıkla ilgili yayın sayısının son yıllarda azaldığı tespit edilmiştir. Halen vaka sayımız artan bu hastalık hakkında; özellikle önleme ve epidemiyoloji gibi alanlarda bilimsel verimliliğin artırılması gerekmektedir.

Summary Objective This study aims to search for reliable serological biomarkers allowing the early prediction of cystic echinococcosis (CE) post-operative outcomes. Methods We applied immunoprecipitation (IP) of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex antigens with pediatric CE patients' plasma collected at 1-month and 1-year post-surgery, followed by Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We compared IP proteomic content from relapsed patients within the first-year post-surgery (RCE) to cases with no relapses until 3 post-operative years (NRCE). Selected proteins were recombinantly synthesized and assessed for their prognostic performance by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results A total of 305 immunoreactive parasitic proteins were identified, 59 of which were significantly more abundant in RCE than NRCE for both time-points. Four proteins showed the most promising characteristics for predicting CE outcomes: cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (Eg-cMDH), citrate synthase (Eg-CS), annexin A6 and severin. ELISA-IgG against the four markers were significantly lower at 1-year post-surgery than 1-month in NRCE, in contrast to RCE that displayed either stable or higher levels. The Eg-cMDH and Eg-CS showed the best prognostic performance, with respective probabilities of being “relapse-free” of 83% and 81%, if a decrease of IgG levels occurred between 1-month and 1-year post-surgery. Conclusion The Eg-cMDH and Eg-CS are promising biomarkers to predict early CE post-surgical outcomes.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic parasitic disease, is caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. CE inflicts severe damage in cattle, sheep, and human hosts worldwide. Fertile CE cysts are characterized by the presence of viable protoscoleces. These parasite forms are studied with minimal contamination with host molecules. Hosts, cattle and sheep, show differences in their CE cyst fertility. The effect of the host in protoscolex transcriptome is not known. We genotyped and performed transcriptomic analysis on sheep protoscoleces obtained from liver and lung CE cysts. The transcriptomic data of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto protoscoleces from 6 lung CE cysts and 6 liver CE cysts were Collected. For host comparison analysis, 4 raw data files belonging to Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto protoscoleces from cattle liver CE cysts were obtained from the NCBI SRA database. Principal component and differential expression analysis did not reveal any statistical differences between protoscoleces obtained from liver or lung cysts, either within the same sheep or different sheep hosts. Conversely, there are significant differences between cattle and sheep protoscolex samples. We found differential expression of immune-related genes. In cattle, 7 genes were upregulated in protoscoleces from liver cysts. In sheep, 3 genes were upregulated in protoscoleces from liver and lung CE cysts. Noteworthy, are the differential expression of antigen B, tegument antigen, and arginase-2 in samples obtained from sheep CE cysts, and basigin in samples from cattle CE cysts. These findings suggest that the host species is an important factor involved in the differential expression of immune related genes, which in turn is possibly related to the fertility of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto cysts.

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) is a world-wide zoonotic disease of mainly humans, livestock and dogs, caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The disease can negatively impact food production and animal welfare and causes socio-economic hardship. Here, we aimed to identify the local bovine hydatid cyst fluid (BHCF) antigen for developing a sero-diagnostic assay to be used for the pre-slaughter screening of food animals. In total, 264 bovines approved for slaughter in Pakistan were subjected to serum collection and post-mortem screening for hydatid cysts. These cysts were assessed microscopically to assess fertility and viability, and by PCR for molecular confirmation of species. A BHCF antigen was identified from positive sera via SDS-PAGE, confirmed by Western blot, and quantified via a bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. The quantified crude BHCF antigen (iEg67 kDa) was then used in ELISA screening to test all sera collected from known positive and negative animals based on hydatid cyst presence/absence. Of the 264 bovines examined, 38 (14.4%) showed hydatid cysts during post-mortem examination. All of these individuals, plus an additional 14 (total: 52; 19.6%) tested positive based on less time-consuming ELISA examination. Based on ELISA, occurrence in females (18.8%) was significantly higher than in males (9.2%) and was higher in cattle (19.5%) compared to buffalo (9.5%). The infection rate increased with age in both host species: cumulatively, 3.6% in animals aged 2–3 years, 14.6% in 4–5-year-olds and 25.6% in 6–7-year-olds. The occurrence of cysts in cattle was significantly higher in the lungs (14.1%) compared to their livers (5.5%), whereas the opposite was true in buffalo (6.6% livers, 2.9% lungs). For both host species, most cysts in the lungs were fertile (65%), while the majority in the liver were sterile (71.4%). We conclude that the identified iEg67 kDa antigen is a strong candidate for the development of a sero-diagnostic screening assay for the pre-slaughter diagnosis of hydatidosis.

Echinococcosis or human hydatid disease is a helminthic infection is caused by Echinococcus species. Classically, cystic echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, E. equinus, E. ortleppi and E. canadensis, though several other species have been implicated in hydatid disease. Echinococcus infection may lead to cystic disease of the liver, lungs and potentially other organs. Here we present a patient who had cystic disease of the lungs and liver. The patient initially experienced right upper quadrant pain and nausea, and later went on to develop a fever, cough and dyspnoea in the setting of hydropneumothorax. CT scan of the chest and abdomen revealed a large fluid collection at the left lung base and a large lobular complex fluid mass within the right lobe of the liver. Echinococcus titres were positive. The patient was commenced on albendazole; however, experienced significant derangement of liver enzymes within the following month. In light of this, the albendazole was ceased, and a hemi-hepatectomy was performed. During the hemi-hepatectomy there was some cyst content spillage, and subsequently a washout with hypertonic saline 3% was performed. This was followed by a course of praziquantel 1200 mg two times per day for 14 days. Repeat CT 6 months later demonstrated no evidence of recurrence.

Echinococcus granulosus is the etiologic agent of cystic echinococcosis. Numerous research studies have been conducted on natural scolicidal agents to inactivate protoscolices during surgery. This study was undertaken to compare the in vitro scolicidal effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Calendula officinalis, Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia absinthium and Ferula assafoetida. The scolicidal activities of the extracts were tested at different concentrations following incubation periods of 10, 30 and 60 min. The chemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The major chemical components of C. officinalis, A. dracunculus, A. absinthium and F. assafoetida were identified as n-Docosane (14.17%), 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 7-methoxy (54.96%), n-Docosane (9.72%) and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-butyric acid, methyl ester (13.9%), respectively. The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extracts of A. absinthium and F. assafoetida at a concentration of 250 mg/ml resulted in killing 100% of the protoscolices at 60 minutes, while the concentration of 250 mg/ml of hydroalcoholic extract of C. officinalis and A. dracunculus resulted in killing 42.33% and 65.67%, respectively. The findings of the present study showed that A. absinthium and F. assafoetida have potent scolicidal effects. However, additional in vivo studies are required to confirm the efficacy of these plant-derived extracts against hydatid cyst for their clinical use.

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of ultrasound on the protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus by enforcing steady numeral of frequencies during a certain interval (20000 pulse/s) (1.8 w/cm2), using exposure time 30,20,15,12,10 and 5s, individually and respectively. Consequently, six albino mice groups were immunized against cystic echinococcosis, which injected with exposed protoscoleces, to acquire specific cell-mediated immunity, called delayed type-hypersensitivity (DTH) which assessment by measurement the foot pad density. The results displayed significant excess (P≤ 0.001) of DTH by increase of foot pad thickness in injected groups. The results showed maximum thickness of 1.54 mm, 1.4mm, 0.9 mm. after 3h, 24h, and 48h post - injection, respectively, that compared with the thickness of control group 1.072, 0.638, 0.328 mm, respectively, during five months of experiment. The present research exhibited the action of ultrasonication technique on the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces in vitro. Conclusion, Ultrasound frequencies used in the present study could be have consequential impact on the cellular immunity in albino mice.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic disease that develops in endemic areas due to the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus. The liver is the organ most affected. The most frequent s...

In the past 50 years, enormous progress has been made in the diagnosis, treatment and control of taeniid cestode infections/diseases and in the scientific understanding thereof. Most interest in this group of parasites stems from the serious diseases that they cause in humans. It is through this lens that we summarize here the most important breakthroughs that have made a difference to the treatment of human diseases caused by these parasites, reduction in transmission of the taeniid species associated with human disease, or understanding of the parasites’ biology likely to impact diagnosis or treatment in the foreseeable future. Key topics discussed are the introduction of anti-cestode drugs, including benzimidazoles and praziquantel, and the development of new imaging modalities that have transformed the diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring of human echinococcoses and neurocysticercosis. The availability of new anti-cestode drugs for use in dogs and a detailed understanding of the transmission dynamics of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato have underpinned successful programs that have eliminated cystic echinococcosis in some areas of the world and greatly reduced the incidence of infection in others. Despite these successes, cystic and alveolar echinococcosis and neurocysticercosis continue to be prevalent in many parts of the world, requiring new or renewed efforts to prevent the associated taeniid infections. Major advances made in the development of practical vaccines against E. granulosus and Taenia solium will hopefully assist in this endeavour, as might the understanding of the parasites’ biology that have come from an elucidation of the nuclear genomes of each of the most important taeniid species causing human diseases.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) continues to be one of the main health problems in cattle regions. Controlling the disease requires new therapeutic strategies. Main: To evaluate the results of an intervention program based on the directly observed antiparasitic treatment of dogs in an endemic area of CE. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study of a single cohort of dogs from a CE endemic area was conducted. To identify infected dogs, stool samples were analyzed for antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, before and after the direct and observed administration of praziquantel 5 mg per kg orally every 30 days for 3 consecutive months once a year for two years. Results: A total of 252 dogs entered the study, of which 119 (47%) dogs presented positive results for E. granulosus at the beginning of the intervention. The adverse effects that occurred with the administration of praziquantel were vomiting (13%), diarrhea (2.4%), and lethargy (2%); 229 dogs completed the 2 treatment cycles with praziquantel. The presence of some positive coproantigen was evident in 03 (1.3%) dogs after the intervention. In conclusion: Antiparasitic chemotherapy administered directly to dogs was able to reduce the prevalence of canine echinococcosis after 2 years of intervention.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by the metacestode form of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Non-invasive imaging techniques, especially ultrasound, are primarily used for CE diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that act as post-transcriptional regulators in various biological processes. After identification of parasite-derived miRNAs, these miRNAs are considered to be potential biomarkers for diagnosis and follow-up. The focus of this research is to compare the expression profiles of certain parasite-derived miRNAs in CE patients with active and inactive cysts as well as healthy controls. Parasite-derived miRNAs, egr-let-7-5p, egr-miR-71a-5p, and egr-miR-9-5p, of inactive CE patients were found to be differentially expressed with 3.74-, 2.72-, and 20.78-fold change (p

Based on the official statistics the situation of parasitic diseases in the Russian Federation is still quite unfavorable. The issues of soil contamination with Echinococcus granulosus eggs are understudied that’s why the objective of the research was to study canine echinococcosis which poses a threat to animal and human disease freedom in the North Caucasian countries. Helminthological tests of the guardian dog feces were performed in seven North Caucasian Subjects: the Stavropol Krai, the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, Republic of North Ossetia −Alania, Republic of Ingushetia, the Chechen Republic, and the Republic of Dagestan. As a result, it was determined that the average frequency index of echinococcosis occurrence was 85.07%. The moderate fecal egg count in 1,400 samples was 22.73 ± 1.49 eggs per 10 grams of dog feces. The data obtained are indicative of the disease unfavourable situation in the Subjects and the zoonosis spread at the regional level. Helminthological tests of 14,000 soil samples from near-village pastures for contamination with tapeworm eggs, including Echinococcus granulosus, showed that the invasion rate in the Stavropol Krai was 65.80%, in Karachay-Cherkessia republic − 79.00%, in Kabardino-Balkaria − 82.60%, in North Ossetia − Alania − 74.65%, in Ingushetia − 88.20%, in Chechnya − 83.75%, in Dagestan − 79.85%. The results obtained testify to the high level of soil contamination with the infective eggs. It was demonstrated that there is a relationship between the distribution of viable Echinococcus granulosus eggs in pasture soils and ecological characteristics of the Subject: the largest number of viable Echinococcus granulosus eggs was observed in submountain areas, fewer eggs were observed in flatlands, and the least number of eggs – in the mountain areas. The number of eggs detected in the soil samples from pastures is indicative of the disease persistence in humans and animals. Results of the helminthological tests of 7,500 soil samples from 119 cattle-driving routes of the North Caucasus demonstrate 100% contamination with parasitic agents which poses a threat of epidemiological and epizootological situation of echinococcosis in the Subject.

The principal objective of the study is to investigate the use of Mentha spicata, Thymus vulgaris and Ocimum basilicum as a good alternative option to Antiprotoscolices in-vitro. Hydatid disease, a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, an important economic and human public health problem with a wide geographical distribution. Fertile hydatid cysts were collected from livestock and the viability of the protoscolices was confirmed. Protoscolices were subjected to four different concentrations of organic extracts (12.5, 25, 50 and 75 mg/ml) for 10, 20 and 30 min. Each extract was investigated and viability of the protoscolices was tested using 0.1% eosin staining. The highest efficacy was by T. vulgaris, M. spicata (100%), and O. basilicum (98.8%) respectively, after exposure of 20 minutes at 75 mg/ml, that lead to the significant reduction in the viability of protoscolices. The extract had time-dependent effect. Phytochemical were identified qualitatively and weighted quantitatively, that help in the identification of bioactive compounds involved in selective action on the protoscolices tegument layer. In conclusion, all the selected medicinal plants could be a promising source of potent antiprotoscolices effect. The mechanism by which plant extracts killed protoscolices and also their safety for living cells are unclear and need to be investigated further.

Hydatid cyst (cystic echinococcosis) is a chronic parasitic infection by the larval stage of the cestode that is called Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) resulting in the development of cystic lesions in animals and humans. In this report, we describe a rare phenotype of hydatid cyst in the breast of a 23-year-old female presented with breast mass in the left upper outer quadrant for 3 months with palpable left axillary lymph nodes. Both US and mammography provided a picture of complex suspicious cystosolid lesion with amorphous micro-calcification (BIRAD-4A). Surgical consultation was performed and Tru-Cut biopsy was recommended. Histopathology results revealed multiple viable protoscolices of E. granulosus and suggested the final diagnosis of breast hydatid cyst. The patient returned with ruptured and infected hydatid cyst of the breast and started treatment with Albendazole 400 mg twice daily in addition to antibiotics. Following-up after two months of Albendazole treatment showed a dramatic shrinkage in the size of the cystic lesion. In conclusion, hydatid cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis of any cystic or cystosolid lesion in the breast and any organ in the body from head to toe apart from the hair and nails. Radiologists should be aware to the benign lesions that may mimic breast cancer to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary invasive procedures and consequent complications.

Infections of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus are usually prevalent or coendemic in wild canids in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area (QTPA) of China. Thus, an efficient method for the detection of infected hosts and the identification of Echinococcus species is needed. The present work aims to establish a multiplex PCR (mPCR) method that can simultaneously detect the three main Echinococcus species mentioned above, and provide technical support for the diagnosis, prevention and control of Echinococcus infection. Three pairs of specific primers were designed for this mPCR based on the Echinococcus mitochondrial genes in GenBank, and these primers were validated by specificity and sensitivity experiments and applied for simulated coinfection samples detection and filed samples. This mPCR method was able to successfully identify both simplex and mixed target Echinococcus spp. and generate expected amplicons of different sizes for each species. The sensitivity of this mPCR method was tested with serially diluted gene recombinant plasmid, and the results showed a detection threshold of less than 103 for both species. The specificity, which was assessed against 10 other parasites, was found to be 100%. The assay was also used on 15 simulated clinical samples, and the results confirmed the high reliability of the method, indicating that the mPCR method established in this study can be used to analyze clinical samples from the QTPA. This mPCR method has potential application in rapid detection, diagnosis and broad-scale screening and is expected to become a key technology for clinical detection and environmental monitoring.

Hydatid cyst (HC) is a parasitic infection transmitted by oral ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs. Isolated kidney involvement is extremely rare. It is even less common in children. We present a case of isolated renal HC in a 6-year-old boy from Şanlıurfa, southeast Turkey who complained of abdominal pain and distension. Cystectomy was performed with a flank incision using the extraperitoneal approach. No recurrence was detected in the postoperative 6-month follow-up. There are not enough data about the efficacy of medical treatment in renal HC. Therefore, medical treatment should be considered pre- and post-operatively to prevent dissemination, rather than being used as a primary treatment. Kidney-sparing surgery should be the first choice in patients with isolated renal HC. However, nephrectomy is recommended for nonfunctioning kidneys, large cysts thought to be connected with the collecting system, and cysts with suspicious tumor. In societies where HC disease is endemic, renal HC should be considered in children with cysts located in kidney, even if the indirect hemagglutination test is negative.

Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is a zoonotic parasitic disease with a high social burden in China. E. ortleppi is a species (formerly genotype 5 of E. granulosus s.l.) with unique epidemic areas (tropical areas), transmission patterns (mainly cattle origin), and pathological characteristics (large and small hook lengths) compared to other species that cause CE. A 19-year-old female patient in an area with no history of echinococcosis in Guizhou Province, China, was diagnosed with E. ortleppi infection in 2019. This study is to understand the source of this human E.ortleppi infection. Methods We performed computer tomography (CT) scans, surgical operation, morphological sectioning, molecular diagnosis, phylogenetic analyses, and epidemiological investigation in Anshun City, Guizhou Province, China in 2019. Results The patient presented with intermittent distension and pain in the upper abdomen without other abnormal symptoms. Routine blood examination results were normal. However, abdominal CT revealed a fertile cyst with a diameter of approximately 8 cm, uniform density, and a clear boundary, but without an evident cyst wall in the right lobe of the liver. The cyst was fertile, and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolates represented a new E. ortleppi genus haplotype. A result of 10‒14 years incubation period with indigenous infection was considered available for the case through the epidemiological survey. Conclusions CE due to E. ortleppi infection can be confused with other diseases causing liver cysts, resulting in misdiagnosis. A transmission chain of E. ortleppi may exist or existed in the past in the previously considered non-endemic areas of echinococcosis in southwestern China. Graphic abstract

Taeniids, consisting of two genera Echinococcus and Taenia, are obligatory tapeworms of mammals, and their pathogenicity was due to infection with larval stages. Hydatid (the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus) and coenurus (the larval stage of Taenia multiceps) cysts are prevalent in domestic, wild ruminants, livestock, swine, and dogs, and accidentally they could also be found in humans. They lead to different clinical manifestations that cause economic loss in livestock and human morbidity. In Saudi Arabia, few studies were performed on hydatid and coenurus cyst genetic variations. The main goal of the present study was to identify E. granulosus and T. multiceps cyst isolates collected from slaughtered Harri sheep in Saudi Arabia by partial sequencing with PCR amplification of the cytochrome C oxidase 1 (COX1) gene. Molecular and phylogenetic evaluation based on COX1 sequences indicated that cyst isolates belong to E. granulosus and T. multiceps, respectively, successfully submitted in NCBI Genbank. Molecular characterization showed a low nucleotide diversity with two submitted isolates of coenurus with related isolates of Genbank. Conversely, E. granulosus isolates showed higher nucleotide diversity. The reported data could serve as a foundation for future molecular epidemiological and biological studies.

To enhance the therapeutic effects of albendazole (ABZ) on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes, ABZ-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (ABZ-NLCs) are prepared by the hot high-speed homogenization method. Protoscoleces and microcysts were treated in vitro with free ABZ and ABZ-NLCs (concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 μg/ml), and the corresponding effects were monitored by methylene blue exclusion test and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Chemoprophylactic treatment was performed on Balb/C mice 1 day before intraperitoneal injection of viable protoscoleces. The drugs were administered daily by intragastric inoculation for a period of 30 days. The prophylactic efficacy was assessed based on the number and weight of cysts developed in treated mice. The ultrastructural alterations in cysts were examined by transmission electron microscopy. After 18 days, all the protoscoleces incubated with 10 μg/ml ABZ-NLCs were killed, while 51.25 ± 4.03% of the protoscoleces incubated with 10 μg/ml free ABZ were still viable. Microcysts treated with ABZ-NLCs underwent degenerative alterations in a shorter time than when free ABZ was applied. The mean weight of the cysts recovered from mice of ABZ-NLCs group was significantly lower than that of the free ABZ group (P < 0.05), yielding prophylactic efficacy of 92.45% and 38.53%, respectively. The cysts treated with ABZ-NLCs showed marked ultrastructural changes in the germinal layer. This study demonstrated that both in vitro and in vivo treatments with ABZ-NLCs are significantly more efficient than treatment with free ABZ against E. granulosus protoscoleces, metacestodes, and prevention of cyst development in mice.

Objective: Hydatid cyst or echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus, which is common in our country. It is necessary to use radiological and serological methods as diagnosing this disease based on clinical symptoms is very difficult. In this retrospective study, it was aimed to determine the condition in our region by retrospectively analyzing the hemogram, biochemistry, radiological and pathological findings and the epidemiological data of the patients prediagnosed with hydatid cyst. Materials and Methods: A total of 412 patients, 279 female and 133 male, who applied to various clinics of the Mardin State Hospital with hydatid cyst prediagnosis. 52 patients were diagnosed with hydatid cyst based on ultrasonography, computerized tomography and radiological findings, and liver involvement was detected in all 64 patients, 12 of which were pathologically verified. Results: 38 (59.3%) of 64 patients included in the study were female, 26 (40.6%) were male and their ages ranged from 0-77. The most common symptoms were severe abdominal pain, distention, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, fever, nausea and vomiting. 83.4% of the patients applied to the general surgery, 5.5% applied to the pediatric surgery and 10.1% applied to other clinics. Conclusion: The parameter with the highest increase was GGT, followed by ALT, AST and ALP. Elevated RDW (29%) was the most common finding in the hemogram parameters, followed by decreased MCV, hematocrit and hemoglobin.

Introduction: The hydatid disease is one of the most important zoonotic parasitic infections all-round the world. The main part of Echinococcus granulosus life cycle depends upon the growth and differentiation of protoscoleces (PSCs) within the intestine of definitive hosts (Carmena and Cardona 2014). The survival of organism is mainly dependent on its indirect transmission cycle from the definitive hosts (particularly dogs) to the intermediate hosts, including sheep and human. According to the latest updated report of the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2017, there may be over one million infected cases with echinococcosis at any time (WHO, 2017). A hydatid cyst (HC) encompasses numerous PSCs and cyst fluid, and is formed in visceral organs (liver and lung) of the infected intermediate hosts (Bingham et al. 2014). Morphogenesis of PSCs from the cystic viscera into worm’s head occurs on the surface of the small intestine of the definitive host, and then the head-like structure attaches to the gut epithelial lining and develops into an adult worm within ~50 days (Moro and Schantz 2009). The currently used treatment modalities against echinococcosis, as multi-stage parasitic infection, are based on the anthelmintic drugs such as praziquantel. In this case there is an emergency to improve preventive interventions such as vaccination in addition to hygiene practices. Several constraining factors may influence the vaccine development against such multi-stage pathogens, including economic, socio-cultural issues (Bethony et al. 2011). Thus, it is necessary to implement a rationalized approach towards construction of multipotent vaccines. In silico modeling of vaccines provides a cost- and time-effective approach that can improve such developing effective vaccines (Gori et al. 2013). Ideally, a vaccine construct, to be highly effective, should encompass several parts, including epitopes of one/more VCAs, B-cells epitope and T-cells epitopes (BEs and TEs, respectively) (Pourseif et al. 2017a). Altogether, epitope-based vaccines (EVs) seem to be one of the most effective vaccines. The aim of this study is to design a novel multi-epitope B- and helper T-cell based vaccine construct for immunization of both dog and sheep against this multi-host parasite. Material and Methods: After antigen sequence selection (GenBank: AEA09024 for eg95 and GenBank: AMX81438 for eg1433), three-dimensional structure of the antigens was modeled and multilaterally validated. The preliminary parameters for B-cell epitope prediction were implemented such as probably transmembrane helix, signal peptide, post-translational modifications. The high ranked B-cell epitopes derived from several online web-servers (e.g., BepiPred v1.0, BcePred, ABCpred, SVMTrip, IEDB algorithms, SEPPA v2.0 and Discotope v2.0) were utilized for multiple sequence alignment and then for engineering the vaccine construct. T-helper based epitopes were predicted by docking between the high frequent Ovar class II allele (Ovar-DRB1*1202) and Dog class II allele (DLA-DRB1*01501) and hexadecamer fragments of the antigens. Having used the immune-informatics tools, we formulated the first bi-valent vaccine based on T-helper epitope with high-binding affinity to sheep and dog MHC alleles. The final vaccine construct was formed by using the molecular spacers and then analyzed for different physicochemical properties. Results and Discussion:The results of different predictor tools showed that there were four and two potential glycosylation sites in eg1433 and eg95 antigens, respectively. In eg1433 antigen was not observed any transmembrane topology and signal peptide in the protein sequence, however in eg95 antigens was observed a signal peptid residue (aa 1 - 17) and transmembrane fragment (140-MTSGSALTSAIAGFVFSCIVVVL-162). Based on the axiom of immune system properties in response to the more accessible part of the antigens (Ranjbar et al. 2015), in our work we do not considered the transmembrane and signal peptide regions for epitope prediction. The post-translational modification in eg1433 (aa 3, 68, 233, and 238) and eg95 (aa 62 and 70) were also filtered during in silico epitope mapping. These post translationally modified residues are covered by different types of carbohydrate chains and can not likely interact with the immune system elements (Reverberi and Lorenzo 2007). The modeling quality indices (DOPE score and GA431) of the eg95 antigen were -16677.38 kcal/mol and 0.98. The quality scores for eg1433 were -19188.43 kcal/mol and 1.0. These values showed that the structure modeling is implemented with high quality. Some of our predicted epitopes of eg95 antigen were previously reported by Woollard et al. (1998) based on the wet-lab epitope mapping methods (Woollard et al. 1998). However, the eg1433-based epitopes that predicted in our study are for the first time repoted. T-cell epitopes of eg95 and eg1433 (aa 33 – 48 and aa 60 – 72, respectively) were the residues that predicted by docking-based methods. This type of in silico epitope mapping against E. granulosus antigens was not reported previously. The overall processes for establishing such EBVs are as follows: (i) identification and selection of the best antigen from the local and/or global strains, (ii) utilize of bioinformatics tools for in silico analysis of different parameters of selected antigen(s), (iii) computational-based epitope prediction, and (iv) linking epitopes using proper molecular linkers (Toussaint and Kohlbacher 2009). Conclusion: In this in silico study, we represented a key data on the step-by-step methodologies used for designing this minigene vaccine. It can be as a promising platform for generation of broadly protective host-specific vaccine against E. granulosus.

Spillage of protoscoleces within hydatid fluid during surgery for hydatid cyst is the main reason for its recurrence. Therefore, to inactivate the protoscoleces, various scolicidal substances have been tested. However, novel and more efficient agents are needed owing to several associated complications. This study focused on the effects of green synthetic Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Zizyphus spina- christi leaves on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. Also, to evaluate the blood compatibility of Ag NPs. The Ag NPs were identified by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Visible) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy imaging, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Hydatid fluid was aspirated aseptically from cysts of infected sheep liver. The protoscoleces were exposed to Ag NPs at several concentrations. Also, scanning electron microscopy for ultrastructural changes and in vitro erythrocytes lysis was performed. The Ag NPs were spherical; the particles' size reached 50 nm, and presented a surface plasmon peak around 460 nm. The current study's findings indicated the powerful in vitro scolicidal efficacy of the green biosynthesized AgNPs. Several morphological alterations were observed on the protoscoleces by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Lysis of RBCs at different doses of Ag NPs was significantly (P≤0.05) less than the positive control value, thus proposing its biocompatibility. This work suggests that chemicals like polyphenols present in the extract of Z. spina- christi act as reducing and stabilizers agents to create Ag NPs Nevertheless, further investigations are needed to investigate the Ag NPs scolicidial effects in animal models.

Background There are close similarities between the life-cycles of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) that causes cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans and Taenia multiceps/Coenurus cerebralis that causes cerebral coenurosis in small ruminants. Recent evidence highlights that livestock in Maasai communities of northern Tanzania are suffering from increases in the prevalence of cerebral coenurosis, leading to concerns about a possible concurrent increased risk of human CE. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of human abdominal CE and the prevalence and species/genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. in livestock in Maasai communities. Methods Human CE was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound on volunteers aged ≥ 7 years in five villages in the Longido and Ngorongoro Districts in northern Tanzania. Infection in ruminants was evaluated through inspection in local abattoirs, followed by molecular identification of one cyst per animal, with a priority for hepatic cysts, using PCR targeting of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COX1), followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and multiplex PCR, and sequencing of non-E. granulosus s.l. samples. Results Ultrasound was performed on 823 volunteers (n = 352 in two villages in Longido District, and n = 471 in three villages of Ngorongoro). Hepatic CE cases were diagnosed only in Ngorongoro (n = 6; 1.3%), of which three had active cysts. Village-level prevalence of CE ranged between 0 and 2.4%. Of the 697 ruminants inspected, 34.4% had parasitic cysts. Molecular identification was achieved for 140 of the 219 (63.9%) cysts sampled. E. granulosus s.l. and T. hydatigena/Cysticercus tenuicollis were identified in 51.4% and 48.6%, respectively, of livestock cysts. E. granulosus s.l. was identified in livestock from both Longido (35.3% of 116 genotyped cysts) and Ngorongoro (91.2% of 34 genotyped cysts). Of the total of 72 E. granuslosus s.l. cysts identified in livestock, 87.5% were E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3 genotypes), 9.7% were E. ortleppi (G5) and one cyst was E. canadensis (G6–10). The three active human cysts, which were removed surgically, were G1–G3 genotypes. Conclusions Multiple species/genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. are circulating in Maasai communities of northern Tanzania. Human CE was detected in villages of Ngorongoro District and a high prevalence of echinococcal cysts was observed in livestock in both districts. More precise estimation of the prevalence in this area and a better understanding of the specific risk factors for CE among Maasai communities in northern Tanzania is needed. Interventions targeting transmission routes common to both E. granulosus s.l. and T. multiceps would have dual benefits for preventing both human and livestock disease. Graphical Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis, a major parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, seriously threatens human health. The excretory–secretory (ES) products of E. granulosus can induce immune tolerance in dendritic cells (DCs) to downregulate the host’s immune response; however, the effect of exosomes in the ES products on the DCs has remained unclear. This study showed that E. granulosus protoscoleces-derived exosome-like vesicles (PSC-ELVs) could be internalized by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), allowing for the delivery of the parasite microRNAs to the BMDCs. Moreover, PSC-ELVs induced BMDCs to produce the proinflammatory cytokinesinterleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, IL-β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). PSC-ELVs also upregulated the BMDCs surface marker major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II), as well as costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86. PSC-ELV-derived egr-miR-277a-3p upregulated the IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α mRNA levels in BMDCs. Moreover, egr-miR-277a-3p directly targeted Nfkb1 (encoding nuclear factor kappa B 1) to significantly suppress the mRNA and protein levels of NF-κB1 in BMDCs, while the expression of NF-κB p65 significantly increased, suggesting that egr-miR-277a-3p induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines by the modification of the NF-kB p65/p50 ratio in BMDCs. These results demonstrated that PSC-ELVs and egr-miR-277a-3p might enhance DCs maturation and differentiation in a cross-species manner, which in turn may modulate the host immune responses and offer a new approach to echinococcosis prevention and treatment.

To genotypeA cross-sectional study.Seventy-five hydatid cyst materials obtained between June 2020 and May 2021 were included in the study. Hydatid cyst materials were collected from 12 humans from various hospitals in Edirne and 63 from slaughterhouse animals during the same period. Cyst materials were localized in 8 livers and 4 lungs in humans, 23 livers and 17 lungs in cattle, and 13 livers and 10 lungs in sheep. In the first step, the 12S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction for all samples and run on an agarose gel. Band patterns were used for strain typing. Then, the selected samples that represented each of the band patterns obtained by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis were sequenced for AgB1, AgB2, mt-CO1, and mt-ND1 genes.Three different genotypes in Edirne, Thrace, Turkey, were observed forThis study is the first to report on

Cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease is one of the most important zoonotic parasitic diseases caused by Echinococcus granulosus, a small tapeworm harbored in the intestine of canines. There is an urgent need for applied genetic research to understand the mechanisms of pathogenesis and disease control and prevention. However, the lack of an effective gene evaluation system impedes direct interpretation of the functional genetics of cestode parasites, including the Echinococcus species. The present study demonstrates the potential of lentiviral gene transient transduction in the metacestode and strobilated forms of E. granulosus. Protoscoleces (PSCs) were isolated from hydatid cysts and transferred to specific biphasic culture media to develop into strobilated worms. The worms were transfected with harvested third-generation lentivirus, along with HEK293T cells as a transduction process control. A pronounced fluorescence was detected in the strobilated worms over 24 h and 48 h, indicating transient lentiviral transduction in E. granulosus. This work presents the first attempt at lentivirus-based transient transduction in tapeworms and demonstrates the promising outcomes with potential implications in experimental studies on flatworm biology.

Through this study we aimed to determine the risk factors affecting the transmission ofThis case-control study included a study group comprising of 107 people who underwent surgery for hydatid cyst and a control group comprising of 107 people. Place of living, age, and sex were taken as matching factors. A chi-square analysis was used for paired comparisons in the study. The variables that were significantly related in paired comparisons were included in the logistic regression analysis.Hydatid cyst disease was seen 3.661 [confidence interval (CI) =1.650-8.123] times more often in individuals with an education period of 11 years or less compared to those with 12 years or above, 3.427 (CI=1.470-7.991) times more in those with a toilet outside the house compared to those with a toilet inside the house, and 5.540 (CI=2.088-14.697) times more in individuals who took a shower 8 times a month or less compared to those who take a shower 9 times or more.Individuals with a low level of education and who do not pay attention to environmental and personal hygiene are at risk for hydatid cyst disease.Araştırmada;Olgu-kontrol tipinde bir araştırmadır. Olgu grubu kist hidatik cerrahi operasyonu geçiren 107 kişi, kontrol grubu da 107 kişi olarak alınmıştır. Eşleştirme faktörleri olarak yerleşim yeri, yaş, cinsiyet alınmıştır. Araştırmada ikili karşılaştırmalarda ki-kare analizi kullanıldı. İkili karşılaştırmalarda anlamlı çıkan değişkenler lojistik regresyon analizine alındı.Kist hidatik hastalığı eğitim süresi 12 yıl ve üzeri olanlara göre 11 yıl ve altı olanlarda 3,661 [güven aralığı (GA)=1,650-8,123] kat, tuvaleti evin içinde olanlara göre evin dışında olanlarda 3,427 (GA=1,470-7,991) kat, aylık banyo sayısı 9 ve üzeri olan kişilere göre 8 ve altı olan kişilerde 5,540 (GA=2,088-14,697) kat daha fazla bulunmuştur.Eğitim düzeyi düşük olanlar, çevresel ve kişisel hijyene dikkat etmeyen kişiler kist hidatik hastalığı için risk grubudur.

Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread zoonosis and a significant economic concern and cause of morbidity in humans. A scarcity of education on the sources of CE infection and containment measures is considered to be a key factor responsible for persistent transmission within communities. Recently, edutainment approaches have captured the attention of health education (HE) professionals due to the benefits of integrating cognitive and emotional learning processes. Methods A study was carried out in Sardinia, Italy, between 2020 and 2022, amid the SARS-Covid-19 pandemic. The project, designed to involve primary school children (via remote or face-to-face learning depending on the evolving Covid-19 containment measures) consisted of four distinct phases: (i) creation of material for school children and teachers focused on cystic echinococcosis; (ii) pre-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (i.e. True False Don’t Know [TFD] pre-intervention questionnaire based on CE-related knowledge and practices); (iii) edutainment activity (e.g. interactive lessons enhanced by the comic booklet and the “Fight the parasite” cartoon video, hands-on educational activities and drawing activities on CE); and (iv) post-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (via TFD post-intervention questionnaire [same questionnaire as used for the pre-intervention assessment] on CE-related knowledge and practices) and on-site edutainment tour in primary schools taking part to the project. Results The percentage of correct answers increased from 65% for the questionnaire administered pre-intervention to 87.9% for the same questionnaire administered post-intervention (χ2 = 648.12, df = 1, P χ2 = 603.44, df = 1, P Conclusions The results of the present survey indicate that the use of digital educational tools, the use of video animations as a model for science communication, as well as other participatory teaching methods, enabled children to retain key knowledge of the routes of CE transmission and ways to prevent it. Graphical abstract

MicroRNAs are critical gene regulators at the post-transcriptional level and play essential roles in numerous developmental processes in metazoan parasites including the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus. The molecular basis of different patterns of E. granulosus development in the canine definitive host and in in vitro culture systems is poorly understood. In the present study, miRNA transcriptomes of the strobilated worms derived from experimental infection in the definitive host were compared with those from diphasic culture system after 60-day protoscoleces cultivation. Total RNA was extracted from in vivo- and in vitro-derived strobilated worms. Small RNA libraries were constructed, and deep sequencing was performed. Subsequently, differential miRNA expressions and target predictions were obtained, and pathway analysis was performed by gene ontology and KEGG. Seven miRNAs were differentially expressed between the in vivo- and in vitro-derived worms. In addition, we reported 13 novel miRNA candidates and 42 conserved miRNAs. Four out of five top miRNAs with the highest read counts were shared between the in vivo and in vitro-derived worms, i.e., egr-miR-10a-5p, egr-let-7-5p, egr-bantam-3p, and egr-miR-71-5p. Target prediction of the differential miRNAs between the two systems showed significant differences in the membrane-enclosed lumen, membrane part, and an intrinsic component of the membrane. Findings of KEGG analysis indicated that differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in hippo, MAPK, and WNT signaling pathways. The study demonstrated a significant difference in miRNA transcriptomes and related signaling pathways between the two systems, suggesting the importance of host-parasite interplay in the fate of protoscoleces development in in vivo and in vitro systems.

The present study investigated the effect of the Neodymium- Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: Y3AL5G12) Laser eradiation 1000 mw, against infection with secondary hydatid disease in BALB/c mice by inoculating the animals with protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus exposed to laser irradiation, for various periods 40,60,120 and 240 minutes, with viability of 70%,57%,50% and 40%, respectively, contrasted to the control set (mice inoculated with unexposed protoscoleces) along three months, depending on the evaluation of the total count of WBCs and assessment of acquired cell- mediated immunity, demonstrated by delayed type hypersensitivity test (DTH). The results showed considerable increase (p3, in comparison to the control group 5420 cell/cm3, after 120 minutes, two months post infection. Moreover, there was considerable excess (p Results revealed that irradiation of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces with laser had a significant influence on the production of WBCs and stimulation of delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in mice.

Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato affecting livestock, particularly sheep and goats. However, often this parasitosis is underestimated. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features and spatial distribution of CE in sheep and goats slaughtered in a hyperendemic Mediterranean area. Methods A survey was conducted in the Basilicata region (southern Italy) from 2014 to 2019. A total of 1454 animals (1265 sheep and 189 goats) from 824 farms were examined for hydatid cyst detection by visual inspection, palpation and incision of target organs. All the CE cysts were counted and classified into five morphostructural types (unilocular, multiseptate, calcified, caseous and hyperlaminated). Molecular analysis was performed on 353 cysts. For spatial analysis, a kriging interpolation method was used to create risk maps, while clustering was assessed by Moran’s I test. Results CE prevalence of 72.2% (595/824) and 58.4% (849/1454) was observed at the farm and animal levels, respectively, with higher values in sheep (62.9%) than goats (28.0%). The liver and lungs were the most frequently infected organs in both sheep and goats. Most of recovered cysts were of the calcified and multiseptate morphotypes. All the isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (genotypes G1–G3). Spatial distribution showed a moderate clustering of positive animals. Conclusion The findings of this study can be used to better understand the eco-epidemiology of echinococcosis and to improve CE surveillance and prevention programs in regions highly endemic for CE. Graphical abstract