Search

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most widespread zoonoses in Mediterranean countries. Baiting not-owned dogs with praziquantel (PZQ), due to their key role in the maintaining the transmission of CE, currently appears to be the most effective way to limit the transmission of CE, as well as an important aspect to introduce for the control of this parasitic disease. Therefore, this study aims to test 3 types of PZQ-based baits by evaluating different parameters (integrity over time, attractiveness and palatability for dogs, and mechanical resistance after release to different altitudes) and the bait acceptance in field by target animals, i.e. not-owned dogs, by using camera traps. The double PZQ-laced baits (with a double layer of highly palatable chews) showed the greatest resistance in the environment while also preserving the attractiveness and palatability up to 10 days, also withstood heights of 25 m, thus resulting as the most suitable also for drone delivery. The results on the field showed that most of the baits were consumed by not-owned dogs (82.2%), while the remaining were consumed by wild boars (8.9%), foxes (6.7%), badgers (1.1%) and hedgehogs (1.1%), confirming the specific and high attractiveness of the double PZQ-laced baits for the target population and highlights how an anthelmintic baiting programme may be a viable tool for the management of E. granulosus among free-ranging dog populations in endemic rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entamoeba moshkovskii , according to recent studies, appears to exert a more significant impact on diarrhoeal infections than previously believed. The efficient identification and genetic characterization of E. moshkovskii isolates from endemic areas worldwide are crucial for understanding the impact of parasite genomes on amoebic infections. In this study, we employed a multilocus sequence typing system to characterize E. moshkovskii isolates, with the aim of assessing the role of genetic variation in the pathogenic potential of E. moshkovskii. We incorporated 3 potential genetic markers: KERP1, a protein rich in lysine and glutamic acid; amoebapore C (apc) and chitinase. Sequencing was attempted for all target loci in 68 positive E. moshkovskii samples, and successfully sequenced a total of 33 samples for all 3 loci. The analysis revealed 17 distinct genotypes, labelled M1–M17, across the tested samples when combining all loci. Notably, genotype M1 demonstrated a statistically significant association with diarrhoeal incidence within E. moshkovskii infection (P = 0.0394). This suggests that M1 may represent a pathogenic strain with the highest potential for causing diarrhoeal symptoms. Additionally, we have identified a few single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the studied loci that can be utilized as genetic markers for recognizing the most potentially pathogenic E. moshkovskii isolates. In our genetic diversity study, the apc locus demonstrated the highest H d value and π value, indicating its pivotal role in reflecting the evolutionary history and adaptation of the E. moshkovskii population. Furthermore, analyses of linkage disequilibrium and recombination within the E. moshkovskii population suggested that the apc locus could play a crucial role in determining the virulence of E. moshkovskii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis and microsporidia are unicellular opportunistic pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal infections in both animals and humans. Since companion animals may serve as a source of infection, the aim of the present screening study was to analyse the prevalence of these intestinal protists in fecal samples collected from dogs living in 10 animal shelters in central Europe (101 dogs from Poland and 86 from the Czech Republic), combined with molecular subtyping of the detected organisms in order to assess their genetic diversity. Genus-specific polymerase chain reactions were performed to detect DNA of the tested species and to conduct molecular subtyping in collected samples, followed by statistical evaluation of the data obtained (using χ 2 or Fisher's tests). The observed prevalence was 15.5, 10.2, 1 and 1% for G. intestinalis , Enterocytozoon bieneusi , Cryptosporidium spp. and Encephalitozoon cuniculi , respectively. Molecular evaluation has revealed the predominance of dog-specific genotypes (Cryptosporidium canis XXe1 subtype; G. intestinalis assemblages C and D; E. cuniculi genotype II; E. bieneusi genotypes D and PtEbIX), suggesting that shelter dogs do not pose a high risk of human transmission. Interestingly, the percentage distribution of the detected pathogens differed between both countries and individual shelters, suggesting that the risk of infection may be associated with conditions typical of a given location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcus shiquicus is peculiar to the Qinghai–Tibet plateau of China. Research on this parasite has mainly focused on epidemiological surveys and life cycle studies. So far, limited laboratory studies have been reported. Here, experimental infection of E. shiquicus metacestode in BALB/c mice and Mongolian jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) was carried out to establish alternative laboratory animal models. Intraperitoneal inoculation of metacestode material containing protoscoleces (PSCs) obtained from infected plateau pikas were conducted on BALB/c mice. Furthermore, metacestode material without PSCs deriving from infected BALB/c mice was intraperitoneally inoculated to Mongolian jirds. Experimental animals were dissected for macroscopic and histopathological examination. The growth of cysts in BALB/c mice was infiltrative, and they invaded the murine entire body. Most of the metacestode cysts were multicystic, but a few were unilocular. The cysts contained sterile vesicles, which had no PSCs. The metacestode materials were able to successfully infect new mice. In the jirds model, E. shiquicus cysts were typically formed freely in the peritoneal cavity; the majority of these cysts were free while a small portion adhered loosely to nearby organs. The proportion of fertile cysts was high, and contained many PSCs. The PSCs produced in Mongolian jirds also successfully infected new ones, which confirms that jirds can serve as an alternative experimental intermediate host. In conclusion, a laboratory animal infection was successfully established for E. shiquicus using BALB/c mice and Mongolian jirds. These results provide new models for the in-depth study of Echinococcus metacestode survival strategy, host interactions and immune escape mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no scientific data available on the occurrence of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster in definitive hosts (domestic dogs), intermediate hosts (domestic livestock) nor humans in Cape Verde. In this pilot study, environmental dog fecal samples (n = 369) were collected around food markets, official slaughterhouses, as well as home and small business slaughter spots in 8 of the 9 inhabited islands from the Cape Verde archipelago, between June 2021 and March 2022. Additionally, during the same period, 40 cysts and tissue lesions were opportunistically collected from 5 islands, from locally slaughtered cattle (n = 7), goats (n = 2), sheep (n = 1) and pigs (n = 26). Genetic characterization by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the 12S rRNA gene confirmed the presence of E. granulosus s.l. in fecal and tissue material. In total, 17 cyst samples from Santiago (n = 9), Sal (n = 7) and São Vicente (n = 1) and 8 G6/G7-positive dog fecal samples from Santiago (n = 4) and Sal (n = 4) were identified as E. granulosus s.l. G7 by sequence analysis (nad 2, nad 5 and nad 1 genes). This study discloses the transmission of E. granulosus s.l. G7, in pig, cattle and dog in Cape Verde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a group of tapeworm species known to cause cystic echinococcosis. Within this group, the Echinococcus canadensis cluster includes genotypes G8 and G10 that have a predominantly sylvatic life cycle – transmission occurs between wild cervids and wolves. Relatively few studies have explored the genetic variation of the elusive G8 and G10, and their extent of genetic variation is yet to be investigated at the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome level. The aim was to explore the genetic variation of these 2 genotypes in Europe using complete mtDNA sequences and provide a high-quality reference dataset for future studies. Sequences of complete mt genomes were produced for 29 samples of genotype G8 and G10 from wolves, moose, reindeer and roe deer, originating from Finland, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Latvia and Estonia. Genetic variation was explored based on phylogenetic network analysis, revealing marked differences between G8 and G10 (over 400 mutations), and more detailed patterns of variability within the 2 genotypes than previously observed. Understanding the mt genetic composition of a species provides a baseline for future studies aiming to understand whether this mt distinctiveness is mirrored in the nuclear genome and whether it has any impact on any phenotypic traits or parasite transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered the most severe parasitic disease that ever affected the human population in Iceland. Before the start of eradication campaign in the 1860s, Iceland was a country with very high prevalence of human CE, with approximately every fifth person infected. Eradication of CE from Iceland by 1979 was a huge success story and served as a leading example for other countries on how to combat such a severe One Health problem. However, there is no genetic information on Echinococcus parasites before eradication. Here, we reveal the genetic identity for one of the last Echinococcus isolates in Iceland, obtained from a sheep 46 years ago (1977). We sequenced a large portion of the mitochondrial genome (8141 bp) and identified the isolate as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto genotype G1. As G1 is known to be highly infective genotype to humans, it may partly explain why such a large proportion of human population in Iceland was infected at a time. The study demonstrates that decades-old samples hold significant potential to uncover genetic identities of parasites in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most human cystic echinococcosis (CE) cases worldwide are attributed to Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s), followed by the G6 and G7 genotypes. While E. granulosus s.s. has a cosmopolitan distribution, the G6 genotype is restricted to areas where camels and goats are present. Goats are the primary livestock in the Neuquén province in Argentina where the G6 genotype has been reported to be responsible for a significant percentage of CE human cysts genotyped. In the present study, we genotyped 124 Echinococcus cysts infecting 90 CE-confirmed patients. Echinococcus granulosus s.s. was identified in 51 patients (56.7%) with 81 cysts and the G6 genotype in 39 patients (43.3%) harbouring 43 cysts. Most CE cases ≤18 years were male suggesting pastoral work could be a risk factor for the infection. Echinococcus granulosus s.s. was significantly found more frequently in the liver (32/51 patients) and the G6 genotype in the lungs and extrahepatic localizations (27/39). The patients infected with E. granulosus s.s., presented up to 6 cysts while patients infected with G6 presented a maximum of 2. The diameter of lung cysts attributed to E. granulosus s.s. was significantly larger compared to lung cysts from G6. Following the WHO ultrasound classification of liver cysts, we observed inactive cysts in 55.6% of G6 cysts and only 15.3% of E. granulosus s.s cysts. In conclusion, we provide evidence of differences in clinical aspects of CE caused by E. granulosus s.s. and the G6 genotype of E. granulosus s. l. complex infecting humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUTH Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is endemic in humans and domestic animals in eastern Africa. All the species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex have been reported in this region except for E. equinus , possibly due to the small number of studies involving equids. This study reports the frequency of different Echinococcus species in donkeys from eastern Africa. A total of 5961 donkeys were examined during meat inspection in 3 slaughterhouses in Kenya. Identification of Echinococcus spp. was achieved through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism and sequencing of the mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene. The prevalence of CE was 5.7% (337/5961). The 263 genotyped cysts belonged to E. equinus (n = 163), E. granulosus sensu stricto (n = 70), E. canadensis (G6/7) (n = 26) and E. ortleppi (n = 4). One donkey harboured a metacestode of Spirometra theileri. All E. equinus cases, except 2, originated from southern Ethiopia, whereas the other species were more evenly distributed across the study area. Most of the cysts belonging to E. equinus were fertile (111/163), while those of the other species were non-fertile. This is the first report of Echinococcus spp. in donkeys from sub-Saharan Africa and the first confirmation of E. equinus in East Africa. The frequent fertility of E. equinus cysts in donkeys affirms their suitability as intermediate hosts of this species, while low frequency and cyst fertility suggest a marginal role of donkeys in the transmission of E. granulosus s. s., E. canadensis (G6/7) and E. ortleppi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUTH Attempts to control cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus in the Falkland Islands have been ongoing for over 50 years. No human cases have been recorded since the 1980s but there is a need to establish if the parasite has been completely eliminated from domestic animals. A study was carried out in 2018/2019 to identify dogs infected with E. granulosus using copro-antigen and copro-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. In addition, annual slaughter data were analysed to establish infection levels of E. granulosus and 2 other taeniid parasites. Results showed that 4 out of 589 dogs (0.7%) tested positive by copro-antigen analysis. Results from similar surveys carried out in 2010, 2012 and 2014 showed 17 (3%), 0 and 6 (1%) copro-antigen-positive dogs, respectively, with 8 dogs being confirmed by PCR in 2010. Annual abattoir data showed that from 2006 to 2020, 36 sheep were identified with E. granulosus (mean 0.0055%), 14 186 sheep with Taenia hydatigena (mean 2.2%) and 465 with Taenia ovis (mean 0.072%). Prevalences of T. hydatigena and T. ovis showed spontaneous rises in certain years where the infections could also be detected in lambs indicating that viable taeniid eggs were present. Observations of farm management procedures indicated that there were occasions when dogs could get access to infective taeniid material. In conclusion, E. granulosus is still present in sheep and dogs but at low prevalences. The increasing presence of T. hydatigena however, indicates that control measures are defective in some areas and there is potential for a re-emergence of CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic barnacle, Anelasma squalicola , is a rare and evolutionary fascinating organism. Unlike most other filter-feeding barnacles, A. squalicola has evolved the capability to uptake nutrient from its host, exclusively parasitizing deepwater sharks of the families Etmopteridae and Pentanchidae. The physiological mechanisms involved in the uptake of nutrients from its host are not yet known. Using stable isotopes and elemental compositions, we followed the fate of nitrogen, carbon and sulphur through various tissues of A. squalicola and its host, the Southern lanternshark Etmopterus granulosus , to better understand the trophic relationship between parasite and host. Like most marine parasites, A. squalicola is lipid-rich and clear differences were found in the stable isotope ratios between barnacle organs. It is evident that the deployment of a system of 'rootlets', which merge with host tissues, allows A. squalicola to draw nutrients from its host. Through this system, proteins are then rerouted to the exterior structural tissues of A. squalicola while lipids are used for maintenance and egg synthesis. The nutrient requirement of A. squalicola was found to change from protein-rich to lipid-rich between its early development stage and its definitive size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Canis aureus; Canis familiaris; Eucoleus; genetic identification; Taeniidae; Toxocara canis; Toxocara cati; Trichuris; Uncinaria stenocephala; Vulpes vulpes; zoonotic parasites EN Canis aureus Canis familiaris Eucoleus genetic identification Taeniidae Toxocara canis Toxocara cati Trichuris Uncinaria stenocephala Vulpes vulpes zoonotic parasites 1565 1574 10 11/08/22 20221001 NES 221001 Introduction Humans are altering ecosystems on a scale never seen before, which has led to problems from high environmental pollution and biodiversity loss to outbreaks of infectious diseases (McMahon I et al i ., 2018; Keys I et al i ., 2019). Prevalence of different parasitic helminths in scats of the 3 most abundant mammalian predator species: red fox (n = 131), golden jackal (n = 65) and dog (n = 84). Mammalian predators such as the red fox, golden jackal, pine marten ( I Martes martes i ) and raccoon dog are common definitive hosts for many zoonotic helminths in Estonia and many other countries in Europe and beyond. Estonia, especially its western part, provides the best opportunities to study the environmental contamination with the eggs of helminth parasites in a complex manner, analysing the role of mammalian predators, including red foxes and golden jackals, but also rural dogs. The overlap of zoonotic helminth fauna, calculated according to the Pianka's index, was highest between rural dogs and golden jackals (0.99) and somewhat lower for golden jackals and red foxes (0.84), as well as rural dogs and red foxes (0.84). [Extracted from the article]

The current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the genotypic distribution of canine echinococcosis worldwide. Studies published from the inception until 21 May 2021 were screened, relevant articles were selected and the random-effect model was used to draw forest plots with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Totally, 44 articles were included, mostly examined dogs (37 records), followed by wolf (8 records), jackal (7 records), fox (3 records), pump fox (3 records) and coyote (1 record). Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3) and G6/7 cluster of Echinococcus canadensis were the most common genotypes among canids. Most studies were conducted in Asia and Europe with 17 and 15 datasets, respectively. Exclusively, Iran possessed the highest number of studies (10 records). Meta-analysis showed that the pooled molecular prevalence of echinococcosis was 33.82% (95% CI 24.50–43.83%). Also, the highest and lowest prevalence of canine echinococcosis was calculated for South America (66.03%; 95% CI 25.67–95.85%) and Europe (19.01%; 95% CI 9.95–30.16%). Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the global prevalence of echinococcosis in canines and publication year, continent, country, sample type, host and molecular test. These findings will elevate our knowledge on the poorly known canine echinococcosis worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Anti-parasitic treatment; cystic echinococcosis; phytotherapy; plant extract EN Anti-parasitic treatment cystic echinococcosis phytotherapy plant extract 519 528 10 03/29/22 20220401 NES 220401 Introduction Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite I Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato i ( I s.l. i ) which provokes long-term infections in humans and animals, being a serious public health problem (Pavletic I et al i ., 2017). Based on the World Health Organization Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (WHO-IWGE) classification of cyst stages by imaging-based techniques, four treatment options have been suggested: percutaneous-aspiration-injection and re-aspiration (PAIR), surgery, anti-parasitic therapy with benzimidazoles (BZM) and a watch-and-wait approach for inactive cysts (Siles-Lucas I et al i ., 2018). For I in vitro i studies involving Huh7 cells, the I S. multiaristata i extract (10 mg) was sequentially resuspended in 20 I i L of DMSO, 40 I i L of ethanol 96% and finally, 40 I i L of deionized water, giving a solution of 100 mg mL SP -1 sp . We found that the I S. multiaristata i extract caused both an I in vitro i effect on protoscoleces and cysts and also an I in vivo i therapeutic effect. [Extracted from the article]

The EG95 recombinant vaccine is protective against cystic echinococcus in animal intermediate hosts. Preparation of the existing, registered EG95 vaccines involves semi-purification of the vaccine protein, adding to the cost of production. Truncation of the EG95 cDNA, shortening both the amino and carboxy-termini of the protein, leads to high levels of recombinant protein expression. The recombinant EG95 protein was prepared as a bacterin from clarified, whole bacterial lysate, and used in a vaccine trial in sheep against an experimental challenge infection with Echinococcus granulosus eggs. The EG95 bacterin was found to induce 98% protection. Use of this in a new generation EG95 vaccine would simplify production, facilitate new sources of the vaccine and potentially enhance uptake of vaccination in control of E. granulosus transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There was little information regarding the occurrence of canine vector-borne disease (CVBDs) in shelter dogs in Thailand. This work is the first report regarding a molecular method used to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of three canine tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) (Hepatozoon canis, Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis) in blood samples from 275 shelter dogs in the north and central areas of Thailand. The PCR results based on the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes showed that 71 (25.82%) dogs were positive for at least a TBP. The overall occurrence rates of H. canis, A. platys and E. canis infections were 1.81, 16.36 and 7.64%, respectively. For the phylogenetic analysis, A. platys 16S rRNA gene was genetically diverse, while H. canis 18S rRNA and E. canis 16S rRNA genes were conserved. The haplotype diversity exhibited 12 and 2 haplotypes as well as 78 and 178 polymorphic sites of A. platys and E. canis 16S rRNA genes, respectively. Our findings could be used to improve the understanding of phylogeny and genetic diversity of TBP rRNA genes and used to ameliorate the diagnosis and control programmes for the diseases in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Its chemotherapeutic treatment is based on benzimidazoles, which are rarely curative and cause several adverse effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative and safer chemotherapeutic strategies against AE. It has previously been shown that metformin (Met) exhibits considerable in vivo activity on an early-infection model of AE when administered at 50 mg kg−1 day−1 for 8 weeks. Here, the challenge is heightened by a 2-fold increase in parasite inoculum or by starting the treatment 6 weeks post-infection. In both cases, only the combination of Met (100 mg kg−1 day−1) together with a sub-optimal dose of albendazole (ABZ) (5 mg kg−1 day−1) led to a significant reduction in parasite weight compared to the untreated group. Coincidentally, drug combination showed the highest level of damage in E. multilocularis metacestodes. Likewise, Met alone or combined with ABZ led to a decrease in parasite glucose availability, which was evidenced as a lower intracystic glucose concentration. Therefore, the results demonstrate that combination therapy with Met and ABZ offers an alternative to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of the high-dose ABZ monotherapy currently employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a fast-changing and globalized world, parasites are moved across continents at an increasing pace. Co-invasion of parasites and their hosts is leading to the emergence of infectious diseases at a global scale, underlining the need for integration of biological invasions and disease ecology research. In this review, the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing the invasion process of parasites with complex life cycles were analysed, using the invasion of the European strain of Echinococcus multilocularis in North America as a model. The aim was to propose an ecological framework for investigating the invasion of parasites that are trophically transmitted through predator–prey interactions, showing how despite the complexity of the cycles and the interactions among multiple hosts, such parasites can overcome multiple barriers and become invasive. Identifying the key ecological processes affecting the success of parasite invasions is an important step for risk assessment and development of management strategies, particularly for parasites with the potential to infect people (i.e. zoonotic). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterised morphologically and molecularly Diplostomum phoxini (Faust, 1918) based on cercarial isolates from the snail Ampullaceana balthica (L.) (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) and metacercariae from the Eurasian minnow, Phoxinus phoxinus (L.) (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae), and provided molecular evidence for the identification of the snail intermediate host. Phylogenetic analyses based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene depicted 44 molecularly characterised species and genetically distinct lineages of Diplostomum, and resulted in: (i) a re-identification/re-classification of 98 isolates plus D. baeri sampled in North America; (ii) re-definition of the composition of the D. baeri species complex which now includes nine molecularly characterised species/lineages; (iii) re-definition of the composition of the D. mergi species complex which now includes seven molecularly characterised species/lineages; and (iv) an updated nomenclature for the molecularly characterised species-level lineages of Diplostomum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic tropical disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variation of hydatid cyst isolates obtained from surgically confirmed paediatric cases originating from two different regions in eastern Turkey. Seventeen paediatric cases aged between 6 and 16 were operated by open surgery, and the germinal layers of their cysts were obtained for further molecular analyses. After genomic DNA isolation, 875 bp mt-CO1 gene fragments were amplified in all samples by PCR. Then, the unidirectional sequence analyses of the PCR products were carried out. According to the BLAST analyses of 17 sequences, 16 of these sequences were matched with E. granulosus sensu stricto, while one sequence was identified as E. canadensis (G6/G7) for the first time in paediatric cases in Turkey. High haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity were observed in the E. granulosus s.s. sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is a zoonotic parasite that causes cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans. However, E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) is considered the predominant species in CE infections worldwide. According to the population genetic diversity and structure of E. granulosus s.l., gene flow can explain the parasite drift among the neighbouring countries of Pakistan. The mitochondrial (mt) co1 (n = 47), nadh1 (n = 37) and cytb (n = 35) nucleotide sequences of E. granulosus s.l. isolates from Pakistan, Iran, China and India were retrieved from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database to determine the genealogical relationships. The sequences were grouped as the mt-co1 (genotypes G1 and G3, G6-G7), mt-cytb (genotypes G1 and G3), and mt-nadh1(genotypes G1 and G3). The data were analysed using bioinformatic tools. A total of 19 polymorphic sites for the mt-co1 sequence (374 bp) were observed of which 31.6% (6/19) were parsimony-informative sites. Unique singleton haplotypes within the E. granulosus s.s. haplotype network based on the mt-co1 gene were highly prevalent (68.4%; 13/19) in Pakistani isolates followed by Chinese, Indian and Iranian isolates; four polymorphic sites were detected in the E. canadensis (G6/G7). In E. canadensis mt-co1 haplotype network, 75% (3/4) unique singleton haplotypes were from the Iranian isolates. Twelve polymorphic sites were found using the mt-cytb sequence (547 bp); 25% (3/12) were parsimony-informative and there were 66.7% (8/12) unique singleton haplotypes within the mt-cytb haplotype network in E. granulosus s.s. with the most reported from Pakistan followed by Iran and China. 20 polymorphic sites were detected in E. granulosus s.s. mt-nadh1 sequences (743 bp); 20% (4/20) were parsimony-informative. There were 66.7% (8/12) main single haplotypes within the mt-nadh1 haplotype network, with the most reported from Pakistan followed by that from India, Iran and China. The sequence analyses show low nucleotide diversity and high haplotype diversity in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcosis, caused by larval stage of the genus Echinococcus, is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of Echinococcus species in stray dogs of Erzurum, a highly endemic region for cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in Turkey. The study samples consisted of 446 stray dog faecal specimens collected from an animal shelter in Erzurum, Turkey, between October 2015 and February 2016. The faecal samples were collected from individual dogs for the isolation of taeniid eggs using the sequential sieving and flotation method (SSFM). Molecular analyses and sequencing revealed the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. as 14.13% (63/446) in faecal samples. The stray dogs harboured five different Echinococcus spp.: E. granulosus s.s. (G1/G3) (n = 41), E. equinus (G4) (n = 3), E. ortleppi (G5) (n = 1), E. canadensis (G6/G7) (n = 3) and E. multilocularis (n = 16). E. granulosus s.s. was the most abundant species. Surprisingly, the occurrence of E. multilocularis in dogs was revealed for the first time in Turkey. E. ortleppi was also reported for the first time in Turkey. These findings highlight a significant public health risk for human AE and CE, presenting useful baseline data on Echinococcus spp. infection in dogs for designing control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by the species complex of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is endemic in Middle East and the Mediterranean basin, where pastoral activity is widespread. Despite the chronic endemicity of the disease in Lebanon and neighbouring countries, recent data are scant. The objectives of this survey were to evaluate the current epidemiology of CE in Lebanon, investigate the prevalence and determine the infecting genotypes in locally raised sheep and goats. A multidimensional approach combining post-mortem inspection of slaughtered animals and molecular diagnosis of the parasite was conducted to this end. From 2018 to 2020, 62.9% of the sheep and 20.9% of the goats were found positive for CE. The presence of hydatids varied between organs, showing higher prevalence in the liver of sheep vs the lungs of goats, however, a higher fertility rate of hydatid cyst was observed in lungs for both animals. Molecular diagnosis based on partial mitochondrial cox1 gene (795 bp) showed that the majority of isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (98.7%) and only one isolate from goat was identified as Echinococcus canadensis (genotype G7; 1.3%). Echinococcus granulosus s.s. population among the sheep and goats was represented by 22 haplotypes having very little genetic differentiation and relatively moderate haplotype diversity. Population demographics explored through neutrality indices suggested expanding population within the intermediate hosts. These results document the high prevalence of CE in the livestock of Lebanon and reveal for the first time the presence of three different genotypes G1, G3 and G7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato has complex defence mechanisms that protect it from the anti-parasitic immune response for long periods. Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid (EgCF) is involved in the immune escape. Nevertheless, whether and how EgCF modulates the inflammatory response in macrophages remains poorly understood. Here, real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that EgCF could markedly attenuate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of pro-inflammatory factors including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-6 but increase the expression of IL-10 at mRNA and protein levels in mouse peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanically, western blotting and immunofluorescence assay showed that EgCF abolished the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK1/2 signalling pathways by LPS stimulation in mouse macrophages. EgCF's anti-inflammatory role was at least partly contributed by promoting proteasomal degradation of the critical adaptor TRAF6. Moreover, the EgCF-promoted anti-inflammatory response and TRAF6 proteasomal degradation were conserved in human THP-1 macrophages. These findings collectively reveal a novel mechanism by which EgCF suppresses inflammatory responses by inhibiting TRAF6 and the downstream activation of NF-κB and MAPK signalling in both human and mouse macrophages, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the E. granulosus-induced immune evasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused mainly by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati and diagnosis in dogs and cats is an important tool for its control. For this reason, a new coprological loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of these species. The primer set was designed on a region of the mitochondrial cox-1 gene. Amplification conditions were evaluated using a temperature gradient (52°C to 68°C), different incubation times (15–120 min), and different concentrations of malachite green dye (0.004–0.4% w/v). The analytical sensitivity was evaluated with serial dilutions of genomic DNA from T. canis and T. cati adult worms, and with serial dilutions of DNA extracted from feces using a low-cost in-house method. The specificity was evaluated using genomic DNA from Canis lupus familiaris, Felis catus, Escherichia coli, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and Taenia hydatigena. The LAMP assay applied to environmental fecal samples from an endemic area showed an analytical sensitivity of 10–100 fg of genomic DNA and 10−5 serial dilutions of DNA extracted from feces using the low-cost in-house method; with a specificity of 100%. Additionally, the total development of the assay was carried out in a basic laboratory and per-reaction reagent cost decreased by ~80%. This new, low-cost tool can help identify the most common agents of toxocariasis in endemic areas in order to manage prevention strategies without having to rely on a laboratory with sophisticated equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) occurs in the intermediate host's liver, assuming a bladder-like structure surrounded by the host-derived collagen capsule mainly derived from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the effect of CE on liver natural killer (NK) cells and the potential of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling inhibition on alleviating CE-related liver damage remain to be explored. Here, by using the CE-mouse model, we revealed that the inhibitory receptors on the surface of liver NK cells were up-regulated, whereas the activating receptors were down-regulated over time. TGF-β1 secretion was elevated in liver tissues and mainly derived from macrophages. A combination of TGF-β signalling inhibitors SB525334 and pirfenidone could reduce the expression of TGF-β1 signalling pathway-related proteins and collagen production. Based on the secretion of TGF-β1, only the pirfenidone group showed a depressing effect. Also, the combination of SB525334 and pirfenidone exhibited a higher potential in effectively alleviating the senescence of the hepatocytes and restoring liver function. Together, TGF-β1 may be a potential target for the treatment of CE-associated liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydatidosis is a potential zoonotic helminthic disease affecting a broad spectrum of mammals, including humans, worldwide. The current review was conducted to investigate the genotypic status and prevalence of hydatid disease in camels across the world. For the purpose of the study, the articles addressing the worldwide prevalence of hydatidosis in camels were searched in several English language databases. The search process resulted in the inclusion of 122 papers. Based on the data presented in the reviewed articles, the pooled prevalence of hydatid disease in camels across the world was measured at 23.75% (95% CI 20.15–27.55). Moreover, the subgroup analysis demonstrated significant differences in the overall prevalence of hydatidosis among camels based on year, geographic area, climate parameters, camel population, gender, infected organ, fertility rate of the cyst and laboratory diagnostic technique. Furthermore, the Echinococcus granulosus genotypes identified in camels with hydatidosis included G1, G2, G3, G1–G3, G5, G6, G7, G6–G7 and G6–G10, with G6 being the most common genotype throughout the world. The data obtained from the current study are central to the better conceptualization of the biological and epidemiological characteristics of E. granulosus s.l. genotypes around the world, which can be helpful in the planning and adoption of more comprehensive control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Susceptibility to Echinococcus multilocularis infection considerably varies among intermediate (mostly rodents) and dead-end host species (e.g. humans and pig), in particular regarding intestinal oncosphere invasion and subsequent hepatic metacestode development. Wistar rats are highly resistant to infection and subsequent diseases upon oral inoculation with E. multilocularis eggs, however, after immunosuppressive treatment with dexamethasone, rats become susceptible. To address the role of the cellular innate immunity, Wistar rats were individually or combined depleted of natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (MΦ) and granulocytes (polymorphonuclear cells, PMN) prior to E. multilocularis egg inoculation. Although NK cell and MΦ depletion did not alter the resistance status of rats, the majority of PMN-depleted animals developed liver metacestodes within 10 weeks, indicating that PMN are key players in preventing oncosphere migration and/or development in Wistar rats. In vitro studies indicated that resistance is not caused by neutrophil reactive oxygen species or NETosis. Also, light microscopical examinations of the small intestine showed that oral inoculation of E. multilocularis eggs does not elicit a mucosal neutrophil response, suggesting that the interaction of oncospheres and neutrophils may occur after the former have entered the peripheral blood. We suggest to consider granulocytes as mediators of resistance in more resistant species, such as humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, expressed as a mean weight decrease of the whole echinococcal cyst mass, of novel benzimidazole salt formulations in a murine Echinococcus granulosus infection model. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with protoscoleces of E. granulosus (genotype G1). At 9 months post-infection, treatment with albendazole (ABZ), ricobendazole (RBZ) salt formulations, and RBZ enantiomer salts (R)-(+)-RBZ-Na and (S)-(−)-RBZ-Na formulations were initiated. Drugs were orally applied by gavage at 10 mg kg−1 body weight per day during 30 days. Experimental treatments with benzimidazole sodium salts resulted in a significant reduction of the weight of cysts compared to conventional ABZ treatment, except for the (S)-(−)-RBZ-Na enantiomer formulation. Scanning electron microscopy and histological inspection revealed that treatments impacted not only the structural integrity of the parasite tissue in the germinal layer, but also induced alterations in the laminated layer. Overall, these results demonstrate the improved efficacy of benzimidazole salt formulations compared to conventional ABZ treatment in experimental murine cystic echinococcosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by a complex of species known as Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. CE is endemic in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and the South part of Brazil. In contrast, little is known regarding the presence of CE in Bolivia. In this study, 35 cysts isolated from livestock (mostly from the Department of La Paz) and 3 from humans (La Paz, Oruro and Potosi) were genetically characterized analysing the sequence of the cox1 gene (1609 bp). In total, 30 cysts (from La Paz, Cochabamba and Beni) were characterized as E. granulosus sensu stricto (3 fertile and 4 non-fertile cysts from sheep, 8 fertile and 12 non-fertile cysts from cattle and 3 fertile cysts from humans). A detailed analysis of the cox1 haplotypes of E. granulosus s.s. is included. Echinococcus ortleppi (G5) was found in 5 fertile cysts from cattle (from La Paz and Cochabamba). Echinococcus intermedius (G7) was identified in 3 fertile cysts from pigs (from Santa Cruz). Additionally, E. granulosus s.s. was detected in 4 dog faecal samples, while E. ortleppi was present in other two dog faecal samples. The implications of these preliminary results in the future implementation of control measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis is the etiological agent of alveolar echinococcosis. The metacestode stage used for research is maintained in rodents by serial passages. In order to determine whether cryopreservation of E. multilocularis metacestodes would be suitable for long-term maintenance and replace serial passages, isolates of different geographic origin were cryopreserved in 1984–1986. The aim of the current study was to test the viability of cryopreserved isolates following long-term cryopreservation (up to 35 years) and to determine the phylogenetic clades these isolates belonged to. Cryopreserved isolates were tested for viability in vitro and in vivo in gerbils. In vitro results of 5 isolates indicated protoscolex survival in 13 of 17 experiments (76%) and metacestode survival in 5 of 12 (42%) in vivo experiments. In vivo results showed 'abortive lesions' in 13 of the 36 animals, 15 were negative and 8 harboured proliferating metacestode tissue containing protoscoleces. Genetic analysis confirmed the isolates belonged to European, Asian and North-American clades. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate that metacestodes of E. multilocularis are able to survive long-term cryopreservation. Therefore, cryopreservation is a suitable method for long-term storage of E. multilocularis metacestode isolates and reduces the number of experimental animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval stage of genus Echinococcus is the causing agent for the zoonotic infection which is life threatening known as Echinococcosis. The purpose of this study was the identification, molecular analysis and characterization of Echinococcus spp. in sheep and cattle. The sampling was done from slaughterhouse of Elazig, Turkey. A total of 85 isolates (sheep, n = 19 and cattle, n = 66) have been collected after slaughtering. Following the gDNA isolation and PCR products of mt-CO1 gene (446 bp) of all the samples were sequenced. Out of 85 isolates, 84 were recognized as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and one sheep isolate was found as Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7) which is identified for the first time in Turkey. However, single nucleotide polymorphism has been observed not only in samples of different animals but also in samples collected from the same cattle. Six liver and three lung hydatid cysts have been detected in cattle. Although no nucleotide differences have been observed in the liver samples, there was single nucleotide polymorphism (C→T) in 40th nucleotide of two lung cysts. As a result of haplotype analysis, 16 haplotypes of E. granulosus s.s. were detected in 66 cattle isolates whereas 7 haplotypes of E. granulosus s.s. were identified in 19 sheep samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (sl) complex are the causative agents of cystic echinococcosis in humans. The lifecycle of E. granulosus sl is essentially domestic, and is based on the consumption by dogs of hydatid cysts in viscera of livestock species. The aim of this study was to survey E. granulosus sensu lato in livestock in France. A 1-year national survey of E. granulosus sl in livestock at the slaughterhouse was organized in 2012 in France, with systematic molecular confirmation. The prevalence of E. granulosus ss nationally was 0.002% in sheep, mainly focused in the Alpine area, and 0.001% in cattle, with the distribution of cases throughout the country. Echinococcus canadensis G6/7 was observed only in Corsica in pigs, with a prevalence of nearly 1% in the island. A national prevalence of 0.0002% was estimated for E. ortleppi in cattle, due to seven cases distributed in two foci. The results of this survey are of particular interest because of the zoonotic risk associated with the presence of these parasite species, for which systematic control at the slaughterhouse should enable their elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]