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Background: Fish tapeworms of the genus Diphyllobothrium are pseudophyllidean cestodes transmitted through the consumption of raw or inadequately cooked fish. Objective: The current systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the global prevalence of Diphyllobothrium in dogs and cats based on published literature. Methods: Multiple English databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were explored for relevant papers published until December 2021. Findings: Among the 37 studies that were included, 32 documented Diphyllobothrium infection in dogs and five in cats. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 0.060% (0.030%-0.100%). The analysis based on country showed that the highest pooled prevalence in dogs and cats was observed in Bangladesh (0.250%, 0.149%-0.366%) and Indonesia (0.254%, 0.182%-0.333%), respectively. Based on the continent, Africa (0.109%, 0.017%-0.264%) and Asia (0.060%, 0%-0.345%) were the most common regions for infection in dogs and cats, respectively. Among different diagnostic methods, the highest pooled prevalence was related to molecular (0.661%, 0.573%-0.743%) and parasitological techniques (0.041%, 0%-0.217%) for dogs and cats’ studies, respectively. Conclusion: The findings show the importance of establishing a prevention and control measure focused on improving regular deworming and enhancing awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases to minimize the transmission risk.

Background: Fish tapeworms of the genus Diphyllobothrium are pseudophyllidean cestodes transmitted through the consumption of raw or inadequately cooked fish. Objective: The current systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the global prevalence of Diphyllobothrium in dogs and cats based on published literature. Methods: Multiple English databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were explored for relevant papers published until December 2021. Findings: Among the 37 studies that were included, 32 documented Diphyllobothrium infection in dogs and five in cats. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 0.060% (0.030%-0.100%). The analysis based on country showed that the highest pooled prevalence in dogs and cats was observed in Bangladesh (0.250%, 0.149%-0.366%) and Indonesia (0.254%, 0.182%-0.333%), respectively. Based on the continent, Africa (0.109%, 0.017%-0.264%) and Asia (0.060%, 0%-0.345%) were the most common regions for infection in dogs and cats, respectively. Among different diagnostic methods, the highest pooled prevalence was related to molecular (0.661%, 0.573%-0.743%) and parasitological techniques (0.041%, 0%-0.217%) for dogs and cats' studies, respectively. Conclusion: The findings show the importance of establishing a prevention and control measure focused on improving regular deworming and enhancing awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases to minimize the transmission risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increased globalization, food-borne parasitic infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide, including in countries where these parasites and parasitic diseases had previously been well controlled or eradicated. Improved sanitation, health education, and establishment of appropriate food safety mechanisms can go a long way towards the control of many these infections. However, food-borne parasitic infections are still common diseases in developing countries, especially in rural areas. As many of today's travelers are looking to explore more distant locations and partake in the local cuisine, they may be at greater risk of acquiring a food-borne parasitic infection, including those caused by a number of adult and larval tapeworms. This review discusses fish and meat-borne tapeworms and zoonotic metacestodiases of public health importance to both developing and developed countries, with a focus on infection prevention in travelers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durrington Walls was a large Neolithic settlement in Britain dating around 2500 BCE, located very close to Stonehenge and likely to be the campsite where its builders lived during its main stage of construction. Nineteen coprolites recovered from a midden and associated pits at Durrington Walls were analyzed for intestinal parasite eggs using digital light microscopy. Five (26%) contained helminth eggs, one with those of fish tapeworm (likely Dibothriocephalus dendriticus) and four with those of capillariid nematodes. Analyses of bile acid and sterol from these five coprolites show one to be of likely human origin and the other four to likely derive from dogs. The presence of fish tapeworm reveals that the Neolithic people who gathered to feast at Durrington Walls were at risk of infection from eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish. When the eggs of capillariids are found in the feces of humans or dogs it normally indicates that the internal organs (liver, lung or intestines) of animals with Capillariasis have been eaten, and eggs passed through the gut without causing disease. Their presence in multiple coprolites provides new evidence that internal organs of animals were consumed. These novel findings improve our understanding of both parasitic infection and dietary habits associated with this key Neolithic ceremonial site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We document a case of locally acquired 'broad- or fish-tapeworm' infection caused by Diphyllobothrium latum in a 27-year-old Spanish man, confirmed by molecular analysis (COI gene). The patient had naturally expelled a worm of 110 cm in length, but the physical examination did not yield any remarkable findings, and the patient did not suffer from any particular symptoms. Laboratory test results were normal except for a remarkable increase in the red blood cell count, and an evident decrease in the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Vitamin B and folic acid values were in the normal range without signs of anemia. It was suggested that these anomalies in erythrocyte formation might not be related to the parasite, and analysis of the patient's anamnestic data revealed that the infection could only have been caused by the ingestion of imported fish, although no light could be shed on the specific source of infection. From a public health viewpoint, this human case of fish-borne zoonosis is exemplary, suggesting that not only is control of fish and fish product quality essential, but also increased awareness of the general population with regard to changes in culinary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this research is to highlight the role of ancient parasites as evidence for human migration in past populations. The material analysed was soil sediment from the excavation of a medieval cesspool in the city of Acre, in Israel. Archaeological stratigraphy and radiocarbon dating of a fragment of animal bone from the cesspool confirm its use in the 13th century CE, during the crusader period. At that time Acre was located in the Frankish Kingdom of Jerusalem. Soil samples from the cesspool were analysed and eggs of the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) were identified. The fish tapeworm has only been found in the mainland Near East once before, in a latrine of the crusader Order of St. John (Knights Hospitaller). It has been absent in all earlier cesspools, latrines and coprolites so far studied in the region. In contrast to its rarity in the Levant, the fish tapeworm was common in northern Europe during the medieval period. The presence of fish tapeworm eggs in a crusader period cesspool in Acre suggests its use by crusaders or pilgrims from northern Europe who travelled to the Levant carrying these parasites in their intestines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Due to increased globalization, food-borne parasitic infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide, including in countries where these parasites and parasitic diseases had previously been well controlled or eradicated. Improved sanitation, health education, and establishment of appropriate food safety mechanisms can go a long way towards the control of many these infections. However, food-borne parasitic infections are still common diseases in developing countries, especially in rural areas. As many of today's travelers are looking to explore more distant locations and partake in the local cuisine, they may be at greater risk of acquiring a food-borne parasitic infection, including those caused by a number of adult and larval tapeworms. This review discusses fish and meat-borne tapeworms and zoonotic metacestodiases of public health importance to both developing and developed countries, with a focus on infection prevention in travelers., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)