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  1. Fulltext Association Between Farming Activities and Plasmodium falciparum Transmission in Rural Communities in Nigeria
    Babamale OA, Opeyemi OA, Bukky AA, Musleem AI, Kelani EO, Okhian BJ, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2020 May;27(3):105-116.
    PMID: 32684811 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.3.11
    Background: The connection between malaria-associated morbidities and farming activities has not been succinctly reported. This study aimed to address the connectivity between farming activities and malaria transmission.

    Methods: The study took place in the agricultural setting of Nigeria Edu local government (9° N, 4.9° E) between March 2016 and December 2018. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on their occupation and malaria infection. Infection status was confirmed with blood film and microscopic diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum was based on the presence of ring form or any other blood stages. Individuals who are either critically ill or lived in the community less than 3 months were excluded from the study.

    Results: Of the 341 volunteers, 58.1% (52.9% in Shigo and 61.4% in Sista) were infected (parasitaemia density of 1243.7 parasites/μL blood). The prevalence and intensity of infection were higher among farmers (71.3%, 1922.9 parasites/μL blood, P = 0.005), particularly among rice farmers (2991.6 parasites/μL blood) compared to non-farmer participants. The occurrence and parasite density follow the same pattern for sex and age (P < 0.05). Children in the age of 6 to 10 years (AOR: 2.168, CI: 1.63-2.19) and ≥ 11 years (AOR: 3.750, CI: 2.85-3.80) groups were two-and four-fold more likely to be infected with malaria. The analysis revealed that the proximity of bush and stagnant water to the farmer (73.9%, AOR: 3.242, CI: 2.57-3.61) and non-farmer (38.1%, AOR: 1.362, CI: 1.25-1.41) habitations influence malaria transmission.

    Conclusion: This study highlights farming activities as a risk factor for malaria infection in agro-communities. Integrated malaria control measures in agricultural communities should therefore include water and environmental management practices.

    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  2. Fauna diversity in pitcher plants at Setiam Hill, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
    Marina M, John Keen C, Caroline B, Afsar J
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:19-25.
    A study was carried out to determine the diversity and enumerate the fauna species related to five pitcher plant species at a selected area in Bukit Setiam Forest, Tatau, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. At the end of the study, six insect orders together with nematodes and Araneae were detected with different existence abundances and diversity. From the 901 total fauna trapped, 58.82% belonged to the order Hymenoptera, mainly of the ant species, followed by Nematodes (21.64%), Diptera (15.87%), Coleoptera (1.66%), Hemiptera (0.89%), Blattaria (0.44%) and finally, Lepidoptera (0.33%) and Araneae (0.33%). Significant differences (p<0.05) in the composition of insect trapped in pitcher plants were observed for the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and even Nematodes. Meanwhile, no significant difference was observed for Coleoptera, Blattaria and Araneae. There is a strong relationship between fauna and Nepenthes pitcher either as a prey, predator, a mutualistic relationship or parasites or also for a habitat to live or to reproduce.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  3. Fulltext The Neglected Cestode Infection: Epidemiology of Hymenolepis Nana Infection Among Children in Rural Yemen
    Al-Mekhlafi HM
    Helminthologia, 2020 Dec;57(4):293-305.
    PMID: 33364898 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2020-0038
    Hymenolepis nana is the most common cestode reported in humans worldwide. It is prevalent among children in the tropics and subtropics, particularly in rural poor communities where sanitation is inadequate or lacking. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and significant risk factors of H. nana infection among children in rural Yemen. Faecal samples were collected from 498 children and screened for intestinal parasites by using wet mount, formalin-ether concentration and Kato-Katz techniques. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic, socioeconomic, housing condition, and personal hygiene information. Overall, 77.5 % (386/498) of the children were found to be infected by at least one intestinal parasite species. The overall prevalence of H. nana was 17.5 % (87/498). Multivariate analysis confirmed that an age of < 6 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.28; 95 % (confidence interval [CI] = 2.04, 8.98), presence of other family members infected with H. nana (AOR = 2.48; 95 % CI = 1.45, 4.24), living in the highlands (AOR = 2.87; 95 % CI = 1.56, 5.26), living in a house without improved toilet facilities (AOR = 2.19; 95 % CI = 1.23, 3.88), not washing vegetables before consumption (AOR = 2.11; 95 % CI = 1.06, 4.19), and not washing hands after defecation (AOR = 1.88; 95 % CI = 1.08, 3.27) were the key factors significantly associated with H. nana infection among the studied children. In conclusion, H. nana is prevalent among children in rural Yemen, particularly among preschool-aged children. Thus, an integrated and effective programme to control intestinal parasitic infections should include preschool-aged children. Such a programme should focus on providing health education on hygienic practices, providing adequate sanitation and improved sources of drinking water, and screening and treating other infected family members.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  4. The return of chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum parasites in Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia over a decade after the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapy: analysis of genetic mutations in the pfcrt gene
    Madkhali AM, Abdulhaq AA, Atroosh WM, Ghzwani AH, Zain KA, Ghailan KY, et al.
    Parasitol Res, 2021 Nov;120(11):3771-3781.
    PMID: 34561749 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07323-4
    This study investigated the polymorphism in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) gene 11 years after chloroquine (CQ) cessation in Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and thirty-five P. falciparum isolates were amplified to detect mutations in the pfcrt gene. The pfcrt 76 T molecular marker for CQ resistance was detected in 66.4% (156/235) of the isolates, while the K76 CQ-sensitive wild type was detected in 33.6%. The pfcrt 74I and pfcrt 75E point mutations were each found to be present in 56.2% of isolates, while only four isolates (1.7%) were found to carry the pfcrt 72S mutation. Moreover, four pfcrt haplotypes were identified as follows: the CVIET triple-allele (56.2%), SVMET double-allele (1.7%) and CVMNT single-allele (8.5%) mutant haplotypes and the CVMNK wild haplotype (33.6%). The analysis also revealed significant associations between the prevalence of mutant pfcrt alleles and haplotypes and the age group, governorate and nationality of the patients as well as the parasitaemia level (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites*
  5. Fulltext Intelligent diagnostic model for malaria parasite detection and classification using imperative inception-based capsule neural networks
    Madhu G, Mohamed AW, Kautish S, Shah MA, Ali I
    Sci Rep, 2023 Aug 17;13(1):13377.
    PMID: 37591916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40317-z
    Malaria is an acute fever sickness caused by the Plasmodium parasite and spread by infected Anopheles female mosquitoes. It causes catastrophic illness if left untreated for an extended period, and delaying exact treatment might result in the development of further complications. The most prevalent method now available for detecting malaria is the microscope. Under a microscope, blood smears are typically examined for malaria diagnosis. Despite its advantages, this method is time-consuming, subjective, and requires highly skilled personnel. Therefore, an automated malaria diagnosis system is imperative for ensuring accurate and efficient treatment. This research develops an innovative approach utilizing an urgent, inception-based capsule network to distinguish parasitized and uninfected cells from microscopic images. This diagnostic model incorporates neural networks based on Inception and Imperative Capsule networks. The inception block extracts rich characteristics from images of malaria cells using a pre-trained model, such as Inception V3, which facilitates efficient representation learning. Subsequently, the dynamic imperative capsule neural network detects malaria parasites in microscopic images by classifying them into parasitized and healthy cells, enabling the detection of malaria parasites. The experiment results demonstrate a significant improvement in malaria parasite recognition. Compared to traditional manual microscopy, the proposed system is more accurate and faster. Finally, this study demonstrates the need to provide robust and efficient diagnostic solutions by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to combat malaria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites*
  6. Fulltext Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among communities living in different habitats and its comparison with one hundred and one studies conducted over the past 42 years (1970 to 2013) in Malaysia
    Sinniah B, Hassan A KR, Sabaridah I, Soe MM, Ibrahim Z, Ali O
    Trop Biomed, 2014 Jun;31(2):190-206.
    PMID: 25134888 MyJurnal
    Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common diseases affecting mankind causing major public health problems to billions of people living in developing countries. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in various communities residing in different habitats in Malaysia and compare the findings with 101 studies conducted over the past 42 years (1970-2013). A cross-sectional study design was conducted with the aid of a questionnaire to collect relevant information about the study population. Faecal samples were examined using the direct smear and formal ether sedimentation techniques. A total of 342 children were examined amongst whom 24.6% were positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Results showed that 32.3% of rural children, 20.6% of urban squatters and 5.4% of children from flats were positive for one or more parasites. The most common parasite encountered was Trichuris trichiura (20.2%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (10.5%) and hookworm (6.7%). No case of hookworm was reported in urban children whereas 12.2% of rural children were positive. The most common protozoan parasite detected was Entamoeba coli (3.2%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (1.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.8%) and Blastocystis hominis (1.2%). Nearly one-fifth (18.4%) of the children had single infection followed by double (12.0%) and triple infections (1.2%). Orang Asli (indigenous) children (44.3%) had the highest infection rate followed by Indians (20.2%), Malays (14.0%) and Chinese (11.9%). Twenty-eight studies carried out on plantation communities with regards to intestinal parasitic infections in Malaysia from 1970 to 2013 showed a steady decline in the prevalence rate ranging from 95.0% in the seventies to 37.0 % in 2012. Intestinal parasitic infections were more common in Orang Asli communities with prevalence ranging from over 90% in the seventies and fluctuating below 70% in most studies between 2000 to 2013 except for two studies that showed a prevalence of 98.2% and 100%. The prevalence rate among urban squatters, urban residents and those living in flats showed dramatic decrease in prevalence rate.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites/classification*; Parasites/isolation & purification*
  7. Insights into immunopathology and triggering of apoptosis in chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis using murine models
    El Saftawy EA, Shash RY, Aboulhoda BE, Arsanyos SF, Albadawi EA, Abou-Fandoud SM, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):53-62.
    PMID: 33973573 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.037
    BACKGROUND: toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan protozoan disease with a wide range of neuropathology. Recent studies identified its potential association with several mental disorders e.g. schizophrenia dependable on apoptosis in their pathogenesis. We investigated value of toxoplasmosis to induce apoptosis of the neuronal cells.

    METHODS: per-orally infected C57BL/6 mice with 15-20 cysts of the avirulent T. gondii Beverly strain at 9-11 weeks of age were examined 12 weeks later during parasite establishment. Distributions of the parasite's cysts and the histopathological lesions in the brains were analyzed using Image J software. Relative expression of TNF-α and iNOS of cell-mediated immunity (CMI), Bax (pro-apoptosis) and Bcl-2 (anti-apoptosis) were all assessed using immunohistochemistry.

    RESULTS: higher parasite burden was seen in the forebrain with p value <= 0.05. Dramatically increased TNF-α, iNOS, and Bax expressions with Bax/Bcl-2 ratio 2.42:0.52 were reported (p value <= 0.05). The significant correlation between Bax data and different CMI biomarkers including TNF-α and i-NOS was evaluated. Interestingly, no significant correlation was seen between TNF-α, iNOS, Bax and Bcl-2 expressions and location of the parasite. However, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was statistically correlated with CMI biomarkers and whole sample mean parasite burden, p value <= 0.05.

    CONCLUSION: Chronic toxoplasmosis exhibits an immense pro-apoptotic signal on the cerebral tissues of experimental mice.

    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  8. Subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolated from humans and associated animals in an indigenous community with poor hygiene in Peninsular Malaysia
    Mohammad NA, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Anuar TS
    Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):849-860.
    PMID: 33601835
    Blastocystis is one of the most common parasites inhabiting the intestinal tract of human and animals. Currently, human Blastocystis isolates are classified into nine subtypes (STs) based on the phylogeny of their small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Although its pathogenicity remains controversial, the possibility of zoonotic transmission was recognized since eight of the nine STs (except for ST9) have been reported in both humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolated from humans and associated animals in an indigenous community with poor hygiene in Malaysia, where the risk of parasitic infection is high. A total of 275 stool samples were collected, subjected to DNA extraction and amplified by PCR assay. The Blastocystis-positive amplicons were then purified and sequenced. Phylogenetic tree of positive isolates, reference strains and outgroup were constructed using maximum likelihood method based on Hasegawa-KishinoYano+G+I model. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection among humans and domestic animals by PCR assay were 18.5% (45/243) and 6.3% (2/32), respectively. Through molecular phylogeny, 47 isolates were separated into five clusters containing isolates from both hosts. Among human isolates, ST3 (53.3%) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (31.1%) and ST2 (15.6%). Chicken and cattle had lower proportions of ST6 (50%) and ST10 (50%), that were barely seen in humans. The distinct distributions of the most important STs among the host animals as well as humans examined demonstrate that there is various host-specific subtypes in the lifecycle of Blastocystis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  9. Reinstatement of Haemaphysalis (Rhipistoma) dentipalpis Warburton & Nuttall, 1909 (Acari: Ixodidae) as a valid species and redescription of adults of H. (R.) asiatica (Supino, 1897), parasites of carnivorans in Oriental Asia
    Apanaskevich DA
    Syst Parasitol, 2023 Feb;100(1):85-104.
    PMID: 36371487 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-022-10072-2
    Haemaphysalis (Rhipistoma) dentipalpis Warburton & Nuttall, 1909 (Acari: Ixodidae) is reinstated here as a valid species and the male is redescribed whereas the female is described for the first time. The adults of H. dentipalpis that we studied were collected from various felid and viverrid carnivorans (Carnivora: Felidae, Viverridae) in Indonesia and Malaysia. For comparative purposes, the male and female of H. (R.) asiatica (Supino, 1897) are redescribed. The adults of H. asiatica that we studied were from various felid and viverrid carnivorans (Carnivora: Felidae, Viverridae) as well as a treeshrew (Scandentia: Tupaiidae) in Thailand and Vietnam. The males and females of both H. dentipalpis and H. asiatica can be differentiated by the pattern of punctations on the conscutum and scutum and the shape and size of the posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on palpal segment II.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites*
  10. Enhanced production of short-peptide tagged Ss3a recombinant protein as a novel potential biomarker for strongyloidiasis
    Mohd-Hassan NH, Noordin R, Arifin N
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):578-586.
    PMID: 33612773 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.578
    Strongyloidiasis is a mysterious yet important parasitic disease that is hard to diagnose. While microscopic examination remains a "controversial" gold standard method, improved diagnosis is achieved through confirmatory assays with serological and/or molecular diagnostic approaches. In the current serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis, recombinant proteins have been adopted in place of the use of native parasite antigens, although the availability of diagnostically potential proteins are still limited. Here, we introduce a novel Strongyloides recombinant protein that is uniquely attached to two different short peptide tags as a potential diagnostic biomarker for serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis, namely lysine (7K) and aspartic acid (7D). The work presented focus on improving the yield and purity of the previously unexpressed recombinant protein. Preliminary diagnostic evaluation of the recombinant favors Ss3a7K protein owing to its higher antigenicity performance with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  11. Fulltext Correlation between Soil Transmitted Helminth Infection and Eosinophil Levels among Primary School Children in Medan
    Darlan DM, Tala ZZ, Amanta C, Warli SM, Arrasyid NK
    Open Access Maced J Med Sci, 2017 Apr 15;5(2):142-146.
    PMID: 28507618 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2017.014
    BACKGROUND: Soil Transmitted Helminth infection is one of most prevalent health problems worldwide, especially in environments with poor sanitation. Based on World Health Organisation (WHO) data, more than 2 billion people, or 24% of the world's population, are infected with intestinal parasite. The highest prevalence is located in areas of poor sanitation and unsafe water supplies. In Indonesia, the prevalence of parasite infections is 15% of the entire population.

    AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Soil Transmitted Helminth infection on levels of eosinophils among primary school children. In addition, this study also aimed to determine the prevalence of different types of worm infections and the levels of eosinophils in children infected with worms.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was analytic observational using a cross-sectional method. The sampling technique was consecutive and in total 132 samples was obtained. The study involved primary school children in Amplas Medan and Hamparan Perak, Deli Serdang through May to October 2016. Univariate analysis was performed to determine STH infection prevalence and bivariate analysis was used to find the correlation between STH infection and eosinophil levels through a Chi square (χ2) test.

    RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminth was 7.6%. The most common types of STH infection were 3.8% with Trichuris trichiura and 3% with Ascaris lumbricoides. A significant correlation was found between Parasite infection and eosinophil levels (Contingency Coefficient (C) = 0.2, χ2 = 5.3, p = 0.021) and the risk of STH infection that caused eosinophilia or increased eosinophil levels in the children with a Prevalence Ratio (PR) of 1.56 (Confidence Interval (CI) 95%: 1.10-2.22).

    CONCLUSION: It is recommended that schools at similar risk improve and maintain hygiene and healthy behaviour in the school environment and that parents and teachers pay greater attention to the cleanliness of their children.

    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  12. An epidemiological study on endoparasites of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Egypt with special reference to their health impact
    Ismail Elshahawy, Ashraf Elgoniemy
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:9-18.
    The present study was designed to study the enteric parasites infection in domestic rabbits in Upper Egypt and its impact on their health. A total of 298 faecal samples were collected from different farms in Upper Egypt. Each faecal sample was screened for parasitic isolation during May 2011- October 2012. Furthermore, The Eimeria species from samples containing isolated and sporulated oocysts were morphologically identified under microscope. Additionally, the Sheather's sugar flotation and Modified Zeihl Neelsen techniques were used to detect the Cryptosporidium species oocyst. According to results of the present study, the overall enteric parasite infections in rabbits was 68.12%, with 5.7% samples were found to be positive for helminths (P. ambiguus) and 49% were found to harbour various species of protozoa (Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium oocysts). Influences of age, sex and breed on the prevalence were recorded. Also, there was strong significant seasonal trends in the prevalence of the recovered parasites. Eight species of Eimeria were detected. Concurrent infection with two to eight Eimeria species occurred most frequently. Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in 45 rabbits (15.1%). To the best of author's knowledge, this the first report of E. piriformis and Cryptosporidium species in rabbits in Egypt. Histopathological changes were indicative of inflammatory reactions brought about by parasitic infection with Eimeria species and its consequent irritating effects on intestine. The current study showed the characteristics of the prevalence of rabbit enteric parasite infection in Egypt and provided relevant 'baseline' data for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against these parasites in Egypt.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  13. A biological approach to medical geography
    Audy JR
    Br Med J, 1954;1:960-962.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  14. A cross-sectional study of Angiostrongylus malaysiensis in rats and gastropod hosts from recreational parks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Detection, risk factors and pathology
    Low SY, Lau SF, Ahmad NI, Sharma RSK, Rosli MZ, Mohd-Taib FS, et al.
    Zoonoses Public Health, 2023 Nov;70(7):636-646.
    PMID: 37403513 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13072
    Angiostrongylus malaysiensis is a potential zoonotic parasite, which reported to co-occur with A. cantonensis in human cerebrospinal fluid. It is a heteroxenous nematode that primarily develops through the early larval stages in gastropods and attains sexual maturity within rats. This study was conducted to determine the host species responsible for the reservoir of A. malaysiensis and investigate the risk factor for transmission among the hosts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in six recreational parks. The rats were trapped alive using steel wire traps with bait, while the gastropods were collected by active searching. The rats were euthanized and dissected to collect any adult worms observed. The molecular detection of A. malaysiensis was performed by PCR on gastropod tissue samples. Biotic and landscape factors were recorded for risk factor analysis. In total, 82 rats and 330 gastropods were collected throughout the study. Overall, 3.64% of gastropods and 32.9% of rats were infected with A. malaysiensis. Rattus tiomanicus (Malayan wood rat) and Parmarion martensi (Yellow-shelled semi-slug) were found as important hosts for A. malaysiensis. Host species, sampling site and macrohabitat type are risk factors associated with the prevalence of A. malaysiensis infection in rats. For gastropods, host species and sampling site are risk factors that correlate with the parasite detection. In total, 128 adult A. malaysiensis were recovered from the infected rats. The mean intensity of infection with adult A. malaysiensis was 4.65 for Rattus rattus complex and 4.90 for R. tiomanicus. Adult worms were found in the pulmonary artery or right ventricle, while eggs and first-stage larvae were found in capillaries of the caudal lung lobe. Infected lungs showed extravasated red blood cells in the alveolar spaces. The pulmonary arteries in the infected lung lobe were thickened. Kepong Metropolitan Park is the hotspot area for A. malaysiensis in Kuala Lumpur. These results provide essential information for public health officials to develop targeted interventions to reduce the transmission of A. malaysiensis in urban areas, particularly in recreational parks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites*
  15. Fulltext Food and water-borne protozoal diseases (FWBPD)
    Baha Latif
    Medical Health Reviews, 2009;2009(2):27-46.
    MyJurnal
    This review places emphasis on the food and water borne protozoal diseases like, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, cyclosporiasis, and toxoplasmosis which are endemic in many parts of the world. The article addresses cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, cyclosporiasis, and toxoplasmosis. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are widespread in the environment and major outbreaks have occurred as a result of contaminated drinking water. Cyclospora has significance in the preparation and consumption of fresh food that have not received heat treatment. Toxoplasma gondii, transmission occur through contaminated water, unpasteurised milk and also the consumption of raw meat, which has been regarded as a major route of transmission to humans .These parasitic protozoa do not multiply in foods, but they may survive in or on moist foods for months especially in cool and damp environment. Their ecology makes control of these parasites difficult. Transmission, clinical manifestations, outbreaks, public health surveillance and control measures that are used for those diseases will be reviewed in this article.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  16. Fulltext A Review of Quercus infectoria (Olivier) Galls as a Resource for Anti-parasitic Agents: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
    Zin NNINM, Rahimi WNAWM, Bakar NA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Nov;26(6):19-34.
    PMID: 31908584 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.6.3
    Parasitic diseases represent one of the causes for significant global economic, environmental and public health impacts. The efficacy of currently available anti-parasitic drugs has been threatened by the emergence of single drug- or multidrug-resistant parasite populations, vector threats and high cost of drug development. Therefore, the discovery of more potent anti-parasitic drugs coming from medicinal plants such as Quercus infectoria is seen as a major approach to tackle the problem. A systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy of Q. infectoria in treating parasitic diseases both in vitro and in vivo due to the lack of such reviews on the anti-parasitic activities of this plant. This review consisted of intensive searches from three databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. Articles were selected throughout the years, limited to English language and fully documented. A total of 454 potential articles were identified, but only four articles were accepted to be evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Although there were insufficient pieces of evidence to account for the efficacy of Q. infectoria against the parasites, this plant appears to have anti-leishmanial, anti-blastocystis and anti-amoebic activities. More studies in vitro and in vivo are warranted to further validate the anti-parasitic efficacy of Q. infectoria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  17. Fulltext In Vitro Antiplasmodium and Chloroquine Resistance Reversal Effects of Andrographolide
    Ibraheem ZO, Majid RA, Sidek HM, Noor SM, Yam MF, Abd Rachman Isnadi MF, et al.
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2019;2019:7967980.
    PMID: 31915453 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7967980
    The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum is the worst catastrophe that has ever confronted the dedicated efforts to eradicate malaria. This urged for searching other alternatives or sensitizers that reverse chloroquine resistance. In this experiment, the potential of andrographolide to inhibit plasmodial growth and reverse CQ resistance was tested in vitro using the SYBRE green-1-based drug sensitivity assay and isobologram technique, respectively. Its safety level toward mammalian cells was screened as well against Vero cells and RBCs using MTT-based drug sensitivity and RBC hemolysis assays, respectively. Its effect against hemozoin formation was screened using β-hematin formation and heme fractionation assays. Its molecular characters were determined using the conventional tests for the antioxidant effect measurement and the in silico molecular characterization using the online free chemi-informatic Molinspiration software. Results showed that andrographolide has a moderate antiplasmodium effect that does not entitle it to be a substituent for chloroquine. Furthermore, andrographolide ameliorated the sensitivity of the parasite to chloroquine. Besides, it showed an indirect inhibitory effect against hemozoin formation within the parasite and augmented the chloroquine-induced inhibition of hemozoin formation. The study suggests that its chloroquine resistance reversal effect may be due to inhibition of chloroquine accumulation or due to its impact on the biological activity of the parasite. Overall, this in vitro study is a clue for the reliability of andrographolide to be added with chloroquine for reversal of chloroquine resistance and tolerance, but further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm this notion. In spite of its prominent and safe in vitro and in vivo growth inhibitory effect and its in vitro chloroquine resistance reversing effect, it is inapplicable to implement it in malaria chemotherapy to substitute chloroquine or to reverse its resistance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  18. Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in young healthy blood donors in Northern Iran
    Kalantari N, Sheikhansari MR, Ghaffari S, Alipour J, Gorgani-Firouzjaee T, Tamadoni A, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1017-1027.
    PMID: 33601849
    T. gondii is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients which may be transmitted through blood transfusion. The present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and molecular detection of T. gondii infection and the associated risk factors among young healthy blood donors in the central part of Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Blood samples were taken from 500 participants and the serum was separated. All serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and then all positive samples were evaluated for IgM antibodies using commercial ELISA kits. All IgM positive samples and 66 randomly selected IgG positive samples were further tested by PCR of the REP-529 gene. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG) avidity test was performed for 142 IgG positive samples which were randomly selected. In the current study, anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and (IgM) were found in 316 (63.2%) and 3 (0.95 %) participants, respectively. Seropositivity rate of Toxoplasma was higher among blood donors living in rural areas (P=0.000) and those with a history of soil and animal contact (P<0.05). PCR of the REP-529 gene showed T. gondii DNA in 21 out of 66 samples. The REP-529 gene was not detected in IgM positive samples. Low avidity antibodies (IgG) was found in 23.2% of the IgG positive samples. In conclusions, this study found that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among young healthy blood donors in north of Iran was high. To reduce the risk of parasite transmission, leukofilteration method are recommended for donated blood used for immunosuppressed patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  19. Fabrication of nano-mosquitocides using chitosan from crab shells: Impact on non-target organisms in the aquatic environment
    Murugan K, Anitha J, Dinesh D, Suresh U, Rajaganesh R, Chandramohan B, et al.
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2016 Oct;132:318-28.
    PMID: 27344400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.06.021
    Mosquitoes are arthropods of huge medical and veterinary relevance, since they vector pathogens and parasites of public health importance, including malaria, dengue and Zika virus. Currently, nanotechnology is considered a potential eco-friendly approach in mosquito control research. We proposed a novel method of biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using chitosan (Ch) from crab shells. Ch-AgNP nanocomposite was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD. Ch-AgNP were tested against larvae and pupae of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi obtaining LC50 ranging from 3.18 ppm (I) to 6.54 ppm (pupae). The antibacterial properties of Ch-AgNP were proved against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi, while no growth inhibition was reported in assays conducted on Proteus vulgaris. Concerning non-target effects, in standard laboratory considtions the predation efficiency of Danio rerio zebrafishes was 68.8% and 61.6% against I and II instar larvae of A. stephensi, respectively. In a Ch-AgNP-contaminated environment, fish predation was boosted to 89.5% and 77.3%, respectively. Quantitative analysis of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and LPO from hepatopancreas of fresh water crabs Paratelphusa hydrodromous exposed for 16 days to a Ch-AgNP-contaminated aquatic environment were conducted. Notably, deleterious effects of Ch-AgNP contaminating aquatic enviroment on the non-target crab P. hydrodromous were observed, particularly when doses higher than 8-10ppm are tested. Overall, this research highlights the potential of Ch-AGNP for the development of newer control tools against young instar populations of malaria mosquitoes, also highlighting some risks concerned the employ of nanoparticles in aquatic environments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
  20. Managing wastes as green resources: cigarette butt-synthesized pesticides are highly toxic to malaria vectors with little impact on predatory copepods
    Murugan K, Suresh U, Panneerselvam C, Rajaganesh R, Roni M, Aziz AT, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Apr;25(11):10456-10470.
    PMID: 28913784 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0074-3
    The development of novel mosquito control tools is a key prerequisite to build effective and reliable Integrated Vector Management strategies. Here, we proposed a novel method using cigarette butts for the synthesis of Ag nanostructures toxic to young instars of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, chloroquine (CQ)-resistant malaria parasites Plasmodium falciparum and microbial pathogens. The non-target impact of these nanomaterials in the aquatic environment was evaluated testing them at sub-lethal doses on the predatory copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis. Cigarette butt-synthesized Ag nanostructures were characterized by UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, as well as by EDX, SEM and XRD analyses. Low doses of cigarette butt extracts (with and without tobacco) showed larvicidal and pupicidal toxicity on An. stephensi. The LC50 of cigarette butt-synthesized Ag nanostructures ranged from 4.505 ppm (I instar larvae) to 8.070 ppm (pupae) using smoked cigarette butts with tobacco, and from 3.571 (I instar larvae) to 6.143 ppm (pupae) using unsmoked cigarette butts without tobacco. Smoke toxicity experiments conducted against adults showed that unsmoked cigarette butts-based coils led to mortality comparable to permethrin-based positive control (84.2 and 91.2%, respectively). A single treatment with cigarette butts extracts and Ag nanostructures significantly reduced egg hatchability of An. stephensi. Furthermore, the antiplasmodial activity of cigarette butt extracts (with and without tobacco) and synthesized Ag nanostructures was evaluated against CQ-resistant (CQ-r) and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of P. falciparum. The lowest IC50 values were achieved by cigarette butt extracts without tobacco, they were 54.63 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 63.26 μg/ml (CQ-r); while Ag nanostructure IC50 values were 72.13 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 77.33 μg/ml (CQ-r). In MIC assays, low doses of the Ag nanostructures inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi. Finally, the predation efficiency of copepod M. aspericornis towards larvae of An. stephensi did not decrease in a nanoparticle-contaminated environment, if compared to control predation assays. Overall, the present research would suggest that an abundant hazardous waste, such as cigarette butts, can be turned to an important resource for nanosynthesis of highly effective antiplasmodials and insecticides.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parasites
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