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Fulltext Immunomodulation resulting of helminth infection could be an opportunity for immunization against tuberculosis and mucosal pathogens

Chin KL, Fonte L, Lim BH, Sarmiento ME, Acosta A

Front Immunol, 2023;14:1091352.
PMID: 37020538 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1091352
Matched MeSH terms: Helminthiasis*; Helminths*
Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among the population in Cambodia

La N, Leng M, Rattanapitoon K, Pechdee P, Boonsuya A, Arunsan P, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2022 Dec 01;39(4):539-546.
PMID: 36602213 DOI: 10.47665/tb.39.4.009

Many species of helminths and protozoa caused intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). It belongs to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and remains a major public health problem in several Southeast Asian countries. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among the population in Kratie Province in northeastern Cambodia and Phnom Penh is the capital that locates in southern Cambodia. Fecal specimens (n=366) were collected in 10 villages in Kratie Province and Phnom Penh from 2019 to 2021. They were processed using the formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique (FECT) to investigate parasites at egg and cyst stages and then examined under a light microscope. The results revealed that the prevalence of IPIs among the population in Kratie Province (n=317) and Phnom Penh (n=49) was 16.12% (n=59); of Kratie Province (n=50, 13.66%) and Phnom Penh (n=9, 2.46%), 12.02% (n=44) were helminths and 4.10% (n=15) were protozoa. The parasitic infection rate was higher in males (9.02%) than in females (7.10%) and more likely to be due to helminths (7.38%) than protozoa (1.64%). Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini was the highest (5.74%), followed by those of Entamoeba coli (4.10%), hookworm (3.83%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.10%), Hymenolepis nana (1.09%), Taenia spp. (0.54%), Trichuris trichiura (0.55%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.27%), respectively. Moreover, O. viverrini infection was the most common infection in the <20-year age group in Kratie Province. In addition, the bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that the association between gender. Gender was a significant risk factor positively associated with O. viverrini and hookworm infections (ORadj=0.318, 95% CI=0.122-0.8270, P=0.019 and ORadj=0.085, 95% CI=0.017-0.436, P=0.003, respectively). In conclusion, the IPIs were highly prevalent, especially O. viverrini and hookworm infections, among the population in Cambodia. These IPIs impact the public health burden but can be prevented by education regarding good sanitary practices in this community.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths*
Fulltext Clostridia isolated from helminth-colonized humans promote the life cycle of Trichuris species

Sargsian S, Chen Z, Lee SC, Robertson A, Thur RS, Sproch J, et al.

Cell Rep, 2022 Nov 29;41(9):111725.
PMID: 36450245 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111725

Soil-transmitted intestinal worms known as helminths colonize over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Although helminth colonization has been associated with altered composition of the gut microbiota, such as increases in Clostridia, individual species have not been isolated and characterized. Here, we isolate and sequence the genome of 13 Clostridia from the Orang Asli, an indigenous population in Malaysia with a high prevalence of helminth infections. Metagenomic analysis of 650 fecal samples from urban and rural Malaysians confirm the prevalence of species corresponding to these isolates and reveal a specific association between Peptostreptococcaceae family members and helminth colonization. Remarkably, Peptostreptococcaceae isolated from the Orang Asli display superior capacity to promote the life cycle of whipworm species, including hatching of eggs from Trichuris muris and Trichuris trichiura. These findings support a model in which helminths select for gut colonization of microbes that support their life cycle.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths*
Fulltext Diseases among Orang Asli community in Malaysia: a systematic review

Mahmud MH, Baharudin UM, Md Isa Z

BMC Public Health, 2022 Nov 16;22(1):2090.
PMID: 36384509 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14449-2

Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, is a minority population and placed behind in terms of socioeconomy, education and health. The Malaysian government has supported Orang Asli since the second Malaysia Plan in the 1970s, resulting in changes in their living standard, access to health, education and occupation. Hence, this review aims to assess the recent prevalence of diseases among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) review protocol guided this systematic review. The research question was formulated based on Population, Interest, Comparison and Outcome (PICO). The selected databases include Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid and EBSCOhost. The process of identification, screening and inclusion identified 33 articles. The mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) was then used to rank the quality of the articles. Selangor is the most frequent state involved in this review (12 studies), followed by Perak (10 studies), Pahang (10 studies) and Kedah (one study). We categorised into four categories of diseases, namely neglected tropical disease (n = 20), non-communicable disease (n = 6), nutritional status (n = 5), and hepatic disease (n = 2). The prevalence of diseases among Orang Asli is higher than in the general population, especially for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and malnutrition. There is increasing research on non-communicable diseases due to an increasing trend in the socioeconomic status and lifestyle of the Orang Asli. Government agencies and private organisations must work together to empower Orang Asli with a healthy lifestyle, improve their socioeconomic status, and enhance food security, all of which will improve Orang Asli's health and reduce the prevalence of diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths*
Fulltext A prevalence-based transmission model for the study of the epidemiology and control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Chong NS, Hardwick RJ, Smith SR, Truscott JE, Anderson RM

PLoS One, 2022;17(8):e0272600.
PMID: 36006929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272600

Much effort has been devoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections by 2030 using mass drug administration targeted at particular risk groups alongside the availability to access water, sanitation and hygiene services. The targets set by the WHO for the control of helminth infections are typically defined in terms of the prevalence of infection, whereas the standard formulation of STH transmission models typically describe dynamic changes in the mean-worm burden. We develop a prevalence-based deterministic model to investigate the transmission dynamics of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in humans, subject to continuous exposure to infection over time. We analytically determine local stability criteria for all equilibria and find bifurcation points. Our model predicts that STH infection will either be eliminated (if the initial prevalence value, y(0), is sufficiently small) or remain endemic (if y(0) is sufficiently large), with the two stable points of endemic infection and parasite eradication separated by a transmission breakpoint. Two special cases of the model are analysed: (1) the distribution of the STH parasites in the host population is highly aggregated following a negative binomial distribution, and (2) no density-dependent effects act on the parasite population. We find that disease extinction is always possible for Case (1), but it is not so for Case (2) if y(0) is sufficiently large. However, by introducing stochastic perturbation into the deterministic model, we discover that chance effects can lead to outcomes not predicted by the deterministic model alone, with outcomes highly dependent on the degree of worm clumping, k. Specifically, we show that if the reproduction number and clumping are sufficiently bounded, then stochasticity will cause the parasite to die out. It follows that control of soil-transmitted helminths will be more difficult if the worm distribution tends towards clumping.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths*
Shift in parasitic infections during the Corona pandemic: a hospital-based retrospective study

Hawash Y, Ismail KH, Abdel-Wahab M

Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):94-101.
PMID: 34172696 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.038

The Corona pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) calls on the Saudi government to take action to control the infection. The government closed borders, prohibited travel, limited outdoor movements, and told primary and secondary care facilities to reduce all regular non-urgent health services. It is not known whether these measures have impacted the prevalence of parasitic intestinal infections. This study has therefore been carried out to investigate this issue. Dataset of 217 stool samples submitted to the King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC) Microbiology Laboratory in Taif, Saudi Arabia for parasitological examination during the pandemic (January-June 2020) and 649 samples submitted during the corresponding months of the previous year (January-June 2019) were extracted and analyzed. Overall, 24.1% (209/866) of samples were parasitespositives; 26.6% (173/649) before and 16.5% (36/217) during the pandemic, with 79% reduction. There was a significant difference in gender-parasitism between the two periods where the majority of parasitism were for males (p<0.001). Infections were frequent in patients aged 5- 14 years both before (84/649; 12.9%) and during (12/217; 5.5%) the pandemic, with significant difference observed between the two cohorts (p<0.002). Moreover, the majority of infected patients were non-Saudi (67.9%; 142/209), with a significant difference in nationality reported, (p=0.024). Protozoa were identified in 21.8% (189) of all samples investigated, of which, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium species were identified in 6.1% (53), 5.4% (47), 5.0% (44), 2.8% (25), and 2.3% (20), respectively. Helminths were diagnosed in 2.3% (20/866) of samples. Eggs of hookworm, Ascaris, Taenia spp, and Hymenolepis nana were detected in 0.9% (8), 0.5% (5), 0.3% (3) and 0.4% (4), respectively. In parallel with our research hypothesis, a substantial decrease in the burden of intestinal parasitic infections was recorded with the lock-down measures taken during the Corona pandemic.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths/isolation & purification
Fulltext Nutritional status, hemoglobin level and their associations with soil-transmitted helminth infections between Negritos (indigenous) from the inland jungle village and resettlement at town peripheries

Muslim A, Lim YA, Mohd Sofian S, Shaari SA, Mohd Zain Z

PLoS One, 2021;16(1):e0245377.
PMID: 33439889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245377

This study compared the current nutritional status, hemoglobin levels and their associations with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections between two categories of Negritos (indigenous): (i) Inland Jungle Villages (IJV) (ii) and Resettlement Plan Scheme (RPS) near town peripheries, decades after redevelopment and demarginalization. A total of 416 Negritos (IJV: 149; RPS: 267) was included for nutritional profiling based on anthropometric analysis. However, only 196 (IJV: 64; RPS: 132) individuals consented to blood taking for the hemoglobin (Hb) measurements. Subsequently, the association of undernutrition and anemia with STH infections were determined based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The overall prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight amongst children and adolescents (n = 343) were 45.8%, 42.3% and 59.1%, respectively. In adults (n = 73), the prevalence of underweight was low (6.8%) but overweight and obese was prominent (26.0%). For anemia (n = 196), an overall prevalence rate of 68.4% were observed with 80% and 70.4% of children aged 2-6 y/o and aged 7-12 y/o, respectively being anemic. Comparatively, the prevalence of underweight (WAZ) was significantly higher in the RPS versus the IJV (P = 0.03) In the IJV, children aged ≤ 6 y/o and having STH poly-parasitism were associated with underweight (P = 0.01) and moderate-severe T. trichiura infection was associated with anemia. Whilst in the RPS, underweight was highly associated with only T. trichiura infection (P = 0.04). Wasting was significantly associated with young children aged ≤10 in both IJV (P = 0.004) and RPS (P = 0.02). Despite efforts in improving provision of facilities and amenities among the indigenous, this study highlighted a high magnitude of nutritional issues among the Negritos especially those in the RPS and their likely association with STH infections and decades of demarginalization. Joint nutritional intervention strategies with mass anti-helminthic treatment are imperative and urgently needed to reduce the undernutrition problems especially among indigenous children.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths/physiology*
Helminthic parasites in indigenous chickens in Penang Island, Malaysia

Farah Haziqah MT, Khadijah S

Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):896-902.
PMID: 33612743 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.896

Indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) is reared for both its meat and eggs. Most consumers prefer the meat probably due to its specific texture and taste. The study was conducted to determine the presence of helminth parasites of 240 indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) obtained randomly from 12 divisions in Penang Island, Malaysia. Necropsy findings revealed 14 endoparasite species which parasitized these chickens namely, Acuaria hamulosa, Acuaria spiralis, Amoebotaenia sphenoides, Ascaridia galli, Brachylaima sp., Capillaria spp., Gongylonema ingluvicola, Heterakis gallinarum, Hymenolepis sp., Oxyspirura mansoni, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona, Syngamus trachea and Tetrameres americana. The high abundance of helminth species observed in this study may be attributed to the free-range scavenging production system, where these indigenous chickens were exposed to intermediate or paratenic hosts of helminths which infect poultry. Besides, sustainable methods of helminthic control measure are necessary in order to enhance indigenous chicken production and eventually improve the economy of the rural farmers.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths/isolation & purification*
Prevalence and intensity of helminths among inhabitants of the Chi River and Lahanna water reservoir areas of Northeastern Thailand

Rattanapitoon SK, Pechdee P, Boonsuya A, Meererksom T, Wakkhuwatapong P, Leng M, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):730-743.
PMID: 33612786 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.730

Helminth infections (HIs) are an important public health problem in tropical countries, and the associated problems have been neglected in rural areas of Thailand. Therefore, this study reports the prevalence and intensity of HIs among inhabitants of the Khon Sawan district, Chaiyaphum province, and Kaeng Samnam Nang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, which are located near the Chi River and Lahanna water reservoir, northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between July 31, 2018, and June 30, 2019, among rural villagers from 40 rural villages in 4 subdistricts. The participants were selected from the village enrolment list after proportional allocation of the total sample size. Faecal samples from 691 inhabitants were prepared using solvent-free faecal parasite concentrator, and helminths were then detected using a light microscope. Statistical analysis included the Chi-square test with Yates correction, and multivariable logistic regression was performed. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of HIs was 2.03%. The most prevalent helminths were Opisthorchis viverrini (1.31%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (0.44%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.29%), hookworm (0.15%), Teania spp. (0.15%) and one minute intestinal fluke (0.15%). Coinfections were identified in 2 cases for S. stercoralis and hookworm and 1 case for O. viverrini and S. stercoralis infection. All infected participants had a light intensity of HI. There was no significant difference between general characteristics for all HIs. The prevalence of HIs was not significantly associated with general characteristics. This study indicates that the infections result mainly from foodborne helminths and skin-penetrating nematodes. Therefore, interventions should concentrate on the personal hygiene of the population and improving sanitation to reduce HIs in this area.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths
Fulltext Efficacy of Albendazole-Pyrantel Pamoate Compared to Albendazole Alone for Trichuris trichiura Infection in Children: A Double Blind Randomised Controlled Trial

Sapulete EJJ, de Dwi Lingga Utama IMG, Sanjaya Putra IGN, Kanya Wati D, Arimbawa IM, Gustawan IW

Malays J Med Sci, 2020 May;27(3):67-74.
PMID: 32684807 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.3.7

Background: Soil transmitted helminths (STH) are intestinal nematodes and constitute one of the most neglected tropical diseases to exist. Objective: This study determined the efficacy of albendazole-pyrantel pamoate compared to albendazole in 8-12 years old children with Trichuris trichiura infection.
Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted between October 2017 and February 2018 on participants whose stool examinations confirmed the presence of Trichuris trichiura infection. The subjects were randomised into two groups. The statistical analysis used Chi-square test.
Results: There were 392 of 600 children at five public elementary schools in Bangli and Bali and were infected with Trichuris trichiura. The cure rate of Trichuris trichiura infection seven days following treatment was lower with the combination of albendazole and pyrantel pamoate compared to that of albendazole. The egg reduction rate of Trichuris trichiura infection was lower with the combination of albendazole and pyrantel pamoate compared to albendazole.
Conclusion: The study indicated that a combination of albendazole and pyrantel pamoate does not improve cure rate or egg reduction rate in 8-12 years old children with Trichuris trichiura infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths
Fulltext COVID-19 Lethality in Sub-Saharan Africa and Helminth Immune Modulation

Fonte L, Acosta A, Sarmiento ME, Ginori M, García G, Norazmi MN

Front Immunol, 2020;11:574910.
PMID: 33117371 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.574910
Matched MeSH terms: Helminths*
Helminth parasites occurrence in wild proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), endemic primates to Borneo Island

Adrus M, Zainuddin R, Ahmad Khairi NH, Ahamad M, Abdullah MT

J Med Primatol, 2019 12;48(6):357-363.
PMID: 31486088 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12437

BACKGROUND: Nasalis larvatus are well-known attraction for tourists in the mangrove forest of Bako National Park (BNP). Little is known regarding the infestation of helminth parasites in proboscis monkeys. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence species of major helminth parasites of public health importance in proboscis monkeys in BNP.
METHODS: A total of 65 faecal samples screened for helminth parasites via sodium nitrate floatation and faecal sedimentation techniques.
RESULTS: A total of 14 helminth parasite species comprising of eight genera of nematodes, two species of cestodes and two trematodes were identified. Eggs of Trichuris trichiura were the most frequently encountered in proboscis monkeys.
CONCLUSION: This is the first survey on the fauna of helminth parasites of proboscis monkeys living in mangrove forests, and therefore, it implies the important baseline information that increases our current knowledge for future research regarding parasite-host ecology in primates.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths/classification; Helminths/physiology*
Comparison of mini-flotac and Kato-Katz methods for detecting soil-transmitted helminth eggs in 10% formalin preserved stools stored >=12 months

Sarirah M, Wijayanti MA, Murhandarwati EEH

Trop Biomed, 2019 Sep 01;36(3):677-686.
PMID: 33597489

In Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) control programs, microscopic examination is applied as a standard method for detecting the presence and the number of STH eggs. The time limitations of fresh specimen processing, especially for an accurate quantitative diagnosis, cause the specimen processing to be delayed or should be performed at a referral laboratory. This deferment requires preservatives to keep the stool integrity without reducing the accuracy. The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the proportion of positive samples and the intensity of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworm infection based on the examination of fresh samples and stool preserved by 10% formalin for >12 months and 2) to determine the most reliably accurate between Kato-Katz and mini-FLOTAC methods in detecting A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworm eggs in preserved stools both qualitatively and quantitatively. Seventy-eight (78) stool samples were examined by mini-FLOTAC, and KatoKatz methods. Proportion of positive samples of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworms in fresh and in >=12 months 10% formalin preserved stools had no significant difference. Helminths density (eggs per gram of stool/EPG) in fresh samples was fewer compared to EPG in preserved samples (p <0.05) which leads to a lower proportion of moderate and high level groups in fresh stools samples compared to those in preserved samples (p <0.05). In preserved samples, as qualitative method, mini-FLOTAC detected more A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura eggs than Kato-Katz, while hookworm eggs were detected more by Kato-Katz than the miniFLOTAC. As a quantitative detection, Kato-Katz showed higher calculation of STH EPG than mini-FLOTAC. Using 10% formalin preservation for stool samples, the STH eggs' morphology could still be well identified. Homogenization process and low number of samples tested, were acknowledged as the limitation of this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths/isolation & purification*
100 Questions in Livestock Helminthology Research

Morgan ER, Aziz NA, Blanchard A, Charlier J, Charvet C, Claerebout E, et al.

Trends Parasitol, 2019 01;35(1):52-71.
PMID: 30477758 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.10.006

An elicitation exercise was conducted to collect and identify pressing questions concerning the study of helminths in livestock, to help guide research priorities. Questions were invited from the research community in an inclusive way. Of 385 questions submitted, 100 were chosen by online vote, with priority given to open questions in important areas that are specific enough to permit investigation within a focused project or programme of research. The final list of questions was divided into ten themes. We present the questions and set them briefly in the context of the current state of knowledge. Although subjective, the results provide a snapshot of current concerns and perceived priorities in the field of livestock helminthology, and we hope that they will stimulate ongoing or new research efforts.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths/physiology
Fulltext Prevalence of soil transmitted helminths among school children in Northern Sabah

Fredie Robinson, Jecelyn John, Tin Sabai Aung, Swe, Shamsul Bahari, David Matanjun

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):26-26.
MyJurnal

Introduction: World Health Organization in 2019 reported that about 1.5 billion people are infected with soil-trans-mitted helminths (STH) worldwide. Infected children with STH might manifest signs of anaemia and impaired nutri-tionally or physically. This study aimed to look at the prevalence of STH in the area of North Sabah among rural pri-mary schools and examine the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected primary school in the district of Kudat of Sabah from 2014 to 2015. Tools used for the study were questionnaire and stool sampling. Questionnaire focused data on sociodemographic, hygiene and use of anti-helminths drugs. Stool samples collected were sent for microscopic examination for presence of STH ova. Written consents were obtained from parents/guardians. Chi-square was used to examine the association of having STH and factors on utilities fa-cilities, hygiene and anti-helminths drug. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was 433 school children aged 7 to 12 years old with 224 males and 209 females respondents. Three-quarters main source of water supply in the homes from treated water. Those with proper built toilet were 96%. Practices of washing hands after toilet and before eating were 96% as well. Almost 95% wear slippers when outside homes. Only 61% took their anti-helminths drug in the past 1 year while in the last 6 months the uptake was 38.7%. The prevalence of positive ova of STH in the stool sample was 57 out of 433 or 13.2%. STH infection was not statistically significant associated with the above factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of STH infection among primary school children in the district of Kudat although has lowered over the years is still considered higher than most states in Malaysia. Continuous public health intervention is necessary to further bring down the prevalence of STH infections.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths
Parasites in soil samples from Signy island, Antarctica

Lim PKC, Lee XC, Mohd Nazmi NMA, Tang YY, Wong SF, Mak JW, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1007-1016.
PMID: 33601848

Studies on parasite populations in Antarctic soils are scarce and thus little is known about the threat of these parasites towards either the natural fauna or human visitors. However, human presence in Antarctica, mainly through research and tourism, keeps increasing over time, potentially exposing visitors to zoonotic infections from Antarctic wildlife and environment. Most available literature to date has focused on faecal samples from Antarctic vertebrates. Therefore, this study addressed the possible presence of parasites in Antarctic soil that may be infectious to humans. Soil samples were obtained from five locations on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic), namely North Point and Gourlay Peninsula (penguin rookeries), Pumphouse (relic coal-powered pump house), Jane Col (barren high altitude fellfield) and Berntsen Point (low altitude vegetated fellfield close to current research station). Approximately 10% of the soil samples (14/135) from 3 out of the 5 study sites had parasites which included Diphyllobotridae spp. eggs, Cryptosporidium sp., an apicomplexan protozoa (gregarine), Toxoplasma gondii, helminths (a cestode, Tetrabothrius sp., and a nematode larva) and mites. The presence of parasites in the 3 sites are most likely due to the presence of animal and human activities as two of these sites are penguin rookeries (North Point and Gourlay Peninsula) while the third site (Pumphouse Lake) has human activity. While some of the parasite species found in the soil samples appear to be distinctive, there were also parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma gondii that have a global distribution and are potentially pathogenic.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths
Fulltext Prevalence of strongyloidiasis in soautheast asia: a systematic review

Mohd Shafik Abd Majid, Fadzrul Hafiz Johani, Wan Rosmawati Wan Ismail, Diyana Mohd Mokhtar, Qistina Mohd Ghazali, Norfazilah Ahmad, et al.

Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(2):1005-1024.
MyJurnal

Introduction Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal helminth that infects humans
through contact with soil containing the larvae.
Methods A systematic search was performed for relevant titles, abstract and keywords
in database from Cochrane Library, PLOS One, PubMed and several other
sources in October 2017 based on PICO strategy. Out of 511 papers that were
evaluated for possible inclusion, final assessment for eligibility has yielded a
total of 17 papers to be included which were found suitable for analysis
covering period from 2012 till 2016.
Results A major challenge of giving an overview of prevalence data for S. stercoralis
lies in the low sensitivity of diagnostic method used which resulted in very
low prevalence in certain countries. Cambodia and Laos presented with high
prevalence ranging from 17.4% to 45.9% by using high sensitivity of
diagnostic methods. The current prevalence situation of S. stercoralis in
Southeast Asia still have wide gaps remains due to several reasons.
Conclusions The information we have today only scratches the surface which cannot truly
reflect the true burden of S. stercoralis in Southeast Asia The main risk factor
is personal hygiene practices especially amongst males.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths
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: Helminths
Fulltext Antibody-Based Protective Immunity against Helminth Infections: Antibody Phage Display Derived Antibodies against BmR1 Antigen

Rahumatullah A, Abdul Karim IZ, Noordin R, Lim TS

Int J Mol Sci, 2017 Nov 22;18(11).
PMID: 29165352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112376

Helminth parasite infections are significantly impacting global health, with more than two billion infections worldwide with a high morbidity rate. The complex life cycle of the nematodes has made host immune response studies against these parasites extremely difficult. In this study, we utilized two phage antibody libraries; the immune and naïve library were used to identify single chain fragment variable (scFv) clones against a specific filarial antigen (BmR1). The V-gene analysis of isolated scFv clones will help shed light on preferential VDJ gene segment usage against the filarial BmR1 antigen in healthy and infected states. The immune library showed the usage of both lambda and kappa light chains. However, the naïve library showed preferential use of the lambda family with different amino acid distributions. The binding characteristics of the scFv clones identified from this work were analyzed by immunoassay and immunoaffinity pull down of BmR1. The work highlights the antibody gene usage pattern of a naïve and immune antibody library against the same antigen as well as the robust nature of the enriched antibodies for downstream applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths/immunology*
Nematomorpha from Hong Kong and description of a new species from Malaysia

Schmidt-Rhaesa A, Karraker NE

Zootaxa, 2017 Mar 05;4238(3):395-405.
PMID: 28603263 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4238.3.6

We report here for the first time horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) from Hong Kong (China). Most specimens belong to the genus Chordodes, and can be assigned to C. bipilus, C. caledoniensis and to C. cf. moutoni. Two specimens have a cuticular pattern resembling the South American species C. peraccae or C. bouvieri, but for Southeast Asia this pattern is new. These two specimens are reported here as Chordodes sp. Additionally, Gordionus chinensis was found. One new species, Acutogordius koljai, is described from Malaysia. It has a characteristically-structured region posterior to the postcloacal crescent which sets it apart from previously described species in this genus.

Matched MeSH terms: Helminths*

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