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Background: The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is a generalist species that hosts several parasites. Nevertheless, no information is available on the specific parasites that this species may host when it inhabits urban areas. Objective: To evaluate the presence and frequency of gastrointestinal parasites of urban opossums in the Aburrá Valley, Antioquia, Colombia. Methods: A total of 70 opossums were captured in six protected urban areas using Tomahawk traps during six months. From these animals we obtained 65 fecal samples which were fixed wit SAF solution and analyzed with direct smear and sedimentation techniques. Results: Sixty-one samples were positive for, at least, one parasite (93.9%) and 60 were positive for two or more parasites, averaging five parasites per animal. We observed nematodes in 58 samples (89.2%), protozoa in 46 samples (70.7%), acanthocephalans in 29 samples (44.6%), and cestodes in eight samples (12.3%). The most frequent parasite was Aspidodera spp. in 80% of the samples. In addition, this is the first study reporting the presence of eggs of Toxocara spp., Hymenolepis spp., an Oxyuridae parasite, and coccidians Eimeria didelphidis, E. caluromydis, and E. marmosopos in D. marsupialis. The latter is also reported in Colombia for the first time. Toxacara spp. is common to dogs and cats, while Hymenolepis and Oxiuridae are common to rodents. We found no association between parasites and sex or life stage of opossums, nor to the urban area of origin. Conclusions: Urban opossums in the Aburrá Valley host a high frequency and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites compared to other areas in Latin America. Some parasites are reported here for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study parasitic eye diseases in a tertiary institute of North-east India by live examination of parasites, rapid staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: A 12-year retrospective analysis was performed and all patients diagnosed with ocular parasitic diseases were identified. Examination under a compound microscope, fluorescein staining, and scanning electron microscopy were done. Results: A total of 160 ocular parasitosis cases were identified. The cases for which rapid staining and SEM studies were done included Cysticercosis (n = 18, 11.25%), Hydatidosis (n = 5, 3.13%), Dirofilariasis (n = 5, 3.13%), Thelaziasis (n = 3, 1.87%), and Gnathostomiasis (n = 2, 1.25%). Live examination was performed in 11 cases (6.63%) and 8 cases (4.82%) underwent scanning electron microscopy. Conclusion: Fluorescein staining for identification of parasites and SEM study helped in detailing microscopic and ultrastructural findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fasciola hepatica affects cattle and buffaloes causing decreased production and liver condemnation at slaughter. Objective: To determine liver condemnation frequency, temporal distribution, and associated factors, as well as the spatial distribution and economic impact of F. hepatica infection based on postmortem inspection of cattle and buffaloes processed between 2010 and 2019 at one of the main slaughterhouses in Colombia. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out, with a convenience non-probability sampling. Temporal distribution of liver condemnation frequency was analyzed. Pearson χ² test was used to determine association between the dependent variable (i.e., presence/absence of adult parasites of F. hepatica) and frequency rates between months and years. Monthly rainfall data was compared with the accumulated monthly frequency. Association between the dependent variable and production type (i.e., industrial-type bovine cattle--intended for milk production, and commercial-type bovine cattle--intended for meat production), weight, and sex (odds ratios, OR and confidence intervals, 95% CI) was explored. Descriptive maps of the municipalities presenting at least one positive case of F. hepatica in 2019 and weighted prevalences, both for bovines and buffaloes, were designed. Only losses due to liver condemnation between 2010 and 2019 were considered in the economic impact analysis. Results: A total of 1,947,233 animals were processed during the study period, resulting in 3.1% overall frequency of fasciolosis. Industrial-type cattle presented 7.4% higher risk of developing F. hepatica compared to commercialtype cattle (OR=0.074; 95% CI:0.07-0.08). Likewise, male cattle presented 3.88 times more risk compared to females (OR=3.88; 95% CI:3.49-4.33). Economic losses due to liver condemnation were estimated at US$1,129,660 for the study period. Conclusion: This is the first report of Fasciola hepatica in buffaloes in Colombia. Liver condemnations in Colombia occur throughout the year, although its frequency increases during the rainy season. The economic losses, estimated by liver condemnation due to fasciolosis, are high; however, it is necessary to explore such losses considering other productive indicators and larger animal populations. This work demonstrates the importance of systematizing the information generated in slaughterhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children in Złocieniec, a town in north-western Poland. Therefore, it was decided to assess the extent of intestinal parasite infection, the prevalence of individual parasite species, and the usefulness of clinical symptoms reported by parents/guardians of children for parasitological screening. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 88 children aged 3–6 years. Parasitological diagnosis was performed by standard coproscopic method. For intestinal parasites, direct smears of feces in saline (0.9% NaCl) and stained with Lugol's fluid were performed. Pinworms were examined by the cellophane sticking method (according to Graham). Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in children was 12.5%. In the study group of preschool children, 2 species of intestinal parasites were identified: Blastocystis hominis (3 cases) and Enterobius vermicularis (8 cases). The most frequently diagnosed species of intestinal parasites was human pinworm, with a prevalence of 9.09%, while the prevalence of B. hominis infection was 3.41%. There was no co-occurrence of these parasite species in any child. The highest incidence of intestinal parasite infestation was detected in 6-year-old children, whose infection rate was 45.45%, while no intestinal parasite species was detected in 4-year-old children. Among the preschool children infected with intestinal parasites, 81.82% lived in urban areas and 18.18% lived in the countryside, while all (100%) children infected with human pinworm came from urban areas. Clinical symptoms characteristic of E. vermicularis infection (1–9) were reported in 43 (48.86%) of the children examined, regardless of the test result. The occurrence of symptoms characteristic of enterobiasis (1–9) was reported in only 50% of the children infected with E. vermicularis, and only 1 child had 9 symptoms typical of the presence of E. vermicularis. There were no cases of reinfection with pinworms in 7 children (7.95%) with previously diagnosed pinworms. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children in Złocieniec is lower than the prevalence in West Pomeranian voivodeship, but similar to that found in other regions of Poland. Therefore, the potential risk of infection among the inhabitants of Złocieniec is low. The prevalence of E. vermicularis in children in Złocieniec is similar to its prevalence in Poland and Europe. It was found that clinical signs reported by parents/guardians of children may not always serve as a guideline for parasitologic examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Paediatric eosinophilia is a common clinical dilemma, often leading to resource‐ and time‐consuming assessments. We aim to evaluate the main aetiologies of eosinophilia in children from different socioeconomic settings and propose a diagnostic algorithm. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 2012 to June 2023 reporting the incidence and aetiology of peripheral eosinophilia in children were included. Evidence from studies on children originating from low‐ or high‐income countries was compared. Results: A total of 15 observational studies, encompassing 3409 children, were included. The causes of eosinophilia varied based on the children's origin and the eosinophilia severity. In children from high‐income countries, allergic diseases were the leading cause, with a prevalence of 7.7%–78.2%, while parasitosis ranged from 1.0% to 9.1%. In children from low‐income countries, parasitosis was predominant, ranging from 17.7% to 88.3%, although allergic diseases were found in 2.5%–4.8% of cases. Concerning severity, allergic diseases were the leading cause of mild‐to‐moderate eosinophilia; parasitosis was associated with moderate‐to‐severe eosinophilia, while immunological disorders were mostly found in severe cases. Conclusion: We developed a step‐up diagnostic algorithm that considers the child's origin and eosinophilia severity and could optimise resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Beef ranks third in consumption in the Mexican market, where the diversity in supply sources and management systems used in production units is notable. This diversity is reflected in the health and welfare conditions of cattle. Objective: To evaluate health indicators of dual-purpose cattle in Michoacán, Mexico, aiming to promote quality in the meat industry. Methodology: Data were collected using the protocol adapted from UC Davis Cow-Calf Health and Handling. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were applied to analyze the data. Results: Six factors explain the cattle's current and past health conditions. From these, three groups of cattle were obtained with statistically significant differences in eight key indicators. Group 1 (G1) was characterized by good body condition and favorable past health status. Group 2 (G2) showed recent health problems, skin lesions, wildlife attacks, and parasitosis. Group 3 (G3) presented moderate conditions regarding past and recent health. Implications: This study provides a foundation for designing tools to enhance livestock living conditions by identifying and addressing individuals with poor health and welfare. These actions benefit livestock and directly improve the quality of meat derived from them. Conclusions: Group 2 (G2) was identified as having the greatest health problems, while G3 showed intermediate conditions and G1 grouped cattle with better health indicators. These findings underscore the importance of implementing improved animal health and welfare practices in production units to enhance the quality of meat produced.

Las parasitosis intestinales son infecciones que se pueden producir por la ingestión de quistes (u ooquistes) de protozoos, huevos, larvas de helmintos o por la penetración de larvas por vía transcutánea. Una de las bases principales para poder prevenirlas, es el cumplimiento de las medidas higiénicas básicas. La presente investigación tiene como finalidad determinar el nivel de conocimiento sobre las medidas preventivas de las parasitosis intestinales, en los padres de familia de la ciudadela Municipal de Portoviejo, Ecuador. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo, en el que se evaluaron 217 familias que desearon contribuir en el estudio y a las cuales, se les realizó una encuesta. En su mayoría, se encontró padres de familia con una edad de 39 a 49 años, con un grado de instrucción superior y de ocupación oficios del hogar; en cuanto al conocimiento sobre medidas preventivas de parasitosis intestinal, la mayoría de los padres mostraron un nivel de conocimiento “bueno”, según la clasificación aquí realizada. Concluyendo que los padres de familia de la Ciudadela Municipal, conoce sobre las normas de prevención contra parasitosis intestinales, lo cual debería contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida de la población

La estrongyloidiasis es una infección que generalmente produce pocos síntomas y rara vez está asociada con complicaciones mortales como las descritas en el presente caso, pero puede ocurrir en pacientes con inmunodeficiencias, enfermedades subyacentes severas o recibiendo tratamiento con drogas inmunosepresoras. El caso que reportamos en un niño (10 años de edad) con bajo estado nutriclonal y su estado general se agravó por nauseas, vómitos, edema, ascitis y finalmente falleció. Los hallazgos de necropsia fueron: ascitis severa de 1,200 mi con gran número de larvas de estrongyloldes, pollmorfonuclcares y células gigantes multinucleadas. También se encontraron larvas de estrongyloides en el pulmón, Intestino y apéndice cecal. En los riñones se encontró necro.,;is tubular. Se concluye que la estrongyloidiasis se puede manifestar como una hlperinfestación que puede ser fatal.

El estudio se realizó en el grupo vulnerable de la Unidad Educativa de Cusubamba, donde participaron niños con edades entre los 4 y los 10 años. Esta unidad educativa está ubicada en la parroquia rural de Cusubamba, perteneciente al Cantón Salcedo, en la provincia de Cotopaxi. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, con un diseño no experimental, descriptivo y de corte transversal. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante la técnica de coproanálisis, que incluyó análisis visual y microscópico de las muestras de heces. El objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de parasitosis en la población escolar, e identificar la presencia de casos leves, moderados y severos. Los resultados mostraron una prevalencia del 57%, cifra significativamente mayor que la reportada en estudios previos realizados a nivel de América Latina, donde oscila entre el 20% y el 30%, llegando hasta el 50% dependiendo de la ubicación geográfica. Esto podría atribuirse a la situación de pobreza que afecta al 62.7% de los hogares con niños menores de 12 años en Ecuador, lo que influye en una mayor incidencia de parasitosis infantil. En cuanto a la gravedad de los casos, se encontró que el 75% correspondían a cuadros leves, seguidos por un 15% de casos moderados y un 10% de casos severos. Es importante destacar que estas infecciones parasitarias representan un problema de salud pública y ambiental en los países en vías de desarrollo, también pueden tener un impacto negativo en el crecimiento, el estado nutricional y el aprendizaje de la población infantil afectada.

The objectives of this study were to identify the species of psittaciform birds kept in captivity as companion and ornamental animals in Yucatán, Mexico, as well as to estimate the prevalence and intensity of the intestinal parasites. 16 species of psittaciform belonging to 11 different genera were studied, of which three species are locally distributed (Amazona albifrons, Amazona xantholora and Eupsittula nana astec), two are introduced (Amazona autumnalis and Amazona oratrix) and 11 are exotic (Agapornis sp., Amazona auropalliata, Amazona farinosa, Aratinga solstitialis, Barnardius zonaris, Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae, Melopsittacus undulatus, Noephema bouerkii, Nymphicus hollandicus, Psephotus sp. and Psittacula krameri) for the state of Yucatán, Mexico. A total of 84 stool samples were obtained and processed using the centrifugal flotation and McMaster techniques. A prevalence of 14.28 % of birds with intestinal parasites was estimated, reporting the presence of the nematodes Ascaridia spp. (33.3 %), Capillaria spp. (16.6 %) and Heterakis spp. (16.6 %), cestodes Hymenolepis spp. (16.6 %) and Raillietina spp. (8.3 %) and the protozoan Eimeria spp. (16.6 %). The intensity of eggs and oocysts per gram of feces (h/gh and ooq/gh) was from <50 to 600, with high intensities only observed in exotic species such as B. zonaris and C. novaezelandiae. It is concluded that six genera of intestinal parasites were present in psittaciforms from Yucatán, Mexico with nematodes being the ones that appeared most frequently. The highest intensities occurred in exotic bird species, being important in the implementation of deworming and quarantine protocols to prevent parasitic infections in birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a cosmopolitan migratory, seasonal mysticete that frequents the Brazilian coast. Strands of specimens may occur during the migratory stay in the country. In 2021 and 2022, three live humpback whales stranded on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states in southern Brazil. After euthanasia, specimens were necropsied, and organs were thoroughly examined for lesions. Grossly, in all three cases, the liver exhibited multifocal, irregular, firm, white areas on the hepatic capsule, which extended into the parenchyma. On the cut surface, the livers were yellow to pale brown with orangish to greenish areas, the bile ducts were prominent, thickened, and severely dilated, and leaf-shaped flukes were found inside of them. Additionally, one case showed moderate atrophy of the right hepatic lobe. The histological findings included dilation of bile ducts, hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelium, marked inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils, and portal fibrosis. The parasite Brachycladium goliath was both morphologically and molecularly identified based on diagnostic key for trematodes and the original description of the species, and the amplification and sequencing of the ITS-2 region, respectively. Even though hepatic injury was not the primary cause of stranding, it may have contributed to the debilitation of the whales. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that reports M. novaeangliae as a definitive host of B. goliath and that describes the lesions caused by the parasite in cetaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Reddito is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Toxocariasis is the parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Toxocara roundworms species: Toxocara canis from dogs and, less frequently, Toxocara cati from cats. The high proportion of asymptomatic cases of toxocariasis and the uncharacteristic clinical manifestations mimicking other medical conditions make diagnosis challenging. The main clinical presentations of toxocariasis are visceral and ocular larva migrans. Migration to the central nervous system (neurotoxocariasis) is rare and can cause meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, cerebral vasculitis, seizures, headache or asymptomatic CNS infection. Neurotoxocariasis is an uncommon diagnosis and it is probably underdiagnosed due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations, low awareness of physicians as well as the lack of standardized diagnostic exams. To date, no causality has been proven between neurotoxocariasis and aneurysms, but due to the character of immune response elicited by the parasites, it remains an important possibility for further research. We present a case report of a woman infected with Toxocara canis highlighting the diagnostic difficulties. We aim to raise the awareness of the clinical symptomatology of neurotoxocariasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder that affects the basal ganglia, caused by CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene. Delusional infestation (DI) is a rare psychotic manifestation of the disease. This report presents two cases of HD patients with DI, both middle-aged females. The first patient achieved remission of DI with olanzapine, later cross-tapered to risperidone, but had spontaneous relapses. The second experienced gradual resolution of DI with risperidone in the setting of iron repletion and amantadine discontinuation, although her other psychotic symptoms remained. These cases shed light on an uncommon condition and may help guide understanding of the most effective treatment for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable livestock farming. Objectives: We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, exploring their intricate relationship with farm management practices across a spectrum of small‐, medium‐, and large‐scale commercial farms. Methods: We conducted this study in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. We collected a total of 189 freshly voided faecal samples from different farms. We recorded the age, breed, milking status, sex, body condition score, and anthelmintic use history of the sampled animals. We processed the samples using the direct smear method, with the identification of one egg per sample being considered positive. Results: We estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in large‐scale (52.1%), medium‐scale (54.5%), and small‐scale farms (70.0%), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Both pregnant and lactating cows, as well as indigenous cattle, were more likely to have gastrointestinal parasites (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant parasites across farms of all sizes were trematodes (Paramphistomum spp. and Schistosomas spp.) and protozoa (Balantidium coli and Coccidia spp.). Conclusion: Poor farm management practices, such as no pasture management and inadequate deworming regimens, may contribute to the elevated prevalence and infection load observed on small‐scale farms. The increased parasitosis in previously dewormed animals can be attributed to the development of anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal parasites. Implementing proper and effective deworming strategies is crucial to preventing gastrointestinal parasitosis and mitigating the risk of anthelmintic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several microaerophilic parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Plasmodium falciparum are major disease-causing organisms and are responsible for spreading infections worldwide. Despite significant progress made in understanding the metabolism and molecular biology of microaerophilic parasites, chemotherapeutic treatment to control it has seen limited progress. A current proposed strategy for drug discovery against parasitic diseases is the identification of essential key enzymes of metabolic pathways associated with the parasite's survival. In these organisms, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase::6-phosphogluconolactonase (G6PD:: 6PGL), the first enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), is essential for its metabolism. Since G6PD:: 6PGL provides substrates for nucleotides synthesis and NADPH as a source of reducing equivalents, it could be considered an anti-parasite drug target. This review analyzes the anaerobic energy metabolism of G. lamblia, T. vaginalis, and P. falciparum, with a focus on glucose metabolism through the pentose phosphate pathway and the significance of the fused G6PD:: 6PGL enzyme as a therapeutic target in the search for new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Urban parks are not only important for the wellbeing of the human population, but are also widely considered to be potentially important sites for the conservation of biodiversity. However, they may offer risk parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, which are both transmitted by freshwater snails. The present study investigated the occurrence of freshwater gastropods in urban parks of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, and their possible infection by helminths of medical-veterinary importance. Gastropods were collected from six parks (2021 - 2022) and examined for the presence of larval helminths. In all, 12 gastropod species from different families were collected: Ampullariidae, Assimineidae, Burnupidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Planorbidae, Succineidae, and Thiaridae. The parasitological examination revealed cercaria of three types in five snail species, with the Pleurolophocerca cercariae type in Melanoides tuberculata (the most abundant species), Echinostoma cercariae in Physella acuta and Pomacea maculata, and Virgulate cercariae, in Pomacea sp. and Pomacea maculata. None of the Biomphalaria tenagophila and Pseudosuccinea columella (the most frequent species) specimens were parasitized by Schistosoma mansoni or Fasciola hepatica, respectively. Even so, some parks may represent a considerable potential risk for transmission of both Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica, given the presence of these gastropod vectors and the frequent contact of visitors with the waterbodies.

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Coating medicated fish feed with a polymer minimizes the chances of drug leaching into the water. Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is an economically important Amazonian fish frequently parasitized by the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae. In this study, we compared the effect of ethylcellulose (EC 0.75%) coating of feed medicated with the antihelminthic albendazole (ABZ 10 mg kg bw-1) and uncoated feed on treatment efficacy and bioaccumulation of ABZ in naturally parasitized tambaqui during 35 days. Treatment efficacy was 34% and 66% in fish fed uncoated and coated feed, respectively, but did not vary significantly among treatments. Total ABZ residue reached concentrations from 122.0 to 151.7 ng g-1, and did not vary significantly among treatments. The biomagnification factor was low, ranging from 0.0003 to 0.0004. EC coating did not significantly affect the efficacy of ABZ treatment and did not interfere with ABZ bioaccumulation in the edible tissue of tambaqui.

Nuestro objetivo fue estimar la riqueza y prevalencia de parásitos gastrointestinales presentes en dos subespecies del mono aullador en Panamá (Alouatta coibensis trabeata y Alouatta palliata aequatorialis). Para la localización de los individuos se recorrieron caminos reales en el corregimiento de llano Grande, Ocú, Herrera (sitio 1) y el sendero del Camino del Oleoducto del Parque Nacional Soberanía (sitio 2), donde hicimos búsqueda directa en el dosel e indirecta por rastro (vocalizaciones) con Azimut. Para la colecta de las muestras se esperó que lo individuos defecaran, luego tomamos la parte superficial de las heces para colocarlas en envases con formol al 10%. Logrando la colecta de 15 muestras en el sitio 1 y 17 en el sitio 2. Utilizamos el método de Ritchie para procesar las muestras y en la identificación de los parásitos utilizamos un microscopio con objetivos de 10x y 40x. Se encontró una riqueza total de nueve géneros de parásitos entre ambas áreas, con una diferencia de géneros del 20% según el índice de Whittaker (1960). En las muestras de A. c. trabeata (sitio 1) calculamos una riqueza parasitaria de siete, el parásito con mayor prevalencia fue Entamoeba sp., (66.7%). En las muestras de A. p. aequatorialis (sitio 2) encontramos una riqueza parasitaria de nueve, el parasito con mayor prevalencia fue Ascaris sp. (64.7%). No se encontró diferencia s en la riqueza parasitaria (Chi2 =0.6, df=1, p=0.438). La presencia de algunos géneros de parásitos podría indicar una posible antropozoonosis, se recomienda hacer pruebas moleculares para la confirmación de las especies.

Abstract Background Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable livestock farming. Objectives We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, exploring their intricate relationship with farm management practices across a spectrum of small‐, medium‐, and large‐scale commercial farms. Methods We conducted this study in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. We collected a total of 189 freshly voided faecal samples from different farms. We recorded the age, breed, milking status, sex, body condition score, and anthelmintic use history of the sampled animals. We processed the samples using the direct smear method, with the identification of one egg per sample being considered positive. Results We estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in large‐scale (52.1%), medium‐scale (54.5%), and small‐scale farms (70.0%), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Both pregnant and lactating cows, as well as indigenous cattle, were more likely to have gastrointestinal parasites (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant parasites across farms of all sizes were trematodes (Paramphistomum spp. and Schistosomas spp.) and protozoa (Balantidium coli and Coccidia spp.). Conclusion Poor farm management practices, such as no pasture management and inadequate deworming regimens, may contribute to the elevated prevalence and infection load observed on small‐scale farms. The increased parasitosis in previously dewormed animals can be attributed to the development of anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal parasites. Implementing proper and effective deworming strategies is crucial to preventing gastrointestinal parasitosis and mitigating the risk of anthelmintic resistance.

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Faunal remains from archeological sites worldwide, especially feces and regurgitated pellets, are usually subjected to paleoparasitological examination, allowing the identification of past animal parasites. In this study, we analyzed 10 samples of South American camelid dung, which played an important role for the ancient human groups in the South‐Central Andes, dated between 341 and 1635 calCE, from the Iluga Túmulos site (Pampa del Tamarugal, Tarapacá region, Atacama Desert, Chile). Microscopy examination revealed parasite remains in seven samples, in which oocysts of Eimeria macusaniensis and eggs of Lamanema chavezi/Nematodirus lamae, Trichuris sp., Moniezia sp., capillariids, strongylids, and unidentified nematodes were found. Although some of these species pose a potential health risk to camelids, most are not considered to be of major zoonotic importance, which could explain the absence of these parasites on human coprolites from this site analyzed previously. This first paleoparasitological study on camelid fecal remains from northern Chile sheds light on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and its relationship with Andean ancient human populations and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxocariasis is the parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Toxocara roundworms species: Toxocara canis from dogs and, less frequently, Toxocara cati from cats. The high proportion of asymptomatic cases of toxocariasis and the uncharacteristic clinical manifestations mimicking other medical conditions make diagnosis challenging. The main clinical presentations of toxocariasis are visceral and ocular larva migrans. Migration to the central nervous system (neurotoxocariasis) is rare and can cause meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, cerebral vasculitis, seizures, headache or asymptomatic CNS infection. Neurotoxocariasis is an uncommon diagnosis and it is probably underdiagnosed due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations, low awareness of physicians as well as the lack of standardized diagnostic exams. To date, no causality has been proven between neurotoxocariasis and aneurysms, but due to the character of immune response elicited by the parasites, it remains an important possibility for further research. We present a case report of a woman infected with Toxocara canis highlighting the diagnostic difficulties. We aim to raise the awareness of the clinical symptomatology of neurotoxocariasis.

Acanthocephalosis is caused by the endoparasite Neoechynorhyncus buttnerae and affects fish farmed in the Amazon. This study assessed the efficacy of therapeutic levamisole hydrochloride (LVC) baths against N. buttnerae and its effects on juvenile tambaqui blood parameters. In vitro and in vivo tests were carried out, the latter employing two experimental therapeutic LVC bath protocols. Concerning in vitro efficacy, the T75 (75 mg.L−1 LVC) and T100 (mg.L−1 LVC) treatments were 100% effective in 15 min, while the T50 (50 mg.L−1 LVC) and T25 (25 mg.L−1 LVC) treatments required parasite exposure for 45 and 60 min, respectively. During exposure, the parasites displayed reduced motility, proboscis retraction, coiling into a spiral shape, body rigidity and swelling. The LVC LC50–72h for juvenile tambaqui was 115 mg.L−1. Regarding in vivo efficacy for Protocol I (8‐h bath), the T125 resulted in 82% effectiveness, while in Protocol II (two 8‐h baths with a 24‐h interval), the T115 treatment (115 mg.L−1 LVC) achieved 95.6% effectiveness without clinical intoxication signs, despite behavioural changes. No significant changes were observed in fish blood parameters. LVC was, therefore, highly effective both in vitro and in vivo in controlling the acanthocephalan N. buttnerae without compromising tambaqui juvenile homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this series of papers on comments and illustrations of the World Federation for Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) guidelines on contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) the topics of bacterial infections are discussed. Improved detection and characterization of common focal liver lesions (FLL) are the main topics of these guidelines but detailed and illustrating information is missing. The focus in this paper on infectious (bacterial) focal liver lesions is on their appearance on B-mode and Doppler ultrasound and CEUS features. Knowledge of these data should help to raise awareness of these rarer findings, to think of these clinical pictures in the corresponding clinical situation, to interpret the ultrasound images correctly and thus to initiate the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic steps in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ensuring the veterinary and sanitary welfare of animals is essential. Parasitic diseases are especially dangerous for deer. Helminths cause considerable material damage to deer farms, mainly decreasing the productive, trophy, and marketable qualities of animals. This article studies the distribution and features of preventing helminthiasis of wild ungulates. In ungulate populations settled in new ecological conditions, helminth fauna formation depends on many factors. In particular, this process is influenced by the correct selection of the settlement area, the physiological state of animals, the organization of animal feeding, medical and preventive measures, etc. Among the main measures for preventing helminthiasis in deer in the conditions of their semi-free keeping (farms, aviaries), those that reduce the possibility of infection of animals with parasites common to domestic animals are also vital. Wild animals are much more often infected with helminths of domestic animals, and the most dangerous parasitosis for them are fasciolosis, parafasciolopsosis, cysticercosis, trichostrongylidosis of ruminants. Infection with nematodes Capillaria spp. is characteristic exclusively for red deer, and the intensity of infestation is higher for this species of ruminant ungulates in free-range conditions. According to some researchers, mecystocirosis and strongyloidosis are among the most common helminthiasis in deer, the infection with pathogens of which is 74.5 and 73.3 %, respectively. Parafasciolopsoses (IE – 5.9 %), nematodirus (IE – 5.9 %), and paramphistomatids (IE – 2.8 %) are found somewhat less often. Thus, the study of helminth fauna, the development and implementation of adequate means, and methods of prevention of parasites in wild animals acquire considerable relevance. There are several ways to prevent helminthiasis in hunting and aviary deer farms; when examining the land and choosing an area for aviaries for deer, a helminthological assessment should be taken into account; it is mandatory to examine animals for helminthiasis (parasitocenoses) and carry out deworming of all imported animals; carry out annual disinfestation of feeders, watering holes, places for feeding, protective structures for animals; it is crucial to rationally place biotechnical facilities in areas safe from parasitosis; infected animals with characteristic clinical signs of the disease must be culled. There is quite a lot of information in the available literature regarding the group method of using anthelmintics for deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive real-time imaging technique that has been widely used for the diagnosis of skin cancer. More recently, it has been reported as a useful tool for the diagnosis and management of several inflammatory and infectious skin disorders. This article provides an overview of the current available applications of RCM use in cutaneous infections and infestations. PubMed was used to search the following terms in various combinations: reflectance confocal microscopy, skin, hair, nail, infection, parasitosis, mycosis, virus, bacteria. All papers were accordingly reviewed. In most cutaneous infections or infestations, the main alterations are found in the epidermis and upper dermis, where the accuracy of confocal microscopy is nearly similar to that of histopathology. The high resolution of this technique allows the visualization of most skin parasites, fungi, and a few bacteria. Although viruses cannot be identified because of their small size, viral cytopathic effects can be observed on keratinocytes. In addition, RCM can be used to monitor the response to treatment, thereby reducing unnecessary treatments.

ABSTRACT From 2015 to 2021 the prevalence of parasites was evaluated in fecal samples of dogs from the municipality of Niterói, RJ. The samples were examined at the Laboratory of Diagnostic Support in Parasitic Diseases (LADDP) of the Veterinary School at the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), using centrifugal flotation, sedimentation and mini-FLOTAC techniques. Of the 1,037 samples examined, 30.6% (318/1,037) showed positive results for some parasitic infections, of which 80.5% (256/318) were positive for only one species of parasite and 19.5% (62/318) for multiple infections. Parasitism by Ancylostoma caninum was the most prevalent, with 39% (124/318), followed by Giardia sp., 16% (51/318); Toxocara canis, 14.5% (46/318); Trichuris vulpis, 8.5% (27/318); Cystoisospora canis, 8.5% (27/318); Dipylidium caninum, 7.9% (25/318); and Cryptosporidium sp., 5.6% (18/318). The parasitological diagnosis of dogs in urban areas is the best choice to evaluate the efficacy of control measures adopted for parasitic infections, including those with zoonotic importance.

Helminths are not usually considered important pathogens for birds of prey. There is a single published report of mortality in raptors due to an air sac trematode infection. We report a well-documented death case from massive infection by an air sac trematode of the family Cyclocoelidae in a wild-caught, juvenile male Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) in Ecuador. The necropsy of a Snail Kite revealed more than 200 trematodes among air sacs, lungs, heart, gizzard, proventriculus, and liver. Within air sacs and lungs, mature flukes were associated with sacculitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and atelectasis. Using an integrative taxonomic approach with morphological and molecular data, we identified the parasites as Bothrigaster variolaris (Trematoda: Cyclocoelidae: Ophthalmophaginae). This case provides the first evidence for the pathologic presence of air sac trematodes associated with morbidity in birds of prey in South America. Our results suggest that cyclocoelids may cause debilitation and significant clinical lesions in birds of prey, with potentially fatal consequences.

Objetivos. Evaluar la variación de los perfiles hematológicos antes, durante y después del tratamiento de pacientes infectados con malaria no complicada por Plasmodium vivax (Pv) y P. falciparum (Pf) en una población de la región Loreto. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó entre 2010 y 2012, en Zungarococha (Iquitos). Los 425 participantes tuvieron tres visitas (visita 1-día 0-antes del tratamiento, visita 2-día 7-durante tratamiento, visita 3-día 28-después del tratamiento), hemograma completo, diagnóstico microscópico y molecular (PCR). Resultados. En la primera visita, se encontraron 93 (21,9%) positivos a Pv y 34 (8,0%) a Pf. Todos los positivos mostraron una reducción en los indicadores hematológicos de hematocrito, recuento de glóbulos blancos (RGB), neutrófilos abastonados y segmentados, eosinófilos y plaquetas (p

Les parasitoses et mycoses oculaires regroupent de nombreuses pathologies dont la sévérité varie selon la nature du parasite ou du champignon. Elles peuvent menacer la vue, aussi doivent-elles être diagnostiquées et traitées en urgence. Elles surviennent dans des circonstances différentes (traumatisme, greffe de cornée, contexte immunosuppresseur local ou général, séjour en zone tropicale, pratiques traditionnelles particulières). L'infection peut être isolée ou intégrée dans une infection systémique. Le diagnostic clinique de ces infections est souvent difficile car les lésions peuvent ne pas être spécifiques à l'agent pathogène. Par conséquent, le diagnostic biologique est primordial pour permettre une prise en charge adéquate. Celui-ci est réalisé selon différentes stratégies en fonction des lésions et des agents infectieux suspectés. Il nécessite une combinaison de différents tests microbiologiques (examen direct, culture, PCR, sérologie) et doit tenir compte de la difficulté, du risque invasif et des faibles volumes des prélèvements oculaires. Le recours à des laboratoires spécialisés (mycologie-parasitologie), voire experts, est ainsi inévitable. Ocular parasitosis and mycosis include numerous pathologies whose severity varies according to the nature of the parasite or fungus. They can threaten the sight, so they must be diagnosed and treated in emergency. They occur in different circumstances (trauma, corneal transplantation, local or general immunosuppressive context, stay in tropical area, particular traditional practices). The infection can be isolated or integrated in a systemic infection. The clinical diagnosis of these infections is often difficult because the lesions may not be specific to the pathogen. Therefore, biological diagnosis is essential for proper management. Biological diagnosis is performed according to different strategies depending on the lesions and the suspected infectious agents. It requires a combination of different microbiological tests (direct examination, culture, PCR, serology) and must take into account the difficulty, invasive risk and small volumes of ocular samples. The use of specialized laboratories (mycology-parasitology), or even experts, is thus inevitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several microaerophilic parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Plasmodium falciparum are major disease-causing organisms and are responsible for spreading infections worldwide. Despite significant progress made in understanding the metabolism and molecular biology of microaerophilic parasites, chemotherapeutic treatment to control it has seen limited progress. A current proposed strategy for drug discovery against parasitic diseases is the identification of essential key enzymes of metabolic pathways associated with the parasite’s survival. In these organisms, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase::6-phosphogluconolactonase (G6PD:: 6PGL), the first enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), is essential for its metabolism. Since G6PD:: 6PGL provides substrates for nucleotides synthesis and NADPH as a source of reducing equivalents, it could be considered an anti-parasite drug target. This review analyzes the anaerobic energy metabolism of G. lamblia, T. vaginalis, and P. falciparum, with a focus on glucose metabolism through the pentose phosphate pathway and the significance of the fused G6PD:: 6PGL enzyme as a therapeutic target in the search for new drugs.

Delusional parasitosis is a psychiatric disorder wherein a person strongly believes themselves being infected by a parasite. Cotard’s syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder of rarity that occurs as nihilistic delusions ranging from denial of the existence of body parts to negating one’s existence. Both could be either primary or secondary to other mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. We present a case report where Mr. R, a middle-aged male of lower socioeconomic status, of agrarian background presented with marked depressive features for the past 2 years with a significant history of similar complaints 5 years back. A provisional diagnosis of recurrent depressive disorder (RDD), current episode-severe depression without psychotic symptoms was made with treatment initiation. In subsequent follow-ups, Mr. R reported that his lungs are destroyed and one of his lungs and heart were nonexistent causing him breathing difficulty, and all were a consequence of the organisms devouring his organs. Antipsychotic was hiked to the maximum dose with continued antidepressants, and electroconvulsive therapy was given in inpatient treatment, considering the diagnosis of RDD’s current episode of severe depression with psychotic symptoms (delusional parasitosis with Cotard’s syndrome). A dual clinical presentation of delusional parasitosis with co-existant Cotard’s syndrome secondary to depressive disorder is uncommon and thereby being discussed. Whether Cotard’s can be subsumed under the umbrella of delusional parasitosis or is an evolving entity in itself made this clinical scenario intriguing.

Background: parasitosis has high incidence rates in the world child population, conditioned by poor sanitary habits and other associated risk factors, a situation also affecting our country. Objective: to characterize children with parasitism who attend kindergarten from the health area of the "Manuel Fajardo Rivero" University Polyclinic in Las Tunas. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in children attending four kindergarten of this health area, from 6 September to 5 November 2021. From a universe of 706 infants, a sample of 81, aged between 2 and 6 years, was positive on stool samples. The variables evaluated included: age group, sex, associated risk factors, parasitic species, clinical symptoms and medical treatment. Results: infants of the sixth year of life predominated (29.6 %), with males (64.2 %) being the most affected. Untreated or unboiled water consumption (44.5 %) was the most commonly found associated risk factor. Blastocystis hominis (42.0 %) was identified as the most frequent parasitic species; abdominal cramps (48.1 %) as a clinical symptom and Secnidazole (80.2 %) was the most prescribed drug. Conclusions: children with parasitism were characterized from four kindergarten of the health area of "Manuel Fajardo Rivero" polyclinic.

Parasitic diseases, especially those caused by protozoans and helminths, such as malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, and lymphatic filariasis, are the cause of millions of morbidities and deaths every year, mainly in tropical regions. Nature has always provided valuable antiparasitic agents, and efforts targeting the identification of antiparasitic drugs from plants have mainly focused on glycophytes. However, salt-tolerant plants (halophytes) have lately attracted the interest of the scientific community due to their medicinal assets, which include antiparasitic properties. This review paper gathers the most relevant information on antiparasitic properties of halophyte plants, targeting human uses. It includes an introduction section containing a summary of some of the most pertinent characteristics of halophytes, followed by information regarding the ethnomedicinal uses of several species towards human parasitic diseases. Then, information is provided related to the antiprotozoal and anthelmintic properties of halophytes, determined by in vitro and in vivo methods, and with the bioactive metabolites that may be related to such properties. Finally, a conclusion section is presented, addressing perspectives for the sustainable exploitation of selected species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keeping different species of lizards as pets means the development of artificial environments, terrariums or aquateraria, which offer conditions as close as possible to those in the natural environment, as well as the development of appropriate feeding systems. In the category of pet lizards we include: chameleons, agamids, iguanas, skinks, anoles, lizards or geckos. There are extremely different categories of lizards in terms of environmental and feeding requirements and with a special ecobiology, sometimes characteristic of a single species or of several species within a genus. Maintenance deficiencies are most frequently translated by metabolic disorders, frequently associated with infections or parasites that are not diagnosed in individuals of the same species living in the natural environment. In general, a series of viruses or bacterioses overlaped on an immunodeficient background that appears as a result of improper feeding or defective environmental parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Neutrosophic Computing & Machine Learning is the property of Multimedia Larga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Helminths are not usually considered important pathogens for birds of prey. There is a single published report of mortality in raptors due to an air sac trematode infection. We report a well-documented death case from massive infection by an air sac trematode of the family Cyclocoelidae in a wild-caught, juvenile male Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) in Ecuador. The necropsy of a Snail Kite revealed more than 200 trematodes among air sacs, lungs, heart, gizzard, proventriculus, and liver. Within air sacs and lungs, mature flukes were associated with sacculitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and atelectasis. Using an integrative taxonomic approach with morphological and molecular data, we identified the parasites as Bothrigaster variolaris (Trematoda: Cyclocoelidae: Ophthalmophaginae). This case provides the first evidence for the pathologic presence of air sac trematodes associated with morbidity in birds of prey in South America. Our results suggest that cyclocoelids may cause debilitation and significant clinical lesions in birds of prey, with potentially fatal consequences. [Display omitted] • Necropsy revealed massive air sac infection caused by fluckes in a deceased Snail Kite. • The trematode Bothrigaster variolaris was identified using morphological and molecular data. • Snail Kite death was likely caused by parasite bronchial obstruction and associated lesions. • This is the first report of air sac trematodes as a cause of death in birds of prey in South America. • Trematode infection may cause significant clinical lesions and death in birds of prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Las parasitosis gastrointestinales en bovinos de producción son uno de los problemas sanitarios más importantes a nivel mundial. Estos nematodos ocasionan problemas gastroentéricos que se caracterizan clínicamente por diarrea, debilidad, hemorragias y deshidratación. Entre las parasitosis gastrointestinales causadas por nematodos en ganado bovino, se destacan las familias: Trichuridae, Trichostrongylidae, Ancylostomidae, Ascaridae y Strongyloididae. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar la eficacia de las distintas técnicas coproparasitológicas cualitativas y cuantitativas para la detección de nematodos gastrointestinales en ganado bovino. Para este estudio se utilizaron 250 muestras de vacas de raza carnicera, divididos en diferentes grupos, para la aplicación de las técnicas coproparasitológicas de tipo cualitativo y cuantitativo, los cuales fueron escogidos específicamente teniendo en cuenta criterios de inclusión y exclusión para cada animal. Los resultados entregados por este estudio indicaron que el mayor porcentaje en la identificación de estados infectantes parasitarios fue por medio de las técnicas coproparasitologicas de tipo cualitativo, principalmente aquellas de flotación de sulfato de zinc y magnesio con un 50%.

Intestinal parasites, especially in HIV/AIDS patients, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and the immune status of HIV/AIDS patients on ART. Two hundred (200) HIV/AIDS patients were recruited from the ART clinic at Nyanya General Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria, for this cross-sectional institution-based research. To collect detailed demographic data, questionnaires were sent out. The direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and adjusted Ziehl-Neelsen staining were used to analyze stool samples. Patients' records were analyzed during this study period to assess their CD4+ T-cell count and viral load status. The findings were compared using a contingency table analysis and the chi-square test. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare quantitative data sets. P value of 0.05 was described as statistically significant (P≤0.05).The findings of our study were 80 (40 percent) of the patients had intestinal parasitosis, with 11 (13.8 percent) of them having multiple parasitosis. Cryptosporidium parvum had the highest prevalence (16%), Entamoeba histolytica /dispar (13%), Giardia lamblia (7%), and Entamoeba coli (3.5%). Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Cystoisospora belli each had a prevalence of 2.5 percent. The findings revealed that diarrhoea was linked to cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and cystoisosporiasis. In this study, there was no correlation between intestinal parasitosis and immune system function. In HIV/AIDS patients, prolonged and untreated diarrhoea can be crippling and fatal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture parasite biodiversity dependents on multiple environmental characteristics, including water quality. The analysis of this relationship aims to support improvements in the production management of tilapia. For this purpose, a total of 100 juvenile fishes (Oreochromis spp.) and 30 water samples were collected at Valle del Mezquital in the Central-Eastern socioeconomical region of Mexico. A study of parasite biodiversity was carried out and water quality parameters were determined. Biodiversity in the habitat was measured using the Simpson diversity index, which considers the number of species present and the abundance of each one; we also calculate the Berger-Parker index to estimate the proportional importance of the most abundant species. In general, it was found that 86% of the examined specimens were parasitized. Parasite biodiversity was 11 genera (Simpson index = 0.55). Trichodina spp. (Ciliophora) was the dominant genus (Berger-Parker index = 0.51). The protozoa Apiosoma spp. was associated with the water hardness (Berger-Parker index = 0.57). Furthermore, the presence of monogeneans showed a positive correlation with the levels of nitrites and ammonium in the water (Berger-Parker index = 0.06–0.55). This characterization may represent a useful tool in the comprehensive management of parasites that affect the farmed tilapia. However, new data is necessary to expand the knowledge about the environment-host-parasite relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal parasites in production cattle are one of the most important health problems worldwide. These nematodes cause gastroenteric problems that are clinically characterized by diarrhoea, weakness, bleeding and dehydration. Within the gastrointestinal parasites caused by nematodes in cattle, the following families stand out: Trichuridae, Trichostrongylidae, Ancylostomidae, Ascaridae and Strongyloididae. The purpose of this research was to determine the efficacy of the different qualitative and quantitative coproparasitological techniques for the detection of gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle. For this study, 250 samples of beef breed cows were used, divided into different groups, for the application of qualitative and quantitative coproparasitological techniques, which were specifically chosen taking into account inclusion and exclusion criteria for each animal. The results delivered by this study indicated that the highest percentage in the identification of parasitic infective states was through qualitative coproparasitological techniques, focused mainly on zinc and magnesium sulfate flotation techniques with 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'apport des sérologies parasitaires au diagnostic étiologique des troubles présentés par un patient est variable selon la parasitose incriminée : indispensable quand il n'est pas possible de mettre en évidence le parasite (impasses parasitaires), très utile pendant la phase d'invasion (schistosomoses) ou pour certaines infections aiguës (amoebose tissulaire), mais inutile voire délétère (risque d'exclusion d'une hypothèse diagnostique sur un résultat négatif) dans les parasitoses exclusivement digestives (oxyurose par exemple). Elles peuvent être actuellement remplacées pour certains diagnostics par la détection de l'ADN parasitaire. Des techniques de principes différents sont souvent associées pour assurer sensibilité et spécificité. Dans tous les cas, la prescription des examens et l'interprétation des résultats nécessitent un dialogue clinico-biologique. The contribution of parasitic serology to the etiological diagnosis of the disorders presented by a patient varies according to the parasitosis: it is essential when it is not possible to identify the parasite (parasitic impasses), it is very useful during the invasion phase (bilharziasis) or for certain acute infections (tissue amoebiasis), but it is useless or even deleterious (risk of excluding a diagnostic hypothesis based on a negative result) in exclusively digestive parasitoses (e.g., oxyuriasis). They can currently be replaced for certain diagnoses by the detection of parasitic DNA. Techniques of different principles are often combined to associate sensitivity and specificity. In all cases, the prescription of examinations and the interpretation of results require a clinical-biological dialogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidiosis is a protozoan disease, usually asymptomatic. However, in some cases, the infection can progress to gastroenteritis and, more rarely, to colitis. Intensive studies on the biology of Cryptosporidium started in the 20th century after the outbreak of a major waterborne epidemic. The interest in this parasitosis increased after the WHO identified it as an opportunistic parasitosis - an indicator of AIDS. In this regard, the purpose of this article is to provide a scientific overview of this parasitosis, analyzing the state and development of modern research in a global and national aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resilience of intestinal parasite ova to harsh environmental conditions and possibility of identification of many of them down to genus/species with the aid of conventional visual light microscopy make parasites an important source of information on different aspects of life of ancient populations. Of special interest is the study of the phenomenon of parasitoidism aimed at reconstruction of ancient human migrations. Ectoparasites (the head louse) and a range of intestinal parasites of such groups as the helminths, tapeworms, and trematodes can be used as a marker of contacts and/or migration of people. Finding helminth ova in ancient samples collected in territories outside the endemic pockets can be direct evidence of contacts and/or migrations of the ancient population. An example of reconstruction of such migrations is given by, for instance, finding ova of the ascarids and whipworm on the territories of the Far North, mountainous Altai, deserts of the Central Asia etc. A remarkable example of migrations, according to the archaeoparasitology data, is the use of the helminths as a marker of ancient human migrations, with the example of population of the American continent. It is noteworthy that almost a century old archaeoparasitology data find confirmation in the results of modern paleogenetic studies. In the recent decades, there have been review publications concerned with the finds of ova of various parasitic organisms in archaeological sites, many of which consolidated archaeoparasitology materials dealing with specific intestinal parasites, the impact of the parasites on the human evolution and their (viz., parasites and human) coevolution, and spread of the parasitic diseases as a result of climate changes both in ancient and modern times. All the works, without exception, emphasize the importance of archaeoparasitology data for the deeper understanding of these processes. However, although the first works on the reconstruction of migrations from parasitological data were published back in the beginning of the last century, the research works substantiating this approach and demonstrating its viability appeared only early in this century and elucidated biological pre-requisites for the reconstruction of migrations. Therefore, new broad consolidation of the materials on the reconstruction of migrations from the data of archaeoparasitology is motivated not only by the need of reconsideration of already existing and new data, but also by the need of examination and verification of the archaeoparasitology facts in the context of the genetic data, archaeology, anthropology etc.