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Environmental factors significantly influence the transmission of intestinal protozoan diseases. Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are important zoonotic diseases characterized by diarrhea, and are mainly water or foodborne diseases caused by fecal-borne oocysts. The One Health approach effectively addresses environmentally influenced zoonotic diseases. However, the impact of environmental factors on the survival of Cryptosporidium/Giardia (oo)cysts or disease transmission is mostly uncharacterized. Associations between cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis incidence and environmental variables (e.g., climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and water characteristics) have been reported; however, the identified relationships are not consistently reported. Whether these are country-specific or global observations is unclear. Herein, we review the evidence for the influence of environmental factors on Cryptosporidium/Giardia and corresponding diseases from three perspectives: climatic, soil, and water characteristics. The (oo)cyst concentration or survival of Cryptosporidium/Giardia and the incidence of corresponding diseases are related to environmental variables. The associations identified varied among studies and have different levels of importance and lag times in different locations. This review summarizes the influence of relevant environmental factors on Cryptosporidium/Giardia from the One Health perspective and provides recommendations for future research, monitoring, and response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In tropical countries, intestinal protozoal parasitic infections are among the common infections causing significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the status of intestinal protozoal parasitic infections among diarrheal patients attending Negelle Borena General Hospital and investigate the possible risk factors for the infection. Methods. A case-control study design was employed in the study. The intestinal protozoal parasites were detected using a wet-mount, stool concentration, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen methods. The crude and adjusted odd ratios were considered to identify the associated risk factors for intestinal protozoal parasitic infections among the study participants. Results. The overall status of parasitic infection was 46.88% in cases and 27.08% in the control groups. The most prevalent protozoal infection was Giardia lamblia (9.38%) and followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (6.25%) in the cases. The highest prevalence of the infection was detected in the age groups that varied from 6 to 10 years in cases (71%). The enteric G. lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar were found to be 33.3% and 9.1%, respectively, in the age groups of 6–10 years in cases. Based on sex, 56.50% and 27.30% of protozoal (parasitic) infections were revealed by females in the cases and control groups, respectively, indicating a significant variation (P < 0.05). The education level (illiteracy), absence of toilet usage, no hand washing after toilet and before eating as significant risk factors for patient's infection with G. lamblia, E. histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp. (P < 0.05 , AOR = 1–14). However, eating raw fruit and vegetables was also found as a major risk factor for E. histolytica (P < 0.05 , AOR = 6.2) 40. Moreover, the residence of the patients was also indicated as a plus risk factors for the infection to be occurred by Cryptosporidium spp. in the study participants (P > 0.95 , AOR = 0.2). Conclusion. The prevalence of intestinal protozoal parasitic infection showed variation based on age, sex, and educational background of the study participants. Therefore, awareness creating training should be provided to the Negelle area communities so as to minimize the parasitic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis, one of the most neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), is the third most important vector-borne disease worldwide. This disease has a global impact and severity of the infection and is greatest in the Middle East. The agent of infection is a protozoan parasite of the genus, Leishmania, and is generally transmitted by blood-sucking female sandflies. In humans, there are three clinical forms of infection: (1) cutaneous (CL), (2) mucocutaneous (ML), and (3) visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This review aims to discuss the current epidemiological status of leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen with a consideration of treatment options. The elevated risk of leishmaniasis is influenced by the transmission of the disease across endemic countries into neighboring non-infected regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles derived from the endosomal compartment, which are released by all kinds of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. These vesicles contain a variety of biomolecules that differ both in quantity and type depending on the origin and cellular state. Exosomes are internalized by recipient cells, delivering their content and thus contributing to cell–cell communication in health and disease. During infections exosomes may exert a dual role, on one hand, they can transmit pathogen-related molecules mediating further infection and damage, and on the other hand, they can protect the host by activating the immune response and reducing pathogen spread. Selective packaging of pathogenic components may mediate these effects. Recently, quantitative analysis of samples by omics technologies has allowed a deep characterization of the proteins, lipids, RNA, and metabolite cargoes of exosomes. Knowledge about the content of these vesicles may facilitate their therapeutic application. Furthermore, as exosomes have been detected in almost all biological fluids, pathogenic or host-derived components can be identified in liquid biopsies, making them suitable for diagnosis and prognosis. This review attempts to organize the recent findings on exosome composition and function during viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infections, and their contribution to host defense or to pathogen spread. Moreover, we summarize the current perspectives and future directions regarding the potential application of exosomes for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visceral leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania. Due to the lack of vaccines and the limitations of current treatment (toxicity, serious adverse effects, and high cost), new therapeutic options must be developed. This work aims to perform a systematic review focusing on studies that use nanoparticles to treat visceral leishmaniasis, with in vivo tests to evaluate the antileishmanial effect. The search was carried out between January 2011 and August 2021 in the PubMed and Web of Science databases, using the keywords "visceral leishmaniasis and nanoparticles and in vivo." The articles were selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. After the analysis, 26 articles were selected containing polymeric, lipidic, metallic, and inorganic nanoparticles. As for the nanometric size, the polymeric and lipid nanoparticles showed size ranges from 138 to 377.9 nm and 103.7 to 266.3 nm, respectively. The inorganic nanoparticles had a size of around 140 nm. Also, the metallic nanoparticles showed sizes of 58.6, 134.3, and 142.7 nm. In addition, amphotericin B was the most used drug. In some studies, drug co-encapsulation was performed, which is a future trend, useful to increase the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment. The studies showed that the use of nanoparticles for drug delivery was able to reduce the parasite burden and toxicity. Nanoparticles can increase the efficacy and safety of the treatment, suggesting a promising option for visceral leishmaniasis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal parasites are a constant public health problem in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence of cases related to poor sanitary conditions. We investigated the sociodemographic and seasonal factors associated with human intestinal parasite infections in an area of the Western Amazon, Brazil, from September 2017 to August 2019. Data were collected using a database available at the Diagnostic Support Centre (Centro de Apoio ao Diagnóstico, CAD) of the Municipality of Rio Branco, on positive diagnoses for intestinal parasites. Among the 53,200 samples analysed, 18.3% (n = 9712) were positive. Of these, 96.4% (n = 9363) and 3.6% (n = 349) were protozoan and helminthic infections, respectively. Males showed higher odds ratio (OR) for Enterobius vermicularis infection (OR: 2.3) and giardiasis (OR: 1.9) and lower OR for Endolimax nana (OR: 0.9) and Entamoeba coli (OR: 0.9) infections. Individuals aged ≥ 15 presented higher OR for Strongyloides stercoralis (OR: 3.4), hookworms (OR: 2.3), and almost all protozoan infections than younger individuals. In the dry season, the OR for hookworms (OR: 1.5), Iodamoeba butschlii (OR: 1.4), and Endolimax nana (OR: 1.3) infections was higher than that in the rainy season, including a high chance of polyparasitism (OR: 1.6). We concluded that there was a significant difference between the different types of intestinal parasites, particularly protozoa, with high OR in the dry season and for certain groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks are ectoparasites that cause dermatologic reactions directly by their bites and indirectly as vectors of bacterial, protozoal and viral diseases. Consequences vary from minor local reactions to significant systemic sequelae and are therefore of clinical relevance to dermatologists. In this article, Australian ticks of medical importance are reviewed through the lens of dermatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease causes ~12,000 deaths annually and is one of the world's 20 neglected tropical diseases, as defined by the World Health Organisation. The drug discovery pipeline for Chagas disease currently has few new clinical candidates, with high attrition rates an ongoing issue. To determine if the Trypanosoma cruzi strain utilised to assess in vitro compound activity impacts activity, a comparison of laboratory-adapted T. cruzi strains from differing geographical locations was undertaken for a selection of compounds with anti-T. cruzi activity. To minimise the possible effect of differences in experimental methodology, the same host cell and multiplicity of infection were utilised. To determine whether the compound exposure time influenced results, activity was determined following exposure for 48 and 72 h of incubation. To ascertain whether replication rates affected outcomes, comparative rates of replication of the T. cruzi strains were investigated, using the nucleoside analogue, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine. Minimal differences in the in vitro activity of compounds between strains were observed following 48 h incubation, whereas significant differences were observed following 72 h incubation, in particular for the cytochrome P450 inhibitors tested and the cell cycle inhibitor, camptothecin. Thus, the use of panels of laboratory adapted strains in vitro may be dependent on the speed of action that is prioritised. For the identification of fast-acting compounds, an initial shorter duration assay using a single strain may be used. A longer incubation to identify compound activity may alternatively require profiling of compounds against multiple T. cruzi strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptolepine (1,5-methyl-10H-indolo[3,2-b]quinoline), an indoloquinoline alkaloid, found in the roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr (family: Periplocaceae), is associated with the suppression of cancer and protozoal infections. Cryptolepine also exhibits anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypotensive, antipyretic, and antimuscarinic properties. This review of the latest research data can be exploited to create a basis for the discovery of new cryptolepine-based drugs and their analogues in the near future. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched to select and collect data from the existing literature on cryptolepine and their pharmacological properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated the potential of cryptolepine A as an anticancer and antimalarial molecule, which is achieved through inhibiting DNA synthesis and topoisomerase II. This review summarizes the recent developments of cryptolepine pharmacological properties and functional mechanisms, providing information for future research on this natural product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wild canids are largely exposed to ticks and other hematophagous vectors that can transmit numerous bacterial and protozoal pathogens. In the last years, also because of climatic changes, the incidence of arthropod-borne diseases has notably increased becoming a serious threat for humans and animals. Main information about these infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about their spread among wild canids and their impact on health status of these animals are not exhaustive. Otherwise, studies about bacterial and protozoal arthropod-borne infections in wild canids are important to better understand the risk of infections for dogs and humans. Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania major (L. major), is a major public health concern, and the development of new strategies to reduce the disease incidence has become a top priority. Advances in immunoinformatics and in-silico epitope prediction could be a promising approach to designing a finest vaccine candidate. In this study, we aimed to design a peptide-based vaccine against CL using computational tools and identified ten B-cell-derived T-cell epitopes from the glycoprotein gp63 of L. major. All of the potential immunodominant epitopes were used to design a vaccine construct along with a linker and an adjuvant at the N-terminal for enhancing its immunogenicity. Additionally, many characteristics of the proposed vaccine were examined, and it was confirmed to be non-allergenic, non-toxic, and thermally stable. To assess the vaccine interaction with the innate immune toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), a 3D structure of the vaccine construct was developed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation were used to confirm the binding and to assess the stability of the vaccine-TLR4 complex and interactions, respectively. In conclusion, our multi-epitope vaccine will provide a gateway to analyze the protein function of a potential vaccine candidate against CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, and Trypanosoma, are causative agents of health-threatening diseases in both humans and animals, leading to significant health risks and socioeconomic losses globally. The development of effective therapeutic and prevention strategies for protozoan-caused diseases requires a full understanding of the pathogenesis and protective events occurring in infected hosts. Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines with diverse biological effects in host antimicrobial defense and disease pathogenesis, including protozoan parasite infection. Type II IFN (IFN-γ) has been widely recognized as the essential defense cytokine in intracellular protozoan parasite infection, whereas recent studies also revealed the production and distinct function of type I and III IFNs in host defense against these parasites. Decoding the complex network of the IFN family in host–parasite interaction is critical for exploring potential new therapeutic strategies against intracellular protozoan parasite infection. Here, we review the complex effects of IFNs on the host defense against intracellular protozoan parasites and the crosstalk between distinct types of IFN signaling during infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses clinical information on primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) infection and exposure to the freshwater amoeba Naegleria fowleri while swimming in lakes and ponds. Topics explored include the PAM incidence and mortality rates in the U.S., PAM symptoms such as headache, seizures, and lethargy, and treatment options such as dexamethasone and rifampin.

This article discusses a case of auricular cutaneous leishmaniasis, a rare presentation of Leishmania major infection in Southwest Iran. The patient, a 41-year-old man, presented with an inflamed left auricle that did not respond to antibiotics. A diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis was confirmed through a direct smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The patient received intralesional injections of meglumine antimoniate and experienced complete resolution of the lesion without complications. The article highlights the varied epidemiology and clinical presentation of leishmaniasis in different parts of the world. [Extracted from the article]

Acute & Transient Psychotic Disorders(ATPD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders and they need to be differentiated from Schziphrenia and organic psychotic disorders. Previous studies have observed significant association of Acute & Transient Psychotic Disorder (ATPD) with summer onset, fever, and viral & protozoal infections, suggesting contribution of biological factors in occurrence of ATPD. Methods: This study was undertaken using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain in patients with ATPD in a hospital setting. 20 consecutive in-patients of ATPD were subjected to MRI of brain during active psychotic phase and they were subsequently followed up for their course for next six month to see their diagnostic stability. Results: Twenty percent of patients showed significant MRI changes in the brain. Significantly more patients of ATPD associated with schizophrenic symptoms had MRI brain change like hyperintensity foci and temporal sclerosis. Conclusion: Findings indicate that the subgroup of ATPD with schizophrenia like symptoms exhibiting more MRI changes may be closure to schizophrenia than other subgroups of ATPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With babesiosis in dogs, the capillary network is especially strongly affected due to the stimulation of the hemostasis system and the development of thrombus formation in the microvasculature. Acute renal failure and even death of animals are caused by shock phenomena and the syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Clinical, laboratory (hematological, biochemical, coagulometric, hemodynamic, enzyme immunoassay) methods of research were conducted. Dogs with babesiosis have fever, anemia, and hemoglobinuria, hematologically established anemia, systemic inflammation, thrombotic condition. Hemodynamic parameters determine the state of shock, which in dynamics becomes decompensated and irreversible. The appearance of poikilocytes in the blood of sick dogs indicates significant metabolic disorders in their body. The coagulogram reveals the syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Syndrome markers significantly changed with a trend to increase during nephropathy. In addition, uremia, hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hyperphosphatemia, creatininemia were found in the sick dogs, which are reliable indicators and determine the development of an acute form of glomerulonephritis and progressive acute renal failure. According to the study of the general biochemical status in animals, hepatopathy in the form of acute hepatitis and pancreatitis, and general intoxication syndrome were established. In our findings: during acute spontaneous babesiosis, dogs developed nephropathy, which has two clinical stages: hemoglobinuria and oliguria/anuria. The pathogenetic basis for the development of glomerulonephritis and acute renal failure is the syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation in response to the influence of a pathogen, which causes shock, forming a vicious circle of shock. Under such conditions, renal failure increases and eventually leads to the death of the animal. The studied data will contribute to the expansion of the conceptual understanding of the pathogenesis of canine babesiosis and determine the leading role of complications in the development of kidney failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bovine protozoal disease is a common disease that causes huge economic losses to the cattle breeding industry. Imidocarb (IMD) can be used to treat protozoal parasite diseases in cattle including babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and eperythrozoonosis. However, residues of imidocarb in bovine tissues pose a risk to food safety. This study conducted a residue depletion of imidocarb in cattle based on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method and obtained the IMD withdrawal time in cattle by the calculation through the WT1.4 software. The results show that the liver and kidney may be the target tissues for IMD and the withdrawal time of IMD in cattle is 224 days at the dosage of 3.0 mg/kg. This will guide farmers in the proper use of imidocarb and ensure human food safety. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the residue depletion of imidocarb (IMD) in bovine tissues, and the drug withdrawal time of IMD was determined. Twenty-five clinically healthy cattle (body weight 300 kg ± 15 kg) were randomly divided into five groups of five cattle each. The cattle were treated subcutaneously injecting a single dose of a generic IMD formulation, at the recommended dosage of 3.0 mg/kg. The five groups of cattle were slaughtered respectively at 96, 160, 198, 213, and 228 days after IMD administration. Samples from the liver, kidney, muscle, fat, and injection site were collected from each animal. After subtilis proteinase was used to digest the tissue, the content of IMD in the samples was analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS method. In conclusion, the method validation results showed that the method meets the criteria, and the longest withdrawal time of 224 days for the liver can be selected as the conclusive withdrawal time to guarantee consumer safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), an often fatal or lifelong-disabling condition. Several studies of human populations have reported temporal decreases in seroprevalence, suggesting declining CT incidence. However, the consistency of this trend among diverse populations remains unclear, as does its implication for prenatal screening programmes, the major intervention against CT. Using temporally resolved data on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in various countries, we discuss how the parasite's changing epidemiology may affect trends in CT incidence in varying and counterintuitive ways. We argue that parasite stage-specific serology could be helpful for understanding underlying causes of secular changes in seroprevalence. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of updating cost-effectiveness estimates of screening programmes, accounting for neuropsychiatric sequelae. An emerging body of evidence indicates that exposure to Toxoplasma gondii is decreasing among numerous human populations, though most data are from high-income countries. Considering this changing epidemiology, the cost-effectiveness of prenatal screening programmes should be re-examined while accounting for other (not currently considered) sequelae of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), including possible neuropsychiatric effects. Parasite stage-specific serology should be further developed and applied to serum samples from animals and humans to understand the possible causative mechanisms underlying seroprevalence decreases. The effect of seroprevalence declines on the incidence of CT will be context specific, varying according to parasite genotype, population demographics, and the local epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of public health importance, infecting all warm-blooded animals, including chickens. Undercooked chicken meat or relevant products such as sausages could lead to human infections. In free-range, organic and slow-growth farming systems where the susceptibility period for chickens is extended, more knowledge about potential risk factors is essential. This study is the first seroepidemiological survey in different regions and types of chicken farms in Greece, using a major tachyzoite surface antigen-based ELISA (TgSAG1), combined with magnetic-capture PCR (mc-PCR) and bioassay for the isolation of strains from the chickens' tissues. Potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in these hosts were also investigated. Additionally, the co-existence of T. gondii and Eimeria spp. infections was assessed to elucidate epidemiological links between these two protozoan infections. Overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 9.5%. Of the backyard chickens sampled, 41.2% were seropositive and 70% of the organic and free-range layer farms had at least one T. gondii seropositive hen. No serologically positive broilers were found, although mc-PCR revealed a positive sample, highlighting the importance of accurate early-infection direct detection of T. gondii infections to ensure public health. T. gondii isolates obtained by mouse bioassay were genotyped. All belonged to type II (ToxoDB#3) as confirmed also by microsatellite typing. Production system, type of nutrition, and feeding system automation were identified as the most significant risk factors, while no association was found between the presence of cats and T. gondii seropositivity as calculated on both a farm level and per individual bird sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research on the features of reproduction of dominant pests of species of organisms in agrobiocenoses growing cereals, leguminous crops, sunflowers and flowers. The article describes the latest ways to control a complex of soil harmful insect species in short-rotation field crop, as well as aerogenic harmful organisms in the integrated use of plant protection products of nutrition systems. In addition, we have identified individual levels of biologically oriented mechanisms of self-regulation of harmful organisms with measures to stabilize the functioning of agrocenoses, which are supplied with natural adaptive reactions in trophic chains. In the region of observations, the complex of pests is controlled by spiders, nematodes, mites, pathogens, predators and parasites. A variety of causative agents of bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal diseases of phytophagous insects deserve special attention. Parasites and predators appear everywhere with trophic chains in 16 rows of the insect class. In recent years, predatory species of ground beetles from a number of Hymenoptera insects that feed on aphids on corn crops with unreasonable intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers have acquired significant importance. The use of compositions of insecticide + UAN, 32 % for seed treatment of grain crops, allows to save mineral nutrition and get an increase in grain yield up to 27 %. This helps to optimize the state of cenoses and obtain high-quality grain while reducing the cost. Measures have been developed to realize the productivity potential of field crops and flowers through low-cost plant protection measures and to determine the mechanisms for controlling the number of phytophages and the development of dominant types of diseases according to the characteristics of their biology and ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease is a protozoal infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) that can affect many organ systems. Chagas cardiomyopathy tends to affect 30% of infected individuals. Cardiac manifestations include myocardial fibrosis, conduction defects, cardiomyopathy, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden cardiac death. In this report, we discuss a 51-year-old male who presented with recurrent episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia refractory to medical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parasitic diseases such as helminths and protozoa are considered one of the major impediments in the rearing of pet birds. The current study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of helminths and protozoal infections in different captive pet birds in Chattogram metropolitan area, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 549 pooled faecal and 311 individual blood samples were collected from different species of pet birds during June 2019 to May 2020. The faecal samples were examined following routine microscopic tests to identify the eggs and oocysts of helminths and protozoan parasites, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the haemoprotozoan parasites. Results: The prevalence of helminth infestations in pet birds was 8.01% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.88–10.61), where infestation caused by nematodes was the highest (7.47%, CI: 5.41–10). Ascaridia and Capillaria spp. infestations were the commonest helminths recorded in different groups of pet birds. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoal infections was 11.11% (CI: 8.61–14.04) in pet birds. The most commonly occurring protozoal infections were Eimeria spp. (7.83%, CI: 5.73–10.41) followed by Isospora spp. (2.91%, CI: 1.67–4.69). The overall prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasites was 2.25% (CI: 0.91–4.58) in different groups of pet birds. The highest prevalence was recorded in Plasmodium spp. (1.29%, CI: 0.35–3.26) followed by Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus spp. Conclusions: The data generated in this study are the first of its type, which would be beneficial to the veterinary practice, aviculturists, pet bird owners and breeders in Bangladesh to respond appropriately for the prevention and control of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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.)

Leishmaniasis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. In the Mediterranean basin, leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania infantum and transmitted by bites of sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus, with the dog as the main reservoir host. The most common form is cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), although visceral cases also occur. The aim of this study was to assess the underestimation of CL in an endemic Mediterranean region. Thus, a retrospective study was performed on all CL cases diagnosed and treated in the Dermatology Service of Manacor Hospital (Majorca, Balearic Islands), and the data obtained were compared with those of local government epidemiological bulletins for the same period. The different clinical presentations were compiled, and data related to sex, age, and lesion type and number were analyzed. The results reveal a clear sub-notification, which indicates that the real incidence of human CL in this area is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in domestic cat population and hepatozoonosis is one such infection. Incidence of hepatozoonosis has been described in a variety of animal species but information on cats is scarce. To investigate the occurrence of this pathogen in domestic cats, blood samples were collected from domestic cats from three districts of Kerala (Thrissur, Kannur and Wayanad). Field-stained blood smears were examined to detect the presence of gamonts of Hepatozoon spp. and the samples were subjected to molecular analysis by PCR amplification. Out of 122 blood samples screened, none of the sample revealed the presence of gamonts of Hepatozoon on microscopic examination. Polymerase chain reaction targeting 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. demonstrated seven positive cases with a prevalence of 5.74 per cent. Results of this study indicate that hepatozoonosis is established within the domestic cats in Kerala and warrant the adoption of control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camels have great potential as a safety valve for current and future food security for pastoralists, agropastoralists, and urban populations. Enteric protozoal diseases are important causes of economic losses in camels; however, they are poorly concerned globally. The most common members of enteric protozoa are Balantidium, Eimeria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. Some of them threaten human health as humans can be infected by consuming food or water contaminated with camel feces, particularly in poor communities with inadequate sanitation and low-quality healthcare facilities. For these reasons, a comprehensive and careful investigation was conducted on some enteric protozoal diseases of camels to present an updated insight into the etiology, epidemiology, and future trends in diagnosing and controlling camel enteric protozoa. Future studies on the camel enteric protozoa should be carried out to develop advanced diagnostic approaches in diverse farm animal species. Moreover, the protozoan zoonotic potential should be considered to secure human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is caused by infection with protozoan parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which is part of the phylum Apicomplexa. Most organisms in this phylum contain a relic plastid called the apicoplast. The apicoplast genome is replicated by a single DNA polymerase (apPOL), which is an attractive target for anti-malarial drugs. We screened small-molecule libraries (206,504 compounds) using a fluorescence-based high-throughput DNA polymerase assay. Dose/response analysis and counter-screening identified 186 specific apPOL inhibitors. Toxicity screening against human HepaRG human cells removed 84 compounds and the remaining were subjected to parasite killing assays using chloroquine resistant P. falciparum parasites. Nine compounds were potent inhibitors of parasite growth and may serve as lead compounds in efforts to discover novel malaria drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes have been ranked among the deadliest entities of world being vectors of serious viral and protozoan/ parasitic illnesses among humans and animals. Pakistan is having diverse environmental combinations, and being frontline victim of global climatic changes, has rich biodiversity including the mosquitoes that has continuously been changed. Current study was planned to investigate mosquito diversity of Dera Ghazi Khan District of Pakistan. Mosquito larvae were collected from open water bodies, ponds, and seepage water with the help of standard 250 ml dipper. Then in the lab, the specimens were boiled in hot water for few seconds to fix protein / enzyme activity and preserved in 75% ethyl alcohol in small glass vials. The preserved samples were identified to species level with the help of available taxonomic keys (Rattanarithikul 1982; Maslov et al. 1989; Rattanarithikul et al. 2005, 2006; Darsie and Pradhan 1990). Based on the microscopic examination of morphological characteristics, the current study reported one Genus i.e., "Udaya (Thurman, 1954)" and four species namely Anopheles indefinitus (Ludlow, 1904), Culiseta bergrothi (Edwards, 1921), Culex alis Theobald, 1903, and Udaya argyrurus (Edwards, 1934) for the first time from Pakistan. The said species are potential vectors of many serious viral and protozoan diseases and can be a cause of concern in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Lophomonas infection is a respiratory disease in humans that is associated with symptoms of cough, sputum, dyspnea, and sometimes hemoptysis, which shows the importance of differentiating this disease from tuberculosis and asthma. Methods. This study was performed on 216 participants suspected of having tuberculosis who had symptoms of fever, chronic cough, or sputum and were referred to tuberculosis laboratories in three cities in Golestan Province, northeastern Iran, during 2019-2020. A sputum sample was taken from the suspected patients. DNA was extracted from the frozen samples, and an in-house polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the Lophomonas DNA. Results. Out of 216 subjects, 47 (21.75%) were infected with Lophomonas spp. Moreover, 9 patients (4.2%) were infected with tuberculosis. Also, 2 patients had a comorbidity of tuberculosis and Lophomonas infection P = 0.63 . There was no significant difference in the comparison of symptoms and the rate of Lophomonas infection P = 0.84 , but in the comparison of the set of symptoms of cough, sputum, and fever with those of cough and sputum, cough with fever, sputum with fever, and the rate of Lophomonas infection, there was a significant difference P = 0.012 . Conclusions. Lophomonas infection was relatively high in patients suspected of having tuberculosis and due to the similar clinical symptoms of Lophomonas infection and tuberculosis; it is recommended that the sputum samples of subjects suspected of having tuberculosis be examined for this parasite in order to make a correct diagnosis and the patients receive timely treatment and the appropriate medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of extracts of ten plant species from Russia and five species from Vietnam on the growth and survival of ciliates Tetrahymena pyriformis were studied. T. pyriformis belongs to the subkingdom Protozoa, which also includes pathogens of protozoan infections. Extraction of dried plants was carried out with acidic and alkaline aqueous solutions, as well as with an aqueous ethanol. Various amounts of extracts were added to the ciliate cells, and the number of cells survived after incubation for 1 and 24 h was recorded. We found that our samples of several plants, including wormwood, harmala, and licorice, similarly to those studied earlier, exhibit antiprotozoal activity, which may indicate that the secondary metabolites are the same in plants from different regions. Using the ciliate T. pyriformis as a model organism, the presence of antiprotozoal activity in extracts of lilac, chondrilla, cinquefoil, hop, and elm was shown for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimalarial drugs play an important role in the control and treatment of malaria, a deadly disease caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium spp. The development of novel antimalarial agents effective against drug-resistant malarial parasites is urgently needed. The novel derivatives, SKM13-MeO and SKM13-F, were designed based on an SKM13 template by replacing the phenyl group with electron-donating (-OMe) or electron-withdrawing groups (-F), respectively, to reverse the electron density. A colorimetric assay was used to quantify cytotoxicity, and in vitro inhibition assays were performed on 3 different blood stages (ring, trophozoite, and schizonts) of P. falciparum 3D7 and the ring/mixed stage of D6 strain after synchronization. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed that 2 new SKM13 derivatives reduced the cytotoxicity of the SKM13 template. SKM13 maintained the IC50 at the ring and trophozoite stages but not at the schizont stage. The IC50 values for both the trophozoite stage of P. falciparum 3D7 and ring/mixed stages of D6 demonstrated that 2 SKM13 derivatives had decreased antimalarial efficacy, particularly for the SKM13-F derivative. SKM13 may be comparably effective in ring and trophozoite, and electron-donating groups (-OMe) may be better maintain the antimalarial activity than electron-withdrawing groups (-F) in SKM13 modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe ocular infections by Acanthamoeba sp. lead to keratitis, resulting in irreversible vision loss in immune-compromised individuals. When a protozoal infection spreads to neural tissues, it causes granulomatous encephalitis, which can be fatal. Treatment often takes longer due to the transition of amoeba from trophozoites to cyst stages, cyst being the dormant form of Acanthamoeba. A prolonged use of therapeutic agents, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), results in severe side effects; thus, it is critical to improve the therapeutic efficacy of these widely used antibiotics, possibly by limiting the drug-sensitive protozoal-phase transition to cyst formation. Owing to the biomedical potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), we evaluated the synergistic effects of ciprofloxacin and Rhizobium pusense–biogenic SeNPs combination. SeNPs synthesized using Rhizobium pusense isolated from root nodules were characterized using UV–Visible spectrophotometer, FT-IR, SEM with EDX, particle size analysis, and Zeta potential. The combination was observed to reduce the sub-lethal dose of Cipro, which may help reduce its side effects. The selenium and ciprofloxacin (SeNPs–Cipro) combination reduced the LC50 by 33.43%. The anti-protozoal efficacy of SeNPs–Cipro was found to transduce through decreased protozoal-cyst formations and the inhibition of the galactosidase and protease enzymes of trophozoites. Furthermore, high leakage of sugar, proteins, and amino acids during the SeNPs–Cipro treatment was one primary reason for killing the trophozoites. These experimental results may be helpful in the further pre-clinical evaluation of SeNPs–Cipro to combat protozoal infections. Future studies for combinations of SeNPs with other antibiotics need to be conducted to know the potential of SeNPs against antibiotic resistance in Acanthamoeba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne parasitic protozoan disease, is among the most important neglected tropical diseases. In the absence of vaccines, disease management is challenging. The available chemotherapy is suboptimal, and there are growing concerns about the emergence of drug resistance. Thus, a better understanding of parasite biology is essential to generate new strategies for disease control. In this context, in vitro parasite exoproteome characterization enabled the identification of proteins involved in parasite survival, pathogenesis, and other biologically relevant processes. After 2005, with the availability of genomic information, these studies became increasingly feasible and revealed the true complexity of the parasite exoproteome. After the discovery of Leishmania extracellular vesicles (EVs), most exoproteome studies shifted to the characterization of EVs. The non-EV portion of the exoproteome, named the vesicle-depleted exoproteome (VDE), has been mostly ignored even if it accounts for a significant portion of the total exoproteome proteins. Herein, we summarize the importance of total exoproteome studies followed by a special emphasis on the available information and the biological relevance of the VDE. Finally, we report on how VDE can be studied and disclose how it might contribute to providing biologically relevant targets for diagnosis, drug, and vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are major protozoan diseases of global distribution. Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of toxoplasmosis, which affects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, while Neospora caninum induces neosporosis in many animal species, especially cattle. The current defective situation with control measures is hindering all efforts to overcome the health hazards and economic losses of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis. Adequate understanding of host-parasite interactions and host strategies to combat such infections can be exploited in establishing potent control measures, including vaccine development. Macrophages are the first defense line of innate immunity, which is responsible for the successful elimination of T.gondii or N. caninum. This action is exerted via the immunoregulatory interleukin-12 (IL-12), which orchestrates the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) from various immune cells. Cellular immune response and IFN-γ production is the hallmark for successful vaccine candidates against both T. gondii and N. caninum. However, the discovery of potential vaccine candidates is a highly laborious, time-consuming and expensive procedure. In this review, we will try to exploit previous knowledge and our research experience to establish an efficient immunological approach for exploring potential vaccine candidates against T. gondii and N. caninum. Our previous studies on vaccine development against both T. gondii and N. caninum revealed a strong association between the successful and potential vaccine antigens and their ability to promote the macrophage secretion of IL-12 using a murine model. This phenomenon was emphasized using different recombinant antigens, parasites, and experimental approaches. Upon these data and research trials, IL-12 production from murine macrophages can be used as an initial predictor for judgment of vaccine efficacy before further evaluation in time-consuming and laborious in vivo experiments. However, more studies and research are required to conceptualize this immunological approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is responsible for inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) contributing to subtle neuronal alterations. Albeit essential for brain parasite control, continuous microglia activation and recruitment of peripheral immune cells entail distinct neuronal impairment upon infection-induced neuroinflammation. PACAP is an endogenous neuropeptide known to inhibit inflammation and promote neuronal survival. Since PACAP is actively transported into the CNS, we aimed to assess the impact of PACAP on the T. gondii-induced neuroinflammation and subsequent effects on neuronal homeostasis.Methods: Exogenous PACAP was administered intraperitoneally in the chronic stage of T. gondii infection, and brains were isolated for histopathological analysis and determination of pathogen levels. Immune cells from the brain, blood, and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the further production of inflammatory mediators was investigated by intracellular protein staining as well as expression levels by RT-qPCR. Neuronal and synaptic alterations were assessed on the transcriptional and protein level, focusing on neurotrophins, neurotrophin-receptors and signature synaptic markers.Results: Here, we reveal that PACAP administration reduced the inflammatory foci and the number of apoptotic cells in the brain parenchyma and restrained the activation of microglia and recruitment of monocytes. The neuropeptide reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators such as IFN-γ, IL-6, iNOS, and IL-1β. Moreover, PACAP diminished IFN-γ production by recruited CD4+ T cells in the CNS. Importantly, PACAP promoted neuronal health via increased expression of the neurotrophin BDNF and reduction of p75NTR, a receptor related to neuronal cell death. In addition, PACAP administration was associated with increased expression of transporters involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling that are particularly affected during cerebral toxoplasmosis.Conclusions: Together, our findings unravel the beneficial effects of exogenous PACAP treatment upon infection-induced neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential implication of neuropeptides to promote neuronal survival and minimize synaptic prejudice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis, a tick-borne protozoan disease, has been increasing in frequency in recent years. Familiarity with presentations of babesiosis is important for clinicians. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a rarely seen complication of severe babesiosis. In most cases, the patients with babesiosis developed ARDS several days after initiation of antibabesia therapy. We present a unique case of babesiosis without any respiratory symptoms on presentation who developed ARDS within 24 hours of babesiosis treatment initiation. Furthermore, we reviewed published cases of ARDS in babesiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the deworming program has been executed since 2000, the intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) rates among primary schoolchildren (PSC) in the two provinces of the Kingdom of Eswatini investigated in 2010 remained high, reaching 32.2%. In this study, we monitored the IPI status along with the associated risk factors for PSC in two provinces—Manzini and Lubombo. After consent from their parents/guardians, a total of 316 samples collected from PSC with grades 1 to 3 from four primary schools in Manzini and Lubombo were examined by the Merthiolate-Iodine-Formaldehyde (MIF) method. In addition, demographic characteristics and risk factors acquired by questionnaire surveys were included to be statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence was 40.5% (128/316), of which the infection rate in Manzini and Lubombo was 28.8% (19/66) and 58.3% (74/140), respectively. Pathogenic protozoa had the highest infection rate of 20.6% (65/316), including Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (8.5%, 27/316), Giardia duodenalis (14.6%, 46/316), and Blastocystis hominis (9.8%, 31/316). In terms of helminth infection, the infection rate was quite low, 1.6% only, and these five infected cases included four cases of Hymenolepis nana and one case of Enterobius vermicularis infection. Present study showed that 27.8% (88/316) of PSC were infected by more than one pathogenic parasite. Personal hygiene like washing hands before a meal has a significant protection effect (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14–0.75, p = 0.009). Rain or well water and the type of water supply from which they drank also showed a considerable risk factor (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.25–4.79, p = 0.04). The IPI rate in PSC seems unlikely changed compared to that of the previous survey conducted in 2010, especially when the pathogenic protozoan infection rate remains high. Treatment of infected PSC with appropriate medication to reduce intestinal pathogenic protozoan infection should be seriously considered by Eswatini Health Authority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Accurate, cost-effective, and noninvasive alternative molecular methods are needed for detecting low malaria parasitemia. The currently-used nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) requires blood as well as skilled personnel in order to minimise the risk of bloodborne disease transmission. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the accuracy of a noninvasive and more affordable malaria diagnosis with saliva using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Centre and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Matched blood and saliva samples collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic participants were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests, microscopy, PCR, and LAMP. Statistics were performed using R studio software at 95% confidence interval. Results. A total of 100 participants (65% symptomatic and 35% asymptomatic) aged between 1 and 74 years with a balanced gender distribution ratio of 1.08 were included in our study. The prevalence of malaria was 61%, 57%, 59%, 42%, 35%, 17%, and 16% for blood-RDT, blood-PCR, blood-LAMP, blood-RT-LAMP, saliva-PCR, saliva-RT-LAMP, and saliva-LAMP, respectively. Both saliva and blood showed a sensitivity of 43.90% and respective specificities of 68.75% and 57.62%. When using RT-LAMP, sensitivities of 49.38% and 48.21% and specificities of 94.11% and 66.67% were recorded for saliva and blood, respectively. Sensitivities of 70.23% and 73.49% and specificities of 62.5% and 76.47% were recorded, respectively, for saliva-LAMP and saliva-RT-LAMP when compared to saliva-PCR as the gold standard. Saliva-LAMP and saliva-RT-LAMP had a fair agreement (к = 0.221 and 0.352, respectively) with saliva-PCR. Homemade LAMP and RT-LAMP technologies match the WHO recommendations and after proper validation in a larger sample size, could serve for malaria diagnosis in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complement system exerts crucial functions both in innate immune responses and adaptive humoral immunity. This pivotal system plays a major role dealing with pathogen invasions including protozoan parasites. Different pathogens including parasites have developed sophisticated strategies to defend themselves against complement killing. Some of these strategies include the employment, mimicking or inhibition of host's complement regulatory proteins, leading to complement evasion. Therefore, parasites are proven to use the manipulation of the complement system to assist them during infection and persistence. Herein, we attempt to study the interaction´s mechanisms of some prominent infectious protozoan parasites including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania dealing with the complement system. Moreover, several crucial proteins that are expressed, recruited or hijacked by parasites and are involved in the modulation of the host´s complement system are selected and their role for efficient complement killing or lysis evasion is discussed. In addition, parasite's complement regulatory proteins appear as plausible therapeutic and vaccine targets in protozoan parasitic infections. Accordingly, we also suggest some perspectives and insights useful in guiding future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmania and Leishmania RNA virus: Viral infection and hyperpathogenesis The vector-borne infection leishmaniasis is caused by the intracellular protozoan I Leishmania i . The pervasiveness of viral infectious agents, capable of parasitizing living organisms all along the evolutionary spectrum, has obligated hosts to evolve defense mechanisms that control viral infection. LRV transmission and extracellular vesicles: Novel insight into host-pathogen interaction and... Extracellular transmission of I Totiviridae i is rare, previously only documented in GLV, with other viruses in the family presumed to be solely transmitted vertically during host cellular division [[33]]. [Extracted from the article]

Food, water and sanitation insecurities are complex, multi-dimensional phenomena that entail more than availability and access; food, water, and sanitation resources must be safe and culturally appropriate. Researchers and implementers concerned with these insecurities have demonstrated that there are notable interactions between them resulting in significant psychological and biological outcomes. Recent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in Bangladesh, Kenya (WASH Benefits) and Zimbabwe (SHINE) demonstrated no effect from water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions on linear growth, and mixed evidence on enteropathogen burden and risk of diarrhoea in young children. These data suggest a need for a more comprehensive understanding of WASH security. The risks posed by multiple resource insecurities shift depending on the individual, their movement throughout their day, their economically and socially prescribed roles, and ecological features such as seasonality and precipitation. By more fully integrating food, water and sanitation security in interventions and subsequent impact evaluations, we can achieve WASH security—one that addresses myriad transmission pathways and co-occurring diseases—that ultimately would improve health outcomes throughout the world. In this critical review, we outline the complexity of combined resource insecurities as a step towards transformative WASH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coccidiosis is an endemic protozoal disease of chickens normally controlled by ionophores. However, coccidiostats are also antibiotics, and evidence of resistance in both coccidia and bacteria may develop and reduce antibacterial activity in humans. This has led to a search for natural coccidiostats, such as green tea. Objectives: To study the effects of supplementing broilers with various levels and types of green tea, in comparison to use of a conventional coccidiostat or a control, unsupplemented diet. Methods: A total of 360 male, day‐old Ross 308 broilers (days 1–42) were used to evaluate the gut morphology and performance when challenged with coccidiosis and fed varying dietary levels of green tea powder or extract. Treatments were Negative control (NC, unsupplemented control diet); positive control (PC, control diet + commercial coccidiostat); control diets with 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 g/kg green tea extract (GTE 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4); and control diets with 1, 2 or 3 g/kg green tea powder (GTP 1, 2 and 3). Results: Compared with NC, PC and all green tea treatments, but particularly GTE0.4, increased feed intake and growth rate, with the best feed conversion ratio at GTE0.4. As a proportion of carcase weight, higher inclusion rates increased intestine weight and decreased abdominal fat. The duodenum, jejunum and ileum of birds fed green tea, and particularly GTE0.4, had longer, wider villi, and shallower crypts. Epithelium thickness was reduced by green tea and PC, compared to NC. Clostridium perfringens and coliform populations decreased in proportion to green tea inclusion rate and decreased in PC. Lactobacilli increased with green tea and were more for NC than PC. Green tea at the highest concentrations reduced blood glucose and LDL and VLDL cholesterol. Conclusions: Green tea offers a possible replacement for conventional ionophores to control coccidiosis in broiler chickens. The best inclusion rate was 0.4 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the major health problems in the world, Trichomonas vaginalis infection is a common sexually transmitted protozoal infection, with an estimated 180 million prevalent cases worldwide. Objective: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among Sudanese patients according to sex and age in Bashaeir Hospital - Khartoum state. Methods: This study was a retrospective descriptive study of precollected urine samples, included male and female patients attending the outpatient, requested for urine general examination, samples were selected by systemic random sampling. One hundred-twenty five (125) samples have been taken; wet preparation has been done for all samples in Bashaeir Hospital lab. Result: 125 urine samples was examined. The number of females was 95 and males was 30. All samples were examined for T. vaginalis. Only 15 were positive. We could not collect data for all subjects; because it was not available. There was an available data about sex and age for 23 cases. Conclusion: Female was more affected by Trichomonas vaginalis than in males. The most affected age was ranging from (31-40) years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer is a category of diseases that cause an individual's immune system to become suppressed. In a case-control study, the current study aims to detect the frequency of intestinal parasites and related risk factors in children with cancer. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 178 children with cancers (cases) and 150 cancer-free children (controls) who sought treatment for diarrheal episodes at nearby hospitals. Samples were processed by direct smear examination, concentration technique, permanent staining by Lugol's iodine, modified Ziehl-Neelsen, modified trichrome, and chromotrope 2R stains. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 7.3% (24/328), with non-statistically significant differences between cases (7.8%; 14/178) and controls (6.6%; 10/150). Children with leukemia had a higher infection rate (9%; 9/100) than children with lymphoma (6.9%; 3/43) or solid tumors (5.7%; 2/35). Blastocystis sp. (3.3%) was the most common intestinal parasite found in cases, followed by Cryptosporidium sp. (2.2%), Giardia lamblia (1.6%), and Microsporidia sp. (0.5%). For all parasites, no statistical difference was found between the two groups. (p > 0.05). Male gender, young age, non-bottled water use, travel to parasite-endemic areas, living in an urban area, and infrequent hand washing were all associated with intestinal parasitosis, with non-statistical significance observed between the two groups. In children with cancer, intestinal parasites were found to be significantly associated with chronic (p = 0.04) and severe (p = 0.03) diarrhea. Conclusions: Children with cancer, particularly those with hematological cancers, should be screened for intestinal parasites on a regular basis and treated for their overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]