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In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. have been widely used for treatment of cough, skin diseases, diarrhea, fever, schistosomiasis, amoebic dysentery, and gastrointestinal problems, especially in the treatment of vitiligo for thousands of years in China. In this study, an effective, reliable, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed for quantitative analysis of 3 marker bioactive compounds and chemical fingerprint of the seeds of V. anthelmintica. Data corresponding to common peak areas and HPLC chromatographic fingerprints were analyzed by exploratory hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to extract information of the most significant variables contributing to characterization and classification of the analyzed samples. Based on variety and origin, the high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method validated the chemical fingerprint results used to screen the in vitro antioxidant activity of V. anthelmintica. The results show that the developed method has potential application values for the quality consistency evaluation and identification of similar instant V. anthelmintica samples. When considered collectively, this research results provide a scientific basis for the improvement of standardization and specification of V. anthelmintica medicinal materials and provide a pathway for the development and utilization of references for the identification of V. anthelmintica herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the Entamoebahistolytica in 500 patients (human stool) selected from a private laboratory in Baghdad/Iraq during the period from 1st of April 2018 till the 31th of August, by using the iodine stain to detect the stages of parasite in all samples, evaluate the prevalence of the parasite between males and females and to evaluate the relationship of the parasite in selected months of this study. This study showed that the total number of infected patients is 394 from 500 taken sample. The high incidence (81.13%) is occurred in August and the low incidence (76.84%)is occurred in April. This result showed no significant differences appeared between the chosen months of the study (P<0.01). The result of this study showed no significant differences (p<0.01) appeared between the males and females of the study, the number of infected patients are (192 males out of 240 and 202 females out of 260). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica are one of most important protozoan parasites causing diarrhea in Baghdad. This study done through three years (2013, 2014, 2015). Total of 7188 stool samples examined, 208 were infected with G. duodenalis (2.89%) and 1176 were infected with E. histolytica (16.36%) in patients attended Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) and Al-Imam Ali General Hospital (AAGH) in Al-Sidder city. These two-parasite found in all months, all ages and in both genders, but the prevalence of giardiasis was higher (P<0.05) in PHCC than AAGH (5.15% and 0.87%, respectively). Also, giardiasis was higher in PHCC than AAGH (5.15% and 0.87%, respectively) but without significant differences. According to the age, prevalence of Giardia was high (12.92%) among category 1-4 years in PHCC, while high prevalence of Giardia (1.75%) in AAGH was among category 15-44 years. In concern to amoebiasis infection, the prevalence of the parasite was high among category 15-44 years in both AAGH and PHCC (31.15% and 27.09%, respectively). Females shows high infection with giardiasis and amoebiasis than males in both PHCC and AAGH. According to seasons of year the infection with G. duodenalis increased in both PHCC and AAGH in Autumn and winter but decreased in Summer. In other hand, the infection with E. histolytica increased in both PHCC andAAGH in summer and decreased in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identify weather conditions influenced on the incidence rates of parasitic gastritis enteritis (PGE) due to high temperatures levels during the summer season and building a model to predict those rates to identify the differences between them in the future. A historical data was carried out during 2019 in Baghdad and Karbala, Iraq. Data was recorded by Health and Vital Statistics Office, Ministry of Health. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for analytic and creating predicts equations of prevalence rates in each area, such that: (Quadratic Mode), and relationships are accounted among parasitic infections. Results the showed that high temperatures during summer months were formed main and only main source of elevated prevalence rates concerning of studied parasitic infections with very low rates was reported at the onset of the winter months with highly significant of related rates (Slope) of the nonlinear predicated equations. As well as highly significant relationships were recorded for distribution of parasitic infections cases in studied each incidental gender. There were no significant differences between studied areas in contrast of Hymenolopsis and Mange infections, while highly significant differences illustrated in the other parasitic infections, such as Enterobiasis, Amoebiasis and Giardiasis. In conclusion, among conclusions, these finding here demonstrated that available epidemiological statistical analysis would provide an acceptable test of supposition of changing incidence of PGE, since Karbala governorate is epidemic area with (Enterobiasis and Giardiasis) infections, while Baghdad governorate is epidemic area with Amoebiasis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic network of actin filaments and associated F-actin-binding proteins, is fundamentally important in eukaryotes. a-Actinins are major F-actin bundlers that are inhibited by Ca2+ in nonmuscle cells. Here we report the mechanism of Ca2+- mediated regulation of Entamoeba histolytica a-actinin-2 (EhActn2) with features expected for the common ancestor of Entamoeba and higher eukaryotic a-actinins. Crystal structures of Ca2+-free and Ca2+- bound EhActn2 reveal a calmodulin-like domain (CaMD) uniquely inserted within the rod domain. Integrative studies reveal an exceptionally high affinity of the EhActn2 CaMD for Ca2+, binding of which can only be regulated in the presence of physiological concentrations of Mg2+. Ca2+ binding triggers an increase in protein multidomain rigidity, reducing conformational flexibility of F-actin-binding domains via interdomain cross-talk and consequently inhibiting F-actin bundling. In vivo studies uncover that EhActn2 plays an important role in phagocytic cup formation and might constitute a new drug target for amoebic dysentery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is one of the leading parasitic infections in the world. This study was aimed at profiling antigenic membrane proteins of a virulent variant of E. histolytica HM-1:IMSS. The membrane proteins were extracted using ProteoExtract® kit (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) or conventional method, separated using OFFGEL 3100 fractionator (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, California), followed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Selected antigenic membrane proteins were identified using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Subsequently, the proteins were classified according to their biological processes and predictions were made on membrane and membrane-associated proteins. When the proteins were probed with pooled sera from amoebic liver abscess (ALA) patients, 10 and 15 antigenic proteins with molecular weights 25 to 200 kDa were identified using the ProteoExtract® kit and conventional method, respectively. LC-ESI-MS/MS identified 13 antigenic proteins, and both extraction methods predicted six of them as membrane and membrane-associated proteins. The topmost biological processes which comprised of six proteins were involved in cellular processes.. These antigenic membrane proteins merit further investigations as potential candidates for vaccine studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the developing world, amoebiasis is a widespread parasitic disease in which Entameoba histolytica is the causative agent for a human. The aim of this study is to evaluate the end products of oxidative stress include; serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum levels of total protein carbonyl (POC) in Entameoba histolytica patients. In addition to estimate the growth retardation of children infected with this parasite. In the current study the sera and stool of 37 patients with Entameoba histolytica infection and 37 healthy children in the control group were diagnosed by Molecular detection techniques. Growth status were calculated and oxidative stress were analyzed. The mean age of the patient was 5.16 ± 4.811 years. There were significant lower differences between the mean of z-score for high and mean z-score for weight in patient than that of controls. T-test demonstrated markedly higher MDA levels, and POC levels were spotted in serum of patients as matched to the patients with control group. It is concluded that the Entameoba histolytica infection was associated with significant oxidative stress and growth retardation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebiasis is a parasitic infectious disease caused by the enteric protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, a leading basis of deaths accounted to parasites, succeeding malaria and schistosomiasis. Conventional treatment methodologies used to deal with amoebiasis mainly rely on the administration of anti‐amoebic compounds and vaccines but are often linked with substantial side‐effects on the patient. Besides, cases of development of drug resistance in protozoans have been recorded, contributing further to the reduction in the efficiency of the treatment. Loopholes in the efficacious management of the disease call for the development of novel methodologies to manage amoebiasis. A way to achieve this is by targeting the essential metabolic processes of 'encystation' and 'excystation', and the associated biomolecules, thus interrupting the biphasic life cycle of the parasite. Technologies like the CRISPR‐Cas9 system can efficiently be exploited to discover novel and essential molecules that regulate the protozoan's metabolism, while efficiently manipulating and managing the known drug targets, leading to an effective halt and forestall to the enteric infection. This review presents a perspective on these essential metabolic processes and the associated molecules that can be targeted efficaciously to prevent the transmission of amoebiasis, thus managing the disease and proving to be a fruitful endeavour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article present a case study of a 52-year-old man was referred to the emergency department for an acute weakness and difficulty speaking, preceded for a few days prior by headaches and dizziness. It mentions that his cardiac, pulmonary, abdominal, and cutaneous examinations showed no abnormality. It also mentions that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a round hemorrhagic lesion in the right striatocapsular region.

The pathogenic Entamoeba species in snakes is widely regarded to be Entamoeba invadens , which can cause severe amoebiasis with up to 100% mortality. In this case report, we describe a ball python (Python regius) that died after short-term weight loss. Necropsy revealed severe necrotizing colitis with large numbers of intralesional Entamoeba trophozoites. Molecular genetic analysis identified these trophozoites as Entamoeba ranarum , a parasite more usually found in amphibians. Furthermore, the extended history revealed that toads (Rhinella marina) had been housed together with the python. This report illustrates the danger of protozoal cross-infections in exotic animals as well as the importance of molecular genetic tools in Entamoeba diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillary dysentery, commonly known as shigellosis, is a potentially perilous and extremely contagious bacterial infection of the colon caused by—but not limited to—bacteria shigella, bacillus, E. coli, Yersinia, and the parasite amoeba. This paper formulates and analyses a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of dysentery epidemic that incorporate the effects of weather variations. It examines the stability of equilibria and compute the basic reproduction number that is coupled with the time-periodic model, and establishes results on the threshold dynamics. In the non-autonomous case, it investigates the disease extinction and uniform persistence. Results suggest that the dynamics of bacillary dysentery is appreciably affected by climate change, which also plays a significant role in whittling the long-term dynamics of the epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case report of a 3-year-old boy with past medical history of intestinal partially treated amebiasis, is presented. The patient was admitted to Pediatric Unit, San Cristóbal Central Hospital, Táchira, Venezuela, with abdominal pain and fever. An abdominal bloating and a 3 cm palpable hepatomegaly below the right costal margin were assessed. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a liver enlarged In the right antero-superior area. A rounded space-occupying lesion, predominantly solid, with mixed-echo patterns, was assessed using ultrasound. The preliminary diagnosis Issued was of acute medical abdomen with hepatic space-occupying lesion considered amebic liver abscess or liver tumor, moderate hypochromic microcytic anemia, and malnutrition with short stature. During the case evolution, a first computerized tomography exploration was necessary in order to exploit the capacity of this imaging technique to scan an abscess as a peripheral pseudo-capsule showing rim enhancement. Nevertheless, this theoretical shape associated with abscesses on computerized tomography scans was unable to verify in this study. At this point, the mixed-echo patterns of the preliminary ultrasound study and the imprecision of the computerized tomography scan to categorize the lesion as an abscess or a tumor, do not allow establishing a definitive diagnosis. A management based on antibiotic therapy Is then proposed. The progression of the space-occupying lesion was performed using ultrasound and computerized tomography scans during the clinical evolution. The imaging controls probe a slight decrease of the liver lesion, which is diagnosed as a liver abscess. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage was performed. An amoebic liver abscess In resolution was finally diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia 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.)

Background: Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which is a pathogenic species living on human colon tissues. The development of new drugs for anti-amebic are still very needed for clinical treatment. Objective: This aims to identify the compounds in Cratoxylum sumatranum for their anti-amoeba activity. Materials and Methods: In this study we used bioactivity-guided isolation and structural analysis to identified anti-amebic compounds from dichloromethane extract of Cratoxylum sumatranum stem bark. Their anti-amebic activity was determined by an in vitro cell-based assay against Entamoeba histolytica and an enzymatic assay on NAD kinase. Results: Two known compounds from the cage xanthone groups, namely cochinchinoxanthone (1) and cochinchinone D (2), were isolated. The structures of the cage xanthone compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic data analysis. Compound (1) showed the greatest level of anti-amebic activity both in cell-based and enzymatic assay, yielding IC50 values of 4.57 and 12.17 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, compound (2) yielded IC50 values of 5.19 and 12.60 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: When considering the demonstrated anti-amebic activities, it becomes apparent that these compounds, isolated from Cratoxylum sumatranum stem bark, have the potential to be further developed into effective anti-amebic medicine against Entamoeba histolytica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Consuming raw vegetables presents a considerable risk to the public and is the chief mode of transmission of intestinal parasites. We sought to assess the degree of parasitic contaminations on selected vegetables in the UAE. Methods: A total of 218 fresh vegetable samples were collected randomly from different farms and local supermarkets between February 2017 and January 2018. After washing and centrifugation, the sediment was examined microscopically for parasitic forms. Results: Protozoa cysts and helminths eggs were detected in 15.1% (33/218) of samples. The most detected parasites were Entamoeba complex (E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii) (30.3%), Entamoeba coli (18.2%), Trichuris trichiura (12.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (12.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides egg (9.1%), Endolimax nana cyst and Enterobius vermicularis egg (6.1% each), and Giardia lamblia and Hymenolepis nana (3.0% each). We found no significant association between the vegetable type and the parasite occurrence (p > 0.050). Moreover, parasite incidence was independent of the vegetable type (p > 0.050). Conclusions: The study highlights the potential of raw produce serving as a major source of foodborne disease outbreaks and its role in the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections. Public education on the safe handling of raw vegetables is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Gastroenterologe is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

The objective of this study was to conduct in vivo to detect the effect of Chlorella extract on Entamoeba histolytica. and to examine its therapeutic effect in male laboratory rats type Mus musculus. These rats were dosed with a concentration of (1, 1.5 and 2) mg/ml of the aforesaid extract at a daily dose of (10, 15 and 20) days and then, the rats' faeces were tested to observe the change in parasite numbers after dosing the extract. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of Chlorella sp. was effective in reducing the vesicated and fed stages Entamoeba histolytica-infected rats, where the rate of killing those stages had recorded the highest percentage at dose of 2mg/ml during a period of 20 days. Moreover, qualitative detections of chemicals for secondary metabolism of ethanolic extract of Chlorella sp. were carried out, which indicated the presence of chemically active compounds. The therapeutic efficiency of the extract was also calculated, which has recorded 68.70%. The Chlorella can be used to control infectious diseases and prevent Entamoeba histolytica parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carapichea ipecacuanha (Brot.) L. Andersson is the botanical source of Ipecac drug and contains major alkaloids emetine, cephaline that are pharmaceutically used against bronchitis associated with cough in children, severe diarrhea (amoebic dysentery) and also cancer. Ipecac serves as an expectorant to thin mucous and easy coughing. Low doses are used to enhance appetite and it is administered orally to cause vomiting after suspected poisoning. Materials and Methods: The review highlights the taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution, medicinal uses and major pharmacological activities including side effects of Ipecac drug reported in recent years consulting various published papers dealing with Ipecac. Results and Conclusion: The species is rarely distributed due to disturbances in their habitats in natural growing condition. Further studies are required to scientifically evaluate the traditional uses of this plant through extraction and identification of their active ingredients and the mechanisms and mode of action that would serve as a source of collective information on this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amoebiasis, or amoebic dysentery, is a term used to describe an infection caused by the protozoan Entamoebahistolytica. Aim: Identify E.histolytica virulence factors (amoabapore and cysteine proteinase) that play a critical role in pathogenesis ofamoebic dysentery by using PCR results. Method: Detect the major virulence factors of the intestinal parasite E.histolytica on Stool samples were collected from 56 samples by using PCR techniqueand. The DNA sequencing analysis was performed for confirmative genetic identification of some local Entamoebahistolytica. Result: To detect the major virulence factors (V.F.) (cysteine proteinase and amoebapore) of E.histolytica, PCR technique was conducted, by using specific primers for E.histolytica, a 56 samples were positive to E.histolytica using PCR technique was diagnosed previously,the result showed that 54 stool samples were bloody & positive to virulence factorcysteine proteinase, and 37 stool samples were bloody & 53 samples were positive to virulence factor Amoeba pore. Conclusion: Cysteine proteinase and Amoebaporesis the most important virulence factors in E.histolytica that play a critical role in the mediated intestinal cell lysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic infections by Entamoeba histolytica in human are in two forms, either pathogenic to some individuals or non-pathogenic to others; the pathogens that invade the tissues are called E. histolytica and non-pathogenic species are called E. dispar. Infections in temperate areas are often non-pathogenic, as most patients are infected with no clinical symptoms, unlike in tropical and subtropical regions where most of the infections in these areas are pathogenic and E. histolytica parasites are responsible for millions of cases of amoebic dysentery and amoebic abscess where the parasite is endemic. The symptoms of E. histolytica are divided into two types: intestinal, extra intestinal, the symptoms depend on two main factors: the first is the location of the parasite in the host and the other is the penetration or invasion of tissues of the host. The current study explained that there are several methods to diagnose parasite: Traditional methods using a microscope, serological methods and Molecular method. The best method is the molecular method because this method depended on the diagnosis for the genes of Entamoeba histolytica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infections are a major source of human suffering, mortality, and economic loss, but drug development for these diseases has been stymied by the significant expense involved in bringing a drug though clinical trials and to market. Identification of single compounds active against multiple parasitic pathogens could improve the economic incentives for drug development as well as simplifying treatment regimens. We recently performed a screen of repurposed compounds against the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, causative agent of amebic dysentery, and identified four compounds (anisomycin, prodigiosin, obatoclax and nithiamide) with low micromolar potency and drug-like properties. Here, we extend our investigation of these drugs. We assayed the speed of killing of E. histolytica trophozoites and found that all four have more rapid action than the current drug of choice, metronidazole. We further established a multi-institute collaboration to determine whether these compounds may have efficacy against other parasites and opportunistic pathogens. We found that anisomycin, prodigiosin and obatoclax all have broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity in vitro, including activity against schistosomes, T. brucei, and apicomplexan parasites. In several cases, the drugs were found to have significant improvements over existing drugs. For instance, both obatoclax and prodigiosin were more efficacious at inhibiting the juvenile form of Schistosoma than the current standard of care, praziquantel. Additionally, low micromolar potencies were observed against pathogenic free-living amebae (Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Acanthamoeba castellanii), which cause CNS infection and for which there are currently no reliable treatments. These results, combined with the previous human use of three of these drugs (obatoclax, anisomycin and nithiamide), support the idea that these compounds could serve as the basis for the development of broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drugs. Author summary: Parasitic diseases are a major cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide, as well as a significant economic drain in developing countries. Many parasites have limited treatment options with low efficacy and significant side effects, however research into new therapeutics suffers from a lack of investment. In this study, we characterize four potential anti-parasitic drugs: anisomycin, nithiamide, prodigiosin and obatoclax. These drugs were previously shown to effectively inhibit Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite that causes amebic dysentery. Here, we demonstrate that these drugs have activity against a wide variety of parasites from different taxonomic groups. Additionally, we assessed the speed of killing of these compounds against E. histolytica and the brain pathogen Balamuthia mandrillaris, and show that several are faster acting than current drugs. Two of these drugs (prodigiosin and obatoclax) had broad-spectrum activity, including against life stages not treated by current drugs such as juvenile schistosome worms, and three (obatoclax, nithiamide and anisomycin) have been used previously in humans. Although more study will be needed to adapt these drugs to the varying requirements for treatment of each parasitic disease, this work is a promising beginning towards identifying drugs against multiple parasites that are human pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeting virulence factors represents a promising alternative approach to antimicrobial therapy, through the inhibition of pathogenic pathways that result in host tissue damage. Yet, virulence inhibition remains an understudied area in parasitology. Several medically important protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium, Entamoeba, Toxoplasma, and Leishmania secrete an inflammatory macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) cytokine homolog, a virulence factor linked to severe disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of targeting parasite-produced MIF as combination therapy with standard antibiotics to reduce disease severity. Here, we used Entamoeba histolytica as the model MIF-secreting protozoan, and a mouse model that mirrors severe human infection. We found that intestinal inflammation and tissue damage were significantly reduced in mice treated with metronidazole when combined with anti-E. histolytica MIF antibodies, compared to metronidazole alone. Thus, this preclinical study provides proof-of-concept that combining antiparasite MIF-blocking antibodies with current standard-of-care antibiotics might improve outcomes in severe protozoan infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entamoeba histolytica is a food- and waterborne parasite that causes amebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscesses. Adhesion is one of the most important virulence functions as it facilitates motility, colonization of host, destruction of host tissue, and uptake of nutrients by the parasite. The parasite cell surface adhesin, the Gal/GalNAc lectin, facilitates parasite-host interaction by binding to galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine residues on host components. It is composed of heavy (Hgl), intermediate (Igl), and light (Lgl) subunits. Igl is constitutively localized to lipid rafts (cholesterol-rich membrane domains), whereas Hgl and Lgl transiently associate with rafts. When all three subunits are localized to rafts, galactose-sensitive adhesion is enhanced. Thus, submembrane location may regulate the function of this adhesion. Rhomboid proteases are a conserved family of intramembrane proteases that also participate in the regulation of parasite-host interactions. In E. histolytica, one rhomboid protease, EhROM1, cleaves Hgl as a substrate, and knockdown of its expression inhibits parasite-host interactions. Since rhomboid proteases are found within membranes, it is not surprising that lipid composition regulates their activity and enzyme-substrate binding. Given the importance of the lipid environment for both rhomboid proteases and the Gal/GalNAc lectin, we sought to gain insight into the relationship between rhomboid proteases and submembrane location of the lectin in E. histolytica. We demonstrated that EhROM1, itself, is enriched in highly buoyant triton-insoluble membranes reminiscent of rafts. Reducing rhomboid protease activity, either pharmacologically or genetically, correlated with an enrichment of Hgl and Lgl in rafts. In a mutant cell line with reduced EhROM1 expression, there was also a significant augmentation of the level of all three Gal/GalNAc subunits on the cell surface and an increase in the molecular weight of Hgl and Lgl. Overall, the study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms governing parasite-host adhesion for this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Encephalitis is caused by infection, immune mediated diseases, or primary inflammatory diseases. Of all the causative infectious pathogens, 90% are viruses or bacteria. Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris , is a rare but life-threatening disease. Diagnosis and therapy are frequently delayed due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations. Method A healthy 2 year old Chinese male patient initially presented with a nearly 2 month history of irregular fever. We present this case of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by B. mandrillaris. Next generation sequencing of the patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was performed to identify an infectious agent. Result The results of next generation sequencing of the CSF showed that most of the mapped reads belonged to Balamuthia mandrillaris. Conclusion Next generation sequencing (NGS) is an unbiased and rapid diagnostic tool. The NGS method can be used for the rapid identification of causative pathogens. The NGS method should be widely applied in clinical practice and help clinicians provide direction for the diagnosis of diseases, especially for rare and difficult cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica parasite is among the worst gut diseases worldwide. The study involved detection of gut mycobiome signature of the infected subjects in a trial to improve ability to diagnose and treat this disease. The results indicated that diversity of samples slightly changed due to infection. Dendrogram indicated that the most common phyla in the human gut are Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Zygomycota. Species Pichia kudriavzevii, Candida glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae of phylum Ascomycota and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa of phylum Basidiomycota were found highly OTU abundant. Weighted unifrac diversity distances resulted in complete separation of the two groups. Differential abundance analysis indicated that four phyla, six families, nine genera and ten species showed considerable changes in gut mycobiome signatures within and among groups. Unclassified species of genus Malassezia (phylum Basidiomycota) showed high abundance in infected subjects as compared to healthy subjects, while families Saccharomycetaceae and Trichocomaceae, genus Saccharomyces and species S. cerevisiae showed opposite results. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEFSE) indicated that family Saccharomycetaceae, of which S. cerevisiae is a downstream taxon, can be a negative biomarker for amebiasis. In conclusion, the study provides new insights into possible use of Saccharomyces as a probiotic against amebiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a facultative protozoan parasite implicated in amoebic liver abscesses (ALA), the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. E. histolytica is endemic to sub-tropical and tropical countries and has been a major public health concern in northern Sri Lanka (SLK) for the last three decades. This has been attributed to a multitude of factors such as poor sanitation, hygiene, male sex, middle age, overcrowding, unsanitary practices in the production of indigenous alcoholic beverages, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, while rates of E. histolytica have declined substantially throughout the rest of the island, largely due to better infrastructure, it remains pervasive in the northern peninsula, which is generally less developed. Infection arises primarily from fecal-oral transmission through the consumption of contaminated drinking water containing cysts. Upon ingestion, cysts multiply into trophozoites and colonize the host colonic mucosa using lectin and cysteine proteases as virulence factors, leading to host invasion. Symptoms occur along a spectrum, from asymptomatology, to pyrexia, abdominal cramping, and amoebic dysentery. Colonization of the colon results in the formation of distinct flask-shaped ulcers along the epithelium, and eventual penetration of the lamina propria via the production of matrix metalloproteinases. ALA then develops through trophozoite migration via the mesenteric hepatic portal circulation, where microabscesses coalesce to form a single, large right-lobe abscess, commonly on the posterior aspect. The progression of infection to invasive disease is contingent on the unique interplay between host and pathogen factors, such as the strength of host-immunity to overcome infection and inherent pathogenicity of the Entamoeba species. As a preventable illness, E. histolytica complications such as ALA impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. This mini-review highlights epidemiological trends, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and opportunities for prevention of E. histolytica-induced ALA, to help address this endemic problem on the island of SLK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aptamers are single stranded DNA or RNA sequences that adopt unique threedimensional (3D) structures that allow them to recognize a specific target with great affinity. Their potential uses include; diagnosis of diseases, new therapeutic agents, detection of food risks, biosensors, detection of toxins, drug carriers, nanoparticle markers, among others. So far an aptamer called Pegaptanib has been the only one approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for commercial use. Other aptamers are in different clinical stages of development for the treatment of different diseases. In the area of parasitology, the investigations carried out in parasites such as Leishmania sp. allowed to get aptamers that recognize the LiPABP protein (polyA binding protein), which may have potential application in research, diagnosis and even as a therapeutic agent. In the case of malaria, aptamers have been obtained that allow to identify infected erythrocytes, inhibit the formation of rosettes, and others that promise to be alternatives for diagnosis by specifically detecting the PfLDH protein (lactate dehydrogenase). In C. parvuum, aptamers have been selected that allow the detection of oocysts from contaminated food or water. In E. histolytica, 2 aptamers called C4 and C5 have been isolated which inhibit in vitro proliferation of trophozoites and have potential use as a therapeutic agent. Aptamers obtained against T. cruzi inhibit the invasion of LLC-MK2 cells (monkey kidney) by 50-70% and in T. brucei aptamers with potential to transport toxic molecules to the parasitic lysosome were identified as a novel therapeutic strategy. The data collected in this review highlight aptamers as a novel alternative for research, diagnosis and therapy of parasites of national interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichomonas tenax, a commensal flagellated protozoan, inhabits in human oral cavity. This parasite is cosmopolitan and frequently found in patients with poor oral hygiene and advanced periodontal disease. By using wet mount smear and giemsa staining to detect the prevalence of oral protozoa in patients with oral diseases and a healthy control group. From October 2014 to April 2015, the subgingival dental plaques of 310 patients with gingivitis or periodontitis and 310 controls who attended to clinics periodontics, in Babylon province. 64 (20.6 %) of patients were positive (40.2 % periodontitis,14.2 % gingivitis) by using wet preparation and Giemsa staining. The prevalence of oral Trichomonas tenax in our study (20.6%) and Entamoeba gingivalis was (42.9 %) was compatible with many other published reports which mostly has ranged from 12%-32%.The study revealed dependence between the frequency of occurrence of protozoa and the state of periodontitis.the age group (41-50)yr. Have high incidence of T.tenax compared with an other groups,as well as the males have high incidence(24.7 %) than females (16.8 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entamoeba histolytica is a rare but feared pathogen owing to its related morbidity and mortality. Physicians in an ambulatory clinic in Cusco noted frequent reports of E. histolytica diagnosed by microscopy. Other non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba have an identical microscopic appearance. To determine whether the organisms were actually E. histolytica, faecal specimens from children aged six months to three years with diarrhoea were tested by a species-specific ELISA for E. histolytica antigen. Although 19/73 patients (26.0%) were presumptively diagnosed with amoebiasis based on microscopy, none were confirmed by ELISA. Most cases diagnosed as E. histolytic by microscopy in Peru are not infected by the pathogenic species and are probably colonised by non-pathogenic amoeba such as Entamoeba dispar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: Pathogenic free-living amebae (FLAs) cause skin, ocular, and central nervous system (CNS) infections with significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of FLA infections by pathologic examination of tissue sections can be aided using molecular assays. This study investigated the performance characteristics of a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (FLA-PCR) for detection and differentiation of FLAs in clinical specimens.Methods: FLA-PCR was performed on 39 human specimens comprising one cutaneous, 14 corneal, and 24 CNS formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues with a histopathologic diagnosis of FLA infection and four CNS FFPE tissues with inflammation but no evidence of FLAs. In addition, clinical specificity and assay limit of detection were determined.Results: FLA detection sensitivities ranged from 79% to 84% in FFPE tissues. No cross-reactivity was observed.Conclusions: While sensitivity is limited, FLA-PCR assay may serve as a useful adjunct for detection or confirmation of FLA infections in FFPE tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ileocecal thickening (ICT) is a common finding on radiological imaging. It can be caused by a variety of inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic conditions, and evaluating a patient of ICT can be a challenging task. Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB), Crohn's disease (CD), and adenocarcinoma are the most common causes. Enteric bacterial infections, cytomegalovirus, histoplasmosis, amebiasis, systemic vasculitis, lymphoma, etc. should be suspected in appropriate clinical settings. However, it could often be a spurious or nonspecific finding. A thickness of more than 3 mm in a normally distended small bowel is usually considered abnormal. Detailed evaluation of imaging of the site and extent of thickening; the degree and pattern of thickening; and the associated findings, such as degree of fat stranding, fibrofatty proliferation, adjacent lymph nodes, and solid organ involvement, should be performed. Ileocolonoscopy is an important tool for diagnosing and obtaining samples for tissue diagnosis. Histopathology is usually the gold standard for diagnosis, although—not uncommonly—findings could be nonspecific, and reaching a definitive diagnosis is difficult. As such, a systematic approach with the integration of clinical, biochemical, radiological, endoscopic, histological, and other laboratory tests is the key to reaching a diagnosis. In this article, we review the causes of ICT and present a clinical approach for the management of ICT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the impact of war on the spread of diseases, highlighting that disease is a direct and inevitable consequence of modern warfare, with infections often contracted in larger proportions among soldiers in army camps. Topics discussed include the role of war in the dissemination of diseases like typhoid, smallpox, and meningitis, emphasizing the need to consider the wide-reaching effects of armed conflicts on global health.