Background:Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide,especially in impoverished communities.This disease is caused by infection with th...Background:Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide,especially in impoverished communities.This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T.cati,the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats,respectively.In this article,recent advances in the epidemiology,clinical presentation,diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed.Main text:Over the past two decades,we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis.However,lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries,lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden.Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms:visceral,ocular,covert and neural.Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending.Fortunately,multiple diagnostic modalities are available,which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies,can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity.Conclusions:Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients,there remains much work to be done.Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers,which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy.Also,further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease.展开更多
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic hookworm infection of dogs and cats commonly found in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions and travellers to these regions. It is caused by invasion ...Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic hookworm infection of dogs and cats commonly found in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions and travellers to these regions. It is caused by invasion of the skin by the parasitic larvae of hookworms which, after entry, move under the skin causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in a single or multiple tracks. Patients commonly present with a progressive, itchy, erythematous serpiginous skin rash, affecting the feet, although it can affect any other parts of the body. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and physical examination. Treatment of this condition can effectively be achieved with either albendazole or ivermectin. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with CLM after presenting to the hospital with a history of a progressive itchy rash with tracks on the left foot. Although CLM is a self-limiting disease, it causes a lot of suffering and, therefore, it is of public concern. There is a need to increase awareness of this disease among health workers, and to implement and promote preventive measures against the disease since the cause is known.展开更多
Behavioral traits of species can play an important role in the functioning of the ecosystem and in evolving behavioural adaptations to survive according to environmental conditions.This note documents evidence of addi...Behavioral traits of species can play an important role in the functioning of the ecosystem and in evolving behavioural adaptations to survive according to environmental conditions.This note documents evidence of adding a rare observation by providing photographic evidence of the entanglement of a carcass of a juvenile Black Kite(Milvus migrans)from a nest and the use of nest by an adult individual,guarding the carcass.Documenting such behavior contributes to our understanding of the natural history and management of native species in an urban environment.Further,scientific studies/observations are needed to be conducted to reach some conclusion as to why species perform such behaviour.展开更多
In Madagascar, the South and Southwest regions have for decades had locust outbreaks that have devastated crop fields. The locust species dominant in this area are the red locust (Nomadacris septemfasciata) and the Mi...In Madagascar, the South and Southwest regions have for decades had locust outbreaks that have devastated crop fields. The locust species dominant in this area are the red locust (Nomadacris septemfasciata) and the Migratory Locust (Locusta migratoria capito). This paper aimed at determining the predation values from the Black Kite (Milvus migrans parasitus), a natural enemy for locusts, as a biological measure for locust outbreak control. Two types of experiments were done that included observed predation and experimental predation. It was observed, in the observed predation, that a higher number of locusts were found in the bird’s stomach during the afternoon session (mean = 66) than during the morning session (mean = 21). The high peak observed during the afternoon session was also associated with the feeding of larvae of the migratory locust. The experimental predation results showed that almost 100 percent of the larval and 97 percent of the fledglings were fed on. The experimental predation results also showed that there was no preference for larvae or fledglings in the cage and that the bird fed on the different combinations equally. This study showed that the Black Kite birds can effectively control locust population in an outbreak when they are easy to predate on. However, there is a need to assess the population of birds in locust infested areas to determine if the bird population is enough to predate on a locust outbreak.展开更多
Human toxocariasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by ingestion of Toxocara canis or catis larvae or eggs. Parasitic diseases are uncommon in industrialized countries, yet this problem has not disappeared. Pa...Human toxocariasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by ingestion of Toxocara canis or catis larvae or eggs. Parasitic diseases are uncommon in industrialized countries, yet this problem has not disappeared. Parasitic diseases can cause different syndrome (visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans) and the clinical features can be confusing. Severe organ involvement affecting the liver, lungs, nervous central system and eyes can lead to serious damage. We present a case of toxocariasis presenting with fever, desaturation and cholestatic hepatitis. Only the subsequent appearance of eosinophilia helped us to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis allowed specific therapy avoiding permanent complications.展开更多
Objective To observe triclabendazole effect on Paragonimus skrjabini in experimentally infected rats, and to develop a new drug for treating paragonimiasis.Methods Metacercariae of Paragonimus skrjabini were isolated ...Objective To observe triclabendazole effect on Paragonimus skrjabini in experimentally infected rats, and to develop a new drug for treating paragonimiasis.Methods Metacercariae of Paragonimus skrjabini were isolated from crabs (Sinopotamon) collected from endemic area. Wistar rats were infected intraperitoneally. One and two months after infection, they were treated with triclabendazole at the dosage of 300 mg · kg -1 · 2d-1, 450 mg ·kg -1 · 3d -1 and 600 mg · kg-1 · 3d-1 respectively. Five patients with Paragonimus skrjabini were treated, with Triclabendazole dosage of 10 mg/kg bid x3 days.Results The worm reduction rates were 50. 3%, 80. 8% and 86. 7% respectively one month after completion of treatment. Dead worms of sesame size recovered from muscles, liver, abdominal cavity, chest cavity and lung were greatly diminished in size and weight in comparison with that of the control group. Many large (about 1 cm) black-colored distended worm cysts were found in the lungs of the control rats. Usually there were two adult worms pairs with numerous eggs in each worm cyst. Most worm cysts in the treated groups of rats were changed into hemorrhagic-necrotic patches. All five patients were cured.Conclusion Triclabendazole was highly active against Paragonimus skrjabini in rats experimentally infected and patients.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the frequency of anti-Toxocara spp.antibodies in an adult healthy population.Methods:The study was performed by interviewing 253 blood donors,from 19 to65 years of age,in a hematological centre i...Objective:To evaluate the frequency of anti-Toxocara spp.antibodies in an adult healthy population.Methods:The study was performed by interviewing 253 blood donors,from 19 to65 years of age,in a hematological centre in Presidente Prudente,S(?)o Paulo,southeast Brazil.A survey was applied to blood donors in order to evaluate the possible factors associated to the presence of antibodies,including individual(gender and age),socioeconomic(scholarship,familial income and sanitary facilities)and habit information(contact with soil,geophagy,onycophagy and intake of raw/undercooked meat)as well as the presence of dogs or cats in the household.ELISA test was run for detection of the anti-Toxocara spp.IgG antibodies.Bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression was performed to evaluate the potential risk factors associated to seropositivity.Results:The overall prevalence observed in this study was 8.7%(22/253).Contact with soil was the unique risk factor associated with the presence of antibodies(P=0.0178;0R=3.52;95%CI=1.244-9.995).Conclusions:The results of this study reinforce the necessity in promoting preventive public health measures,even for healthy adult individual,particularly those related to the deworming of pets to avoid the soil contamination,and hygiene education of the population.展开更多
The creeping verminous dermatitis or cutaneous larva migrans is a parasitosis caused by percutaneous penetration and migration of larval nematode parasites characterized by producing one or more serpiginous erythemato...The creeping verminous dermatitis or cutaneous larva migrans is a parasitosis caused by percutaneous penetration and migration of larval nematode parasites characterized by producing one or more serpiginous erythematous,indurated,raised and pruritic lesion.The most common cause of cutaneous larva migrans is the Ancytostoma braziliensc located in warm climate zones.In the present study,authors reported a case of cutaneous larva migrans with a characteristic clinical picture:erythematous-papnlar and vesicular lesion and serpiginous path,with progressive,and pruritic growth and it shown that a living area with immigration,tropical weather conditions and poverty may lead to this common infection.展开更多
We report a case of subcutaneous larva migrans caused by a tape worm (sparganum), a rare and under-recognized food-borne parasitic zoonosis, in Nan Province, Northern Thailand. An obese 56-year-old female presented a ...We report a case of subcutaneous larva migrans caused by a tape worm (sparganum), a rare and under-recognized food-borne parasitic zoonosis, in Nan Province, Northern Thailand. An obese 56-year-old female presented a 3-month history of an intermittent migrating subcutaneous nodule in the abdomen associated with pain and itching. Physical examination showed a tubal resection scar on the lower abdomen with a swelling and movable irregular, and firm nodule with ill-defined border at the right lower quadrant of abdomen. Blood examination showed slight?increased of eosinophil levels (6%). Excisional biopsy showed a viable non-segmented tape worm in the subcutaneous tissue identified by morphological examination and Western blot technique as a sparganum. Surgical removal is recommended for a worm in the subcutaneous connective tissues and superficial muscles.展开更多
In order to provide further evidence to prove that Ascaris suum Goeze,1782 and Ascaris lumbricoides Linnaeus,1758 are really different species in taxonomy,and to identity A.suum larval migrans-related genes for diagno...In order to provide further evidence to prove that Ascaris suum Goeze,1782 and Ascaris lumbricoides Linnaeus,1758 are really different species in taxonomy,and to identity A.suum larval migrans-related genes for diagnosis and prevention use,A.suum genes that were differentialy expressed from the same gender of A.lumbricoides were enriched by subtracting the same expressed genes using suppression subtractive hybridization （SSH） assay.Specificity of the selectively enriched cDNA was verified by Southern blot analysis.The female A.suum specific cDNA library was then constructed and sequenced.Basic local alignment search tool （BLAST） analysis of female A.suum specific cDNA identified 6 specific ESTs with tentative functions related to larva migrans.This study provided further evidence for differentiating A.suum from A.lumbricoides.Mining for the detailed information and application of the 6 ESTs are worth being done in the future studies.展开更多
Cutaneous larva migrans(CLM) represents the most common tropically acquired dermatosis.CLM is caused by infection with hookworm larvae in tropical and sub-tropical areas,and people who have a history of foreign travel...Cutaneous larva migrans(CLM) represents the most common tropically acquired dermatosis.CLM is caused by infection with hookworm larvae in tropical and sub-tropical areas,and people who have a history of foreign travel and of walking barefoot on sandy soil or beaches are at a high risk of getting infected with it.The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the typical appearance of the lesion,intense itching and history of foreign travel.CLM is a common parasitic skin disease that can be easily prevented by wearing 'protective' footwear.A case of CLM is described in this article.展开更多
基金This study was financially supported by the Elite Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,the International Science&Technology Cooperation Program of China(grant No.2013DFA31840)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)(Grant No.CAAS-ASTIP-2016-LVRI-03).
文摘Background:Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide,especially in impoverished communities.This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T.cati,the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats,respectively.In this article,recent advances in the epidemiology,clinical presentation,diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed.Main text:Over the past two decades,we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis.However,lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries,lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden.Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms:visceral,ocular,covert and neural.Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending.Fortunately,multiple diagnostic modalities are available,which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies,can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity.Conclusions:Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients,there remains much work to be done.Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers,which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy.Also,further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease.
文摘Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic hookworm infection of dogs and cats commonly found in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions and travellers to these regions. It is caused by invasion of the skin by the parasitic larvae of hookworms which, after entry, move under the skin causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in a single or multiple tracks. Patients commonly present with a progressive, itchy, erythematous serpiginous skin rash, affecting the feet, although it can affect any other parts of the body. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and physical examination. Treatment of this condition can effectively be achieved with either albendazole or ivermectin. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with CLM after presenting to the hospital with a history of a progressive itchy rash with tracks on the left foot. Although CLM is a self-limiting disease, it causes a lot of suffering and, therefore, it is of public concern. There is a need to increase awareness of this disease among health workers, and to implement and promote preventive measures against the disease since the cause is known.
文摘Behavioral traits of species can play an important role in the functioning of the ecosystem and in evolving behavioural adaptations to survive according to environmental conditions.This note documents evidence of adding a rare observation by providing photographic evidence of the entanglement of a carcass of a juvenile Black Kite(Milvus migrans)from a nest and the use of nest by an adult individual,guarding the carcass.Documenting such behavior contributes to our understanding of the natural history and management of native species in an urban environment.Further,scientific studies/observations are needed to be conducted to reach some conclusion as to why species perform such behaviour.
文摘In Madagascar, the South and Southwest regions have for decades had locust outbreaks that have devastated crop fields. The locust species dominant in this area are the red locust (Nomadacris septemfasciata) and the Migratory Locust (Locusta migratoria capito). This paper aimed at determining the predation values from the Black Kite (Milvus migrans parasitus), a natural enemy for locusts, as a biological measure for locust outbreak control. Two types of experiments were done that included observed predation and experimental predation. It was observed, in the observed predation, that a higher number of locusts were found in the bird’s stomach during the afternoon session (mean = 66) than during the morning session (mean = 21). The high peak observed during the afternoon session was also associated with the feeding of larvae of the migratory locust. The experimental predation results showed that almost 100 percent of the larval and 97 percent of the fledglings were fed on. The experimental predation results also showed that there was no preference for larvae or fledglings in the cage and that the bird fed on the different combinations equally. This study showed that the Black Kite birds can effectively control locust population in an outbreak when they are easy to predate on. However, there is a need to assess the population of birds in locust infested areas to determine if the bird population is enough to predate on a locust outbreak.
文摘Human toxocariasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by ingestion of Toxocara canis or catis larvae or eggs. Parasitic diseases are uncommon in industrialized countries, yet this problem has not disappeared. Parasitic diseases can cause different syndrome (visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans) and the clinical features can be confusing. Severe organ involvement affecting the liver, lungs, nervous central system and eyes can lead to serious damage. We present a case of toxocariasis presenting with fever, desaturation and cholestatic hepatitis. Only the subsequent appearance of eosinophilia helped us to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis allowed specific therapy avoiding permanent complications.
文摘Objective To observe triclabendazole effect on Paragonimus skrjabini in experimentally infected rats, and to develop a new drug for treating paragonimiasis.Methods Metacercariae of Paragonimus skrjabini were isolated from crabs (Sinopotamon) collected from endemic area. Wistar rats were infected intraperitoneally. One and two months after infection, they were treated with triclabendazole at the dosage of 300 mg · kg -1 · 2d-1, 450 mg ·kg -1 · 3d -1 and 600 mg · kg-1 · 3d-1 respectively. Five patients with Paragonimus skrjabini were treated, with Triclabendazole dosage of 10 mg/kg bid x3 days.Results The worm reduction rates were 50. 3%, 80. 8% and 86. 7% respectively one month after completion of treatment. Dead worms of sesame size recovered from muscles, liver, abdominal cavity, chest cavity and lung were greatly diminished in size and weight in comparison with that of the control group. Many large (about 1 cm) black-colored distended worm cysts were found in the lungs of the control rats. Usually there were two adult worms pairs with numerous eggs in each worm cyst. Most worm cysts in the treated groups of rats were changed into hemorrhagic-necrotic patches. All five patients were cured.Conclusion Triclabendazole was highly active against Paragonimus skrjabini in rats experimentally infected and patients.
基金Supported by Universidade do Oeste Paulista (Unoeste)(Grant No.184/2009)
文摘Objective:To evaluate the frequency of anti-Toxocara spp.antibodies in an adult healthy population.Methods:The study was performed by interviewing 253 blood donors,from 19 to65 years of age,in a hematological centre in Presidente Prudente,S(?)o Paulo,southeast Brazil.A survey was applied to blood donors in order to evaluate the possible factors associated to the presence of antibodies,including individual(gender and age),socioeconomic(scholarship,familial income and sanitary facilities)and habit information(contact with soil,geophagy,onycophagy and intake of raw/undercooked meat)as well as the presence of dogs or cats in the household.ELISA test was run for detection of the anti-Toxocara spp.IgG antibodies.Bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression was performed to evaluate the potential risk factors associated to seropositivity.Results:The overall prevalence observed in this study was 8.7%(22/253).Contact with soil was the unique risk factor associated with the presence of antibodies(P=0.0178;0R=3.52;95%CI=1.244-9.995).Conclusions:The results of this study reinforce the necessity in promoting preventive public health measures,even for healthy adult individual,particularly those related to the deworming of pets to avoid the soil contamination,and hygiene education of the population.
文摘The creeping verminous dermatitis or cutaneous larva migrans is a parasitosis caused by percutaneous penetration and migration of larval nematode parasites characterized by producing one or more serpiginous erythematous,indurated,raised and pruritic lesion.The most common cause of cutaneous larva migrans is the Ancytostoma braziliensc located in warm climate zones.In the present study,authors reported a case of cutaneous larva migrans with a characteristic clinical picture:erythematous-papnlar and vesicular lesion and serpiginous path,with progressive,and pruritic growth and it shown that a living area with immigration,tropical weather conditions and poverty may lead to this common infection.
文摘We report a case of subcutaneous larva migrans caused by a tape worm (sparganum), a rare and under-recognized food-borne parasitic zoonosis, in Nan Province, Northern Thailand. An obese 56-year-old female presented a 3-month history of an intermittent migrating subcutaneous nodule in the abdomen associated with pain and itching. Physical examination showed a tubal resection scar on the lower abdomen with a swelling and movable irregular, and firm nodule with ill-defined border at the right lower quadrant of abdomen. Blood examination showed slight?increased of eosinophil levels (6%). Excisional biopsy showed a viable non-segmented tape worm in the subcutaneous tissue identified by morphological examination and Western blot technique as a sparganum. Surgical removal is recommended for a worm in the subcutaneous connective tissues and superficial muscles.
基金supported by China Postdoctoral Science Fundation (2004035591)the China National Science Funds for Distingusied Young Scientists (30225033)
文摘In order to provide further evidence to prove that Ascaris suum Goeze,1782 and Ascaris lumbricoides Linnaeus,1758 are really different species in taxonomy,and to identity A.suum larval migrans-related genes for diagnosis and prevention use,A.suum genes that were differentialy expressed from the same gender of A.lumbricoides were enriched by subtracting the same expressed genes using suppression subtractive hybridization （SSH） assay.Specificity of the selectively enriched cDNA was verified by Southern blot analysis.The female A.suum specific cDNA library was then constructed and sequenced.Basic local alignment search tool （BLAST） analysis of female A.suum specific cDNA identified 6 specific ESTs with tentative functions related to larva migrans.This study provided further evidence for differentiating A.suum from A.lumbricoides.Mining for the detailed information and application of the 6 ESTs are worth being done in the future studies.
文摘Cutaneous larva migrans(CLM) represents the most common tropically acquired dermatosis.CLM is caused by infection with hookworm larvae in tropical and sub-tropical areas,and people who have a history of foreign travel and of walking barefoot on sandy soil or beaches are at a high risk of getting infected with it.The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the typical appearance of the lesion,intense itching and history of foreign travel.CLM is a common parasitic skin disease that can be easily prevented by wearing 'protective' footwear.A case of CLM is described in this article.
