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13 pages, 6248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulatory Effects of Hydatid Cyst Fluid on a Mouse Model of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

by Maryam Hajizadeh, Aynaz Jabbari, Adel Spotin, Seyyed Sina Hejazian, Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh, Hadi Hassannia, Maryam Sahlolbei, Abdol Sattar Pagheh and Ehsan Ahmadpour

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11010034 - 15 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1693

Abstract

The reduced burden of helminth parasites in industrialized countries is probably one of the reasons for the increased prevalence of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study aimed to evaluate the potential preventive effects of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) on [...] Read more.

The reduced burden of helminth parasites in industrialized countries is probably one of the reasons for the increased prevalence of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study aimed to evaluate the potential preventive effects of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) on the disease severity in an EAE mouse model of MS. EAE-induced mice were treated with HCF before and after EAE induction. An RT-PCR-based evaluation of IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF, T-bet, IL-4, GATA3, IL-17, RoRγ, TGF-β, and FOXP3 expression levels in splenocytes and an ELISA-based analysis of IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in cell culture supernatant of splenocytes were performed. Histopathological examinations of mice during the study were also conducted. The expression levels of T-bet, IL-4, GATA3, TGF-β, and FOXP3 in EAE + HCF mice were significantly higher compared to EAE + PBS mice. In the EAE + HCF group, the expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF were significantly lower than in the EAE + PBS group. The histopathological results showed significantly reduced inflammation and demyelination in EAE + HCF mice compared to EAE + PBS mice. Our study provides proof-of-concept in the EAE mouse model of MS that helminth-derived products such as HCF have a potential prophylactic effect on MS development and present a novel potential therapeutic strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

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13 pages, 2727 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Evolution of Cystic Echinococcosis in Humans and Ruminants in Portugal—A One Health Approach

by Ana Margarida Alho, Miguel Canhão Dias, Miguel Cardo, Pedro Aguiar and Luís Madeira de Carvalho

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(9), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10090584 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2902

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is a significant parasitic zoonosis with public health implications, albeit often neglected. In Portugal, data on this zoonosis are scarce despite being a mandatory notifiable disease in both humans and animals. To assess the impact of [...] Read more.

Cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is a significant parasitic zoonosis with public health implications, albeit often neglected. In Portugal, data on this zoonosis are scarce despite being a mandatory notifiable disease in both humans and animals. To assess the impact of cystic echinococcosis on both livestock and humans, we compiled data from slaughterhouse records of ruminants, human hospitalizations, and confirmed cases of human echinococcosis. Overall, a total of 298 cases of cystic echinococcosis were identified in ruminants slaughtered from national farms for human consumption in Portugal between 2008 and 2022, comprising 192 cases in ovines, 95 in bovines, and 11 in caprines. Echinococcosis led to 582 hospitalizations in Portuguese public hospitals, with an average hospital stay of 11 days (±15.66), and resulted in 13 deaths (2.23%) from 2008 to 2018. Each infected animal was associated with a 7% increase in the incidence rate of human hospitalization (p = 0.002, IRR = 1.070, 95% CI: 1.025–1.117). Additionally, for every 100,000 person-years observed between 2008 and 2018, the total number of hospitalizations was 0.528. Residence in the Alentejo region was associated with a 5.3-fold increase in the incidence rate of human hospitalizations and an 8-fold higher risk of death from echinococcosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

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11 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Screening of Echinococcus spp. and Other Cestodes in Wild Carnivores from Central Italy

by Silvia Crotti, Leonardo Brustenga, Deborah Cruciani, Piero Bonelli, Nicoletta D’Avino, Andrea Felici, Benedetto Morandi, Carla Sebastiani, Sara Spina and Marco Gobbi

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(5), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050318 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1682

Abstract

Tapeworm infections are among the most relevant parasitic diseases in humans and animals. Tapeworms from the Genus Echinococcus are particularly important as they can cause cystic or alveolar echinococcosis. A molecular screening was performed on 279 fecal samples collected from carcasses of wild [...] Read more.

Tapeworm infections are among the most relevant parasitic diseases in humans and animals. Tapeworms from the Genus Echinococcus are particularly important as they can cause cystic or alveolar echinococcosis. A molecular screening was performed on 279 fecal samples collected from carcasses of wild carnivores from Central Italy using PCR targeting diagnostic fragments of nad1, rrnS, and nad5 genes. Samples positive for either Taenia spp. or Echinococcus granulosus were sequenced to taxonomically identify the parasitic DNA. Of the 279 samples, 134 (48.0%) gave positive results in the multiplex PCR. Only one (0.4%) sample from an Apennine wolf tested positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (genotype G3), whereas no sample tested positive for E. multilocularis. The most frequently detected tapeworms were: Mesocestoides corti (syn M. vogae) (12.9%), M. litteratus (10.8%), Taenia serialis (9.3%), and T. hydatigena (6.5%), other tapeworms were rarely detected. The results suggest that Echinococcus infections in Central Italy do not seem to be sustained by sylvatic cycles, confirming the absence of E. multilocularis in Central Italy. The survey corroborates, yet again, the importance of passive surveillance of wild animals that can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, especially on wild canids that in other areas are strongly implicated in the transmission of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

12 pages, 1031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Epidemiological Survey to Investigate the Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Slaughtered Bovine Hosts in Punjab, Pakistan

by Sadia Saleem, Haroon Ahmed, Kaleem Imdad, Jing Zhang and Jianping Cao

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010040 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2929

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease of worldwide geographical distribution. CE is most common in underdeveloped and herding communities where people survive on animal husbandry and agricultural activities. The prevalence of CE in livestock and its risk factors are widely underreported, [...] Read more.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease of worldwide geographical distribution. CE is most common in underdeveloped and herding communities where people survive on animal husbandry and agricultural activities. The prevalence of CE in livestock and its risk factors are widely underreported, because of inefficient surveillance systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of CE in cattle in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from slaughterhouses from September 2021 to February 2022. Ante- and postmortem examination and cyst characterization were performed. Epidemiological, demographic, and one health data were collected. A total of 8877 animals (8096 buffalo, 781 cattle) were examined, and the prevalence of CE was 6.22% (n = 552) in all animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle (15.20% vs. buffalo 5.83%). Prevalence was not significantly different in males and females. Of the 23 districts studied, the highest prevalence was in the Haripur district of KP (20.85%). The majority of animals studied were older than 3 years. Most cysts were found in animals older than 5 years. Lungs and liver were the predominant sites for the presence of cysts (65.58% and 31.34%, respectively. Of the collected cysts, 29.71% were fertile. The findings may be useful in estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

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6 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Investigation on Descriptive Epidemiology, Geographical Distribution, and Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. in Bovine from Romania

by Gheorghe Dărăbuș, Amelia Bușe, Ion Oprescu, Sorin Morariu, Narcisa Mederle, Marius Ilie and Mirela Imre

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(12), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9120685 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1469

Abstract

Bovine echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, causing significant economic losses in the affected animals and important public health concerns. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence and geographical distribution of cystic echinococcosis, and molecular characterization of [...] Read more.

Bovine echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, causing significant economic losses in the affected animals and important public health concerns. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence and geographical distribution of cystic echinococcosis, and molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. from slaughtered cattle in Romania. In the period 2020–2021, a total of 2693 cattle (aged 2–21 years) slaughtered from the breeds Bruna de Maramureș, Bălțată Românească, and a mixed breed were examined to identify hydatid cysts. Cysts were identified in 66 cattle (2.45%). The predominant location of hydatid cysts was the lungs. Most cysts were non-fertile. By age categories, hydatidosis was reported in the age categories 2–12 years (6/2341; 0.25%), 13–16 years (11/244; 4.5%), 17–20 years (41/85; 48.23%), and over 21 years (8/23; 34.78%). Following the PCR analysis of 10 samples from the lungs (protoscoleces/proliferative membrane/hydatid liquid), DNA fragments were identified in 5 samples. Following sequencing, the identified species was Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). The study results indicate that the disease is still present in several of the investigated regions of Romania, highlighting a potential public health risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

9 pages, 909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in Environmental Samples from Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria

by Emmanuel Jolaoluwa Awosanya, Adeola Olagbaju, Angela Peruzzu, Gabriella Masu, Giovanna Masala and Piero Bonelli

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(12), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9120679 - 7 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1404

Abstract

Environmental contamination with parasite eggs poses a serious risk to public health. This study aimed to assess the presence of taeniid eggs and, in particular, E. granulosus s.l., in environmental samples in the city of Ibadan, South West Nigeria. To this purpose, soil [...] Read more.

Environmental contamination with parasite eggs poses a serious risk to public health. This study aimed to assess the presence of taeniid eggs and, in particular, E. granulosus s.l., in environmental samples in the city of Ibadan, South West Nigeria. To this purpose, soil (n = 200), fecal (n = 200) and water samples (n = 50) were examined by microscopic observation and the multiplex PCR method. The influence of specific environmental factors on E. granulosus s.l. egg dispersion was also evaluated. Taeniid eggs were microscopically found in 11.5%, 25.5% and 8.0% of soil, fecal and water samples, respectively. PCR analyses evidenced the presence of E. granulosus s.l. in 8.0%, 24.0% and 2.0% of soil, fecal and water samples, respectively. The proximity to slaughterhouses, the level of urbanisation and the local government area of belonging did not seem to affect E. granulosus s.l. egg dissemination patterns. Our results have clearly demonstrated that both urban and semi-urban areas of the city of Ibadan in Nigeria are highly contaminated by taeniid eggs and we recommend the adoption of appropriate measures to control E. granulosus s.l. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

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14 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Records of Human Deaths from Echinococcosis in Brazil, 1995–2016

by Michael Laurence Zini Lise, Jo Widdicombe, Claudia Ribeiro Zini Lise, Stefan Vilges de Oliveira, Eduardo Pacheco de Caldas, Mahbod Entezami, Joaquín M. Prada, Nilton Ghiotti, Rosângela Rodrigues e Silva, Katherina A. Vizcaychipi and Victor Del Rio Vilas

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(8), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9080436 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2415

Abstract

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease relevant to public health in many countries, on all continents except Antarctica. The objective of the study is to describe the registered cases and mortality from echinococcosis in Brazil, from 1995 to 2016. The records of two national [...] Read more.

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease relevant to public health in many countries, on all continents except Antarctica. The objective of the study is to describe the registered cases and mortality from echinococcosis in Brazil, from 1995 to 2016. The records of two national databases, the Hospital Information System (HIS) and the Mortality Information System (MIS), were accessed during the period of 1995–2016. Demographic, epidemiological, and health care data related to the occurrence of disease and deaths attributed to echinococcosis in Brazil are described. The results showed that 7955 records of hospitalizations were documented in the HIS, during the study period, with 185 deaths from echinococcosis, and 113 records of deaths were documented in the MIS Deaths in every state of Brazil in the period. When comparing between states, the HIS showed great variability in mortality rates, possibly indicating heterogeneity in diagnosis and in the quality of health care received by patients. Less severe cases that do not require specialized care are not recorded by the information systems, thus the true burden of the disease could be underrepresented in the country. A change in the coding of disease records in the HIS in the late 1990s, (the integration of echinococcosis cases with other pathologies), led to the loss of specificity of the records. The records showed a wide geographic distribution of deaths from echinococcosis, reinforcing the need to expand the notification of the disease in Brazil. Currently, notification of cases is compulsory in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

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11 pages, 576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Contamination by Echinococcus spp. Eggs as a Risk for Human Health in Educational Farms of Sardinia, Italy

by Elisa Serra, Gabriella Masu, Valentina Chisu, Stefano Cappai, Giovanna Masala, Federica Loi and Toni Piseddu

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(3), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030143 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a severe zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. These parasites are naturally transmitted between canid definitive hosts that harbour the adult stage in the intestine, and mainly ungulate intermediate hosts, with larval cysts [...] Read more.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a severe zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. These parasites are naturally transmitted between canid definitive hosts that harbour the adult stage in the intestine, and mainly ungulate intermediate hosts, with larval cysts developing in their internal organs. The close coexistence between dog and sheep with incorrect hygiene management are the most important factors for the persistence of this parasitic pathology. The Educational Farms (EF) are farms and agritourisms suitably equipped to carry out training activities for people interested in farm practices and agricultural processing, in particular student groups. Public attendance of farms represents a new potential risk factor for the zoonoses transmission. Consumption of contaminated food and water in combination with contact or playing with domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are possible routes of zoonoses human infection. In fact, Echinococcus spp. eggs may persist in the environment up to several months at low temperatures and moist conditions, having the chance of contaminating different matrices and surfaces. The aim of this investigation was to study environmental contamination by parasitic elements as a risk for zoonoses, such as Echinococcus spp. A total of 116 samples (35 of water, 33 of soil, 23 of vegetables, 25 of dog faeces) were collected in 30 EF in Sardinia. Samples were subjected to biomolecular investigation for the research of specific gene sequences of Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis and Taenia spp. The study allowed to identify eight positive EF due to the presence of Echinococcusgranulosus in eight dog faeces samples and one positive EF due to the presence of Taenia spp. in a water sample. The work has allowed to develop and harmonise the diagnostic methods and operating protocols essential for controlling the spread of the CE to create “One Health” intervention plans in high endemic areas through the implementation of SOP (standard operating procedures) for monitoring the pathology in animals, humans and environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

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Review

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18 pages, 3486 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Detecting Cystic Echinococcosis in Intermediate Hosts and New Diagnostic Tools: A Literature Review

by Ashkan Hajjafari, Soheil Sadr, Cinzia Santucciu, Giovanna Masala, Mansour Bayat, Narges Lotfalizadeh, Hassan Borji, Soroush Partovi Moghaddam and Khashayar Hajjafari

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(6), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11060227 - 21 May 2024

Viewed by 811

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals. Despite a lack of clarity about many details of parasite–intermediate host interactions, the nature of the immune responses triggered by hydatid infection has revealed new perspectives. This study discusses the latest advances [...] Read more.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals. Despite a lack of clarity about many details of parasite–intermediate host interactions, the nature of the immune responses triggered by hydatid infection has revealed new perspectives. This study discusses the latest advances in elucidating the immunologic mechanism of echinococcosis and its detection and potential approaches to enhance serodiagnosis accuracy. Moreover, nanobiosensors have been evaluated according to their potential to improve treatment efficiency and aid in an early diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis. The serum of an intermediate host can diagnose CE by analyzing antibodies induced by Echinococcus granulosus. Among the most notable features of this method are its noninvasive ability and high sensitivity, both of which make it an excellent tool for clinical diagnosis. Several serological tests, including ELISAs and immunoblotting, can detect these antibodies to assess the disease’s state and determine the treatment outcome. A thorough understanding of what cross-reactivity means and the stage of the disease are crucial to interpreting serological results. Nanobiosensors have also proven better than conventional biosensors in detecting hydatid cysts. Additionally, they are highly sensitive and versatile when detecting specific biomarkers, improving diagnostic accuracy. These immunomodulatory molecules, induced by E. granulosus, are a good candidate for diagnosing cystic echinococcosis because they alter intermediate host immune responses. Hydatid cyst detection is also enhanced through nanobiosensors, which provide better accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Echinococcosis)

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