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O Ditrich

Publications and source records attributed to O Ditrich.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Larval stages of medically important flukes (Trematoda) from Vientiane province, Laos. Part II. Cercariae.

The cercariae of five flukes, which are potential human parasites, Opisthorchis viverrini (family Opisthorchiidae), Haplorchis taichui (Heterophyidae), Schistosoma spindale (Schistosomatidae), Fasciolopsis buski, and Fasciola gigantica (Fasciolidae) were found in freshwater snails from Laos. The cercariae of the above species, recorded in Laos for the first time, are illustrated and their morphology is briefly described. The snail Helicorbis umbilicalis represents a new intermediate host of F. buski. The occurrence of medically important snails in the Vientiane province will also be discussed.

Animals↗

Study on the surface morphology of the developmental stages of the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae).

The external morphology of some developmental stages of the fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae), parasitizing humans in Southeast Asia was studied for the first time using electron microscopy. The surface structure of the egg, as well as the rediae, cercaria, metacercaria, and adult found in naturally infected hosts from Laos are described herein and their morphological characteristics discussed.

Animals↗

Comparative morphology of eggs of the Haplorchiinae (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) and some other medically important heterophyid and opisthorchiid flukes.

The egg morphology of the following medically important small flukes from Southeast Asia and Far East were studied: Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis (Opisthorchiidae), Haplorchis taichui, H. pumilio, H. yokogawai, Stellantchasmus falcatus and Metagonimus sp. (Heterophydiae). This study revealed a great intraspecific variability and interspecific similarity in size and shape of eggs. The eggs shape does not seem to be suitable for species identification. On the other hand, biometrical analysis of egg size enabled us to divide eggs from the species studied into four distinct groups according to the Faust-Meleney index (FMI) characterizing egg size rather than the length and width of eggs. The surface structures of eggs, delineated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), appeared to be a suitable morphological feature for distinguishing some groups of small flukes. Eggs from the Haplorchiinae were typified by the characteristic filamentous mesh structure. The problems of identification of eggs in human stool samples and suitability of using morphological criteria such as shape and size of eggs are discussed herein.

Animals↗

The first finding of Cryptosporidium baileyi in man.

Oocysts of cryptosporidia whose morphology and measurements corresponded with those of the species Cryptosporidium baileyi were found in the stool of an immunodeficient patient. In autopsy material, cryptosporidia were found in the esophagus, whole intestine, trachea, larynx, lungs, and gall and urinary bladders. None of the 69 suckling mice inoculated with this isolate developed cryptosporidial infection. Infection was successful in 26 chickens inoculated perorally and 6 others subjected to intratracheal inoculation; it was localized in the duodenum, jejunum, bursa Fabricii, and respiratory tract. From day 12 after infection, oocysts of cryptosporidia were found in the excrement. Human infection with C. baileyi may have occurred due to disruption of the immune system by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to immunosuppressive therapy undertaken after allogeneic kidney transplantation.

Animals↗

Study of the body surface of Haplorchis yokogawai (Katsuta, 1932) and H. taichui (Nishigori, 1924) (Trematoda:Heterophyidae).

The morphology of the surface of two heterophyid flukes, Haplorchis yokogawai and H. taichui, that can infect humans eating raw fish flesh, has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The body surface of both species is covered with scale-like, serrated spines with the exception of areas around the oral sucker, ventrogenital opening and excretory pore. The species slightly differ by the dentation pattern of tegumental spines: H. yokogawai has finer and more numerous spine teeth (maximum tooth number 14-16) while H. taichui has more serrated spines, mostly with a lower number (up to 10-12) of somewhat more robust teeth. However, because of the variability, the shape and dentation of spines do not seem to be reliable diagnostic features enabling mutual differentiation of both species.

Animals↗

Differential diagnosis of opisthorchiid and heterophyid metacercariae (Trematoda) infecting flesh of cyprinid fish from Nam Ngum Dam Lake in Laos.

The examination of flesh of 313 cyprinid fish from the Nam Ngum water reservoir in Vientiane Province, Laos, revealed the presence of four morphologically similar opisthorchiid and heterophyid metacercariae of medical importance. The following morphological characters, visible under dissecting microscope with low magnification, were typical of trematodes recorded in fish: (1) Opisthorchis viverrini, the liver fluke, has oval cysts containing quickly moving C-shaped metacercariae provided with a rather large excretory bladder; (2) metacercariae of Haplorchis pumilio and H. taichui are surrounded by a thin-walled, oval cyst; they are actively motile, C- or S-shaped, and possess a relatively small excretory bladder; (3) cysts of Haplorchoides mehrai are considerably variable in shape, size, and thickness of cyst wall; larvae are slowly moving, C- or S-shaped, or often not folded, and provided with a rather small excretory bladder. Some cysts with dead or degenerated H. mehrai larvae are filled with brownish or yellowish pigment. Morphological variability of some larvae, however, excluded correct identification of all metacercariae during routine examination of fish. Therefore, we consider isolation of several larvae from each fish host as well as all "atypical" metacercariae from fish flesh and their examination under the light microscope to be necessary. Even though this method of examination is rather time consuming, it decreases the possibility of false identification of trematode larvae encysted in flesh of cyprinid fish during field studies on opisthorchosis and heterophyiosis.

Animals↗

Serological differentiation of human small fluke infections using Opisthorchis viverrini and Haplorchis taichui antigens.

Sera from 642 inhabitants of Vientiane Province (Laos) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using cytoplasmic and membranous antigens prepared from adult worms. Worms of Opisthorchis viverrini originated from liver of dissected cats, Haplorchis taichui were obtained from a stool specimen of a Laotian patient after praziquantel treatment. The sera were divided into five groups according to the intensity of infection expressed as egg count per gram of patients stool (EPG). Correlation between intensity of infection and the level of antibodies in serum was recorded. Reactions obtained using the cytoplasmic antigens were more sensitive and more specific compared to those with membranous antigens. Cross-reactions between antigens of both helminth species were found. Highly positive sera were examined using electroimmunotransfer blots (EITB) with cytoplasmic antigens of both species, which enabled the species differentiation. Antigens of both species yielded several shared fractions; however, differences between them were found: homologous sera reacted specifically with O. viverrini antigen in the area of 70 kDa and with H. taichui antigen in the area of 10 kDa. Thirty-one of 122 tested sera had specific antibodies against O. viverrini, 77 sera against H. taichui and 14 sera against both species. The results confirmed our assumption about predominant occurrence of heterophyid flukes in the human population living in studied area, compared with the occurrence of opisthorchid flukes. Hence, serology seems to be helpful tool for correct diagnosis of small fluke infections.

Animals↗

Current status of food-borne parasitic zoonoses in Laos.

Stool samples from a total of 1,008 persons were examined for intestinal parasites during a comprehensive study on the epidemiology of small fluke infections in Laos. The prevalence of small fluke eggs in the stool was seen to peak at age 20 years, particularly in men from villages (90.4%). Three quarters of infections belong to the category of light infections and only 0.6% to the category of very heavy according to eggs per gram of feces (EPG). The highest EPG was in the 11-15 year age group. In addition, the following parasites were diagnosed: Sarcocystis hominis (prevalence more than 10% in the group over 20 years of age), Taenia sp. (12.4% for the village people over 20 years), Fasciolopsts buski (3.8% for the same group). The habit of Laos people to eat raw fish, beef and pork flesh, is reflected in significant epidemiological consequences. Cercariae of Opisthorchis viverrini occurred in 0.5% of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalus examined, Haplorchis sp. cercariae were found in 0.9% of Tarebia granifera snails. Metacercariae of O. viverrini were found in flesh of 7 species of cyprinid fish. Haplorchis taichui in 4 species of these fish, and H. pumilio of two cyprinid species. Hampala macrolepidota harbored larvae of all above mentioned species. Stellantchasmus falcatus was recovered in fins of belonid fish Xenentodon cancila. Adults of O. viverrini were found in 36% of domestic and stray cats, Heterophyid flukes were found in 24% cats. The most frequent species were H. taichui and H. yokogawai. Eight Laotian students were treated in Czechoslovakia with praziquantel to determine fluke infection. Three were infected only by O. viverrini, four only by H. taichui and one by both O. viverrini and H. taichui. These results demonstrate the problem of correct differential diagnosis of food-borne small fluke infections and the need to assess the clinical course and public health aspects of infections.

Adolescent↗

[Epidemiology of intestinal parasitosis in Laos (with anti-amoebic antibody levels)].

The overall prevalence rate of the intestinal parasites in Laos ranges from 76.8% to 95.7% depending on living conditions. The predominant species is Opisthorchis complex with the peak in age group greater than 20 years and infected in one village all men over 20 years. Unusually high frequency demonstrated Sarcocystis hominis as well as Taenia sp. with the culmination of infection among the adults. The habit of eating raw flesh of fish, beef and pork is responsible for the spreading of these three zoonotic parasitoses. The intimate coexistence between the domestic animals and man explains the prevalence of Trichostrongylus sp. Low infection rate as E. histolytica have been found as well of low level of antiamoebic antibodies. The multiple infections raise with the age and the predominant participation of helminths was demonstrated.

Adolescent↗

Scanning electron microscopy of the cuticular armature of the nematode Gnathostoma spinigerum Owen, 1836 from cats in Laos.

The body surface of an immature female Gnathostoma spinigerum found for the first time in the definitive host (Felis catus f. domestica) in Laos was studied using a scanning electron microscope. All types of cuticular spines, which are one of the most important features for species identification of gnathostomid nematodes, together with their spatial arrangement, are described and figured.

Animals↗

Occurrence of some medically important flukes (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae and Heterophyidae) in Nam Ngum water reservoir, Laos.

Occurrence of some medically important flukes transmitted to man by eating of raw fish was observed at 18 localities of Nam Ngum water reservoir, an important source of fish for inhabitants of Vientiane Province, Laos. Cercariae of Opisthorchis viverrini were recorded in 0.9% of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalus examined but in the most populated sites, where the density of the snails was the highest up to 2.2% of the intermediate hosts were infected. Haplorchis cercariae were found in 2.0% of Tarebia granifera examined. O. viverrini metacercariae were found in flesh of four fish species (Hampala dispar. H. macrolepidota, Puntius gonionotus, Cyclocheilichthys repasson) from 9 localities with the highest prevalence (16%) in H. dispar. Metacercariae of Haplorchis pumilio and H. taichui were found in flesh of Hampala dispar, H. macrolepidota and Puntius gonionotus with the prevalence of infection 2-6%. Metacercarie of Stellantchasmus falcatus were localized in fins of Xenentodon canciloides. Domestic cats (Felis catus f. domestica) harbored the following trematode species: O. viverrini, H. pumilio, H. taichui, H. yokogawai, S. falcatus. Eggs of small flukes were found in stools of 44% of examined inhabitants of 3 villages and of the district center Thinkeo. The study revealed that the best predictor of the existence of small fluke foci and their species composition in the area studied was the second intermediate host-fish.

Animals↗

Entamoeba histolytica--the virulence of imported strains.

We tested the virulence of 15 strains of Entamoeba histolytica, imported to Czechoslovakia, by intracaecal inoculation of laboratory rats. According to the scoring system of Neal, none of the 15 strains possessed the virulence index greater than 2. This indicates that all the organisms tested should be classified as avirulent. However, it should be noted that all the strains produced infection of the caecum and thus should be considered infective for rat. For 7 strains, isoenzyme patterns were determined for PGM, HK and ME. One imported strain, obtained from student from Congo, demonstrated isoenzyme pattern for PGM and HK indicated that the strain was virulent. This organisms had the index of virulence 1.8 (avirulent) in animal experiment; it was isolated from cysts of clinically asymptomatic patient. Examination of the rectal mucosa of the donor of the strain indicated typical chronic catarrhal proctitis of mild degree. Examination of the patient's serum demonstrated the presence of anti E. histolytica antibodies by CIEP, while the ELISA test was negative. Twenty-one cyst carriers were examined by rectoscopy. Pathologic changes were observed in 20 of these, as follows: altered vascular structure (13X), roughened mucosa (12X), mucosal reddening (10X), decreased glistening (7X), mucus in mucosa (5X), inflammatory pseudopolypes (2X), ulcers (2X), enanthema (1X). Histological biopsies were obtained in 15 cases. One was considered normal. Remaining 14 biopsies exhibited following morphological changes: increased mucus secretion (8X), edema (7X), lymphocytic and plasmocytic infiltration (6X), lymphocytic and plasmocytic infiltration in addition to the presence of eosinophilic granulocytes (6X), presence of mucophages (5X), haemorrhages (4X), increased vascularity (3X), lymphocytic and plasmocytic infiltration with presence of extremely abundant eosinophilic granulocytes (1X), erosive-ulcerative changes of mucosa (1X). The changes observed indicated chronic catarrhal proctitis with expression to greater or less degree of signs of chronic catarrhal inflammation.

Amebiasis↗

[Urban cycles of zoonotic mycoses].

Based on their own results assembled during mycological examinations of 9958 subjects, 5496 animals and 648 specimens of non-animal substrates, and using data from the literature, the authors tried to formulate general laws concerning the prevalence of causal agents of mycoses with a zoonotic character which circulate steadily in urban areas: Microsporum canis, M. persicolor, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, M. equinum and T. equinum, T. verrucosum, some geophilic dermatophytes, Cryptococcus neoformans and Emmonsia crescens. In the characteristics of different urban cycles they used as a basis the evaluation of the prevalence of reservoir animals and reservoir substrates on the territory of towns and the evaluation of the most frequent routes of transmission of the agents from extrahuman sources to man. Preventive provisions leading to a reduction of the risk of the disease in humans must be specific with regard to different urban cycles.

Animals↗

Species determination of eggs of opisthorchiid and heterophyid flukes using scanning electron microscopy.

Eggs of opisthorchiid flukes have very characteristic muskmelon-like surface structure of their shells and can be differentiated using this mark from eggs of heterophyid flukes. Surface structure and morphological details in operculum and abopercular end can be observed using scanning electron microscopy. Eggs recorded very often in stool of Laotians belong mostly to Opisthorchis viverrini and sporadically to Metagonimus yokogawai.

Animals↗

Amoebiasis in foreign students.

A total of 2,883 foreign students at the age of 18-30 years were examined for amoebiasis after their arrival to Czechoslovakia. Stool examinations revealed the presence of Entamoeba histolytica in 112 of them (3.9%). Students from 38 countries were found to be infected with this parasite. In a set of 2,064 students from these countries E. histolytica prevalence in stool was 5.4%. There were greater differences in the prevalence between individual countries inside a geographical region than between individual geographical regions. The highest E. histolytica prevalence in stool was found in students from tropical and southern Africa (6.7% of 745 examined) and the lowest in students from South-eastern Asia (3.1% of 321 examined). In a simple cross-section study, antibodies against E. histolytica were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the sera of 1,001 persons. Antibodies were detected in 7.9% of students at the following titres: 1:200 in 4.5%, 1:600 in 1.5%, 1:1,800 in 1.9%. Antibodies occurred more frequently in students carrying E. histolytica cysts (X2 = 14.9). Titre of ELISA antibodies in patients with confirmed liver abscess was higher than 1:1,800. counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) test was used for serum examinations of patients who had been demonstrated by ELISA to be seropositive and of those carrying E. histolytica cysts. In a set of 170 patients CIEP antibodies were also more frequent in those carrying E. histolytica cysts (X2 = 26.95). A comparison of the results of ELISA and CIEP tests in the same patients revealed that CIEP antibodies were more dependent on the actual parasitization with E. histolytica than ELISA antibodies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Analysis of soluble Entamoeba histolytica antigen using enzyme-L inked electroimmunotransfer blots.

Soluble antigens of ten strains of E. histolytica were studied by sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and enzyme-linked electroimmunotransfer blots (EITB). No relations of immune replicas to virulence, geographical origin and method of cultivation (xenic or axenic culture) were found. Antigens of all ten strains tested precipitated with anti-E. histolytica human serum in the area of 30-43 kD. Antigen of HK-9 strain created in this area a characteristic pattern with all sera containing the specific anti-E. histolytica antibodies and, therefore, EITB can be used for excluding false positive results in ELISA.

Animals↗

Entamoeba polecki: morphology, immunology, antigen study and clinic of the first infections in Czechoslovakia.

Entamoeba polecki Prowazek, 1912 was recorded for the first time in Czechoslovakia in two students from Kampuchea. Uninucleated cysts of diameter 14.2-15.7 micron with nuclei diameter 3.2-4.2 micron were found-repeatedly in stool samples taken from them. The nucleus accounted in average for 24.3% of the cyst diameter. The isolation and two following subinoculations on Dobell-Leidlaw medium were achieved, more abundant growth was recorded on medium with pig serum. Sera of both students were positive in serological tests using the E. histolytica antigen. No serious clinical symptoms were observed, both patients were cured successfully by metronidazole and ornidazole. Electroimmunotransfer blots were used to characterize E. polecki as a separate species. The antigenic structure of polyxenically grown E. polecki was compared with the antigenic structure of E. histolytica (axenically grown HK-9 strain and 3 polyxenically grown strains). Different blot patterns of both species were obtained, but common fractions of 30-40 kD probably responsible for serological cross-reactions were found.

Amebiasis↗