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Results for “HELMINTH INFECTIONS”

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PubMed1982

Population dynamics of human helminth infections: control by chemotherapy.

An analysis is presented of the population dynamics of the major helminth parasites of man with the aim of understanding observed patterns in the age-specific prevalence and intensity of infection. Mathematical models are used to investigate the possibility of controlling helminth diseases by mass chemotherapy, and to explore the advantages of selective treatment of the most heavily infected individuals in a community.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

A slaughter slab survey for extra-intestinal porcine helminth infections in northern Tanzania.

A survey on extra-intestinal porcine helminths was conducted at three slaughter slabs that receive pigs from Mbulu, a district endemic for porcine cysticercosis in northern Tanzania. Seventy carcases of pigs between 1 and 2 years old were examined between December 1997 and March 1998. The examination involved ante-mortem lingual examination for Taenia solium cysticercosis followed by post-mortem inspection. In addition, a laboratory procedure was performed to determine whether any of these domestic pigs were infected with Trichinella species. Parasites detected were Ascaris suum (44.3%), Echinococcus granulosus (4.3%) and Taenia hydatigena (1.4%). The lack of cases of porcine cysticercosis in this study compared to previous studies suggests that pig traders are conducting their own ante-mortem lingual examinations before purchasing pigs in the rural communities where the parasite is still highly prevalent. It is concluded that improved meat inspection could prove useful in reducing the local population's risk of infection with these parasites. The results of this study have revealed the parasites of agricultral and public health importance in the targeted communities. Further epidemiological investigations are required to better determine parasite prevalence and impact in order to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for control.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2006

Innate immune responses to lung-stage helminth infection induce alternatively activated alveolar macrophages.

While it is well established that infection with the rodent hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis induces a strongly polarized Th2 immune response, little is known about the innate host-parasite interactions that lead to the development of this robust Th2 immunity. We exploited the transient pulmonary phase of N. brasiliensis development to study the innate immune responses induced by this helminth parasite in wild-type (WT) and severe-combined immune deficient (SCID) BALB/c mice. Histological analysis demonstrated that the cellular infiltrates caused by N. brasiliensis transit through the lungs were quickly resolved in WT mice but not in SCID mice. Microarray-based gene expression analysis demonstrated that there was a rapid induction of genes encoding molecules that participate in innate immunity and in repair/remodeling during days 2 to 4 postinfection in the lungs of WT and SCID mice. Of particular note was the rapid upregulation in both WT and SCID mice of the genes encoding YM1, FIZZ1, and Arg1, indicating a role for alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) in pulmonary innate immunity. Immunohistochemistry revealed that nearly all alveolar macrophages became YM1-producing AAMs as early as day 2 postinfection. While the innate responses induced during the lung phase of N. brasiliensis infection were similar in complexity and magnitude in WT and SCID mice, only mice with functional T cells were capable of maintaining elevated levels of gene expression beyond the innate window of reactivity. The induction of alternatively activated alveolar macrophages could be important for dampening the level of inflammation in the lungs and contribute to the long-term decrease in pulmonary inflammation that has been associated with helminth infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Prevalence of helminth infections in swine in Denmark.

During 1982-1984 the occurrence of helminths in 66 sow herds was determined by examining faecal samples from swine of different age groups. Ascaris suum was found in 88% of the herds, while Oesophagostomum spp. and Trichuris suis were found in 58 and 23% of the herds, respectively. Strongyloides ransomi and Hyostrongylus rubidus was not identified in any of the herds. The occurrence of both A. suum and Oesophagostomum spp. was strongly related to the age of the animals. A. suum was most frequently found in growing pigs (30% of the fatteners and 25% of the gilts), whereas only 11-19% of the animals of the adult stock were excreting eggs. In contrast the prevalence of Oesophagostomum spp. increased with the age of the hosts, from 10% of the fatteners to 35 and 44% of the sows and boars, respectively. T. suis occurred only very sporadically, with the highest prevalence being 3% in the gilts. In comparison to previous Danish surveys the present mean prevalences of A. suum and Oesophagostomum spp. were low. Extremely low herd prevalences were found among large herds with intensive management and housing. In these herds, the pigs were infected at a later stage in life than pigs in more traditionally managed herds.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

IFN alpha-2a protects mice against a helminth infection of the liver and modulates immune responses.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the larval growth of Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the most lethal helminthic diseases with no satisfactory treatment. Advances in the understanding of the host's immune response (Th2 responses associated with a progressive form of AE), have driven the research towards immune stimulation as an alternative possibility to treat patients. We previously reported clinical stabilization associated with a shift from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine profile in an AE patient treated with interferon (IFN)alpha. METHODS: The effects of recombinant IFN alpha-2a were analyzed in the susceptible C57BL/6J E. multilocularis infected mice. Parasitic burden, macrophage functions, and specific T-cell responses were studied 15, 45, and 90 days postinfection. RESULTS: After 90 days postinfection, 75% of infected IFN alpha-2a-treated mice had no hepatic lesions and half were fully protected. IFN alpha-2a treatment markedly decreased the abnormally elevated production of IL-10 in both spleen cell cultures and peritoneal macrophage cultures from infected mice and restored phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism of macrophages. It also inhibited IL-6 and IL-13 antigen-induced secretions in spleen cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Through its immunoregulatory properties, IFN alpha-2a may be effective in a helminthic liver infection and is a promising candidate for clinical application in AE.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Tolerance and efficacy of combined diethylcarbamazine and albendazole for treatment of Wuchereria bancrofti and intestinal helminth infections in Haitian children.

This randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the tolerance, efficacy, and nutritional benefit of combining chemotherapeutic treatment of intestinal helminths and lymphatic filariasis. Children were infected with Ascaris (30.7%), Trichuris (53.4%), and hookworm (9.7%) with 69.9% having more than one of these parasites. A total of 15.8% of the children had Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae. Children were randomly assigned treatment with placebo, albendazole (ALB), diethylcarbamazine (DEC), or combined therapy. The combination of DEC/ALB reduced microfilarial density compared with placebo, ALB, or DEC (P < or = 0.03). Albendazole and DEC/ALB reduced the prevalence of Ascaris, Trichuris, and hookworm more than placebo or DEC (P < or = 0.03). Among Trichuris-infected children, those receiving ALB and DEC/ALB demonstrated greater gains in weight compared with placebo (P < or = 0.05). Albendazole and DEC/ALB were equally efficacious in treating intestinal helminths and for children with W. bancrofti microfilaremia, DEC/ALB was more effective than DEC, with no increase in severity of adverse reactions.

Albendazole↗
PubMed1995

The epidemiology of helminth infections of growing sheep in Argentina's western pampas.

Seasonal population trends of helminth parasites of growing lambs were investigated over 4 years. Successive worm-free lambs were grazed together with untreated lambs for 20-30 days and then slaughtered for helminth counts 2 weeks after their removal from pasture. Likewise untreated lambs from the same flock were slaughtered from 2 to 15 months of age for worm counts in the same way as tracer lambs. The predominant parasites were Haemonchus, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus. Haemonchus contortus was found to be of major importance and the flock acquired massive worm burdens from summer to mid-autumn. Minimum burdens were seen from winter to early spring and maximum L4 stages were found from mid-autumn to early winter. Nematodirus burdens increased from December with a peak in late summer and then decreased to low values. Maximum larval availability was in autumn to early winter. Trichostrongylus (mainly T. colubriformis) populations increased in autumn and peaked in June-July, while the highest larval availability was in autumn. The minor genera recovered were Ostertagia, Cooperia, Trichuris, Oesophagostomum and Moniezia. Dictyocaulus, Chabertia and Teladorsagia were noted occasionally and liver flukes were not detected. No important and pathogenic numbers of L4 stages were seen and all predominant species were able to survive over summer or winter in pasture.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Efficacy of a drug combination of praziquantel, pyrantel embonate, and febantel against helminth infections in dogs.

Tablets containing praziquantel, pyrantel embonate, and febantel were tested for efficacy against helminths in dogs. A single treatment with this drug combination gave 100% reductions in Toxocara canis and Taenia hydatigena in experimentally induced infections in dogs. In dogs with naturally acquired infections, treatment gave > 97 to 98% reductions in fecal egg counts attributable to Toxascaris leonina, T canis, and Uncinaria stenocephala. Efficacy against Trichuris vulpis was > 92%.

Animals↗