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PubMed1982

The trichrome-stained smear as a screening method for intestinal parasites: evaluation in a San Francisco Bay Area population.

The trichrome-stained smear and the formalin-ether concentrate were compared for detecting and identifying intestinal parasites. Using both methods, 15,414 outpatient and inpatient specimens were examined. Of 2,773 intestinal parasites recovered, 2,633 (94.9%) were protozoa. The trichrome-stained smear detected 97.0% of the intestinal protozoa and 38.9% of intestinal helminths. We conclude that, in geographic areas where protozoan infections are more common, the trichrome-stained smear alone may be used as a screening method for intestinal parasites if personnel are trained to recognize helminth eggs and larvae in the trichrome-stained smear.

Azo Compounds↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enteric pathogenic protozoa in homosexual men from San Francisco.

The prevalence of enteric protozoa was studied in a survey conducted among 150 male homosexual patients in San Francisco. All patients were from a private practice in internal medicine. Each was asked to complete a questionnaire and to submit multiple stool specimens for examination. Of this group, 47% were positive for one or more potentially pathogenic intestinal protozoa; Entamoeba histolytica was found in 36%, Entamoeba hartmanni in 35%, Giardia lamblia in 5%, and Dientamoeba fragilis in 1.3%. Symptoms were unreliable as a diagnostic index of intestinal protozoan infection. Colonization rates could not be correlated with any specific sexual technique. The large number of homosexuals at risk, combined with the potential for difficulties in diagnosis and contact-tracing, indicate the possibility that enteric pathogenic protozoa will cause future health problems in this population.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Distribution of entero-parasitic infections in the Peruvian Highland: study carried out in six rural communities of the department of Puno, Peru].

A prevalence study was carried out in six rural communities in the Peruvian Highlands with the purpose of achieving a better understanding of the distribution of entero-parasites. The communities were located along the banks of Lake Titicaca, in the provinces of Puno and El Collao, Department of Puno, Peru, at 3,800 m.a.s.l. To that effect, a total of 91 feces samples of adults and children from the following communities were analyzed: Conchaca, Puñutani, Capalla, Culta, Maraesqueña, and Jaillihuaya. Analysis techniques included Direct Examination, Kato Technique, Technique of Spontaneous Sedimentation in a Test Tube and the Lumbreras Rapid Sedimentation Technique. The general prelavence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 91.2%. The pathogenic entero-parasites found were, in order of frequency, as follows: Hymenolepis nana 6.6%, Entamoeba histolytica 5.5%, Giardia lamblia 3.3%, Taenia sp. 2.2%, Ascaris lumbricoides 2.2%, Trichuris trichiura 1.1%, and Enterobius vermicularis 1.1%. The frequency of the non-pathogenic entero-parasites was as follows: Entamoeba coli 78%, Endolimax nana 39.6%, Iodamoeba butschlii 14.3%, Blastocystis hominis 9.9%, and Chilomastix mesnili 2.2%. Most of the patients had poly parasitism (58.2%), and protozoan infections prevailed over helminthic infection. From the total number of patients infected, 41.8% had one parasite, 33.0% had two parasites, 11.0% had three parasites, 4.4% had four parasites, and 1.1% had five parasites. These results show the high rates of parasitism in the rural population on the banks of Lake Titicaca, which would be associated with socioeconomic factors and the poor environmental sanitation conditions in this area.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

[Current methods of immunologic diagnosis in parasitology].

This review of the immunological diagnosis of parasitic diseases defines the various indications, the means of collection and preparation, the various levels of specificity and the choice of parasitic antigen which should be used for immuno-diagnosis. The detection and assay of circulating antibodies relies on the techniques of immuno-precipitation (immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, electrosyneresis), indirect agglutination (latex and haemagglutination) or the use of labelled compounds (immunofluorescence, enzymo-immunoassay, radio-immunoassay). Their respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The detection and assay of circulating antigens involve the use of agglutination techniques (mycoses), radio-immunoassay or enzymo-immunoassay (protozooses and helminthiases). The authors review the applications of immunological diagnosis for the helminthiases (Trichinosis, Toxocarosis, Filariasis, Anguillosis, Ascaridiasis, Echinococcosis, Taeniasis and Cysticercosis, Distomatosis and Schistosomiasis), the protozoan infections (malaria, Toxoplasmosis, Amebiasis, Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis) and the mycoses (Aspergillosis, Candidiasis, Cryptococcosis). They also discuss the prospects for the development of immunological diagnosis by identification, purification and standardization of parasitic antigens and the study of circulating antigens and idiotypic anti-parasitic antibodies. Finally, they outline the respective responsibilities of the biologist and the prescribing doctor for the proper use of immunological diagnosis of parasitic diseases.

Antibodies↗
PubMed2002

Opportunistic protozoan diarrhoea.

In the developed world, a significant increase in the incidence of protozoan diarrhoea was observed following the AIDS epidemic. The profound immunodeficiency associated with advanced HIV disease produced increased susceptibility to opportunistic protozoan infections. The resultant profuse diarrhoea, malabsorption and weight loss contributed to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with the epidemic. The success of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in suppressing viral replication has led to a reduced incidence of AIDS-related opportunistic infections and this has contributed to decreased morbidity and mortality. In this review, we examine current management practices for HIV-related opportunistic protozoan diarrhoea

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

Helminth and protozoan gastrointestinal tract parasites in captive and wild-trapped African non-human primates.

The objective of this study was to investigate the gastro-intestinal (GIT) parasites commonly occurring in captive and wild-trapped (WT) non-human primates (baboons, vervets and Sykes) in Kenya and compare their prevalence. Three hundred and fifteen faecal samples were subjected to a battery of diagnostic tests, namely, direct smear, modified formal ether sedimentation, Kato thick smear, Harada-Mori techniques for parasite detection and culture to facilitate nematode larvae identification. Of these, 203 (64.4%) harboured helminths and 54 (17.1%) had protozoa. The helminth parasites comprised Strongyloides fulleborni 141 (44.8%), Trichuris trichuira 200 (63.5,%), Oesophagostomum sp. 48 (15.2%), Trichostrongylus sp. 73 (23.2%), Enterobius vermicularis 44 (14.0%), Schistosoma mansoni 4/92 (4.3%) and Streptopharagus sp. 68 (21.6%). Protozoan parasites consisted of Entamoeba coli 204 (64.8%), Balantidium coli 127 (40.3%) and Entamoeba histolytica 78 (24.8%). Both WT and colony-borne (CB) primates had similar species of parasites, but higher prevalences of protozoan infection were observed in CB baboons while helminth infections were relatively more common in WT primates. Some of the parasites observed in this study are reported to be zoonotic in various parasitological literatures. Chemoprophylaxis and other managerial practices were believed to be responsible for the lower worm prevalence in CB primates. Similar intervention against protozoa and other agents will not only improve primate health, but also increase safety to animal handlers and colony workers.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[A survey of intestinal parasites of the foreign laborers (Indonesians and Filipinos) in Ishikawa Prefecture].

A survey of intestinal parasites was conducted on 198 foreign workers aged 19-27 from Inodonesia and Philippines. They work for a private company in Ishikawa Prefecture as technical trainee. On the base of stool examination, 94 (71%) out of 133 Indonesians and 48 (74%) of 65 Filipinos had intestinal helminths and/or protozoan infections. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura and Hookworm was 4.5, 64.1, 10.6%, respectively. In addition, the positive rate of the cyst of Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lumblia was 11.1, 5.6, 4.5 and 2.0%, respectively. No E. histolytica was found; however, counter current immunoelectrophoresis revealed that one out of 112 sera possessed the antibody against the antigen of HK-9 strain of E. histolytica. Sixty-three cases of trichuriasis were treated with mebendazole at a dose of 200 mg/day x 3 consecutive days. Re-examination revealed that 53 (85.5%) of them were cured.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Residues of dimetridazole in eggs after treatment of laying hens.

Laying hens were dosed orally with dimetridazole (DMZ) (50 and 250 mg/kg) for 3 days or intramuscularly (50 mg/kg), also for 3 days, and the residues were determined by liquid chromatography in albumen and yolk. The sensitivity of the whole procedure was 2 ng/g. The drug was excreted preferentially into the yolk (about 57% of the total) and the elimination period lasted for 4-6 days after treatment.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1988

Sporogenesis and spore structure in Kudoa lunata (Myxosporea, Multivalvulida).

The multivalvulid myxosporean Kudoa lunata Lom, Dyková and Lhotáková, 1983 forms large polysporic trophozoites within the myocytes of scaldfish, Arnoglossus imperialis and A. laterna. The spores arise by the division of generative cells that produce a number of sporogonic cells necessary to complete a sporoblast. The development of some of the sporogonic cells can take place in isolation from other sporoblast cells, as shown by aberrant cases of polar capsule formation. Pansporoblast formation does not exist in Kudoa, at variance with large polysporic trophozoites of other myxosporean genera. The genus Kudoa also includes species with small trophozoites producing just one or two spores without pansporoblasts, as in Sphaerospora. Perhaps this type of sporogenesis was preserved in the species of Kudoa that have large trophozoites. Kudoa spores have a unique type of sporoplasm, comprising an outer cell enveloping an inner one; these differ in their contents of ribosomes and glycogen granules. This type of sporoplasm is reminiscent of the basic unit of all types of myxosporean development, i.e., the primary (vegetative) cell enclosing an inner (generative) cell. The canals for filament discharge extend through the apical spore projections and are of a length unmatched in other myxosporea.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Light microscopical study of Blastocystis spp. in monkeys and fowls.

An investigation of a Blastocystis species obtained from several species of monkeys and fowls was conducted to clarify the morphology of the organism, using light microscopical techniques including Giemsa, Heidenhain iron hematoxylin, Trichrome stains, iodine mount and phase-contrast microscopy. A comparison was made with Blastocystis hominis from humans. Blastocystis spp. were found in 15 out of 26 monkeys and in all of 12 fowls (10 chickens and 2 ostriches) examined. The behaviour of the parasites in the bowels was also examined, using paraffin-embedded sections. Microscope examination of the lumen contents at death revealed the organism in the caecum of monkeys and fowls. The organisms from faeces, cultures and the lumen contents of the caecum of humans, monkeys and fowls were similar, except for variations in the size and contents of the central vacuoles, which occupied the centre of the organisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Important parasites of dover sole (Solea solea L.) kept under mariculture conditions.

Dover sole (Solea solea L.) were examined for parasites at the White Fish Authority (WFA) fish farm at Hunterston, Ayrshire, Scotland. The most important parasites appeared to be the two blood-feeding ectoparasites Lernaeocera sp., a copepod, and Hemibdella soleae, an ichthyobdellid leech, and the haematoprotozoan Haemogregarina simondi. The anaemia and general malaise of the sole investigated was attributed partly to general stress and the debilitating effects of transfer from the wild into an aquaculture system and partly to the impact of the parasites observed.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Preliminary observations of two microsporidian hyperparasites of Acanthocephala in marine and lagoon fishes].

Microsporidium acanthocephali n. sp. and Microsporidium propinqui n. sp. are two microsporidian species hyperparasitic in the tegumentary syncytium of salt-water fishes. Their ultrastructural study shows that both species have diplocaryotic meronts and spores, anisofilar polar filaments; meronts and some sporogonic stages of M. acanthocephali are surrounded by a parasitic vacuole. Spores of both parasites are oviform; those of M. acanthocephali are gigantic, 12-14 micron long and 6-7 micron broad, those of M. propinqui are only 3-4 micron X 1.25-1.50 micron. A poor knowledge of some sporogonic aspects prevents us from all precise generic assigning of these two parasites which may coexist in the same Helminth.

Acanthocephala↗
PubMed1988

Canine protozoan polyradiculoneuritis.

Four pups in a litter of eight Labrador Retrievers suddenly developed hind limb weakness. In three, paralysis ascended rapidly resulting in quadriplegia, cervical weakness, dysphagia and death. Postmortem examination revealed a severe polyradiculoneuritis in which roots, ganglia, and spinal and cranial nerves were heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages and contained abundant protozoan pseudocysts. On sections of the brain and spinal cord protozoa were less frequent and appeared independent of the glial nodules which marked focal areas of necrosis. The organisms initially were thought to be Toxoplasma gondii, but this supposition was not supported by serological, immunocytochemical, or electron microscopic findings. Ultrastructurally the organisms resembled an unidentified sporozoan parasite, which has been reported in the CNS of dogs in Scandinavia. The inflamed spinal roots contained many degenerated and demyelinated axons. Electron microscopic studies indicated that the tachyzoite-like organisms, through their invasive and proliferative activities, brought about many of the degenerative changes in the Schwann cells and axons of the spinal roots and nerves.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Immunologic observations in fishes of the genus Mugil parasitized by the myxosporidan Myxobolus exiguus Thélohan, 1895 (author's transl)].

This investigation was undertaken to find antibodies to the myxosporidan Myxobolus exiguus Thélohan, 1895 in the serum of Mugils (Pisces, Teleostei). The few previous studies dealing with immunology of myxosporidiosis have yielded negative results. We thought that the methods used were responsible for these results. Therefore, we prepared a lyophilized antigen from the Myxosporidian spores with which we injected rabbits and a fish. In the rabbits these antigens evoked a response which, although too weak for detection by the gel precipitation method, was clearly demonstrable by the complement fixation technique. In contrast we did not detect any response in the fish. It thus appears that in the fish there is no production of precipitating or complement fixing antibodies against Myxosporidia. We found, however, that the fish serum behaves, in reaction with the immune rabbit serum, as though it contained the antigen.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Besnoitia sp. from goats in Kenya.

The eyelids of goats in Kenya contained several, conspicuous white cysts which were up to 1.5 mm in size. By histological and electron microscopical studies it was confirmed that these cysts belong to the genus Besnoitia.

Animals↗