The present paper comprises a systematic survey of helminths (trematodes, an acanthocephalan and nematodes) found in nine species of freshwater fishes in Ecuador collected in March 1999 and those (a trematode and acanthocephalans) collected from an amphibian and two species of freshwater fishes in Venezuela in 1992, 1996 and 2001. The following 17 helminth species were recorded: Trematoda: Prosthenhystera ornamentosa sp. n., P. obesa (Diesing, 1850), Crassicutis intermedius (Szidat, 1954), C. cichlasomae Manter, 1936 and Glypthelmins eleutherodactyli sp. n. Acanthocephala: Quadrigyrus torquatus Van Cleave, 1920, Gracilisentis variabilis (Diesing, 1851) and Neoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) ecuadoris sp. n. Nematoda: Cosmoxynema vianai Travassos, 1949, Travnema travnema Pereira, 1938, Touzeta ecuadoris Petter, 1987, Sprentascaris hypostomi Petter et Cassone, 1984, Sprentascaris sp., Contracaecum sp. Type 1 larvae, Contracaecum sp. Type 2 larvae, Procamallanus (Procamallanus) peraccuratus Pinto, Noronha et Rolas, 1976 and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp. juv. Nearly all of these parasites are reported from Ecuador or Venezuela for the first time and many of these findings represent new host records. The new species P. ornamentosa sp. n. was collected from the gall-bladder of an unidentified anostomid (Anostomidae, Characiformes) in Ecuador, G. eleutherodactyli sp. n. from the digestive tract of the frog Eleutherodactylus sp. (Eleutherodactylidae, Anura) in Venezuela and N. (N.) ecuadoris sp. n. from the intestine of Lebiasina sp. (Lebiasinidae, Characiformes) in Ecuador. Most parasites are briefly described and illustrated and problems concerning their morphology, taxonomy, hosts and geographical distribution are discussed.
- MeSH
- Helminths * classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Helminthiasis, Animal * epidemiology parasitology MeSH
- Fish Diseases * parasitology epidemiology MeSH
- Amphibians * parasitology MeSH
- Fishes * parasitology MeSH
- Fresh Water * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Ecuador MeSH
- Venezuela MeSH
BACKGROUND: Zoonotic diseases are a serious threat to both public health and animal conservation. Most non-human primates (NHP) are facing the threat of forest loss and fragmentation and are increasingly living in closer spatial proximity to humans. Humans are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) at a high prevalence, and bidirectional infection with NHP has been observed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, distribution and presence of co-infections of STH in free-ranging gorillas, chimpanzees and other NHP species, and to determine the potential role of these NHP as reservoir hosts contributing to the environmental sustenance of zoonotic nematode infections in forested areas of Cameroon and Gabon. METHODS: A total of 315 faecal samples from six species of NHPs were analysed. We performed PCR amplification, sequencing and maximum likelihood analysis of DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) nuclear ribosomal DNA to detect the presence and determine the genetic diversity of Oesophagostomum spp., Necator spp. and Trichuris spp., and of targeted DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) to detect the presence of Ascaris spp. RESULTS: Necator spp. infections were most common in gorillas (35 of 65 individuals), but also present in chimpanzees (100 of 222 individuals) and in one of four samples from greater spot-nosed monkeys. These clustered with previously described type II and III Necator spp. Gorillas were also the most infected NHP with Oesophagostomum (51/65 individuals), followed by chimpanzees (157/222 individuals), mandrills (8/12 samples) and mangabeys (7/12 samples), with O. stephanostomum being the most prevalent species. Oesophagostomum bifurcum was detected in chimpanzees and a red-capped mangabey, and a non-classified Oesophagostomum species was detected in a mandrill and a red-capped mangabey. In addition, Ternidens deminutus was detected in samples from one chimpanzee and three greater spot-nosed monkeys. A significant relative overabundance of co-infections with Necator and Oesophagostomum was observed in chimpanzees and gorillas. Trichuris sp. was detected at low prevalence in a gorilla, a chimpanzee and a greater spot-nosed monkey. No Ascaris was observed in any of the samples analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results on STH prevalence and genetic diversity in NHP from Cameroon and Gabon corroborate those obtained from other wild NHP populations in other African countries. Future research should focus on better identifying, at a molecular level, the species of Necator and Oesophagostomum infecting NHP and determining how human populations may be affected by increased proximity resulting from encroachment into sylvatic STH reservoir habitats.
- MeSH
- Helminths classification genetics isolation & purification MeSH
- Animals, Wild parasitology MeSH
- DNA, Helminth genetics MeSH
- Feces parasitology MeSH
- Helminthiasis, Animal epidemiology transmission MeSH
- Primates classification parasitology MeSH
- Soil parasitology MeSH
- Zoonoses epidemiology parasitology transmission MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Gabon MeSH
- Cameroon MeSH
Age-related dynamics of protozoan and helminth infections in the red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, were studied in an intensive breeding aviary in the Czech Republic before releasing birds for hunting purposes. Pooled fecal samples (n = 900) were examined over 3 rearing seasons (2012-2014). A total of 4 protozoan species, Cryptosporidium baileyi, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Eimeria kofoidi, and Eimeria legionensis, and 4 helminths, Capillaria phasianina, Eucoleus perforans, Heterakis gallinarum, and Syngamus trachea, was found. The most common parasite was S. trachea (prevalence 20-26%) in dead birds (n = 99), which represents a high risk for breeders. Co-occurrence of protozoans and helminths indicated similarities in infection dynamics throughout the 3 breeding seasons. Mixed infections of Cryptosporidium baileyi and C. meleagridis with other parasitic species are reported for the first time. Our findings provide new insights into breeding of A. rufa and may help to improve the efficacy of disease control strategies and prevention, especially with the potential for spreading of parasitic infections to wildlife through released birds into open areas.
- MeSH
- Capillaria classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Helminths classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Cryptosporidium classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Eimeria classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Feces parasitology MeSH
- Galliformes parasitology MeSH
- Helminthiasis, Animal epidemiology parasitology transmission MeSH
- Nematoda classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Bird Diseases epidemiology parasitology transmission MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Protozoan Infections, Animal epidemiology parasitology transmission MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Spirurida classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Strongyloidea classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Age Factors MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Commercial small-scale chicken farms managed as all-in-all-out but operating with low standards of hygiene/biosecurity are increasingly common in Vietnam. These conditions facilitate the transmission of gastrointestinal helminths. However, there are no published data on helminths in these systems. We aimed (1) to determine the prevalence/burden of gastrointestinal helminths in small-scale commercial flocks in the Mekong Delta region and (2) to investigate the association between worm burdens and birds' weight and disease status. Randomly selected chickens (n = 120) from 'normal' flocks were investigated at the end of their production cycle (~ 18 weeks), as well as 90 chickens from 'diseased' flocks with signs of respiratory and/or severe disease. The gastrointestinal tract of chickens was dissected and all visible helminths were identified and counted. A total of 54.2% and 54.4% normal and diseased chickens contained helminths. Among colonised birds, the diseased ones harboured a higher mass of helminth worms than normal (healthy) birds (3.8 ± SD 8.6 g vs. 1.9 ± SD 6.3 g, respectively). Eight species were identified, including nematodes (Ascaridia galli, Cheilospirura hamulosa and Heterakis gallinarum), cestodes (Hymenolepis, Raillietina cesticillus, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona,) and one trematode (Echinostomatidae). Heterakis gallinarum was the most prevalent helminth (43.3% and 42.2% in normal and sick chickens, respectively), followed by A. galli (26.7% and 41.1%). Colonised chickens weighed 101.5 g less than non-colonised birds. Colonisation was higher during the rainy months (May-November) for both H. gallinarum and A. galli. Anthelminthic usage was not associated with reduced helminth burdens. We recommend upgrading cleaning and disinfection and limiting access to ranging areas to control helminths in small-scale chicken flocks.
- MeSH
- Anthelmintics therapeutic use MeSH
- Cestoda classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Helminths classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Farms MeSH
- Gastrointestinal Tract parasitology MeSH
- Helminthiasis, Animal drug therapy parasitology MeSH
- Nematoda classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Chickens MeSH
- Poultry Diseases parasitology MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Body Weight drug effects MeSH
- Trematoda classification isolation & purification MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Vietnam MeSH
Deep evolutionary relationships within raptorial niche have recently been challenged. Little is known as to whether birds of the raptorial niche share congruent or host-switching communities of parasites. Here, we analyzed the helminth component communities associated with birds of prey and owls. From 1962 to 2015, we examined 1731 birds of prey and owls in Czechia, and we provide a meta-analysis based on the available literature. Both the analysis of newly examined birds as well as the meta-analysis of previous studies suggested low similarities in the helminth component communities in Strigiformes relative to those in Accipitriformes (Sørensen similarity indices 0.380 in Czechia and 0.324 worldwide) or Falconiformes (0.341 and 0.328), as well as low similarities in the helminth component communities in Falconiformes to those in Accipitriformes (0.366 and 0.413). Globally, 59.6% of helminth species found in Accipitriformes, 39.5% of those in Falconiformes and 38.3% of those in Strigiformes were obligate specialists that were limited to a single examined bird order. Another 11.5%, 12.8% and 8.3% of species had core hosts in only a single order. Only five helminth species infected all three bird orders at a similar prevalence. The differences in prevalence cannot be explained by differences in food composition. We provide detailed information on the prevalence, seasonality, age- and sex-specificity, intensity and lethality of helminth infections. In conclusion, we provide the first systematically collected evidence on the congruence of the helminth distribution and phylogeny of the raptorial niche, which is consistent with its split into Australaves and Afroaves.
- MeSH
- Helminths classification physiology MeSH
- Raptors parasitology MeSH
- Falconiformes parasitology MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Helminthiasis, Animal epidemiology MeSH
- Bird Diseases epidemiology parasitology MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Seasons MeSH
- Animal Distribution * MeSH
- Sex Factors MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Meta-Analysis MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
The helminth endoparasites of many European amphibian species are often known exclusively from morphological descriptions. A molecular library of DNA sequence data linked to morphological identifications is still in its infancy. In this paper, we aim to contribute to such a library on the smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris, the intermediate and definitive host of 31 helminth parasites, according to evidence published so far. Newts (n = 69) were collected at two study sites in western Germany and examined for the presence of helminths. A total of five helminth species were detected in 56 (81%) of the newts, but only one or two species infected a single host. Four out of five helminth species were identified morphologically and based on DNA sequences as Parastrigea robusta (metacercariae), Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Megalobatrachonema terdentatum (adults and larvae) and Cosmocerca longicauda, and the corresponding sequences were provided subsequently. Oswaldocruzia molgeta was confirmed to be a junior synonym of O. filiformis. Molecular data on a fifth species (a cosmocercid nematode) that could not be identified at species level were added to GenBank. These findings increased the molecular library on morphologically identified smooth newt parasites significantly, from 12 to 15 entries.
- MeSH
- Helminths anatomy & histology classification genetics isolation & purification MeSH
- Phylogeny MeSH
- Microscopy MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Salamandridae parasitology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Germany MeSH
Throughout history, humans have been afflicted by parasitic worms, and eggs are readily detected in archaeological deposits. This study integrated parasitological and ancient DNA methods with a large sample set dating between Neolithic and Early Modern periods to explore the utility of molecular archaeoparasitology as a new approach to study the past. Molecular analyses provided unequivocal species-level parasite identification and revealed location-specific epidemiological signatures. Faecal-oral transmitted nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura) were ubiquitous across time and space. By contrast, high numbers of food-associated cestodes (Diphyllobothrium latum and Taenia saginata) were restricted to medieval Lübeck. The presence of these cestodes and changes in their prevalence at approximately 1300 CE indicate substantial alterations in diet or parasite availability. Trichuris trichiura ITS-1 sequences grouped into two clades; one ubiquitous and one restricted to medieval Lübeck and Bristol. The high sequence diversity of T.tITS-1 detected in Lübeck is consistent with its importance as a Hanseatic trading centre. Collectively, these results introduce molecular archaeoparasitology as an artefact-independent source of historical evidence.
- MeSH
- Archaeology MeSH
- Helminths classification physiology MeSH
- History, 15th Century MeSH
- History, 16th Century MeSH
- History, 17th Century MeSH
- History, Ancient MeSH
- History, Medieval MeSH
- Feces parasitology MeSH
- Genetic Variation MeSH
- Cultural Evolution * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Parasitology MeSH
- Parasite Egg Count MeSH
- DNA, Ancient analysis MeSH
- Trichuriasis epidemiology history parasitology MeSH
- Trichuris genetics physiology MeSH
- Cities MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- History, 15th Century MeSH
- History, 16th Century MeSH
- History, 17th Century MeSH
- History, Ancient MeSH
- History, Medieval MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Historical Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Germany MeSH
- Cities MeSH
Trematoda, cestoda a nematoda jsou parazitičtí helminti, kteří způsobují vážná onemocnění lidí na celém světě a jsou také odpovědní za devastaci chovů hospodářských zvířat. Je alarmující, že se každým rokem eviduje stoupající rezistence na současná farmaka a na některá onemocnění dokonce neexistuje léčba. Proto jsou enzymy helmintů intenzivně zkoumány jako potenciální cíle pro vývoj léků a vakcín. Proteasy jsou slibnými kandidáty, protože mají důležitou roli v přežívání parazita v hostiteli: umožňují invazi, výživu, rozmnožování parazita, ovlivňují imunitním systém hostitele a modulují jeho fyziologii. Serinové proteasy helmintů ve srovnání s jinými skupinami enzymů nebyly dosud detailně studovány. Ačkoliv byly identifikovány v genomech různých druhů helmitů ve významném množství, jejich biologické role a biochemické funkce zůstávají do značné míry neznámé. Nicméně, rostoucí množství genomických a proteomických studií ukazují, že tato třída proteas hraje podstatnou roli v interakcích mezi hostitelem a parazitem a v jeho přežívání. Tato práce shrnuje veškeré dostupné poznatky o serinových proteasach parazitických helminthů infekčních pro člověka.
Trematodes, cestodes and nematodes are parasitic helminths causing serious human diseases worldwide and are also responsible for livestock devastation. Due to rising evidence of resistance to current pharmaceutical therapy, helminth -derived proteins are being extensively studied as potential drug and vaccine targets. Among them, proteases are promising candidates as they operate the host– parasite interface, where they may facilitate parasite invasion, nutrition intake, fertilization, host -immune system evasion, and modulate host physiology. Surprisingly, serine proteases of helminths, in comparison to other groups of proteases, are largely neglected. Serine proteases have been identified in helminth genomes in significant abundance but their biological roles and biochemical functions are poorly understood. However, increasing volumes of genomic and proteomic studies indicate that this class of proteases plays substantial roles in host -parasite interactions and in parasite survival. Here, we discuss serine proteases of parasitic helminth and their known or hypothetical functions.
- MeSH
- Helminths * physiology classification metabolism pathogenicity MeSH
- Helminthiasis MeSH
- Host-Parasite Interactions MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Parasitic Diseases immunology MeSH
- Serine Proteases * analysis adverse effects MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
- MeSH
- Anopheles pathogenicity growth & development MeSH
- Helminths immunology classification pathogenicity MeSH
- Immunity MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Malaria etiology immunology physiopathology MeSH
- Parasites * immunology classification pathogenicity MeSH
- Plasmodium pathogenicity growth & development MeSH
- Th2 Cells immunology MeSH
- Toxoplasma pathogenicity growth & development MeSH
- Toxoplasmosis etiology immunology physiopathology MeSH
- Inflammation * immunology classification physiopathology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Review MeSH
