scholarly journals Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Lebanon: A Retrospective Study and Molecular Epidemiology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaelle Joanny ◽  
Maria Grazia Cappai ◽  
Francesca Nonnis ◽  
Claudia Tamponi ◽  
Giorgia Dessì ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
High Gene ◽  
Human Infections ◽  
And Control ◽  
Human Cystic Echinococcosis

Abstract Purpose Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease that constitutes a public health challenge and a socio-economic burden in endemic areas worldwide. No specific surveillance system of CE infections in humans exists in Lebanon. The incidence and trends over time have not been documented. The current study aimed to assess the demographic and epidemiologic features of human CE surgical cases over a 14-year period in the five main regions of Lebanon. Methods From 2005 to 2018, a total of 894 surgically confirmed cases of hydatidosis were recorded from five anatomy and pathology laboratories. Results The mean annual surgical incidence was 1.23/100,000 inhabitants. Over the span of these years, the incidence increased from 0.53 to 1.94 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2005 and 2018, respectively. CE is present in Lebanon with an uneven distribution from one region to the other with higher prevalence in Bekaa (29.0%), a rural area where sheep raising is widespread. Human CE cases were more common in females (60.1%) than in males (39.9%) and a high burden of infection was reported for the age group of 30–39 years. Besides, 66.7% of the cases expressed only liver complications whereas, 20.5% showed predilection towards lungs. The 7.8% of cases presented cysts in other organs, and 1.3% showed multiple localizations. Additionally, predominant involvement of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto was recorded in human infections. Comparison of Echinococcus granulosus s.s. populations from different Mediterranean countries also revealed high gene flow among this region and sharing of alleles. Conclusion The current study is a step forward to fill the gap of knowledge for the hydatidosis in Lebanon where the lack of epidemiological data and control measures have resulted in higher incidence of human CE. Graphic Abstract

scholarly journals Species detection within the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex by novel probe-based Real-Time PCRs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavlo Maksimov ◽  
Hannes Bergmann ◽  
Marion Wassermann ◽  
Thomas Romig ◽  
Bruno Gottstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Sybr Green ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Chain Reactions

Abstract Background: Infections with eggs of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) can cause cystic echinococcosis in intermediate host animals and humans. Upon ingestion of viable eggs, oncospheres hatch from the eggs and subsequently develop into fluid-filled larval cysts, most frequently in the liver or the lungs. The slowly growing cysts progressively interfere with organ function. The risk of infection is determined by the host range of the parasite, its pathogenicity and other epidemiologically relevant parameters, which differ significantly among the five species within the E. granulosus s.l. complex. It is therefore essential to diagnose the correct species within E. granulosus s.l. to help understand specific disease epidemiology and to facilitate effective implementation of control measures. For this purpose, simple, fast and cost-effective typing techniques are needed.Methods: Mitochondrial genome sequences from the respective members of E. granulosus s.l. complex were used to identify target regions for the detection and genotyping. The selected primer pairs were first tested in a SYBR-green assay. In the next step, primers discriminating between the genotypes (according to post-amplification melting curves) were tested together with the respective probes in a TaqMan® Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reactions (qPCRs). For the analysis of analytical sensitivity and specificity of the real-time PCRs (SYBR-green and TaqMan), a panel of reference DNAs from various Echinococcus spp. was used.Results: We developed quantitative qPCRs and corresponding sequence-specific hydrolysis DNA probes to target polymorphic regions in the mitochondrial genome of E. granulosus s.l.. In a single-step typing approach, we distinguished E. granulosus s.l. members in four epidemiologically relevant subgroups. These were E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1, G3), E. equinus (G4), E. ortleppi (G5) and the E. canadensis cluster (G6 to G8 and G10). The technique also allowed identification and differentiation of these species from other Echinococcus or Taenia taxa for samples isolated from cysts or faeces. Conclusions: Single-step genotyping techniques for the molecular diagnosis of Echinococcus spp. by qPCRs may not only improve diagnostic performance, but also our knowledge on the epidemiology of the parasites and help controlling the various agents of cystic echinococcosis.

scholarly journals Species detection within the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex by novel probe-based Real-Time PCRs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavlo Maksimov ◽  
Hannes Bergmann ◽  
Marion Wassermann ◽  
Thomas Romig ◽  
Bruno Gottstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus Sensu Lato

AbstractInfections with eggs of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) can cause cystic echinococcosis in intermediate host animals and humans. Upon ingestion of viable eggs, oncospheres hatch from the eggs and subsequently develop into fluid-filled larval cysts, most frequently in the liver or the lungs. The slowly growing cysts progressively interfere with organ function. The risk of infection is determined by the host range of the parasite, its pathogenicity and other epidemiologically relevant parameters, which differ significantly among the five species within the E. granulosus s.l. complex. It is therefore essential to diagnose the correct species within E. granulosus s.l. to help understand specific disease epidemiology and to facilitate effective implementation of control measures. For this purpose, simple, fast and cost-effective typing techniques are needed.We developed quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reactions (qPCRs) and corresponding sequence-specific hydrolysis DNA probes to target polymorphic regions in the mitochondrial genome of E. granulosus s.l.. In a single-step typing approach, we distinguished E. granulosus s.l. members in four epidemiologically relevant subgroups. These were E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1, G3), E. equinus (G4), E. ortleppi (G5) and the E. canadensis cluster (G6 to G8 and G10). The technique also allowed identification and differentiation of these species from other Echinococcus or Taenia taxa for samples isolated from cysts or faeces.Single-step genotyping techniques for the molecular diagnosis of Echinococcus spp. by qPCRs may not only improve diagnostic performance, but also our knowledge on the epidemiology of the parasites and help controlling the various agents of cystic echinococcosis.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, Echinococcus ortleppi; and E. intermedius (G7) are present in Bolivia

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (9) ◽  
pp. 949-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Ali ◽  
E. Martinez ◽  
P. Duran ◽  
M. A. Seláez ◽  
M. Barragan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Santa Cruz ◽  
La Paz ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus Sensu Stricto ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus Sensu Lato

AbstractCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by a complex of species known as Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. CE is endemic in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and the South part of Brazil. In contrast, little is known regarding the presence of CE in Bolivia. In this study, 35 cysts isolated from livestock (mostly from the Department of La Paz) and 3 from humans (La Paz, Oruro and Potosi) were genetically characterized analysing the sequence of the cox1 gene (1609 bp). In total, 30 cysts (from La Paz, Cochabamba and Beni) were characterized as E. granulosus sensu stricto (3 fertile and 4 non-fertile cysts from sheep, 8 fertile and 12 non-fertile cysts from cattle and 3 fertile cysts from humans). A detailed analysis of the cox1 haplotypes of E. granulosus s.s. is included. Echinococcus ortleppi (G5) was found in 5 fertile cysts from cattle (from La Paz and Cochabamba). Echinococcus intermedius (G7) was identified in 3 fertile cysts from pigs (from Santa Cruz). Additionally, E. granulosus s.s. was detected in 4 dog faecal samples, while E. ortleppi was present in other two dog faecal samples. The implications of these preliminary results in the future implementation of control measures are discussed.

scholarly journals Response patterns in adventitial layer of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto cysts from naturally infected cattle and sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Hidalgo ◽  
Caroll Stoore ◽  
María Soledad Baquedano ◽  
Ismael Pereira ◽  
Carmen Franco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Granulomatous Reaction ◽  
Adventitial Layer ◽  
Laminated Layer ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

AbstractCystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The disease is characterized by the development of cystic structures inside viscera of the intermediate host, mainly liver and lungs. These cysts are formed by three layers: germinal, laminated, and adventitial layer, the latter being the local host immune response. Metacestodes that develop protoscoleces, the infective stage to the definitive host, are termed fertile, whereas cysts that do not produce protoscoleces are termed non-fertile. Sheep usually harbor fertile cysts while cattle usually harbor non-fertile cysts. Adventitial layers with fibrotic resolution are associated to fertile cysts, whereas a granulomatous reaction is associated with non-fertile cysts. The aim of this study was to analyze cellular distribution in the adventitial layer of fertile and non-fertile E. granulosus sensu stricto cysts found in liver and lungs of cattle and sheep. A total of 418 cysts were analyzed, 203 from cattle (8 fertile and 195 non-fertile) and 215 from sheep (64 fertile and 151 non-fertile). Fertile cysts from cattle showed mixed patterns of response, with fibrotic resolution and presence of granulomatous response in direct contact with the laminated layer, while sheep fertile cysts always displayed fibrotic resolution next to the laminated layer. Cattle non-fertile cysts display a granulomatous reaction in direct contact with the laminated layer, whereas sheep non-fertile cysts display a granulomatous reaction, but in direct contact with the fibrotic resolution. This shows that cattle and sheep cystic echinococcosis cysts have distinct local immune response patterns, which are associated to metacestode fertility.

Characterization of excretory–secretory products from protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus and evaluation of their potential for immunodiagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis

Parasitology ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. CARMENA ◽  
J. MARTÍNEZ ◽  
A. BENITO ◽  
J. A. GUISANTES
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Secretory Protein ◽  
Major Protein ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Secretory Products ◽  
Protein Components ◽  
Human Cystic Echinococcosis

This study describes, for the first time, the characterization of excretory–secretory antigens (ES-Ag) from Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces, evaluating their usefulness in the immunodiagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis. ES-Ag were obtained from the first 50 h maintenance of protoscoleces in vitro. This preparation contained over 20 major protein components which could be distinguished by 1-dimensional SDS–PAGE with apparent masses between 9 and 300 kDa. The culture of of protoscoleces from liver produced a greater variety of excretory–secretory protein components than those from lung. Determination of enzymatic activities of secreted proteins revealed the presence of phosphatases, lipases and glucosidases, but no proteases. These findings were compared to those obtained from somatic extracts of protoscoleces and hydatid cyst fluid products. Immunochemical characterization was performed by immunoblotting with sera from individuals infected by cystic echinococcosis (n=15), non-hydatidic parasitoses (n=19), various liver diseases (n=24), lung neoplasia (n=16), and healthy donors (n=18). Antigens with apparent masses of 89, 74, 47/50, 32, and 20 kDa showed specificity for immunodiagnosis of human hydatidosis. The 89 and 74 kDa components corresponded to antigens not yet described in E. granulosus, whereas proteins of 41–43 kDa and 91–95 kDa were recognized by the majority of the non-hydatid sera studied.

The optimum cut-off value to differentiate Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto from other species of E. granulosus sensu lato using larval rostellar hook morphometry

2013 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.V. Soriano ◽  
N.B. Pierangeli ◽  
L.A. Pianciola ◽  
M. Mazzeo ◽  
L.E. Lazzarini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Epidemiology ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
First Time

AbstractCystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is one of the most important helminth zoonoses in the world; it affects both humans and livestock. The disease is endemic in Argentina and highly endemic in the province of Neuquén. Considerable genetic and phenotypic variation has been demonstrated in E. granulosus, and ten different genotypes (G1–G10) have been identified using molecular tools. Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato may be considered a species complex, comprised of E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3), E. equinus (G4), E. ortleppi (G5) and E. canadensis (G6–G10). In endemic areas, the characterization of cystic echinococcosis molecular epidemiology is important in order to apply adequate control strategies. A cut-off value for larval large hook total length to distinguish E. granulosus sensu stricto isolates from those produced by other species of the complex was defined for the first time. Overall, 1780 larval hooks of 36 isolates obtained from sheep (n= 11, G1), goats (n= 10, G6), cattle (n= 5, G6) and pigs (n= 10, G7) were analysed. Validation against molecular genotyping as gold standard was carried out using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The optimum cut-off value was defined as 26.5 μm. The proposed method showed high sensitivity (97.8%) and specificity (91.1%). Since in most endemic regions the molecular epidemiology of echinococcosis includes the coexistence of the widely distributed E. granulosus sensu stricto G1 strain and other species of the complex, this technique could be useful as a quick and economical tool for epidemiological and surveillance field studies, when fertile cysts are present.

scholarly journals Cystic Echinococcosis: Clinical, Immunological, and Biomolecular Evaluation of Patients from Sardinia (Italy)

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 907
Author(s):  
Cinzia Santucciu ◽  
Piero Bonelli ◽  
Angela Peruzzu ◽  
Alessandro Fancellu ◽  
Vincenzo Marras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Neighbor Joining ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus Sensu Lato

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is a worldwide public health problem. Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), associated with G1 and G3 genotypes, is endemic with high prevalence in the Mediterranean basin. The parasite’s life cycle comprises definitive hosts (canids) and intermediate hosts (ruminants) and can occasionally involve humans. The main aim of this research was to confirm the diagnosis of 13 patients suspected of CE who presented different complications and needed the surgical removal of the cysts. We also wanted to understand and clarify more the diagnosis of echinococcosis in humans. For this purpose, the patients first underwent cyst evaluation by ultrasound (US), immunological analysis, and then total pericystectomy, followed by parasitological, histopathological, and molecular biology examinations of the cysts. US stadiated one CE1, one CE2, eight CE3b, one CE4, and two CE5; immunology evidenced nine positives; histopathology confirmed 11 CE cysts, of which 8 fertile presenting protoscoleces were identified as E. granulosus s.s. by molecular biology, genotyped as three G1 and four G3 by neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree. In conclusion, the results showed that 11 patients were affected by E. granulosus s.s. G1 orG3, and 2 cystic neoformations were of non-parasitic origin.

scholarly journals Characterising within-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission events: a retrospective analysis integrating epidemiological and viral genomic data from a UK tertiary care setting across two pandemic waves

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin B Lindsey ◽  
Ch. Julián Villabona-Arenas ◽  
Finlay Campbell ◽  
Alexander J Keeley ◽  
Matthew D Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
And Control ◽  
Second Wave

Objectives - To characterise within-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission across two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design - A retrospective Bayesian modelling study to reconstruct transmission chains amongst 2181 patients and healthcare workers using combined viral genomic and epidemiological data. Setting - A large UK NHS Trust with over 1400 beds and employing approximately 17,000 staff. Participants - 780 patients and 522 staff testing SARS-CoV-2 positive between 1st March 2020 and 25th July 2020 (Wave 1); and 580 patients and 299 staff testing SARS-CoV-2 positive between 30th November 2020 and 24th January 2021 (Wave 2). Main outcome measures - Transmission pairs including who-infected-whom; location of transmission events in hospital; number of secondary cases from each individual, including differences in onward transmission from community and hospital onset patient cases. Results - Staff-to-staff transmission was estimated to be the most frequent transmission type during Wave 1 (31.6% of observed hospital-acquired infections; 95% CI 26.9 to 35.8%), decreasing to 12.9% (95% CI 9.5 to 15.9%) in Wave 2. Patient-to-patient transmissions increased from 27.1% in Wave 1 (95% CI 23.3 to 31.4%) to 52.1% (95% CI 48.0 to 57.1%) in Wave 2, to become the predominant transmission type. Over 50% of hospital-acquired infections were concentrated in 8/120 locations in Wave 1 and 10/93 locations in Wave 2. Approximately 40% to 50% of hospital-onset patient cases resulted in onward transmission compared to less than 4% of definite community-acquired cases. Conclusions - Prevention and control measures that evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic may have had a significant impact on reducing infections between healthcare workers, but were insufficient during the second wave to prevent a high number of patient-to-patient transmissions. As hospital-acquired cases appeared to drive most onward transmissions, more frequent and rapid identification and isolation of these cases will be required to break hospital transmission chains in subsequent pandemic waves

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