Comparison of five parasitological techniques for laboratory diagnosis of Balantidium coli cysts

Abstract Balantidium coli is a protozoon that can cause dysentery in humans, pigs and nonhuman primates, with zoonotic potential. In the literature, there is still little information on the effectiveness of different laboratory techniques for diagnosing this disease. This study compared and evaluated the performance of the Lutz, modified Ritchie, Faust, modified Sheather and direct examination techniques for detecting cysts of this protozoon. Between 2012 and 2014, 1905 fecal samples were collected from captive animals in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Of these, 790 were obtained from the rectum of pigs and 1115 from enclosures occupied by nonhuman primates. B. coli cysts were most evident through direct examination (22.4% of the samples) and the Lutz technique (21%). Fair agreement (Kappa = 0.41; p < 0.05) was observed only between direct examination and Lutz. The flotation techniques (Faust and modified Sheather) did not show good recovery of cysts. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the frequency of cysts between pigs and nonhuman primates could only be observed through direct examination and the Lutz technique. The most efficient method for diagnosing this parasitosis was seen to an association between direct examination and the spontaneous sedimentation technique.

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Comparison between five coprological methods for the diagnosis of Balantidium coli cysts in fecal samples from pigs

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2021.873-877 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 873-877

Author(s):

Juan Carlos Pinilla ◽

Andrea Isabel Pinilla ◽

Angel Alberto Florez

Keyword(s):

Saline Solution ◽

Direct Method ◽

Good Recovery ◽

Iodine Solution ◽

Direct Examination ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Balantidium Coli ◽

Lugol’S Iodine ◽

Fair Degree ◽

Backyard Pigs

Background and Aim: Balantidium coli is a protozoan that can infect humans and non-human primates, being the domestic pigs the animals most affected by this parasite. This study aimed to compare the performance of five coprological methods for diagnosis of Balantidium coli cysts in fecal samples from pigs. Materials and Methods: From September to December 2019, 558 fecal samples were collected from the rectum of backyard pigs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, Colombia. The average age of the sampled animals was 3-4 months. Fecal samples collected were tested using the following coprological techniques: Direct examination with Lugol's iodine solution, buffered saline, centrifugation/flotation and McMaster techniques, and Ziehl–Neelsen method. Results: The results indicate that B. coli cysts were diagnosed most frequently through direct examination with Lugol's iodine solution (52.7% of the samples) followed by direct examination with a buffered saline solution (37.6%). Moderate concordance (k=0.41; p<0.05) was determined between direct method with Lugol's iodine and buffered saline solution, McMaster and buffered saline (k=0.35; p<0.05), and centrifugation/flotation and buffered saline (k=0.28; p<0.05) showed a fair degree of concordance. The rest of the comparisons were classified as poor. The flotation techniques (centrifugation/ flotation and McMaster) did not show good recovery of cysts. Conclusion: It is concluded that the most efficient method for diagnosing this parasitosis was to an association between direct examination with Lugol's iodine solution and buffered saline.

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Serological Evidence of Filovirus Infection in Nonhuman Primates in Zambia

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13071283 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 1283

Author(s):

Katendi Changula ◽

Edgar Simulundu ◽

Boniface Pongombo Lombe ◽

Eri Nakayama ◽

Hiroko Miyamoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nonhuman Primates ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Vervet Monkeys ◽

Intermediate Hosts ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Positive Rate ◽

Antibody Titers ◽

Potential Risks ◽

Reston Virus

Ebolaviruses and marburgviruses are filoviruses that are known to cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). While some bat species are suspected to be natural reservoirs of these filoviruses, wild NHPs often act as intermediate hosts for viral transmission to humans. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we screened two NHP species, wild baboons and vervet monkeys captured in Zambia, for their serum IgG antibodies specific to the envelope glycoproteins of filoviruses. From 243 samples tested, 39 NHPs (16%) were found to be seropositive either for ebolaviruses or marburgviruses with endpoint antibody titers ranging from 100 to 25,600. Interestingly, antibodies reactive to Reston virus, which is found only in Asia, were detected in both NHP species. There was a significant difference in the seropositivity for the marburgvirus antigen between the two NHP species, with baboons having a higher positive rate. These results suggest that wild NHPs in Zambia might be nonlethally exposed to these filoviruses, and this emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of filovirus infection in wild animals to better understand the ecology of filoviruses and to assess potential risks of outbreaks in humans in previously nonendemic countries.

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Molecular detection of Treponema pallidum sp. pallidum in blood samples of VDRL-seroreactive women with lethal pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective observational study in northern Brazil

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822011005000047 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 44 (4) ◽

pp. 451-456 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Charliana Aragão Damasceno Casal ◽

Mayra Oliveira da Silva ◽

Igor Brasil Costa ◽

Eliete da Cunha Araújo ◽

Tereza Cristina de Oliveira Corvelo

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Outcomes ◽

Congenital Syphilis ◽

Treponema Pallidum ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Control Measures ◽

Prenatal Period ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Northern Brazil ◽

Maternal Syphilis

INTRODUCTION: Although control measures of maternal and congenital syphilis are available in Brazil, difficulties exist within the healthcare network in providing a laboratory diagnosis of the infection during the prenatal period. The objective of this study was to confirm the presence of Treponema pallidum by PCR in women with positive VDRL serology and lethal pregnancy outcomes, i.e., abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on VDRLseroreactive women with lethal pregnancy outcomes admitted to the Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará (FSCM-PA) between January and July 2004. Serum samples and DNA from whole blood were obtained at the time of screening by the VDRL test. These samples were analyzed by IgG ELISA, IgM FTA-Abs and simple PCR (polA). RESULTS: During the study period, 0.7% (36/4,912) of women with lethal pregnancy outcomes presented a positive VDRL test. The polAgene was amplified in 72.7% (24/33) of these women, with 55.6% (20/36) and 94.4% (34/36) presenting IgM and IgG antibodies against T. pallidum, respectively. Comparison of these results showed a significant difference, with agreement between the PCR and IgM FTA-Abs results, suggesting that maternal syphilis was an active infection. No basic cause of death of the conceptus was reported in 97.2% (35/36) of cases. Among women who were submitted to the VDRL test during the prenatal period, only four of the nine seroreactive patients underwent treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of syphilis in the group studied indicates the fragility of the service of infection diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, compromising epidemiological control.

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Places visited for activities outside the home after stroke: Relationship with the severity of disability

British Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0308022619879075 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 83 (6) ◽

pp. 405-412 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alexandra Olofsson ◽

Anneli Nyman ◽

Ann Charlotte Kassberg ◽

Camilla Malinowsky ◽

Maria Larsson Lund

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Good Recovery ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Fatigue Data ◽

Severity Of Disability ◽

Working Age ◽

Recovery Group ◽

Fatigue Driving

Introduction Knowledge about the places people visit or do not visit after stroke is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the places visited for activities outside the home of people with stroke of working age and to explore the influence of the severity of disability, fatigue, driving a car and sociodemographic characteristics on the total number of places visited for activities outside the home. Methods An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted and 63 people with stroke were interviewed with instruments that covered places outside the home, severity of disability and fatigue. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests, analysis of variance and the general linear model. Results Significant difference in the total number of places visited for activities outside the home were found between all three groups of severity of disability. The good recovery group visited eight places to a significantly higher extent than those with severe/moderate disability. The severity of disability and driving a car were the only aspects that significantly influenced the total number of places visited. Conclusions Places for activities outside the home people with stroke visit and changes therein can add valuable knowledge about participation that can be used in the design of rehabilitation.

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Helminths of wild hybrid marmosets (Callithrix sp.) living in an environment with high human activity

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612013000300012 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 391-397 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Alexandre de Oliveira Tavela ◽

Lisieux Franco Fuzessy ◽

Vinicius Herold Dornelas e Silva ◽

Fernanda de Fátima Rodrigues da Silva ◽

Moacir Carretta Junior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Feeding Behavior ◽

Human Impact ◽

Nonhuman Primates ◽

First Record ◽

Helminth Fauna ◽

Intestinal Helminths ◽

Sedimentation Technique ◽

Wild Hybrid ◽

Almost All ◽

Low Prevalence

The objective of this study was to identify the helminth fauna in hybrid, non-native marmosets, through analysis of fecal samples. The study involved 51 marmosets (genus Callithrix) from five groups living in places with levels of human impact in Viçosa-MG. The marmosets were caught using a multiple-entrance trap and were anaesthetized. Feces were collected, refrigerated and analyzed by means of the sedimentation technique (Hoffmann-Pons-Janner). Eggs and parasites were identified, but not counted. Most of the marmosets (86%) were parasitized by at least one genus of helminths. Among the infected marmosets, 37% presented co-infection. The intestinal helminths comprised four different taxa: Primasubulura jacchi, Ancylostomatidae, Prosthenorchis sp. and Dilepididae.P. jacchi and Ancylostomatidae had higher prevalences (> 80% and > 40%, respectively) and were found in all marmoset groups. Dilepididae species were found in almost all the groups, but only accounted for around 30% of the marmosets. Prosthenorchis sp. showed a relatively low prevalence (< 10%) and was only found in one group. Although two parasites are commonly found in marmosets and other primates (P. jacchi and Prosthenorchis sp.), our study is the first record for Ancylostomatidae and Dilepididae. Factors like marmosets' feeding behavior and their contact with humans and other species of nonhuman primates seem to be determinants of infection among marmosets.

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Rethinking ME/CFS Diagnostic Reference Intervals via Machine Learning, and the Utility of Activin B for Defining Symptom Severity

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics9030079 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 79 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Brett A. Lidbury ◽

Badia Kita ◽

Alice M. Richardson ◽

Donald P. Lewis ◽

Edwina Privitera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Symptom Severity ◽

Biomarker Discovery ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Serum Marker ◽

Reference Intervals ◽

International Consensus ◽

Class Prediction ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference

Biomarker discovery applied to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a disabling disease of inconclusive aetiology, has identified several cytokines to potentially fulfil a role as a quantitative blood/serum marker for laboratory diagnosis, with activin B a recent addition. We explored further the potential of serum activin B as a ME/CFS biomarker, alone and in combination with a range of routine test results obtained from pathology laboratories. Previous pilot study results showed that activin B was significantly elevated for the ME/CFS participants compared to healthy (control) participants. All the participants were recruited via CFS Discovery and assessed via the Canadian/International Consensus Criteria. A significant difference for serum activin B was also detected for ME/CFS and control cohorts recruited for this study, but median levels were significantly lower for the ME/CFS cohort. Random Forest (RF) modelling identified five routine pathology blood test markers that collectively predicted ME/CFS at ≥62% when compared via weighted standing time (WST) severity classes. A closer analysis revealed that the inclusion of activin B to the panel of pathology markers improved the prediction of mild to moderate ME/CFS cases. Applying correct WST class prediction from RFA modelling, new reference intervals were calculated for activin B and associated pathology markers, where 24-h urinary creatinine clearance, serum urea and serum activin B showed the best potential as diagnostic markers. While the serum activin B results remained statistically significant for the new participant cohorts, activin B was found to also have utility in enhancing the prediction of symptom severity, as represented by WST class.

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Prevalence, molecular epidemiology, and zoonotic potential of Entamoeba spp. in nonhuman primates in China

Infection Genetics and Evolution ◽

10.1016/j.meegid.2017.07.002 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 216-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Haiju Dong ◽

Junqiang Li ◽

Meng Qi ◽

Rongjun Wang ◽

Fuchang Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Epidemiology ◽

Nonhuman Primates ◽

Zoonotic Potential

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Genetic Polymorphism and Zoonotic Potential ofEnterocytozoon bieneusifrom Nonhuman Primates in China

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.03845-13 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 80 (6) ◽

pp. 1893-1898 ◽

Cited By ~ 98

Author(s):

Md Robiul Karim ◽

Rongjun Wang ◽

Haiju Dong ◽

Longxian Zhang ◽

Jian Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nonhuman Primates ◽

Japanese Macaque ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽

Zoonotic Potential ◽

Genotype Distribution ◽

The Common ◽

Group 2 ◽

Infective Potential

ABSTRACTEnterocytozoon bieneusiis an important zoonotic pathogen. To assess the human-infective potential ofE. bieneusiin nonhuman primates (NHPs), we examined the prevalence and genotype distribution ofE. bieneusiin 23 NHP species by PCR and sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). A total of 1,386 fecal specimens from NHPs from five provinces in China were examined, andE. bieneusiwas detected in 158 (11.4%) specimens from five NHP species, including cynomolgus monkey (67.7%), rhesus macaque (8.8%), Japanese macaque (33.3%), white-headed langur (13.6%), and golden snub-nosed monkey (3.5%) (P< 0.0001). The infection rates were 70.2%, 21.5%, 8.5%, 7.5%, and 5.6% in Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, Henan, and Sichuan Provinces, respectively (P< 0.0001). The prevalence was significantly higher in captive (13.7%) than in free-range (5.0%) animals (P< 0.0001). Altogether, 16 ITS genotypes were observed, including nine known genotypes (IV, D, Henan V, Peru8, PigEBITS7, EbpC, Peru11, BEB6, and I) and seven new genotypes (CM1 to CM7). The common genotypes included CM1, IV, and D, which were detected in 43, 31, and 30 specimens, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven known genotypes (but not BEB6 and I) and four new genotypes (CM1, CM2, CM3, and CM6) belonged to the previously described group 1 with zoonotic potential. Genotypes CM5 and CM7 clustered with group 2, whereas genotype CM4 did not belong to any of the previously proposed groups. It was concluded that humans and NHPs residing in the same geographical location shared the sameE. bieneusigenotypes, indicating a potential role of these animals in the zoonotic transmission ofE. bieneusi.

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Balantidium coli in Pigs of Distinct Animal Husbandry Categories and Different Hygienic-Sanitary Standards in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.80041 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Luís Antonio Sangioni ◽

Sônia De Avila Botton ◽

Fernanda Ramos ◽

Gustavo Cauduro Cadore ◽

Silvia Gonzales Monteiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Central Region ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Physiological State ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Rio Grande Do Sul ◽

Natural Reservoir ◽

Swine Farms ◽

Balantidium Coli ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stool Samples

Background: Balantidium coli is a commensal protozoan that infects several animals, but it has pigs as its natural reservoir. In the presence of predisposing factors, B. coli can become pathogenic for swine, causing enteric lesions. Infections determined by this protozoan may be a risk to public health, due to dysentery in animal keepers and veterinarians. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of infection by B. coli in pigs of distinct husbandry categories, as well as unlike physiological state, kept in farms with different hygienic-sanitary standards, located in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul State in Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Stool samples were collected from 12 different farms with different hygienic-sanitary standards being four farms of finisher pigs (G1; n = 287), four farms with pregnant females (G2; n = 60) and four farms with lactation sows (G3; n = 40), and all samples were submitted to coproparasitological analyses to verify the presence of cysts or trophozoites of B. coli. The infection levels were considered mild (1-100 cyst/trophozoite), moderate (101300 cyst/trophozoite) and high (>300 cysts/trophozoite). In addition, information about hygienic-sanitary conditions of each farm was collected. The occurrence of B. coli infection in all swine stool samples analyzed was 60.9% (236/387); however, in G1, G2 and G3 was 54.7% (157/287), 91.7% (55/60) and 65% (26/40) respectively. There was significant difference in the occurrence of G1 (P < 0.05) except between farms B and C (67.9% and 56.6% respectively). There was also a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the occurrence of B. coli found in G2 and G3. The infection levels were considered predominantly mild in G1; and mild to moderate in G2 and G3.Discussion: In this research it was confirmed the presence of B. coli in swine farms located in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul State in Brazil. This area is known as being an important producer of pigs in Brazil. The results obtained in this study, demonstrated that swine farms with better hygienic and sanitary standards, had mild infections by B. coli. However, the presence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoa, can occur even in properties with good management practices. However, protozoa infections can cause important production losses, especially when associated with other pathogens or nutritional problems. The occurrence of B. coli observed in pregnant (G2) and lactating (G3) females was significant, and the infection level was mild to moderate. These conditions suggest that pregnancy, childbirth and lactation are critical stages for females, mainly due to physiological stress, resulting in a change in the hormonal levels and immune status of the animals. Thus, these factors cause declines in the immune response of pigs making them susceptible to infections and the increase of cyst excretion of B. coli in feces. The abundance of protozoan cysts in feces contaminates the environment and increases the risk of infections in humans. In addition, it was demonstrated the occurrence of B. coli in an important site of swine production in RS, Brazil. B. coli is related to the physiological state of the animals and the hygienic and sanitary management in different categories of swine. In conclusion, this study highlights the epidemiological importance of swine as natural reservoir of Balantidium coli and the risk potential of infection to animals and humans. Additionally, sanitary program in farming pigs must be improved in order to guarantee healthy and food-safe product for consumers.

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Detection of Campylobacter spp. in children diarrhea by using Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR technique in Al-Diwanyiah Governorate

Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences ◽

10.29079/vol10iss2art153 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 45

Author(s):

A. H. AL-Hamadani And Z.F.Saleh

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Culture Method ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Routine Laboratory ◽

Direct Examination ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Culture Methods ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Campylobacter Spp

This study was conducted in order to identify Campylobacter spp. As a causative agent of diarrhea in children using routine laboratory diagnosis (direct and culture methods) in comparison with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique as a confirm diagnostic tool. A total of 100 children stool samples were collected from both sexes at ages less than two years old suffering from diarrhea who admitted the maternity and Pediatric Teaching hospital in Al-Diwaniyiah Governorate from December 2007 to August 2008. Based on the clinical and laboratory diagnosis, results revealed that the percent of Campylobacter isolation was 8% included C. coli and C. jejuni for children samples. In addition, the results haven't revealed any statistically significant (P≥0.01) between the rate of infection and sexes, while there was a statistically significant (P≤0.01) between these rates and ages, where it noted that patients (>1) years old were more prone to infect with Campylobacter spp. exposure to infections. The results revealed that the PCR positive samples contained one band of amplified DNA with a molecular weight (816 bp) after electrophoresis and examined under UV- transilluminator. The study also showed that the sensitivity and specificity of PCR technique were 40% and 100% respectively for examination children samples, when compared with direct examination, but were with culture method were 33% and 100%; respectively in children.

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