Occurrence and genetic characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato from domestic animals in Central Iran

Background The species complex of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) causes cystic echinococcosis distributed worldwide. There is no genotype information from hydatid cysts in the intermediate hosts in Central Iran. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the hydatid cysts in livestock slaughtered in an abattoir in this region. Six hundred fifty-seven hydatid cysts were isolated from 97 animals, including sheep, cattle, camels, and goats slaughtered in Yazd abattoir from September 2018 to January 2020. The demographic data was collected as well as cyst location, fertility, and viability. Out of 657 samples, 164 samples were genotyped. Then, phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGAX. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 16.0 by chi-square with a significant difference of less than 0.05. Results Out of 164 samples, the G1-G3 complex genotype had the most frequency in samples, with 135 cases recognized. The G6/G7 was observed in 19 isolates and G5 was reported in nine samples. One sample was detected as Taenia hydatigena. Conclusions This study showed that G1-G3 and G6/G7 genotypes were presented in all animals, but G5 was reported only in cattle, goats, and camels. It is the first molecular identification of cystic echinococcosis in Central Iran. Hence, reporting G5 in livestock in this area should be considered due to transmission to humans.

Intestinal helminths of dogs in Samarkand and the Samarkand region and their epidemiological significance.

Aims: To study the intestinal helminth fauna of domestic and neglected dogs living in the city of Samarkand and adjacent areas of the Samarkand region and to assess their epidemiological significance. Materials and methods: 112 dogs of different ages from Samarkand and the surrounding area were examined. 45 animals were examined by the method of incomplete helminthological autopsy; diagnostic deworming was performed in 12 priotarny dogs; in 55 dogs, feces were examined once by the Fulleborn method. Results: In the examined dogs, 4 types of cestodes and 4 types of nematodes were found in the intestines. The most common type was dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum). The extent of invasion (EI) is 73.7%, the intensity of invasion (AI) is 5-56 copies. Taenia hydatigena tapeworm was detected during preventive deworming in 5 animals out of 12 (41.7%), and at autopsy in 18 dogs out of 45 (40%), AI 1-4 copies. The tapeworm of Echinicoccus granulosus was found in the autopsy of one dog out of 45 (EI-4.4%, AI-more than 350 copies). Mesocestoides lineatus cestodes were observed in the autopsy of 3 dogs (EI-6.7%, AI-1-2 copies). Trichuris (=Trichocephalus) vulpis lived in the caecum of 20 dissected animals (EI-88%, AI-5-23 copies). During coproscopy of feces of 55 dogs, whipworm eggs were found in 25 animals (45.5%). Males and females of Toxocara canis were found in the intestines during autopsy of 5 animals (EI -22%, AI-2-4 copies). Eggs Toxocara coproscopy found in the feces of dogs 9 out of 55 (16.4 percent). The EI of the nematode Toxascaris leonina averaged 14.0%. AI 1-3 copies. The nematode Pterygodermatites (=Rictularia) affinis was found in the singular (male) in the duodenum of one dissected dog. Conclusions: In domestic and neglected dogs living in the territory of Samarkand and the Samarkand region, it was possible to establish the presence of 8 species of intestinal helminths, of which three species are dangerous to humans and have important epidemiological significance: Echinicoccus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum and Toxocara canis.

Intestinal helminth infections in the golden jackal (Canis aureus L.) from Vojvodina: Hotspot area of multilocular echinococcosis in Serbia

In the present study, 64 golden jackals were examined for intestinal helminths in three regions of Vojvodina, Serbia. Among the examined jackals 57.8% were infected with at least one parasite species. Using the intestinal scraping technique (SCT), eight species of intestinal helminths were found: Alaria alata (7.8%), Toxascaris leonina (9.4%), Toxocara canis (4.7%), Uncinaria stenocephala (20.3%), Echinococcus multilocularis (14.1%), Mesocestoides sp. (42.2%), Taenia pisiformis, and Taenia hydatigena (the overall prevalence of Taenia infection was 6.3%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. leonina in jackals from Serbia. In comparison with the SCT results, coprological tests were less sensitive and specific for parasite identification, as only two nematode species (T. leonina and T. canis) as well as ancylostomatid and taeniid eggs were identified. The total prevalence of intestinal helminths was higher in males (71.9% males, 45% females), but the difference was not statistically significant (χ 2 = 3.76; P = 0.052). Co-infection with two species of intestinal helminths was found in 35% of the examined golden jackal individuals, three-species co-infection was demonstrated in 21.6%, whereas four-species co-infection was detected in 2.7% of the golden jackals examined. Echinococcus multilocularis has previously been recorded in jackals and foxes in Serbia, but only in Vojvodina. Our results corroborate the findings of previous studies, and indicate that the Vojvodina Province, more specifically the Srem region, is probably a high-risk area for E. multilocularis transmission to humans.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and distribution of Taenia and Echinococcus infections in Ethiopia

Background Tapeworm infections are among the tropical neglected parasitic diseases endemically occurring in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims at estimating the pooled prevalence and distribution of Taenia and Echinococcus infections in humans and animals from reports from Ethiopia. Methods The systematic search was conducted in four bibliographic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Africa Journal Online and Science Direct). Additional data were retrieved from grey literature. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were considered for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using MetaXL add-in for Microsoft Excel. Heterogeneity and inconsistency were evaluated using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics, respectively. Results The study provides a country-based database of Taenia and Echinococcus infections consisting of 311 datasets from 201 publications which were mostly abattoir surveys; of these, 251 datasets were subjected to meta-analysis. Most of the studies were from Oromia (32.8%) followed by Amhara (22.9%) regional states. The pooled prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in intermediate and accidental hosts was calculated as 22% (95% CI 18–26%) and high study variability (Q = 24,420.65, I2 = 100%, P = 0.000). Moreover, a pooled prevalence of Echinococcus infections in final hosts was calculated as 33% (95% CI 20–48%) and low study variability (Q = 17.24, I2 = 65%, P = 0.001). Similarly, study subjects (human, cattle, sheep, goat and wolf) were infected by Taenia spp. with pooled prevalence of 3% (95% CI 2–4%) and moderate study variability (Q = 279.07, I2 = 89, P = 0.000). Meanwhile, the pooled prevalence of Taenia hydatigena, T. ovis and T. multiceps infections in intermediate hosts were calculated as 38%, 14% and 5%, respectively. The random effect meta-analysis of bovine cysticercosis showed a pooled prevalence of 7% (95% CI 5–9%) and high study variability was of (Q = 4458.76; I2 = 99%, P = 0.000). Significant differences in prevalence of Taenia and Echinococcus infections between study sites or different livestock origins have been reported. Conclusion The study evidenced a comprehensive dataset on the prevalence and distribution of Taenia and Echinococcus infections at different interfaces by regions and hosts and hence can aid in the design of more effective control strategies. Graphical Abstract

The genome of the thin-necked bladder worm Taenia hydatigena reveals evolutionary strategies for helminth survival

Taenia hydatigena is a widespread gastrointestinal helminth that causes significant health problems in livestock industry. This parasite can survive in a remarkably wide range of intermediate hosts and affects the transmission dynamics of zoonotic parasites. T. hydatigena is therefore of particular interest to researchers interested in studying zoonotic diseases and the evolutionary strategies of parasites. Herein we report a high-quality draft genome for this tapeworm, characterized by some hallmarks (e.g., expanded genome size, wide integrations of viral-like sequences and extensive alternative splicing during development), and specialized adaptations related to its parasitic fitness (e.g., adaptive evolutions for teguments and lipid metabolism). Importantly, in contrast with the evolutionarily close trematodes, which achieve gene diversification associated with immunosuppression by gene family expansions, in T. hydatigena and other cestodes, this is accomplished by alternative splicing and gene loss. This indicates that these two classes have evolved different mechanisms for survival. In addition, molecular targets for diagnosis and intervention were identified to facilitate the development of control interventions. Overall, this work uncovers new strategies by which helminths evolved to interact with their hosts.

Parasitic cysts in wild boars hunted in Central Italy: The sanitary controls in the wild game meats chain

Seven hundred sixty-five (765) adult wild boars were examined during the 2016/2017 hunting season for the research of parasites. Post mortem inspection was carried out at the slaughterhouse by the Official Veterinarian on the plucks (heart, tongue, lungs, diaphragm, and liver) of the killed animals presented by hunters. Of these, 0.8% (6/765) were positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), and 2.6% (20/765) were positive for the metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena (Cysticercus tenuicollis), while 0.5% (4/765) animals showed a mixed infection (Echinococcus granulosus s.l. and Taenia hydatigena). Sixty-three (63) cystic lesions were found. Of these 25,4% (16/63) were caused by Echinococcus granulosus s.l. and 74,6% (47/63) were caused by Cysticercus tenuicollis. The more involved organs were liver and lungs, in a less extension omentum and diaphragm. Parasitological analyses showed an overall prevalence of 3.9% for metacestodes in the hunted animals examined (Paoletti et al., 2018). Hydatids were molecularly characterized as E. granulosus sensu stricto. Trichinella spp. examination results showed no evidences of parasitic cysts. The products of hunting used for own consumption and direct sale to the final consumer or retailer, according to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, lack of overall control by the Competent Authority. This is a critical point in the food chain of the game meat. The data obtained show the importance of the post mortem inspection and the central role of the Competent Authority to ensure not only the food safety of game meat but also to collect data for extensive epidemiological investigations on live-stocks wildlife settings having a direct impact on public health.