Utilization of Andong Leaf Extract (Cordyline fruticosa) as an Alternative for Coloring the Eggs of Intestinal Nematode

Microscopic examination is essential to find the type of worm that causes infection. Direct examination of worm eggs needs to use staining to distinguish between worm eggs and food residues that are not completely digested. The dyes commonly used are synthetic. The purpose of this study was to replace synthetic dyes with natural dyes with Andong (Cordyline Fruticosa) leaf juice. It can be used as an alternative or a substitute for dyes. This research method is descriptive, conducted at the Parasitology Laboratory of Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak. The population in this study was the juice of the leaves of Andong (Cordyline Fruticosa). The method of inspection is direct preparation with an object glass as is routinely done, but the dye is replaced with Andong leaf juice (Cordyline Fruticosa). The results showed that natural dye Andong leaf juice (Cordyline Fruticosa), gave a clear color to the absorption of intestinal nematode worm eggs as the test target. This study concludes that the juice of the leaves of Andong (Cordyline Fruticosa) with alcohol solvent can be used as an alternative dye for the examination of intestinal nematode worm eggs.

Maternal nematode infection upregulates expression of Th2/Treg and diapedesis related genes in the neonatal brain

Intestinal nematode infections common during pregnancy have recently been shown to have impacts that extend to their uninfected offspring including altered brain gene expression. If maternal immune signals reach the neonatal brain, they might alter neuroimmune development. We explored expression of genes associated with four distinct types of T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg) and with leukocyte transendothelial migration and endocytosis transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in the postnatal brain of offspring of nematode-infected mice, through secondary analysis of a whole brain gene expression database. Th1/Th17 expression was lowered by maternal infection as evidenced by down-regulated expression of IL1β, Th1 receptors and related proteins, and of IL22 and several Th17 genes associated with immunopathology. In contrast, Th2/Treg related pathways were upregulated as shown by higher expression of IL4 and TGF-β family genes. Maternal infection also upregulated expression of pathways and integrin genes involved in transport of leukocytes in between endothelial cells but downregulated endosome vesicle formation related genes that are necessary for endocytosis of immunoglobulins across the BBB. Taken together, pup brain gene expression indicates that maternal nematode infection enhanced movement of leukocytes across the neonatal BBB and promoted a Th2/Treg environment that presumably minimizes the proinflammatory Th1 response in the pup brain.

Predicting Parasite Dynamics in Mixed-Use Trans-Himalayan Pastures to Underpin Management of Cross-Transmission Between Livestock and Bharal

The complexities of multi-use landscapes require sophisticated approaches to addressing disease transmission risks. We explored gastro-intestinal nematode (GINs) infections in the North India Trans-Himalayas through a socio-ecological lens, integrating parasite transmission modelling with field surveys and local knowledge, and evaluated the likely effectiveness of potential interventions. Bharal (blue sheep; Pseudois nayaur), a native wild herbivore, and livestock share pasture year-round and livestock commonly show signs of GINs infection. While both wild and domestic ungulates had GINs infections, egg counts indicated significantly higher parasite burdens in bharal than livestock. However, due to higher livestock densities, they contributed more to the total count of eggs and infective larvae on pasture. Herders also reported health issues in their sheep and goats consistent with parasite infections. Model simulations suggested that pasture infectivity in this system is governed by historical pasture use and gradually accumulated larval development during the summer, with no distinct short-term flashpoints for transmission. The most effective intervention was consequently predicted to be early-season parasite suppression in livestock using temperature in spring as a cue. A 1-month pause in egg output from livestock could lead to a reduction in total annual availability of infective larvae on pasture of 76%, potentially benefitting the health of both livestock and bharal. Modelling suggested that climate change over the past 33 years has led to no overall change in GINs transmission potential, but an increase in the relative influence of temperature over precipitation in driving pasture infectivity. Our study provides a transferable multi-pronged approach to investigating disease transmission, in order to support herders' livelihoods and conserve wild ungulates.

Ekstrak Antosianin Dari Ubi Ungu (Ipomoea Batatas L.) Sebagai Pewarna Alami Pada Pemeriksaan Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) Metode Natif (Direct Slide)

Helminthiasis is a worm infestation caused by several different species of intestinal parasitic worms. This group of worms belongs to the category of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) because the process of developing eggs or larvae of these species requires soil to develop into an infective form. The simplest method of examining intestinal nematode worm eggs is the Native Method using 2% Eosin reagent in observing various elements of the examination on the preparations/preparations. Eosin itself has properties that are not easily biodegradable, and generates hazardous waste (toxic) and flammable so that alternative coloring is needed that is more environmentally friendly. Purple sweet potato has a high content of anthocyanin pigments and is more stable than the pigments of strawberries, red cabbage, perilla and other plants. Thus, purple sweet potato has been considered a good source of anthocyanins. This study aims to determine the use of anthocyanin extract from purple sweet potato as a natural dye substitute for eosin dye in the identification of STH in the native method. Parameters observed in the preparations were the quality of visual field contrast, color absorption on the surface of the parasite, and the level of clarity of the appearance of the parasite. The results showed that the use of anthocyanin extract from purple sweet potato at a concentration of 80% could color the eggs of STH worms which were found in positive samples of Ascaris lumbricoides seen in fertile (fertilized eggs) and infertile (unfertilized eggs). Therefore, the anthocyanin extract obtained from purple sweet potato has potential as an alternative dye to replace eosin.

Lectin-Mediated Bacterial Modulation by the Intestinal Nematode Ascaris suum

Ascariasis is a global health problem for humans and animals. Adult Ascaris nematodes are long-lived in the host intestine where they interact with host cells as well as members of the microbiota resulting in chronic infections. Nematode interactions with host cells and the microbial environment are prominently mediated by parasite-secreted proteins and peptides possessing immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities. Previously, we discovered the C-type lectin protein AsCTL-42 in the secreted products of adult Ascaris worms. Here we tested recombinant AsCTL-42 for its ability to interact with bacterial and host cells. We found that AsCTL-42 lacks bactericidal activity but neutralized bacterial cells without killing them. Treatment of bacterial cells with AsCTL-42 reduced invasion of intestinal epithelial cells by Salmonella. Furthermore, AsCTL-42 interacted with host myeloid C-type lectin receptors. Thus, AsCTL-42 is a parasite protein involved in the triad relationship between Ascaris, host cells, and the microbiota.

Maternal Nematode Infection Upregulates Expression of Th2/Treg and Diapedesis Related Genes In The Neonatal Brain

Intestinal nematode infections common during pregnancy have recently been shown to have impacts that extend to their uninfected offspring including altered brain gene expression. If maternal immune signals reach the neonatal brain, they might alter neuroimmune development. We explored expression of genes associated with four distinct types of T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg) and with leukocyte trans-endothelial migration and endocytosis transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the postnatal brain of offspring of nematode-infected mice, through secondary analysis of a whole brain gene expression database. Th1/Th17 expression was lowered by maternal infection as evidenced by down-regulated expression of IL-1β, Th1 receptors and related proteins, and of IL22 and several Th17 genes associated immunopathology. In contrast, Th2/Treg related pathways were upregulated as shown by higher expression of IL-4 and TGF-β family genes. Maternal infection also upregulated expression of pathways and integrin genes involved in transport of leukocytes in between endothelial cells but downregulated endosome vesicle formation related genes that are necessary for endocytosis of immunoglobulins across the BBB. Taken together, pup brain gene expression indicates that maternal nematode infection enhanced movement of leukocytes across the neonatal BBB and promoted a Th2/Treg environment that presumably minimizes the proinflammatory Th1 response in the pup brain.

IDENTIFIKASI TELUR CACING NEMATODA USUS SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH (STH) PADA MASYARAKAT DI PULAU LAE-LAE KOTA MAKASSAR

ABSTRACT Communities on Lae-Lae Island, Makassar City have sanitation facilities that are still poor and very limited with quality far from health standards. This causes people who live in these islands to face various health problems, one of which is the risk of being infected with eggs of intestinal nematode worms Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH). This study aims to identify the eggs of the intestinal nematode worm Soil Transmitted Helminthes in the feces of people on Lae-Lae Island, Makassar City. This type of research is a laboratory observation with a purposive sampling technique of 10 stool samples. Based on the results of research that has been carried out on 10 faecal samples, it was found 1 positive stool sample for Trichuris trichura worm eggs with distinctive egg-shaped characteristics such as the shape of crock worm eggs or wine barrels and at both ends there are two mucoid plugs. The egg wall is brown from the color of the bile at both ends, it is clear, while the other 9 stool samples are negative the type of worm Trichuris trichura and 9 other samples were negative.

Pharmacological activity and targeted delivery of supramolecular fenbendazole obtained by mechanochemical technology with various components

The purpose of the research is studying the influence of various components on the targeted delivery of fenbendazole and evaluation of their efficacy in mice experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis.Materials and methods. The experiment used 80 white mice experimentally infected with T. spiralis, at a dose of 200 larvae per animal. Each group of 10 animals was administered intragastrically solid dispersion of fenbendazole (SDF) with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), arabinogalactan (AG), disodium salt of glycyrrhizinic acid (Na2 GA), sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (SDS), licorice extract (LE) and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) at a single dose of 2.0 mg/kg of active substance as compared with the fenbendazole substance at the same dose. The control group did not receive the drug. The anthelmintic efficacy was studied by the results of necropsy of the small intestine of mice on the second day after drugs administration. The concentration of fenbendazole and its metabolites in the small intestine was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection.Results and discussion. SDF with PVP, AG, Na2 GA, SDS, LE and HES showed 98.0, 94.9, 96.6, 100, 86.0 and 81.0% efficacy against intestinal nematode T. spiralis at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg of AS (fenbendazole). The maximum concentration of fenbendazole and its metabolites – sulfone and sulfoxide - was determined in the small intestine wall of animals on the second day after SDF with SDS administration and amounted to 3117.8, 614.6 and 2998.6 ng/g respectively. After fenbendazole substance administration, the drug and its metabolites were found in trace quantity.

Prevalence of Intestinal Nematodes among Children below 10 years attending Kiwoko Hospital Pediatric Unit, Kasana, Nakaseke, District, Uganda.

Background: Intestinal nematodes are among the most common parasites infecting humans in developing countries, precise estimates of the populations at risk of infection are difficult to derive. Therefore to understand the disease burden there is a need for reliable data on the prevalence of infection as well as information on the risk factors of infection. Methodology: 99 stool samples were collected from children who presented with diarrhea, fever, itchy anus opening all symptoms of intestinal nematode infection. Stool samples were screened using the direct saline method. Samples negative by direct saline were further examined using the formal ether technique and stained by eosin for visualization of parasites eggs. A questionnaire was administered to their guardians/parents to assess the risk factors of infection. Results: The prevalence of intestinal nematode infection was found to be 62.6% (62/99). The intestinal nematode infection rate was found to be higher in children over five years as compared to children below five years with a prevalence of 64.2% (43/67) and 59.4% (19/32) respectively. The prevalence of infection by sex was 66% (31/47) in males and 59.6% (31/52) in females. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent parasite identified in 25 of the 62 patients infected with intestinal nematodes. This was followed by Hookworm (17/62), Trichuris trichiura (12/62), and Strongyloides stercoralis(8/62). Poor hygiene was the most common risk factor cited followed by illiteracy and poverty. Conclusion and recommendations: The results show intestinal nematode infection is common in children attending the Kiwoko pediatric unit. This, therefore, calls for different stakeholders such as public health officers, medical personnel, and the community to develop new strategies to educate the community on existing government programs aimed at the elimination of intestinal nematode infection in children in the Nakaseke district.