RESUMEN

White-tailed antsangies (Brachytarsomys albicauda) are Madagascan rodents uncommonly kept in captivity. Hymenolepis nana is a cestode with an unusual life cycle, incorporating direct, indirect and autoinfective stages. This case series represents the first reported outbreak of H. nana cestodiasis in white-tailed antsangies, summarizing macroscopic and histological findings in four cases. On post-mortem examination (PME), numerous cysticerci were detected consistently throughout the intestinal serosa, liver, mesenteric lymphatic vasculature and mesenteric lymph nodes. Pancreatic cysticerci were observed in one case. Adult tapeworms, larvae and eggs were found only in the small intestine, and faecal egg shedding was a feature. Histopathological examination identified adult, larval and encysted cestodes within the respective gross lesions, with pulmonary, pancreatic and splenic involvement detected in a single case. The cestodes sampled on PME were identified by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing, with H. nana confirmed in all cases. Visceral larva migrans was consistent throughout all specimens, in contrast with the natural infections of standard rodent hosts, and may be considered a likely pathological feature of H. nana infection in white-tailed antsangies.

Asunto(s)

Hymenolepis nana , Larva Migrans Visceral , Animales , Masculino , Femenino

RESUMEN

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), caused by third-stage filariform larvae of cat and dog hookworms, presents as pruritic, serpiginous tracks upon skin penetration by larvae from contaminated soil. Herein, we report the successful treatment of two CLM patients using albendazole and ivermectin combination therapy. A 42-year-old man from Kordofan and a 38-year-old man from White Nile State presented with characteristic lesions on their lower extremities, resolving completely within one week post-treatment without recurrence. This report highlights the potential of combined albendazole-ivermectin therapy in managing CLM amid emerging antihelminthic resistance, suggesting that its broader application warrants further investigation.

RESUMEN

We investigated organ specific Toxocara canis larval migration in mice infected with T. canis larvae. We observed the worm burden and systemic immune responses. Three groups of BALB/c mice (n=5 each) were orally administered 1,000 T. canis 2nd stage larvae to induce larva migrans. Mice were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 5 weeks post-infection. Liver, lung, brain, and eye tissues were collected. Tissue from 2 mice per group was digested for larval count, while the remaining 3 mice underwent histological analysis. Blood hematology and serology were evaluated and compared to that in a control uninfected group (n=5) to assess the immune response. Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were also analyzed. We found that, 1 week post-infection, the mean parasite load in the liver (72±7.1), brain (31±4.2), lungs (20±5.7), and eyes (2±0) peaked and stayed constant until the 3 weeks. By 5-week post-infection, the worm burden in the liver and lungs significantly decreased to 10±4.2 and 9±5.7, respectively, while they remained relatively stable in the brain and eyes (18±4.2 and 1±0, respectively). Interestingly, ocular larvae resided in all retinal layers, without notable inflammation in outer retina. Mice infected with T. canis exhibited elevated levels of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and immunoglobulin E. At 5 weeks post-infection, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 levels were elevated in BAL fluid. Whereas IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and interferon-γ levels in BAL fluid were similar to that in controls. Our findings demonstrate that a small portion of T. canis larvae migrate to the eyes and brain within the first week of infection. Minimal tissue inflammation was observed, probably due to increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study contributes to our understanding of the histological and immunological responses to T. canis infection in mice, which may have implications to further understand human toxocariasis.

Asunto(s)

Encéfalo , Citocinas , Larva , Hígado , Pulmón , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Toxocara canis , Toxocariasis , Animales , Toxocara canis/inmunología , Toxocariasis/inmunología , Toxocariasis/patología , Toxocariasis/parasitología , Larva/inmunología , Ratones , Citocinas/metabolismo , Pulmón/parasitología , Pulmón/inmunología , Pulmón/patología , Hígado/parasitología , Hígado/patología , Hígado/inmunología , Encéfalo/parasitología , Encéfalo/inmunología , Encéfalo/patología , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/inmunología , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/parasitología , Femenino , Carga de Parásitos , Ojo/parasitología , Ojo/inmunología , Ojo/patología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease characterised by the syndromes visceral, cerebral, and ocular larva migrans. This disease is caused by the migrating larvae of Toxocara roundworms from dogs and cats, affecting 1.4 billion people globally. Via extracellular vesicles (EVs), microRNAs have been demonstrated to play roles in host-parasite interactions and proposed as circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of parasitic diseases. METHODS: Small RNA-seq was conducted to identify miRNAs in the infective larvae of T. canis and plasma EV-containing preparations of infected BALB/c mice. Differential expression analysis and target prediction were performed to indicate miRNAs involved in host-parasite interactions and miRNAs associated with visceral and/or cerebral larva migrans in the infected mice. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify circulating miRNAs from the infected mice. RESULTS: This study reports host and parasite miRNAs in the plasma of BALB/c mice with visceral and cerebral larva migrans and demonstrates the alterations of these miRNAs during the migration of larvae from the livers through the lungs and to the brains of infected mice. After filtering unspecific changes in an irrelevant control, T. canis-derived miRNAs and T. canis infection-induced differential miRNAs are predicted to modulate genes consistently involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and pathways regulating axon guidance and pluripotency of stem in the infected mice with visceral and cerebral larva migrans. For these plasma circulating miRNAs predicted to be involved in host-parasite crosstalk, two murine miRNAs (miR-26b-5p and miR-122-5p) are experimentally verified to be responsive to larva migrans and represent circulating biomarker candidates for visceral and cerebral toxocariasis in BALB/c mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel insights into the crosstalk of T. canis and the mammalian host via plasma circulating miRNAs, and prime agents and indicators for visceral and cerebral larva migrans. A deep understanding of these aspects will underpin the diagnosis and control of toxocariasis in humans and animals.

Asunto(s)

MicroARN Circulante , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Toxocara canis , Toxocariasis , Animales , Toxocara canis/genética , Toxocara canis/fisiología , Ratones , Toxocariasis/parasitología , Toxocariasis/sangre , MicroARN Circulante/sangre , MicroARN Circulante/genética , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Larva Migrans Visceral/parasitología , Larva Migrans Visceral/sangre , Femenino , Larva Migrans/parasitología , Larva Migrans/sangre , Larva/genética , Perros , MicroARNs/sangre , MicroARNs/genética , Biomarcadores/sangre , Encéfalo/parasitología

RESUMEN

Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by Toxocara canis (from dogs) and Toxocara cati (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral larva migrans (VLM) caused by Toxocara canis in a 21-year-old male with a history of close contact with a pet dog. Initial symptoms and imaging findings mimicked a pyogenic liver abscess. The initial laboratory investigations revealed neutrophilia and elevated levels of IgE. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, persistent fever prompted further investigation. Subsequent serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue demonstrating eosinophil infiltrates and Charcot-Leyden crystals led to a confirmed diagnosis of a liver abscess caused by Toxocara canis. Serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue confirmed a Toxocara canis-induced liver abscess. Albendazole treatment yielded significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the necessity of considering toxocariasis in liver abscess differentials, particularly in high-seroprevalence regions like Vietnam. Relying solely on serological tests may be insufficient, emphasizing the need for corroborative evidence, including invasive procedures like liver biopsy, for accurate hepatic toxocariasis diagnosis.

Asunto(s)

Albendazol , Larva Migrans Visceral , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Toxocara canis , Humanos , Toxocara canis/aislamiento & purificación , Larva Migrans Visceral/diagnóstico , Larva Migrans Visceral/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Animales , Adulto Joven , Albendazol/uso terapéutico , Perros , Hígado/parasitología , Hígado/patología , Anticuerpos Antihelmínticos/sangre , Ultrasonografía , Absceso Hepático/diagnóstico , Absceso Hepático/parasitología , Absceso Hepático/tratamiento farmacológico , Toxocariasis/diagnóstico , Toxocariasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Inmunoglobulina E/sangre , Antihelmínticos/uso terapéutico

RESUMEN

Human toxocariasis (HT) is a widespread zoonotic infection globally, notably prevalent in tropical areas. Enhancing our understanding of toxocariasis can lead to increased attention towards the socioeconomic impact and control of this neglected zoonosis. We conducted a comprehensive review of all available articles and official documents on toxocariasis in Iran to identify research gaps and critical needs for its control. This review highlights that despite numerous studies exploring various aspects of toxocariasis in definitive and paratenic hosts, as well as humans and environmental contamination, significant data deficiencies and gaps persist across different regions in the country. These gaps involve investigating the worm burden and reinfection rates in definitive hosts, developing more sensitive methods to detect and differentiate of Toxocara species, and understanding the behavior of definitive host animals. Additionally, identifying potential paratenic hosts for HT and exploring the organ-specific affinity and survival duration of Toxocara larvae within these hosts are essential areas for exploration. It's also imperative to comprehend the sylvatic and domestic cycles of the parasite in paratenic hosts. Furthermore, assessing egg density in the environment, exploring potential new sources such as water, and identifying regions with optimal climatic conditions for the survival and development of Toxocara eggs are crucial for the formulation of effective prevention and control strategies. Identifying at-risk groups, developing early diagnosis techniques, employing imaging methods, and identifying long-term complications in humans are also crucial. Community health organizations should prioritize health education for the public and professionals. Furthermore, accurately estimating definitive host populations, monitoring and preventing their movements in public places, implementing regular deworming practices for pets and stray hosts, and recognizing the infection's significance as a health priority are critical. This comprehensive understanding advocates for a holistic "one health" approach to control of HT.

RESUMEN

While conducting research in a protected ecological reserve within Ecuador's subtropical rainforest, a 49-year-old biologist, residing in an Andean city, contracted hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (Hr-CLM) in the vesiculobullous clinical form. Since there were no domestic dogs or cats in the reserve, it is likely that wild animals carrying Ancylostoma sp. larvae infected the patient. She was effectively treated with two doses of oral ivermectin, administered 31 days after getting the infection. This case was diagnosed in a temperate city; therefore, a comprehensive travel history and clinical assessments are crucial for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

RESUMEN

Larva migrans is a cutaneous parasitic infection that occurs when an immature hookworm larva inadvertently penetrates the dermis of a human, typically on the extremities. Traditionally, a clinical diagnosis is made when a tortuous/serpiginous eruption is seen superficially in the skin with complaints of intense pruritus. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful diagnostic tool for soft tissue complaints in the emergency department (ED). We describe a case of an 18-year-old woman who presented to the ED with foot pruritis four days after walking on the beach barefoot. POCUS examination revealed several motile structures in the dermis of the patient's foot, confirming our suspicion of cutaneous larva migrans. The patient was then placed on an oral anthelmintic and her symptoms resolved shortly after.

RESUMEN

Visceral larva migrans (VLM) occurs due to migration of the second stage of larvae of nematodes through human viscera. It is an underdiagnosed entity which commonly affects the liver as eosinophilic abscesses and appears as coalescing, conglomerated cavities on imaging. This case report details the sonographic and CT features of an 8 year old female patient with right upper quadrant pain and peripheral eosinophilia on laboratory reports, diagnosed as a case of VLM on biopsy. Imaging of VLM shows overlap with neoplastic lesions and other infective pathologies hence this case aims to highlight the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features to help narrow the differential diagnosis.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, can cause a meningoencephalitis as neural larva migrans which is known in avian species, including rainbow lorikeets in North America, but has not been described in Old World parrots in Germany yet. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-month-old, male rainbow lorikeet from a zoo in Germany was submitted for necropsy. Prior to death the animal had progressive neurological signs like apathy and torticollis. In the cerebrum a focally extensive severe granulomatous to necrotizing encephalitis with an intralesional larval nematode was diagnosed. Based on the clinical and pathological findings, the larval morphology and the epidemiological background, the larva was identified as Baylisascaris procyonis. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral baylisascariosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in zoo and pet birds with neurological signs having contact to racoons or rather racoon faeces in Germany due to the high prevalence of Baylisascaris procyonis in the German raccoon population.

Asunto(s)

Ascaridoidea , Encefalitis , Infecciones por Nematodos , Loros , Animales , Masculino , Mapaches , Infecciones por Nematodos/veterinaria , Encefalitis/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Follicular larva migrans (FLM) is a rare and atypical clinical presentation of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM). FLM is characterized clinically by follicular, round, small, erythematous papules that are sometimes topped by vesicles or pustules. These lesions are usually located on the abdomen, back, buttocks and thighs and are accompanied by more or less severe pruritus. Some typical and/or short and fragmented tracks may also be visible. FLM is more resistant to anti-helminthic drugs than classical HrCLM: this is likely due to the deep location of larvae in hair follicles. We present two cases of FLM and a review of the literature.

Asunto(s)

Antihelmínticos , Larva Migrans , Animales , Larva Migrans/diagnóstico , Larva Migrans/tratamiento farmacológico , Larva Migrans/patología , Antihelmínticos/uso terapéutico , Ancylostomatoidea , Larva

RESUMEN

Introduction: Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a dermatitis caused by the invasion and migration of parasitic larvae of hookworms, primarily affecting tropical and subtropical regions. This report presents a case of CLM in a Nepali child and provides an overview of the literature on this condition. Case report: A 4-year-old boy from a rural area in Nepal presented with a pruritic skin lesion on his left foot, initially misdiagnosed as fungal infection. The lesion gradually expanded, forming a serpiginous erythema, and became intensely pruritic. The patient's family had poor socioeconomic conditions, and the child frequently walked barefoot in an area with many domestic and stray dogs. Diagnosis was confirmed clinically, and treatment with oral albendazole and antihistamines resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Discussion: CLM is a neglected zoonotic disease, with an underestimated burden in developing countries due to underreporting and misdiagnosis. The larvae of Ancylostoma spp. are common culprits, causing a localized inflammatory reaction as they migrate through the skin. Diagnosis is mainly clinical and routine investigations usually reveal no abnormality. Complications may include secondary bacterial infections, allergies, and rare migration to internal organs. Treatment options include albendazole or ivermectin, with preventive measures emphasizing hygiene, footwear use, and pet deworming. Conclusion: CLM is a neglected disease that primarily affects marginalized communities in tropical regions. Raising awareness among healthcare providers, conducting observational studies, and developing treatment guidelines, especially for children, are essential steps to address this public health concern. Preventive efforts, such as promoting hygiene and footwear use, should be encouraged to reduce CLM incidence.

Asunto(s)

Larva Migrans , Voleibol , Humanos , Larva Migrans/diagnóstico , Larva Migrans/tratamiento farmacológico , Viaje

RESUMEN

Abstract Ancylostoma spp. are found worldwide. Infected dog and cat feces can contaminate soil in public places. Despite prophylactic measures being available, studies on direct remediation of Ancylostoma-contaminated soils are scarce. This study aimed to determine the impact of heat treatment and liming on the viability of Ancylostoma spp. eggs in artificially contaminated sandy soil. Sterilized sand samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma spp. eggs extracted from infected dogs' feces. Samples were heated (trial I) to 70 °C or 80 °C, then sieved after 24 hours (212, 90, 38, and 25 µm). Larval cultures were assessed for larval development following heat treatment. Five quicklime concentrations (trial II; 50, 30, 20, 10 and 5%) were used to treat sand. The effect of liming on larval cultures was assessed by measuring embryonic development. Filariform larvae were exposed to 20% quicklime (25 °C and 37 °C, 20 min). Heat treatment destroys Ancylostoma spp. eggs and prevents in vitro larval development. Liming at 50, 30, and 20% concentrations made embryonic development impossible. However, filariform larvae treated with 20% lime solution retained their motility. Heating at 70 °C and liming at 20% were sufficient to make Ancylostoma spp. egg embryogenesis impossible in experimentally contaminated sand samples.

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Resumo Ancylostoma spp. são nematódeos que infectam cães e gatos e podem contaminar locais públicos. Apesar da existência de medidas profiláticas, estudos sobre tratamento do solo são escassos. No presente estudo, foi avaliado o efeito do tratamento térmico e caleação na viabilidade de ovos de Ancylostoma spp., em solo arenoso estéril. Amostras de solo foram contaminadas com ovos de Ancylostoma spp. obtidos de fezes de cães naturalmente infectados, aquecidas a 70°C ou 80°C, e filtradas em tamises metálicas (212, 90, 38 e 25 µm) após 24 horas (Teste I). Cultivos de larvas foram realizadas para a avaliação do desenvolvimento larval. Na caleação (Teste II), cinco concentrações (50, 30, 20, 10 e 5%) de cal virgem foram utilizadas. O efeito da caleação foi avaliado com observação do desenvolvimento larval nos cultivos. Ainda, larvas foram expostas (20 minutos) ao leite de cal (20% a 25°C e 37°C). O tratamento térmico foi capaz de degenerar ovos de Ancylostoma spp. e impedir o desenvolvimento larval, enquanto a caleação (50, 30, e 20%) impossibilitou o desenvolvimento larval. Entretanto, as larvas filariformes, expostas ao leite de cal (20%) mantiveram motilidade. O aquecimento (70°C) e caleação (20%) impediram o embrionamento de ovos de Ancylostoma spp. em solo experimentalmente contaminado.

RESUMEN

Dermatological disorders are among the most common complaints of patients seeking medical assistance after returning from trips to tropical countries. Among exotic dermatoses, one of the frequently encountered diagnoses is Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM), primarily caused by the nematodes Ancylostoma braziliense and A. caninum. Cats and dogs, which serve as the definitive hosts for these nematodes, excrete with their stool parasite eggs into the environment, where they transform into larvae. Human infection occurs through the invasive form of the larvae, which penetrate the skin, causing itching and the characteristic serpiginous, slightly raised, and enlarging lesion at the site of invasion. Diagnosis is made based on the highly characteristic clinical presentation, although in non-endemic countries, diagnostic errors and delays in initiating effective causal treatment are relatively common. Effective therapy includes oral albendazole and ivermectin. Prevention of CLM involves avoiding skin contact with potentially contaminated soil by wearing shoes and using towels and mats on the beach. Due to the high interest in travel and the risk of importing exotic diseases, it is important to promote knowledge of tropical medicine among healthcare professionals as well as the travellers.

Asunto(s)

Larva Migrans , Humanos , Animales , Gatos , Perros , Larva Migrans/diagnóstico , Larva Migrans/tratamiento farmacológico , Larva Migrans/epidemiología , Ivermectina/uso terapéutico , Albendazol/uso terapéutico , Viaje , Heces

RESUMEN

This molecular-epidemiological study was conducted in several locations in Cairo and Giza Governorates in domestic cats (Felis catus) to detect the most common intestinal helminths in feces and molecularly characterize this nematode. So, three hundred domestic cats were admitted to different clinics around Cairo and Giza Governorates with severe diarrhea, even watery, between January 2023 and April 2023. The ages of the cats ranged from 1 to 2.5 years old. Blood, sera, and urine samples were collected for further investigation of the health condition of the animals. Toxascaris leonina was the major intestinal parasite found in cat stools, with a prevalence rate of 5% (15 cats). Toxascaris leonina (T. leonina) eggs had oval elliptical surfaces and thick cuticles. An embryo was located inside the smooth outer shell wall of the shell. The animals suffer from normocytic normochromic anemia with leukocytosis, relative lymphocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. The amplification of the ITS-rDNA region from the ascaridoid nematodes was successfully performed using NC5 and NC2 primers. The PCR product of the ITS-rDNA fragment was sequenced and yielded 860 bp. The accession number of the sequenced ITS-rDNA region was OQ735413, submitted to Gene Bank, and based on the blast analysis of NCBI, the current ascaridoid nematode proved to be genetically related to the family Ascarididae and identified as T. leonina.

RESUMEN

Toxocariasis remains an important neglected parasitic infection representing one of the most common zoonotic infections caused by the parasite Toxocara canis or, less frequently, by Toxocara cati. The epidemiology of the disease is complex due to its transmission route by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Even though the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control classified toxocariasis amongst the top six parasitic infections of priority to public health, global epidemiological data regarding the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Although the vast majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience a mild disease, the infection is associated with important health and socioeconomic consequences, particularly in underprivileged, tropical, and subtropical areas. Toxocariasis is a disease with multiple clinical presentations, which are classified into five distinct forms: the classical visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, common toxocariasis, covert toxocariasis, and cerebral toxocariasis or neurotoxocariasis. Anthelmintic agents, for example, albendazole or mebendazole, are the recommended treatment, whereas a combination with topical or systemic corticosteroids for specific forms is suggested. Prevention strategies include educational programs, behavioral and hygienic changes, enhancement of the role of veterinarians, and anthelmintic regimens to control active infections.

Asunto(s)

Antihelmínticos , Toxocariasis , Animales , Humanos , Toxocariasis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Albendazol , Salud Pública , Antihelmínticos/uso terapéutico

Asunto(s)

Gnathostoma , Gnathostomiasis , Animales , Humanos , Larva , Gnathostomiasis/diagnóstico , Gnathostomiasis/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a dermatosis caused by accidental infestation with animal hookworms and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Humans become infected when their skin comes into contact with soil contaminated with dog faeces. The filariform larvae penetrate and burrow into human skin, causing a condition known as "creeping eruption". We describe a case, well-documented by photos, of CLM infection in a family of three who returned from Thailand.