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Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections

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A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Parasitic Pathogens".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 13181

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Dr. Marcia Aparecida Speranca

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Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
Interests: Chagas’s disease; leishmaniasis; molecular biology
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Dr. Aline Diniz Cabral

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Guest Editor

1. Veterinary Medicine Program, Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS), São Caetano do Sul, Brazil
2. Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
Interests: toxoplasmosis; trypanosomíases; epidemiology of parasitic diseases
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Dear Colleagues,

Anthropogenic movements result in modifications of the wild natural habitat, such as the destruction of forest areas, the introduction of domestic animals and the alteration of sanitation conditions. Global-warming-related changes can lead to the uncontrolled proliferation and dispersion of arthropod vectors of parasitic infectious diseases, such as malaria, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Others parasitic diseases associated with poor sanitation conditions include giardiasis, toxoplasmosis and diseases caused by helminths and flatworms. Considering the diversity of biomes, investigation into the eco-epidemiological and evolutionary relationships among parasites is critical for the detection, prevention and clinical management of parasitic infectious diseases.

Dr. Marcia Aparecida Speranca
Dr. Aline Diniz Cabral
Guest Editors

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Keywords

parasitic infectious diseases
eco-epidemiology
diagnosis
treatment
clinical management
prevention

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Related Special Issue

Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections—2nd Edition in Pathogens

Published Papers (7 papers)

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12 pages, 436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Praziquantel Treatment on the Nutritional Status of Children Infected with Schistosoma haematobium

by Louis Fok, Hongying Daisy Dai, David M. Brett-Major, Abebe Animut, Berhanu Erko, John Linville, Yohannes Negash and Abraham Degarege

Pathogens 2025, 14(2), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14020123 - 29 Jan 2025

Viewed by 849

Abstract

This quasi-experimental trial examined the relationship between Schistosoma haematobium infection and nutritional status, and the impact of single dose praziquantel (PZQ) therapy on undernutrition. A total of 353 children were examined, 112 of which were infected with S. haematobium and treated with PZQ. Children’s heights, weights, and mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC) were measured at baseline and one month post-treatment. Infected children had significantly smaller mean BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) (−1.16 vs. 0.11, p < 0.01) and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (−0.61 vs. −0.31, p = 0.03) than the uninfected ones at baseline. S. haematobium infection was associated with underweight (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.63–1.90). One month after treatment, BAZ, WAZ, height for age z-scores (HAZ), and MUAC scores were comparable between treated and control children. However, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of underweight among treated children, while no significant change was observed in the control group one month post-treatment. In conclusion, children infected with S. haematobium are likely to suffer from undernutrition; however, single dose PZQ therapy may not improve their nutritional status within one month of treatment. Future studies could have longer follow-up periods to better estimate the drug’s effect on nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections)

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19 pages, 1145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inverted Patterns of Schistosomiasis and Fascioliasis and Risk Factors Among Humans and Livestock in Northern Tanzania

by Ephrasia A. Hugho, Yakob P. Nagagi, Lucille J. Lyaruu, Victor V. Mosha, Ndealilia Senyael, Magweiga M. Mwita, Ruth W. Mabahi, Violet M. Temba, Mapulish Hebel, Mohamed Nyati, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Theonest O. Ndyetabura and AbdulHamid S. Lukambagire

Pathogens 2025, 14(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010087 - 17 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1088

Abstract

Fascioliasis and schistosomiasis are parasitic trematodiases of public health and economic concern in humans and livestock. However, data on the distribution and risk factors for fascioliasis remain limited, while epidemiological gaps hinder schistosomiasis control in Tanzania. This One Health, cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and risk factors of schistomiasis and fascioliasis in northern Tanzania, involving 310 livestock and 317 human participants from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara regions. Using standard parasitological methods, livestock fascioliasis prevalence was 21.3%, while schistosomiasis prevalence was 1.0%. Human fascioliasis prevalence was 1.9%, while schistosomiasis prevalence was 12.6%. Female animals, particularly cattle in Kilimanjaro and Manyara, had higher odds of fascioliasis. Human–animal contact through husbandry increased schistosomiasis risk (aOR = 4.21; 95% CI: 1.81–9.80), while the use of borehole-water was protective (aOR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11–0.97). Fascioliasis risk was higher among individuals aged 36–55 years (aOR = 7.66; 95% CI: 1.36–43.23), with cabbage consumption offering protection (aOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01–0.89). The study revealed inverted prevalence patterns of fascioliasis and schistosomiasis in humans and livestock, driven by vector-dependent transmission dynamics. These findings emphasize the need for an integrated One Health approach to manage shared human and animal health risks in Tanzania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections)

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12 pages, 1767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Report of the Gene Mutations Associated with Permethrin Resistance in Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1767) from Primary School Children in Istanbul (Türkiye) and Nagarkot (Nepal)

by M. Burak Batır, Yeşim Yasin, Anuradha Jaiswal, Tuana Tabak and Özgür Kurt

Pathogens 2024, 13(12), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13121116 - 17 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1043

Abstract

Head lice infestation (HLI), caused by Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1767, has long been a common global problem of school children. Permethrin is an old pyrethroid derivative that has been used commonly for its treatment, and it exerts its activity over the voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) of the lice. There has been a growing list of persistent HLI cases lately in the world among patients using permethrin, and knockdown resistance (kdr)-related point mutations on VSCC have been identified and reported from those resistant lice samples. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene mutations associated with permethrin resistance in head lice collected from primary school children in Istanbul (Türkiye) and Nagarkot (Nepal) for the first time. A total of 192 P. h. capitis adults were collected from school children aged 6–12 years in two cities (96 lice each). Following DNA isolation, the fragment of the VSCC a-subunit gene, which contained the possible mutation sites ((kdr-like M815I (ATG > ATT), kdr T917I (ACA > ATA), and kdr-like L920F (CTT > TTT)), was amplified in each louse by PCR, and the PCR products were sequenced and aligned, followed by frequency calculations for alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes. Using nucleic acid sequence analysis, it was revealed that M815I, T917I, or L920F mutations were present on the VSCC genes in the lice samples from both Türkiye and Nepal. In addition, genotypic analyses indicated the presence of all three mutations in the lice samples from Türkiye, while the T917I mutation was detected in none of the lice collected in Nepal. This is the first report of gene mutations associated with permethrin resistance in head lice collected from a group of primary school children in the largest city of Türkiye (Istanbul) and Nagarkot. High mutation rates were identified in the lice, especially those from Istanbul, which is concordant with our previous unpublished study, in which almost 60% of the examined lice of the school children (in the same school selected in this study) remained alive despite long-term exposure to permethrin in the laboratory. These initial results show that gene mutations associated with permethrin resistance are common in lice samples in Istanbul and Nagarkot, which may suggest the current need for the selection of new pediculicidal agents in HLI treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections)

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12 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Control of Microscopic Diagnosis of Malaria in Healthcare Facilities and Submicroscopic Infections in Mossendjo, the Department of Niari, the Republic of the Congo

by Grâce Petula Urielle Fila-Fila, Felix Koukouikila-Koussounda, Fabien Roch Niama, Lauriate Prudencie Bissombolo Madingou, Jordy Exaucé Demboux, Aldi Fred Mandiangou, Stéphane Vembe Mahounga, Ahmed Jordy Doniama, Louis Régis Dossou-Yovo, Prisca Nadine Casimiro and Pembe Issamou Mayengue

Pathogens 2024, 13(8), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080709 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1453

Abstract

The control and management of malaria are linked to the quality of diagnosis. We sought to estimate the performance of routine microscopy for malaria diagnosis and assess the prevalence of submicroscopic Plasmodium (P.) falciparum infection among febrile patients in two healthcare facilities in Mossendjo, the Republic of the Congo. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2022. A total of 650 and 234 patients with signs of uncomplicated malaria were enrolled at the Centre de Sante Intégré (CSIMSJ) and Hôpital de Base (HBMSJ), respectively. Two thick blood smears were performed for each patient, one analyzed by routine microscopists and the other by an expert. The msp-1 and msp-2 genes were genotyped to detect submicroscopic P. falciparum infection. At the CSIMSJ, the sensitivity was 49.5% and the specificity was 88.6%. The positive and negative predictive values were 77.7% and 68.7%, respectively. At the HBMSJ, the sensitivity was 32.9% and the specificity was 79.4%. The positive and negative predictive values were 44.8% and 69.5%, respectively. P. falciparum was the only species detected by routine microscopists, while experts identified some cases with P. malariae and P. ovale. The proportion of submicroscopic infections was 35.75%. Children under 5 years old had higher rates of parasitemia. However, submicroscopic infections were more pronounced in the adult group. The performance of routine malaria microscopists at Mossendjo was inaccurate at both sites. With the large proportion of submicroscopic infection, malaria management at Mossendjo requires the improvement of microscopists’ skills and the concomitant use of RDTs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections)

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11 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Performance of the Novodiag^® Stool Parasites Assay for the Detection of Intestinal Protozoa and Microsporidia

by Pamela Chauvin, Florie Barba, Emilie Guemas, Eléna Charpentier, Claire Cottrel, Judith Fillaux, Alexis Valentin, Sarah Baklouti, Sophie Cassaing, Sandie Ménard, Antoine Berry and Xavier Iriart

Pathogens 2023, 12(7), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12070889 - 29 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2415

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to assess the performance of the Novodiag^® Stool Parasites (NSP) assay in the diagnosis of the most common intestinal protozoan and microsporidia infections. Methods: A panel of 167 selected stool samples was retrospectively analysed with the NSP assay and compared to routine microscopy and qPCR methods for the detection of pathogenic protozoa and microsporidia. Results: Whereas specificity was high for all protozoa and microsporidia, NSP sensitivity was strongly dependent on the comparative method used as reference. When compared to microscopic methods, NSP sensitivity was high (96.7 to 100%) for Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis but was lower for Giardia intestinalis (85.2%) and ≤50% for Cystoisospora belli and Dientamoeba fragilis. In comparison to conventional qPCR, the NSP assay demonstrated lower sensitivity characteristics dependent on parasite loads, reaching 60 to 70% for G. intestinalis, D. fragilis, Cryptosporidium spp. and E. histolytica. Sensitivity was 100% for Enterocytozoon bieneusi, but none of the five samples containing Encephalitozoon spp. were detected. Conclusions: The overall performance of the NSP assay in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia seems to be better than or equivalent to that observed with microscopic methods but inferior to that obtainable with classical targeted qPCR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections)

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14 pages, 1802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Low Variability of Tc24 in Trypanosoma cruzi TcI as an Advantage for Chagas Disease Prophylaxis and Diagnosis in Mexico

by Ingeborg Becker, Haydee Miranda-Ortiz, Edith A. Fernández-Figueroa, Sokani Sánchez-Montes, Pablo Colunga-Salas, Estefanía Grostieta, Javier Juárez-Gabriel, Yokomi N. Lozano-Sardaneta, Minerva Arce-Fonseca, Olivia Rodríguez-Morales, Gabriela Meneses-Ruíz, Sergio Pastén-Sánchez, Irma López Martínez, Saúl González-Guzmán, Vladimir Paredes-Cervantes, Otacilio C. Moreira, Paula Finamore-Araujo, Julio C. Canseco-Méndez, Uriel Coquis-Navarrete, Laura Rengifo-Correa, Constantino González-Salazar, Myrna M. Alfaro-Cortés, Jorge A. Falcón-Lezama, Roberto Tapia-Conyer and Christopher R. Stephens Show full author list Hide full author list

Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030368 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3235

Abstract

(1) Background: Chagas disease is the main neglected tropical disease in America. It is estimated that around 6 million people are currently infected with the parasite in Latin America, and 25 million live in endemic areas with active transmission. The disease causes an estimated economic loss of USD 24 billion dollars annually, with a loss of 75,200 working years per year of life; it is responsible for around ~12,000 deaths annually. Although Mexico is an endemic country that recorded 10,186 new cases of Chagas disease during the period of 1990–2017, few studies have evaluated the genetic diversity of genes that could be involved in the prophylaxis and/or diagnosis of the parasite. One of the possible candidates proposed as a vaccine target is the 24 kDa trypomastigote excretory–secretory protein, Tc24, whose protection is linked to the stimulation of T. cruzi-specific CD8⁺ immune responses. (2) Methods: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fine-scale genetic diversity and structure of Tc24 in T. cruzi isolates from Mexico, and to compare them with other populations reported in the Americas with the aim to reconsider the potential role of Tc24 as a key candidate for the prophylaxis and improvement of the diagnosis of Chagas disease in Mexico. (3) Results: Of the 25 Mexican isolates analysed, 48% (12) were recovered from humans and 24% (6) recovered from Triatoma barberi and Triatoma dimidiata. Phylogenetic inferences revealed a polytomy in the T. cruzi clade with two defined subgroups, one formed by all sequences of the DTU I and the other formed by DTU II–VI; both subgroups had high branch support. Genetic population analysis detected a single (monomorphic) haplotype of TcI throughout the entire distribution across both Mexico and South America. This information was supported by Nei’s pairwise distances, where the sequences of TcI showed no genetic differences. (4) Conclusions: Given that both previous studies and the findings of the present work confirmed that TcI is the only genotype detected from human isolates obtained from various states of Mexico, and that there is no significant genetic variability in any of them, it is possible to propose the development of in silico strategies for the production of antigens that optimise the diagnosis of Chagas disease, such as quantitative ELISA methods that use this region of Tc24. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections)

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8 pages, 478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Chagas VirClia^® and Chagas TESA VirClia^® for the Diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection

by Isabel García-Bermejo, David Molina Arana, Gloria Zaragoza Vargas, Blanca Carrasco Fernández, Emilia García, Javier Nieto and Maria Delmans Flores-Chávez

Pathogens 2023, 12(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12010050 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1956

Abstract

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important problem of public health even in regions where it is not endemic. Spain ranks second worldwide in terms of imported cases of T. cruzi infection in the chronic phase. The diagnosis in this stage is made via the detection of antibodies against T. cruzi. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of two fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassays, Chagas VirClia^® (CHR), which uses a mixture of recombinant antigens, and Chagas TESA VirClia^® (TESA), the first chemiluminescence assay based on excretion-secretion antigens of trypomastigotes, both designed in monotest format. A retrospective case–control study was performed using 105 well-characterized samples: 49 from patients with CD, 22 from uninfected individuals, and 32 from patients with other pathologies. Sensitivity was 98% for CHR and 92% for TESA. In contrast, the specificity in both was 100%. Cross-reactivity was observed in leishmaniasis (2/10). CHR meets the criteria to become a tool for serological screening, while TESA has the potential for confirmation and cross-reaction discrimination. The monotest format allows its application in laboratories with a small number of samples. The high specificity of both assays is useful in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Human Parasitic Infections)

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