Search Results (126)

Zoonotic opportunistic enteric protozoa represent a significant global health threat to immunocompromised populations, especially individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite China’s severe HIV burden, molecular epidemiological data on enteric protozoa remain limited in this population. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium species, Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi among 150 AIDS patients with severe immunodeficiency in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China. The overall test-positive rate was 5.33% (8/150), comprising Cryptosporidium species (including C. hominis, C. parvum, and C. meleagridis) in 2.00% (3/150) and G. duodenalis (including assemblage A, B, and E) in 3.33% (5/150); E. bieneusi was not detected. Notably, this study reports the first identification of the C. parvum subtype IIcA5G3 in humans in China, certainly indicating possible cross-border transmission. Furthermore, the detection of C. meleagridis IIIbA22G1R1c provided additional molecular evidence for chicken-to-human transmission. The finding of G. duodenalis assemblage E highlights the underrecognized zoonotic spillover risks to immunocompromised populations. These findings emphasize the diversity of infectious reservoirs, and the need for enhanced national molecular surveillance of these neglected zoonotic enteric protozoa, alongside targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. Full article

The disposal of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) poses significant environmental challenges due to its high content of phytotoxic and pollutant compounds. This study aims to explore the chemical composition of OMWW derived from various olive varieties (Buža, Buža puntoža, Istarska bjelica, Leccino, and Rosinjola) and assess its antifungal potential against phytopathogenic fungi from the Botryosphaeriaceae family. OMWW samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, phenolic composition via LC-MS/MS, and antifungal activity against Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr.) Ces. & De Not., Diplodia mutila (Fr.) Fr., D. seriata De Not., Dothiorella iberica A.J.L. Phillips, J. Luque & A. Alves, Do. sarmentorum (Fr.) A.J.L. Phillips, Alves & Luque, and Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers & A.J.L. Phillips. Antifungal efficacy was tested at varying concentrations, alongside the phenolic compounds hydroxytyrosol and vanillic acid. Antifungal activity varied across fungal species and OMWW concentrations. Lower OMWW concentrations inhibited mycelial growth in some pathogens, while higher concentrations often had a stimulatory effect. Among the OMWW treatments, Leccino and Buža showed the most significant antifungal activity against species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family. The results demonstrated significant variability in OMWW composition, with Istarska bjelica exhibiting the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds, sugars, dry matter, and carbon and nitrogen content. The results also highlight the impact of acidification on the phenolic profile of OMWW. Treatment with HCl significantly altered the concentration of individual phenolic compounds, either enhancing their release or contributing to their degradation. Among the two compounds, vanillic acid showed greater efficacy than hydroxytyrosol. In addition, microorganisms isolated from OMWW, including Bacillus velezensis Ruiz-Garcia et al., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (A. Jörg.) F.C. Harrison, Nakazawaea molendiniolei (N. Cadez, B. Turchetti & G. Peter) C. P. Kurtzman & C. J. Robnett, and Penicillium crustosum Thom, demonstrated antagonistic potential against fungal pathogens, with B. velezensis showing the strongest inhibitory effect. The greatest antagonistic effect against fungi was observed with the species Do. Iberica. The findings highlight the potential of OMWW as a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides, simultaneously contributing to the management of waste and protection of plants through circular economy principles. Full article

In recent decades, the keeping of exotic animals has gained popularity among enthusiasts worldwide. However, alongside the development of exotic animal husbandry, issues related to health status and adequate veterinary care are coming to the forefront. The introduction of new snakes into a collection and shared enclosures should always be preceded by an assessment of their parasitic status. In our study, we present an overview of the screening for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in individuals captured in regions of Indonesia and Suriname, intended for further trade. Out of 40 tested fecal samples, the presence of cryptosporidial oocysts was confirmed in 6 samples. Detection was performed by molecular methods, namely Nested PCR targeting the GP60 gene region (60 kDa glycoprotein). By sequencing, we confirmed the presence of C. parvum in Oligodon octolineatus (n = 1) and Trimeresurus insularis (n = 1), C. tyzzeri in Corallus spp. (n = 2), and C. hominis in Boiga dendrophila spp. gemmicincta (n = 2), which is the very first time that this species has been detected in snakes in captivity. Although the presence of Cryptosporidium species, typical for snakes, was not detected, the identified species may pose a health risk to humans, especially workers who come into direct contact with animals. Full article

The study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium infection in hospitalized patients in Western Romania. Stool samples were collected from 175 patients, both male and female, aged between 2 months and 88 years, residing in urban and rural areas. The identification of Cryptosporidium was performed using a qualitative chromatographic rapid test, supplemented by the modified Ziehl–Neelsen method described by Henricksen and Pohlenz. Cryptosporidium spp. were identified through PCR analysis and Sanger sequencing. To assess potential risk factors for cryptosporidiosis, a questionnaire was administered to the study participants. Laboratory test results revealed a cryptosporidiosis occurrence of 7.42%, with a significantly higher occurrence observed in urban areas (p < 0.05). Two species were identified, C. parvum and C. canis, the latter being reported for the first time in humans in Romania. Among the assessed risk factors, only the area of residence significantly influenced the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection. The other evaluated risk factors—age, sex, concomitant microbial infections, contact with animals, use of public transport, international travel, frequenting children’s playgrounds, and swimming pools—although potentially involved in Cryptosporidium infection, did not have a significant contribution. This study represents the first report of C. canis identified in humans in Romania. Our results indicate a high occurrence of human cryptosporidiosis in hospitalized patients, with a significantly higher rate observed in individuals residing in urban areas. Full article

Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of foodborne outbreaks. The 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) is most often used for subtyping Cryptosporidium species but is not always sufficient for defining clusters and infections sources. The Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) scheme has been developed to better differentiate between subtypes. A cryptosporidiosis outbreak, with 35 cases, was detected in Finland in September 2022. At the same time, in Sweden, three cryptosporidiosis outbreaks, with 107 cases, were detected, leading to international collaboration. In both countries, salad mixes were suspected as being the outbreak source. In the Finnish outbreak, the suspected salad mixes were produced in Sweden. In the Swedish outbreaks, salad mixes from two different producers were suspected. Twenty-nine patient samples which were positive for Cryptosporidium parvum (11 from Finland and 18 from Sweden) were sent for MLVA. The Finnish outbreak samples had different gp60 subtypes and MLVA profiles compared to the Swedish samples. In our investigation, MLVA differentiated C. parvum subtypes in more detail than gp60 typing. MLVA suggested no connection between the Finnish and Swedish outbreaks. A traceback investigation supported this conclusion. To detect outbreaks and identify infection sources, the timely subtyping of patient samples is crucial and should be implemented in routine surveillance and outbreak investigations. Full article

Botryosphaeria dieback, a significant grapevine trunk disease (GTD) caused by various pathogens, represents a serious threat to viticulture. Biocontrol emerges as a promising sustainable alternative to chemical control, aligning toward environmentally friendly viticultural practices. This study evaluated the in vitro, in vivo, and in situ biocontrol potential of Chilean native bacteria isolated from wild flora and endophytic communities of grapevine against Neofusicoccum parvum. In vitro biocontrol assays screened 15 bacterial strains at 10, 22, and 30 °C, identifying four Pseudomonas strains with >30% mycelial growth inhibition. In diffusible agar and double plate assays, plant growth-promoting bacteria AMCR2b and GcR15a, which were isolated from native flora, achieved significant inhibition of N. parvum growth, with reductions of up to ~50% (diffusible agar) and up to ~46% (double plate). In vivo experiments on grapevine cuttings revealed that strains AMCR2b and GcR15a inhibited mycelial growth (17–90%); younger grapevines (1–5 years) were more susceptible to N. parvum. In situ trials using Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc demonstrated higher fungal susceptibility in Sauvignon Blanc. These results highlight the potential of Pseudomonas sp. AMCR2b and GcR15a to be effective biocontrol agents against GTDs at a wide range of temperatures, contributing to sustainable viticulture. Full article

Cryptosporidiosis remains a major cause of diarrhea-related childhood death, particularly in developing countries. Although effective anti-retroviral therapy has significantly reduced the cryptosporidiosis burden in western nations, the situation in developing countries remains alarming due to limited therapeutic options and a lack of preventive measures. To better control disease transmission and develop effective prevention strategies, a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity of circulating species is crucial. While cryptosporidiosis has previously been reported in Cameroon, information on the genetic diversity of parasite strains is lacking. In a large cross-sectional study conducted between March 2020 and March 2021 in four regions of Cameroon, Southwest, Littoral, Center and West, a total of 1119 fecal samples of children (n = 1119) were collected and genetically analyzed. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium strains circulating in this patient cohort in Cameroon. Using modified Ziehl–Neelsen fecal smear staining, an overall prevalence of 8.5% (96/1119) was recorded. PCR analysis revealed a prevalence of 15.4% in the Center, 7.2% in the Littoral, 10.5% in the West, and 13.1% in the Southwest regions. Molecular analysis identified Cryptosporidium. hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum as circulating species, with all subtype families suggesting anthroponotic transmission. No zoonotic subtypes of C. parvum were detected. These findings confirm that cryptosporidiosis transmission in Cameroon is primarily anthroponotic. Nonetheless, much larger epidemiological surveys, including other patient cohorts, are necessary for final confirmation of this statement. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyse and characterise Cryptosporidium spp. in sheep and goats in Gran Canaria (Spain) and to identify the risks and economic factors related to the disease. During sampling, a semi-structured survey was conducted with farmers, and faecal samples were collected from lambs, goat kids, sheep, and adult goats from a total of 30 farms. Adult samples were examined microscopically for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, with only three positive samples being found in sheep and one in goats. The PCR of the SSU rRNA gene was performed on all juvenile and adult samples, and positive samples from lambs (8.3%), sheep (6.9%), goat kids (23.3%), and goats (2.5%) were subjected to sequencing, detecting three of the most important species in small ruminants: C. parvum, C. xiaoi, and C. ubiquitum. By sequencing the GP60 PCR products, two subtypes of C. parvum belonging to the IId family were identified, IIdA16G1 and IIdA23G1, with the latter being the most frequent. Although the prevalence of the disease was not very high, the zoonotic potential of C. parvum and the limited awareness of the parasite among farmers make surveillance and health education focused on the control of this member of Apicomplexa necessary. Full article

Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite affecting the gastrointestinal system, is primarily known for causing diarrhea, especially in those with weakened immune systems. However, there is increasingly persuasive evidence that it may be directly involved in tumorigenesis. This review examines some of the potential mechanisms through which Cryptosporidium infections can induce cancer, specifically chronic inflammation, manipulation of the immune system, and alteration of cell signaling pathways. Persistent inflammation with immune system changes due to chronic infection, particularly among immunocompromised hosts, leads to a microenvironment that facilitates tumorigenesis. Cryptosporidium manipulates important cellular pathways such as PI3K, NF-κB, Wnt, and p38/MAPK to promote cell survival, regulate immune responses, and foster tissue remodeling, all of which contribute to a tumor-friendly microenvironment. Moreover, Cryptosporidium virulence factors such as ROP1, sPLA2, and microRNAs disrupt host cellular stability and significantly alter host cellular gene expression, which also exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage. Epidemiological data have indicated higher rates of Cryptosporidium infection in cancer patients, especially patients with gastrointestinal cancers. This, among other observations, raises the possibility that the infection may be connected to cancer progression. In animal models, especially studies with C. parvum-challenged rodents, chronic inflammation, immune repression, and genetic mutations related to neoplasia have been reported. While this has provided us with valuable information, we still have a long way to go to fully understand the long-term ramifications of Cryptosporidium infection. These cover aspects such as the contribution of latent infections and the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium strains in cancer. Further investigation is urgently needed to understand the molecular processes by which Cryptosporidium might contribute to carcinogenesis and explore potential strategies for therapy and prevention especially among immunocompromised populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic enteroparasite causing severe diarrhea in newborn calves, leading to significant economic losses in dairy and beef farming. This study aimed to evaluate whether C. parvum p23-specific IgY antibodies could control neonatal calf diarrhea caused by C. parvum. Methods: A recombinant immunogen comprising the p23 protein fused to the antigen-presenting cell homing (APCH) molecule was expressed using the baculovirus system. Hens were immunized with the APCH-p23 immunogen, and the resulting IgY was spray-dried for treatment use. Eight newborn calves were included in the study and received commercial colostrum within the first 12 h of life. Four calves were treated with 20 g of powdered egg containing IgY (p23-specific IgY titer of 256 in milk) twice daily for 7 days. The remaining four calves received regular non-supplemented milk. All calves were orally infected with 6 million oocysts and monitored for 21 days. Results: Calves treated with p23-specific IgY exhibited significantly reduced diarrhea duration (3.5 vs. 7.5 days; p = 0.0397) and oocyst shedding duration (6.50 vs. 12 days; p = 0.0089). In addition, the total number of excreted oocysts, as measured by the change of the area under the curve (AUC), was significantly reduced in the treated group (14.25 vs. 33.45; p = 0.0117). Although the onset of diarrhea was delayed (3.5 to 6.5 days post-infection; p = 0.1840), and diarrhea severity was reduced (24.25 to 17 AUC; p = 0.1236), both parameters were not statistically significant. Conclusions: P23-specific IgY antibodies effectively reduced the C. parvum-induced duration of diarrhea in experimentally infected calves. These findings highlight the potential of this passive treatment as a promising strategy for controlling neonatal calf diarrhea. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a novel Astragalus extract (Keyfobell powder [KFB]) composed of Astragalus membranaceus, red ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), and Cervi Parvum Cornu as a potential growth hormone (GH) alternative. The primary focus was placed on its impact on longitudinal bone growth through the upregulation of circulatory insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Methods: We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using a hypothalamic cell line and Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to determine growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and ghrelin mRNA expressions in GT1-7 cells. The treatment groups were administered KFB at various dosages, and the positive controls received recombinant human GH. Body weight, bone length, and density were assessed, along with serum levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGF-1. Results: KFB and somatropin exhibited no cytotoxic effect in GT1-7 cells and increased GHRH and ghrelin mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. KFB administration resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in body weight and bone growth (femur and tibia). Changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were comparable to those observed in the GH-treated group. Based on network pharmacological analysis, multiple compounds in KFB ((20S)-20-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine, caproic acid, daidzein, furfuryl alcohol, lauric acid, octanal, and salicylic acid) may synergistically regulate the PI3K-Akt, Ras, and Rap1 signaling pathways linked to growth control and cartilage formation, leading to a possible increase in height. Conclusions: Our results suggest that KFB can function as a GH-mimetic agent that promotes bone growth through IGF-1 upregulation. Full article

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important diarrheal agents in children in developing countries. Little is known about their molecular epidemiology; as such, the objective of this study was to determine the risk factors and genetic diversity of both parasites in diarrheal samples in Mozambique. In this study, two nested PCRs targeting ssurRNA and gp60 genes were used for genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and b-giardin for G. duodenalis. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were obtained through questionnaires. The location (odds ratio [OR] 3.499), mother’s education level (OR 2.150) and age were significant factors for acquiring infection by Cryptosporidium spp. (p < 0.05). Cryptosporidium hominis was the predominant (77.8%) species. Four families (three C. hominis and one C. parvum) were identified, with the highest for Ib (73.9%), followed by Id (13%), Ia (8.7%) and IIc (4.3%). The location (p-value < 0.001), drinking untreated water (p-value = 0.04) and living in masonry houses (p-value = 0.002) were identified as risks associated with G. duodenalis infection. Assemblage A was the dominant type (65.2%). Among the subassemblages of assemblage A, AII was the most frequent (86.6%), followed by AIII (6.6%). For assemblage B, subassemblages BIII (87.5%) and BIV (12.5%) were identified. The dominance of the subtype IbA9G3 of C. hominis, as well as the AII subassemblage of G. duodenalis, seems to indicate that the transmission of both protozoa occurs mainly through the anthroponotic route. Full article

Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum)-caused calf diarrhoea (scours) is widespread and leads to calf mortality in cattle industries worldwide. A recent discovery of a glycopeptide epitope on the Cryptosporidium parasite recognized by a monoclonal antibody has led to the development of a new vaccine. It was designed for cows to pass on passive immunity to their neonatal calves. This vaccine has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious in pre-clinical studies. In the process of marketing registration, two clinical studies were conducted with this vaccine on 16 commercial dairy and beef farms collecting data, assessed by the European Medicine Agency. In these studies, its effectiveness in the field was evaluated. The natural challenge and clinical disease caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in the calves in these studies was, however, not high enough to show a significant reduction of most of the clinical signs, although all trends were in favour of the vaccination groups. Nonetheless, the duration of the diarrhoea episodes of the dairy calves was significantly shorter in the vaccination group. Additionally, the levels of Gp40 antibodies in the blood of the calves was notably higher in the vaccination groups, demonstrating the principle of passive immunization. Overall, this vaccine, which can be used concurrently, non-mixed with Bovilis^® Rotavec^® Corona, introduces an additional approach to mitigate the impact of C. parvum infections in neonatal calves. Full article

Cryptosporidium species are protozoan parasites of veterinary and medical importance that infect a wide range of vertebrates globally. Primarily, the mode of infection is typically ingestion of sporulated oocysts, and the risk of transmission to susceptible host is increased by environmental contamination with sporulated oocysts. This systematic review aims to provide a summary of the available data on Cryptosporidium genotypes in Africa. A systematic research of literature on four electronic databases, including Scopus Web of Science, Science Direct, and AJOL, was performed for the determination of Cryptosporidium genotypes in animal and human hosts across Africa between January 2000 to August 2023. All published studies were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, 131 Cryptosporidium genotypes were generated from the 47 articles included in this study, which cut across 14 African countries. Cryptosporidium genotypes were reported across all regions within the African continent, such as northern, eastern, western, central, and southern Africa. Cryptosporidium hominis (Ia, Ib, Id, Ie, If, Ih, Ii, and Ik) genotypes were the most dominant, with C. hominis subfamily Ia genotypes reported across all African regions, which indicates high diversity of these subfamilies on the continent. Cryptosporidium parvum (IIa, IIb, IIc, IId, IIe, IIm, and IIi) genotypes were the second dominant genotypes reported, with C. parvum subfamily IIa genotypes having a high diversity across all the African regions with the exception of southern Africa. C. parvum subfamily IIc (IIcA5G3b), which is known to circulate among humans, was reported in a study on dogs in Nigeria. Other documented species of Cryptosporidium with known subtypes in Africa include C. meleagridis (IIIb, IIId, and IIIg), C. cuniculus (Vb), C. ubiquitum (XIIa), C.), and C. erinacei (XIIIa) genotypes. In conclusion, findings from this review have elucidated the Cryptosporidium species and subtypes within the African continent across humans and multiple animal hosts, implying the diversity of this parasites and its ability to infect wide host ranges. Full article

This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis approach of Cryptosporidium species prevalence studies in animal and human hosts published between 1980 and 2020 in South Africa. Extensive searches were conducted on three electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. The findings indicated an overall pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in animals and humans at 21.5% and 18.1%, respectively. The PCR–RFLP appeared to be the most sensitive diagnostic method with a PPE of 77.8% for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. infections followed by ELISA (66.7%); LAMP (45.4%); PCR (25.3%); qPCR (20.7%); microscopy (10.1%); IFAT (8.4%); and RDT (7.9%). In animal hosts, C. parvum had the highest PPE of 3.7%, followed by C. andersoni (1.5%), C. ubiquitum (1.4%) and C. bovis (1.0%), while in humans, C. parvum also had the highest PPE of 18.3% followed by C. meleagridis at 0.4%. The data generated in this study indicated that Cryptosporidium spp. infections were highly prevalent in both animals and humans in South Africa, especially in the KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces. However, we further observed that there was a lack of prevalence studies for both animals and humans in some of the provinces. This study highlights the necessity for a “One Health” strategic approach promoting public hygiene, animal husbandry and regular screening for Cryptosporidium spp. infections in both animals and humans. Full article