Day :
- Track: Parasitology Overview
Track: Vector-borne Viral Disease
Track: Malaria Research
Location: Manchester
Chair
Luiz Euribel Prestes Carneiro
Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Brazil
Co-Chair
Ashraf M. Ahmed
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Session Introduction
Lisa Connelly
Scottish Parasite and Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (SPDRL),UK
Title: Cryptosporidium update 2015: A year of high incidence in Scotland
Time : 11:30-12:00
Biography:
Lisa Connelly is Biomedical Scientist at SPDRL, where she has been based since 2005. She has keen interest in research and development. Her recent publications include the molecular characterization of C. parvum isolates from human cryptosporidiosis cases in Scotland and Cryptosporidium species from human immunodeficiency-infected patients with chronic diarrhea in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Between 2009 and 2014; an average of 557 laboratory reports per annum of Cryptosporidium were received at Health Protection Scotland (range 430 to 711). By comparison 746 reports were received in 2015, an increase 34% compared to the historical average and 5% higher than the previous peak year of 2012. During weeks 1-29 of 2015 reports were slightly lower than the average. However, from week 30 onwards reports increased and remained above historical levels for the rest of the year. Although not all isolates are routinely typed in Scotland, the typing data available indicated that the increase in weeks 30 to 44 was due to C. hominis. The increase was observed in both travel and indigenous cases. The increase from week 45 onward was largely due to an increase in C. parvum of a particular subtype not commonly seen in Scotland. A national UK case control study is currently underway to investigate the increase in C. parvum. The 2015 increase in Scotland was observed in all age groups compared to 2014 with the exception of those aged 65+ years. The largest percentage increase was among those aged 50-54 years an increase of 162% from 8 to 21. The highest numbers of reports were from those aged 0-4 years, 116 reports in 2015, compared to 78 in 2014. This high incidence of Cryptosporidium has continued throughout January and February 2016 with further sub-typing being performed to assist with the management of UK-wide investigations.
Linda Schoenfeld
EUROIMMUN AG, Germany
Title: Serological diagnosis of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in humans: A two-step approach for identification and differentiation
Time : 12:00-12:30
Biography:
Linda Schoenfeld has completed her studies of Molecular Life Science with a Master’s degree at the University of Luebeck in Germany. She is a developing Specialist for blot techniques and Team Leader at EUROIMMUN AG in Luebeck; one of the world's leading manufacturers of medical laboratory products for autoimmune and infection diagnostics.
Abstract:
Cystic (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are infectious diseases caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis, respectively. Imaging techniques such as MRI provide initial indications for diagnosis. CDC guidelines recommend serological tests before using invasive methods. Positive results in a screening assay (ELISA or IIFT) should be re-tested in a confirmatory blot-based assay. For a pre-characterized serum panel encompassing 107 echinococcus patients as well as 50 blood-donors and 50 tumor patients (University of Bern, Switzerland) results of Anti-Echinococcus ELISA (IgG) and a unique blot-technique (Anti-Echinococcus EUROLINE-Western blot (IgG)) were evaluated. Additional 122 sera of patients with other parasite infections were tested to measure cross-reactivity of the assays. Investigation of the above mentioned sera revealed a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 93% for Anti-Echinococcus ELISA whereas a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100% for Anti-Echinococcus EUROLINE-WB were obtained. The two tests showed excellent reactivity to both AE and CE patient sera. Use of species-specific recombinant antigens in Anti-Echinococcus EL-WB additionally enables the physician to differentiate between E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infections in more than 80% of the examined cases. 22% of that other parasitic infection samples showed cross-reactivity in the Anti-Echinococcus ELISA which was in only 6% of the cases confirmed by the Anti-Echinococcus EUROLINE-WB and only for Anisakis and Ascaris infections, indicating the usefulness of confirmatory tests for positive reacting sera in screening assays. Combination of the ELISA and the EUROLINE-WB, thus, provides excellent sensitivity and specificity for identification and differentiation of echinococcosis.
Ashraf M Ahmed
King Saud University, KSA
Title: The battle against the filaria vector, Culex pipiens mosquito with special reference to bacterial biocontrol measure
Time : 12:30-13:00
Biography:
Ashraf M Ahmed has completed his PhD from Keele University, UK, on 2002 and has ongoing Research Fellowship at Keele from 2004 and Fellow of the Royal Society, UK in 2004 to till date. He is a Professor of Medical Entomology at Zoology Department at El-Minia University, Egypt and at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. His current research interest is “Mosquito Immunity and Biocontrol”, aiming at utilizing bioagents as well as the immunity of mosquito vectors against mosquito-borne diseases. His academic output consists of more than 40 papers in reputed journals, membership of several scientific societies and attended several local, national and international conferences and invited speaker in many international conferences.
Abstract:
Mosquitoes are intermediate hosts of several human pathogens and thus serve as vectors of several human threatening diseases worldwide. Recent studies have focused interest on entomopathogenic microorganisms as useful alternatives to conventional insecticides, suggesting these pathogens as bio-control candidates in the battle against human mosquito-borne diseases. Yet, the mosquitocidal bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a safe eco-friend entomopathogenic biocontrol agent that faced no resistance from mosquito host due to the interactions among its multiple toxins. This interaction is the major reason for the absence of passive resistance to Bt in mosquitoes. The present study was initiated to characterize new native Bt isolates with mosquitocidal activity from various samples from 16 regions across Saudi Arabia. Various samples were collected from mosquito breeding sites and screened for Bt isolation. Native Bt isolates were characterized on the basis of colony morphology, shape of spores and parasporal crystals and through comparisons of biochemical profiles. The larvicidal activity (LC50 & LC95) of standardized spore/crystal mixtures of Bt isolates were tested against larvae of the filaria vector Culex pipiens and compared with that of the Bt. israelensis (Bti-H14). A total of 23 (out of 68 native Bt isolates) were mosquitocidal. Larvicidal strains were similar in terms of colony morphology, hemolytic and motile. Out of the 23 isolates, 9 showed significantly higher activity (LC50 range from 3.90 to 9.5 µg/ml) than the Bti-H14 (LC50 of 13.33 µg/ml), with one strain having as much as 3.4-fold higher activity than the Bti-H14. This is the first report of Bt strains native to Saudi Arabia with significantly enhanced larvicidal efficacy against Cx. pipiense. These novel Bt strains may therefore contribute to novel potent biopesticides and help mitigate the risk of Bt resistance emergence in bio-control programs targeting filaria vector populations.
Nirmalan Niroshini
University of Salford, UK
Title: Drug repositioning as a route to fast-track anti-malarial drug discovery
Time : 13:50-14:20
Biography:
Niroshini Nirmalan is a Senior Lecturer and leads the Malaria Drug Discovery Research Group at the University of Salford, UK. After attaining her undergraduate degree at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, she did her MSc and PhD at the University of Salford, Manchester. Her postdoctoral research on developing quantitative proteomic approaches to define the mechanisms of action of anti-folate drugs in malaria was carried out in Prof. John Hyde’s research group at the MIB, University of Manchester. Her current research on Drug repositioning for antimalarial drug discovery is done in collaboration with GSK Tres Cantos and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical research and development (NIPRD, Nigeria).
Abstract:
Drug repositioning refers to the usage of existing drugs in diseases other than those it was originally used for. The singular advantage of adopting a repositioning strategy which screens patent expired drug libraries is that the compounds screened are already known to be bioactive and safe for use in humans, significantly reducing the time and cost involved in drug development. Varying degrees of drug resistance has been reported in all currently used anti-malarials, necessitating urgent measures to accelerate the discovery pipeline for this devastating disease. Repositioning strategies are aptly placed to yield not only novel potent monotherapy options, but also synergistic partners for combination therapy to prolong the shelf life of the current frontline antimalarial drugs. We propose a chimeric approach using a repositioning strategy for initial discovery and rational drug design for secondphase lead optimization, in a bid to deliver a safe and affordable anti-malarial therapeutic option. Our work identified Emetine dihydrochloride as a potent anti-malarial in-vitro repositioning screens of ~700 drugs from two patent-expired, FDA approved drug libraries [Matthews 2013]. Despite widespread use as an amoebicide (E. histolytica) for 5 decades, concerns regarding side effects (cardiotoxicity with cumulative dosage, emesis) and the availability of a safer drug (metronidazole), led to curtailment of its use after the 1980’s. A review of existing literature suggests that the side effects are dose dependent. The observed ~1000 fold increased in vitro anti-malarial potency (IC50 1-47 nM for malaria and IC50 25-35 μM for amoebiasis) suggest that dose-dependent toxicity profiles may be quite varied for its repositioned use in malaria. Studies on naturally occurring, structurally similar analogues suggest that minor structural variations result in significant differences in pharmacology, toxicology and selectivity. A recent publication has established the cryo-EM secondary structure for emetine bound to the P. falciparum 80s ribosomal complex, verifying the target binding site of emetine [Wong 2014], enabling rational drug design and molecular modelling to be employed for further lead optimisation. New work in our lab has identified combinatorial partner drugs exhibiting synergistic activity with emetine, thus achieving further dose reduction to improve toxicity profiles.
Amany A Abd El-Aal
Cairo University, Egypt
Title: Local expression of T-cell population in sensitized and unsensitized experimental hydatidosis
Time : 14:20-14:50
Biography:
Amany A Abd El Aal has completed her MD degree in Medical Parasitology from Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University in collaboration with NAMRU-3 (Navy American Military Research Unit-3), Abbasia, Cairo, from 1990 to 1995. She is a Professor since 2006 and currently working in Medical Parasitology Department as well as Army Forces of College of Medicine (AFCM). She is a Member in the scientific committee responsible for promotion of professor & assistant professor working in the field of Medical Parasitology in Egyptian universities. She has published more than 45 papers, about 20 of them in international journals.
Abstract:
Previous studies have focused mainly on the dominating Th2 cell response in chronic hydatidosis to benefit parasite growth and development. However, the status of the innate and adaptive immune cells and their contributions to E. granulosus cyst progression remains inadequately understood especially those related to sensitized hosts. The aim of the present experimental study was to investigate the local cellular patterns of T-cell population, T-helper 1 (Th1), T-helper 2 (Th2), T regulatory (Treg) and T cytotoxic (CD8) in sensitized (immunized) and unsensitized animals (control), infected with E. granulosus larval stages using specific immune-histochemical markers (STAT4, GATA3, FOXP3 and CD8) respectively. Significantly higher expression levels were recorded with STAT4 and CD8 in lesions related to sensitized group than control which showed nearly negative expression (95.07±9.51 and 59.73±2.91 vs. 1.36±0.49 and 0.64±0.32 respectively, P<0.0001). On the contrary GATA3 showed significantly lower values in sensitized vs. unsensitized control (39.83±2.01 and 77.94±6.63 respectively, P<0.0001). Therefore, killing of the larval cestodes was through inflammatory and cytotoxic effect related to Th1 & CD8 rather than B cell dependant pathway that is usually established through Th2. These results perhaps signify the reduction of the tolerance response induced by Th2 in immunized group. Therefore, our study strongly conceived the importance of the inflammatory and cytotoxic subset of T-cell population in the protective mechanism against hydatid infection following vaccination. Revealing the profile of these immune cells may help to develop new therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for this serious infection.
M V Raghavendra Rao
Avalon University School of Medicine, Curacao
Title: New challenges and emerging issues in parasitology using new animal model (Scorpion)
Biography:
M V Raghavendra Rao has worked as a Professor of Microbiology, Parasitology, Immunology and Epidemiology in many Universities in India, China, Nepal, Libya and Philippines. Currently he is working at Avalon University School of Medicine, Curacao, Netherland Antilles. He has more than 40 years of teaching and research experience. He has authored 18 text books.
Abstract:
Warm countries are the worm countries. Parasitic infections are more in tropical countries and cause global health problem especially in developing countries. Man today living in a world created by him that becoming more and more hostile every day owing to pollution. The parasites will continue to emerge leading to unpredictable epidemics and challenges for the clinicians and scientists. Hence there is an urgent need of surveillance and control. Advance diagnostics, tests, vaccines, therapeutics and development of new drugs are needed. Viviparity is common amongst mammals but not many provide long gestation period. To study the long term parasitic toxic effects, it is essential to use long gestation period laboratory animal model. Rats have 21 days, rabbits 30, dog 60 days gestation period. Whereas gestation period is long as in case of sheep, horses, monkeys, elephants, they are not available and viable for research because of cost procurement and maintenance. So in this situation scorpion comes handy. The gestation period of scorpion is little over ten months. It is cheap, available, viable and reliable. Hence scorpion was chosen as a research model. The subtle effects of thalidomide tragedy resulting in phocomelia, apoda etc., in the offspring leads to untold miseries and similarly good number of cases of fetal deaths, still births, teratogenices etc. The author used scorpion as model in estimation of heavy metals like Mercury and Lead in embryonic development of scorpion and noticed similar effects.
Mohamed EL-Malky
Umm AL-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Genotyping of Cryptosporidium species isolated from diarrheic children in Makah, Saudi Arabia
Biography:
Mohamed EL-Malky has completed his PhD at the age of 35 years from Nagoya City University. Nagoya Japan and postdoctoral studies from Nagoya City University, School of Medicine and Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences. He is. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals. He is working now as a associate professor of Medical Parasitolgy, Faculty of Medicine, Umm AL-Qura University, Makah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidiosis is increasingly identified as an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies in high-income countries and low-resource settings have recognized the importance of cryptosporidium as a cause of diarrhea. The objectives of the current study were to determine the detection rate and the molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium in diarrheic children in Makah Region. A total of 1380 fecal samples were collected from children up to 14 years attending 3 of the major hospitals of Makah between March 2015 and January 2016. Collected stool samples were subjected to direct microscopic examination, staining of direct thin smears and crypto antigen detection using ImmunoCard STAT, Cryptosporidium/Giardia rapid test. A part of each positive stool sample was kept frozen at -20º C. Initial screening by staining and immunochromatographic detection kit revealed 22 possible positive cases. PCR was performed for positive cases by amplification of a portion of the sequence encoding the small (18S) subunit of rRNA producing a 435-bp product. Cryptosporidium genotyping was performed by RFLP analysis of PCR products. The genotyping distribution was 18 cases showing C. hominis genotype, four showing C. parvum genotype. The data showed a higher prevalence of C. hominis (81.8%), the commonest anthroponotic species, suggesting a human–human transmission. Further investigations are required to determine the subgenotypes of C. parvum to clarify the mode of transmission in order to improve the control measures. The fact that only human genotypes were detected suggests that cryptosporidiosis must be considered as a non zoonotic disease in Makah region.
A K Saxena
Government Raza Postgraduate College, India
Title: A note on phthirapteran ectoparasites infesting black kite (Milvus migrans)
Biography:
A K Saxena has completed his PhD from Banaras Hindu University and Postdoctoral studies from the same Institute. He is an Associate Professor of Zoology in Govt. Raza P.G. College, Rampur, UP, India. He has published more than 150 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a Joint Secretary of U.P. Govt. Colleges Academic Society.
Abstract:
A look on literature revealed that the population characteristics of Phthiraptera infesting black kite (Milvus migrans Boddaert) deserved investigation. Thirty two kites were sampled in District Rampur (UP) India during January 2011 to December 2012, for the presence of phthirapteran ectoparasites. Two amblyceran species, Laemobothrion maximum Scopoli and Colpocephalum turbinatum Denny and one ischnoceran louse, Degeeriella regalis Giebel were recovered. The prevalence, intensity of infestation, sample mean abundance, range of infestation, sex ratios and adult nymph ratios of three lice were recorded. C. turbinatum ranked first in the order of prevalence and intensity of infestation, followed by D. regalis. The prevalence and intensity of L. maximum was quite low. The present papers supplements information on the population characteristics, egg morphology, egg laying sites and the crop contents of three phthirapteran species infesting black kite (Milvus migrans).
- Young Research Forum
Location: Manchester
Session Introduction
Stephen A Spencer
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust,
The University of Manchester,UK
Title: Madagascar medical research expedition 2015: High prevalence and severe parasite loads of Schistosoma mansoni found in school aged children in Marolambo, Madagascar
Time : 14:50-15:15
Biography:
Stephen A Spencer was graduated with Honors from the University of Manchester Medical School in 2014. In 2013 he founded MADEX: Madagascar Medical Expeditions. By running yearly medical expeditions to the Marolambo, Madagascar, the aims of MADEX are to research schistosomiasis in this population and to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis infection on public health by controlling the disease through regular treatment and education.
Abstract:
Schistosomiasis carries a substantial burden on public health in Madagascar. A prevalence study in 1987 found that more than 50% of the population in Madagascar was infected with schistosomiasis. Due to poor infrastructure in the country, many treatment campaigns are unable to reach rural and remote regions of Madagascar. The aims of this research expedition were to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the Marolambo district of Eastern Madagascar (one of Madagascar’s most remote regions) to provide treatment for schistosomiasis and initiate a health education program. We screened 399 school aged children (five to fourteen years of age) for schistosomiasis from six schools along the Nosivolo River in Marolambo, using circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) testing and Kato-Katz procedures. This study revealed a prevalence of 94% across six schools attributed to Schistosoma mansoni infection. A mean of 482 schistosome eggs per gram of stool was found with increasing parasite loads and increasing prevalence associated with age. The preliminary results from this study have revealed an extremely high prevalence of S. mansoni infection in Marolambo. Furthermore, children were found to be infected with severe parasite loads indicating that schistosomiasis is likely to have had a significant impact on their health. This study has highlighted the crucial importance of carrying out such epidemiological surveys in remote regions in order to identify communities that are in need of appropriate medical interventions.
Caroline Ajonina
Hamburg University of Technology, Germany
Title: Bioaccumulation of waterborne parasites Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in freshwater bivalvia
Time : 15:15-15:40
Biography:
Caroline Ajonina is a Molecular Biologist and Researcher at the Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). Her main research areas include developing innovative methods for the identification of pathogens in wastewater effluents and the biological monitoring of water quality. She has worked on wastewater management in the public, private and non-profit sectors in Africa and Germany. In her current research, she investigates the downstream survival and dissemination of protozoans in bivalvia spread by wastewater effluents, focusing on the Rhine and Elbe river courses.
Abstract:
Although water is considered as one of the best investigated media, waterborne transmission of life-threatening microorganisms still constitutes a serious global health risk. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica are the main causative agents of water associated outbreaks of parasitic protozoan diseases documented worldwide. The pathogens are transmitted inter alia by ingestion of food or water contaminated by their transmissive stages (cysts or oocysts). We investigated the bioaccumulation of parasite stages in mussels downstream of wastewater treatment plants in the Rhine basin, Germany. The aim was to gain an in-depth understanding of the transmission dynamics of the pathogens by examining the links between wastewater discharge and the prevalence and dissemination of the pathogens. Thirty mussels of Dreissena polymorpha and Corbicula fluminea have been tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. histolytica using modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining techniques. Cryptosporidium spp. and E. histolytica were detected in 60 % (18) and G. duodenalis in 36% (11) of the samples examined. Few countries have laws that require regular monitoring of waterborne parasites in drinking water supplies and of their surveillance in wastewater treatment plants. Bivalvia are fundamental elements of the invertebrate biocoenosis in aquatic environments and are relatively site-faithful indicators. Owing to the filter-feeding habit of the bivalvia accumulation of parasite stages during filtration of hundreds litres of water is possible. Therefore, mussels could be perfect biomonitors for the detection of waterborne parasites.
Silva-Pedrosa R
Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
Title: Host immunocompetence influences the activation of neutrophils when exposed to Leishmania spp.
Time : 16:00-16:25
Biography:
Silva-Pedrosa R is currently pursuing Masters in Biomedical Sciences at the Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal. In 2012, she has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science by the Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz (ISCSEM), Lisbon, Portugal. She did a three-month Traineeship program in the Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentaledella Sicilia, Italy and has obtained experience in human and animal leishmaniasis.
Abstract:
Polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) constitute the first line of defense of the innate immune system against invading pathogens, such as the Leishmania parasite. This parasite cause leishmaniasis reported over 98 countries and affecting both animals and human beings. Depending on the infecting species of Leishmania and of host immunocompetence different clinical manifestations can be originated, mainly identified as cutaneous (CL) or visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The present study aims to evaluate the activation of PMN isolated from human donors with different immune competence when exposed to VL (L. infantum) and CL (L. amazonensis, L. guyanensis and L. shawi) species of Leishmania. Activation of oxidative pathway was assessed by Griess reaction and granule exocytosis was studied using enzymatic assays directed to neutrophil elastase (NE) and cathepsin G (CatG). Release of extracellular traps (NET) by parasite-exposed PMN was examined by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that all the species of Leishmania investigated in the present study induced CatG exocytosis and NET release despite immunocompetence of the studied subjects. On the contrary, the induction of oxidative stress and the release of NE diverge between PMN isolated from immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Taken together, these results pointing out to the possible existence of different approaches for PMN activation in association with host immunocompetence might be specifically primed by particular Leishmania antigens. Despite being short lifetime cells, neutrophils seem to be negatively influenced by immunosuppression, possibly impacting the effectiveness of early innate immune response against Leishmania spp. and consequently, influence the infection outcome.
Jesavel A Iguchi
University of Tsukuba, Japan
Title: RNA methylation stimulates mRNA recapping pathway in Trypanosoma brucei
Biography:
Jesavel A Iguchi completed her first Bachelor’s degree in the Philippines with a major in Medical Technology in 2010.She obtained her second Bachelor’s degree at the University of Tsukuba, Japan with a major in International Medical Science in 2014. Currently, she is undertaking her Master’s degree in Medical Science at the University of Tsukuba.
Abstract:
Trypanosoma brucei is a kinetoplastid protozoan parasite that causes African sleeping sickness in humans and Nagana in domestic animals. Virtually all kinetoplastid mRNA possess cap 4 structure (m7Gpppm6,2AmpAmpCmpm3Um) on the mature mRNA, which consists of standard cap 0 (m7Gppp-) with additional methylations at seven sites within the first four transcribed nucleosides. Trypanosoma brucei encodes a cytoplasmic recapping enzyme, TbCe1, which converts decapped monophosphorylated RNA into an unmethylated capped (GpppN-) RNA. However, in order to generate a translatable mRNA by TbCe1, the cap must be further methylated at (guanine N-7) position to form m7GpppN. We hypothesize that TbCmt1, which was previously shown to function as (guanine N-7) RNA methyltransferase, act together with TbCe1 in the cytoplasmic mRNA recapping pathway. We expressed the protein C-TEV-Protein A tag (PTP)-TbCmt1 fusion protein and showed that TbCmt1 is likely localized in the cytoplasm. We further demonstrated that TbCmt1 methyltransferase activity was stimulated by hypermethylation found in cap 4 structure. These results imply that TbCmt1 functions together with TbCe1 in the mRNA recapping pathway and suggests that mRNA recapping is selectively regulated by differential cap methylation. TbCmt1 may also act as a surveillance enzyme to ensure that only the hypermethylated capped RNAs return to the translational pool.
Bing-Mu Hsu
National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan
Title: Identification and distribution of Acanthamoeba species genotypes associated with keratitis infections in Taiwan watersheds
Time : 16:25-16:50
Biography:
Bing-Mu Hsu has received his PhD degree in Environmental Engineering from National Chiao Tung University. He is the Faculty of National Chung Cheng University in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He has published more than 65 original papers in SCI journals. His current research interests include environmental microbiology, environmental biotechnology, environmental pathogen analysis, environmental sampling technique and environmental risk assessment.
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba is one kind of free-living amoebae (FLA) which is ubiquitous in various aquatic environments. Several Acanthamoeba species are pathogenic and host to other pathogens such as Legionella, but the presence of Acanthamoeba and its parasites as well as the related infection risk are not well known. In this study, the surveillance and evaluation of the infection risk of Acanthamoeba in different aquatic environments was investigated. Water samples were collected from a river, intake areas of drinking water treatment plants and recreational hot spring complexes in Taiwan. A total of 140 water samples were tested for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. In addition, phylogenetic characteristics and water quality parameters were also assessed. The pathogenic genotypes of Acanthamoeba T4 were abundant in the hot spring water. Taken together, Acanthamoeba contamination in recreational hot springs and drinking water source warrants more attention on potential legionellosis and amoebae infections.
Ranjit Sah
Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Title: Reporting of Fasciola hepatica in Nepal for the first time
Biography:
Ranjit Sah is a MD Resident in Institute of Medicine, TUTH, Nepal. He has been undergoing researches regarding various clinical cases during his study period. Differentiation of Taenia species by simple ZN stain has been done and the article was published in JIOM under the title “Identification of Taenia in a 6 year old child”. Other cases has also been identified by him for the first time in Nepal like Acanthamoeba in corneal scraping of a patient with keratitis and Toxoxoplasma parasite (tachyzoite and bradyzoites) demonstrated in vitreous fluid etc. The articles are under process to be published.
Abstract:
Introduction: Fascioliasis is an infection caused by Fasciola hepatica, the sheep or common liver fluke. Fascioliasis includes biliary colic, with vomiting, persistent diarrhea, jaundice and a tender hepatomegaly with peripheral eosinophilia (40-85%). Infection occurs following the ingestion of the encysted cercariae (metacercaria) of the fluke commonly found in water-cress. This is a common mode of infestation of the definitive host (sheep, goat and cattle) of the parasite. Humans also get infected in the same manner; intermediate host is Snails of genus Lymnaea.
Case Report-1: We have detected first case of Fasciola hepatica in Nepal. Adult worm was found in the biliary tract of the patient during ERCP and their eggs (ova) were found during stool examination. For treatment, we used Nitazoxanide which was not found in Nepal and was brought from India. After 7 days of medication, patient condition improved and follows up 3-stool examination showed no eggs of Fasciola hepatica. Prior to the visit to our hospital (TUTH Kathmandu Nepal), she had already visited to different hospitals of Nepal and also India and was admitted with different provisional diagnosis like hepatocellular carcinoma, obstructive jaundice, cirrhosis of liver. She belongs to a poor family (daily labor) but has done all the required investigations for her provisional diagnosis with expenditure of Rs. 3-5Lakhs, yet her diagnosis was not confirmed. She has history of consumption of water cresses from river bank of her village which supported our diagnosis.
Case Report-2: Few weeks later, we found second case of Fasciola hepatica. Adult worm was found in the antrum of stomach (unusual site) on endoscopy. Endoscopy was done for melaena. On stool examination, we found ova of Fasciola hepatica along with the larva of Strongyloides stercolis co-infection. Again we brought Nitazoxanide (500mg BD 7 days) from India for Fasciola hepatica and abendazole 400mg BD 3 days for Strongyloides. On follow up of stool examination, no eggs of Fasciola hepatica seen but larva of Strongyloides stercoralis were numerous. Then we treated the patient with Ivermectine and on further follow up examination there were no eggs of Fasciola hepatica and larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. This case also gives the history of consumption of water cresses from Local River.
Mahmoodreza Behravan
Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Title: Isolation and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp. in surface waters of Qaen County, north of South Khorasan, Iran
Time : 16:50-17:15
Biography:
Mahmoodreza Behravan has completed his Msc of Medical Parasitology from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran and PhD studies from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. He is the Researcher and Faculty Member of Department of Microbiology at Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Abstract:
Free living amoebae (FLA) are frequently distributed in environment, such as air, water, dust and soil. Some strains of Acanthamoeba spp. are non-pathogen, while others are pathogenic in immunocompromised patients or even healthy persons. So, due to their medical importance, identification of free living amoeba in water resources as a source of human infection is necessary. The aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of Acanthamoeba spp. in surface waters of Qaen County, north of South Khorasan, Iran, during 2014-2015. In a cross-sectional study, 50 samples were collected from different locations in Qaen County including surface waters, pools and fountains in parks and squares and water stations from October 2014 to January 2015. Each sample was filtered through a nitrocellulose membrane filters and cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA) with Escherichia coli suspension and incubated for 1 week to 2 months at room temperature. The plates were examined by microscopy to morphologically identify Acanthamoeba spp. Following DNA extraction, PCR using specific primers (JDP1, JDP2) was used to confirm the morphologically identification. Out of 50 water samples, 19 (38%) were positive for Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts according to morphological criteria. In addition, Acanthamoeba spp. was identified by PCR method using genus specific primers pairs in 15 (78.9%) cases of positive cultures showing a nearly 500 bp band. According to prevalent of Acanthamoeba spp. in surface stagnant waters of Qaen County, more attention to the potential role of such waters in transmission of infection by the regional clinicians and health practitioners is necessary.
Parik Kakani
Birla Institute of Science and Technology, India
Title: Anopheles stephensi dual oxidase maintains microbial homeostasis in blood fed midgut
Time : 17:15-17:40
Biography:
Parik Kakani has completed her Master’s degree from School of Biotechnology, Devi Ahilya University. She is pursuing PhD from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, India under the supervision of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar. The broader area of her research is exploring the Anopheles immunity against blood-borne antigens to arrest Plasmodium development. She has authored four papers which have been published by reputed journals.
Abstract:
The presence of bacteria in mosquito gut is mainly involved in the food digestion. After blood meal they proliferate and are protected from immune attacks by the formation of gut barriers. Simultaneously, it is also required that the gut microbial population should not over proliferate to cause any deleterious effect on the host and thus there is the need of maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate that A. stephensi dual oxidase (AsDUOX) is not only protecting the gut bacteria through barrier formation but it is also responsible for balancing their population after the blood meal. The transcriptional analysis revealed that AsDUOX is highly induced in the blood fed midgut and its silencing significantly increased the gut bacteria in these midguts. However, the AsDUOX silencing has non-significant effect on the mortality of mosquito. This is due to the induction of an array of anti-bacterial immune genes in silenced midguts. These findings reveal that the multiple levels of immune responses are functional to control the bacterial population in the blood fed midgut. We hypothesized that manipulating the microbial homeostasis will introduce new frontiers in blocking the malaria transmission as the gut bacteria have been reported as suppressors of the Plasmodium development.
Prabhu Gaurav
Avalon University School of Medicine, Curaçao
Title: Diagnosis of taeniasis and cysticercosis by using different types of advanced serological tests
Biography:
Gaurav Prabhu is currently studying Medicine at Avalon University School of Medicine. He finished his high school form India. Gaurav has worked extensively in various different researches while focusing on his education. He has also served in numerous Non Profit Organizations to provide better healthcare worldwide. He aspires to succeed as a good clinician as well as a splendid researcher in the future.
Abstract:
Aim: The aim of the project is to develop a diagnostic test for cysticercosis by Immunoassay techniques.
Materials & Methods: Taeniasis is also diagnosed by serological tests like IHA, CoA, ELISA and Western Blotting.
Results: Among the immunological techniques for cysticercosis diagnosis IHA gave some false positives. Compare to IHA, CoA gave good results. But compare to these techniques Dot ELISA and Western blot gave good results. IHA and CoA gave cross reactivity with patient sera.
Conclusion: ELISA and Western blot gave good results compared to that of other tests. But in rural areas, especially in the developing countries, these tests (ELISA, Western Blot) faced with many difficulties. The IHA (Indirect Hemagglutination test) and CoA (Co Agglutination) tests are proved to be simple and rapid more over cost effective for the diagnosis of cysticercosis.
- Special Session on Waterborne and food-borne parasites By Panagiotis Karanis, University of Cologne, Germany
Qinghai University, China
Location: Manchester
Session Introduction
Panagiotis Karanis
Qinghai University, China
Title: Waterborne and food-borne parasites
Biography:
Panagiotis Karanis has obtained his PhD in Parasitology from Bonn University. Following Post-doctoral research activities in Germany, Greece, Australia, Japan, Kanada, Thailand and China he has been working in the field of medical, epidemiological and molecular Parasitology taken into account both the pathogen and the disease. His worldwide research activities focused in the control of water-borne and vector-borne parasitic diseases including the development of diagnostic assays useful for basic and clinical platforms in the field of biomedicine. He was the main speaker of the Nobel-Days-Lecture during the Nobel-Days-Festivities at the Orebro University in Sweden in December 10th, 2012, focused on Malaria vaccine development.
Abstract:
Despite a large number of reports and significant resulting data for water and food-borne protozoan parasites exist, many questions remain. Although, knowledge concerning the objectives and technological tools for monitoring has been substantially improved questions regarding the most effective methodology remain. In this workshop, we address topics on the occurrence and distribution, epidemiology, disease, detection and control measures of various water and food-borne protozoan parasites. These protozoan parasites are cosmopolitan and they have main routes of transmission via water and food. Some waterborne protozoa are well known, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. We give priority on the methodology developed and applied mainly for monitoring of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in water over the last 40 years. There is a plethora of information regarding these two pathogens, including their distribution/detection in water and related outbreaks. In contrast, insufficient information is available for Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Isospora belli, Blastocystis hominis, Balantidium coli and Free-Living Amoebae (FLA). All of these parasites have water and food-borne transmission and they can be significant pathogens for animals and/or humans. The available detection tools applied for the water and food surveillance of the most common but also the neglected water and food-borne protozoa as mentioned above will be addressed, including the consequences of their presence in water and food and provide future perspectives.
- Track: Medical Parasitology
Track Approaches: Parasitic Disease Control
Location: Manchester
Session Introduction
Michael J Coyne
Scottish Parasite and Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (SPDRL),UK
Title: Implementing an inter-laboratory exchange program for parasitology: Improving quality and strengthening links between two national diagnostic centres
Time : 10:30-11:00
Biography:
Michael J Coyne is currently a Lab Manager at SPDRL, where he has been based since 2007. He is also an IT Manager at Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories, Glasgow and has a keen interest in systems development. His recent publications include C. hominis diversity in Scotland and Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosis.
Abstract:
Quality Assurance (QA) schemes are an essential requirement for accredited diagnostic laboratories, ensuring confidence in the tests performed. The Scottish Parasite Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (SPDRL) subscribe to a wide range of QA schemes including UK NEQAS, molecular testing schemes for Cryptosporidium and Plasmodium species and an in-house internal quality assurance scheme (IQA). The UK NEQAS offer a broad range of parasitology schemes that SPDRL subscribe to; however no formal schemes exist for a small number of essential parasitology tests. In order to ensure quality is maintained in all areas of testing, an exchange scheme was established between SPDRL and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) in October 2014. This includes tests not covered in any other scheme available in the UK. The schedule includes three additional serological tests (Trypanosoma brucei gambiense IgG, Leishmania IgG, Fasciola IgG), one fecal antigen test (E. histolytica adhesin) and recently introduced assays for the molecular detection of Leishmania DNA. The scheme has been in operation for 18 months with each site alternating between issuing samples for testing on a monthly basis. The scheme has been beneficial in a number of ways: It has helped to satisfy the quality requirements of our accreditation bodies and has contributed to the consolidation of links between both centres, facilitating further collaboration such as the validation of new methodologies and the sharing of rarer sample material. This has been a very positive experience and we aim to continue to encourage this scheme to promote excellence, further collaborations and sharing of expertise.
Amany A Abd El-Aal
Cairo University, Egypt
Title: Toxoplasmosis and abortion: Pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines gene expression of the host immune cells
Time : 11:00-11:30
Biography:
Amany A Abd El Aal has completed her MD degree in Medical Parasitology from Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University in collaboration with NAMRU-3 (Navy American Military Research Unit-3), Abbasia, Cairo, from 1990 to 1995. She is a Professor since 2006 and currently working in Medical Parasitology Department as well as Army Forces of College of Medicine (AFCM). She is a Member in the scientific committee responsible for promotion of professor & assistant professor working in the field of Medical Parasitology in Egyptian universities. She has published more than 45 papers, about 20 of them in international journals.
Abstract:
This work aimed to study gene expression profile of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in Toxoplasma sero-positive women presenting with repeated abortion compared to Toxoplasma sero-positive multiparous women with no history of abortions. The study groups included; group I: 19 cases of repeated abortions with no successful pregnancy, group II: 28 multiparous women, without any abortions and group III: 14 multigravida with successful pregnancies & suffered few abortions. All samples were positive for anti Toxoplasma IgG and IgM. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) system was optimized to measure gene expression of pro-inflammatory IFN-γ & TNF-α and anti-inflammatory IL-10 & TGF-β cytokines. All studied cytokines were significantly up-regulated in group I, with remarkable bias towards IFN-γ, denoting a predominant inflammatory state in group I, compared to the other groups. In group II; the 4 tested cytokines were approximately in a balanced state with a little shift towards the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 & TGF-β). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was detected between pro-inflammatory together (p=0.002, r=0.96) and between anti-inflammatory cytokines together (p=0.0008, r=0.99) in group II, indicating the harmonized and synchronized expression of both pro & anti-inflammatory cytokines. In group III, IL-10 was relatively higher versus other cytokines with negative correlation with IFN-γ (p=0.006, r=0.93), indicating the possible regulatory role of IL10 in saving some of pregnancies’ outcomes in group III. The results of the present study suggests a potential role of these cytokines in the upcoming prognostic or/and therapeutic concerns in women suffering from repeated abortion associated with chronic toxoplasmosis.
Mohammad Yousuf Mubarak
Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan
University of Michigan, USA
Title: Hygienic practices and diarrheal illness among persons living in at-risk settings in Kabul, Afghanistan: A cross sectional study
Time : 11:50-12:20
Biography:
Mohammad Yousuf Mubarak has completed his MD from Kabul Medical University and MPH studies from National Institute of Public Health in Japan. He has also completed two research fellowships at Purdue University in Indiana and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor Michigan, United States respectively. He is a Faculty Member and the Head of Microbiology Department at Kabul Medical University in Kabul, Afghanistan, a Governmental Higher Education and Research organization. He has published more than 11 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Afghan Medical Journal (AMJ).
Abstract:
Background: Sustained civil and military conflict, resulting in large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDP) in combination with rapid urbanization has severely strained public health and sanitation within cities in Afghanistan. In order to examine the association between preventive sanitary behaviors and diarrhea within two high risk settings located within Kabul, Afghanistan, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hygienic practices and diarrheal illness in an IDP camp and an urban slum.
Methods: In this cross sectional study, a convenience sample of residents of an IDP camp and an urban slum in Kabul, Afghanistan was used. Participants were asked to describe their hygienic practices and interviewers independently documented household sanitation. The knowledge and attitudes about and practice of hygienic activities to prevent diarrhea were compared between the two settings and associations between preventive factors and household diarrhea in the past three months was evaluated using logistic regression.
Results: Two hundred participants, 100 from each setting were enrolled. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding hygienic activities to prevent diarrhea were greater among the slum dwellers than the IDP. Slum dwellers were more likely to wash their hands with soap before eating (P=0.006) or after defecating (P=0.0022), compared to those in the IDP camp, though fewer than half did so in either setting. Diarrhea in the household within the past 3 months was more common in the IDP camp (54%) than the slum (20%) (P=0.0022). In the fully adjusted model, only setting was significantly associated with diarrheal illness (IDP camp vs. slum OR: 5.39, 95% CI: 2.45, 11.86).
Conclusions: Even though certain sanitary and hygienic practices were more common among slum dwellers than IDPs, the high absolute burden of diarrhea and lack of hygienic activities in both setting indicates that interventions to change behavior, like increasing the availability of soap and encouraging hand washing are needed. Any initiative will have to be developed in the context of pervasive illiteracy among persons in both of these settings.
Oluyomi Sowemimo Abayomi
Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Title: Prevalence of Toxocara eggs in hair and faecal samples from dogs in Southwest Nigeria
Time : 12:20-12:50
Biography:
Oluyomi Sowemimo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. He is also the Deputy Director of a registered charity organisation St. Andrew’s Clinic for Children, Ile Ife (STACCILEIFE) based in the Department of Zoology, OAU. His main research interest is in the epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths including Toxocara and Ascaris. His research efforts have also focussed on epidemiology of schitosomiasis. He is a recipient of a number of awards including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Health Travel Award which he enjoyed for four years (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2014).
Abstract:
This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Toxocara eggs on hair and faecal samples of domestic dogs from Ibadan and Ilesa, Southwest Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected from a total of 477 dogs and hair samples collected from neck, back and anal region of 267 dogs and examined for the presence of Toxocara canis eggs by a standardised technique. T. canis eggs were recovered from faecal samples of 144 dogs giving a prevalence of 30.2% and hair samples of 48 (18.0%) dogs. The prevalence of T. canis eggs in faecal samples was greater than those detected in hair samples (P < 0.05). A total of 118 eggs were recovered from the hair samples with neck region having the highest (95 eggs) recovered. Eggs of T. canis recovered from the hair samples were classified as unembryonated while both embryonating and embryonated eggs were recovered from the faecal samples. Dogs less than six months old were observed to harbour more eggs in their faecal samples than other age groups while dogs aged 7-12 months harbour more eggs in their hair samples. This study has revealed that dogs without intestinal infections harboured T. canis eggs on their hair and so uninfected animals can also pose a threat in terms of the eggs present on their hair, although a small risk.
Xinyue Cheng
Beijing Normal University, China
Title: RNAi delivery by feeding in the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Time : 13:30-14:00
Biography:
Xinyue Cheng has obtained her PhD degree in the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1998 and presently she is working as a Professor at Beijing Normal University. Her current researches focus on biology, ecology and molecular biology of invasive species, mainly plant parasitic nematodes and insects.
Abstract:
RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable tool for studying gene function in vivo and provides a functional genomics platform in a wide variety of organisms. The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a prominent invasive plant-parasitic nematode and has become a serious worldwide threat to forest ecosystems. Currently, we constructed an effective silencing vector, pDH-RH, which contains a transcriptional unit for a hairpin loop structure. Utilizing this vector, double-stranded (ds) RNAs with sequences homologous to the target genes can be expressed in a transformed ï¬lamentous fungus via Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation technology and can subsequently induce the knockdown of target gene mRNA expression in B. xylophilus by allowing the nematode to feed on the fungal transformants. Dumpy related genes were used as targets to detect RNAi efficiency. By allowing the nematode to feed on target gene transformed Fusarium oxysporum strains, target transcripts were knocked down significantly compared with those feeding on the wild type strain as determined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Morphological RNAi phenotypes were observed, displaying obviously reduced body length; weak dumpy or small (short and thin) body size or general abnormalities. Moreover, compensatory regulation and non specific silencing of dpy genes were found in B. xylophilus. Our results indicate that RNAi delivery by feeding in B. xylophilus is a successful technique. This platform may provide a new opportunity for undertaking RNAi-based, genome wide gene functional studies in vitro in B. xylophilus. This platform may also be applicable to other parasitic nematodes that have a facultative, fungivorous habit.
Liqing M A
Qinghai University, China
Title: Cryptosporidium and Giardia in drinking water and waste water reservoirs in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau Area (TPA) in Qinghai Province, NW of China
Time : 14:00-14:30
Biography:
Liqing M A has been awarded his BSc in Agriculture from the Qinghai College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science in China. He has practiced at the Clinical Veterinary at Hudong Breeding Sheep Farm of Qinghai Province and he was an Assistant Researcher at Qinghai Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Xining, Qinghai. Later he attended the Department of Preventable Veterinary, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University & awarded the degree of coordination MSC in Agriculture, Gansu Province. From 2003-2004, he was JICA Participant at the National Research Center for Protozoan Disease, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan and he has been awarded the Certificate in Protozoan Diseases. From 2002-2006, he has worked as Vice Researcher at Qinghai Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Xining, Qinghai and since 2006, he is a Guest Researcher in the same Academy. In 2013, he was a Visiting Scholar at Utah State University, USA. His main research interests are in the field of animal disease diagnosis and control and he has worldwide research activities focused in how to control animal disease and quality of animal products in balance with the environment.
Abstract:
Investigations about degree of contamination of drinking and waste waters in Qinghai Province are rare. Between June 2014 and June 2016, in total 421 samples from drinking water (n=158) reservoirs and slaughter house waste water (n=263) have been collected and investigated by IFT and nPCR for Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts contamination. 39 out of the 421 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium and 3 out of 421 samples were positive for Giardia spp., by IFT. Using nPCR, 35 out of the 421 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium and 54 out of 421 positive for Giardia spp. All positive samples have been subjected to sequencing. 27 out of 35 positive by PCR for Cryptosporidium have been sequenced. After sequencing the following species have been identified: Cryptosporidium andersoni; C. struthioni ,C. hominis; C. environmental unknown species; C. parvum; C. viatorum. 41 out of 54 Giardia positive by PCR have been sequenced, all the identified species belong to the Giardia lamblia Assemblage 2. These research investigations are still ongoing. This study reveals a significant contamination of municipal slaughter waste water effluents. A great portion of oocysts still reaches the environment daily with the discharge of untreated effluent into the water body, resulting in risks of parasite transmission to humans and animals. The high density of parasites in the investigated sewage sludge represents a high threat for public health and highlights the need of control of effluents and sludge from municipal slaughter house waste waters. Adequate sanitation on site is urgently needed.
Yuan Dong Mei
Sichuan University, China
Title: Redescription of Chinese Leishmania isolates based on morphology and molecular phylogeny
Time : 14:30-14:55
Biography:
Yuan Dong Mei has obtained her Master’s degree at Southwest University in 2014. She is currently a Doctoral candidate at the Department of Parasitology, College of Basic and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, China.
Abstract:
Leishmaniasis are a complex range of diseases caused by infection with protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which is still endemic in the west and northwest frontier regions of China. The previous phylogenetic studies based on COII, 18 S rRNA and 7SL RNA of Chinese Leishmania isolates indicate that the isolates from China may have had a more complex evolutionary history and an undescribed Leishmania species does exist in China. The Chinese representative isolates morphology were characterized and compared by cell and flagellum length, subpellicular microtubules counts using optical and electron microscopy. The Hsp 70 gene and cyt b gene sequences of Chinese isolates, two reliable markers for the species discrimination and phylogenetic analysis within the genus Leishmania were sequenced after PCR amplification. Then the sequences were aligned and the method of Bayesian inference was used for phylogenetic analysis. Through light microscopic observation, there existed differences among 5 Leishmania representatives from different foci of China in shape in the same period. Through electron microscopy, the promastigotes of 5 strains showed roughly identical intracellular structures except that the Golgi apparatus has not yet been observed in the isolate MHOM/ CN/90/SC10H2. 11 Hsp 70 sequences and 15 cyt b sequences were obtained in this study and then analyzed with 54 Hsp 70 sequences and 36 cyt b sequences retrieved from Genbank, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Chinese Leishmania isolates occurred in four groups: L. donovani complex, L. tropica complex, L. major complex and Sauroleishmania. In conclusion, there are morphological differences among Leishmania isolates from different foci of China. The undescribed Leishmania sp. of China, which was most closely related to L. tarentolae belongs to Sauroleishmania. The ultrastructure characteristic of Leishmania sp. (MHOM/ CN/90/SC10H2) provides evidence to support it.
Biography:
Qin Han Xiao was graduated from Sichuan University in 2014 and is currently a Postgraduate student at the Department of Parasitology, College of Basic and Forensic Medicine, Sichuanz University and his main research contents is Toxoplasma gondii infection and behavior modification.
Abstract:
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligated intracellular parasites which impact almost one third of world’s population and this infectious trend has been increased since more and more families keep pet especially feline, the definitive host of T. gondii; this high viability parasite has ability to infect almost all karyocyte. Immunocompetent human infected with T. gondii often shows changes in temper, memory and character, probably for the reason that the tissue cysts existed in brain exerts some influence on nervous system such as regulation of the level of dopamine, 5-HT and serotonin etc. Our research established a time gradient infection model using heterozygous female/male KM mice (Mus musculus) inoculated with T. gondii RH strain, following by detection of gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, the rate limiting enzyme of biosynthesis of dopamine) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK, phosphorylate the 31 Ser of TH). The results confirmed the existence of the effects that T. gondii imposed on mice mesocephalous dopamine system, meanwhile, the gene expression curve of TH and ERK shows a fluctuant variation. Subsequently protein measurement of those enzyme supported aforementioned results. Statistic analysis also present a significant difference between the expression of female TH gene and male TH gene after infection, which suggest that there might be a different responding mechanism to T. gondii infection between female and male mice. These changes in brain along with other signal path might cause behavior modification eventually.
- Workshop On Environmentally-related parasitic diseases in tropical countries by Luiz Euribel Prestes-Carneiro, Oeste Paulista University and Regional Hospital, Brazil
Location: Manchester
- E-posters
Location: Manchester
Session Introduction
Jesca Nakayima
National Livestock Resources Research Institute, Uganda
Title: Genotyping of infectious bronchitis viruses and blood parasites in free ranging and commercial chickens in Uganda
Biography:
Jesca Nakayima is a PhD graduate from Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan (2014). She is specialized in Molecular Epidemiology. She holds a Master of Wildlife Health & Management (MWHM) and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) from Makerere University, in 2006 and 2002 respectively. She joined National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)/National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) in June 2006, where she is working till date. She has worked under the Biotechnology section then later Livestock health Program. She has participated in the surveillance and control of Trypanosomiasis. She has also worked on the molecular epidemiology of zoonoses, protozoan parasites, helminthes, wildlife diseases, tick-borne diseases, viruses, among others.
Abstract:
The poultry sub-sector is crucially important in the context of agricultural growth and improvement of diets of the people in Uganda. The sub-sector is particularly important; in that it is a significant source for the supply of protein and nutrition in households’ nutritional intake. It is an attractive economic activity as well, especially to women and poor population. However, the poultry industry faces several challenges among which are diseases. I intend to survey both free ranging and commercial chicken for infectious bronchitis, a production disease, blood parasites and zoonotic pathogens. I intend to evaluate Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification LAMP for the diagnosis of some of the zoonotic pathogens. I will also undertake a comparative evaluation of pathogens of Guinea fowl which is a wildlife avian species but is semi domesticated in northern Uganda; these could be a reservoir of pathogens to domestic poultry. Gastrointestinal parasites of the birds will also be analyzed.
Manana Lortkipanidze
Ilia State University, Georgia
Title: Entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of Musca domestica L (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)
Biography:
Manana Lordkipanidze has completed her PhD from Ilia State University, Institute of Zoology. She is the main Investigator of entomopathogens. She has more than 70 papers published in reputed journals.
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of using entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of house fly Musca domestica L (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae) in field conditions. The house fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus, is a well known cosmopolitan pest of both farm and home. This species is always found in association with humans or the activities of humans. The biological agents’ entomopathogenic nematodes of the Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae families are pathogenic for a range of pests. These nematodes are symbiotically associated with entomopathogenic bacteria Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus. For the experiment we used pupae and larvae of fly (50-50) colonized 2 kg cattle dung. For infestation of insects the nematode suspension with certain concentration 10000 nematodes/ml was prepared. Three test samples were taken, to each dung sample was added 70, 50, 25 ml from the mentioned suspension. Appropriately, in test sample-I the number of nematodes was 350 per 1 g dung, in test sample-II: 250 and in test sample-III: 125. As the result showed in sample-I pupae and larvae mortality achieved 88.2-78%, in sample-II, mortality was 43.5-40% and in test sample-III, was approximately 32.3-28.3%. The insects died mostly in the pupa stage. The analysis of the experiments conducted by us provide evidence that the most efficient dose of the nematode suspension applied against pupae and larvae of fly colonized on cattle dung is 350 IJs/g. Both species of entomopathogenic namatodes produced mortality of experimental insects, although the S. feltiae was more significant than H. bacteriophira.
Asmaa M I Abuzeid
Suez Canal University, Egypt
Title: Studies on the trematode parasites of stray dogs in Egypt
Biography:
Asmaa M I Abuzeid has completed her MSVSc from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University. She is an Assistant Lecturer of Parasitology in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University.
Abstract:
In a study on trematodes of stray dogs in Ismailia Province, Egypt, 50 stray dogs of different sexes and ages were humanely euthanized, necropsied and examined for trematodes. The total prevalence of trematodes was 36%. Fourteen trematode species were recorded as the following; Prohemistomum vivax (4%), Mesostephanus appendiculatus (16%), Mesostephanus melvi (6%), Mesostephanus sp. (2%), Echinochasmus liliputans (16%), Heterophyes dispar (14%), Pygidiopsis genata (20%), Pygidiopsis summa (4%), Ascocotyle rara (4%), Phagicola longus (6%), Phagicolla longicollis (4%), Metagonimus yokogawai (4%), Haplorchis pumilio (6%) and Apophallus donicus (4%). Pygidiopsis summa and Ascocotyle rara were recorded for the first time in Ismailia Province and this may be the first time to be recorded among the Egyptian dogs. Mesostephanus spp., had the highest intensity 95.5 (18-170) followed by Pygidiopsis spp. 26.7 (10-40), Echinochasmus liliputans 19 (10-36), Heterophyes dispar 13 (5-20), Phagicola longus 5.7 (2-10), Prohemistomum vivax 3 (1-5), Ascocotyle rara and Haplorchis pumilio 3 (2-4) each, Metagonimus yokogawai 2.5 (2-3), Phagicola longicollis and Apophallus donicus 2 (1-3) each. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the prevalence of trematodes between different ages (60% in adult and 0% in young dogs), while there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of the detected trematodes in relation to the sex of dogs. From this study, it could be concluded that stray dogs in Ismailia City carry a multitude trematode parasites, thus posing a risk for the human population and companion dogs.
Biography:
Isaia Sotiriadou has completed her PhD at the University of Cologne. She was an Associate Researcher on several FP7 projects funded by the EU and she is currently appointed as a Supervisor in the Interdisciplinary Laboratory at the Polyclinic of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology. She has authored and co-authored several papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
There is an ongoing demand for the development of different molecular tools with the aim of realizing an efficient method that is simple, fast and economic for the effective detection of life threatening microorganisms in water. In principle, the loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been advocated as a unique, easy and low cost genetic analysis tool for resource-poor settings with increased sensitivity and specificity for the accurate detection of human pathogenic waterborne protozoan in the field or at the point of care by clinicians. LAMP has been successfully applied for several taxa including Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica and matrices like stool, blood, tissues and environmental samples. Here, we demonstrate the most significant waterborne parasites that are detectable using LAMP. A unified strategy showing the investigation procedure comprises of sample collection, purification, segmentation and molecular analysis will be presented, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of LAMP assay in comparison to PCR assay. The synergy of using this innovative and rapid assay indicates the important impact in the event of outbreaks caused by life threatening pathogens and for tracking the source of contamination. The combination of the LAMP together with the already existing PCR, and the sequencing and genotyping of the end product, provides valuable information to scientists and physicians for prevention, safety and the health of the population. LAMP assay is valuable for medical outcomes (diagnoses), for tracking the source of infections and for monitoring purposes. Its economic importance is also significant for the detection of parasites at the earliest possible stage in the field.
Galina A Yakovleva
Institute of Biology of Karelian Research Centre of RAS, Russia
Title: Trematode Apophallus muehlingi (Jagerskiold, 1899) Luhe, 1909 in gulls in Northwest Russia
Biography:
Galina A Yakovleva has completed her PhD from Petrosavadsk State of University. She is the Research Associate of Institute of Biology of Karelian Research Centre of RAS. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The study focused on the quantitative assessment of the trematode Apophallus muehlingi (Jagerskiold, 1899) infection in gull species living on Lake Ladoga shores (61°12′N; 32°54′E). A. muehlingi is actively dispersing northwestwards and metacercariae of this species can cause epizootic events in fish. Gulls (81 specimens) were surveyed in spring and autumn in the period between 2010 and 2015. The sample set included 7 species: Larus argentatus, L. canus, L. fuscus, L. minutus, L. ridibundus, Sterna hirundo, S. paradisaea. Mature trematodes A. muehlingi were detected only in L. canus and L. minutes in spring, instantly after their return from wintering grounds. The highest infection rates were found in Common Gull, which yielded 12% prevalence and mean intensity 5.1, whereas the rates in Little Gull were 6% and 0.7, respectively. The birds examined in autumn were free of the trematode infection, suggesting that A. muehlingi cannot yet complete its life cycle along Ladoga shores because local waters lack the snail Lithoglyphus naticoides (the first intermediate host of parasite). Over the past 50 years this snail from the Black Sea has spread from the downstream Volga up to Rybinskoye impoundment reservoir. If L. naticoides continues dispersing at the current rate, the mollusk may soon reach the waters in the Onego and Ladoga catchments. This intervention would generate the conditions required for A. muehlingi to complete life cycle and thus results in epizooty of local fish species with trematode metacercariae.
Julia A Loos
National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina
Title: Preventive and clinical efficacies of metformin against experimental cyst echinococcosis
Biography:
Julia A Loos is graduated in Biological Science (National University of Mar del Plata, 2011) and she is pursuing her PhD under the direction of Prof. Dr. Andrea Cumino. She has been serving as assistant teacher for subjects such as Histology, General Microbiology and Farmacology, that are part of the Biology and Biochemistry courses of study. She participates in several research projects on Parasitology and has published original articles. Currently, her research is focused on the study of intermediary metabolism and energy control in the larval stage of Echinococcus spp.
Abstract:
Metformin (Met) is an antihyperglycemic and a potential anticancer agent which may exert its anti-proliferative effects, both indirectly through the systemic reduction of insulin levels and directly, via the induction of energetic stress, involving the inhibition of ATP production, the activation of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the inhibition of the target of rapamycin complex (TORC1). The drug shows good oral bioavailability (50-60%), is stable and not metabolized and its pharmacokinetics is regulated by transporters of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS). The aim of this study was to test the in vitro effect of Met alone or in combination with low concentrations of albendazole (ABZ) on Echinococcus granulosus larval stage and to report on their effects in vivo employing murine cyst echinococcosis infection model. Viable protoscoleces (PTS, N=3000) and metacestodes (MTC, N=20) were cultured in vitro in 199 medium and mortality was calculated daily. To determine the in vivo clinical and chemoprophylactic efficacies, mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with viable PTS and then treated once daily by intragastric administration for 60 days with the Met (50 mg kg-1 day-1) and ABZ (5 mg kg-1 day-1), separately and in combination (both Met at 50 mg kg-1 day-1 and ABZ at 50 mg kg-1 day-1). Next, the hydatid cysts collected from the peritoneal cavity of the animals were weighed and analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, determining also the Met intracyst concentration. Administration of Met to cultured PTS and MTC showed significant dose and time dependent killing effects and the combination of Met and ABZ-SO, (the main active metabolite of ABZ), had an synergistic effect from day 12 or 4 in PTS and MTC, respectively. RT-PCR analysis indicated expression of the five genes encoding for Echinococcus organic cation transporters in PTS and MTC. In Met treated MTC an overexpression of all studied genes was observed, except for Eg-slcD; while that in PTS no changes in the transcriptional expression level of these genes was detected, except for Eg-slcE. In the clinical efficacy study, the weight of hydatid cysts was significantly decreased upon treatment with each drug (P<0.01), but the decrease was more prominent in the group receiving the combined treatments than that with either drug alone (p<0.05). In the chemoprophylactic study statistical differences (p<0.01) were registered in the weight of the cysts obtained from untreated mice compared with mice treated with Met. In addition, Met concentration was estimated in cysts obtained from Met or Met plus ABZ treated mice. Drug concentration was 43% higher in samples from animals treated with both drugs (60±5 μg/cyst g) compared to those receiving Met alone (35±7 μg/cyst g). Our results indicate that Met has anti-echinococcal effects and its combination with ABZ has significant additive effects, therefore both drugs may improve the anti-parasitic therapy.
Ranjit Sah
Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Title: Reporting of Fasciola hepatica in Nepal for the first time
Biography:
Ranjit Sah is a Resident at Institute of Medicine of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal. He has been undergoing researches regarding various clinical cases during his study period. He has done research on differentiation of Taenia species by simple ZN stain and the article was published in JIOM with title “Identification of Taenia in a 6 year old childâ€. He has identified for the first time cases in Nepal like Acanthamoeba in corneal scraping of a patient with keratitis and Toxoxoplasma parasite (tachyzoite and bradyzoites) demonstrated in vitreous fluid etc.
Abstract:
Introduction: Fascioliasis is an infection caused by Fasciola hepatica, the sheep or common liver fluke. Fascioliasis includes biliary colic, with vomiting, persistent diarrhea, jaundice and a tender hepatomegaly with peripheral eosinophilia (40-85%). Infection occurs following the ingestion of the encysted cercariae (metacercaria) of the fluke commonly found in water-cress. This is a common mode of infestation of the definitive host (sheep, goat and cattle) of the parasite. Humans also get infected in the same manner; intermediate host is Snails of genus Lymnaea.
rnrn Case Report-1: We have detected first case of Fasciola hepatica in Nepal. Adult worm was found in the biliary tract of the patient during ERCP and their eggs (ova) were found during stool examination. For treatment, we used Nitazoxanide which was not found in Nepal and was brought from India. After 7 days of medication, patient’s condition improved and follow up of 3 stool-examinations showed no eggs of Fasciola hepatica. Prior to the visit to our hospital (TUTH Kathmandu Nepal), she had already visited to different hospitals of Nepal and also India and was admitted with different provisional diagnosis like hepatocellular carcinoma, obstructive jaundice, cirrhosis of liver. She belongs to a poor family (daily labor) but has done all the required investigations for her provisional diagnosis with expenditure of Rs. 3-5 lakhs, yet her diagnosis was not confirmed. She has history of consumption of water cresses from river bank of her village which supported our diagnosis.
rnrn Case Report-2: Few weeks later, we found second case of Fasciola hepatica. Adult worm was found in the antrum of stomach (unusual site) on endoscopy. Endoscopy was done for melaena. On stool examination, we found ova of Fasciola hepatica along with the larva of Strongyloides stercolis co-infection. Again we brought Nitazoxanide (500 mg BD 7 days) from India for Fasciola hepatica and abendazole 400 mg BD 3 days for Strongyloides. On follow up of stool examination, no eggs of Fasciola hepatica seen but larva of Strongyloides stercoralis were numerous. We the treated the patient with Ivermectine and on further follow up examination there were no eggs of Fasciola hepatica and larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. This case also gives the history of consumption of water cresses from Local River.
rn
Eva Wong
Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong
Title: Parasitic eyelid infection in two Chinese patients
Biography:
Eva Wong has obtained her MBChB degree at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2014. She is currently a Resident trainee at the Department of Ophthalmology, Caritas Medical Centre in Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Diagnosis and treatment of parasitic eye infections remains to be a diagnostic challenge in developed countries due to its rarity and often atypical clinical presentation. We describe two cases of pathologically confirmed parasitic eyelid infection initially presented as pre-septal cellulitis of the orbit in two Chinese adult patients in 2015. No signs of intra-ocular infection were demonstrated. Therapeutic trials of oral antibiotics showed suboptimal clinical improvement which prompted further investigations regarding the nature of peri-orbital swelling. Both patients underwent extensive systemic workup, including serological tests, radiological imaging and excisional biopsy of the eyelid mass for diagnostic purposes and treatment. Parasitic infestation with granulomatous inflammatory reactions was confirmed upon histopathology report. Both patients had no signs of systemic microfilaraemia and anti-helminthic agents were not required. Satisfactory post-operative outcomes were achieved with no recurrences reported.
Olga S Koutsoni
Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece
Title: Assessment of potential adjuvanticity of recombinant Leishmania infantum
Biography:
Olga S Koutsoni has obtained her BSc in Biological Sciences and completed her PhD in the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. She is working in the field of development of novel vaccines at the Laboratory of Cellular Immunology in Hellenic Pasteur Institute. She has published 6 papers in international scientific journals and counts 17 participations in world and national conferences.
Abstract:
One important goal in a successful vaccine formulation is to identify adjuvants that promote the appropriate immune responses and are safe for use in humans. The majority of adjuvants elicit humoral responses instead of the desired strong cellular responses, while the most potent possess high toxicity. Consequently, the development of novel adjuvants remains an urgent need. The Leishmania eukaryotic initiation factor (LeIF) antigen is considered as a natural Th1-type adjuvant that has the ability to induce cytokine secretion by immune cells of healthy individuals. In this study, we evaluated the adjuvant properties of the recombinant Leishmania infantum eIF (rLieIF) by co-administering it along with OVA antigen in the peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice. The positive control group received alum (a widely used adjuvant in humans) plus OVA. At 6 and 24 hours post-immunization, the peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) were harvested and the phenotype of recruited immune cells was determined. Moreover, we evaluated their capacity to produce NO upon in vitro stimulation with rLieIF and/or IFN-γ and/or LPS, as wells as their uric acid levels. Moreover, at 2 hours post-immunization, we identified the relative gene expression of the IL-1β that is associated in alum's mechanism of action. Mice that received OVA-rLieIF exhibited significant recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes in the peritoneal cavity at 24 hours post-immunization. Furthermore, PEC derived from OVA-rLieIF-immunized mice produced significant amounts of NO when stimulated with rLieIF or rLieIF-IFN-γ. Moreover, rLieIF induced a 50-fold augmentation of IL-1β gene expression, while it did not affect the levels of uric acid. In conclusion, this study brings additional knowledge on the adjuvant activity of LieIF that involves the IL-1β gene expression and suggests that LieIF may play a dual role in vaccination strategies.
Biography:
Agata Carolina Cevey has completed her Bachelor of Science from University of Buenos Aires, School of Exact and Nature Sciences. Currently she is performing PhD studies in School of Medicine from University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has published one paper as first author and two as co-author in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is the main cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Americas. Antiparasitic treatment mostly relies on benznidazole (Bzl) due to Nifurtimox shortage or unavailability. Both induce adverse drug effects (ADE) of varied severity in many patients, leading to treatment discontinuation or abandonment. Since dosage may influence ADE, we aimed to assess Bzl efficacy in terms of parasiticidal and anti-inflammatory activity, using doses lower than those previously reported. BALB/c mice infected with the T. cruzi RA strain were treated with different doses of Bzl. Parasitaemia, mortality and weight change were assessed. Parasite load, tissue infiltrates and inflammatory mediators were studied in the heart. Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was determined as a marker of heart damage. The infection-independent anti-inflammatory properties of Bzl were studied in an in vitro model of LPS-treated cardiomyocyte culture. Treatment with 25 mg/Kg/day Bzl turned negative the parasitological parameters induced a significant decrease in IL-1β, IL-6 and NOS2 in the heart and CK activity in serum, to normal levels. No mortality was observed in infected treated mice. Primary cultured cardiomyocytes treated with Bzl showed that inflammatory mediators were reduced via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. A Bzl dose lower than that previously reported for treatment of experimental Chagas disease exerts adequate antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects leading to parasite clearance and tissue healing. This may be relevant to reassess the dose currently used for the treatment of human Chagas disease, aiming to minimize ADE.
Raul N Ondarza-Vidaurreta
National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
Title: Drug effects and drug targets from human pathogenic amoebas Entamoeba histolytica, Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Naegleria fowleri
Biography:
Raul N Ondarza-Vidaurreta is a Professor of Biochemistry at Faculty of Medicine, UNAM and Medical Researcher at National Institute of Public Health, currently teaching Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and directing research theses in both Master’s and Doctor’s degree in the Faculties of Sciences and Medicine of the UNAM. He has published more than 50 scientific papers. He has completed his Postgraduate in Biochemistry, Glasgow University, Scotland, Great Britain and Doctor in Biology (Biochemistry) Faculty of Sciences, UNAM, Mexico and he was a Fellow of John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Dr. Honoris Causa, Republique Francaise, Académie de Créteil, Universitè Paris XIII. He was a Visiting Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego at La Jolla, California.
Abstract:
In our laboratory we have been working for several years searching and identifying thiol compounds such as Trypanothione in human pathogenic amoebas like E. histolytica, A. polyphaga and N. fowleri as well as on the inhibition of their enzyme NADPH-dependent Trypanothione reductase as a drug target, by neuroleptics, anti-mycotics, antibiotics and other drugs with antiproliferative effects. It is worth to be mentioned that E. histolytica, at least in 60 hours cultures, contains as much as four times more reduced cysteine than T(SH)2. Contrariwise, T. cruzi and Crithidia luciliae do not contain appreciable amounts of reduced cysteine. T. cruzi however, contains a much higher amount of T(SH)2 (559 nmol/g) than E. histolytica (29 nmol/g) when expressed by wet weight of the pellet, but the opposite is true when the amount is calculated in relation to the number of cells (T. cruzi=0.202 nmol/L×106 epimastigotes and E. histolytica=0.961 nmol/L×106 trophozoites). There is no doubt that the thiol compound trypanothione, which was previously thought to occur only in Kinetoplastida, is also present in these human pathogens, as well as in the non-pathogenic euglenozoan E. gracilis. The presence of the trypanothione/trypanothione reductase system in these amoebas creates the possibility of using this enzyme as a new "drug target" for rationally designed drugs to eliminate the parasite without affecting the human host.
- Track 13: Water Parasites
Track 16: Structural & Molecular Parasitology
Location: Manchester
- Track: Water Parasites
Track: Veterinary Parasitology
Track: Experimental Immunoparasitology
Track: Structural & Molecular Parasitology
Location: Manchester
Chair
Ashild K Andreassen
Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
Co-Chair
Patrick Scheid
Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service, Germany
Session Introduction
Vyacheslav Yurchenko
University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
Title: Functional genomics of novel virulence factors in Leishmania infection
Time : 11:30-12:00
Biography:
Vyacheslav Yurchenko is an Associate Professor and Head of Laboratory of Molecular Protozoology at the Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava. His lab is involved in research on Leishmania parasites and their monoxenous relatives. He has published over 55 peer-reviewed papers and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member for several scientific journals.
Abstract:
Leishmania parasites cause a broad range of clinical manifestations from self-healing skin lesions to systemic tissue damage and death. The current study is focused on functional genomics approach aimed to identify and characterize novel virulence factors that are shared between several different Leishmania species. They are critical for rational drug design for therapies against leishmaniases. In this work we compared expression profiles of the virulent and avirulent strains of L. major and infective (metacyclics and amastigotes) and non-infective (procyclics) developmental stages of L. mexicana. In addition to some known proteins, this analysis revealed a number of novel targets potentially implicated in Leishmania virulence. To gain insight into their functional roles, genes encoding 3 of these putative virulence factors were ablated using conventional and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated techniques. Parasites' phenotypes, development and infectivity will be discussed in the framework of anti Leishmania drug design.
Luiz Euribel Prestes Carneiro
Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Brazil
Title: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of visceral leishmaniasis infection in an emerging area of São Paulo’s western region, Brazil
Biography:
Luiz Euribel Prestes Carneiro was graduated in Medicine at Oeste Paulista University (Presidente Prudente); Infectious Diseases Specialist at Ipiranga Hospital (São Paulo) and has completed his PhD at São Paulo University, Brazil. He is currently a Professor of Medicine and a Master’s course Professor at UNOESTE. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of 2 Brazilian journal, 8 international scientific journals and acts as reviewer for 16 scientific international journals.
Abstract:
Brazil harbors about 90% of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Latin America and in addition, the disease is nationwide spreading. Located in the western of São Paulo state, the region is considered an emerging area of VL. The first case was described in 2005 and by 2014, from the 45 municipalities, 33 (73.3%) have reported the sandfly, 23 (51.1%) canine leishmaniasis and 17 (37.7%) human VL-392 human reported cases and 22 deaths. The Regional Hospital of Presidente Prudente is a public reference center for VL diagnosis and treatment. From 2006 to 2014, 352 patients with the average age of 28.5±25.5 years were diagnosed. Splenomegaly 98%, fever 95% and hepatomegaly 92%, were some general factors strongly associated with VL diagnosis. Children ≤18 years old represented 44.9% of the population. Individuals ≤4 years old (26.7%) and ≥65 years old (9.9%) formed the susceptible population. Twenty-one individuals died of the underlying or VL-associated causes. With a tropical climate, dry winters and wet summers, the region is one of the poorest of the state, consisting of dozens of small towns and villages. Local environmental factors including extensive sugarcane plantations, huge amount of watersheds flowing into three big rivers and nine big lakes may be involved as well as the overlapping possibility of VL and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Increase measures need to be addressed to complement curative practices. Otherwise in preventive, this region will be depicted to the framework of sustained endemic foci of VL in Brazil.
Patrick Scheid
Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service, Germany
Title: Free-living amoebae as vectors of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa
Time : 12:00-12:30
Biography:
Patrick L. Scheid (Ph.D.) is a lecturer of Zoology/Parasitology at the University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany. He is head of the Laboratories of Parasitology and Cell-Culture (Virology) at the Central Institute of the German Military Medical Service at Koblenz.Currently his researches focus on the so called free living amoebae (FLA) either as human pathogens or reservoirs and vehicles of pathogenic microorganisms. He holds the greatest collection of free-living amoebae in Germany and collaborates with researchers worldwide. He published more than 100 articles in scientific journals and scientific books on infectious diseases so far.
Abstract:
Free-living amoebae (FLA) can be found in specimen both in the environment and in samples from patients. In addition to their role as pathogens, FLA are known to serve as host and vehicles for the transfer of various intracellular organisms (fungi, viruses, bacteria, other eucaryotes), some of them being natural human pathogens. They act as reservoir or vehicle of microorganisms like Legionella sp., Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium sp., Cryptosporidium sp. and members of the Parachlamydiaceae. In the cyst-stage of the FLA these intracellular organisms are protected against any adverse environment (FLA as “Trojan horse”). This may lead to risks to health in terms of the development of pathogenicity/virulence and antibiotic resistance (FLA as “Trainings ground”). In most documented cases the microscopic observation of the host amoebae and their endocytobionts or endoparasites has been based on cultural methods. Light microscopy followed by electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy are the suitable methods to decide whether the microorganisms are really able to proliferate within their host amoebae (FLA as reservoirs) or whether they are only transported (FLA as vectors). “Cocultivation” of different microorganisms with a range of pathogenic and apathogenic FLA is a promising approach to determine the role of FLA in the field of emerging pathogens. Furthermore these microorganisms within the FLA may serve as interesting parasite-host-models. This approach will be proven by our findings regarding several intracellular bacteria and viruses, especially the so called Giant viruses (e.g. Mimiviruses and Pandoraviruses). Similar to the Mimiviruses the story of Pandoraviruses which infect FLA began years before their genomic affiliation with the investigation of a keratitis patient that led to the isolation of obligate intra-amoebal microorganisms from the contact lens cases. This endocytobiont was described in 2008, without understanding (or even having the idea of) their affiliation to viruses at that time. These Pandoraviruses had low similarity on the morphological or genomic level with other previously described viral families or species. The characteristic structure of the Pandoravirus virion was unique and unexpected. It was documented that the Pandoraviruses, similar to the Mimiviruses, replicated concomitantly within the Acanthamoebae. Their size of >1μm, their unusual morphology, and their genome with approximately 2.5 MB make them extraordinary viruses. Their genome is as unparalleled as it is large, and exceeds even that of parasitic microsporidia, for example Enterozytozoon sp. In any case, Pandoravirus replaced Mimivirus, as the largest known virus so far, as regards the genome.
Key words: Free-living amoebae, vectors, endocytobionts, endosymbionts, parasite-host-model; giant viruses.
Akiko Yamazaki
Iwate University, Japan
Title: The enterotoxic activity of Sarcocystis fayeri 15 kDa protein
Time : 12:30-13:00
Biography:
Akiko Yamazaki has completed his PhD in 2011 at Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University and worked at National Institute of Health Sciences Japan as a Young Researcher. She is working as an Assistant Professor at Iwate University from 2015. Her major areas of research are veterinary public health, food hygiene and zoonosis.
Abstract:
Genus Sarcocystis is a protozoa which has two-host life cycle. Herbivores are main intermediary hosts and genus Sarcocystis forms sarcocysts in their muscle tissue. Sarcocystosis has been known as a problem of economic loss in cattle but nowadays it is also known as a causative factor of food poisoning. The symptom of sarcocystic food poisoning is mainly gastroenteritidis but neurologic manifestation is also found. The pathogenic causing mechanism is not yet investigated in details, but we found a toxic candidate protein of 15 kDa molecular mass from the cysts of Sarcocystis fayeri. S. fayeri is identified a causative pathogen for food poisoning by eating raw horse meat. Now we tried to examine its function in more detail. First, we determined an amino acid sequence of the 15 kDa size protein and identified it as an actin depolymerizing factor (ADF). Then we synthesized a recombinant ADF protein. It showed an enterotoxic activity in a rabbit illeal loop test but did not cause any damages on viability of L929, Raw264 and Caco-2 cells. For further examination of enterotoxic activity we tried cytokine assay of recombinant ADF. The culture supernatant of RAW264 cells treated with the recombinant ADF for 24 hours was added into the medium for L929 fibroblast cells which are sensitive to TNF-alpha. After 24 hour culture, the viability of the L929 cells was found to be dead, suggesting TNF alpha production. In this study, we confirmed the enterotoxic activity of parasitic toxic candidate protein but further research will be necessary to elucidate the mechanism for neurotoxic aspect.
Caroline Ajonina
Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Germany
Title: Application of the Loop mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in freshwater bivalvia
Time : 13:50-14:20
Biography:
Caroline Ajonina is a Molecular Biologist and Researcher at the Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). Her main research areas include developing innovative methods for the identification of pathogens in wastewater effluents and the biological monitoring of water quality. She has worked on wastewater management in the public, private and non-profit sectors in Africa and Germany. In her current research, she investigates the downstream survival and dissemination of protozoans in bivalvia spread by wastewater effluents, focusing on the Rhine and Elbe river courses.
Abstract:
A study is on-going to investigate the epidemiology of three major protozoan parasites of public health significance: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. It has been shown that surface waters are frequently contaminated by effluents from wastewater treatment plants, livestock farming and straying animals. Due to the ability of bivalves to recover and concentrate environmentally derived human pathogens, they can therefore be used for the estimation of environmental hygiene. In this study prior evaluated loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays are used for highly specific, efficient, simple and rapid detection of these protozoans in mussels which are collected in the catchment area of the Lower Rhine downstream of wastewater discharges. With sets of six primers each to target the Giardia EF1A gene, the Cryptosporidium SAM-1 gene and the E. histolytica hemolysin gene HLY6 DNA fragments are amplified by LAMP. The amplification of DNA in the LAMP mixture is monitored either directly for the presence of turbidity and colorimetric change under ambient light and confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. In comparison to conventional PCR, LAMP assay is beneficial and therefore most convinient for the detection of these parasites in the aquatic environment including tissues from filter feeding invertebrates. Additionally we could demonstrate that mussels are suitable biomonitors for statutory neglected hygiene parameters like waterborne protozoan parasites.
Abdalla Fadlalla Azrug
Agriculture & Marine Resources Affairs, Bahrain
Title: Epidemiological studies on nematode helminthes in horses from different management systems in Bahrain
Time : 14:20-14:50
Biography:
Abdalla Fadlalla Azrug has completed his BVSc at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Assuit, Egypt in 1995. He has then finished his MVSc in the field of Camel Gastrointestinal Helminthes at the College of Graduate Studies, Bahr El Ghazal University, Sudan in 2005. He has obtained his PhD in the field of Bovine Nematode Helminthes at the Department of Veterinary Helminthology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Turkey in 2011. He has been the Director of two regional veterinary research laboratories of Nyala and El Fashir in western Sudan from 1999-2005. Since 2012 he is the Director of Central Veterinary Laboratory, Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs, Manama, Bahrain where he is working as Laboratory Manager and Researcher in his Veterinary Parasitology. He has participated in many international parasitological conferences and published many papers especially in the field of camel parasitic diseases.
Abstract:
Bahrain is one of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC countries which divided into 4 provinces occupying an area of about 770 km² extending from 25.32 and 26.20 N , 50.20 and 50.50 E with mainly two seasons represented by a short cold winter and long hot-humid summer. The total population of horses in Bahrain is estimated as 4760 where the majority of horses are kept under well-built and controlled private stable farms are used as racing competition horses. A cross sectional study was conducted during 2015-2016 for the purpose of studying the species of gastrointestinal parasites that found in horse population in various areas of Bahrain. A total of 372 horses from 54 different stable farms were randomly selected and fresh fecal samples collected and examined in Bahrain Central Veterinary Laboratory during the one year study period. Many parasitological techniques were applied in the laboratory involving Direct Fresh Fecal Smear, Floatation, Sedimentation McMaster Chamber Parasitic Egg Counting and Baerman apparatus methods for the detection and identification of parasitic eggs and larval stages. The overall prevalence rate of gastrointestinal parasites in Bahrain horses was found to be 42.7% (159 out of 372 horses shown having different species of gastrointestinal parasites most frequently Strongyle infections either as single or mixed infections). The Strongyle prevalence rate was the highest showing 29% where 108 from the 372 horses were infected with Strongyle either as single infection (13%) or mixed with other parasites (16%). Oxyuris equi was 4.1%, Parascaris equorum was 3.6%, Dicyocaulus arnifieldi larva was detected in 12 horses (3.4%), Trichostrongylus axei was 1.8% and Eimeria leukarti was 0.8%. The highest parasitic egg count per gram (epg) of feces was detected in a 7 months age foal where it was estimated at 4300 epg of mixed Strongyle and Parascaris eggs. About 45% of the farms were known applying systematic deworming program at least twice per year. Regular deworming, good housing and feeding management was affected positively on the reduction of parasitic prevalence rates among the examined farms. There was also significance shown among the ages of animals where young ages were mostly affected with Parascaris, Eimeria and Dictyocaulus but the aged animals mostly were infected with Strongyle and Oxyuris species. There was no definitive significance shown among the breeds or sexes. As a conclusion of this study it is highly recommended that further carpological survey in necessary for the determination of an accurate end-parasitic fauna in horses in Bahrain and the real situation for the expected anthelmintic resistance due to the excessive uncontrolled application of anthelmintic drugs in large scale of equine raring sectors allover Bahrain.
Ã…shild K Andreassen
Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
Title: Tick-borne diseases – the search for TBE virus and related pathogens in Norway
Time : 14:50-15:20
Biography:
Ashild K Andreassen has completed her PhD at the age of 35 years from University of Oslo and postdoctoral studies from Norwegian Institute of Public Health. She is the senior Scientist at department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals in molecular studies of Cancer genes, toxicology, reproduction and virology.
Abstract:
TBEV (Tick-borne encephalitis virus) and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato are among the most important pathogens causing vector-borne diseases that are emerging. They are the main infections transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks in Europe. I. ricinus is known to transmit other pathogenic microorganisms as louping ill virus, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and endosymbionts like Wolbachia pipientis and Midichloria mitochondrii that may have an influence of the pathogenesis in humans and animals. Factors like climate change, human behavior and migrating animals are involved in the distribution of diseases. The main route of TBEV transmission is through tick bites, but there is also evidence of infection of TBEV through alimentary system by consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. The knowledge of natural foci and prevalence of these infectious microorganisms is important for risk assessment of human disease. Wild and production animals can be used as sentinels for transmission. Preliminary results from nymph and adult ticks collected in Norway were analyzed for TBEV, LIV, B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum, W. pipientis, M. mitochondrii. A subset of these ticks was analyzed for co-infections. Sera from host animals are valuable epidemiological parameters for TBEV like cow milk and serum from sheep, cows and deer to verify what is circulating in the tick areas. The combination of these data may help us to give better advices concerning risk and vaccine recommendations to the general public and health authorities.
Marina Clare Vinaud
Federal University of Goias, Brazil
Title: Experimental neurocysticercosis: Immunopathological studies
Biography:
Marina Clare Vinaud has completed her PhD at the Federal University of Goias, Brazil. She is a Professor and Researcher at the Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute of the Federal University of Goias, Member of the Brazilian Society of Parasitology and Associate Editor of the Revista de Patologia Tropical (Tropical Pathology Journal). She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Neurocysticercosis is the most severe disease of the central nervous system caused by a parasite due to its clinical features that may lead to death and to the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore experimental models that help the understanding of the pathological aspects of the host parasite relationship are of utmost importance. Our research group has developed an experimental model of neurocysticercosis with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, ORF strain, in mice. The inoculation of the parasite is stereotaxically performed within the ventricles through a hole made in the skull of different lineages of mice, BALB/c and C57BL/6. At the early phase of the infection there was a predominance of polymorphonuclear cells in the inflammatory infiltration which was gradually substituted by mononuclear cells. There was an increase of IL-4 during the experimental infection. IL-10 and IFN-gamma concentrations were higher at the initial phases of the infection. IL-17 was detected uniformly throughout the experiment. Therefore there was a mixed Th1/Th17 immune response throughsystemic cytokines dosage at the acute phase of the infection, at a late phase of the infection there was a predominance of a Th2 immune profile and mononuclear cells infiltration surrounding the parasite. The location of the cysticerci may lead to ventriculomegaly and ependymitis. BALB/c mice presented inflammatory lesions with greater intensity, inducing necrosis on late stage parasites and with an acute inflammation pattern, while C57BL/6 mice showed greater capability on provoking early necrosis in the cysticerci which showed a chronic inflammation pattern.
Weidong Peng
Nanchang University, China
Title: Pig Ascaris: An important source of human ascariasis in China
Biography:
Weidong Peng has completed his MD in 1983 from Jiangxi Medical College, China and postdoctoral researches at University of Glasgow, UK. He has published more than 60 papers in international reputed journals and in Chinese national academic journals.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study is to detect the frequency and distribution of cross infection and hybridization of human and pig Ascaris in China. Twenty high polymorphic microsatellite loci were selected to screen 258 Ascaris worms from humans and pigs from 6 provinces in China. The software programs STRUCTURE, BAPS and NEWHYBRIDS were used to determine the case of cross infection and hybridization of human and pig Ascaris. Results showed that cross infection was detected in all sampled locations and of the total 20 cross infection cases, 19 were identified as human infections by pure-bred pig type Ascaris in contrast to only one case of pig infection by pure-bred human type Ascaris. Similar to the findings in cross infection, hybrid Ascaris was also detected in all locations and both host species and most of hybrids (95%) were detected from human host. The distribution of cross infection and hybrids showed significant difference between the two host species and among three categories of genotype in terms of G1, G2 and G3, and also between the south and north regions (for hybrids only). The results strongly suggest pig Ascaris as an important source of human ascariasis in endemic area where both human and pig Ascaris exist. In consideration of current control measures for human ascariasis targeting only infected people, it is urgently needed to revise current control measures by adding a simultaneous treatment to infected pigs in the sympatric endemics. The results are important for public health, and enlightening on the understanding of genetic evolution, taxonomy and molecular epidemiology of Ascaris.
Diane Akudo Avoaja
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria
Title: Prevalence of geohelminth parasites among pupils in selected school in Obizi-Ezinihitte local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria
Biography:
Diane Akudo Avoaja holds a PhD degree from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. She is the Professor of Zoology and a Lecturer in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. She has held many position in the University (Head of Department and Dean), including Chairperson and Member of several committees. She is also a Member of several professional societies/associations with more than forty (40) publications in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Prevalence of geohelminth parasites among three randomly selected primary schools (Town, Central and Migrant) in Obizi-Ezinihitte local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria was undertaken. Study was carried out from March to August, 2014. A total of 429 soil samples from school compounds and 429 stool samples from pupils were examined first using unaided eyes, then direct saline, iodine wet mount and saturated sodium chloride floatation techniques. Overall results showed 42 (9.8%) soil and 257 (60.0%) stool samples positive. Prevalence of soils, first using unaided eyes, then microscopically showed Ascaris lumbricoides 26 (6.1%) and hookworm eggs 14 (3.3%) with 2 (0.5%) hookworm larvae. Stool showed eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides 144 (32.9%) and hookworms 108 (25.2%). Multiple infections 16 (3.7%) were observed. Regularly and occasionally geophagists recorded high prevalence 102 (76.1%) and 81 (57.7%) respectively than non-geophagists 74 (47.7%). Prevalence was in that order, Central school 93 (58.1%), Migrant 59 (46.7%) and Town 97 (11.6%). Prevalence was higher among females 144 (61.5%) than males 113 (57.9%) though not statistically significant (p>0.05) with ANOVA. Pupils aged 8-10 years had highest prevalence of 104 (61.9%) while 11-13 years had lowest 81 (56.6%). Pupils in primary two had highest prevalence 32 (64.0%) while primary five had lowest 32 (48.5%). Traders’ and farmers’ children had highest prevalence 90 (61.2%) and 125 (59.0%) respectively. Findings indicated helminth parasites in soils. Health education and regular de-worming programs could be methods of control measures.
Ngele Kalu Kalu
Federal University Ndufu–Alike Ikwo, Nigeria
Title: The effects of Ilex kudincha extracts of methanol, chloroform and a combination of methanol with chloroform administered on Swiss albino rats infected intraperitoneally with T. brucei brucei
Biography:
Ngele Kalu Kalu has obtained his BSc in Zoology in 1999. He has completed his PhD in Medical Parasitology from the University of Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria in 2010. He has published more than 30 articles in reputable journals. He has presented paper in both national and international conferences. His major areas of research interest include; Parasitology, Entomology, Epidemiology, Malariology, Schistosomiasis, Filariasis etc. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Ilex kudingcha leaf extracted with methanol, chloroform and a combination of methanol with chloroform was investigated for its in vivo activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, the causative agent of African animal trypanosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa was tested on Swiss albino rats infected with I. brucei brucei. The leave extracts were administered 3 days post infection at peak parasitaemia level of 104 trypanosomes per ml at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg by oral administration once daily for 6 days. Parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV), mean survival time and change in body weight were used as indices for monitoring the efficacy of the extracts by comparing with the positive control (2 ml of diaminazene aceturate) and negative control (water treated group). The extracts of methanol and combination of methanol with chloroform had a lethal dose greater than 2000 mg/kg. There was no evidence of acute toxicity at the doses tested. While the chloroform extract alone had no effect on the parasitaemia level on the Swiss albino rats infected intraperitoneally with I. bruceibrucei parasites. Highly significant (p>0.001) reduction in pretreatment parasitaemia by 13.66±4.91; increase in (PCV) by 12.00±0.57 were recorded. Body weight improvement by 177.73±7.51 and mean survival rate of 30.50±0.70 days were also observed in the groups treated with 400 mg/kg methanol and combinations of methanol with chloroform leaf extracts of Ilex kudingcha. There was a relapse of parasitaemia almost at the end of the work, which was due to trypanocidal drug resistance. The results obtained suggest pharmacological usefulness of I. kudingcha when extracted with methanol or combination of methanol with chloroform. The chloroform extract alone shows no reduction in parasitaemia against I. bruceibrucei, because it could not extract the active ingredient from the I. kudingcha which should act against the I. brucei brucei. A further study on the pharmacological importance of the plant is recommended.
- Poster Presentation
Location: Manchester
Session Introduction
Eman Alshehri
University of Liverpool, UK
Title: Comparative and functional genomics analysis of T. gondii and N. Caninum
Biography:
Eman Alshehri is currently pursuing PhD in Comparative Genomics in T. gondii and N. caninum at the University of Liverpool, UK.
Abstract:
Recent comparative analysis of T. gondii and the closely related N. caninum has identified a set of species-specific genes in T. gondii. These species-specific genes are largely hypothetical proteins with no predicted function. However, in other parasites such species-specific genes are often associated with host interaction and therefore we hypothesis that these genes are play an important role in infection to infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts and to avoid the host immune response. Understanding the distribution of these genes within species will also be of interest as genes that are evolving rapidly may be expected to vary among strains, similar to Var genes in Plasmodium or VSG genes in trypanosomes. In this study, we identified 300 species-specific genes in T. gondii and 60 species-specific genes in N. caninum. Most of our findings were hypothetical proteins and there were some ribosomal proteins and GRA11 that may play an important role in wide range host in T. gondii that was absent in N. caninium.
Babett Oesterreich
EUROIMMUN AG, Germany
Title: Comparison of antigens from Strongyloides papillosus versus S. ratti for diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis by ELISA
Biography:
Babett Oesterreich was recruited by the Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, Wurzburg, Germany as a Doctoral student to investigate an antibody based therapy against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. After receiving her Doctorate in 2015, she is employed as Developer by EUROIMMUN AG, Germany. Her work is focused on the development of detection systems for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases.
Abstract:
Human infection by Strongyloides stercoralis can cause dermatological, intestinal and pulmonal symptoms often passing into a chronic disease. Coproscopic diagnosis is often flawed due to low parasitic loads and discontinuous excretion of larvae. Serodiagnosis is a sensitive tool to overcome these limitations though some available assays based on native antigens from S. ratti larvae lack specificity. We tested whether antigens from S. papillosus is a more specific alternative. Purified native antigens from S. papillosus and S. ratti larvae were tested in IgG ELISA. The following serum panels were used: A patient collective with 22 serum samples positive for anti-Strongyloides IgG, a control panel encompassing 84 serum samples from adult blood donors (n=56), pregnant women (n=12) and children (n=16) and a cross reactivity panel with 92 serum samples from patients infected with other parasites. The ELISA applying S. ratti antigens exhibited a sensitivity of 95% at a specificity of 81% with respect to the control group. Furthermore, the ELISA was reactive in 25% of the cross reactivity panel but not with the 10 Ascaris lumbricoides infected patient samples. When using S. papillosus antigens, the ELISA showed a sensitivity of 91% at a specificity of 92%. Within the cross reactivity panel, it revealed positive reactions in 12% of the samples excluding specimens infected with Trichomonas ssp., Trypanosoma ssp., or Ascaris lumbricoides. Thus, native antigens from S. papillosus larvae exhibit more specificity in the serological diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.
Joanne Atkinson
Northumbria University, UK
Title: A preliminary assessment of the current state of resistance/susceptibility to the active compounds used in acaricides for poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, in the United Kingdom
Biography:
Joanne Atkinson has completed her degree in Biomedical Science with first class honors at from Northumbria University and she is currently pursuing her PhD also at Northumbria University. During the summers of her undergraduate degree, she was employed by external companies to test novel pesticidal products on the poultry red mite, which ultimately lead to her interest in the field.
Abstract:
Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is a haematogous, ectoparasitic pest which presents a significant threat to British poultry production both for animal welfare and economic reasons, in the latter case due to heavy production losses through the downgrading of eggs and reduced laying. Control of PRM is typically achieved through programs incorporating biosecurity measures, cleaning and the use of synthetic acaricides. Despite the importance of the use of acaricides in controlling populations, poultry farmers are faced with growing incidences of pesticide resistance. It is critical that the efficacy of existing acaricides for PRM be maintained to ensure their continued benefit to the industry. To achieve this goal resistance must be monitored and managed wherever possible through considered application of these acaricides. The first step towards achieving this is gaining information on the current status. Therefore in this project a survey was carried out to determine the occurrence of perceived resistance/acaricide usage across the UK. The information obtained has been used to rank and map PRM resistance/susceptibility in the target areas and statistical analysis carried out to determine differences between areas. Mites are currently being collected from selected farms to allow laboratory toxicity testing to be performed to independently verify these observations. This data will facilitate comment on the impact of previous acaricide use on the development of resistance in PRM and allow recommendations to be made for ‘best practice’ treatment programs. Additionally, it will also serve as a baseline for future study and comparison with data from across Europe.
Lisa Connelly
Scottish Parasite and Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (SPDRL),UK
Title: Molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium species from human cases in Scotland
Biography:
Lisa Connelly is Biomedical Scientist at SPDRL, where she has been based since 2005. She has keen interest in research and development. Her recent publications include the molecular characterization of C. parvum isolates from human cryptosporidiosis cases in Scotland and Cryptosporidium species from human immunodeficiency-infected patients with chronic diarrhea in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium, a coccidian parasite has been implicated in numerous waterborne and foodborne outbreaks associated with human and livestock disease. As part of outbreak investigations, the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory, Glasgow (SPDRL) apply a glycoprotein (GP60) PCR/DNA sequencing-based approach to determine Cryptosporidium species/subtypes from human isolates in Scotland. In 2014, 79 samples were speciated and shown to be C. parvum (n=48), C. hominis (n=29) and C. meleagridis (n=2). Eleven C. parvum isolates were sub-typed as part of outbreak investigations and consisted soley of the IIa family with 6 subtypes identified, namely IIaA13G1R2 (n=1), IIaA15G2R1 (n=2), IIaA16G2R1 (n=3), IIaA17G1R1 (n=3), IIaA18G2R1 (n=1) and IIaA21G4R1 (n=1). Eleven C. hominis isolates sub-typed as part of the same outbreak investigation were shown to be IbA10G2 (n=4) and IbA6G3 (n=7). The age of the infected patients ranged from <1-10 years (n=24), 11-20 (n=13), 21-30 (n=20), 31->60 (n=22). More females (n=48) than males (n=31) were infected and only 4 cases had travel history stated. A peak of C. parvum cases occurred during April (n=14) and May (n=12), whereas most C. hominis cases occurred later in the year during October (n=5) and November (n=13). This update demonstrates the high degree of diversity of Cryptosporidium subtypes within Scotland.
Anzhelika Butenko
University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
Title: Comparative metabolism of kinetoplastids
Biography:
Mgr. Anzhelika Butenko is a PhD student at the Life Science Resaerch Centre, University of Ostrava. The topic of her research is comparative genomics of kinetoplastid protists. She has published several seminal papers in prestigious journals.
Abstract:
Kinetoplastids (Euglenozoa, Kinetoplastea) is a widespread group of single-cell eukaryotes, which includes free-living kinetoplastids and parasitic trypanosomatids. Trypanosomatids can be restricted to one host (monoxenous) or have a life cycle involving two hosts (dixenous). The latter group contains Trypanosoma and Leishmania species pathogenic for vertebrates, and plant parasites Phytomonas. Comparative genomic analysis of a free-living kinetoplastid, Bodo saltans and several trypanosomatids has illuminated some key traits accompanying emergence of parasitism in thios group. Our analysis of 13 kinetoplastid genomes (including the genomes of Leptomonas pyrrhocoris, Leptomonas seymouri, Blechomonas ayalai and Paratrypanosoma confusum sequenced by us) revealed that the adoption of the parasitic lifestyle led to the loss of about 50% of the genes. Among these are genes belonging to metabolic pathways of lysine and histidine catabolism and aromatic amino-acid degradation. The acquisition of novel genes for pteridine reduction, threonine dehydration, the urea cycle, protection against ROS, and diaminopimelate metabolism was also documented. B. saltans and trypanosomatids still share some metabolic traits such as glycosomes, a unique set of the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway genes, an ATP-phosphofructokinase, an alternative oxidase, synthesis of fatty acids via a set of elongases and a few others. We also searched for meiosis-associated genes and performed the recombination analysis using genomes of 6 L. pyrrhocoris isolates originated from Central America. The results indicate the presence of meiosis-related genes in L. pyrrhocoris surprisingly accompanied by the absence of recombination.
Michael J. Coyne
Scottish Parasite and Diagnostic Reference Laboratory (SPDRL),UK
Title: An evaluation of three commercial assays for the rapid diagnostic testing of imported malaria within Scotland
Biography:
Michael Coyne is Lab Manager at SPDRL, where he has been based since 2007. He is also IT manager at Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories, Glasgow and has a keen interest in systems development. Recent publications include C. hominis diversity in Scotland and Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosis.
Abstract:
Malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease requires a timely, accurate diagnosis to allow prompt administration of effective treatment. Rapid dipstick tests (RDTs) are commonly used in laboratories throughout the UK and elsewhere to assist with identification. These are particularly useful in settings where microscopy expertise is lacking or where parasitaemia is low which is common in travelers who have visited malaria endemic regions. Using microscopy for comparison, the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory, Glasgow (SPDRL) examined the performance of three commercial RDTs, two of which are commonly used in Scottish Hematology laboratories, namely the OptiMAL-IT and BinaxNOW and a third, more recent product, the Humasis RDT. The performance of each RDT was examined using 65 EDTA-whole blood samples submitted by Hematology laboratories as part of the Scottish Malaria Surveillance Program at SPDRL. In addition to antigen detection, thick and thin blood films were examined for the presence of Plasmodium species. Forty nine samples were microscopy positive for Plasmodium species and 16 negative. Fifteen of those samples were negative by the OptiMAL-IT and Humasis kits and 14 using BinaxNOW. Of the 49 microscopy positive samples, agreement was reached with 45, 44 and 42 samples using BinaxNOW, OptiMAL-IT and Humasis kits respectively. Additional positives were detected using all three kits (BinaxNOW, n=2; OptiMAL-IT, n=1; Humasis, n=1). This study provides supportive evidence for the use of RDTs in assisting with a malaria diagnosis and highlights that their use should be combined with the microscopic examination of blood films to achieve a rapid and accurate malaria diagnosis.
Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Title: The efficacy of selamectin in treatment of Ancylostoma ceylanicum experimental infection in cats
Biography:
Piyanan Taweethavonsawat is an Assistant Professor in Veterinary Parasitology from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. His fields of interested are Helminthology and Vector borne disease. He has completed his PhD from Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University. Currently he is the Head of Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University.
Abstract:
The efficacy of selamectin single tropical dose against adult of Ancylostoma ceylanicum in cats following induced infections was assessed. Twelve cats were each inoculation with 300 infective third-stage larvae of A. ceylanicum. Cats were randomly allocated by egg count into control and treatment groups. The cats in the treatment group were each treated with a spot on selamectin administered topically at recommended label dose rates. The cats in the control group were not treated. Egg counts were performed until the end of the study period and compared for the treated and control groups. No eggs were detected in the treated group of cats within 4 days of treatment and fecal samples from this group remained negative throughout the rest of the study, resulting in a treatment efficacy (egg reduction) of 100% (P<0.0001). The mean egg counts remained high (558±231 eggs per gram) in the untreated control group for the rest of the study period. This study showed that based on fecal egg count reduction, the spot on selamectin given at the recommended dose is highly effective against infection with A. ceylanicum in cats.
Raafat Taha Mohamed Makhlof
Umm Al-Qura University, KSA
Title: Genetic diversity of human Blastocystis isolates in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Biography:
Raafat Taha Mohamed Makhlof has completed his PhD in 1999 at Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo University, Japan and Postdoctoral studies from 2001-2003 at Department of Molecular Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan as a Postdoctoral Fellow. He is one of the Staff Members at Department of Medical Parasitology. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Blastocystis spp. is commonly found in the feces of human worldwide. Infection has been reported as asymptomatic, acute symptomatic and chronic symptomatic. This wide range of responses to infection could be related to the genetic diversity. Since the genotype of human Blastocystis hominis isolates is highly polymorphic, PCR-based genotype classification using known sequence-tagged site (STS) primers would allow the identification or classification of different genotype. This study was done on 650 stool samples collected from patients referred to two major hospitals in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia in 2014-2015. All microscopically positive samples were subjected to in vitro culture using D-MEM media with 20% horse serum and antibiotics with incubation at 37 oC anaerobically. The screening of Blastocystis organisms in 3 to 4 days old cultures was done observing the typical vascular or granular forms, then sub-culturing more than 2 times and freezing for DNA extraction. PCR was done using seven kinds of STS primers. One hundred forty isolates were confirmed positive using diagnostic primers. Ninety-nine out of 140 isolates were identified as subtype-I genotype (ST1) followed by 24 isolates identified as subtype-II genotype (ST2) while 14 isolates identified as subtype-III genotype (ST3). Only two isolates were negative with all the STS primers, the phylogenetic position was inferred from the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) genes with the known sequence data of 20 Blastocystis isolates. In conclusion, the ST1 is the predominant genotype among Saudi patients.
Faezeh Norouzinejad
Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Title: A three-year epidemiological study on cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ilam Province, Iran
Biography:
Faezeh Norouzinejad was graduated in Community Health Nursing from the University of Medical Sciences and currently she is on the Faculty of the University of Medical Sciences. She is interested in research on diseases endemic in Iran.
Abstract:
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major public health problem throughout the world and particularly in Iran. Because the rural form of this disease is endemic to Ilam and other Iranian provinces, the present study sought to determine the epidemiological status of leishmaniasis over a three-year period (2011-2013). Based on the national protocol for leishmaniasis control, samples were collected from suspicious lesions. Therapeutic Educational Center personnel completed forms to provide information on patients’ personal information and disease related characteristics. This information was converted to Excel spreadsheets and were analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that 2026 leishmaniasis cases occurred from 2011 to 2013. The disease’s annual incidence rate for each year was 154 (2011), 94.23 (2012) and 98.52 (2013) cases per 100,000 persons. The majority of patients (55.8%) suffered from rural cutaneous leishmaniasis. By gender, the incidence rates of the disease for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were 194.34, 113.39 and 62.92 cases per 100,000 population among men and 112.05, 74.50 and 70.22 cases per 100,000 among women, respectively. The age group of 15-24 year olds consisted of the highest proportion of patients (22.3%), followed by children under 15 years (19.6%). Most of the cases occurred in three cities: Dehloran (960), Mehran (562) and Ilam (197). Although the results of this study showed that the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ilam Province has been declining, there is a possibility for the province’s disease burden to increase.
Amany Ahmed Abd El-Aal
Cairo University, Egypt
Title: Immunomodulatory impression of anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines in relation to humoral immunity in human scabies
Biography:
Amany Ahmed Abd El Aal has completed her MD degree in Medical Parasitology from Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University in collaboration with NAMRU-3 (Navy American Military Research Unit-3), Abbasia, Cairo, from 1990 to 1995. She is a Professor since 2006 and currently working in Medical Parasitology Department as well as Army Forces of College of Medicine (AFCM). She is a Member in the scientific committee responsible for promotion of professor & assistant professor working in the field of Medical Parasitology in Egyptian universities. She has published more than 45 papers, about 20 of them in international journals.
Abstract:
The chief manifestations of scabies are mediated through hypersensitivity-like reactions and immune responses which are so far not well understood and remain poorly characterized. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines in relation to humoral immunity in patients with scabies. Serum levels of total IgE, specific IgG, IL-10, IL-6, INF-γ, and TNF-α were investigated in a cross-sectional study including 37 patients with manifestations suggestive of scabies and serologically positive for anti Sarcoptes IgG, in addition to 20 healthy controls. The median value of total IgE was 209 (range, 17-1219 IU/mL), reflecting its wide range within our cases. IL-10 showed significant higher levels (28.7±13.9) in infected cases than in controls (17.4±11.32). A positive correlation was reported between total IgE and severity of manifestations (r=0.429, P<0.005). A significant positive correlation was observed between total IgE and both IgG and IL-6. On the contrary, a negative correlation was recorded between IL-6 and TNF-α which makes us, suggested anti-inflammatory rather than pro-inflammatory effect of IL-6 in the current study. Moreover, a negative correlation was noticed between the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and severity of manifestations, specific IgG, total IgE and INF-γ. Therefore, the current study theorized a regulatory role of IL-10 in inflammatory responses of scabietic patients, suggesting further future analysis of its therapeutic potential.
Faezeh Norouzinejad
Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Title: The analysis of the 3-year trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Isfahan Province (Iran)
Biography:
Faezeh Norouzinejad was graduated in Community Health Nursing from the Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran and currently, he is the Faculty and Member of the research council at the Babol University of Medical Sciences in Mazandaran, Iran. He is interested in research on endemic diseases in Iran.
Abstract:
Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Considering that Isfahan Province is one of the most important focuses for rural leishmaniasis, this study was conducted to determine the epidemiologic status and the importance of controlling the disease in this province.
Methods: We studied the three-year trend of leishmaniasis in Isfahan province (2011-2013). Based on the national protocol of leishmaniasis control, the samples of suspicious lesions were collected and the related forms were filled out by educational and therapeutic centers' personnel. Personal Information and disease-related characteristics were recorded on the forms in EXCEL software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Findings: Total number of cases analyzed was 8786. The annual incidence of the disease from 2011 to 2013 was 58.01, 59.85 and 60.30 per 100,000 respectively. 89.8% of patients were suffering from the rural leishmaniasis. The highest percentage of patients (26.3%) was found in the age group of 15-24 years. The highest number of cases were found in Isfahan (4833 cases), Ardestan (1099 cases) and Kashan (963 cases). 50.1% of cases were reported in September and October. 38.8% of lesions were found in hands. 77.9% of lesions were wet. The smear result of 86.8% of cases was reported positive. Systemic meglumine treatment was given for 48.2% patients. After treatment, 23.9% had recovered.
Discussion: The increasing trend of rural cutaneous leishmaniasis in Isfahan province requires special attention of policy makers in the field of reviewing the disease control protocol, environmental actions.
Panagiotis Karanis
Qinghai University, China
University of Cologne, Germany
Title: Parasitic and bacterial infections in patients at Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital in Xining, Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai Province, China
Biography:
Panagiotis Karanis has obtained his PhD in Parasitology from Bonn University following Post-doctoral research activities in Germany, Greece, Australia, Japan, Canada, Thailand and China. He has been working in the field of medical, epidemiological and molecular parasitology taken into account both the pathogen and the disease. His worldwide research activities focused in the control of water-borne and vector-borne parasitic diseases including the development of diagnostic assays useful for basic and clinical platforms in the field of biomedicine. He was the main speaker of the Nobel-Days-Lecture during the Nobel-Days-Festivities at the Orebro University in Sweden in December 10th, 2012, focused on malaria vaccine development.
Abstract:
The present survey investigated patients hospitalized in the Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital (QUAH) in Xining, Tibetan Plateau of Qinghai Province, Northwest of China. Two studies were designed to find out, if unexpected and not-detected pathogens could be found in faecal samples and other body fluids from Chinese diarrhoeal patients: The samples were investigated for the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections since these pathogens and parasites in general were not included in the hospital laboratory’s routine microbiological screening program. Giardia: 5 (4 stool, 1 sputum sample, generated from 3 patients) of 143 samples have been found to be positive by IFT, from which 2 have been highly positive. 11 stool samples have been found to be positive by nested PCR based on SSU rRNA, 2 based on TPI and 1 based on GDH gene. In microscopically analyzed body fluids no Giardia cysts have been found as expected, except for one sputum sample by IFT. By sequencing, 4 of these samples have been determined as Giardia intestinalis assemblage B. Cryptosporidium: 6 out of 143 samples, which are 1 sputum and 5 stool samples, were found to be positive by IFT, two out of these six positive samples are also positive by m-ZN. 2 samples have been positive by n-PCR based on SSU rRNA and two others based on TRAP C2. One case of double-infection with Giardia and Cryptosporidium was special because of the presence of Giardia in sputum. The third part presents the case study of extra pulmonary tuberculosis (epTB) of the shoulder joint of a 49 years old man, pointing out that tuberculosis often remains undetected even in a country known as second high risk country for TB worldwide. In the present case report, delayed anti-TB treatment has led to serious destruction of the shoulder joint. Physical disability, accompanied by depression, unemployment and social decline are the consequences. Early and clear diagnosis of epTB, adequate management and therapy in Q-T Plateau area still need improvement and the government’s attention.
Syeda Azra Qamar
Government College of Women Sahahra-e-Liaquat, Pakistan
Title: Finding of different Plasmodium spp., in blood samples by polymerase chain reaction in Karachi, Pakistan
Biography:
Syeda Azra Qamar has completed her PhD from the University of Karachi, Pakistan and partial work of Ph.D. was completed at the University of Arizona, U.S.A. She is currently working as an Associate Professor at the Department of Zoology, Government College for Women Shahra-e-Liaquat, Karachi, Pakistan. She has also accomplished BDV course from Mexico in 2003, First International Training Course on Functional Genomics Applied to Insect Vectors of human diseases from Thailand in 2005 and Practical short course on Infectious Disease Modeling from Thailand in 2012 organized by Oxford University. She has actively participated and presented research papers in different international conferences including 1st Geneva forum at Geneva, Switzerland 2006, XI ICOPA at Glasgow, Scotland, 6th European Congress at Verona Italy, XII ICOPA at Melbourne, Australia, 4th conference of the Scandinavian-Baltic Society of Parasitology, Oslo, Norway. 2011, 15 ICID at Bangkok, Thailand, 2012, 5th Congress of European Microbiologists Leipzig, Germany, and has visited twice as a research Scholar at Pasture Institute of Iran, serving as a Reviewer for journal articles and also a Member of South South Initiative For Tropical Diseases Research (SSI) from 2003 and Member of advisory board of Annals of tropical medicine and public health from 2009, She has published 10 papers in reputed journal.
Abstract:
Vector-borne diseases are widespread throughout the world. Malaria is still one of the chief vectors-borne diseases and fear for millions of people due to deprived health conditions throughout the world. The comparative investigation of different species of Plasmodium was conducted in different areas of Karachi, Pakistan, based on finding and identification of Plasmodium species in blood smears and finding of species specific parasite DNA in a blood samples using a PCR method for the comparison. The determination and comparison of high frequency of Plasmodium species was made by microscopic examination and circum sporozoite gene extracted from the blood samples which were collected from 250 patients between the age of 5-60 males (148) and females (102) with high temperature and severe headache complains, residing in Karachi, Pakistan during one year. The blood was directly taken by pricking finger onto a slide. Microscopic test (oil immersion objective at 1000 x magnification) was performed with Giemsa stained thick and thin blood smears whereas PCR was performed on dried blood removed from the slides and filter papers used for species specific parasite deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of 250 Giemsa stained slides 63 were positive for malaria parasites in which 39 and 17 were identified as a P. vivax and P. falciparum infections respectively; whereas 07 were having mixed infections of P. vivax and P. falciparum examined by microscopy and P. vivax (34), P. falciparum (18) and 11 mixed infections through the PCR. The recent investigation revealed that, the nested PCR is more effective and helpful; it can be successfully applied for the finding of P. vivax and P. falciparum particularly in highly infected areas.
Zhanna Shapiyeva
Scientific-Practical Centre for Sanitary-Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, Kazakhstan
Title: Malaria in Kazakhstan
Biography:
Zhanna Shapiyeva has completed her PhD in 2007 from National Centre of Biological Research and Postdoctoral studies from Institute for Medical Research in Malaysia. Presently, she is the Head of Parasitology Department of SPC SEEM that is the leading Centre of SanEpid Surveillance in Kazakhstan. She has published 86 abstracts and papers in proceedings of international conferences and reputed journals.
Abstract:
Malaria has historically represented the medical and social problem in Kazakhstan. Natural conditions are favorable for malaria transmission in the southeast of the country and the total population at risk is 4.5 million. Mainly imported and sporadic autochthonous cases were registered in the country after the malaria elimination in the USSR. In the 90th years, the political and economic destabilization in the former republics of the USSR, malaria epidemics in Tajikistan and Azerbaijan had a major impact on malaria situation in Kazakhstan. In 1992-2001, 467 cases of malaria were reported in the country, including 17 autochthonous cases. The last seven cases of autochthonous malaria were reported in 2000 and only 51 imported cases were registered during 2003-2013. Kazakhstan had demonstrated a strong political commitment to the Tashkent Declaration “The Move from Malaria Control to Elimination”, which was endorsed by the country in 2005. The country level malaria elimination initiative was supported by the Ministry of Health and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. In 2012, Kazakhstan has been certified by the WHO as malaria free. WHO certification has a political decision, a positive impact on the socioeconomic situation in the country and will promote international trade and tourism. The successful implementation of preventive measures and strong surveillance were preceded for WHO decision. At present, malaria related activities include disease prevention, training, surveillance, operational research and community education. For today, the main strategy of malaria related activities in country is disease control and prevention of malaria reintroduction.