Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Panagiotis Karanis
University of Cologne, Germany
Qinghai University, China
Keynote: Cryptosporidium: Current achievements and research needs
Time : 09:30-10:05
Biography:
Panagiotis Karanis 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 Örebro University in Sweden in December 10th, 2012, focused on Malaria vaccine development.
Abstract:
The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview in the evolution of research in the field of Cryptosporidium and it consists of two parts: a) Developing strategies to increase the detection methods for Cryptosporidium, and b) Evolution and achievements in developing the in vitro axenic culture system to accelerate the development of new therapies for Cryptosporidium infections. The review is intended to stimulate research leading to development of future improvements and further developments in water monitoring methodology for Giardia, Cryptosporidium and other potentially waterborne protozoan parasites. The objective of generating more consistent and reliable data should lead to better understanding of the occurrence, transport, and fate of these organisms in water. Cryptosporidium poses the biggest threat to the water industry as, initially, many outbreaks were caused by this ‘now well known’ parasite which penetrated multi-barrier water treatment systems that were thought to be effective in providing ‘safe’ drinking water (Karanis et al. 2007; Baldursson and Karanis, 2011).rnrnThe second part of the presentation report findings for culturing Cryptosporidium in axenic cultures and the development of this pathogen in cultivations system during recent years, research efforts and achievements. Due to a historical lack of in vitro axenic culture system for both basic and applied research in Cryptosporidium, particularly for drugs development and therapy to cure pediatric disease, this task is behind many others in available tools for research.rnRegarding the current stage of the in vitro cultivation either in axenic culture system, more information on Cryptosporidium’s developmental biology has been be achieved by focusing on the ability of Cryptosporidium to grow under different conditions in the laboratory.rnImproved methods in both clinical and environmental settings are required to maximize public health surveillance, while the development of the standard culture system it will provide better insight into the life cycle and developmental biology of Cryptosporidium and provide the platform for strategies such as vaccines and therapeutics, with the potential to protect against the acquisition of cryptosporidiosis.
A ‘new era’ in the research field of Cryptosporidium research is the horizont.
Keynote Forum
Ingrid Papajova
Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovak Republic
Keynote: Helminthoses – still an actual health threat for children in 21st century
Time : 10:05-10:40
Biography:
Ingrid Papajova graduated in 1997 from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik in Košice with major in Biology and Chemistry. She received a PhD. degree at the Institute of Parasitology of the SAS in 2001. Following her successful thesis defense presentation entitled „Ecological factors and their impact on the tenacity of the enteronematode eggs“ she obtained Associate Professor position in 2014. Since 2000 she has been working as parasitologist (Senior Researcher) at the Institute of Parasitology of the SAS in Kosice. In 2002 she became a Head of the Department of Environmental and Plant Parasitology.
Abstract:
Due to the rapid growth of human population, helminthoses, a diseases caused by the parasitic worms, represent a health problem not only in developing but also in industrialised countries. It is well known that these parasitic infections are very often endemic and easily transmitted to the places with poor sanitation and in crowded living conditions. Many of helminthoses are diagnosed particularly in children and adolescents. In our study, the occurrence of selected helminths in the pediatric population resided in Eastern Slovakia was monitored. Less than 25 % of examined children were positive for the presence of intestinal parasites. Ascaris lumbrioides was found to be the leading parasite followed by Trichuris trichiura, Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta. Higher helminth prevalence was detected in children living in rural areas when compared to the children residing in urban environment. In comparison to the group of healthy children living in good conditions the prevalence of helminths was higher within the group of children with lower socioeconomic status. The occurrence of these epidemiologically lower risk parasites in Roma children population was caused by low hygienic standards in the Roma settlements. It is apparent that under such conditions helminthosis represent a serious health risk for children. A low standard of living, inadequate communal and personal hygiene leads to the ecologically unsafe, contaminated and devastated environment. In order to eliminate public health risks, it is necessary to perform a complex analysis of many aspects including epizootological and epidemiological factors that considerably contribute to the onset, development and spread of endoparasitoses. Helminthoses together with the other infections endanger the health status of the majority population.
- 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.
- Workshop On Environmentally-related parasitic diseases in tropical countries by Luiz Euribel Prestes-Carneiro, Oeste Paulista University and Regional Hospital, Brazil