Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Julio V Figueroa
CENID-PAVET, Mexico
Keynote: Immune recognition of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina MSA-1 and RAP-1 recombinant proteins in experimentally inoculated sheep
Time : 10:00-10:45
Biography:
Julio V Figueroa is currently working as a Researcher and Head of the National Research Center for Veterinary Parasitology (CENID-PAVET) in Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico. He obtained his Veterinary Medicine degree from the State of Mexico Autonomous University in Toluca, Mexico, and the MSc and PhD degrees in Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology at the University of Columbia-Missouri, in Columbia, MO, USA. He has conducted research on tick borne diseases of cattle during the past 30 years and has published over 70 research papers in peer reviewed international journals
Abstract:
Merozoite Surface Antigen-1 (MSA-1) and Ropthry Associated Protein-1 (RAP-1) for Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina, respectively, have been involved in the invasion to the host erythrocyte. Moreover, considered as highly immunogenic proteins, they are candidate proteins to be used as specific antigens in Bovine babesiosis diagnosis. The main objective of this work was to determine the antibody recognition of Babesia bovis MSA-1 and RAP-1 antigens in serum of sheep immunized with the corresponding recombinant proteins, by using the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) and an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA). The results of the study showed that recognition for the native antigen and the recombinant antigens of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina took place after the second immunization of animals as assessed by the two serological assays. The IFAT antibody titers for sheep inoculated with MSA-1 were 1:5120-1:10240, whereas for sheep inoculated with RAP-1 titers of 1:640 and 1:1280 were determined. A maximum absorbance reading of 0.689 and 0.600 were determined for MSA-1 and RAP-1, respectively, in the iELISA technique, concluding that the specific B. bovis MSA-1 and B. bigemina RAP-1 recombinant proteins are immunogenic for sheep. Thus, MSA-1 and RAP-1 are good candidates as antigens for the development of innovative diagnostic tests useful in the control of bovine babesiosis
Keynote Forum
Abdalla Fadlalla Azrug Ahmed
Agriculture & Marine Resources Affairs, Bahrain
Keynote: Epidemiological studies on Ovine Gastrointestinal parasites and the associated risk factors in some mixed farms in Bahrain
Time : 11:05-11:55
Biography:
Abdalla Fadlalla Azrug has completed his PhD in Veterinary Helminthology at the age of 42 years at the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey in 2011. He was the director for two regional veterinary research laboratories in West Sudan from 1999-2012. Recently he is the manager of the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs, Manama, Bahrain, a governmental diagnostic and research laboratory in the veterinary services sector. He has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals and scientific international conference books participating in many international conferences related to the field of veterinary science and one health. He acted in the position of OIE delegate for Kingdom of Bahrain from 2014 -2017
Abstract:
Background: Despite of Bahrain limited landspace, livestock production represents one of the back bones of the public economy. Goats and sheep have an important contribution in human livelihoods in Asia and Africa regions (FAO, 2015). Goats and sheep population mainly owned by smallholders in mixed farm systems. Gastrointestinal parasitism is one of the main health hazards associated with economic losses, lowered productivity and performance reduction. Material and Methods: A longitudinal 6 months study conducted in 7 sheep-goat farms located in the North Province of Bahrain following owners complains of emaciation, reduced productivity and losses among their herds during January – June 2017. The main objective of this investigative study was targeted for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in such farms. The study conducted among 400 sheep and goats of different breeds, ages and sexes in closed and semi-closed farms. Fresh faecal and EDTA blood samples obtained directly from rectum and jugular veins respectively. A total of 73 (18.2%) samples and 41 (10.2%) blood samples collected from clinically infested animals. Also post-mortem gastrointestinal tract organs ( abomasum and rumen) collected from 6 freshly dead animals. Faecal egg counts (FEC per gram faeces) determined by Flotation and Sedimentation methods. Modified McMaster chamber technique used for identification and counting nematodes, cestodes and trematodes eggs and protozoan coccidia oocysts. Moreover, faecal cultures prepared by incubating 3-5-gram faeces at room temperature (24-27 CËš) for 7 -14 days to obtain infective larvae by modified Baerman apparatus technique. Blood smears from fresh EDTA blood samples for blood protozoan parasites in addition to determination of packed cell volumes (PCV) by hematocrit capillaries and centrifuging technique. Results: Haemonchus contortus was the most dominant helminth detected, 38 samples were positive (52.1%) of which (31.4%) were mixed with other helminth species. Other parasites detected involved Trichuris (17%), Moniezia (2.1%), Nematodirus (1.3%) and Eimeria (21.9%) respectively. Faecal egg counts per gram showed most cases of Heamonchosis with heavy infestation over (7-10)³ eggs /gram Parasitic prevalence rates estimated as percentage ratio of number of positive samples divided by total number of animals examined ( d/n)%. Mature Haemonchus contortus were obtained by washing post-mortem abomasum into deep plastic trays, beakers and mature parasites collected using petri dishes with fine forceps examining under microscope. Most cases positive with Haemonchus contortus showed drop in PCV indicating that Haemonchosis positive animals suffered from anemia. Discussions and Conclusion: Parasitic prevalence rates varied among ages where Hemochosis was mostly in old ages (3-5) years (58.7)% rather than young ages, while Eimeria mostly detected in young ages under 6 months (71.2)%. There was no significant effect noticed on animal sexes or breeds. Farm management systems, vegetation patterns and miss-usage of anthelmintics were the main risk factors associated with parasitic prevalence in Bahrain
- Veterinary Parasitology | Immunoloparasitology | Cataloging of Parasites | Ticks and Ticks-Borne Diseases | Marine Parasites and Exposure to Public Health | Approaches to Control Parasitic Diseases
Location: Paris, France
Session Introduction
Bernard Tornyigah
University of Ghana, Legon
Title: Assessment and impact of the new IPTp implementation strategy on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcome in Ghana
Time : 11:55-12:25
Biography:
I am TORNYIGAH Bernard, a young 2nd year doctoral student of universte Paris Descartes. My research theme is looking at infections that affect both mother and child health care with main emphasis on malaria. This theme stem from the vast literature on the failing malaria intervention specifically IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in eastern and southern Africa. Yet, WHO proposed a monthly uptake of this drug for malaria prevention during pregnancy, with understanding the effect the increased drug uptake will have on fetus development. This research is under the direction of Dr. Nicaise Ndam.
Abstract:
On the back of wide spread sulphadoxine pyrimethamine resistance across Africa and its implication to malaria prevention among pregnant women and also the dose dependent beneficial effect of SP against malaria in pregnancy, WHO reviewed their guidelines to a monthly SP administration. Ghana adopted this amendment and the new policy is currently being implemented. To assess the implication of the new IPTp strategy to maternal and neonatal outcomes, 1,000 pregnant women visiting health facilities from a peri-uban (Kpone-on-sea) and urban (Maamobi) setting in the Greater Accra Region, for their first antenatal care (ANC) and another 1,000 for delivery were recruited. Plasma levels of antimalarial drugs including SP and artemisinin derivatives were measured using an HPLC/MS/MS method. Parasitemia was also determined using microscopy and real-time PCR. Of the 1,000 women recruited from the first ANC visit, the mean ± SD gestational age was 17±7 weeks at Kpone-on-sea and 18±7weeks at Maamobi. At Kpone-on-sea, 40.9% of participants at ANC were PCR positive compared to 39% from Maamobi. Also, 4.2% of participants at delivery were PCR positive compared to 23.6% from Maamobi. At delivery, 96% of the women reported at least one SP uptake in Kpone-on-sea while 78% did in Maamobi. This corroborates with the high percentage of participants in Maamobi parasiticides compared to Kpone. This might be due to the fact that pregnant women are not given SP or any other antimalarial to prevent malaria. Also, high level of SP was measured in the cord blood, strongly suggesting placental barrier corsage. This observed phenomenon suggests that although IPTp is beneficial, its administration close to delivery could have negative impact on the new born. The detailed analysis and data will be discussed at the congress.
Hlengiwe Sacolo
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Title: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Schistosomiasis in Sub-saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Time : 12:25-12:55
Biography:
Hlengiwe Sacolo is an applied Researcher who draws from her experience in health systems research, program designing and evaluation to address real societal problems particularly in vulnerable communities. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Public Health where she effectively utilized the structural equation modeling approach to study high risk sexual behaviors for HIV among in-school youth in Swaziland. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her PhD research is on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis treatment coverage and efficacy of praziquantel among preschool children aged 1-5 years in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her studies will contribute towards the redefining of guidelines for schistosomiasis prevention and control among children in South Africa.
Abstract:
Background: The World Health Organization emphasises on the use of integrative approaches in the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. A detailed understanding of sociocultural factors that may influence the uptake of the intended health activities and services is vital. Thus, our study sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and practices about schistosomiasis in various communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Materials & Methods: A systematic search of literature for the period 2006-2016 was done on Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Psych info and Google Scholar using the following key words “Schistosomiasis, S. mansoni, S. haematobium, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and practices in Sub-Saharan Africa” in combination with Boolean operators (OR, AND). In this context, we reviewed studies conducted among school children, community members and caregivers of preschool children.
Results: Studies reviewed reflected inadequate knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to schistosomiasis. Age, gender, occupation and level of education were widely shown to have an impact on schistosomiasis knowledge and practices. About 60% of the studies reviewed reflected widespread misconceptions on the transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis. The disease was mostly believed to be caused by HIV, consuming unclean water and contaminated food. Risky water related practices such as swimming, bathing and washing clothes in open water bodies were identified as key factors promoting transmission of the disease.
Conclusion: The study concluded that a comprehensive health education programme using contextual and standardised training tools may improve peoples’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to schistosomiasis prevention and control.
Howaida Ismail Hussein Ismail
Tanta University, Egypt
Title: Ocular changes in Schistosoma mansoni infected hamsters
Time : 14:05-14:35
Biography:
Howaida Ismail Hussein Ismail has completed her PhD from Tanta University, Egypt. She has promoted to be a Professor of Medical Parasitology, then worked as a Deputy Director of Foreign Students Affairs, Ministry of Higher Education, Egypt. She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.
Abstract:
Ocular lesions have been reported in patients with schistosomiasis; however, the problem with studying schistosomal infection of the human eye is that biopsies are almost impossible to take and histopathological examination of suspicious lesions can only be undertaken during post-mortem or after enucleation. This work aimed to study the possible effects and pathogenesis of schistosomiasis on the eye. This study involved 55 hamsters; five hamsters remained non-infected and the remaining 50 hamsters were infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Infected hamsters were sacrificed on weeks 8, 12, 16 and 20 post-infection (pi). Eye sections were prepared and stained for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Histopathological changes detected in hamsters infected after 16 and 20 weeks included looseness and oedema of the innermost retinal layers together with hyperplastic polypoid growth. Neither eggs nor granulomata were detected in eye sections throughout the experimental period. Deposition of S. mansoni antigen was revealed in 35% of infected hamsters. Later, on weeks 16 and 20 pi, moderate subepithelial conjuctival deposits and marked subchoroidal and scleral deposition were detected. In conclusion, the deposition of schistosomal antigen and immune complexes may play a pivotal role in the ocular changes that occur in schistosomiasis, even in the absence of detectable Schistosoma eggs. Schistosomiasis should be suspected in cases with unexplained ophthalmological findings, especially in endemic areas.
Vidya Raghunathan
National Institute of Immunology, India
Title: Theoretical model of the structure of Glycolytic enzyme, Phosphoglycerate kinase C from Leishmania mexicana; transition from a continuous to discontinuous Helix at the C-terminus and the role of GXXXG motif
Time : 14:35-15.05
Biography:
Vidya Raghunathan completed her Ph.D in Chemistry from Princeton University USA and has been working in the National Institute of Immunology since 1991. She is currently the head of her laboratory working on the metabolic aspects of Leishmania from the perspective of structural biology of some key proteins. She has trained many students in her laboratory and is part of the mentorship programme in NII.
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Abstract:
Phosphoglycerate kinase C (PGKC) from the trypanosomatida, Leishmania is an important housekeeping enzyme whose 63 residue C-terminal extension is believed to be important in glycosome compartmentalisation. Structural studies with this enzyme have been experimentally very challenging. We sought to establish the three dimensional structure of residues 6-417 of PGKC_Lmexicana by homology modelling and biochemical data. Since PGKC of Leishmania and T. brucei are evolutionarily related and have high sequence homology the known structure of the PGKC_Tbrucei was used as template. We have created a .pdb library of individual fragments of the enzyme based on the Jpred secondary structure which can be useful for experts in the field of bioinformatics/protein modelling. Using chimera we have a final theoretical 3-dimensional model of L.Mexicana PGKC (residues 1-479) that enables visualization of the GXXXG motif in the enzyme fold. While supporting our biochemical data, the docking interactions reveal new aspects of the tertiary fold of PGKC. Various conjectures on PGKC’s role in the glycosome, give crucial leads for further research.
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