Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of di... more Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of diarrhoea in children. These parasites have particular impact in low- and middle-income countries. In these countries, people often live in close contact with their animals, highlighting the potential role of zoonotic routes of transmission in disease spread. The occurrence and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis infecting humans in Tigray, Ethiopia were investigated, along with the risk associated with infection. Stool samples from 249 asymptomatic people (4-80 years of age) in four rural districts in Tigray and 58 from symptomatic young children (1-33 months) attending health centres in Mekelle, Tigray's main city (total of samples), were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Participants in the rural areas completed questionnaires regarding potential risk factors, with emphasis on livestock contact and sources of water. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection was 6% and 5% in people in the rural districts and young children from Mekelle, respectively; equivalent figures for Giardia infection were 29% and 14%. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates revealed C. ubiquitum, subtype XIIa in a sample from rural districts, and C. hominis subtype IdA17 (1 sample) and IbA9G3 (2 samples) in infants from Mekelle with diarrhoea. For Giardia, Assemblage B predominated (22/25; 88%), but we also identified three samples with Assemblage A (AII). Our major finding was that, despite the close contact between people and livestock in our rural study sites, transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia between humans and their animals seems to be surprisingly uncommon. Our results are discussed in relation to other relevant studies, and also draws attention to the possibility that introduction of zoonotic species and/or subtypes, such as C. parvum, could have serious consequences for both human and animal health. As our study was conducted in Tigray, further investigation in different settings in Ethiopia could provide relevant information on transmission and zoonotic potential, and the potential for spread of zoonotic transmission. In addition, given the importance of these two parasites in causing diarrhoea in children, this information is vital for developing effective appropriate interventions against transmission that can be applied not only in Tigray or Ethiopia, but throughout Africa and beyond.
BackgroundThe parasites causes localized and generalized infections to the host depends on the pa... more BackgroundThe parasites causes localized and generalized infections to the host depends on the parasite attachment organs, depth of penetration, site of location and worm burdens.MethodsThe experimental study was done between December, 2019 and April, 2020 in the fly-proof experimental animal facility located in the premise of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture at Bishoftu, Ethiopia. A total of 14 male goat (G1 and G2) and 14 male sheep (G3 and G4) were allotted in to four equal groups. Single dose of 10,000 of infective larvae ofHaemonchus contortus(L3) was orally administered to each animal in G1 and G3. Parameters such as body weight, PCV, haemoglobin, worm count, serum total protein, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Moreover, histopathological sections were stained and examined for general changes as well as for changes in specific cells such as tissue eosinophilia and parietal cell population.ResultsThe findings s...
The aim of this document is to review the current knowledge on Trypanosome parasites of animals w... more The aim of this document is to review the current knowledge on Trypanosome parasites of animals with emphasis on the immunological response and points to the wealth of information available for trypanosomiasis, in contrast to the numerous gaps in our understanding of immune responses to trypanosomal infections. African trypanosomes are pathogens for humans and livestock. They are single-cell, extra-cellular parasites that cause persistent infections of the blood and induce profound immune-suppression. The specific immune response to the infecting parasites is complex and involves both the humoral and cellular branches of immune systems. In trypanosomosis, parasite growth is primarily controlled through T-cell dependent antibody responses to the variable surface glycoproteins and possibly to other molecules embedded on the surface of the parasites. Cellular immune responses also occur but at the level of immune-suppression directed against B cells. Additionally, a variety of immune-m...
Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of di... more Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of diarrhoea in children. These parasites have particular impact in low- and middle-income countries. In these countries, people often live in close contact with their animals, highlighting the potential role of zoonotic routes of transmission in disease spread. The occurrence and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis infecting humans in Tigray, Ethiopia were investigated, along with the risk associated with infection. Stool samples from 249 asymptomatic people (4-80 years of age) in four rural districts in Tigray and 58 from symptomatic young children (1-33 months) attending health centres in Mekelle, Tigray's main city (total of samples), were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Participants in the rural areas completed questionnaires regarding potential risk factors, with emphasis on livestock contact and sources of water. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection was 6% and 5% in people in the rural districts and young children from Mekelle, respectively; equivalent figures for Giardia infection were 29% and 14%. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates revealed C. ubiquitum, subtype XIIa in a sample from rural districts, and C. hominis subtype IdA17 (1 sample) and IbA9G3 (2 samples) in infants from Mekelle with diarrhoea. For Giardia, Assemblage B predominated (22/25; 88%), but we also identified three samples with Assemblage A (AII). Our major finding was that, despite the close contact between people and livestock in our rural study sites, transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia between humans and their animals seems to be surprisingly uncommon. Our results are discussed in relation to other relevant studies, and also draws attention to the possibility that introduction of zoonotic species and/or subtypes, such as C. parvum, could have serious consequences for both human and animal health. As our study was conducted in Tigray, further investigation in different settings in Ethiopia could provide relevant information on transmission and zoonotic potential, and the potential for spread of zoonotic transmission. In addition, given the importance of these two parasites in causing diarrhoea in children, this information is vital for developing effective appropriate interventions against transmission that can be applied not only in Tigray or Ethiopia, but throughout Africa and beyond.
Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal disease, which is capable of infecting any warm-blooded animals, inc... more Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal disease, which is capable of infecting any warm-blooded animals, including humans. Wild and domestic cats are the only known definitive hosts of Toxoplasma; they can develop both systemic and patent intestinal infection. All other animals and humans serve as intermediate hosts in which the parasite may cause systemic infection, which typically results in the formation of tissue cysts. In all species, Toxoplasma infection is usually subclinical, although it may occasionally cause mild, non specific signs. Infection may have much more serious consequences in immunocompromised or pregnant animals and people and AIDS patients. The major modes of transmission include consumption of undercooked meat containing Toxoplasma cysts, fecal-oral transfer of Toxoplasma oocysts from cat feces (either directly or in contaminated food, water or soil), and vertical transmission from mother to fetus if primary infection occurs during pregnancy. The major public health sign...
4 Abstract: Hydatidosis is highly public health problem and economic importance worldwide. A cros... more 4 Abstract: Hydatidosis is highly public health problem and economic importance worldwide. A cross-sectional survey of camel hydatidosis was carried out on 421 camels from October 2012 to May 2013 in Ayssaita district. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and identify the potential risk factors to acquire hydatidosis infection in camels slaughtered in backyard in pastoral area. The overall prevalence of camel hydatidosis was found to be 34.20% (95%CI: 29.65, 38.75). Based on the potential risk factors, the likelihood of acquiring camel hydatidosis was higher in female than male (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.69, P = 0.02), in old than young (OR = 5.75, 95% CI: 2.88, 11.49, P < 0.0001), in lean than good body condition (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.15, 9.13, P <0.0001). Sources of water and feeding habit of camels was also found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Of the 144 camels positive, 47.90% had cysts in the lungs only, 20.80% in the liver only,...
Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of di... more Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of diarrhoea in children. These parasites have particular impact in low- and middle-income countries. In these countries, people often live in close contact with their animals, highlighting the potential role of zoonotic routes of transmission in disease spread. The occurrence and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis infecting humans in Tigray, Ethiopia were investigated, along with the risk associated with infection. Stool samples from 249 asymptomatic people (4-80 years of age) in four rural districts in Tigray and 58 from symptomatic young children (1-33 months) attending health centres in Mekelle, Tigray's main city (total of samples), were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Participants in the rural areas completed questionnaires regarding potential risk factors, with emphasis on livestock contact and sources of water. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection was 6% and 5% in people in the rural districts and young children from Mekelle, respectively; equivalent figures for Giardia infection were 29% and 14%. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates revealed C. ubiquitum, subtype XIIa in a sample from rural districts, and C. hominis subtype IdA17 (1 sample) and IbA9G3 (2 samples) in infants from Mekelle with diarrhoea. For Giardia, Assemblage B predominated (22/25; 88%), but we also identified three samples with Assemblage A (AII). Our major finding was that, despite the close contact between people and livestock in our rural study sites, transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia between humans and their animals seems to be surprisingly uncommon. Our results are discussed in relation to other relevant studies, and also draws attention to the possibility that introduction of zoonotic species and/or subtypes, such as C. parvum, could have serious consequences for both human and animal health. As our study was conducted in Tigray, further investigation in different settings in Ethiopia could provide relevant information on transmission and zoonotic potential, and the potential for spread of zoonotic transmission. In addition, given the importance of these two parasites in causing diarrhoea in children, this information is vital for developing effective appropriate interventions against transmission that can be applied not only in Tigray or Ethiopia, but throughout Africa and beyond.
BackgroundThe parasites causes localized and generalized infections to the host depends on the pa... more BackgroundThe parasites causes localized and generalized infections to the host depends on the parasite attachment organs, depth of penetration, site of location and worm burdens.MethodsThe experimental study was done between December, 2019 and April, 2020 in the fly-proof experimental animal facility located in the premise of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture at Bishoftu, Ethiopia. A total of 14 male goat (G1 and G2) and 14 male sheep (G3 and G4) were allotted in to four equal groups. Single dose of 10,000 of infective larvae ofHaemonchus contortus(L3) was orally administered to each animal in G1 and G3. Parameters such as body weight, PCV, haemoglobin, worm count, serum total protein, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Moreover, histopathological sections were stained and examined for general changes as well as for changes in specific cells such as tissue eosinophilia and parietal cell population.ResultsThe findings s...
The aim of this document is to review the current knowledge on Trypanosome parasites of animals w... more The aim of this document is to review the current knowledge on Trypanosome parasites of animals with emphasis on the immunological response and points to the wealth of information available for trypanosomiasis, in contrast to the numerous gaps in our understanding of immune responses to trypanosomal infections. African trypanosomes are pathogens for humans and livestock. They are single-cell, extra-cellular parasites that cause persistent infections of the blood and induce profound immune-suppression. The specific immune response to the infecting parasites is complex and involves both the humoral and cellular branches of immune systems. In trypanosomosis, parasite growth is primarily controlled through T-cell dependent antibody responses to the variable surface glycoproteins and possibly to other molecules embedded on the surface of the parasites. Cellular immune responses also occur but at the level of immune-suppression directed against B cells. Additionally, a variety of immune-m...
Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of di... more Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of diarrhoea in children. These parasites have particular impact in low- and middle-income countries. In these countries, people often live in close contact with their animals, highlighting the potential role of zoonotic routes of transmission in disease spread. The occurrence and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis infecting humans in Tigray, Ethiopia were investigated, along with the risk associated with infection. Stool samples from 249 asymptomatic people (4-80 years of age) in four rural districts in Tigray and 58 from symptomatic young children (1-33 months) attending health centres in Mekelle, Tigray's main city (total of samples), were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Participants in the rural areas completed questionnaires regarding potential risk factors, with emphasis on livestock contact and sources of water. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection was 6% and 5% in people in the rural districts and young children from Mekelle, respectively; equivalent figures for Giardia infection were 29% and 14%. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates revealed C. ubiquitum, subtype XIIa in a sample from rural districts, and C. hominis subtype IdA17 (1 sample) and IbA9G3 (2 samples) in infants from Mekelle with diarrhoea. For Giardia, Assemblage B predominated (22/25; 88%), but we also identified three samples with Assemblage A (AII). Our major finding was that, despite the close contact between people and livestock in our rural study sites, transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia between humans and their animals seems to be surprisingly uncommon. Our results are discussed in relation to other relevant studies, and also draws attention to the possibility that introduction of zoonotic species and/or subtypes, such as C. parvum, could have serious consequences for both human and animal health. As our study was conducted in Tigray, further investigation in different settings in Ethiopia could provide relevant information on transmission and zoonotic potential, and the potential for spread of zoonotic transmission. In addition, given the importance of these two parasites in causing diarrhoea in children, this information is vital for developing effective appropriate interventions against transmission that can be applied not only in Tigray or Ethiopia, but throughout Africa and beyond.
Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal disease, which is capable of infecting any warm-blooded animals, inc... more Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal disease, which is capable of infecting any warm-blooded animals, including humans. Wild and domestic cats are the only known definitive hosts of Toxoplasma; they can develop both systemic and patent intestinal infection. All other animals and humans serve as intermediate hosts in which the parasite may cause systemic infection, which typically results in the formation of tissue cysts. In all species, Toxoplasma infection is usually subclinical, although it may occasionally cause mild, non specific signs. Infection may have much more serious consequences in immunocompromised or pregnant animals and people and AIDS patients. The major modes of transmission include consumption of undercooked meat containing Toxoplasma cysts, fecal-oral transfer of Toxoplasma oocysts from cat feces (either directly or in contaminated food, water or soil), and vertical transmission from mother to fetus if primary infection occurs during pregnancy. The major public health sign...
4 Abstract: Hydatidosis is highly public health problem and economic importance worldwide. A cros... more 4 Abstract: Hydatidosis is highly public health problem and economic importance worldwide. A cross-sectional survey of camel hydatidosis was carried out on 421 camels from October 2012 to May 2013 in Ayssaita district. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and identify the potential risk factors to acquire hydatidosis infection in camels slaughtered in backyard in pastoral area. The overall prevalence of camel hydatidosis was found to be 34.20% (95%CI: 29.65, 38.75). Based on the potential risk factors, the likelihood of acquiring camel hydatidosis was higher in female than male (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.69, P = 0.02), in old than young (OR = 5.75, 95% CI: 2.88, 11.49, P < 0.0001), in lean than good body condition (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.15, 9.13, P <0.0001). Sources of water and feeding habit of camels was also found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Of the 144 camels positive, 47.90% had cysts in the lungs only, 20.80% in the liver only,...
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