Trichinosis Caused by Ingestion of Raw Soft-Shelled Turtle Meat in Korea

Reptiles, unlike mammals, have been considered to be unsuitable hosts of Trichinella spp., though larvae have been detected in their muscles and human outbreaks related to their consumption have, in fact, occurred. Herein we report 2 Korean cases of trichinosis, possibly transmitted via consumption of reptile meat. Both patients suffered from myalgia, headache, and facial edema. Laboratory examinations revealed leukocytosis with eosinophilia (54% and 39%, respectively) and elevated creatinine phosphokinase. ELISA was performed under the suspicion of trichinosis, showing positivity at the 29th and 60th day post-infection. Since they had consumed raw soft-shelled turtle meat, turtle was strongly suggested to be an infection source of trichinosis in Korea next to the wild boar and badger.     

Seroprevalence of Trichinella sp. in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from Yanggu-gun,Gangwon-do,Korea

A total 7 outbreaks of trichinellosis have occurred in Korea, mostly as a result of consumption of raw wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat. Since only 1 serological survey on wild boars had yet been performed in Korea, the present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of trichinellosis in wild boars and some species of rodents by artificial digestion and serological examinations in Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do, the endemic area of trichinellosis. Both the wild boar and rodent muscle samples revealed no Trichinella larvae by direct examination and artificial digestion method. However, serological examinations revealed that 4 wild boar sera samples out of 118 (3.4%) were positive to Trichinella antigen. Although the recovery of Trichinella larvae ended in a failure, it is proved for the first time that the sylvatic cycle of Trichinella has been maintained in wild boars of Gangwon-do, Korea.     

中华鳖幼体呼吸代谢的初步研究

本文利用改装后的Ｋａｌａｂｕｋｈｏｖ－Ｓｋｖｏｒｓｔｏｖ呼吸器,同时测定了中华鳖在自由潜水状态下的空气呼吸和水呼吸摄氧量。结果表明：在正常生活状态下,中华鳖主要依靠空气呼吸摄氧;水呼吸仅占总呼吸摄氧量为２．６８％左右。呼吸摄氧率无显著昼夜变化。     

First fossil gravid turtle provides insight into the evolution of reproductive traits in turtles

Here we report on the first discovery of shelled eggs inside the body cavity of a fossil turtle and on an isolated egg clutch, both referable to the Cretaceous turtle Adocus. These discoveries provide a unique opportunity to gain insight into the reproductive traits of an extinct turtle and to understand the evolution of such traits among living turtles. The gravid adult and egg clutch indicate that Adocus laid large clutches of rigid-shelled spherical eggs and established their nests near rivers, traits that are shared by its closest living relatives, the soft-shelled turtles. Adocus eggshell, however, was probably more rigid than that of living turtles, based on its great thickness and structure, features that may represent unique adaptations to intense predation or to arid nest environments. In light of the reproductive traits observed in Adocus, the distribution of reproductive traits among turtles reveals that large clutches of rigid-shelled eggs are primitive for hidden-necked turtles (cryptodirans) and that spherical eggs may have evolved independently within this group.     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Trichinella spiralis antibodies and the surveillance of selected pig breeding farms in the Republic of Korea

Trichinellosis is a parasitic zoonosis of public health importance. It is caused by Trichinella spiralis which has a wide host range including humans. In the present communication, the ELISA technique was employed on a total of 803 blood samples from 7 selected pig breeding farms in 1996 for diagnosis and surveillance of trichinellosis. Out of the entire 803 samples, nine were found to be suspected while one was positive by ELISA. But western blot analyses employed for further confirmation have shown that all of 10 samples did not react to larval excretory-secretory product antigens. These results indicate that pig breeding farms included in the present study are free from trichinellosis. However, it does not mean Korea is free from trichinellosis since human trichinellosis has recently been reported. The necessity of continued surveillance for trichinellosis in both pigs and wild animals was discussed.     

草鱼、中华鳖IL-2活性影响因素的研究

结果显示:当年草鱼种和中华鳖脾细胞培养上清液中能检测出IL-2活性,而且1龄以上草鱼、中华鳖的IL-2活性高于当年孵化的草鱼和中华鳖.草鱼、中华鳖脾细胞在25℃培养温度条件下,其上清液中IL-2活性最高,35℃次之,15℃最低.因此,草鱼、中华鳖IL-2活性在一定范围内是随着年龄增加而增强和依赖温度的.通过小鼠胸腺细胞增殖和对小鼠L929细胞杀伤率的实验表明37℃比25℃检测温度下所测的IL-2活性高,而中华鳖胸腺细胞增殖实验却显示25℃检测温度下IL-2活性高于37℃.本文讨论了年龄、温度对免疫反应影响的机理.       

A human infection of Echinostoma hortense in duodenal bulb diagnosed by endoscopy

As gastroduodenoscopy performed more frequently, case reports of human echinostomiasis are increasing in Korea. A Korean woman presented at a local clinic with complaints of abdominal pain and discomfort that had persisted for 2 weeks. Under gastroduodenoscopy, two motile flukes were found attached on the duodenal bulb, and retrieved with endoscopic forceps. She had history of eating raw frog meat. The two flukes were identified as Echinostoma hortense by egg morphology, 27 collar spines with 4 end-group spines, and surface ultrastructural characters. This report may prove frogs to be a source of human echinostome infections.     

The fifth outbreak of trichinosis in Korea

Trichinosis is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by the nematode, Trichinella spp., and had been reported several times in Korea. Recently, there was an additional outbreak, involving 5 patients, the findings from which are reported herein. On 30 November 2010, 8 persons ate sashimi of the meat of a wild boar. Then, 2-3 weeks later, they complained of myalgia and fever. Unfortunately, muscle biopsy was not performed, but ELISA was performed using their sera. Two people among 8 were positive for Trichinella on the 34th day post-infection (PI), and 3 patients who initially revealed negative ELISA were additionally proved to be positive for trichinosis on the 42nd day PI. Hence, the confirmed patients of trichinosis were 5 in total in the present outbreak. They were treated with albendazole and discharged uneventfully. This was the fifth outbreak of trichinosis in Korea.     

鼋骨骼系统及与中华鳖比较

采用虫蚀法制备了鼋Pelochelys cantorii和中华鳖Pelodiscus sinensis的骨骼标本, 对骨骼系统进行了观察、描述、绘图及比较分析。结果显示, 鼋的骨骼共169枚, 由背甲和腹甲组成的外骨骼、中轴骨和附肢骨组成的内骨骼组成。通过比较鼋和中华鳖的骨骼结构, 发现二者在头骨的吻突长度及第三颈椎结构方面有较大差别。鼋眼眶前部至吻突最前端的长度与头骨总长度比为0.082, 而中华鳖为0.570, 显示中华鳖吻突显著长于鼋。鼋与中华鳖的颈椎骨数目均为9枚, 但中华鳖的第三至第九颈椎的横突要更明显, 第七颈椎的椎体向上显著翘起, 且第九颈椎腹面椎体前端为尖状。从整条颈椎上看, 鼋脊椎长度与其背甲长度之比为0.66, 中华鳖为1.07, 表明中华鳖的颈椎更长; 研究结果丰富了鳖科动物的骨骼学基础数据, 也为鼋物种鉴定、龟鳖动物系统演化及生态适应性提供骨骼学理论依据。     

Diphyllobothrium latum infection after eating domestic salmon flesh.

Diphyllobothrium latum infection in human is not common in Korea and only thirty seven cases have been reported since 1921. We report two cases of fish tapeworm infection after ingestion of raw cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) caught in the domestic river. Among four family members who ate together raw salmon flesh six months ago, just two, mother and daughter, were infected. It is our expectation that the salmon associated tapeworm infections would be enlisted as one of the major parasitic problems with the growing consumption of salmon in Korea.     

中华鳖和小白鼠正常血清洁菌酶的初步测定和比较

本实验采用平板法对中华鳖和小白鼠两种动物的正常血清溶菌酶的活力进行了平板扩散法测定。从结果中发现,中华鳖的血清溶菌酶活力稍低于小白鼠,但两者均在１００Ｕ／ｍｌ以上,没有发现与个体大小、年龄及性别联系。     

An outbreak of trichinellosis in Hungary

In a small village of Hungary, a human trichinellosis outbreak (affecting eight people) occurred in January-February, 2009. In the outbreak investigation (i) Trichinella spiralis larvae were detected in meat products derived from the pigs slaughtered in the backyard of one of the patients (a foxhunter) in December 2008, and in a brown rat captured in the same backyard; (ii) sera of 24 pigs held in 11 yards of the village and that of some dogs of the foxhunter were found Trichinella-positive; (iii) sera of five villagers who could not be infected in the particular outbreak were also found reactive in Trichinella-specific laboratory tests. The followings helped the rise of an outbreak: the geographical position and the presence of empty houses favoured the multiplication of rats; there was no extermination of rats in the previous years; there was no meat inspection; raw meat and improperly processed meat products were tasted at the pig-slaughter; villagers gave tastes to each other. People were informed on the symptoms, the way of transmission, and the possibilities of prevention of trichinellosis by experts. With the help of local authorities, all the properties including the grounds with empty houses were involved in the extermination of rodents.     

Complete amino acid sequence of three reptile lysozymes

To study the structure and function of reptile lysozymes, we have reported their purification, and in this study we have established the amino acid sequence of three egg white lysozymes in soft-shelled turtle eggs (SSTL A and SSTL B from Trionyx sinensis, ASTL from Amyda cartilaginea) by using the rapid peptide mapping method. The established amino acid sequence of SSTL A, SSTL B, and ASTL showed substitutions of 43, 42, and 44 residues respectively when compared with the HEWL (hen egg white lysozyme) sequence. In these reptile lysozymes, SSTL A had one substitution compared with SSTL B (Gly126Asp) and had an N-terminal extra Gly and 11 substitutions compared with ASTL. SSTL B had an N-terminal extra Gly and 10 residues different from ASTL. The sequence of SSTL B was identical to soft-shelled turtle lysozyme from STL (Trionyx sinensis japonicus). The Ile residue at position 93 of ASTL is the first report in all C-type lysozymes. Furthermore, amino acid substitutions (Phe34His, Arg45Tyr, Thr47Arg, and Arg114Tyr) were also found at subsites E and F when compared with HEWL. The time course using N-acetylglucosamine pentamer as a substrate exhibited a reduction of the rate constant of glycosidic cleavage and increase of binding free energy for subsites E and F, which proved the contribution for amino acids mentioned above for substrate binding at subsites E and F. Interestingly, the variable binding free energy values occurred on ASTL, may be contributed from substitutions at outside of subsites E and F.     

Toxocariasis and ingestion of raw cow liver in patients with eosinophilia

Ingestion of raw animal liver has been suggested as a possible mode of infection of human toxocariasis. We evaluated the relationship between toxocariasis and the ingestion of raw meat in patients with eosinophilia of unknown etiology. The study population consisted of 120 patients presenting with peripheral blood eosinophilia (>500 cells/microliter or >10% of the white blood cell count). They were divided into 2 groups: 104 seropositive patients based on a Toxocara excretory-secretory IgG ELISA and 16 seronegative patients. While 25.0% of seronegative patients had a recent history of eating raw cow liver, 87.5% of seropositive patients had this history. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that a recent history of eating raw cow liver was related to an increased risk of toxocariasis. Collectively, it is proposed that raw cow liver is a significant infection source of toxocariasis in the patients with eosinophilia of unknown etiology.     

Lactate dehydrogenase genes of caiman and Chinese soft-shelled turtle, with emphasis on the molecular phylogenetics and evolution of reptiles.

L-Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cDNAs encoding for LDH-A(4) (muscle) and LDH-B(4) (heart) isozymes from caiman (Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis) belonging to the order Crocodilia and Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) belonging to the order Chelonia were sequenced. The phylogenetic relationships of the newly determined cDNA and their deduced protein sequences, as well as the previously published sequences of vertebrate LDH isozymes, were analyzed by various phylogenetic tree construction methods. These results indicated that Chelonia is indeed more closely related to Crocodilia. The divergent times between caiman and alligator, turtle and soft-shelled turtle, and Chelonia and Crocodilia were estimated to be approximately 36, 100 and 177 million years, respectively.     

仿野生鳖卵的磷脂及粗蛋白含量测定

仿野生鳖卵内容物冻干粉收率为 30 .6 1% ,它的粗蛋白质及磷脂含量分别为 5 0 .0 1%和 12 .74 %。TLC分析结果表明仿野生鳖卵含有 5种磷脂成份 ,而鹌鹑卵及猪脑仅含有 3种磷脂     

中华鳖生化组成的分析：Ⅱ.背甲,肌肉中矿物元素的组成

本文对中华鳖一龄鳖,二龄鳖和三龄鳖的肌肉与背甲中矿物元素的组成进行了分析,结果表明：中华鳖体内含有２２种以上的矿物元素,具有重要生理功能的硒,锌和铁等微量元素含量丰富,有肌肉中含量分别为：０．５４,３．３２,３６．７;在背甲中含量分别为：１．５０,８．１２,８．８。     

A Seroepidemiological Survey of Toxocariasis among Eosinophilia Patients in Chungcheongnam-do

There have been several reports on the relationship between toxocariasis and eosinophilia, but all have been limited to the areas of Seoul or Gangwon-do. In the present study, we investigated the seroprevalence of toxocariasis among eosinophilia patients in Chungcheongnam-do, the central district of Korea. Among the 101 patients tested, 51 (50.5%) were identified as positive by Toxocara ELISA, and 46 (45.5%) were confidently diagnosed with toxocariasis because of absence of any other cause of eosinophilia. Whereas 22 of 42 seropositive patients (52.3%) had a recent history of consuming raw livers, especially the cow liver, only 1 of 25 seronegative patients (4%) had done so (P<0.01). From these results, we could confirm that toxocariasis is related to eosinophilia, and infer that ingestion of raw cow liver plays a vital role in the transmission of toxocariasis in Chungcheongnam-do.     

克氏原螯虾幼体及亚成体对中华鳖的趋避行为

【背景】在我国,克氏原螯虾是一种外来入侵水生生物,已经对入侵地的生态环境造成严重的破坏。【方法】在Y形水迷宫中,研究有经验和无经验的幼体及亚成体克氏原螯虾对中华鳖的趋避行为。【结果】幼虾无论是否有经验都会显著回避中华鳖,降低外倾性;而亚成体虾对中华鳖的反应不及幼虾灵敏。【结论与意义】2种不同发育阶段的外来入侵物种克氏原螯虾均会回避土著物种中华鳖,为外来入侵生物防治和动物行为学及相关研究提供了参考。