Alveolar Echinococcus species from Vulpes corsac in Hulunbeier, Inner Mongolia, China, and differential development of the metacestodes in experimental rodents

Adults of alveolar Echinococcus species with different uterine structures were collected from Vulpes corsac in the Hulunbeier Pasture of Northeastern China in 2001. They were Echinococcus multilocularis Leuckart, 1863 (type No. 3, similar to E. m. multilocularis), with vaselike uterus; Echinococcus cf. sibiricensis Rausch et Schiller, 1954 (type No. 1), with pyriform uterus; and Echinococcus sp. (type No. 2) with spherical uterus at segment top. The metacestode development in rodents also differed among those 3 parasites. In the case of E. multilocularis (type No. 3), many germinal cells grew on the inner surface of early cysts, most of which metastasized into host tissue to form brood vesicles or from the germinal cell layer on the inner surface of the vesicle wall. Cells also had an appearance of proliferating by means of alveolar buds from alveolar tissue that developed outward to form new alveolar foci. In Echinococcus cf. sibiricensis (type No. 1), the formation of alveolar vesicles was due to the metastasizing of germinal tissue into host tissue; protoscoleces grew in the center of alveolar vesicles. In type No. 2 (Echinococcus sp.), the formation of the alveolar vesicle was by multiplication of germinal cell layers on the inner surface of alveolar cysts; protoscoleces grew from the germinal cell layer and mesh in the vesicles. On the basis of uterine structure and on differences in development of metacestodes in experimental rodents, we propose that the 3 types of Echinococcus represent 3 independent species: E. multilocularis, Echinococcus sibiricensis, and Echinococcus sp. (type No. 2-as yet under study).     

Echinococcus shiquicus n. sp., a taeniid cestode from Tibetan fox and plateau pika in China

The taeniid cestode Echinococcus shiquicus n. sp. was found from the Tibetan fox Vulpes ferrilata and the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau region of China. In the adult stage, E. shiquicus from the foxes is morphologically similar to Echinococcus multilocularis. However, the new species is differentiated by its smaller rostellar hooks, fewer segments, distinct position of genital pore in the mature segment and fewer eggs in the gravid segment. Hydatid cysts of E. shiquicus found in the livers from the pikas were essentially unilocular but an oligovesicular cyst was also found. The data of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences proved E. shiquicus to be a valid taxon.     

Immunization of dogs against Echinococcus granulosus using worm secretory antigens.

A new approach to the immunization of dogs against Echinococcus granulosus, using secretory antigens derived from adult tapeworms cultivated in vitro, resulted in a highly significant suppression of egg production by Echinococcus granulosus in immunized dogs. There was also a significant reduction in the number of proglottids per worm in immunized dogs. It appeared that the suppression of egg production was due to an immune effect on both somatic growth and germinal development. The implications of this work with respect to hydatidosis control programmes are discussed.     

Emergence/re-emergence of Echinococcus spp.--a global update

This review provides an update of the biological aspects of the genus Echinococcus and focuses on newly recognized endemic areas. Infection with the intermediate cystic stage of all species of Echinococcus causes disease and incapacity in animals and humans, and in the most serious cases, death of the host. Transmission of Echinococcus to new continents has occurred during European colonisation and the parasite has often taken advantage of Echinococcus-naive wildlife populations in these new environments, incorporating them into its transmission pattern. Echinococcus granulosus consists of a complex of 10 strains. Host specificities of these strains have important implications for transmission and control. As a result of human behaviour and/or political instability in a number of countries Echinococcus is re-emerging as an important public health issue. The importance of wildlife reservoirs in perpetuating transmission and as a source of infection for domestic animals and humans is addressed. The review also refers to the transmission pattern of a recently described new species, Echinococcus shiquicus, from China.     

Echinococcus granulosus from Mexican pigs is the same strain as that in Polish pigs

Samples of Echinococcus granulosus from seven pigs from Mexico were compared with isolates of the parasite from pigs in Poland and representative strains and species of Echinococcus. Isolates from pigs in Mexico were found to be genetically identical to E. granulosus from Polish pigs and distinct from other major genotypes by sequencing part of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mtDNA locus, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 using five different enzymes, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. These results were complemented by data on hook morphology and together strengthen the view that Echinococcus maintained in a cycle involving pigs and dogs is a distinct strain that is conserved genetically in different geographical areas. The present study supports the close relationship of the cervid, camel and pig strains and raises the question of their taxonomic status.     

A PCR system for detection of species and genotypes of the Echinococcus granulosus-complex, with reference to the epidemiological situation in eastern Africa

We describe the development of a specific and sensitive PCR/semi-nested PCR system for the rapid diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus genotype G1, E. granulosus genotype G6/7, and Echinococcus ortleppi (G5). Diagnosis of G1 and the group G5/6/7 is performed by a simple PCR, while discrimination between E. ortleppi (G5) and G6/7 involves a subsequent semi-nested PCR step. The target sequence for amplification is part of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Specificity of the PCRs was 100% when evaluated with isolates of 16 species of cestodes, including Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus equinus, E. ortleppi and three strains of E. granulosus (G1, G6 and G7). Sensitivity threshold was 0.25pg of DNA. This new approach was compared with published protocols of restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR and sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and NADH dehydrogenase 1 genes using Echinococcus isolates of human, sheep, goat, camel, cattle and pig origin from Kenya and Sudan. Additionally, two internal DNA probes were developed, one hybridising only with G1, the other with G5, G6 and G7 amplification products. Preliminary epidemiological results obtained with this PCR approach include the detection of a camel strain (G6) infection for the first time in a human patient from eastern Africa, and the first reports of E. ortleppi (G5) in livestock from Kenya and the Sudan.     

Echinococcus granulosus: evaluation of purified antigens immunoreactivity

A new method is presented for the isolation of purified Echinococcus granulosus antigens from sheep hydatid fluid. Echinococcus granulosus antigens were separated from the host's serum contaminants by absorbing sheep serum proteins with specific immunoabsorbents.No net sensitivity gain was obtained by using these purified antigens rather than crude sheep hydatid fluid in hemagglutination and immunoelectrophoretic tests.The presence of two major antigens (≥ 400,000 and 150,000 MW) was confirmed, the larger component being clearly the most immunoreactive.Evidence of a third slightly antigenic fraction of low molecular weight is presented.The effectiveness of labeled major Echinococcus granulosus antigens in radioimmunoprecipitation test is reported.     

内蒙古西伯利亚棘球绦虫和多房棘球绦虫泡状蚴在小白鼠发育成熟的比较

The alveolar echinococcus is one of the most dangerous worm parasites in man. Rausch and Schiller reported a new species, Echinococcus sibiricensis n. sp. from arctic fox, Alpex logopus, on St. Lawrence Island of Alaska, USA. According to the view of Vogel, the sibiricensis form is only a geographical race or subspecies of Europe Echinococcus multilocularis. So far, the two names, Echinococcus multiocularis multilocularis and Echinococcus multilocularis sibiricensis, existed in many references and text books. We have found the adults of Echinococcus sibiricensis and Echinococcus multilocularis from sand foxes, Vulpes corsac and their larval stages (alveolar echinococcus) from field voles, Microtus brandti in the Hulunbeier Pasture of Inner Mongolia, northeastern China in 1985 and 1998-1999. Two types of metacestodes with quite different styles of early development of E. sibiricensis and E. multilocularis were found from field voles and laboratory experimental white mice. As one characteristic of alveolar E. multilocularis, the capsules are produced by the exogenous budding of germinal cell layer together with cyst wall. The protoscoleces grow from germinal cells on germinal cell layer. The peduncles of early protoscoleces attached to the germinal cell layer on the inner surface of capsule wall(Plate I, Figs. 1-2). Some protoscoleces in reticular structure were linked with the inner surface of capsule wall (Plate I, Fig. 3) in livers of mice in 9.5th month postinfection. In 14th month old alveolar multilocularis, large number of mature protoscoleces in reticular structure were still linked to the inner surface of capsule wall (Plate I, Figs. 4-8). The cavities of some capsules were filled with protoscoleces in meshes of reticular structure which were also linked around with the inner surface of capsule wall (Plate I, Fig. 9). The superficial surface of livers of positive field voles and experimental mice never showed any hyperemic phenomenon. The superficial surfaces of livers and lungs of positive field voles and experimental mice infected with alveolar E. sibiricensis were highly hyperemic. The metacestodes of E. sibiricensis composed of mother cyst, undifferentiated embryonic cysts and small brood capsules. Cavities of all cysts were fully filled with germinal cell masses. Host reaction appeared to be very strong, all cysts were surrounded by thick connective tissue and dense leukocytes (Plate II, Fig. 10). All alveolar vesicles were found located in lungs tissue of experimental mice. Large germinal cell masses metastasized out from undifferentiated embryonic cysts into host lung tissue, where germinal cell masses developed into accumulation of early protoscoleces (Plate II, Figs. 11-12). Early protoscoleces of alveolar E. sibiricensis were seen earliest in mice lung tissues on 101-104th days after infection. Many small capsules in different sizes and different shapes containing mature protoscoleces and reticular structure (Plate II, Figs. 13-15) were found in lungs of mice in 9th month after infection. Only in one experimental mouse infected with alveolar E. sibiricensis in 8.5th month postinfection, both its lung and liver existed alveolar cysts; the capsules in liver were surrounded by very thick connective tissue of the host, and there were some protoscoleces in their cavities (Plate II, Figs. 16-18).     

Enteric parasitic zoonoses of domesticated dogs and cats

Dogs and cats are important members of many families; however, they can harbour gastrointestinal parasites that may infect their owners. Some of these parasites, e.g. Echinococcus sp., can have a significant impact on human health. However, with appropriate education, management and anthelmintic regimes, zoonotic transmission of these parasites can be minimised.     

Mammalian wildlife diseases as hazards to man and livestock in an area of the Llanos Orientales of Colombia

Development of the LLanos Orientales of Colombia, and access to underdeveloped areas in the Llanos, may create disease hazards to man and domestic animals or introduce exotic pathogens, creating reservoirs of infection for domestic animals and acting as limiting factors on the native wild species. A survey of wild animals common to the Llanos revealed a number of parasites indigenous to the area. A total total of 59 mammalian species, representing eight orders were examined. Haematozoa were represented by Trypanosoma cruzi, T. evansi and T. rangeli. Eight species of ticks were found: Amblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, A. rotundatum, A. maculatum, A. longirostre, A. pacae, Ixodes luciae and Boophilus microplus. Four species of fleas were found: Rhopalopsyllus lugubris lugubris, R. australis tupinus, R. cacicus saevus and Polygenis klagesi samuelis. A species of Echinococcus was commonly found in Cuniculus paca. Serologic titers and/or isolations of pathogenic viral and bacterial agents generally indicated that the wildlife population had not been exposed to the diseases common to the domestic population. A low prevalence of titers to Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis was found in Cebus apella and Proechimys sp. Neutralizing antibodies to Group B viruses were found in Proechimys sp., Coendor sp. and Nectomys squamipes. Antibodies to Group C viruses were found in Proechimys sp. Serologic titers to Leptospira sejroe and L. tarassovi were found in Proechimys sp. and Didelphis marsupialis. L. tarassovi was isolated from Proechimys sp. Titers to Brucella were not found in 1964 animals. The significance of these findings are discussed.     

Isolation of the most immunoreactive antigenes of echinococcus granulosus from sheep hydatid fluid.

This paper describes a simplified procedure for obtaining purified Echinococcus granulosus antigens from sheep hydatid fluid by using affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose. The presence of two "major" antigens (4 and 5) was confirmed. Antigen 5 was isolated by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Antigen 4, eluted by diffusion from the gel, was seen to be "contaminated" by antigen 5 and was isolated by using anti-5 Sepharose-linked serum. These two major antigens were then tested separately against the sera of hydatidosis patients by using very simple immunolgic tests. The best results were obtained in passive hemagglutination with antigen 4. Antigen 4 is the most immunoreactive parasitic antigen; antibodies against it were found in the sera of all hydatidosis patients showing positive reaction. Apart from the direct use of this antigen in serologic tests, it appears possible to standarize the most frequently used and commerically available antigenic materials by titrating this component.     

A phylogeny of members of the family Taeniidae based on the mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 gene data

The cestode family Taeniidae consists of 2 genera, Taenia and Echinococcus, which both have been the focus of intensive taxonomic and epidemiological studies because of their zoonotic importance. However, a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of this family has yet to be reconstructed. In this study, 54 isolates representing 9 Taenia species were characterized using DNA sequences in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes. Phylogenetic relationships within the family Taeniidae were inferred by combining cox1 and nad1 sequence data of the present and previous studies. In the phylogenetic analysis, the genus Echinococcus was shown to be monophyletic, but Taenia proved to be paraphyletic due to the position of T. mustelae as a probable sister taxon of Echinococcus. This indicates that T. mustelae should form a genus of its own. Taenia ovis krabbei was placed distant from T. ovis ovis, as a sister taxon of T. multiceps, supporting its recognition as a distinct species, T. krabbei. High intraspecific sequence variation within both T. polyacantha and T. taeniaeformis suggests the existence of cryptic sister species.     

Transient transfection of Echinococcus multilocularis primary cells and complete in vitro regeneration of metacestode vesicles

A major limitation in studying molecular interactions between parasitic helminths and their hosts is the lack of suitable in vitro cultivation systems for helminth cells and larvae. Here we present a method for long-term in vitro cultivation of larval cells of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis. Primary cells isolated from cultivated metacestode vesicles in vitro showed a morphology typical of Echinococcus germinal cells, displayed an Echinococcus-specific gene expression profile and a cestode-like DNA content of approximately 300Mbp. When kept under reducing conditions in the presence of Echinococcus vesicle fluid, the primary cells could be maintained in vitro for several months and proliferated. Most interestingly, upon co-cultivation with host hepatocytes in a trans-well system, mitotically active Echinococcus cells formed cell aggregates that subsequently developed central cavities, surrounded by germinal cells. After 4 weeks, the cell aggregates gave rise to young metacestode vesicles lacking an outer laminated layer. This layer was formed after 6 weeks of cultivation indicating the complete in vitro regeneration of metacestode larvae. As an initial step toward the creation of a fully transgenic strain, we carried out transient transfection of Echinococcus primary cells using plasmids and obtained heterologous expression of a reporter gene. Furthermore, we successfully carried out targeted infection of Echinococcus cells with the facultatively intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, a DNA delivery system for genetic manipulation of mammalian cells. Taken together, the methods presented herein constitute important new tools for molecular investigations on host-parasite interactions in alveolar echinococcosis and on the roles of totipotent germinal cells in parasite regeneration and metastasis formation. Moreover, they enable the development of fully transgenic techniques in this group of helminth parasites for the first time.     

Sensitivity of double centrifugation sugar fecal flotation for detecting intestinal helminths in coyotes (Canis latrans)

Fecal analysis is commonly used to estimate prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminths in wild carnivores, but few studies have assessed the reliability of fecal flotation compared to analysis of intestinal tracts. We investigated sensitivity of the double centrifugation sugar fecal flotation and kappa agreement between fecal flotation and postmortem examination of intestines for helminths of coyotes (Canis latrans). We analyzed 57 coyote carcasses that were collected between October 2010 and March 2011 in the metropolitan area of Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Before analyses, intestines and feces were frozen at -80 C for 72 hr to inactivate Echinococcus eggs, protecting operators from potential exposure. Five species of helminths were found by postmortem examination, including Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma caninum, Taenia sp., and Echinococcus multilocularis. Sensitivity of fecal flotation was high (0.84) for detection of T. leonina but low for Taenia sp. (0.27), E. multilocularis (0.46), and U. stenocephala (0.00). Good kappa agreement between techniques was observed only for T. leonina (0.64), for which we detected also a significant correlation between adult female parasite intensity and fecal egg counts (R(s)=0.53, P=0.01). Differences in sensitivity may be related to parasite characteristics that affect recovery of eggs on flotation. Fecal parasitologic analyses are highly applicable to study the disease ecology of urban carnivores, and they often provide important information on environmental contamination and potential of zoonotic risks. However, fecal-based parasitologic surveys should first assess the sensitivity of the techniques to understand their biases and limitations.     

An autochthonous case of Echinococcus vogeli Rausch & Bernstein, 1972 polycystic echinococcosis in the state of Rondônia, Brazil

The present case report refers to a patient from the State of Rond?nia, North region of Brazil, attended with clinical suspicion of hepatic echinococcosis. Examination by imaging (ultrasonography and computerized tomography) revealed a conglomerate of cystic lesions, with mobile contents within the cyst. The serology (immunoblot) for Echinococcus sp. was positive (21 and 31 kDa bands). This case is the first reported in Rond?nia, suggesting the need to investigate the polycystic echinococcosis in individuals with hepatic cysts from areas of tropical forest and hunting habits where wild life was present as wild dogs, cats and rodents, particularly Agouti paca (paca) and Dasyprocta aguti (agouti).     

Cyclophilin of Schistosoma japonicum.

A 623-bp cDNA molecule encoding cyclophilin, a specific cyclosporin A-binding protein, has been isolated from Schistosoma japonicum using a heterologous cDNA probe from Echinococcus granulosus. The nucleotide sequence of this molecule has been determined, and the deduced amino acid sequence has revealed extensive homology with homologues of other species. Southern blot analysis suggests that S. japonicum cyclophilin is the product of a single-copy gene. The cloning of this cDNA will allow an investigation of cyclophilin as a possible target of the antischistosome effects of cyclosporin A.     

Regulation of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 glutamine synthetase activity in a Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 derivative strain bearing the Anabaena glnA gene and a mutated host glnA gene.

The glnA gene from Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 was cloned by hybridization with the glnA gene from Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, and a deletion-insertion mutation of the Synechocystis gene was generated in vitro. A strain derived from Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 which contained integrated into the chromosome, in addition to its own glnA gene, the Anabaena glnA gene was constructed. From that strain, a Synechocystis sp. glnA mutant could be obtained by transformation with the inactivated Synechocystis glnA gene; this mutant grew by using Anabaena glutamine synthetase and was not a glutamine auxotroph. A Synechocystis sp. glnA mutant could not be obtained, however, from the wild-type Synechocystis sp. The Anabaena glutamine synthetase enzyme was subject to ammonium-promoted inactivation when expressed in the Synechocystis strain but not in the Anabaena strain itself.     

Binding properties of Echinococcus granulosus fatty acid binding protein.

EgFABP1 is a developmentally regulated intracellular fatty acid binding protein characterized in the larval stage of parasitic platyhelminth Echinococcus granulosus. It is structurally related to the heart group of fatty acid binding proteins (H-FABPs). Binding properties and ligand affinity of recombinant EgFABP1 were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy using cis- and trans-parinaric acid. Two binding sites for cis- and trans-parinaric acid were found (K(d(1)) 24+/-4 nM, K(d(2)) 510+/-60 nM for cis-parinaric acid and K(d(1)) 32+/-4 nM, K(d(2)) 364+/-75 nM for trans-parinaric). A putative third site for both fatty acids is discussed. Binding preferences were determined using displacement assays. Arachidonic and oleic acids presented the highest displacement percentages for EgFABP1. The Echinococcus FABP is the unique member of the H-FABP group able to bind two long chain fatty acid molecules with high affinity. Structure-function relationships and putative roles for EgFABP1 in E. granulosus metabolism are discussed.     

Analysis of the gene encoding the RNA subunit of ribonuclease P from cyanobacteria.

The genes encoding the RNA subunit of ribonuclease P from the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, and from the heterocyst-forming strains Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 and Calothrix sp. PCC 7601 were cloned using the homologous gene from Anacystis nidulans (Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301) as a probe. The genes and the flanking regions were sequenced. The genes from Anabaena and Calothrix are flanked at their 3'-ends by short tandemly repeated repetitive (STRR) sequences. In addition, two other sets of STRR sequences were detected within the transcribed regions of the Anabaena and Calothrix genes, increasing the length of a variable secondary structure element present in many RNA subunits of ribonuclease P from eubacteria. The ends of the mature RNAs were determined by primer extension and RNase protection. The predicted secondary structure of the three RNAs studied is similar to that of Anacystis and although some idiosyncrasies are observed, fits well with the eubacterial consensus.     

Isolation and identification of potential phosphate solubilizing bacteria from the rhizoplane of Oryza sativa L. cv. BR29 of Bangladesh

A total of 30 bacteria were isolated from the rhizoplane of rice cv. BR29 cultivated in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and from the seedlings obtained from surface-sterilized seeds of BR29. Upon screening, 6 isolates showed varying levels of phosphate solubilizing activity in both agar plate and broth assays using National Botanical Research Institute's phosphate medium. The bacterial isolates were identified based on their phenotypic and 16S rRNA genes sequencing data as Acinetobacter sp. BR-12, Klebsiella sp. BR-15, Acinetobacter sp. BR-25, Enterobacter sp. BR-26, Microbacterium sp. BRS-1 and Pseudomonas sp. BRS-2. The BR-25 exhibited highest phosphate solubilizing activity followed by BR-15. They grew rapidly in the liquid medium at pH 5 and 7 but almost no growth occurred at pH 3. The pH value of the culture medium was decreased with bacterial growth suggesting that they might secrete organic acids to solubilize insoluble phosphorus. Scanning electron microscope analysis of two-week-old rice seedlings germinated from seeds previously inoculated with BR-25 and BR-15 revealed dense colonization at the root surfaces presumably using fimbriae on the bacterial cells.