Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Isospora”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources

Health evaluation of arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs in Sweden.

Hematologic, serum biochemistry, and serum cortisol reference ranges were established and tonsil/rectal bacterial and fecal parasite examinations were performed on 21 wild arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs during July 1996. Several of the hematologic and serum biochemistry values fell within normal ranges for other wild canids or domestic dogs of the same age class. Serum alanine transaminase and creatine phosphokinase values were significantly higher in the youngest cubs. Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli were isolated from both tonsilar and rectal swabs of several cubs in all dens. The most common gastrointestinal parasite ova were Toxascaris leonina (59%), Isospora spp. (52%), Uncinaria stenocephala (33%), and Capillaria spp. (26%). Prevalence of T. leonina differed significantly between dens and between age groups. Hematologic and serum biochemistry values and degree of parasitism may be indicators of health, stress, and nutritional status of arctic foxes.

Animals↗

Specific detection of Neospora caninum oocysts in fecal samples from experimentally-infected dogs using the polymerase chain reaction.

Neospora caninum oocysts, passed in the feces of a definitive host (dog), were isolated, and genomic DNA was extracted. A polymerase cahin reaction (PCR) targeting the N. caninum-specific Nc 5 genomic sequence was performed using the isolated DNA. A synthesized competitor molecule containing part of the Nc 5 sequence was included in the assay as a check against false-negative PCR results and to quantify N. caninum oocyst DNA in fecal samples. A standard curve of the ratio of fluorescence intensity of PCR-amplified competitor to that of oocyst DNA was constructed to compare oocyst equivalents from fecal samples containing unknown numbers of N. caninum oocysts and to assess the sensitivity of the assay. The specificity of the assay was determined using the Nc 5-specific primers in PCR assays against other parasites likely to be found in canine feces. Genomic DNA sequences from the canine coccidians Hammondia heydorni, Cryptosporidium parvum, Sarcocystis cruzi, S. tenella, and Isospora ohioensis and the canine helminth parasites Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, and Ancylostoma caninum were not amplified. In addition, genomic DNA sequences from oocysts of coccidian parasites that might contaminate dog feces, such as Hammondia hammondi, Toxoplasma gondii, or Eimeria tenella, were not amplified in the PCR assay. The assay should be useful in epidemiological surveys of both domestic and wild canine hosts and in investigations of oocyst biology in experimental infections.

Animals↗

Patterns of coccidial prevalence in lizards of Mauritius.

This paper reports prevalence of coccidial oocysts in fecal samples from 6 endemic and 2 introduced lizard species on Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Total coccidian prevalence was 54% (n = 341) for the endemic 'ornate day gecko,' Phelsuma ornata; 48% (n = 159) for the endemic 'Durrell's night gecko,' Nactus durrelli; 53% (n = 15) for the endemic 'Serpent Island night gecko,' N. serpensinsula; and 78% (n = 248) for the introduced gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus. These high prevalences may reflect lack of long-lasting immune response to coccidial infection. There were few significant differences in prevalence among age, island, sex, or body condition within species, suggesting that these coccidia are relatively nonpathogenic and have little effect on host fitness. Prevalence was higher in the dry season than the wet season. These data suggest other factors, such as low host immune response to reinfection, affect overall prevalence more significantly than the effect of humidity on oocyst survival on Mauritius. No coccidia were found in samples from the endemic 'Gunner's Quoin night gecko,' N. coindemirensis (n = 155), probably reflecting parasite extinction due to a host population bottleneck following historical introduction of rats. There was no evidence of competitive or facilitative interactions between Eimeria sp. and Isospora sp., but evidence of competition between 2 Eimeria species in the 'ornate day gecko,' Phelsuma ornata. No evidence was found of cross-species infection, suggesting that reptile coccidia have high host specificity and are, therefore, poor subjects for studies of parasite-mediated competition and the evolution of sex.

Animals↗

Intestinal parasites in pet store puppies in Atlanta.

We examined 143 pups from 14 Atlanta area pet stores for intestinal parasites and reviewed deworming practices and information given to customers. Seventy-four (52 per cent) of the pups had at least one parasite including Giardia sp. (34 per cent), Toxocara canis (12 per cent), and Isospora sp. (9 per cent). Eighty-eight per cent received some form of anthelminthic treatment while at the store. Only six (43 per cent) of the stores routinely informed clients of the need to continue deworming procedures once the pup left the store.

Animals↗

Reevaluating the molecular taxonomy: is human-associated Cyclospora a mammalian Eimeria species?

Human-associated Cyclospora is a coccidian parasite that causes diarrheal disease. A reevaluation of the parasite's molecular taxonomy that takes into account newly published data for seven Eimeria species shows that Cyclospora belongs to the Eimeria clade (Eimeriidae family). The Cyclospora branch on the phylogenetic tree is between the branches of the eight avian and two mammalian Eimeria species that have been evaluated to date. Furthermore, preliminary results indicate that Cyclospora and Isospora belli, another coccidian parasite that causes diarrheal disease in humans, belong to different families. To improve our understanding of the taxonomy of human-associated Cyclospora, molecular evaluation of isolates of additional Cyclospora and Eimeria species is needed.

Animals↗

Cyclospora: an enigma worth unraveling.

In part, Cyclospora cayetanensis owes its recognition as an emerging pathogen to the increased use of staining methods for detecting enteric parasites such as Cryptosporidium. First reported in patients in New Guinea in 1977 but thought to be a coccidian parasite of the genus Isospora, C. cayetanensis received little attention until it was again described in 1985 in New York and Peru. In the early 1990s, human infection associated with waterborne transmission of C. cayetanensis was suspected; foodborne transmission was likewise suggested in early studies. The parasite was associated with several disease outbreaks in the United States during 1996 and 1997. This article reviews current knowledge about C. cayetanensis (including its association with waterborne and foodborne transmission), unresolved issues, and research needs.

Animals↗

[Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasites In Korea]

A survey of intestinal parasites infection among Korean people has been carried out during July 1969 to December 1970. A total of 2,250 stool specimens (male 1,101, female 1,146) was collected from all the provinces and Seoul city in Korea. The specimens were examined routinely by direct fecal smear, zinc sulfate flotation and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques. The results are summarized as follows: 1. Of 2,250 specimens examined, l,803(80.l %) were positive for intestinal parasites. 2. The positive rates of intestinal helminths were 1,644(73.1 %) among 2,250; Ascaris lumbricoides 46.0 %, Trichocephalus trichiurus 46.8 percent, hookworm 6.8 %, Trichostrongylus orientalis 7.0 percent, Clonorchis sinensis 12.1 percent, Enterobius vermicularis 1.6 %, Hymenolepis nana 0.7 percent, Taenia species 0.3 %, Metagonimus yokogawai 0.04 percent, Fasciolidae 0.04 % and one case of lung fluke Paragonimu westermani. 3. The positive rstes of intestinal protozoa were 786(34.9 %); Entamoeba histolytica 6.4 %, Entamoeba coli 20.5 percent, Endolimax nana 10.0 %, Giardia lamblia 5.1 %, Trichomonas hominis 1.1 percent, Chilomastix mesnili 0.5 percent, Iodamoeba butschlii 0.6 percent, Enteromonas hominis 0.7 percent, Dientamoeba fragilis 0.1 % and one case of Isospora hominis. 4. Sexual distribution of helminths and protozoan infections showed higher rate in female than that of male, except C. sinensis, H. nana, Taenia species or G. lamblia. 5. Infections of T. trichiurus, hookworm, T. orientalis, C. sinensis, Taenia species, E. histolytica, E. coli and E. nana increased with age. Conversely, H. nana and G. lamblia infections were more predominent in younger ages.

Journal Article↗

Intestinal parasites of cats purchased in Seoul.

Fecal samples of cats purchased in Seoul were examined for helminth ova or protozoan oocysts from December 1987 to March 1988. Out of the 41 samples, 31 (75.6%) were positive and 60 (146.3%) were cumulative positive for parasites. The followings were identified in the samples: Eggs of Toxocara cati, Clonorchis sinensis, Metagonimus sp., Pharyngostomum cordatum, Spirometra erinacei, Taenia taeniaeformis and oocysts of Isospora sp. From nine autopsied cats, larvae of Anisakis simplex, adults of C. sinensis, M. yokogawai, P. cordatum, S. erinacei and T. taeniaeformis were identified. This is the first report on the detection of Anisakis larvae from cats in Korea. The possible role of cats as a source of human infection with each parasite was discussed.

Animals↗

Parasitic infections in HIV-infected patients who visited Seoul National University Hospital during the period 1995-2003.

The prevalence of parasitic infections was investigated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients (n = 105) who visited Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, during the period from 1995 to 2003. Fecal samples were collected from 67 patients for intestinal parasite examinations, and sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 60 patients for examination of Pneumocystis carinii. Both samples were obtained from 22 patients. Thirty-three (31.4%) of the 105 were found to have parasitic infections; Cryptosporidium parvum (10.5%; 7/67), Isospora belli (7.5%; 5/67), Clonorchis sinensis (3.0%; 2/67), Giardia lamblia (1.5%; 1/67), Gymnophalloides seoi (1.5%; 1/67), and Pneumocystis carinii (28.3%; 17/60). The hospital records of the 11 intestinal parasite-infected patients showed that all suffered from diarrhea. This study shows that parasitic infections are important clinical complications in HIV-infected patients in the Republic of Korea.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Faecal helminth egg and oocyst counts of a small population of African lions (Panthera leo) in the southwestern Kalahari, Namibia.

An endoparasite survey of a small pride of African lions (Panthera leo) was conducted at Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, southwestern Namibia, during winter and summer of 2003 and 2004, respectively. Overall, 23 fresh lion scats were collected opportunistically during fieldwork trials. A flotation technique was employed for the diagnosis of parasites. Three nematodes, Ancylostoma braziliense, Gnathostoma spinigerum and Uncinaria stenocephala and two coccidians, Toxoplasma gondii and Isospora felis were recorded. By using the McMaster method for quantification, a maximum number of 14866 oocysts per gram of faeces was obtained for I. felis during winter 2003. Endoparasite taxa carried by the different individuals in the pride were found to be related to their levels of association. Rates of infection were relatively low as a result of the habitat, semi-captive conditions and earlier sporadic deworming.

Animals↗

HIV-related enteropathy in Zambia: a clinical, microbiological, and histological study.

To investigate the etiology of chronic diarrhea associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Lusaka, we studied 63 HIV-positive patients and 36 seronegative controls clinically and endoscopically. Stools were studied for morphology and for opportunist infections. Fifty-five percent of patients seropositive for HIV who presented with a history of chronic diarrhea had parasites; the most common were Cryptosporidium (32%), Isospora belli (16%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (6%). As indicated by villous blunting and inflammation on duodenal histology, those with diarrhea and parasites showed the most severe damage. We could not implicate mycobacteria or bacterial overgrowth as causes for the enteropathy associated with HIV.

Chronic Disease↗

Nitazoxanide in the treatment of cryptosporidial diarrhea and other intestinal parasitic infections associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in tropical Africa.

Eighteen patients hospitalized with intestinal parasitic infections associated with diarrhea and dehydration completed a study of nitazoxanide in the treatment of Cryptosporidium parvum and other intestinal parasitic infections. Seventeen of the 18 patients were positive for human immunodeficiency virus. Twelve patients were diagnosed with clinical Stage 4 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) according to the 1990 World Health Organization proposed clinical classification system and cryptosporidiosis. Nitazoxanide (500 mg tablets) were administered orally, one tablet twice a day for seven consecutive days. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were eradicated or reduced by more than 95% in seven of the 12 Stage 4 AIDS patients who completed the study based upon two post-treatment fecal examinations conducted on days 7 and 14 following the initiation of treatment. The elimination or reduction of C. parvum oocysts was associated with a complete resolution of diarrhea in four of the seven patients. The test drug was also effective against cases of Isospora belli, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana, and Dicrocoelium dentriticum. Treatment with nitazoxanide was well tolerated by the patients. There were no abnormalities in blood chemistry or hematology data that were considered to be attributable to nitazoxanide therapy. Transient episodes of vomiting were observed in four patients, all with Stage 4 AIDS and cryptosporidiosis, which resolved spontaneously without discontinuation of treatment and were not considered to be related to administration of nitazoxanide.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

The role of dogs in transmission of gastrointestinal parasites in a remote tea-growing community in northeastern India.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with canine gastrointestinal parasitic zoonoses and the role of dogs in the mechanical transmission of human Ascaris infection was examined in three tea estates in Assam, India. Nearly all (99%) dogs harbored one or more zoonotic species of gastrointestinal parasites, with hookworm infection being most common (94%). Parasitic stages presumed to be host-specific for humans such as Ascaris spp. (31%), Trichuris trichiura (25%), and Isospora belli (2%) were also recovered from dog feces. A polymerase chain reaction-linked restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used to differentiate the species of Ascaris eggs in dog feces. The results of this study demonstrate the role of the dog as a significant disseminator and environmental contaminator of Ascaris lumbricoides in communities where promiscuous defecation by humans occurs.

Adolescent↗

Isosporiasis in the aboriginal population of Queensland.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the endemicity of Isospora belli in Queensland. DESIGN: A 10-year retrospective survey of data from routine parasitological surveillance of Queensland Aboriginal communities, by microscopic examination of preserved faecal specimens. SETTING: The Aboriginal Health Programme of the Queensland Department of Health and Medical Services. POPULATION: Children under 15 years of age from all the Aboriginal communities of Queensland. RESULTS: Oocysts of I. belli were detected in 33 (0.2%) of a total of 17,642 faecal samples examined. CONCLUSION: Isosporiasis is endemic in the Queensland Aboriginal population. It is likely to be more common than indicated, because the infection is difficult to diagnose, and the techniques used to identify the organism were not particularly sensitive. It is predicted that isosporiasis will be recognised with increasing frequency as a cause of diarrhoea in Aboriginal and white Australians who develop AIDS.

Adolescent↗

Cyclospora infection in adults infected with HIV. Clinical manifestations, treatment, and prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical manifestations of Cyclospora in Haitians infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have diarrhea and to evaluate therapy and prophylaxis. DESIGN: Cohort study. From 1990 to 1993, stool samples were collected from adults seropositive for HIV who had had diarrhea for at least 3 weeks. SETTING: A clinic in Haiti. INTERVENTIONS: Stool samples were examined for enteric protozoa after acid-fast staining. Patients with Cyclospora infection were treated with trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole (160 mg and 800 mg, respectively) given orally four times a day for 10 days. After completion of therapy, patients were evaluated weekly and re-treated if clinical and parasitologic recurrences occurred, followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis three times a week. RESULTS: 804 of 2400 patients (33%) seropositive for HIV had a history of chronic or intermittent diarrhea; 502 of these 804 patients (62%) currently had diarrhea, and 450 patients each provided two stool specimens for examination. Enteric protozoa identified included Cryptosporidium (30%), Isospora belli (12%), Cyclospora species (11%), Giardia lamblia (3%), and Entamoeba histolytica (1%). Forty-three patients with diarrhea and Cyclospora infection were studied; their symptoms were indistinguishable from those seen in patients with isosporiasis or cryptosporidiosis. In all patients, diarrhea ceased and results from stool examinations were negative within 2.5 days after beginning oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy. Recurrent symptomatic cyclosporiasis developed in 12 of 28 patients (43%) followed for 1 month or more, but it also responded promptly to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy. These 12 patients received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole three times a week as secondary prophylaxis, with only a single recurrence after 7 months. CONCLUSION: Cyclospora infection is common in Haitian patients with HIV infection, responds to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy, and has a high recurrence rate that can be largely prevented with long-term trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Protozoan parasites of the intestinal tract: a review of Coccidia and Microsporida.

Ubiquitous in nature, members of the Coccidia and Microsporida are being reported with increasing frequency in the immunocompromised as well as the immunocompetent population. These protozoans are primarily waterborne, but foodborne disease has also been reported. These organisms are responsible for acute, as well as protracted, cases of watery diarrhea with various other related sequelae. The Coccidia includes three genera--Cryptospridium, Isospora, and Cyclospora. The latter two are of lesser importance in terms of morbidity and mortality. The Microsporida includes genera (Enterocytozoon, Encephalitozoon) only recently recognized as important agents of disease. Unlike the Coccidia, these organisms are more restricted to the immunocompromised population. Increased incidence and numbers of patients with prolonged diarrhea due to these forms indicate the need for increased clinical vigilance with regard to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Animals↗

Coccidia of coyotes in eastern Colorado.

Eighty-two coyote fecal samples were collected from eastern Colorado and examined for coccidia. Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were observed in 17 of the samples and oocysts of Isospora ohioensis were observed in two samples. Ten fecal samples contained eimerian coccidia thought to be pseudoparasites of the coyote acquired while ingesting heavily infected rabbits.

Animals↗

Parasites of the Great Plains narrowmouth toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) from northern Texas.

Forty-nine adult and 14 immature Great Plains narrowmouth toads (Gastrophryne olivacea) from Johnson and Somervell Counties of northcentral Texas were examined for parasites. Sixty-four percent of the toads were infected with one or more species of parasites. New host records are reported for an isosporan similar to Isospora neos, and for Cylindrotaenia americana. The most common parasite in G. olivacea was the nematode, Cosmocercoides dukae. Prevalence was high among the adult G. olivacea (82%); however, none of the immature toads were infected.

Animals↗