Wolves (Canis lupus lupus) and lynx (Lynx lynx) are officially monitored species in Switzerland. Deceased individuals are subjected to post-mortem examination and collection of baseline health data. The procedure includes an assessment of different infectious agents, including Trichinella spp., the cause of a notifiable zoonotic infection. Between May 2009 and May 2023, a total of 100 wolves and 250 lynx were tested at the National Reference Laboratory for Trichinellosis by the artificial digestion method. Additionally, muscle samples from 8838 wild boars (Sus scrofa), 27 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and 23 European badgers (Meles meles), mainly submitted by Swiss hunters, were also analysed for Trichinella infection. Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in 16/100 (16 %) wolves, 41/250 (16.4 %) lynx, 2/27 (7.4 %) red foxes, 0/23 (0 %) badgers, and 1/8838 (0.01 %) wild boars. All positive samples were further tested by multiplex PCR to identify the parasite at the species/genotype level. Two species were detected: T. britovi (in 14 wolves, 33 lynx, 2 red foxes and 1 wild boar) and T. spiralis (in one lynx). In nine cases, the molecular identification was not possible. Although no cases of Trichinella spp. infection in domestic swine and horses were detected in the last decades in Switzerland, we revealed that these parasites, most frequently T. britovi, are still present in Swiss wildlife. Therefore, inspection of game meat remains very important, and the occurrence of sporadic infection in domestic animals cannot be excluded.

Benzimidazoles are the most frequently prescribed therapeutic options for treating trichinellosis in clinical settings; however, they have a lot of disadvantages. Therefore, researchers are focusing on the hunt for substitute chemicals. The goal of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of albendazole and the anti-diabetic medication metformin loaded on chitosan nanoparticles in treating mice infected with various stages of T. spiralis infection. 160 mice were included in the present study and divided into 8 groups: 6 experimentally treated groups, and positive and negative control groups. For studying the intestinal and parenteral phase, each group was broken into two more subgroups (a and b) according to the time of drug administration. The effects of albendazole, albendazole-loaded NPs, metformin, metformin-loaded NPs, combined albendazole and metformin, and metformin and albendazole-loaded NPs were assessed using parasitological studies, histopathological examination, and ultrastructural examination using SEM.Statistically significant differences were detected in all studied subgroups compared to the control infected subgroup both in the intestinal and muscular phases. The greatest decrease in recovered adult worm and muscle larvae numbers was achieved by ABZ & MET/ Cs NPs. These findings were confirmed by histopathological examination. SEM examination of the tegument of T. spirals adult worms and muscle larvae showed destruction with multiple degenerative changes.Our results suggested that metformin and its combination with albendazole especially when loaded on chitosan nanoparticles could be potential therapeutic alternative drugs against trichinellosis.

Trichinellosis is a global zoonotic disease affecting humans and nearly all animal species. The intestinal (enteric) phase of trichinellosis is critical, as it determines the course and prognosis of the disease. The medications used in the management of trichinellosis demonstrate inadequate bioavailability, along with a significant level of resistance. Therefore, there is a need for the development of novel agents that enhance the bioavailability of administered medications. Nanobiotechnology has emerged as a significant strategy in treating parasitic diseases. This study examined the use of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve the efficacy of oral ivermectin (IVM) in treating the enteric phase of trichinellosis. Thirty-five Swiss albino mice were divided into seven equal groups as follows: negative control, positive control, albendazole, ivermectin, SLNs, ivermectin loaded on solid lipid nanoparticles (IVM-SLNs), and a combination of IVM-SLNs and albendazole. Mice were sacrificed on the seventh day post-infection. The drugs' effects were assessed using parasitological, biochemical, histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. The co-administration of albendazole and IVM-SLNs resulted in a significant decrease in adult burden, inflammatory cell infiltration, and apoptosis. Furthermore, a significant reduction in Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was observed compared to the infected untreated control group, along with improved liver and kidney function indices. In conclusion, the potent trichinocidal effect of a single oral dose of IVM-SLNs against Trichinella adults makes them a promising alternative or adjunct to existing nematicidal agents.

Various parasitic infections can manifest with symptoms resembling inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Parasitic arthritis is uncommon, and the literature concerning rheumatic manifestations of specific parasitic infections tends to be limited to case reports. Despite its rarity, parasitic infections should always be included in the differential diagnosis of rheumatic presentations when there is a history of risk factors, particularly in patients from endemic regions and in atypical rheumatic presentations. Specific treatment of the parasitic infection often leads to significant improvement or resolution of symptoms. This account discusses various parasites that have been reported to be associated with arthritis and other related musculoskeletal manifestations.

A six-year-old mixed-breed female hunting dog, which has been imported from Bulgaria to Germany, was admitted to a private veterinary clinic presenting a swelling (approx. 10 ×10 x 1 cm) with ulceration of the skin on the left abdominal flank. The dog evidenced difficulty to climb the stairs. The mass including skin and subcutaneous tissues was surgically removed and submitted for routine histological examination. Microscopically, a severe pyogranulomatous to mixed-cellular and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, with demarcating fibrosis, involving cutis, subcutis and cutaneous muscle was observed. Multiple cyst-like structures (∼0.25 mm diameter) with an eosinophilic hyalinised wall, containing nematode larvae sections (∼26 µm wide) were detected intralesional, and a Trichinella infection was suspected. Consequently, DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues and a multiplex PCR for Trichinella species/genotype identification was performed. After electrophoresis, two bands of 129 and 253 bp were observed, which corresponds to the banding pattern of T. britovi. Trichinella T8 and T9 show a similar banding pattern; however, these genotypes are assumed to exclusively circulate in sub-Saharan Africa and Japan, respectively. The localisation of Trichinella in the cutaneous muscle, and the high degree and extension of inflammatory reaction observed are unusual. Consumption of hunted prey was assumed as the most probable source of infection. Trichinella spp. should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nematodes, which may be observed in cutaneous and muscular biopsies in dogs.

Trichinella spp. is the zoonotic agent that causes trichinellosis in humans. It is traditionally associated mainly with undercooked meat from susceptible species such as domestic and wild pigs and other wild animals containing Trichinella larvae. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence and species distribution of Trichinella spp. in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Slovenia during the 2020-2021 hunting season. Six hundred and eighty red fox samples were examined and the presence of Trichinella spp. larvae was confirmed in six cases (0.8 %). Using multiplex PCR, T. britovi was detected in five cases and T. nativa in one case. The occurrence of T. nativa on the southern side of the Alps is of great epidemiological importance and raises very important public health issues.

Muscle larvae of the mammalian parasitic nematode Trichinella spp. live in a senescent nurse cell (NC). The NC is formed from a portion of the invaded myofiber and muscle satellite cells that fuse with it. In continuation of our previous research, which documented a senescent phenotype in a fully developed NC analyzed 7 months post-infection, we show in this current study that cellular senescence is a primary event during NC establishment, and occurs as early as 26 days post-infection. At both stages of the formation process, 26 days and 7 months post-infection, the NC was found to express angiogenic factors: angiopoietin 2, interleukin 1β, matrix metallopeptidase 2, platelet-derived growth factor D, and vascular endothelial growth factor C. We hypothesize that the nuclei of the degenerating myofiber transforms the senescent program to the fusing satellite cells. Hypersecretory activity of the senescent NC may facilitate the development of a circulatory rete, which has long been known to accompany the formation of the NC-larva complex.

Trichinellosis, one of the parasitic zoonoses, is treated with a benzimidazole derivative, primarily albendazole. However, this treatment has a lot of side effects and is not sufficiently effective in killing the encysted larvae. Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, has been proven to have anti-parasitic activities and various medical uses. The current study aimed to evaluate silymarin efficacy against intestinal and muscular phases of murine trichinellosis compared to the standard drug; albendazole. Forty-eight mice were divided into four discrete groups: healthy model; diseased model; silymarin treatment; and albendazole treatment. The assessment of therapy efficacy was conducted parasitologically through counting the adult worms and muscle larvae, histopathologically through examination of the intestinal and muscular tissues, and, immunohistochemically through muscular expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor. Both silymarin and albendazole-treated groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the mean count of adult Trichinella and the encysted larvae when compared to the diseased model, with an improvement of intestinal and muscular inflammation, and degeneration of the encysted larvae in muscles. Also, vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was significantly reduced in both silymarin, and albendazole-treated groups compared to the diseased model. Silymarin recorded antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic effects on experimental trichinellosis.

Trichinellosis is a severe parasitic disease transmitted by food, specifically caused by Trichinella spiralis, which exhibits great clinical importance worldwide. Albendazole (ABZ) is the main clinical treatment for trichinellosis but has some adverse effects and drug resistance. Sea cucumber Holothuria polii is an essential source of beneficial therapeutic metabolites. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to explore the potential therapeutic effectiveness of H. polii extract (HPE) during the intestinal phase of trichinellosis and the possibility of using it as a supplement to ABZ. For this purpose, mice were divided into a control group and four T. spiralis-infected groups: infected untreated, infected and ABZ-treated, infected and HPE-treated, and infected and combined therapy-treated groups. The treatment with the combined therapy decreased parasitic load by 96.76%, caused deleterious effects on the adult worm cuticle, improved jejunum histological architecture, diminished intestinal inflammatory cytokines, and decreased oxidative damage compared with the infected untreated group and ABZ-treated group. The ameliorating effect of HPE could be due to its total antioxidant capacity content and the presence of natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents like saponins, phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In conclusion, HPE has a multifaceted, effective impact on trichinellosis and can be considered an ABZ-promising complementary treatment.

This study was performed to assess the use of chitosan (Cs) and zinc oxide nanocomposites ZnO NCP with full and half dose mebendazole (MBZ) during the muscular phases of Trichinella spiralis infection. Sixty Swiss Albino male mice were divided into six groups: G1 (negative control), G2 (positive control), G3 (MBZ at 200 mg/kg/day), G4 (Cs@MBZ NCP at 400 mg/kg/day), G5 (Cs@MBZ400.ZnO NCP), and G6 (Cs@MBZ200.ZnO NCP). Mice were infected orally with 200 T. spiralis larvae and received treatments starting on day 35 post-infection for five consecutive days. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by counting total muscular larvae, conducting blood biochemical measurements, and performing histopathological examinations of the liver and hip joint muscles. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results indicated that both Cs@MBZ400.ZnO NCP and Cs@MBZ200.ZnO NCP groups exhibited significant reductions in muscular larval counts (96.4 % and 96.1 %, respectively). Treated mice also showed reduced AST and ALT levels, increased total protein and albumin, and decreased globulin levels compared to positive controls. Cytokines levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and VEGF were lower in treated groups. Histopathological examination revealed that Cs@MBZ400.ZnO and Cs@MBZ200.ZnO NCP restored up to 90 % of normal tissue architecture. In conclusion, chitosan and zinc oxide nanocomposites enhanced the therapeutic ability of mebendazole against T. spiralis muscular stage as these nanocomposites had the highest effect on reducing parasite burden, improving blood biochemical, decreasing cytokines levels and restoring normal histological architecture.

Trichinella spiralis infection is a serious parasitic zoonosis in which a collagenous capsule surrounding the larva is developed in the striated muscle cells. However, the mechanism of T. spiralis encapsulation is currently poorly understood. It has been reported that T. spiralis infection can induce the production of IL-13 via the NLRP3 inflammasome, and it has also been suggested IL-13 thus produced may be involved in T. spiralis encapsulation. This research aimed to clarify the involvement of NLRP3 and IL-13 in the T. spiralis capsule formation process. IL-13 and NLRP3 inhibitors were used in a T. spiralis infected mouse model and in C2C12 cells to analyze the role of IL-13 and NLRP3 in encapsulation. The results showed that T. spiralis infection significantly increased the expression levels of IL-13 and collagen IV and VI. The production of collagen around the T. spiralis encapsulation zone was significantly inhibited when an IL-13 inhibitor was applied. Moreover, the expression levels of IL-13 and collagen IV and VI were significantly decreased by the NLRP3 inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. The above results indicated that NLRP3 can participate in the development of T. spiralis encapsulation by regulating IL-13 expression and stimulating collagen IV and VI synthesis during T. spiralis infection.

Eosinophilia is a common finding in returning travellers, migrants and other travelling groups. In this setting, it often indicates an underlying helminth infection. Infections associated with eosinophilia are frequently either asymptomatic or associated with non-specific symptoms but some can cause severe disease. Here the British Infection Association guidelines group has comprehensively reviewed and updated the UK recommendations for the investigation and management of eosinophilia in returning travellers, migrants and other relevant groups, first published in 2010.1 Literature reviews have been undertaken to update the evidence on the prevalence and causes of eosinophilia in these groups and on the treatment of relevant pathogens and clinical conditions. Diagnostic tests available to UK-based clinicians are summarised. Changes made to the guidelines include updates in the sections on the investigation and empirical treatment of asymptomatic eosinophilia and on the treatment of trichuriasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, hookworm, fascioliasis and taeniasis. Pathogens which are rarely encountered in UK practice have been removed from the guidelines and others added, including an expanded section on fungal infection. A section on off-license and rarely used drugs has been included.

Intestinal larva invasion is a crucial step of Trichinella spiralis infection. Intestinal infective larvae (IIL) and their excretory/secretory proteins (ESP) interact with gut epithelium, which often results in gut epithelium barrier injuries. Previous studies showed when T. spiralis invaded intestinal epithelium cells, the IIL ESP disrupted the tight junctions (TJs) of Caco-2 monolayer, but the mechanism is not clear. The IIL ESP might cause gut epithelial apoptosis, weaken the gut barrier and aid the larval invasion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether T. spiralis IIL ESP participate in enterocyte apoptosis and disrupt gut epithelial barrier to promote the larval invasion.

Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay and the results showed that 200 μg/ml of IIL ESP incubated with Caco-2 cells for 18 h inhibited the Caco-2 cell viability. The results of trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran showed that IIL ESP decreased the TEER, increased FITC-dextran flux in Caco-2 monolayer. qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence test (IFT) showed that IIL ESP decreased the mRNA and protein expression of TJs (ZO-1, E-cad, Occludin and Claudin-1). The IIL ESP-induced Caco-2 cell apoptosis was observed by DAPI, Hoechst 33358, TUNEL and Annexin V/PI staining. Besides, flow cytometry revealed an increasing apoptosis rate in Caco-2 cells after the IIL ESP treatment. qPCR and Western blot analysis indicated that IIL ESP activated caspases (Caspase 3, Caspase 9 and Caspase 8), up-regulated the pro-apoptotic factors (Bax and Cytochrome c) and down-regulated the anti-apoptosis molecule Bcl-2. Interestingly, pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK abrogated and recovered the barrier function of Caco-2 monolayer destroyed by IIL ESP. Furthermore, the Z-VAD-FMK pretreatment also impeded the in vitro larva invasion of Caco-2 monolayer.

T. spiralis IIL ESP induced gut epithelial apoptosis, reduced the TJs expression, damaged gut epithelial integrity and barrier function, and promoted larval invasion. These findings provided a basis of further understanding the interaction mechanism between T. spiralis and host gut epithelium, and they were valuable to the development new prevention and therapeutic strategy of early T. spiralis infection.

In Germany, Trichinella spp. are mainly detected in the sylvatic cycle. Here, the affected animal species are wild boar, fox, badger, raccoon dog, wolf, raccoon and golden jackal. The predominantly detected species are T. spiralis, followed by T. pseudospiralis and T. britovi. Due to legal requirements in Germany, all hunted wild boars and other susceptible animals must be examined for Trichinella spp. if their meat is intended for human consumption. In recent years, an increase in the number of Trichinella-positive wild boar shot in Germany has been registered and the prevalence of positive wild boar scaled up from 0.002 % to 0.005 % between 2013 and 2023. Regarding regional distribution, most Trichinella findings in wild boar have been registered in the North-Eastern part of Germany. Here, the federal states Western-Pomerania, Brandenburg and Saxony that are bordering to Poland are particularly affected. The increase in positive wild boar may be associated with the spread of raccoon dogs and wolves in these regions. Thus, measures are required to prevent the spread of Trichinella among wild animals and to follow the systematic meat inspection in susceptible wild animals intended for food especially wild boar.

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Trichinella, with the main source of infection being the consumption of pork and pork-derived products. However, it can also be acquired from eating the meat from wild animals targeted for sport hunting. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop and implement a molecular method for the identification of Sus scrofa (pig and wild boar) and Puma concolor (Puma) meat in sausages eaten raw, which were linked to trichinellosis outbreaks occurring in Córdoba, Buenos Aires and La Pampa provinces, Argentina, in 2010, 2021, and 2022, respectively; and 2) to identify the Trichinella species present in the food. Specific primers were designed for PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing of a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from both host species. Samples from the mentioned outbreaks were analysed, and the molecular identification of Trichinella spp. larvae was also performed. Results of the species identification system revealed that sausages from Córdoba and Buenos Aires had a mixed composition of pork and puma meat, while those from La Pampa contained puma meat only. Trichinella spiralis was implicated in all three outbreaks. The species identification system developed and implemented in this study revealed two host species of Trichinella related to human cases, and alerts about the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans through infected puma meat.

Trichinellosis is a zoonosis, caused by roundworms of the genus Trichinella. Domestic pigs, wild boars, bears, rodents and horses are reservoir animals. We report a case of neck trichinosis presenting as lateral neck swelling. The diagnosis of trichinosis was confirmed by the presence of larvae on muscle biopsy. Furthermore, lateral neck swelling may provide a diagnostic challenge by clinically mimicking a lymphoma or other causes of lateral neck swelling. Due to its rarity and its tendency to pose a clinical diagnostic challenge, we decided to report it.

A-10 yr old male patient presented with a 6 × 4 cm firm; non-tender left lateral neck swelling. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of trichinosis and the patient was started on albendazole 15 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses and prednisolone 20 mg by mouth, two times daily, for 14 days. Having completed his medication, he had a smooth course and was discharged with appointment scheduled for follow-up after 3 months.

Trichinella spp. occur worldwide, most frequently in regions with temperate climates. About 10,000 human infections occur annually worldwide. Cultural factors such as traditional dishes based on raw or undercooked meat or meat-derived products play an important role in the epidemiology of the disease.

In the clinical evaluation of a patient with lateral neck swelling, trichinosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis in subjects from endemic areas for early diagnostic workup and management.

Human trichinosis is a serious foodborne parasitic zoonosis. Diagnosing human trichinosis is usually difficult due to the nonspecific clinical picture and the limited effectiveness of serological tests in acute infections. While ELISA can detect circulating Trichinella antigens, aiding in early diagnosis, its sensitivity may be low. The application of nanoparticles can improve the sensitivity of ELISA and allow a specific early diagnosis of the disease. This work compares the nano chitosan beads-based ELISA (NCSB-ELISA) and traditional sandwich ELISA for the detection of circulating Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) crude extract-antigen (CEA) in serum samples of experimentally infected mice. Fifty-seven mice included in this study were classified into 3 groups: T. spiralis infected group (Group I) (36 mice), which was equally subdivided into six subgroups according to the time of sacrifice (6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16) days post-infection (dpi), cross-reactivity group (Group II) (9 mice) and negative control group (Group III) (12 mice). T. spiralis AW-CEA prepared from the adult worms were used to produce anti- T. spiralis IgG-polyclonal antibodies in rabbits; these antibodies were utilized to detect AW-CEA in serum samples by traditional sandwich ELISA and NCSB-ELISA. Using NCSB-ELISA, T. spiralis AW-CEA was detected in sera collected at 8 dpi, with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 100%. Meanwhile, traditional sandwich ELISA could not detect the antigen at the same time interval. Both ELISA were able to detect the antigen in samples collected at 10, 12, 14 and 16 dpi with a sensitivity of 16.67%, 50%, 67.67% and 83.67%, respectively, for traditional sandwich-ELISA and a specificity of 100% at 10, 12 and 14 dpi while at 16 dpi specificity was decreased to 90.91%. In contrast, the sensitivity of NCSB-sandwich ELISA on the same days was 66.67%, 83.34%, 100% and 100%, respectively, with a specificity of 100% at all days. False positive detection of T. spiralis AW-CEA in the serum of mice in GII was recorded on day 16 pi by only traditional sandwich ELISA. This study concluded that NCSB-ELISA is a promising and sensitive technique for the early and specific diagnosis of acute trichinosis in an animal model.

Trichinella spiralis is a worldwide intestinal nematode that can parasitize the striated muscles of its hosts at the larval stage. This study aims to evaluate potential of vitamin C for treating trichinellosis-related pathological problems in the infected muscles of mice.

Thirty CD1 male Albino mice were divided into three groups (10 mice per group). Negative and positive control groups (0.9% NaCl) and the infected vitamin C group (10 mg/kg body weight). Two weeks post-infection, each group was intraperitoneally injected daily for two weeks with Vitamin C or saline. The performance of the muscles was assessed both before and after the treatment. After dissection, constant parts of striated muscles were removed for further assays. The scoring of the histological changes of infected muscles was carried out. In addition to muscle malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were measured for the oxidative and antioxidant states. Creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were also measured in tissues to reflect the degree of muscular damage.

Vitamin C enhances the weakness of the muscular performance resulting from the infection. Vitamin C was able to repair some of the histological lesions that resulted from the infection. Trichinellosis caused severe changes in the biochemical markers in positive control animals. Muscle damage biomarkers and, besides, oxidative and antioxidant conditions were greatly ameliorated in infected vitamin C animals. Summing up, vitamin C can be used as a complementary drug due to its efficiency in improving pathogenesis following a trichinellosis infection. The supplement also must be tested in the intestinal stage of infection after showing promising results in the muscular stage.

Schistosomiasis affects approximately 250 million people worldwide, with 200,000 deaths annually. It has been documented that the granulomatous response to Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) oviposition is the root cause of progressive liver fibrosis in chronic infection, in 20% of the patients, and can lead to liver cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. The influence of helminths coinfection on schistosomiasis-induced liver pathological alterations remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection on S. mansoni-induced hepatic fibrosis.

Thirty adult male Balb-c mice were divided into three groups. Group 1 was left uninfected; group 2 was infected with S. mansoni cercariae and group 3 was orally infected with T. spiralis larvae, then 28 days later, this group was infected with S. mansoni cercariae. All groups were sacrificed at the end of the 8th week post infection with S. mansoni to evaluate the effect of pre-infection with T. spiralis on S. mansoni induced liver fibrosis was evaluated parasitologically (worm burden and egg count in tissues), biochemically (levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), histopathologically (H&E and MT staining, and immunohistochemical staining for the expression of α-SMA, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α, and TGF-β).

The results in the present study demonstrated marked protective effect of T. spiralis against S. mansoni induced liver pathology. We demonstrated that pre-infection with T. spirais caused marked reduction in the number of S. mansoni adult worms (3.17 ± 0.98 vs. 18 ± 2.16, P = 0.114) and egg count in both the intestine (207.2 ± 64.3 vs. 8,619.43 ± 727.52, P = 0.009) and liver tissues (279 ± 87.2 vs. 7,916.86 ± 771.34; P = 0.014). Consistently, we found significant reductions in both number (3.4 ± 1.1 vs. 11.8.3 ± 1.22; P = 0.007) and size (84 ± 11 vs. 294.3 ± 16.22; P = 0.001) of the hepatic granulomas in mice pre-infected with T. spiralis larvae compared to those infected with only S. mansoni. Furthermore, pre- infection with T. spiralis markedly reduced S. mansoni- induced hepatic fibrosis, as evidenced by decreased collagen deposition, low expression of α-SMA, and significantly reduced levels of IL-17, IL-1B, IL-6, TGF-B, IL-23, and TNF-α compared to mice infected with S. mansoni only.

Our data show that pre-infection with T. spiralis effectively protected mice from severe schistosomiasis and liver fibrosis. We believe that our findings support the potential utility of helminths for the preventing and ameliorating severe pathological alterations induced by schistosomiasis.

Trichinellosis is a major foodborne zoonotic disease responsible for 41 human cases, according to the European Union One Health Zoonoses Report. In southern Spain, a quality management system (QMS) was applied to satellite laboratories (SLs) that conduct meat inspections of Trichinella spp. ensuring excellence practices. This study aimed to determine how eventual deviations from standard procedures may influence risk levels using Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA). Data were collected during slaughterhouses and game handling establishments' official audits in 18 SLs located in the provinces of Cordoba and Seville during a 6-year period. Technical requirement deviations regarding technique and trial information, such as performing tests or calculations incorrectly or not following technical procedures, significantly increased risk level differences. Imminent risk levels were detected if the above-mentioned deviations arose. Quality assurance compromising deviations were responsible for 1150 times risk level differences, suggesting finding such may be critical for risk determination. A lack of significant influence of records and documents compromising deviations (incomplete forms or missing-erroneous or illegible data) was found. These results strengthen Trichinella spp. control strategies by pinpointing crucial aspects within QMS that require improvement, particularly in addressing deviations related to technique, trial information, and quality assurance procedures to mitigate associated risks effectively.

This study aimed to investigate the antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory potential of pumpkin seed oil in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis by demonstrating its impact on MMP-9 expression and pathogenesis during the intestinal and muscular phases.

In this study, 100 mice were divided into five groups: an infected group, a pumpkin seed oil-treated group (1.5 mg/kg BW, administered three times per week), an albendazole-treated group, a native control group, and a pumpkin oil control group. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the pumpkin seed oil revealed a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds. The pumpkin seed oil treatment led to a significant reduction in the parasite burden, with a 75% decrease in adult worms and a 66% decrease in encysted larvae. Additionally, the infected animals treated with pumpkin oil exhibited a marked reduction in intestinal inflammation, characterized by a progressive increase in goblet cells. The number of encysted larvae in the diaphragm and muscle tissues was also significantly decreased. Furthermore, pumpkin seed oil treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 levels in both intestinal and muscular tissues, highlighting its potential to attenuate inflammation.

These findings underscore the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil as anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agent.

This paper review about probiotic effects and mechanism of action against the gut and non-gut helminths and protozoan parasites. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are considered a serious health problem and are widely distributed globally. The disease process which emanates from this parasite infection provides some of the many public and veterinary health problems in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. Prevention and control of the parasite disease is through antihelmintic and anti-protozoan drugs, but, due to the increasing emergence of such drug resistance, eradication of parasite infestation in human and livestock still lingers a challenge, which requires the development of new alternative strategies. The use of beneficial microorganisms i.e. probiotics is becoming interesting due to their prophylactic application against several diseases including parasite infections. Recent studies on the interactions between probiotics, parasites and host immune cells using animal models and in vitro culture systems has increased considerably and draw much attention, yet the mechanisms of actions mediating the positive effects of these beneficial microorganisms on the hosts remain unexplored. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize the latest findings on the probiotic research against the gut and non-gut parasites of significance.

Biosecurity measures preventing exposure of pigs to rodents, wildlife, and contaminated feed or waste products reduce the risk of zoonotic Trichinella infection in pork. To understand the benefits of such measures in the United States, we conducted the first comprehensive survey of pigs produced under the Pork Quality Assurance Plus production standard, surveying 3,208,643 pork samples from twelve processing locations tested over a period of 54 months. We detected no Trichinella sp. positives in any of these pork samples, providing a 95% confidence in a Trichinella sp. prevalence of <1 in 1,000,000 for the processors represented by the study. These results are consistent with international guidelines for having a negligible risk to public health. Results obtained here should generalize to all PQA+ sources, as Trichinella sp. exposure risk is based on production guidelines that extend to the larger PQA+ population.

Humans may become accidental dead-end hosts for a series of zoonotic foodborne parasites, of which Toxoplasma gondii, Echinococcus spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichinella spiralis are of major public health interest, due to their potential pathological implications. The aims of the study were to evaluate the exposure to these pathogens in north-western Romania, and to investigate their potential association to risk factors. From June 2022 to January 2024, 554 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in north-western Romania were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii, Echinococcus spp., Toxocara canis, and T. spiralis by ELISA, and potential risks were assessed using a questionnaire. Overall, 225 samples (40.6%) were positive for at least one pathogen. The highest seroprevalence for IgG was found for T. gondii (33.9%), followed by Echinococcus spp. (9.1%), T. spiralis (2.9%), and T. canis (1.1%). For T. spiralis, raw meat consumption was associated with positivity. For T. gondii, increased age, rural environment, contact with cats, consumption of unwashed fruits/vegetables and drinking water from unverified sources were significantly associated to seropositivity. The present study provides new insights into the epidemiological status of zoonotic foodborne parasite in Romania, underlining the need to increase awareness on the importance of water, sanitation and food habits in relation with this neglected pathology.

Parasitic diseases constitute a major global health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent advances in the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) have opened up new strategies for biomarker discovery in protozoan and helminth infections. Analyses of EVs in cultures and biological fluids have identified numerous potential biomarkers that could be useful for early and differential diagnosis, monitoring therapeutic responses, and the overall management and control of these diseases. Despite the potential of these biomarkers, several challenges must be addressed, including limited research, the need for standardized protocols, and the reproducibility of results across studies. In many parasitic infections, EVs have been obtained from various sample types, including plasma from human patients and mouse models, as well as cultures of the parasites at different stages. EVs were isolated by various methods and predominantly characterized through proteomic analysis or RNA sequencing to assess their cargo and identify potential biomarkers. These biomarker candidates were investigated and validated using different assays such as ELISA, Western Blot, and ROC curves. Overall, the use of EVs is considered a promising new diagnostic strategy for parasite infections, but further research with larger cohorts, standardized methods, and additional validation tests are essential for effective diagnosis and management of these diseases.

Rhabdomyoma of the orbit is a rare tumor with very few cases reported in the literature. We herein describe a 5-year-old boy who presented to us with a deviation of his left eye. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a well-defined homogeneous intraconal mass in the superomedial aspect compressing the optic nerve. An excision biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of rhabdomyoma was confirmed on histopathology and immunohistochemistry with a coincidental finding of Trichinella spiralis larvae within the excised specimen. We report this phenomenon in two rare diseases with a predilection for striated muscle occurring simultaneously in a single patient.

Herein, innovative biocides are designed for the treatment of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae (ML) and adult worms. Samarium-doped ZnO nanorods (Sm-doped ZnO) are stabilized onto the laminar structure of cuttlefish bone (CB) matrix and adorned by either Ag NPs or cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) species. Physicochemical characteristics of such nanocomposites are scrutinised. Adorning of Sm-doped ZnO/CB with Ag NPs shortens rod-like shaped Sm-doped ZnO nanoparticles and accrues them, developing large-sized detached patches over CB moiety. Meanwhile, adorning of Sm-doped ZnO/CB by CoPc species degenerates CB lamellae forming semi-rounded platelets and encourages invading of Sm-doped ZnO nanorods deeply inside gallery spacings of CB. Both nanocomposites possess advanced parasiticidal activity, displaying quite intoxication for ML and adult worms (≥88% mortality) within an incubation period of <48 h at concentrations around 200 μg/ml. CoPc@Sm-doped ZnO/CB nanocomposite exhibits faster killing efficiency of adult worms than that of Ag@Sm-doped ZnO/CB at a concentration of ∼75 μg/ml showing entire destruction of parasite after 24 h incubation with the former nanocomposite and just 60% worm mortality after 36 h exposure to the later one. Morphological studies of the treated ML and adult worms show that CoPc@Sm-doped ZnO/CB exhibits a destructive impact on the parasite body, creating featureless and sloughed fragments enriched with intensive vacuoles. Hybridization of cuttlefish bone lamellae by CoPc species is considered a springboard for fabrication of futuristic aggressive drugs against various food- and water-borne parasites.

Zoonotic nematodes of the genus Trichinella are foodborne parasites that have a global distribution in wild carnivores and omnivores, with spillover and spillback into domestic livestock and people, with concomitant trade and health consequences. Historically, most human cases were linked to domestic pigs infected with Trichinella spiralis, but under current high biosecurity swine production in many countries, wildlife have become a more important source of human trichinellosis. The aim of this review is to update the global distribution of Trichinella species and genotypes reported in wildlife, as well as reported human outbreaks from the consumption of wildlife. Using several online databases and by "snowballing" references, hundreds of reports of Trichinella spp. in wildlife published between January 1991 and December 2023 provide an important update to the host and geographic range for each of the recognized 13 species/genotypes, grouped by continent. Surveillance effort was highest in Europe and North America, while Africa, Asia, Oceania, Central and South America have had limited surveillance, in some instances with human cases serving as sentinels of transmission in a region. Dozens of human outbreaks are described, with wild boars (Sus scrofa) being the most frequently implicated wildlife species in human outbreaks globally. Bears are an important source of infection in North America, for wildlife tourism, and importation of bear meat has also been implicated in multicountry outbreaks. The largest study limitation was the dearth of molecular identification of larvae in both wildlife surveillance studies and human outbreaks, particulary in under-studied regions. We highlight the need for enhanced molecular epidemiological approaches to outbreaks of this important foodborne parasite, and emphasize the need for a One Health approach to manage Trichinella spp. which transmit among terrestrial and marine wildlife (including migratory birds), pigs, horses, and people, often across large geographic scales and borders.

Trichinella spiralis infection is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematodes that dwell in the tissues, presenting a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), myrrh biosynthesized AgNPs "AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies", myrrh extract, and myrrh essential oil, as alternative treatments against T. spiralis infection. Parasitological, histopathological, and cytotoxicity assessments were conducted to investigate the effects of various concentrations of these treatments in reducing the populations of adult worms and larvae during both the intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis-infected mice. The results showed that the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis was achieved by myrrh extract (86.66%), followed closely by AgNPs (84.96%) and myrrh AgNPs (82.51%) at higher concentrations (800 mg/kg for myrrh extract, 40 μg/mL for AgNPs, and 40 μg/mL for myrrh AgNPs). While the group treated with myrrh essential oil showed the lowest percentage of adult reduction (78.14%). However, all treatments demonstrated comparable effects in reducing the larvae population in the muscle phase. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the cytotoxicity of AgNPs indicated low toxicity levels. This study supports that AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of T. spiralis infection. These findings present a promising avenue for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs that are both effective and safe. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Myrrh extract has the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. During intestinal phase of T. spiralis, varying levels of nanoparticle precipitation were detected in the liver, brain, lung, and intestine. During the muscular phase, the highest amount of AgNPs precipitation was detected in the liver, followed by the brain, and lung.

Human parasitic infections caused by Adenophorean nematodes encompass a range of diseases, including dioctophymiasis, trichuriasis, capillariasis, trichinellosis, and myositis. These infection can result in adverse impacts on human health and cause societal and economic concerns in tropical and subtropical regions.

This review conducted searches in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar for relevant studies that published in established databases up to April 26, 2024. Studies that focused on the common morphology, life cycle, disease distribution, clinical manifestations, and prevention and control strategies for Adenophorean parasitic diseases in humans were included.

Adenophorean nematodes exhibit shared morphological characteristics with a four-layered cuticle; uninucleate epidermal cells; pseudocoelom with six or more coelomocytes; generally three caudal glands; five esophageal glands; two testes in males with median-ventral supplementary glands in a single row; tail in males rarely possessing caudal alae; amphids always postlabial; presence of cephalic sensory organs; absence of phasmids; and a secretory-excretory system consisting of a single ventral gland cell, usually with a non-cuticularized terminal duct. Humans play two important roles in the life cycle of the nematode class, Adenophorea: 1) as a definitive host infected by ingesting undercooked paratenic hosts, embryonated eggs, infective larvae in fish tissue and meat contaminated with encysted or non-encysted larvae, and 2) as an accidental host infected by ingesting parasitic eggs in undercooked meat. Many organs are targeted by the Adenophorean nematode in humans such as the intestines, lungs, liver, kidneys, lymphatic circulation and blood vessels, resulting in gastrointestinal problems, excessive immunological responses, cell disruption, and even death. Most of these infections have significant incidence rates in the developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America; however, some parasitic diseases have restricted dissemination in outbreaks. To prevent these diseases, interventions together with education, sanitation, hygiene and animal control measures have been introduced in order to reduce and control parasite populations.

The common morphology, life cycle, global epidemiology and pathology of human Adenophorean nematode-borne parasitic diseases were highlighted, as well as their prevention and control. The findings of this review will contribute to improvement of monitoring and predicting human-parasitic infections, understanding the relationship between animals, humans and parasites, and preventing and controlling parasitic diseases.

The current study assessed the efficacy of Acyclovir (ACV) and Ivermectin (IVM) as monotherapies and combined treatments for intestinal and muscular stages of Trichinella spiralis infection. One-hundred Swiss albino mice received orally 250 ± 50 infectious larvae and were divided into infected-untreated (Group-1), IVM-treated (Group-2), ACV-treated (Group-3), combined IVM+ACV (Group-4), and healthy controls (Group-5). Each group was subdivided into subgroup-A-enteric phase (10 mice, sacrificed day-7 p.i.) and subgroup-B-muscular phase (10 mice, sacrificed day-35 p.i.). Survival rate and body weight were recorded. Parasite burden and intestinal histopathology were assessed. In addition, immunohistochemical expression of epithelial CDX2 in the intestinal phase and CyclinD1 as well as CD34 in the muscular phase were evaluated. Compared, IVM and ACV monotherapies showed insignificant differences in the amelioration of enteric histopathology, except for lymphocytic counts. In the muscle phase, monotherapies showed variable disruptions in the encapsulated larvae. Compared with monotherapies, the combined treatment performed relatively better improvement of intestinal inflammation and reduction in the enteric and muscular parasite burden. CDX2 and CyclinD1 positively correlated with intestinal inflammation and parasite burden, while CD34 showed a negative correlation. CDX2 positively correlated with CyclinD1. CD34 negatively correlated with CDX2 and CyclinD1. IVM +ACV significantly ameliorated CDX2, CyclinD1, and CD34 expressions compared with monotherapies. Conclusion. T. spiralis infection-associated inflammation induced CDX2 and CyclinD1 expressions, whereas CD34 was reduced. The molecular tumorigenic effect of the nematode remains questionable. Nevertheless, IVM +ACV appeared to be a promising anthelminthic anti-inflammatory combination that, in parallel, rectified CDX2, CyclinD1, and CD34 expressions.

Beneficial/probiotic strains protect the host from pathogens by competitive displacement and production of antibacterial substances, i.e., bacteriocins. The antiparasitic potential of bacteriocins/enterocins and their producing strains in experimental murine trichinellosis were tested as a new therapeutic strategy. Enterocin M and Durancin-like and their producers Enterococcus faecium CCM8558 and Enterococcus durans ED26E/7 were administered daily to mice that were challenged with Trichinella spiralis. Our study confirmed the antiparasitic effect of enterocins/enterococci, which reduced the number of adults in the intestine (Enterocin M-43.8%, E. faecium CCM8558-54.5%, Durancin-like-16.4%, E. durans ED26E/7-35.7%), suppressed the Trichinella reproductive capacity ex vivo (Enterocin M-61%, E. faecium CCM8558-74%, Durancin-like-38%, E. durans ED26E/7-66%), and reduced the number of muscle larvae (Enterocin M-39.6%, E. faecium CCM8558-55.7%, Durancin-like-15%, E. durans ED26E/7-36.3%). The direct effect of enterocins on Trichinella fecundity was documented by an in vitro test in which Durancin-like showed a comparable reducing effect to Enterocin M (40-60%) in contrast to the ex vivo test. The reducing activity of T.spiralis infection induced by Enterocin M was comparable to its strain E. faecium CCM8558; Durancin-like showed lower antiparasitic activity than its producer E. durans ED26E/7.

In our pursuit of an alternative drug against Trichinella spiralis, we assessed the effectiveness of nanocurcumin in alleviating pathogenesis, parasitological factors, MMP-9 levels, and its expression in the enteral and parenteral phases of infection. The nanocurcumin particles, with a spherical shape and a size of 100 ± 20 nm, were used in the study. Eighty mice were divided into four groups: the control group, the untreated infected group, the nanocurcumin-treated group, and the albendazole-treated group. The nanocurcumin-treated group exhibited a statistically significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes, along with a reduction in neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils compared to the untreated, infected group. Both the nanocurcumin (87.2 and 97.3%) and the albendazole-treated groups (99.8 and 98.2%) showed a significant reduction in the mean number of intestinal worms and encysted larvae, respectively. The treated groups exhibited normal intestinal villi, suppression of the inflammatory process, and fewer instances of degenerated larvae in the diaphragm and muscle compared to the untreated, infected group. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA analyses revealed a significant downregulation of MMP-9 levels in the intestines and muscles of the treated groups. Our data demonstrate that nanocurcumin contains highly versatile molecules capable of modulating biological activity against inflammation and its pathway markers.

Trichinellosis is a foodborne disease caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella spp. larvae. Consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat represents an important source of human trichinellosis worldwide. In El Palmar National Park (EPNP), Argentina, invasive alien wild boars are controlled and meat from culled animals is released for public consumption following on-site artificial digestion (AD) testing. Meat trimmings and offal from the control program are often used as food for dogs (Canis familiaris). We evaluated infection and exposure to Trichinella spp. in wild boars from EPNP, as well as exposure to Trichinella spp. and associated risk factors in dogs and human consumers of wild boar meat. Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in muscle samples from 5/49 wild boars by AD (10.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8%-23%), with a mean burden of 0.24 larvae per gram (lpg; range, 0.06-0.95 lpg). Anti-Trichinella antibodies were not detected in wild boar serum samples (n=42). In dogs, 12/34 were seropositive to Trichinella spp. (35.29%; 95%, CI, 20.3%-53.5%). Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies were not detected in human serum samples (n=63). Our results reveal the presence, albeit at low prevalence, of Trichinella spp. in wild boars and exposure in dogs fed game offal. These findings suggest that the low prevalence and parasitic load in wild boars, together with the best practices applied by EPNP culling program personnel, contribute to keeping the risk of infection in people low. The dog results highlight that the parasite is circulating in the area, and therefore the risk of infection is not negligible. We recommend the implementation of an animal surveillance strategy in order to monitor the evolution of this zoonosis in the study area.

The raccoon Procyon lotor (Carnivora: Procyonidae) is an invasive species of growing importance for the introduction of alien pathogens or as additional hosts for autochthonous pathogens in Europe, including zoonotic parasites. As the population is steadily increasing and outcompeting the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Germany, the consumption of raccoon meat raises concerns about pathogens they may transmit. Therefore the presence of Trichinella larvae was here investigated in muscle samples (n = 904) of raccoons from northern Germany. No Trichinella larvae were found, thus confirming the general low occurrence of this parasite in Germany. However, Spirocerca lupi (n = 12) and an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode (n = 1) were accidently detected in the examined samples. The first is not a zoonotic parasite but has a high veterinary relevance as it can cause severe diseases in dogs. It is the first documented autochthonous infection of this nematode in Germany. The larvae of an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode were found in high abundance in all examined muscles of one raccoon, though they could not be identified to species level. Histological investigation revealed intramuscular cystic structures. This is the largest study investigating muscular parasites of raccoons in Europe so far, which suggests that this invasive animal species is infected by S. lupi and by a yet unknown Trichinella -like parasite.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic and wild carnivores represent a significant driver for the transmission and ecology of zoonotic pathogens, especially those of parasitic aetiology. Nevertheless, there is no systematic research of Trichinella species in animals that have been conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though trichinellosis is considered the most important parasitic zoonosis. The available results of the few studies carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina are mainly related to the confirmation of parasitic larvae in the musculature of domestic pigs and wild boars or data related to trichinellosis in humans. The objective of our study was to present the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the species composition of Trichinella among 11 carnivorous species within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as follows: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), grey wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wildcat (Felis silvestris), pine marten (Martes martes), European badger (Meles meles), weasel (Mustela nivalis), European polecat (Mustela putorius), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), but also dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and cat (Felis catus).

In the period 2013-2023, carnivore musculature samples (n = 629), each consisting of 10 g of muscle tissue, were taken post-mortem and individually examined using the artificial digestion method. In the positive samples (n = 128), molecular genotyping and identification of parasitic larvae of Trichinella spp. were performed using a PCR-based technique up to the species/genotype level. Positive samples were used for basic PCR detection of the genus Trichinella (rrnS rt-PCR technique) and genotyping (rrnl-EVS rt-PCR technique). The Trichinella infection was documented for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina among red foxes, grey wolves, brown bears, dogs, badgers and Eurasian lynx, with a frequency rate of 20.3%. Additionally, the presence of T. britovi infection was newly confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the initial documented cases. Furthermore, both T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis infections were observed in the wildcat population, whereas T. britovi and T. spiralis infections were detected in pine martens. Consistent with previous research, our findings align particularly regarding carnivores, with data from other countries such as Germany, Finland, Romania, Poland and Spain, where T. britovi exhibits a wider distribution (62.5-100%) compared to T. spiralis (0.0-37.5%). T. britovi is more common among sylvatic carnivores (89.0%), while T. spiralis prevails in wild boars (62.0%), domestic swine (82.0%) and rodents (75.0%).

The results of our study represent the first molecular identification of species of the genus Trichinella in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, our findings underscore the necessity for targeted epidemiological studies to thoroughly assess trichinellosis prevalence across diverse animal populations. Considering the relatively high frequency of trichinellosis infection in investigated animal species and its public health implications, there is an evident need for establishing an effective trichinellosis surveillance system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trichinosis is a serious parasitic zoonotic disease caused mainly by Trichinella spiralis. The used drugs for treatment of trichinosis showed limited bioavailability and high degree of resistance. Moreover, they have a very poor effect in treatment of encysted larvae. Therefore, there is a need for development of new agents which help in improving the bioavailability of the used drugs and enable them to reach different tissues. This study was designed to assess the use of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) in conjugation with full and half dose albendazole (ABZ) in treatment of intestinal and muscular trichinosis. Albino mice (84 mice) were used to evaluate the efficacy of drugs and divided into seven groups; I: control, II: ABZ (50 mg/kg) treated, III: ABZ (25 mg/kg) treated, IV: ABZ (50 mg/kg) conjugated CSNPs treated, V: ABZ (25 mg/kg) conjugated CSNPs treated, VI: CS treated and VII: CSNPs treated. Parasitological and histopathological examinations were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the used drugs. Results showed significant reduction of adult Trichinella extracted from intestine of all ABZ treated groups either conjugated or not with the highest reduction rate in group IV followed by group V with percentage of reduction of 99.33% and 98.11%, respectively and marked improvement of histopathological examination. Also, results showed significant reduction of Trichinella larvae extracted from muscles of group IV, V and VII with the highest reduction rate in group IV with percentage of reduction of 100% in muscle larvae and marked improvement of histopathological examination. It was concluded that albendazole full dose conjugated chitosan nanoparticles can be a good candidate drug for treating both intestinal and muscular trichinosis.

Trichinella spiralis can affect the brain by inducing inflammatory and vascular changes. Drug management with the antiparasitic drug albendazole can be enhanced by natural compounds such as curcumin. The potential benefit of curcumin as an adjuvant to albendazole in the management of cerebral affection during experimental T. spiralis infection was evaluated. Animals received either curcumin 150 mg/Kg, albendazole 50 mg/Kg or a combination of both drugs. Animal groups receiving treatment were compared with infected and non-infected control groups. Blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and dopamine were measured, and brain tissue expression of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2) and CD34 was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

T. spiralis infection resulted in a state of oxidative stress, which was improved by albendazole and curcumin. Also, both drugs restored the peripheral dopamine level, which was decreased in infected non-treated mice. Curcumin was also found to be efficient in improving brain pathology and reducing local COX-2 and CD 34 expression.

Inflammatory and pathological changes during neurotrichinosis can be improved by the addition of curcumin to conventional anti-parasitic drugs.

Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. are critical tissue-dwelling foodborne zoonotic parasites associated with pork consumption and pig rearing. Despite being a major pig-rearing region in the country, Northeastern India has not undergone any investigation regarding the presence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and identify associated risk factors in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in the northeastern region of India. In a cross-sectional serological survey, 400 pigs from 400 households across five northeastern states of India underwent testing for the seroprevalence of porcine toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis. Serum samples (80 from each state) were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Data on backyard farm characteristics and various management aspects were collected, and risk factors linked with prevalence were analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the apparent and true prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies were 45% (40.12-49.88, 95% CI) and 45.7% (40.7-50.69, 95% CI), respectively. As for anti- Trichinella antibodies, both the apparent and true prevalence were 0.75% (-0.1-1.6, 95% CI). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age above 24 months (OR 7.20, 95% CI 2.45-23.71), exposure to cats (OR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.55-14.05), and farms operating for breeding purposes (OR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.01-11.04) were significant risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. This study marks the initial documentation of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities in Northeastern India. The results emphasize the significance of these parasites as foodborne zoonotic threats in the region, potentially posing substantial public health risks, especially within tribal and rural communities. The insights derived from this research could be valuable in formulating targeted preventive and control strategies against T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs, not only in this region but also in areas with similar rearing practices.