Cases of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto Isolated from Polish Patients: Imported or Indigenous?

The cases of nine Polish patients with diagnosed cystic echinococcosis (CE) were examined. A total of nine isolates obtained postoperatively were investigated using PCR and sequencing. The mitochondrial region of nad1 gene was amplified. This PCR and sequencing analysis revealed the presence of Echinococcus canadensis G7 in seven patients and E. granulosus G1 in two patients. These data demonstrate that E. canadensis is the predominant causative agent of human cystic echinococcosis in Poland. E. granulosus G1 detection in Polish patients suggests that the parasite was imported; however it does not exclude the possibility that these cases could have been of Polish origin

First Report of Echinococcus ortleppi in Human Cases of Cystic Echinococcosis in Poland

Cystic echinococcosis is considered as an emerging zoonosis that can develop asymptomatically for years, clinically nonpathognomic. The disease is of public health importance due to often late, difficult diagnostics, uncertain results of treatment, the need to remove hydatid cysts surgically in advanced cases, and poor prognosis in untreated patients. Six Polish female patients with diagnosed cystic echinococcosis (CE) were examined. DNA extracted from the liver and lung samples served for amplification of mitochondrial nad1 gene fragment. Sequence alignments of 5 isolates showed identity with the pig strain, Echinococcus canadensis G7. One case was in 100% identical with Echinococcus ortleppi G5, the cattle strain. These data demonstrate first report of E. ortleppi, regarded as extinct species, causing human cystic echinococcosis in Poland, where the most frequent causative agent of human CE is E. canadensis

Amoebicidal or amoebostatic influence of disinfectants used in health facilities and laboratories on corneal strains of Acanthamoeba

Different Acanthamoeba species are amphizoic organisms distributed in wide range of habitats in natural and man-made environments; they are also detected on surfaces of equipment and accessories in health facilities. Some strains of the amoebae are causative agents of the vision-threatening human disease Acanthamoeba keratitis, mainly reported in contact lens wearers. An exceptional high resistance of Acanthamoeba trophozoites and particularly cysts to chemicals, disinfectants and drugs is believed as influencing difficulty resulting in unsuccessful therapeutic management. As Acanthamoeba keratitis is the serious medical problem worldwide, different chemicals with possible activity against environmental and clinical Acanthamoeba strains are tested. In our study, selected disinfectants used in health care settings and laboratories were tested and their efficacy against the corneal strains Acanthamoeba castellanii and A. polyphaga , and environmental A. castellanii Neff strain was assessed. Comparative assessment of results of the assays show that, apart from amoebistatic effects, the disinfectants indicated expected cysticidal efficacy

Molecular identification of Trichomonas tenax in the oral environment of domesticated animals in Poland – potential effects of host diversity for human health

Introduction The protozoan Trichomonas tenax is considered to be a human specific flagellate of the oral cavity, found in humans with poor oral hygiene and advanced periodontal disease. Morphological variability and great similarity between species occurring in humans and animals, complicate the specific identification of trichomonads, using microscopic examination and other standard parasitological techniques. Objective The aim of the study was to search for and identify T. tenax in domesticated animals using molecular methods. The obtained data were assessed in terms of potential effects of a spread of the species deriving from the animals in the human environment. Material and methods 301 animals: 142 dogs, 57 cats and 102 horses, were examined in terms of their mouth status and occurrence of trichomonads. ITS1–5.8S rRNA-ITS2 region was amplified and sequenced. Results Finally, 7 dogs, 3 cats and 1 horse were diagnosed positive for T. tenax by PCR. In the oral cavity of 9 /11 animals, gingivitis and dental plaque accumulation were diagnosed. 9 /11 sequences of trichomonad isolates showed 100% identity with T. tenax sequence derived from the GenBank. The sequences of 2 isolates differed by substitutions. Conclusions It was proved that T. tenax , considered so far as a human specific parasite, can also inhabit the oral cavity of dog, cat and horse. To summarize, T. tenax was detected in the mouths of different domesticated animals, indicating that in Poland it can colonize a wider range of hosts than previously known. The owners of 3 dogs showed oral tissue inflammation of different intensity and were also positive for T. tenax ; therefore, oral trichomonosis spread from humans to domestic animals and conversely should be taken into consideration

Emerging Threats for Human Health in Poland: Pathogenic Isolates from Drug Resistant Acanthamoeba Keratitis Monitored in terms of Their In Vitro Dynamics and Temperature Adaptability

Amphizoic amoebae generate a serious human health threat due to their pathogenic potential as facultative parasites, causative agents of vision-threatening Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Recently, AK incidences have been reported with increasing frequency worldwide, particularly in contact lens wearers. In our study, severe cases of AK in Poland and respective pathogenic isolates were assessed at clinical, morphological, and molecular levels. Misdiagnoses and the unsuccessful treatment in other ophthalmic units delayed suitable therapy, and resistance to applied chemicals resulted in severe courses and treatment difficulties. Molecular assessment indicated that all sequenced pathogenic corneal isolates deriving from Polish patients with AK examined by us showed 98–100% homology with Acanthamoeba genotype T4, the most prevalent genotype in this human ocular infection worldwide. In vitro assays revealed that the pathogenic strains are able to grow at elevated temperature and have a wide adaptive capability. This study is our subsequent in vitro investigation on pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains of AK originating from Polish patients. Further investigations designed to foster a better understanding of the factors leading to an increase of AK observed in the past years in Poland may help to prevent or at least better cope with future cases