Detección de histamina en muestras de pescado fresco y en conserva

Histamin (eng. scombrotoxin) nastaje djelovanjem enzima histidin dekarboksilaza, koju proizvode različite bakterije, na aminokiselinu histidin, a otrovanje ljudi se javlja kao rezultat konzumacije hrane s visokom koncentracijom histamina. Komercijalni uzorci konzervirane i svježe ribe analizirani su na prisustvo i količinu histamina ELISA metodom. Dobiveni rezultati potvrđuju potrebu za stalnom kontrolom prisustva histamina u namirnicama koje su bogate proteinima (riba, sir, mlijeko, meso) i vinu, čime se nastoji osigurati prevencija otrovanja ljudi.Histamine (scombrotoxin) is produced by the action of histidine decarboxylase, enzyme of the certain bacteria, on the amino acid histidine, and poisoning occurs as a result of food consumption which contains histamine in high concentrations. Commercial canned and fresh sea fish samples were analysed for the presence and amount of histamine by ELISA method. The obtained results confirm the need for constant control of the presence of histamine in foods rich in proteins (such as fish, cheese, milk, meat) and wine, with aim to ensure the prevention of consumers poisoning.Histamin (eng. scombrotoxin) entsteht durch die Wirkung des Enzyms Histidin-Decarboxylase, das von diversen Bakterien erzeugt wird, auf die Aminosäure Histidin. Vergiftungen bei Menschen entstehen infolge eines Konsums von Lebensmitteln mit zu hohen Histaminkonzentrationen. Die kommerziellen Proben von konserviertem und frischem Fisch wurden auf die Anwesenheit und den Anteil von Histamin anhand der ELISA Methode untersucht. Die gewonnenen Ergebnisse bestätigen die Notwendigkeit einer kontinuierlichen Kontrolle der Anwesenheit von Histamin in proteinreichen Nahrungsmitteln (Fisch, Käse, Milch, Fleisch) und Wein, wodurch Vergiftungen bei Menschen vorgebeugt werden sollten.L\u27istamina (in inglese: scombrotoxin) deriva dall\u27azione dell\u27enzima istidina decarbossilasi, prodotto da vari batteri, sull\u27aminoacido istidina. L’avvelenamento alimentare nell’uomo si manifesta come risultato della consumazione di cibo con un’alta concentrazione d’istamina. Lo studio s’è occupato di accertare la presenza e la quantità d’istamina in vari campioni in commercio di pesce in scatola e di pesce fresco con il metodo ELISA. I risultati ottenuti confermano la necessità di un continuo controllo circa la presenza dell’istamina nei cibi ricchi di proteine (pesce, formaggio, latte, carne) e nel vino, al fine di garantire un’azione preventiva sul rischio d’avvelenamento dei consumatori.La histamina (en. scombrotoxin) es el producto de la descarboxilación del aminoácido histidina catalizado por enzima histidin descaboxilasa, producida por diferentes bacterias y la intoxicación de los humanos es el resultado del consumo de comida con una alta concentración de la histamina. Las muestras comerciales del pescado fresco y en conserva fueron analizados por el método ELISA para determinar la presencia y la cantidad de la histamina. Los resultados confirman la necesidad del control constante de presencia de la histamina en los productos alimenticios ricos en proteina (pescado, queso, leche, carne) y en vino, con lo que se trata de a prevenir la intoxicación de los humanos

Epidemiology of Taeniosis/Cysticercosis in Humans and Animals

Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, and Taenia asiatica popularly known as beef, pork, and Asian tapeworm, are important food-borne parasites. Human taeniosis occurs as a zoonotic consequence of consumption of raw or under-cooked meat contaminated by viable larvae of T. saginata (Cysticercus bovis), T. solium (Cysticercus cellulosae) and T. asiatica (Cysticercus viscerotropica) and further development of their adult forms in human intestines. T. solium is highly endemic in pork-consuming poor communities of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, T. asiatica is restricted to Asia and is mainly confirmed in South Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand, while T. saginata is distributed worldwide. Tapeworms cause cysticercosis in pigs and cattle (intermediate hosts) and taeniosis in humans (definitive host). Cysticercosis can also affect people who unintentionally swallow T. solium eggs—contaminated soil, water, or food (mainly vegetables) or through self-infection or person-to-person transmission when hygiene practices are insufficient. In humans, human cysticercosis or neurocysticercosis is frequently caused by cysticerci that establish in the central nervous system. Given the effect of T. solium on public health and the potential negative effects of T. saginata and T. asiatica on the economy and trade, defining risk factors, reporting of taeniosis and human cysticercosis is crucial, and surveillance and notification methods in animals should be strengthened

Epidemiology of Animal Trypanosomiasis

Trypanosomiasis, alternatively known as trypanosomosis, is the name of several diseases in vertebrates, induced by parasitic protozoans belonging to the Trypanosoma genus. The best-studied species is Trypanosoma brucei with two subspecies: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, which cause Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness. Moreover, African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) poses a substantial risk of spillover and the transmission of different species and strains among populations, impacting both livestock and wildlife. Increased human activity and pressure on land resources are increasing wildlife-livestock-human infections. In addition to the role of human Trypanosoma reservoir, animals can become infected and ill as a consequence of the activity of other forms of trypanosomes, such as Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma simiae, Trypanosoma evansi, and others. Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) can transfer parasites through their salivary glands or, in rare instances, by congenital transmission. Chagas disease (Morbus Chagas), also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a chronic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The competent vectors of Chagas disease are bed bugs from the genera Triatoma, Rhodnius, and Panstrongylus. All major groups of mammals, including Artiodactyla, Chiroptera, Primates, Carnivora, Rodentia, Cingulata, Pilosa, and Didelphimorphia, have been shown to participate in the transmission cycle of T. cruzi. Chagas disease is endemic in Central and South America. Human and animal trypanosomiases continue to present a major human and animal public health threat globally. The high genetic diversity of Trypanosoma spp. requires further research to prevent cross-species transmission, which could affect animal, human, and environmental health. In this chapter, we delve into the most significant Trypanosoma species, their epidemiology, distribution, importance for biodiversity, and public health

Detection of cow immunoglobulin G (lgG) as a parameter of adulteration of goat and sheep milk and milk products

Patvorenje prehrambenih proizvoda podrazumijeva zamjenu i/ili dodavanje nekog sastojka proizvodu protiv zakonskih odredbi, što nekim proizvođačima donosi financijsku dobit. Patvorenjem se mijenjaju svojstva i zdravstvena sigurnost izvornog proizvoda, čime se može nanijeti šteta potrošačima. Miješanje različitih vrsta mlijeka zakonski je dopušteno, a ponekad zbog svojstava proizvoda i poželjno. Međutim, problem nastaje kada konačni proizvod nije deklariran kao proizvod sastavljen od više vrsta mlijeka. Dodavanje nedeklariranih vrsta mlijeka npr. dodavanje kravljeg mlijeka, kao jeftinijeg, u ovčje i kozje mlijeko i njihove proizvode je najčešći način patvorenja mlijeka. U cilju izbjegavanja nedeklariranog dodavanja kravljeg mlijeka te zaštite potrošača, danas je sve češća praksa provjere autentičnosti proizvoda ispitivanjem njihovog sastava. Većina metoda za identifikaciju autentičnosti mliječnih proizvoda zasniva se na analizi glavnih proteina mlijeka pa se uglavnom koriste elektroforetske, kromatografske, spektroskopske i imunokemijske metode. Analitičke metode koje se zasnivaju na analizi proteina sirutke pouzdane su i točne za analizu mlijeka i sira koji nisu termički obrađeni, dok za termički obrađeno mlijeko i sir treba izabrati metode koje se zasnivaju na analizi kazeina. U našem radu je primijenjena i ispitana pouzdanost ELISA metoda za dokazivanje kravljeg imunoglobulin G (IgG) na mješavinama različitih vrsta mlijeka u eksperimentalnim uvjetima, nakon čega smo pokušali ustvrditi stvarno stanje na tržištu BiH u pogledu sadržaja nedeklariranih vrsta mlijeka, u uzorcima ovčjeg i kozjeg mlijeka i mliječnih proizvoda na prisustvo kravljeg imunoglobulin G (IgG) kao parametra patvorenja istih. Uočeno je prisustvo kravljeg mlijeka skoro u polovini uzoraka kozjeg i ovčjeg mlijeka te u proizvodima od ovih vrsta mlijeka, a najveći broj pozitivnih uzoraka na prisustvo kravljeg mlijeka uočeno je u proizvodima od ovčjeg mlijeka.The most common method of milk adulteration is the addition of undeclared types of milk, such as cow’s milk (due to its lower cost) to sheep and goat milk and milk products. In order to avoid the undeclared addition of cow’s milk and improve consumer protection, it is common practice to check the authenticity of a product by examining its contents. For the purposes of this study, the ELISA method was applied and tested to detect cow immunoglobulin G (IgG) in mixtures of various types of milk under experimental conditions. Following this, we aimed to determine the current situation on the BiH market in terms of content of undeclared milk types, by detecting the presence of cow immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a parameter of adulteration in samples of sheep and goat milk and milk products. We established that cow’s milk was present in almost half of the tested samples of goat and sheep milk and their products, while the highest number of positive samples of the presence of cow’s milk was found in sheep milk products

Ixodid ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of the Western Balkans

Ixodid ticks are distributed across all countries of the Western Balkans, with a high diversity of species. Many of these species serve as vectors of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Given the scattered data from Western Balkan countries, we have conducted a comprehensive review of available literature, including some historical data, with the aim to compile information about all recorded tick species and associated zoonotic pathogens in this region. Based on the collected data, the tick fauna of the Western Balkans encompasses 32 tick species belonging to five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. A range of pathogens responsible for human diseases has also been documented, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. In this review, we emphasize the necessity for integrated surveillance and reporting, urging authorities to foster research by providing financial support. Additionally, international and interdisciplinary collaborations should be encouraged that include the exchange of expertise, experiences and resources. The present collaborative effort can effectively address gaps in our knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases

Zoonotic Parasites and Vector-Borne Parasitoses

Zoonotic parasites and vector-borne zoonotic parasitoses of humans, especially when affecting immunocompromised persons mobilize researchers’ interest and increase parasitological, environmental, and interdisciplinary investigations worldwide. Climate, environmental and anthropomorphic influences had affected the distribution, occurrence, and adaptability of parasites in humans and animals, the level of environmental contamination with parasites and their developing forms, and the surge of vector competency. Knowledge of parasite biology and evolution shows that hybridization phenomena and adaptations may cause genetic diversity, affecting parasite virulence, antiparasitic drug resistance, acclimatization to new host species, and environmental conditions previously not recorded while leading to the emergence of new diseases and changing parasitism epidemiology. Many parasitic infections are emerging or re-emerging and are neglected with deliberating consequences for public and animal health as well as for food safety and security, especially in sub capacitated developing countries. Decrease of exposure of both animals and humans and negative consequences of zoonotic parasitoses requires raising awareness of researchers, policymakers, and the wider public. Modern diagnostic methods, surveillance, monitoring of parasitoses, and early detection systems followed by tailored containment and control actions provide grounds for sane assessments and investigation toward the cost-effective and efficient prevention programs for both human and animal populations

Diversity of Trichinella species in carnivores from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Background 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). Results 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%). Conclusion 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

Parasites in wildlife in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Parasitic diseases of wild animals represent an important area of research. In addition to the significant impact on wildlife health and fitness, many parasitic diseases have zoonotic implications. Due to limited scientific information, this research aimed to investigate parasitic diseases in wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), focusing on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H), emphasizing zoonotic species. In the period from April 2020 to November 2022, we conducted research on 9 wildlife species. We analyzed fecal samples to detect and identify diagnostic stages (eggs, larvae, cysts, and oocysts) of various animal endoparasites using coprological methods, such as sedimentation, flotation, and the Baermann technique. The MERIFLUOR® Cryptosporidium/Giardia test was also used for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. In the case of red foxes, intestinal samples were examined using the intestinal scraping technique to detect adult helminths. All collected muscle samples were subjected to the artificial digestion method for Trichinella detection. From 1,278 samples, 70.9% were positive. Parasitic infections were confirmed in 15.9% (11/69) of bears; 83.7% (262/313) of red foxes; 67.6% (44/65) of wolves; 25% (1/4) of wildcats; 20% (1/5) of badger; 43.7% (7/16) of martens; 39.7% (76/191) of wild boars; 84.5% (350/414) of deer, and 77.1% (155/201) of hares. The finding of zoonotic parasites (Toxocara canis, Uncinaria spp., Trichinella spp., Echinococcus spp. etc.) is particularly important due to their potential detrimental effects on human health, which highlights the need for further investigations

Contamination of Soil and Vegetation with Developmental Forms of Parasites in the Area of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Background: According to the WHO (2019), more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are infected with soil-transmitted parasites. Previous research in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H) was mainly conducted in the area of the Sarajevo Canton. Therefore, the aim of the research was to explore contamination of soil and vegetation with developmental forms of parasites in the other cantons of FB&H. Methods: Between Apr and Oct 2018, a total of 1,618 soil and vegetation samples were taken from 386 different locations in the 9 cantons of the FB&H. Results: Positive samples were observed, 65/66 (98.48%) municipalities/cities and on 239/386 (61.92%) locations. Out of 1,618 samples taken in total (1,263 soil samples and 355 vegetation samples), 357 (22.06%) were positive, out of which 337 (26.68%) and 20 (5.63%) were soil and plant samples, respectively. In total, the following adult and developmental forms were identified: Taeniidae eggs (7.30%), Toxocara spp. eggs (62.08%), Ancylostomatidae eggs (25.00%), Trichuris spp. eggs (9.55%), Capillaria spp. eggs (3.37%), Toxascaris leonina eggs (1.40%), Nematodes larvae (19.38%), Giardia duodenalis cysts (5.06%), Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts (1.4%), oocysts and cysts of different species of Protozoa (3.93%). Conclusion: The identified developmental forms of parasites pose a permanent threat to human health. It is necessary to carry out measures to reduce the contamination of soil and vegetation in coordination with systematic solutions (legislation), paralelly with contribution of animal owners, veterinarians, physicians, ecologists, parents and all the others involved in this issue

Tick-Borne Pathogens in <i>Dermacentor reticulatus</i> Ticks from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dermacentor (D.) reticulatus ticks carry and transmit a wide range of pathogens to vertebrate hosts. Limited information is available about the existence of emerging tick-borne pathogens and the distribution of D. reticulatus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence and distribution of D. reticulatus and to detect the presence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. in samples originating from questing ticks and ticks collected from domestic animals in various regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 402 collected D. reticulatus ticks were widely distributed throughout the country. Of the 41 pools consisting of 205 individual D. reticulatus ticks, 21 (51.2%) indicated the presence of Rickettsia spp., 17 (41.4%) of Babesia spp., 2 (4.8%) of Anaplasma spp., and 1 (2.4%) of B. burgdorferi s.l. after real-time PCR screening. Our study indicates that D. reticulatus has significantly expanded its distribution and host range in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, our results represent the first detection of Babesia spp. in D. reticulatus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given the demonstrated presence of emerging pathogens in questing and feeding ticks, there is an urge to establish a surveillance system for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Bosnia and Herzegovina