Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Dr.Hala Salah El Wakil
Ain Shams University ,Egypt
Keynote: Helminthes therapy in Autoimmune Diseases
Biography:
Hala Salah Elwakil has completed her MD in Medical Parasitology at the age of 33 years from Faculty of medicine, Ain Shams University. She is a professor of Medical Parasitology, faculty of medicine, Ain Shams university and director of Parasitological Research &Diagnostic Unit . She has published 25 papers in reputed journals concerning diagnosis and immunology in medical parasitology .She has been serving as a reviewer for some international journals
Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a global emergence disease. Its incidence and prevalence in developing countries is progressively rising and has been attributed to the rapid modernization of the population. In addition, it is evidenced that IBD is now affecting a much younger population. Meta-analyses conducted in patients acquiring IBD at a young age reveals a trend for their increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Only 50% of patients reach sustained remission with the standards therapy for IBD. In addition to the side effects caused by this treatment. Recent evidence strongly suggests that dysfunctional immune responses play an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Therefore, immunologically downregulating the over activated innate and adaptive immune responses may be a better approach to treat IBD than currently used pharmaceutical therapies. Recently, biological therapy which include administration of monoclonal antibodies (m Abs) against cytokines, have been emerged as an effective therapeutic approach. These agents cost thousands of dollars per patient per year. The healthcare systems, and certainly the patients, in developing countries can’t afford such expensive treatments. In the same context, the ability of helminths to alter and/or suppress immune responses could be beneficial to the host by helping control excessive inflammatory responses. Animal models and pre-clinical trials have all suggested a beneficial effect of helminth infections on inflammatory bowel conditions. Although therapy with living helminths appears to be effective in IBD, the disadvantages of a treatment based on living parasites can't be excluded. Using parasite extracts which mimic the disease allows greater flexibility in dosing routes and therapeutic applications. These Immunologically active helminth molecules could soon result in new therapies for patients with IBD.
Keynote Forum
Dr.Ananda K J
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University,India
Keynote: Coccidian Parasites of Public Health Importance
Biography:
Dr. Ananda, K. J. has completed PhD in Veterinary Parasitology at the age of 30 years from Veteinary College, UAS, Bangalore, Karnataka, India & rendered 12 years of service in teaching and research, specialized in Immunological and Molecular Diagnosis of Parasitic diseases. Presently working as Associate Professor & Guided four PG students & bestowed with Best Research Paper and poster award in National Conferences & published more than 45 research papers in both International & National Journals. He was the recipient of University gold medal for Ph.D and handled 05 research project and presently with two extramural research projects.
Abstract:
Coccidian parasites are known to infect a wide variety of animals, including humans, birds and livestock. They are usually species-specific, but the well-known exceptions are toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii and cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. The zoonotic coccidian parasites known to cause disease in humans belong to the genus Cystisospora, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma and Sarcocystis respectively.
Cystisospora belli is the only species of Cystisospora that infects man and is frequently responsible for “traveller’s diarrhea”. C. belli is found throughout the world but is more common in tropical and subtropical regions. This disease is typically mild in healthy individuals but can be life threatening in people who are young or immunodepressed. Cystisosporosis was largely ignored until its recent emergence as one of the opportunistic infections affecting AIDS patients.
Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection in humans caused by protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, widespread globally and responsible for serious complications in individuals with impaired immune defences as well as congenitally infected infants. The high prevalence rate in some parts of the world coupled with the current drug treatments that trigger hypersensitivity reactions makes the development of immunotherapeutic interventions a highly important research priority. Immunotherapeutic strategies could either be a vaccine which would confer a pre-emptive immunity to infection, or passive immunization in case of recurrent clinical diseases. As the severity of clinical manifestations is often greater in developing nations, the development of well-tolerated and safe immunotherapeutic becomes not only a scientific pursuit, but a humanitarian enterprise. In the last few years, much progress has been made in vaccine research with new antigens, novel adjuvants, and innovative vaccine delivery such as nanoparticles and antigen encapsulations.
Cryptosporidium is increasingly gaining attention as a human and an animal pathogen mainly due to its dominant involvement in worldwide waterborne outbreaks. Ingestion of oocysts can cause gastrointestinal disease in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed human patients and those working with animals, including farmers and veterinarians, are considered to be at increased risk. Efforts to minimise transmission in people handling infected animals should include instruction regarding, and rigorous attention to, hygiene, protective clothing and efforts to disinfect contaminated areas.
Sarcocystis spp. have indirect life cycle with an intestinal infections occur in the definitive host, and tissue invasion is seen in the intermediate host. Three species viz., Sarcocystis hominis, S. heydorni (intermediate hosts: cattle) and S. suihominis (intermediate hosts: pig) have been identified where humans serve as definitive hosts and get infected by ingesting raw or undercooked beef and pork respectively. Although others may exist, till now only S. nesbitti has been identified in humans serving as intermediate hosts based on 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis. Though the life cycle of S. nesbitti remains unknown, this zoonosis is linked to ingestion of food and water contaminated with the sporocysts of this species.
Keynote Forum
Asif Iqbal
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Keynote: Epidemiology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Theileriasis in Cattle And Buffaloes Of District Toba Tek Singh
Time : 11.00-11.30
Biography:
Dr. Asif Iqbal has completed his PhD at the age of 30 years from University of Agriculture Faisalabad. He is the director of academics in Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and is serving as an managing director of Scholar’s adavances in veterinary and animal research, a well reputed journal in Pakistan.
Abstract:
Based on stratified random sampling, 4608 animals were screened during November, 2010-October, 2012 in central Punjab, Pakistan. The overall prevalence of ticks was recorded 52.14% (2403/4608) in host population of the study area. Out of infested host species, the abundance was found significantly higher in cattle as compared with buffaloes. Among the identified species of the ticks Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum was found significantly predominant followed in order by Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The overall theileria infection in the acini of tick salivary glands was recorded 20.85% (1126/5400). Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (62.56%; 1126/1800) was the only theileria infected tick specie in the study area. The salivary glands of Rhiphicephalus microplus and Rhiphicephalus sanguinus were not found having any infection of theilerial sporozoites. Only type-III acini were found infected with the parasites. The infection was determined higher with Methyl Green Pyronine (MPG) stain in comparison with Geimsa stain. Between the sexes of tick, the level of infection was recorded significantly higher in female acini as compared with male acini. The infection was recorded significantly higher in ticks collected from riverine area as compared with the ticks collected from non-riverine areas. Similarly, infesting ticks were found having higher infection of theilerial sporozoites in their salivary glands as compared with questing ticks. Among the on-hosts, ticks infesting cattle were found with more burden of theilerial sporozoites than ticks collected from the body of buffaloes. Month wise prevalence of ticks showed that their abundance is higher in the month of June, July and August and lower during the months of December, January. The overall prevalence of bovine tropical theileriosis was found 49.87% (2298/4608) in cattle and buffaloes of the study area. Theileria annulata was the only prevalent specie of theileria in all positive animals. Overall and specie-wise prevalence of theileriosis in host population of the study depicted higher prevalence of bovine theileriosis in cattle as compared to buffalo population but the difference was not found statistically significant. Friesian breed of cattle was found with significantly highest prevalence of theileriosis followed in order by Jersey, Cross-bred and Sahiwal in perspective of the breed based prevalence. Theileriosis was statistically more prevalent in the Kundi breed of buffalo as compared to Nili Ravi. In perspective of the sex groups, female cattle and buffaloes were found statistically more prone to bovine tropical theileriosis the than that of male cattle and male buffaloes, respectively. With respect to age groups, prevalence of theileriosis has been found significantly higher in young animals in comparison with the adult. In specie-wise prevalence, although prevalence of theileriosis was found higher in cattle in comparison with the buffalo population but the difference was statistically insignificant. As far as feeding system is concerned, prevalence of theileriosis was found significantly higher in the grazing animals than that of stall fed animals. In animal keeping system, theileriosis was found more closely associated with the tethered animals as compared to the open animals. In perspective of housing system, close housed animal population was found having significantly highest prevalence of theileriosis followed in order by semi-closed and open housed. Disease prevalence was found significantly associated with the poor hygienic measures than that of the good hygienic measures in animals of the study area whereas buffalo population of the study area with the good hygienic measures were found significantly resistant to bovine theileriosis in comparison with the poor hygiene animals. With respect to farming system, mixed farming practices were found significantly associated with the prevalence of theileriosis as compared to separate farming. Association of the theileriosis has been found significantly the highest in the animals kept on un-cemented floor pattern followed in order by animals grown in partially-cemented and cemented floor patterns. Similarly, the highest disease prevalence was found in animals with pond watering system followed in order by animals with canal and tape watering system. Within the strata, the highest prevalence was recorded in Kamalia in order followed by Gojra and T.T. Singh. As far as association of macroclimate with the disease prevalence is concerned, theileriosis in rainy season has been found significantly the highest prevalence followed in decreasing order by summer, autumn, spring and winter, whereas, month wise prevalence showed highest level of infection in the month of August during the study period. The observed clinical signs were; rise of body temperature up to 40.5°C, the enlargement of lymph nodes specially the superficial pre-scapular lymph node, increase in respiratory rate, increase in heart rate, nasal and ocular discharge some time associated with corneal opacity, soft yellowish diarrhoea, pale-yellowish mucus membranes, straw yellowish urine and the same time showed emaciate, recombenses and subcutaneous accumulation to fluid during this study. Blood analysis showed that both cattle and buffaloes were found infected with bovine tropical theileriosis. Hematological analysis showed statistically a significant decrease in mean haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MHCH), red blood cells count (RBCC), white blood cells count (WBCC), neutrophils (P<0.001) and serum total bilirubin and active serum enzyme (ALT & AST) while a significant increase was recorded in lymphocyte count (P<0.001), corpuscular volume (MCV), serum total protein and albumin. Participatory epidemiological investigation regarding treatment of Theileriosis highlighted the story that the farmers of the study area were having highest trend towards the quacks for consultancy in order followed by veterinarians and self-reliance. Their therapeutic concerns were more deviated towards ethnoveterinary medicine in comparison with allopathic one. Widely use of their self-made plant extracts (Decoctions) was considered as best drug of choice in comparison with the available chemicals. Among the various lavishely used anti-tick and anti-theilerial compounds, the combined effect of ivermectin and buparwaquone was found the best in order followed by Amitraz + Oxytetracyclene and Cypermethrine + Calotropis procera. The total economic loss of 3.23 million rupees has been calculated in the present study in the district T.T. Singh due to theileriosis.
Keynote Forum
Tanyi samuel Tanyi,
Federal University Dutsinma, Ethiopia
Keynote: Antribacterial and oral acute toxicity studies of Euphorbia hirta
Time : 11.30-12.00
Biography:
Tanyi Samuel Tanyi has completed his BSc and MSc from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto, Sokoto state, Nigeria. He is currently an Assistant Lecturer at Federal University Dutsinma, Dutsinma, Katsina state, Nigeria at the Department of Biological Science. He is involved in teaching and research in microbiology at the university.
Abstract:
Due to high cost, undesirable side effects of conventional antibiotics and emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, there is a need to search for novel antibacterial agents from medicinal plants. In this study, clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Escherichia coli were obtained from Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. The isolates were tested for susceptibility to crude leaf extracts of E. hirta by agar diffusion methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was determined by broth dilution method. The results showed that the most susceptible bacterium to the extract was Shigella with a zone of inhibition of 23.33 mm, while the most resistant bacterium was E. coli with a zone of inhibition of 9.43 mm. MIC and MBC of the extract against Shigella was 21.87 mg/ml respectively. Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins and polysterols were revealed in the extract by phytochemical analysis. Oral acute toxicity of the extract showed no mortality in Sprague Dawley rats at concentration of 50, 300, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight. Result showed that the LD50 was >5000 mg/kg. The MBC: MIC ration>4, suggesting the crude extract was bactericidal. This study showed that leaves of E. hirta can serve as a potential antibacterial agent.
Keynote Forum
Ananda K J, Karnataka
Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, India
Keynote: Diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs by Immunological and Molecular methods
Biography:
Dr. Ananda, K. J. has completed PhD in Veterinary Parasitology at the age of 30 years from Veteinary College, UAS, Bangalore, Karnataka, India & rendered 12 years of service in teaching and research, specialized in Immunological and Molecular Diagnosis of Parasitic diseases. Presently working as Associate Professor & Guided four PG students & bestowed with Best Research Paper and poster award in National Conferences & published more than 45 research papers in both International & National Journals. He was the recipient of University gold medal for Ph.D and handled 05 research project and presently with two extramural research projects.
Abstract:
Echinococcosis, a cyclozoonotic helminthosis caused by the dwarf dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, highly endemic and considered to be one of the most important parasitic diseases. The study was undertaken for diagnosis of E. granulosus infection in dogs by using immunological and molecular techniques. The specific antibodies of E.granulosus were detected in dog serum samples by ELISA. The protein profile by SDS-PAGE with somatic antigen revealed 11 polypeptides ranging between 114 kDa to 16 kDa. The major bands were in the range of 94, 66, 45, 34, 24 and 16 kDa. A total of twelve polypeptides were identified in E/S Ag ranging from 110 kDa to 14 kDa. The major bands included 98, 66, 45, 38 and 34 kDa. The immunoreactive polypeptides detected on western blots with somatic antigen of E.granulosus with known positive serum showed 89, 66, 45 and 16 kDa. The E/S antigen of E.granulosus showed six polypeptides of size 98, 82, 66, 45, 34 and 24 kDa on blots. The Copro-PCR was carried out using two sets of E.granulosus specific primers. The Eg 1f, Eg 1r primer amplified single band of 255 bp which was specific to E.granulosus in ten samples which were positive for E.granulosus at necropsy. The other primer JB 3f, JB 4.5r which amplified a single band of 440 bp was also specific to E.granulosus in ten samples which were positive for E.granulosus at necropsy. No amplification was observed in nine fecal samples which were positive for Taenia eggs by copro-microscopy.
Keynote Forum
Dr.Hala Salah El Wakil
Ain Shams University, Egypt
Keynote: The effect of iron on metronidazole activity against Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro
Biography:
Hala Salah Elwakil has completed her MD in Medical Parasitology at the age of 33 years from Faculty of medicine, Ain Shams University. She is a professor of Medical Parasitology, faculty of medicine, Ain Shams university and director of Parasitological Research &Diagnostic Unit . She has published 25 papers in reputed journals concerning diagnosis and immunology in medical parasitology .She has been serving as a reviewer for some international journals
Abstract:
Metronidazole is administered in an inactive form then activated to its cytotoxic form, within the hydrogenosome of trichomonads. Two hydrogenosomal proteins, pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase PFOR and ferredoxin, play a critical role in the reductive activation of metronidazole. The expression of these proteins and other hydrogenosomal proteins are likewise positively regulated by iron. In the present study, the effect of iron on minimal lethal concentration (MLC) of metronidazole that affect in vitro cultured Trichomonas vaginalis isolates were investigated. Interestingly, Addition of Ferrous ammonium sulphate (FAS) to T.vaginalis culture led to decrease the MLC of metronidazole. On using aerobic assay, MLC of metronidazole on untreated T. vaginalis, of both isolates, was 12.5 μg /ml that decreased to 0.38 μg /ml on FAS treated trichomonads. Also anaerobic assay revealed that MLC on untreated parasites was 3.12 μg /ml that was decreased to 0.097 μg /ml and 0.19 μg /ml, for isolate 1 and 2 respectively, after iron addition. It was concluded that the addition of iron to in vitro cultured Trichomonas vaginalis decreases metronidazole MLC; that was detected by aerobic and anaerobic assays. Reduction of the drug effective dose is useful in reduction of the side effects that mostly appear with the higher doses
Keynote Forum
Ketema Tafess Tulu
Arsi University, Ethiopia
Keynote: In vitro permissiveness of bovine neutrophils and monocyte derived macrophages to Leishmania donovani of Ethiopian isolate
Time : 14.00-14.30
Biography:
Ketema Tafees Tulu has completed his DVM in Veterinary Medicine from Addis Ababa University .He is a currently an Researcher and Publication Association Director in the Arsi University .He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Background & Aim: Epidemiological studies in Ethiopia have documented that the risk of visceral leishmaniasis (VL, Kala-azar) is higher among people living with domestic animals. The recent report on isolation of Leishmania donovani complex DNA and the detected high prevalence of anti-leishmanial antibodies in the blood of domestic animals further strengthen the potential role of domestic animals in the epidemiology of VL in Ethiopia. In mammalian hosts polymorpho-nuclear cells (PMN) and macrophages are the key immune cells influencing susceptibility or control of Leishmania infection. Thus to substantiate the possible role of cattle in VL transmission we investigate the permissiveness of bovine PMN and monocyte derived macrophages (MDM) for Leishmania donovani infection.
Materials & Methods: Whole blood was collected from pure Zebu (Boss indicus) and their cross with Holstein Friesian cattle. L. donovani (MHOM /ET/67/HU3) wild and episomal green fluorescent protein (eGFP) labeled stationary stage promastigotes were co-incubated with whole blood and MDM to determine infection of these cells. Engulfment of promastigotes by the cells and their transformation to amastigote forms in MDM was studied with direct microscopy. Microscopy and flow cytometry were used to measure the infection rate while PCR-RLFP was used to confirm the infecting parasite.
Results: L. donovani infected bovine whole blood PMN in the presence of plasma factors and all cellular elements. Morphological examinations of stained cytospin smears revealed that PMN engulfed promastigotes. Similarly, we were able to show that bovine MDM can be infected by L. donovani, which transformed to amastigote forms in the cells.
Conclusions: The in vitro infection of bovine PMN and MDM by L. donovani further strengthens the possibility that cattle might serve as source of L. donovani infection for human.
- Vaccines, Drug Development and Control Measures
Chair
Dr.Yuan Gu
Capital Medical University, China
Co-Chair
Dr.Hong You
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia
Session Introduction
Dr.Elena Dotsika
Hellenic Pasteur Institute ,Greece.
Title: Vaccines Drug Development and Control Measure of protozoa (Leishmania spp).
Biography:
Eleni Dotsika is the Head of the Cellular Immunology Laboratory and responsible for the National Reference Centre of Leishmaniasis in Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI, Athens, Greece). She has received her DVM degree from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece, PhD in Immunology from the Medical School of the Bristol University, Bristol, UK and she undertook Postdoctoral training in Immunology of Parasites at National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London UK. Since 1988 she is working in HPI in the field of developing novel therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases. She has been a regular Reviewer in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has published over 43 refereed publications.
Abstract:
Up today, no vaccine exists against any form of leishmaniasis; not safe, effective and inexpensive drugs. Until recently, a plethora of data showed that the existing anti-leishmanial drugs have numerous disadvantages such as systemic toxicity, development of resistance, long hospitalization and high cost. Thus, identifying new, effective and safer anti-leishmanial drugs is of paramount importance. To this end, much research effort has been focused on investigating new compounds derived from low-cost sources, such as natural products, for treating leishmaniasis. Oleuropein, which derives from numerous plants, particularly from the olive tree, Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae), is a biophenol with many biological activities. Our studies revealed that oleuropein exhibits in vitro inhibitory effect in both promastigotes and amastigotes of various Leishmania spp. Furthermore, when tested in vivo in an experimental visceral leishmaniasis model of L. donovani infected BALB/c mice, it was capable of reducing the parasitic burden. The exact mechanism that oleuropein uses in order to abrogate parasitic multiplication in vitro and in vivo has been investigated and the mode of oleuropein-driven cell death showed that is able to promote a ROS-independent cell death in promastigotes which is documented by typical features of apoptotic-like cell death. Moreover, the ability of oleuropein to promote a Th1 type immune response in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice, points towards the candidacy of this bioactive compound as an immunomodulatory agent that may complement Leishmania therapeutic approaches.
Dr.Hong You
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia
Title: Functional characterisation of Schistosoma japonicum acetylcholinesterase
Biography:
Hong You has completed her PhD in 2010 from University of Queensland and Postdoctoral studies from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia. She is a current Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Early Career Fellow. As CIA, she has obtained NHMRC project grant and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre (AID) seed grants in 2014 and 2015. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important metabolic enzyme of schistosomes present in the musculature and on the surface of the blood stage. As both target for the antischistosomal drug metrifonate and as a potential vaccine candidate, AChE has been characterized in the schistosome species Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium and S. bovis but not S. japonicum. In this study, we report the full-length cDNA sequence and describe phylogenetic and molecular structural analysis to facilitate understanding of the biological function of AChE (SjAChE) in S. japonicum. The protein has high sequence identity (88%) with the AChEs in S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. bovis and has 25% sequence similarity with human AChE, suggestive of a highly specialized role for the enzyme in both parasite and host. We immunolocalized SjAChE and demonstrated its presence on the surface of adult worms and schistosomula, as well as its lower expression in parenchymal regions. The relatively abundance of AChE activity (90%) present on the surface of adult S. japonicum when compared with that reported in other schistosomes suggests SjAChE may be a more effective drug or immunological target against this species. We also demonstrate that the classical inhibitor of AChE, BW285c51, inhibited AChE activity in tegumental extracts of paired worms, single males and single females by 59%, 22% and 50%, respectively. These results build on previous studies in other schistosome species indicating major differences in the enzyme between parasite and mammalian host and provide further support for the design of an anti-schistosome intervention targeting AChE.
Dr.Mona Timan Idriss Gassab
Sudan International University, Sudan
Title: Antiviral activity and possible mechanisms of action of Acacia nilotica against influenza A virus
Biography:
Dr.Mona Timan Idriss is an Assistant professor in the Sudan International University.Sudan.
Abstract:
We investigated the anti-influenza virus activity of Acacia nilotica and possible mechanisms of action in vitro. We found that Acacia nilotica has anti-influenza-virus activity and both pre-incubation of virus prior to infection and post-exposure of infected cells with Acacia nilotica extract significantly inhibited virus yields. Influenza-virus-induced hemagglutination of chicken red blood cells was inhibited by Acacia extract treatment, suggesting that Acacia can inhibit influenza A virus infection by interacting with the viral hemagglutinin. Furthermore, Acacia extract significantly affect nuclear transport of viral nucleoprotein (NP). To best of our knowledge, this study revealed for the first time that Acacia nilotica extract can inhibit both viral attachment and replication and offers new insights into its underlying mechanisms of antiviral action. The fruit husk of Acacia nilotica collected from Sudan and extracted with 70% methanol. The crude extract was screened for its cytotoxicity against MDCK cell line by alamarBlue assay and WST-1 assay. Antiviral properties of the plant extract were determined by cytopathic effect inhibition assay and virus yield reduction assay (plaque assay). Time of addition assay and nuclear export mechanism were also performed.
Dr.Mona Timan Idriss Gassab
Sudan International University, Sudan
Title: Antiviral activity and possible mechanisms of action of Acacia nilotica against influenza A virus
Biography:
Dr.Mona Timan Idriss is an Assistant professor in the Sudan International University.Sudan.
Abstract:
We investigated the anti-influenza virus activity of Acacia nilotica and possible mechanisms of action in vitro. We found that Acacia nilotica has anti-influenza-virus activity and both pre-incubation of virus prior to infection and post-exposure of infected cells with Acacia nilotica extract significantly inhibited virus yields. Influenza-virus-induced hemagglutination of chicken red blood cells was inhibited by Acacia extract treatment, suggesting that Acacia can inhibit influenza A virus infection by interacting with the viral hemagglutinin. Furthermore, Acacia extract significantly affect nuclear transport of viral nucleoprotein (NP). To best of our knowledge, this study revealed for the first time that Acacia nilotica extract can inhibit both viral attachment and replication and offers new insights into its underlying mechanisms of antiviral action. The fruit husk of Acacia nilotica collected from Sudan and extracted with 70% methanol. The crude extract was screened for its cytotoxicity against MDCK cell line by alamarBlue assay and WST-1 assay. Antiviral properties of the plant extract were determined by cytopathic effect inhibition assay and virus yield reduction assay (plaque assay). Time of addition assay and nuclear export mechanism were also performed.
- Medical Helminthology
Chair
Dr.Yuan Gu
Capital Medical University, China
Co-Chair
Dr.Hong You
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia
Session Introduction
Dr.Nirbhay Kumar Singh
Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory,USA.
Title: Prospects for Biological Control of Cattle Fever Ticks by Natural Enemies along the Texas - Mexico border
Biography:
Dr. N. K. Singh Assistant Professor, Veterinary Parasitology, GADVASU, Ludhiana has completed his Ph.D in 2012. He is currently a visiting scientist to USDA-ARS, Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, Edinburg, TX under the Raman Post Doctoral Fellowship by University Grants Commission, New Delhi. He has contributed significantly in the areas of acaricide resistance status and its underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms and development of herbal acaricide. Besides 34 accession numbers obtained from Genbank, NCBI, he has published 103 research articles in national and international journals, 33 extension articles, authored one book along with 10 laboratory manuals.
Abstract:
Cattle fever ticks (CFT), Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus annulatus are vectors of babesiosis which can be lethal to cattle and causes significant production losses. These ticks are not native to the U.S. and have been eradicated but are endemic to Mexico and continue to re-invade the U.S. along the Texas - Mexico border. Resistance to acaricides, presence of wildlife hosts such as nilgai antelope and whitetailed deer, along with exotic vegetation along the international border that favors survival of cattle fever ticks are challenging the continued success of the cattle fever tick eradication program. Classical biological control uses naturally occurring species of living organisms as antagonists to reduce pest populations. Augmenting populations of existing antagonists or importing exotic antagonists to reduce the density of a pest population is required to achieve this goal. For the control of cattle ticks, candidate methods include ants, predatory mites, chickens, parasitoid waspd, Bacillus thuringiensis, entomopathogenic nematodes and oxpeckers. Biological control using specialist parasitoids, predators and/or nematodes from the native ranges of CFT is not a stand-alone strategy but could complement existing strategies such as acaricides and vaccines in the transboundary region between Mexico and Texas. It could thus reduce invasion pressure from Mexico and may be the only method for CFT control on wild hosts such as whitetailed deer and exotic nilgai, which have become important for the spread ticks in the region. Work is in progress on means to discover and evaluate natural enemies of CFT needed to investigate the potential for classical biological control. These methods must be able to detect parasitism and predation on all life stages (eggs, larvae, nymphs, adults) of CFT, both on and off the host animal. Here we discuss the challenges in identification of candidate biological control agents and develop methods to be used in foreign exploration in the native ranges of CFT.
- General Parasitology
Chair
Dr.Yuan Gu
Capital Medical University, China
Co-Chair
Dr.Hong You
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia
Session Introduction
Dr.Mehru Nisha
University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Title: Determining the pattern of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among Orang Asli at Kg. Serendah, Selangor, Malaysia using molecular and parasitological methods
Biography:
Mehru Nisha is currently a Medical Parasitology Lecturer at University of Kuala Lumpur (MESTECH), Malaysia. She has obtained her PhD in Parasitology from International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia in 2015. She is among the Young Medical Parasitology Researcher in Malaysia with high research spirit despite being an Academician. Her main research is to investigate prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) among refugees in Malaysia, foreign workers in Malaysia, aborigine community and also parasites found in organic farms. She also investigates the drug resistant among these parasites using molecular methods. She has presented her work both in local and international conference and has few publications.
Abstract:
Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections have a global distribution and a major impact on the socioeconomic and public health of the world’s poorest people. In Malaysia, the Orang Asli community is prone to these infections due to environmental and personal hygiene practices. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of GIP and potential risk factors for infection among the Orang Asli community at Kg. Serendah in Malaysia. Stool samples were collected from 110 villagers. Both microscopy and molecular methods were used to identify the parasites in stool. All the participants in the survey were treated as follows: 400 mg of albendazole for above 2 years old and 200 mg of albendazole for ≤2 years old. After deworming exercise, the villagers were examined at 1 and 6 months post treatment. The prevalence for GIP found in this study was 67% and the parasites detected were Trichuris trichiura (50%), Ascaris lumbricoides (39%), Blastocystis hominis (10%), Cryptosporidium parvum (7.2%), Taenia spp., (2.7%) and Microsporidia (2.7%). Higher GIP prevalence was observed among children below 6 years compared to the adults. Multivariate analysis showed that not using the toilet and drinking non boiled water was predictive of GIP infection in this study area. Overall cure rate post treatment for A. lumbricoides was higher than T. trichiura. In summary, combination of infrastructure development particularly with reference to sanitary sewage systems and portable water supply, coupled with poverty eradication programs and increase in health awareness and access to medical care the prevalence of intestinal parasites can be controlled.
Dr.Mona Abdulafattah
Ain Shams University ,Egypt
Title: Predominance of Blastocystis hominis Subtype I among Colorectal Cancer Patients in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Biography:
Mona Abd El-Fattah Ahmed has completed her MD from Ain Shams University, Egypt. She is an Associate Consultant and Head of Clinical Parasitology Section and Laboratory Training and Education Coordinator at the Laboratory Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, KSA, since June 2010 to till date. She is also a Professor of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University since 2015. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and serving as a Reviewer of reputed journals
Abstract:
The putative role of infectious agents in causing gastrointestinal disorders is undeniable. In this regard, Blastocystis hominis has increasingly been implicated for diarrheal illness in immunocompromised individuals including colo-rectal cancer (CRC). Blastocystis is a genetically diverse intestinal parasite with controversial pathogenic potential. It has been shown recently that the antigen of certain Blastocystis subtypes could facilitate the proliferation of colon cancer cells. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of Blastocystis in CRC patients and to genetically identify Blastocystis subtypes commonly associating CRC in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. A total of 218 stool samples were collected from suspected patients including 74 CRC, 64 Cancer other than colon (COC) and 80 non-cancer (NC) patients. Collected stool samples were initially examined for detection of Blastocystis infection using culture technique. Blastocystis-positive isolates were further genetically subtyped using multiplex polymerase chain reaction with sequence-tagged site primers (PCR-STS). Out of the total examined stool specimens, Blastocystis were conventionally identified in 22.9% (50 out of 218). This included 29.7%, 25% and 15% among CRC, COC and NC patients, respectively. Using PCR-STS, obtained Blastocystis isolates were genetically categorized into 3 different subtypes; subtype I (38%), subtype II (44%) and subtype V (22%). While subtype II was predominantly detected in both COC and NC patients (43.7% and 58.3%, respectively), interestingly, subtype I was most predominant in CRC patients (54.5%). To the best of our knowledge, the study is the first to genetically determine the Blastocystis hominis subtypes associating CRC in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia.