| Title: |
Hybrid and/or mixed infection by pig and human Ascaris in a Guarani indigenous village in southern Brazil. |
| Authors: |
Boeira, Veridiana Lenartovicz1,2 (AUTHOR), Bezagio, Renata Coltro3 (AUTHOR), Carvalho, Marina Silva de2 (AUTHOR), Gandra, Rinaldo Ferreira2 (AUTHOR), Abreu, Ana Paula de3 (AUTHOR), Massara, Cristiano Lara4 (AUTHOR), Colli, Cristiane Maria5 (AUTHOR), Toledo, Max Jean de Ornelas1,3 (AUTHOR) mjotoledo@uem.br |
| Source: |
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2/6/2025, Vol. 19 Issue 2, p1-18. 18p. |
| Subject Terms: |
*ASCARIS suum, *ASCARIS lumbricoides, *INTESTINAL parasites, *INDIGENOUS peoples of South America, *ANIMAL droppings, *HELMINTHS |
| Abstract: |
Background: Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are nematode parasites that infect millions of people and pigs worldwide, respectively. Reports of cross-infection and hybridization between the two species has stimulated molecular epidemiological studies of the Ascaris genus. In this study, we evaluated the dynamics of Ascaris transmission between Guarani indigenous schoolchildren, pigs, and the environment of a village in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Methodology/principal findings: Parasitological and molecular analyses of fecal samples from humans and pigs, and soil samples from the village were carried out. Eggs of Ascaris spp. were observed in 8.4% (7/83) of human samples, 44.4% (8/18) of pig samples, and 8.9% (6/68) of soil samples. PCR amplification of the ITS-1 locus of the rDNA gene in samples that were positive in the parasitological examination revealed mixed infection and/or hybrids of the two species, A. lumbricoides and A. suum, in human and swine hosts. The soil, which was contaminated by both human and swine feces, also contained eggs of the two Ascaris species and hybrids, thus constituting a source of Ascaris infection for both hosts. DNA from A. lumbricoides and A. suum, individually, was detected in samples from humans and pigs, respectively, and the soil, while DNA from hybrid and/or Ascaris spp. was detected in samples from both hosts and the soil. Conclusions/Significance: The results of this study confirm the necessity of a One Health approach with the correct disposal of both human and animal feces to control the spread of human and swine ascariasis. Author summary: Despite the control measures implemented in Brazilian Indigenous Lands, the prevalence of intestinal parasites continues to vary from moderate (> 20% and < 50%) to high (≥ 50%) in its inhabitants. The number of indigenous people residing in Brazil has been increasing over the last few decades, including in the South region of the country, where a much smaller proportion of indigenous people reside compared to the North region. Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are the most prevalent helminth parasites in humans and pigs, respectively. The occurrence of cross-infection and hybridization between human and pig Ascaris has been investigated in order to propose more effective control measures. In this study, we used parasitological and molecular methods to verify the presence of these parasites in fecal samples from schoolchildren and pigs, in addition to soil samples, from a Guarani indigenous village in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Genetic material from A. lumbricoides and A. suum, individually, was detected in humans and pigs respectively, and the soil, and hybrid and/or Ascaris spp. was found in both hosts and soil samples, indicating the occurrence of transmission of hybrids and/or both species in these populations. Control measures aimed at the correct disposal of human and animal feces must be implemented to minimize damage to health and prevent new infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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