• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.379-384
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• 2012

Resistance of Plasmodium spp. to anti-malarial drugs is the primary obstacle in the fight against malaria, and molecular markers for the drug resistance have been applied as an adjunct in the surveillance of the resistance. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of mutations in pvmdr1, pvcrt-o, pvdhfr, and pvdhps genes in temperate-zone P. vivax parasites from central China. A total of 26 isolates were selected, including 8 which were previously shown to have a lower susceptibility to chloroquine in vitro. For pvmdr1, pvcrt-o, and pvdhps genes, no resistance-conferring mutations were discovered. However, a highly prevalent (69.2%), single-point mutation (S117N) was found in pvdhfr gene. In addition, tandem repeat polymorphisms existed in pvdhfr and pvdhps genes, which warranted further studies in relation to the parasite resistance to antifolate drugs. The study further suggests that P. vivax populations in central China may still be relatively susceptible to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.175-177
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• 2009

Cancer is the main cause of death in developed countries. However, in underdeveloped countries infections and parasitic diseases are the main causes of death. There are raising scientific evidences indicating that parasitic infections induce antitumor activity against certain types of cancers. In this study, the effects of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis egg antigens in comparison with Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) (known to have anticancer distinctive) on WEHI-164 fibosarcoma transplanted to BALB/c mice was investigated. Groups of 6 male BALB/c mice injected with T. gondii antigen, BCG, or T. canis egg antigen as case groups and alum alone as control groups. All mice were then challenged with WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cells. The mice were examined for growth of the solid tumor and the tumor sizes were measured every other day up to 4wk. The mean tumor area in T. gondii, BCG, or alum alone injected mice in 4 different days of measurements was $25\;mm^2$, $23\;mm^2$, and $186\;mm^2$ respectively, Also the mean tumor area in T. canis injected mice in 4 different days was $25.5\;mm^2$ compared to the control group (alum treated) which was $155\;mm^2$. T. gondii parasites and T. canis egg antigens induced inhibition of the tumor growth in the fibrosarcoma mouse model. We need further study to clarify the mechanisms of anti-cancer effects.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.293-297
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• 1997

Malaria, caused by any of four species of protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, is charaterized by high fever, anemia and splenomegaly. Although malaria is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, in Korea indigenous malaria has been believed to be eradicated by 1984. However, since the case report of native malaria in 1993, reported cases have been increased annually, reaching more than 300 cases in 1996. We experienced a 2 years-old male with fever, severe anemia and splenomegaly who resided in Inchon city. He had the history of travelling to the area (Yunchon) near western Demilitarized Zone for 1 month this summer. After more than 2 weeks without special attention, he was presented with pallor, anemia and splenomegaly. He was diagnosed to have malaria by Plasmodium vivax with the help of peripheral blood smears which showed various forms of malaria, i.e., ring form, trophozoites, shizonts and gametocytes. He was treated successfully with hydroxychloroquine and primaquine. We report this case with brief review of related literature.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.11
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• pp.571-576
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• 2022

Advancements in the field of proteomics have provided opportunities to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against various diseases. About half of the world's population remains at risk of malaria. Caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, malaria is one of the oldest and largest risk factors responsible for the global burden of infectious diseases with an estimated 3.2 billion persons at risk of infection. For epidemiological surveillance and appropriate treatment of individuals infected with Plasmodium spp., timely detection is critical. In this study, we used combinations of depletion of abundant plasma proteins, 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), image analysis, LC-MS/MS and western blot analysis on the plasma of healthy donors (100 individuals) and vivax and falciparum malaria patients (100 vivax malaria patients and 8 falciparum malaria patients). These analyses revealed that α1-antichymotrypsin (AACT) protein levels were elevated in vivax malaria patient plasma samples (mean fold-change ± standard error: 2.83 ± 0.11, based on band intensities), but not in plasma from patients with other mosquito-borne infectious diseases. The results of AACT immunoblot analyses showed that AACT protein was significantly elevated in vivax and falciparum malaria patient plasma samples (≥ 2-fold) compared to healthy control donor plasma samples, which has not been previously reported.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.202-209
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• 2023

Lophomonas blattarum is an anaerobic protozoan living in the intestine of cockroaches and house dust mites, with ultramicroscopic characteristics such as the presence of a parabasal body, axial filament, and absence of mitochondria. More than 200 cases of Lophomonas infection of the respiratory tract have been reported worldwide. However, the current diagnosis of such infection depends only on light microscopic morphological findings from respiratory secretions. In this study, we attempted to provide more robust evidence of protozoal infection in an immunocompromised patient with atypical pneumonia, positive for Lophomonas-like protozoal cell forms. A direct search of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and metagenomic next-generation sequencing did not prove the presence of protozoal infection. PCR results were not validated with sufficient rigor, while de novo assembly and taxonomic classification results did not confirm the presence of an unidentified pathogen. The TEM results implied that such protozoal forms in light microscopy are actually non-detached ciliated epithelial cells. After ruling out infectious causes, the patient's final diagnosis was drug-induced pneumonitis. These findings underscore the lack of validation in the previously utilized diagnostic methods, and more evidence in the presence of L. blattarum is required to further prove its pathogenicity.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2024

This study aimed to describe the morphological and molecular characteristics of Paralecithodendrium longiforme (Digenea: Lecithodendriidae) adults and cercariae isolated in Thailand. Adult flukes were isolated from the Chinese pipistrelle bat (Hypsugo sp.), and cercariae were detected in the viviparid snail (Filopaludina martensi martensi) from Chiang Mai province. The morphological characteristics were observed and described using conventional methods, and the molecular characteristics with internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 28S rDNA gene sequences. The adult flukes were fusiform, 0.84-0.98 mm in length, and 0.37-0.49 mm in width, and were distinguishable from other species by the presence of longitudinal uterine coils. The cercariae were nonvirgulate xiphidiocercariae, with the oral sucker bigger than the acetabulum, the tail without fin fold, a body size of 117.5-138.3×48.3-52.2 ㎛, and a tail size of 100.7-103.7×15.0-18.9 ㎛. Molecular studies revealed that the adults and cercariae shared 99.3% (ITS2) and 99.6% (28S rDNA) homology with each other. They were phylogenetically close to P. longiforme with an identity of 94.5% for ITS2 and 98.7% for 28S rDNA. This study provides new information on the natural definitive host and first intermediate host of P. longiforme in Thailand. The discovery of its cercarial stage in Filopaludina snails highlights the importance of monitoring the associated second intermediate host and prevention and control of this potentially zoonotic trematode.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.227-246
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• 1994

Present investigations were undertaken in order to clarify the clinical status of Korean native cattle and dairy cattle(holstein). Blood, Feces and urine samples were collected from 247 Korean native cattle(222 adult and 25 calf), 224 dairy cattle(211 adult and 13 calf) at Chonbuk area and analyzed for clinical, serum chemical, hematological and urinary findings. In addition, we were examined the infection rate of Theileriosis, internal patasite and ring worm. The mean value for each component was calculated by statistical analysis using Excel computer program. From these investigations the following results were obtained. The mean values for RBC, PCV and etc in 433 adult cow(Korean native cattle and dairy cattle) were similar with other reports. But the mean values for MCHC of all species were lower than normal. Adult Korean native cattle and adult dairy cattle which showed hematologically normal levels were only 9.01% and 9.48%, respectively. Ahnormally high values for PCV, RBC and Hb were recorded in 7.66% of adult Korean native cattle, 20% of Korean native calf, 15.38% of dairy calf. Adult Korean native cattle and adult dairy cattle which showed hematologically anemia were 4.95% and 19.43% respectively, but all in Korean native calf and dairy calf showed normal values. Adult Korean native cattle, adult dairy cattle, Korean native calf and dairy calf which showed normal serum protein level were 84.0%, 90.8%, 50% and 44.4%, respectively. In present investigations, 50% of Korean native calf and 55.6% of dairy calf were decreased serum protein values under normal range. These abnormally decreased serum protein values mean the shortage of antibody, and these have a possibility to occrus to pneumonia and diarrhea. From these results, the economical loss caused by pneumonia was calculated as 124, 038, 833 won in the KNC and 742, 703, 430 won in the dairy calf rearing in Chonbuk area. Calculated economical loss caused by enteritis was 56, 658, 690 won in Korean native cattle. 476, 775, 799 won in dairy calf and the total loss amount to 533, 434, 488 won in Chonbuk area. Abnormally high values($21.7{\pm}4.0mg/dl) for serum calcium were recorded 49.6% in dairy cattle. The mean values of serum total cholesterol were $170.8{\pm}99.8mg/dl in Korean native cattle, $196.0{\pm}40.6mg/dl$ in Korean native calf, $202.9{\pm}86.0mg/dl$ in adult dairy cattle and $289.4{\pm}97.5mg/dl$ in dairy calf. The infection rate of internal parasite were as follows； adult Korean native cattle：21.2%, Korean native calf：80%, adult dairy cattle：67.8%. The estimated economical loss caused by internal parasites infection were 1, 120, 855, 837 won in Korean native calf, 4, 994, 959, 405 won in adult Korean native cattle, 3, 334, 751, 066 won in adult holstein, and the total loss amount to 9, 450, 566, 308 won. The infection rate of theileriosis were 1.4% in Korean native cattle and 6.6% in dairy cattle. The presumed Economical loss by T. sergenti infection were 154, 408, 482 won in Korean native cattle and 171, 577, 237 won in dairy cattle rearing at Chonbuk area. The infection rat of ringworm were 0.5% in Korean native cattle, 0.9% in adult dairy cattle and 7.7% in dairy calf. The presumed economical loss by dermatomycophyte were 12, 061, 532 won in Korean native cattle, 16, 895, 403 won in dairy cattle, and the total estimated loss amount to 28, 955, 935 won a year in Chonbuk area. The infection rate of ringworm were 0. 5% in Korean native cattle, 0.9% in adult dairy cattle and 7.7% in dairy calf. The presumed economical loss by dermatomycophyte were 12, 061, 532 won in Korean native cattle, 16, 895, 403 won in dairy cattle, and the total estimated loss amount to 28, 955, 935 won a year in Chonbuk area.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.195-212
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• 1994

For the purpose to increase productivities of livestock the present investigations were undertaken in order to clarify the clinical and suclinical status of Korean native cattle, dairy cattle(holstein) and Korean native goat. Blood, feces and urine samples were collected from 247 Korean native cattle(222 adult and 25 calf), 224 dairy cattle(211 adult and 13 calf) and 142 Korean native goat rearing at Chonbuk area and analyzed for clinical, serum chemical, hematological and urinary findings. In addition, we were examined the infection rate of theileriosis, internal parasite and ring worm. The mean value for each component was calculated by statistical analysis using Excel computer program. From these investigations the following results were obtained. The mean values for RBC, PCV and etc in 433 adult cow(Korean native cattle and dairy cattle) were similar with other reports. But the mean values for MCHC of all species were lower than normal. Adult Korean native cattle and adult dairy cattle which showed hematologically normal levels were only 9.01% and 9.48%, respectively. Abnormally high values for PCV, RBC and Hb were recorded in 7.66% of adult Korean native cattle, 20% of korean native calf, 15.38% of dairy calf and 13.36% of Korean native goat. Adult Korean native cattle and adult dairy cattle which showed hematologically anemia were 4.95% and 19.43% respectively, but Korean native calf and dairy calf showed normal. Adult Korean native cattle, adult dairy cattle, Korean native calf and dairy calf which showed normal serum protein level 84.0%, 90.8%, 50% and 44.4%, respectively. In present investigations, 50% of Korean native calf and 55.6% of dairy calf were decreased serum protein values under range. These abnormally decreased serum protein values mean the shortage of antibody, and these have a possibility to occurs to pneumonia and diarrhea. From these results, the economical loss caused by pneumonia was calculated as 124,038,833 won in the KNC and 742,703,430 won in the dairy calf rearing in Chonbuk area. Calculated economical loss caused by enteritis was 56,658,690 won in Korean native cattle, 476,775,799 won in dairy calf, and the total loss amount of 533,434,488 won in Chonbuk area. Abnormally high values$(21.7{\pm}4.0mg/dl)$ for serum calcium were recorded 49.6% in dairy cattle. The mean values for serum total cholesterol were $170.8{\pm}99.8mg/dl$ in Korean native cattle, $196.0{\pm}40.6mg/dl$ in Korean native calf, $202.9{\pm}86.0mg/dl$ in adult dairy cattle and $289.4{\pm}97.5mg/dl$ in dairy calf. The infection rate of internal parsite were as follows; adult Korean native cattle: 21.2%, Korean native calf: 8.0%, adult dairy cattle: 67.8% and Korean native goat: 81.5%. The estimated economical loss caused by internal parasites infection were 1,120,855,837 won in Korean native calf, 4,994,959,405 won in adult Korean native cattle, 3,334,751,066 won in adult holstein, and the total loss amount to 9,450,566,308 won. The infection rate of theileriosis were 1.4% in Korean native cattle and 6.6% in dairy cattle. The presumed economical loss by T. sergenti infection were 154,408,482 won in Korean native cattle and 171,577,237 won in dairy cattle rearing at Chonbuk area. The infection rate of ringworm were 0.5% in Korean native cattle, 0.9% adult dairy cattle and 7.7% in dairy calf. The presumed economical loss by dermatomycophyte were 12,061,532 won in Korean native cattle, 16,895,403 won in dairy cattle, and the total estimated loss amount to 28,955,935 won a year in Chonbuk area.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.385-391
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• 2016

The discovery and understanding of antigenic proteins are essential for development of a vaccine against malaria. In Plasmodium falciparum, Pf92 have been characterized as a merozoite surface protein, and this protein is expressed at the late schizont stage, but no study of Pv92, the orthologue of Pf92 in P. vivax, has been reported. Thus, the protein structure of Pv92 was analyzed, and the gene sequence was aligned with that of other Plasmodium spp. using bioinformatics tools. The recombinant Pv92 protein was expressed and purified using bacterial expression system and used for immunization of mice to gain the polyclonal antibody and for evaluation of antigenicity by protein array. Also, the antibody against Pv92 was used for subcellular analysis by immunofluorescence assay. The Pv92 protein has a signal peptide and a sexual stage s48/45 domain, and the cysteine residues at the N-terminal of Pv92 were completely conserved. The N-terminal of Pv92 was successfully expressed as soluble form using a bacterial expression system. The antibody raised against Pv92 recognized the parasites and completely merged with PvMSP1-19, indicating that Pv92 was localized on the merozoite surface. Evaluation of the human humoral immune response to Pv92 indicated moderate antigenicity, with 65% sensitivity and 95% specificity by protein array. Taken together, the merozoite surface localization and antigenicity of Pv92 implicate that it might be involved in attachment and invasion of a merozoite to a new host cell or immune evasion during invasion process.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.8-27
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• 2000

Components of extracellular matrix and the matrix-degrading enzymes are some of the key regulators of tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a matrix glycosaminoglycan, is known to promote tumor adhesion and migration, and its small fragments are angiogenic. Until now, we have compared levels of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrade HA, in normal adult prostate, benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer tissues and in conditioned media from epithelial explant cultures, using a substrate (HA)-gel assay and ELISA-like assay (Kim et al., unpublished results). The present review described an overall characterization of hyaluronidases and its application to human diseases. The hyaluronidases are a family of enzymes that have, until recently, deed thorough explication. The substrate for these enzymes, hyaluronan, is becoming increasingly important, recognized now as a major participant in basic processes such as cell motility, wound healing, embryogenesis, and implicated in cancer progression. And in those lower life forms that torment human beings, hyaluronidase is associated with mechanisms of entry and spread, e.g. as a virulence factor for bacteria, for tissue dissection in gas gangrene, as a means of treponema spread in syphilis, and for penetration of skin and gut by nematode parasites. Hyaluronidase also comprises a component of the venom of a wide variety of organisms, including bees, wasps, hornets, spiders, scorpions, sh, snakes and lizards. Of particular interest is the homology between some of these venom hyaluronidases and the enzyme found in the plasma membrane of mammalian spermatozoa, attesting to the ancient nature of the conserved sequence, a 36% identity in a 300 amino acid stretch of the enzyme protein. Clearly, hyaluronidase is of biological interest, being involved in the pathophysiology of so many important' human disorders. Greater effort should be made in studying this family of enzymes that have, until recently, been overlooked. Also, oriental medical application of the hyaluronidase will be discussed with respect to inhibition and suppression of inflammation and malignacy.