• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.215-220
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• 2014

We analyzed 320 clinical samples of parasitic infections submitted to the Department of Environmental Biology and Medical Parasitology, Hanyang University from January 2004 to June 2011. They consisted of 211 nematode infections, 64 trematode or cestode infections, 32 protozoan infections, and 13 infections with arthropods. The nematode infections included 67 cases of trichuriasis, 62 of anisakiasis (Anisakis sp. and Pseudoterranova decipiens), 40 of enterobiasis, and 24 of ascariasis, as well as other infections including strongyloidiasis, thelaziasis, loiasis, and hookworm infecions. Among the cestode or trematode infections, we observed 27 cases of diphyllobothriasis, 14 of sparganosis, 9 of clonorchiasis, and 5 of paragonimiasis together with a few cases of taeniasis saginata, cysticercosis cellulosae, hymenolepiasis, and echinostomiasis. The protozoan infections included 14 cases of malaria, 4 of cryptosporidiosis, and 3 of trichomoniasis, in addition to infections with Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, and Toxoplasma gondii. Among the arthropods, we detected 6 cases of Ixodes sp., 5 of Phthirus pubis, 1 of Sarcoptes scabiei, and 1 of fly larva. The results revealed that trichuriasis, anisakiasis, enterobiasis, and diphyllobothriasis were the most frequently found parasitosis among the clinical samples.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2006

The removal of protozoa in the coagulation process was evaluated under the different pH and turbidity using the jar test after the addition of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) as a coagulant. Two well-known protozoa of Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia were tested at the same time with turbidity, the critical water quality parameter of the water treatment process. Both protozoa were removed about 1log (and up to 2log) at the optimum injection of PAC. The source water turbidity and pH affected the removal of protozoa and turbidity. At neutral and alkaline pH, 1.3-1.7log removal of protozoa for low turbid water with 5NTU, and 1.6-2.3log removal for high turbid water with 30NTU were achieved. However, at acidic pH, maximum 0.8-1.0log and 1.1-1.2log were removed for low and high turbid water, respectively, at the optimum PAC injection of 15mg/L. The relation of protozoa and turbidity removals were expressed as the 1st order equation (significantly positive relation) in the most of the tested conditions. In addition, the relation of protozoan removals with residual turbidity were also expressed the 1st order equation (significantly negative relation), although the significance of the equations were reduced at acidic pH. Therefore, residual turbidity could be a good index of efficient protozoan removal in the coagulation process, probably except at the low pH condition.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.121-128
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• 2017

Protozoan viruses may influence the function and pathogenicity of the protozoa. Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan that could contain a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus, T. vaginalis virus (TVV). However, there are few reports on the properties of the virus. To further determine variations in protein expression of T. vaginalis, we detected 2 strains of T. vaginalis; the virus-infected ($V^+$) and uninfected ($V^-$) isolates to examine differentially expressed proteins upon TVV infection. Using a stable isotope N-terminal labeling strategy (iTRAQ) on soluble fractions to analyze proteomes, we identified 293 proteins, of which 50 were altered in $V^+$ compared with $V^-$ isolates. The results showed that the expression of 29 proteins was increased, and 21 proteins decreased in $V^+$ isolates. These differentially expressed proteins can be classified into 4 categories: ribosomal proteins, metabolic enzymes, heat shock proteins, and putative uncharacterized proteins. Quantitative PCR was used to detect 4 metabolic processes proteins: glycogen phosphorylase, malate dehydrogenase, triosephosphate isomerase, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, which were differentially expressed in $V^+$ and $V^-$ isolates. Our findings suggest that mRNA levels of these genes were consistent with protein expression levels. This study was the first which analyzed protein expression variations upon TVV infection. These observations will provide a basis for future studies concerning the possible roles of these proteins in host-parasite interactions.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.387-393
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to develop a real-time PCR method for the rapid detection and quantification of the protozoan pathogen Perkinsus olseni using a TaqMan probe. For the standard, genomic DNA was extracted from $10^5$ in vitro-cultured P. olseni trophozoites, and then 10-fold serial dilutions to the level of a single cell were prepared. To test the reliability of the technique, triplicates of genomic DNA were extracted from $5{\times}10^4$ cells and 10-fold serial dilutions to the level of 5 cells were prepared. The standards and samples were analyzed in duplicate using an $Exicycler^{TM}$ 96 real-time quantitative thermal block. For quantification, the threshold cycle ($C_T$) values of samples were compared with those obtained from standard dilutions. There was a strong linear relationship between the $C_T$ value and the log concentration of cells in the standard ($r^2$ = 0.996). Detection of DNA at a concentration as low as the equivalent of a single cell showed that the assay was sensitive enough to detect a single cell of P. olseni. The estimated number of P. olseni cells was similar to the original cell concentrations, indicating the reliability of P. olseni quantification by real-time PCR. Accordingly, the designed primers and probe may be used for the rapid detection and quantification of P. olseni from clam tissue, environmental water, and sediment samples.

• Proceedings of the Korean Aquaculture Society Conference
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• 2004.05a
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• pp.513-513
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• 2004

Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, is commercially and ecologically important marine bivalve in Korea and japan. However, clam landings in the two countries have dramatically declined since the 1980-1990's. In the present study, the protozoan parasite, Perkinsus sp., lectin (host's defense-related glycoprotein) and histopathological features were investigated in Manila clams collected from Gomso Bay in Korea and Ariake Bay in japan (one of the largest clam beds in each country) during summer and fall, 2002-2003. DNA sequences of non-transcribe spacer (NTS), internal transcribed space. (ITS) and 5.85 rRNA of Perkinsus sp. were identical to those of P. atlanticus that was reported in Europe and Korea. For diagnosis of Perkinsus, the fluid thioglycollate medium (FTM) and the 2 M NaOH lysis methods were used. Prevalence of the parasite varied from 92.5-98.7% in Gomso Bay and 35.5-37.9% in Ariake Bay. Infection intensity, in terms of the number of Perkinsuscells per gram tissue wet weight, in the clams of Gomso Bay in fall 2002 averaged 1,010,077-470,937 recording approximately100 times higher than that of Ariake Bay, and these were twice higher than those of summer samples in each location. Mean hemagglutination titer of the clams from Gomso Bay was approximately 60-folds higher than that of clams from Ariake Bay in 2002. In histological preparation of the clams from Gomso Bay in 2002, trophozoites of P. atlanticus were in groups and resulted in severe inflammatory response of host clam. Prevalence of the trematod, Cercaria tapes-like in the clams of Gomso Bay and Ariake Bay were 8.8 % and 10.5% respectively. In conclusion, the clams from Gomso Bay showed more severe pathologic symptoms and higher immune response than those of the clams from Ariake Bay.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.207-214
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• 1994

The prevalence of intestinal parasites and CLonorchis sinensis infection was observed among inhabitants in the upper stream of Kumgang (River) from Junuary to October 1991. A total of 743 fecal specimens was examined by cellophane thick smear and formalin-ether concentration technique. The parasite positive rate including helminth eggs and protozoan cysts was 40.8%, the positive rates for every species were: Clonorchis sinensis 30.8%, Metqgonimur app. 14.5%, Fosciolc spry. 0.7%, Tqsnia app. 1.5%, Asccris lumbricoides 0.4%, Enterobius vermicularis 0.1%, Hookworm 0.1%, Trichuris kichiura 1.6%, Entamoeba coli 0.7%, E. histolytica 0.3%, Endolimox nana 0.3%, Giardia lamblia 0.3% and lodamoebc buetschlii 0.1%, respectively. The cumulative positive rate in Okchon-gun showed 51.1%, in the Kumsan-gun 50.8% and in the Muju-gun 28.6%. Through this survey, it was concluded that the soil transmitted intestinal parasites including helminthseggs and protozoan cysts have been decreased remarkably among the inhabitants along the upper stream of Taechong Dam, Kum-gang (River), on the other side, Clonorchis sinensis, Metogonimw app. and Tuenin sap. are still inorderate prevalent. Key words: Intestinal parasites, Clonorchis sinensis, Metogonimus app. Fasciolc sup. Kumgang (River).

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 1990

A survey was undertaken to evaluate the present status of intestinal infection in army soldiers. Stool specimen of 417 soldiers fixed by SAF solution were collected from a camp located in area of Nakdong river during the period from August to October of 1990. And these stool samples were examined by formalin-ether sedimentation technique once for helminths and protozoan cysts stained with Lugol's iodine solution. The results obtained in this survey were summarized as follows : l) The overall positive rate of intestinal parasite was 18.0%. 2) The egg positive rate of intestinal helminth was 15.1%, : and 11.5% for Clonorchis sinensis. 5.0% for Metagonimus vokogawai, 1.2% for Ascaris lumbricoides 1.7% for Trichiuris trichiura. 0.2% for Taenia sp. 3) The cyst positive rate of intestinal protozoa was 4.1% ; and 1.4% for Entamoeba coli, 1.9% for Giardia lamblia 0.7% for Entamoeba histolytica, 0.5% for Endolimax nana. 4) Most of samples were positive(85.3%) by single species. 10.7% by two species, 2.7% by three species and 1.3% by four species. 5) Infection rate of intestinal parasites among army soldiers decreased distinctly compared with previous data but it is revealed that the infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis among army soldiers in area of Nakdong river is still high in comparison with ever-reported data. 6) SAF fixatives used in this field survey during summertime was useful to conserve protozoan cyst and helminths ova. Also we could examine stool samples directly by formalin-ether sedimentation technique.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.513-521
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• 2017

Infectious diarrhea is endemic in most developing countries. We aimed to investigate the protozoan, viral, and bacterial causes of acute diarrhea in Taif, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional prospective 1-year study was conducted on 163 diarrheal patients of various ages. Stool samples were collected, 1 per patient, and tested for 3 protozoa, 3 viruses, and 9 bacteria with the Luminex Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel. Overall, 53.4% (87/163) of samples were positives (20.8% protozoa, 19.6% viruses, 2.8% bacteria, and 9.8% mixed). Rotavirus (19.6%), Giardia duodenalis (16.5%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (8.5%) were the mostly detected pathogens. Adenovirus 40/41 (4.2%), Salmonella (3%), Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (3%), and Entamoeba histolytica (2.4%) were also detected. Norovirus GI/II, Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Clostridium difficile toxin A/B were not detected in any patients. All pathogens were involved in coinfections except E. histolytica. Giardia (5.5%) and rotavirus (3%) were the most commonly detected in co-infections. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (2.4%), Campylobacter spp. (2.4%), E. coli 0157 (1.8%), and Shigella spp. (1.2%) were detected in patients only as co-infections. Infections were more in children 0-4 years, less in adults <40 years, and least >40 years, with statistically significant differences in risk across age groups observed with rotavirus (P<0.001), Giardia (P=0.006), and Cryptosporidium (P=0.036) infections. Lastly, infections were not significantly more in the spring. This report demonstrates the high burden of various enteropathogens in the setting. Further studies are needed to define the impact of these findings on the clinical course of the disease.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.155-159
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• 2003

Lipid composition and fatty acid composition were characterized in the membrane of a marine ciliate protozoan (Uronema marinum). Phospholipids accounted for 70% of total lipid, and the remainder was neutral lipids. Total phospholipids were separated as phosphatidylcholine $(24.26\%)$, phosphatidylethanolamine $(22.21\%)$, phosphatidylinositol $(6.14\%)$, phosphatidyl­serne $(5.11\%)$, cardiolipin $(3.07\%)$ and unidentified phospholipids $(28.72\%)$ through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fatty acid composition of neutral lipids and phospholipids was determined by gas chromatography (GC), based solely on comparision of retention times. In neutral lipids, the most abundant fatty acid group was monounsaturated fatty acid $(48.3\% of total fatty acids)$ with oleic acid (18:1) and nervonic acid (24:1). Saturated fatty acids comprised $29.6\%$ of total fatty acids, with palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0) ane myristic acid (14:0), and polyunsaturated fatty acid accounted for $33.0\%$ with $Di-homo-\gamma-linolenic$ acid (20:3) and linoleic acid (18:2). Wherease phospholipids predominantly contained the fatty acid group in the following order: polyunsaturated fatty acids $(52.7\%\;of\;total\;fatty\;acids)$ with linoleic acid (18:2) and $\gamma-linolenic$ acid (18:3) > monounsaturated fatty acids $(28.5\%\;of\;total\;fatty\;acids)$ with oleic acid (18:1) and palmitoleic acid (16:1) > saturated fatty acids $(25.5\%\;of\;total\;fatty\;acids)$ with palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0) and myristic acid (14:0).

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.271-276
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• 2006

The outbreak cases of Cryptosporidium or Giardia from drinking water in abroad have drawn attentions on the public health. It is well known that Cryptosporidium is the most resistant organism against chlorine disinfection. To guesstimate the levels of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Korean surface water, 1~2 samples from 22 drinking water sources in four Korean major rivers of Han, Keum, Nakdong, and Youngsan were monitored. In addition, two sites in Kyunganchon, a contaminated river were monitored for comparison. In source waters, detection rates of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were 15% (6/39) and 21% (5/24) with the range of 1~3 oocysts/10 L and 1~6 cysts/10 L, respectively. In Kyunganchon, they were 60% (6/10) and 70% (7/10) in the range of 1~9 oocysts/10 L and 10~72 cysts/10 L, respectively. When one of the source waters in Han river was monitored monthly, Cryptosporidium were found mostly in cold season. Matrix of the samples gave influence on the recoveries of the spiked protozoa. The recoveries of both Cryptosporidium and Giardia increased in the samples of Kyunganchon, known as contaminated area. However, protozoan recovery did not show significant relation with turbidity, the index of matrix contamination, which implies that there are additional unveiled features of matrix affecting the recoveries of the protozoa. The protozoan distribution in Kyunganchon showed significant relations with Cl. perfringens, anaerobic and spore forming indicator bacteria of fecal contamination by regression analysis, but not with turbidity, the general indicator of water quality.