The article of choice aimed to investigate the genotypic diversity and genetic structure of Ascaris lumbricoides infecting humans and pigs in Italy, Slovakia, and Colombia. Using a representative collection of biological samples from these countries, the researchers performed a genome-wide analysis of the genes potentially involved in host-parasite interactions in A. lumbricoides (Cavallero, 2021). The results provided insight into recent developments in understanding this parasitic disease and information on its potential transmission routes and parasite adaptations to their host niches through closely related species. In this study, the “Ascaris suum” genotype was positively correlated with the parasite distribution in pigs and humans. This paper also provides evidence for a new pathogenetic mechanism of Ascaris-induced diarrhea in humans, i.e., haemorrhagic colitis.
According to a research paper, the genotype of Ascaris in pigs was confirmed to be distinct from that in humans. Further, strain-specific strains were detected to have unique and distinct polymorphic sites on the rRNA genes and t-RNA genes, which could help to identify the isolate or possible outbreak source/source region for transmission among humans and pigs (Cavallero, 2021). Hosts play a significant role in the transmission of Ascaris spp. Infections are considered to be multifactorial, involving both host and parasite factors, although parasites alone can sometimes lead to morbidity in humans. This review provides an overview of host-parasite interactions and field studies on antigenic variation in pigs infected with Ascaris suum isolates recovered from human patients in Italy, Slovakia, and Colombia.
The Ascaris lumbricoides complex consists of several species that infect humans and pigs. Knowing their host preference, population dynamics, and epidemiological trends is fundamental in controlling parasite transmission. An important factor determining transmission rates is the pathogenesis of the infection, which is influenced by environmental factors, the molecular biology of parasites, host immune responses, and their susceptibility to particular parasites and specific modes of transmission. Moreover, Cavallero et al. (2021) claim that Ascaris eggs have a buoyant hydrophobic shell, which is required for survival. The buoyancy of the egg confers a level of protection from detection by a host’s probiotic microflora over time during egg development. It is a factor in determining the life span of infected worms in the environment. However, the biological function of Ascaris egg adherence and how it affects pathogenic interactions are poorly understood (Cavallero, 2021). This study investigated different sources of infection as well as other characteristics that affect parasite transmission and pig transmission.
Figure 1: Research data panel
Conclusion
This study is important and exciting because it provides information to develop new methods for identifying Ascaris spp., a worm threatening livestock and human health. Moreover, Ascaris lumbricoides and A. suum, researched in the study, are the two most common non-hookworm helminths in pigs and humans. These parasites are important to control because they carry two major zoonotic diseases: pig whipworm (A. lumbricoides) and human roundworm. The authors also focused on how, Genetically, Ascaris can infect both humans and pigs. However, in humans, some unique markers make it easier to differentiate between the parasites found in humans and pigs. Overall Genotyping of Ascaris spp. infecting humans and pigs in Italy, Slovakia and Colombia have provided important insights into the epidemiology of canine Ascaridiasis. The research identified two distinct genetic forms of human Ascaris, one highly prevalent and one less so, each with its ecological niche. The distribution of this diversity may contribute to increased sensitivity associated with detecting infections in different geographic locations.
References
Cavallero, S., Rondón, S., Monterrosa, I. A., Šnábel, V., Papajová, I., Goldová, M., … & D’Amelio, S. (2021). Genotyping of Ascaris spp. infecting humans and pigs in Italy, Slovakia, and Colombia. Infection, Genetics, and Evolution, 94, 104997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104997
write