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Dennis Tappe - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Armillifer-Infected Snakes Sold at Congolese Bushmeat Markets Represent an Emerging Zoonotic Threat
    EcoHealth, 2017
    Co-Authors: Richard Hardi, Mihaly Sulyok, Gergely Babocsay, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Lajos Rozsa
    Abstract:

    African pythons (Pythonidae) and large vipers ( Bitis spp.) act as definitive hosts for Armillifer armillatus and Armillifer grandis parasites (Crustacea: Pentastomida) in the Congo Basin. Since the proportion of snakes in bushmeat gradually increases, human pentastomiasis is an emerging zoonotic disease. To substantiate the significance of this threat, we surveyed snakes offered for human consumption at bushmeat markets in the Kole district, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the presence of adult pentastomids. In Bitis vipers ( n  = 40), Armillifer spp. infestations exhibited an 87.5% prevalence and 6.0 median intensity. Parasite abundance covaried positively with viper length, but not with body mass. In pythons ( n  = 13), Armillifer spp. exhibited a 92.3% prevalence and 3.5 median intensity. The positive correlations between parasite abundance and python length or mass were statistically nonsignificant. Ninety-one percent of A. grandis were discovered in vipers and 97% of infected vipers hosted A. grandis , whereas 81% of A. armillatus specimens were found in pythons and 63% of infected pythons hosted A. armillatus. Thus, challenging the widespread notion of strict host specificity, we found ‘reversed’ infections and even a case of coinfection. In this study, we also gathered information about the snake consumption habits of different tribal cultures in the area. Infective parasite ova likely transmit to humans directly by consumption of uncooked meat, or indirectly through contaminated hands, kitchen tools or washing water.

  • The complete mitochondrial genome of the pentastomid Armillifer grandis (Pentastomida) from the Democratic Republic of Congo
    Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2017
    Co-Authors: José Horacio Grau, Jason A. Dunlop, Martin Meixner, Dennis Tappe
    Abstract:

    AbstractWe present the first complete mitochondrial genome of the pentastomid Armillifer grandis (Arthropoda: Pentastomida) collected from the lungs of a rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The full length mitochondrial genome of Armillifer grandis, which measures 16,073 bp in length, contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. A clear A + T bias is observed in the mitogenome of Armillifer grandis with an overall base composition of 34.6% A, 29.4% T, 29% C, and 6.9% G, and a GC content of 35.9%. The gene arrangement is identical to that of previously described pentastomid mitogenomes.

  • co infections in visceral pentastomiasis democratic republic of the congo
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Gergely Babocsay, Christoph Schoen, Birgit Muntau, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Snakeborne Armillifer pentastomiasis is an emerging human parasitic infection in rural tropical areas where snake meat is eaten. After a series of severe ocular A. grandis larval infections and anecdotal abdominal infection in Sankuru District, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during 2014-2015, we systematically investigated possible pentastomid etiology in patients who underwent surgery in the region. Histologic and molecular analyses by established pentastomid 18S rDNA- and newly developed Armillifer-specific cytochrome oxidase PCRs revealed larval pentastomid lesions in 3.7% of patients. Some persons had A. armillatus and A. grandis co-infections. Another pentastomid larva, Raillietiella sp., was molecularly detected in 1 patient who had concomitant A. grandis and A. armillatus infection. The PCRs used were suitable for detecting pentastomid species even in highly necrotic tissues. Phylogenetic analyses of Armillifer cytochrome oxidase genes detected multiple local strains.

  • molecular diagnosis of abdominal Armillifer grandis pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of congo
    Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Birgit Muntau, Alexandra Haeupler, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Pentastomiasis is an emerging snake-borne parasitic zoonosis in the tropics. We describe a molecular and morphological study to diagnose a cluster of asymptomatic abdominal human infections caused by Armillifer grandis. The findings may indicate a silent epidemic in a rural area where severe symptomatic ocular cases with the same parasite species have recently surfaced. Molecular diagnostics are of increasing importance when patient material from remote areas cannot be thoroughly examined locally for logistic reasons.

  • ocular pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of the congo
    PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Ocular pentastomiasis is a rare infection caused by the larval stage of pentastomids, an unusual group of crustacean-related parasites. Zoonotic pentastomids have a distinct geographical distribution and utilize reptiles or canids as final hosts. Recently, an increasing number of human abdominal infections have been reported in Africa, where pentastomiasis is an emerging, though severely neglected, tropical disease. Here we describe four ocular infections caused by pentastomids from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Two cases underwent surgery and an Armillifer grandis infection was detected by morphological and molecular approaches. Thus far, 15 other cases of ocular pentastomiasis have been reported worldwide. Twelve cases were caused by Armillifer sp., recorded almost exclusively in Africa, where such infections occur as a consequence of hunting and consuming snakes, their final hosts. Seven further cases were caused by Linguatula serrata, a cosmopolitan pentastomid whose final hosts are usually canids. Intraocular infections caused permanent visual damage in 69% and a total loss of vision in 31% of reported cases. In contrast, ocular adnexal cases had a benign clinical course. Further research is required to estimate the burden, therapeutic options and pathogenesis of this neglected disease.

Richard Hardi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Armillifer-Infected Snakes Sold at Congolese Bushmeat Markets Represent an Emerging Zoonotic Threat
    EcoHealth, 2017
    Co-Authors: Richard Hardi, Mihaly Sulyok, Gergely Babocsay, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Lajos Rozsa
    Abstract:

    African pythons (Pythonidae) and large vipers ( Bitis spp.) act as definitive hosts for Armillifer armillatus and Armillifer grandis parasites (Crustacea: Pentastomida) in the Congo Basin. Since the proportion of snakes in bushmeat gradually increases, human pentastomiasis is an emerging zoonotic disease. To substantiate the significance of this threat, we surveyed snakes offered for human consumption at bushmeat markets in the Kole district, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the presence of adult pentastomids. In Bitis vipers ( n  = 40), Armillifer spp. infestations exhibited an 87.5% prevalence and 6.0 median intensity. Parasite abundance covaried positively with viper length, but not with body mass. In pythons ( n  = 13), Armillifer spp. exhibited a 92.3% prevalence and 3.5 median intensity. The positive correlations between parasite abundance and python length or mass were statistically nonsignificant. Ninety-one percent of A. grandis were discovered in vipers and 97% of infected vipers hosted A. grandis , whereas 81% of A. armillatus specimens were found in pythons and 63% of infected pythons hosted A. armillatus. Thus, challenging the widespread notion of strict host specificity, we found ‘reversed’ infections and even a case of coinfection. In this study, we also gathered information about the snake consumption habits of different tribal cultures in the area. Infective parasite ova likely transmit to humans directly by consumption of uncooked meat, or indirectly through contaminated hands, kitchen tools or washing water.

  • co infections in visceral pentastomiasis democratic republic of the congo
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Gergely Babocsay, Christoph Schoen, Birgit Muntau, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Snakeborne Armillifer pentastomiasis is an emerging human parasitic infection in rural tropical areas where snake meat is eaten. After a series of severe ocular A. grandis larval infections and anecdotal abdominal infection in Sankuru District, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during 2014-2015, we systematically investigated possible pentastomid etiology in patients who underwent surgery in the region. Histologic and molecular analyses by established pentastomid 18S rDNA- and newly developed Armillifer-specific cytochrome oxidase PCRs revealed larval pentastomid lesions in 3.7% of patients. Some persons had A. armillatus and A. grandis co-infections. Another pentastomid larva, Raillietiella sp., was molecularly detected in 1 patient who had concomitant A. grandis and A. armillatus infection. The PCRs used were suitable for detecting pentastomid species even in highly necrotic tissues. Phylogenetic analyses of Armillifer cytochrome oxidase genes detected multiple local strains.

  • molecular diagnosis of abdominal Armillifer grandis pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of congo
    Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Birgit Muntau, Alexandra Haeupler, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Pentastomiasis is an emerging snake-borne parasitic zoonosis in the tropics. We describe a molecular and morphological study to diagnose a cluster of asymptomatic abdominal human infections caused by Armillifer grandis. The findings may indicate a silent epidemic in a rural area where severe symptomatic ocular cases with the same parasite species have recently surfaced. Molecular diagnostics are of increasing importance when patient material from remote areas cannot be thoroughly examined locally for logistic reasons.

  • ocular pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of the congo
    PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Ocular pentastomiasis is a rare infection caused by the larval stage of pentastomids, an unusual group of crustacean-related parasites. Zoonotic pentastomids have a distinct geographical distribution and utilize reptiles or canids as final hosts. Recently, an increasing number of human abdominal infections have been reported in Africa, where pentastomiasis is an emerging, though severely neglected, tropical disease. Here we describe four ocular infections caused by pentastomids from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Two cases underwent surgery and an Armillifer grandis infection was detected by morphological and molecular approaches. Thus far, 15 other cases of ocular pentastomiasis have been reported worldwide. Twelve cases were caused by Armillifer sp., recorded almost exclusively in Africa, where such infections occur as a consequence of hunting and consuming snakes, their final hosts. Seven further cases were caused by Linguatula serrata, a cosmopolitan pentastomid whose final hosts are usually canids. Intraocular infections caused permanent visual damage in 69% and a total loss of vision in 31% of reported cases. In contrast, ocular adnexal cases had a benign clinical course. Further research is required to estimate the burden, therapeutic options and pathogenesis of this neglected disease.

  • Extracted pentastomid nymph from Case 1, morphologically and molecularly identified as Armillifer grandis.
    2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    The nymph is still surrounded by its shed translucent cuticle (exuvia), a characteristic feature of pentastomid larvae as they moult in the intermediate hosts' tissues. A. grandis is the smallest of the zoonotic African Armillifer species with the most body annulations (9–15 mm body length and >25 annulations; A. armillatus, the nearest geographical neighbour for comparison: 12–23 mm length and 18–22 annulations (2). A. grandis is the least often encountered zoonotic Armillifer species worldwide. Scale bar = 3 mm.

Lajos Rozsa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Armillifer-Infected Snakes Sold at Congolese Bushmeat Markets Represent an Emerging Zoonotic Threat
    EcoHealth, 2017
    Co-Authors: Richard Hardi, Mihaly Sulyok, Gergely Babocsay, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Lajos Rozsa
    Abstract:

    African pythons (Pythonidae) and large vipers ( Bitis spp.) act as definitive hosts for Armillifer armillatus and Armillifer grandis parasites (Crustacea: Pentastomida) in the Congo Basin. Since the proportion of snakes in bushmeat gradually increases, human pentastomiasis is an emerging zoonotic disease. To substantiate the significance of this threat, we surveyed snakes offered for human consumption at bushmeat markets in the Kole district, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the presence of adult pentastomids. In Bitis vipers ( n  = 40), Armillifer spp. infestations exhibited an 87.5% prevalence and 6.0 median intensity. Parasite abundance covaried positively with viper length, but not with body mass. In pythons ( n  = 13), Armillifer spp. exhibited a 92.3% prevalence and 3.5 median intensity. The positive correlations between parasite abundance and python length or mass were statistically nonsignificant. Ninety-one percent of A. grandis were discovered in vipers and 97% of infected vipers hosted A. grandis , whereas 81% of A. armillatus specimens were found in pythons and 63% of infected pythons hosted A. armillatus. Thus, challenging the widespread notion of strict host specificity, we found ‘reversed’ infections and even a case of coinfection. In this study, we also gathered information about the snake consumption habits of different tribal cultures in the area. Infective parasite ova likely transmit to humans directly by consumption of uncooked meat, or indirectly through contaminated hands, kitchen tools or washing water.

  • co infections in visceral pentastomiasis democratic republic of the congo
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Gergely Babocsay, Christoph Schoen, Birgit Muntau, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Snakeborne Armillifer pentastomiasis is an emerging human parasitic infection in rural tropical areas where snake meat is eaten. After a series of severe ocular A. grandis larval infections and anecdotal abdominal infection in Sankuru District, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during 2014-2015, we systematically investigated possible pentastomid etiology in patients who underwent surgery in the region. Histologic and molecular analyses by established pentastomid 18S rDNA- and newly developed Armillifer-specific cytochrome oxidase PCRs revealed larval pentastomid lesions in 3.7% of patients. Some persons had A. armillatus and A. grandis co-infections. Another pentastomid larva, Raillietiella sp., was molecularly detected in 1 patient who had concomitant A. grandis and A. armillatus infection. The PCRs used were suitable for detecting pentastomid species even in highly necrotic tissues. Phylogenetic analyses of Armillifer cytochrome oxidase genes detected multiple local strains.

  • molecular diagnosis of abdominal Armillifer grandis pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of congo
    Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Birgit Muntau, Alexandra Haeupler, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Pentastomiasis is an emerging snake-borne parasitic zoonosis in the tropics. We describe a molecular and morphological study to diagnose a cluster of asymptomatic abdominal human infections caused by Armillifer grandis. The findings may indicate a silent epidemic in a rural area where severe symptomatic ocular cases with the same parasite species have recently surfaced. Molecular diagnostics are of increasing importance when patient material from remote areas cannot be thoroughly examined locally for logistic reasons.

  • ocular pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of the congo
    PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Ocular pentastomiasis is a rare infection caused by the larval stage of pentastomids, an unusual group of crustacean-related parasites. Zoonotic pentastomids have a distinct geographical distribution and utilize reptiles or canids as final hosts. Recently, an increasing number of human abdominal infections have been reported in Africa, where pentastomiasis is an emerging, though severely neglected, tropical disease. Here we describe four ocular infections caused by pentastomids from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Two cases underwent surgery and an Armillifer grandis infection was detected by morphological and molecular approaches. Thus far, 15 other cases of ocular pentastomiasis have been reported worldwide. Twelve cases were caused by Armillifer sp., recorded almost exclusively in Africa, where such infections occur as a consequence of hunting and consuming snakes, their final hosts. Seven further cases were caused by Linguatula serrata, a cosmopolitan pentastomid whose final hosts are usually canids. Intraocular infections caused permanent visual damage in 69% and a total loss of vision in 31% of reported cases. In contrast, ocular adnexal cases had a benign clinical course. Further research is required to estimate the burden, therapeutic options and pathogenesis of this neglected disease.

  • Extracted pentastomid nymph from Case 1, morphologically and molecularly identified as Armillifer grandis.
    2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    The nymph is still surrounded by its shed translucent cuticle (exuvia), a characteristic feature of pentastomid larvae as they moult in the intermediate hosts' tissues. A. grandis is the smallest of the zoonotic African Armillifer species with the most body annulations (9–15 mm body length and >25 annulations; A. armillatus, the nearest geographical neighbour for comparison: 12–23 mm length and 18–22 annulations (2). A. grandis is the least often encountered zoonotic Armillifer species worldwide. Scale bar = 3 mm.

Mihaly Sulyok - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Armillifer-Infected Snakes Sold at Congolese Bushmeat Markets Represent an Emerging Zoonotic Threat
    EcoHealth, 2017
    Co-Authors: Richard Hardi, Mihaly Sulyok, Gergely Babocsay, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Lajos Rozsa
    Abstract:

    African pythons (Pythonidae) and large vipers ( Bitis spp.) act as definitive hosts for Armillifer armillatus and Armillifer grandis parasites (Crustacea: Pentastomida) in the Congo Basin. Since the proportion of snakes in bushmeat gradually increases, human pentastomiasis is an emerging zoonotic disease. To substantiate the significance of this threat, we surveyed snakes offered for human consumption at bushmeat markets in the Kole district, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the presence of adult pentastomids. In Bitis vipers ( n  = 40), Armillifer spp. infestations exhibited an 87.5% prevalence and 6.0 median intensity. Parasite abundance covaried positively with viper length, but not with body mass. In pythons ( n  = 13), Armillifer spp. exhibited a 92.3% prevalence and 3.5 median intensity. The positive correlations between parasite abundance and python length or mass were statistically nonsignificant. Ninety-one percent of A. grandis were discovered in vipers and 97% of infected vipers hosted A. grandis , whereas 81% of A. armillatus specimens were found in pythons and 63% of infected pythons hosted A. armillatus. Thus, challenging the widespread notion of strict host specificity, we found ‘reversed’ infections and even a case of coinfection. In this study, we also gathered information about the snake consumption habits of different tribal cultures in the area. Infective parasite ova likely transmit to humans directly by consumption of uncooked meat, or indirectly through contaminated hands, kitchen tools or washing water.

  • co infections in visceral pentastomiasis democratic republic of the congo
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Gergely Babocsay, Christoph Schoen, Birgit Muntau, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Snakeborne Armillifer pentastomiasis is an emerging human parasitic infection in rural tropical areas where snake meat is eaten. After a series of severe ocular A. grandis larval infections and anecdotal abdominal infection in Sankuru District, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during 2014-2015, we systematically investigated possible pentastomid etiology in patients who underwent surgery in the region. Histologic and molecular analyses by established pentastomid 18S rDNA- and newly developed Armillifer-specific cytochrome oxidase PCRs revealed larval pentastomid lesions in 3.7% of patients. Some persons had A. armillatus and A. grandis co-infections. Another pentastomid larva, Raillietiella sp., was molecularly detected in 1 patient who had concomitant A. grandis and A. armillatus infection. The PCRs used were suitable for detecting pentastomid species even in highly necrotic tissues. Phylogenetic analyses of Armillifer cytochrome oxidase genes detected multiple local strains.

  • molecular diagnosis of abdominal Armillifer grandis pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of congo
    Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Birgit Muntau, Alexandra Haeupler, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Pentastomiasis is an emerging snake-borne parasitic zoonosis in the tropics. We describe a molecular and morphological study to diagnose a cluster of asymptomatic abdominal human infections caused by Armillifer grandis. The findings may indicate a silent epidemic in a rural area where severe symptomatic ocular cases with the same parasite species have recently surfaced. Molecular diagnostics are of increasing importance when patient material from remote areas cannot be thoroughly examined locally for logistic reasons.

  • ocular pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of the congo
    PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Ocular pentastomiasis is a rare infection caused by the larval stage of pentastomids, an unusual group of crustacean-related parasites. Zoonotic pentastomids have a distinct geographical distribution and utilize reptiles or canids as final hosts. Recently, an increasing number of human abdominal infections have been reported in Africa, where pentastomiasis is an emerging, though severely neglected, tropical disease. Here we describe four ocular infections caused by pentastomids from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Two cases underwent surgery and an Armillifer grandis infection was detected by morphological and molecular approaches. Thus far, 15 other cases of ocular pentastomiasis have been reported worldwide. Twelve cases were caused by Armillifer sp., recorded almost exclusively in Africa, where such infections occur as a consequence of hunting and consuming snakes, their final hosts. Seven further cases were caused by Linguatula serrata, a cosmopolitan pentastomid whose final hosts are usually canids. Intraocular infections caused permanent visual damage in 69% and a total loss of vision in 31% of reported cases. In contrast, ocular adnexal cases had a benign clinical course. Further research is required to estimate the burden, therapeutic options and pathogenesis of this neglected disease.

  • Extracted pentastomid nymph from Case 1, morphologically and molecularly identified as Armillifer grandis.
    2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    The nymph is still surrounded by its shed translucent cuticle (exuvia), a characteristic feature of pentastomid larvae as they moult in the intermediate hosts' tissues. A. grandis is the smallest of the zoonotic African Armillifer species with the most body annulations (9–15 mm body length and >25 annulations; A. armillatus, the nearest geographical neighbour for comparison: 12–23 mm length and 18–22 annulations (2). A. grandis is the least often encountered zoonotic Armillifer species worldwide. Scale bar = 3 mm.

Imre Bodó - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Armillifer-Infected Snakes Sold at Congolese Bushmeat Markets Represent an Emerging Zoonotic Threat
    EcoHealth, 2017
    Co-Authors: Richard Hardi, Mihaly Sulyok, Gergely Babocsay, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Lajos Rozsa
    Abstract:

    African pythons (Pythonidae) and large vipers ( Bitis spp.) act as definitive hosts for Armillifer armillatus and Armillifer grandis parasites (Crustacea: Pentastomida) in the Congo Basin. Since the proportion of snakes in bushmeat gradually increases, human pentastomiasis is an emerging zoonotic disease. To substantiate the significance of this threat, we surveyed snakes offered for human consumption at bushmeat markets in the Kole district, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the presence of adult pentastomids. In Bitis vipers ( n  = 40), Armillifer spp. infestations exhibited an 87.5% prevalence and 6.0 median intensity. Parasite abundance covaried positively with viper length, but not with body mass. In pythons ( n  = 13), Armillifer spp. exhibited a 92.3% prevalence and 3.5 median intensity. The positive correlations between parasite abundance and python length or mass were statistically nonsignificant. Ninety-one percent of A. grandis were discovered in vipers and 97% of infected vipers hosted A. grandis , whereas 81% of A. armillatus specimens were found in pythons and 63% of infected pythons hosted A. armillatus. Thus, challenging the widespread notion of strict host specificity, we found ‘reversed’ infections and even a case of coinfection. In this study, we also gathered information about the snake consumption habits of different tribal cultures in the area. Infective parasite ova likely transmit to humans directly by consumption of uncooked meat, or indirectly through contaminated hands, kitchen tools or washing water.

  • co infections in visceral pentastomiasis democratic republic of the congo
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Gergely Babocsay, Christoph Schoen, Birgit Muntau, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Snakeborne Armillifer pentastomiasis is an emerging human parasitic infection in rural tropical areas where snake meat is eaten. After a series of severe ocular A. grandis larval infections and anecdotal abdominal infection in Sankuru District, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during 2014-2015, we systematically investigated possible pentastomid etiology in patients who underwent surgery in the region. Histologic and molecular analyses by established pentastomid 18S rDNA- and newly developed Armillifer-specific cytochrome oxidase PCRs revealed larval pentastomid lesions in 3.7% of patients. Some persons had A. armillatus and A. grandis co-infections. Another pentastomid larva, Raillietiella sp., was molecularly detected in 1 patient who had concomitant A. grandis and A. armillatus infection. The PCRs used were suitable for detecting pentastomid species even in highly necrotic tissues. Phylogenetic analyses of Armillifer cytochrome oxidase genes detected multiple local strains.

  • molecular diagnosis of abdominal Armillifer grandis pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of congo
    Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Dennis Tappe, Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Birgit Muntau, Alexandra Haeupler, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Pentastomiasis is an emerging snake-borne parasitic zoonosis in the tropics. We describe a molecular and morphological study to diagnose a cluster of asymptomatic abdominal human infections caused by Armillifer grandis. The findings may indicate a silent epidemic in a rural area where severe symptomatic ocular cases with the same parasite species have recently surfaced. Molecular diagnostics are of increasing importance when patient material from remote areas cannot be thoroughly examined locally for logistic reasons.

  • ocular pentastomiasis in the democratic republic of the congo
    PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    Ocular pentastomiasis is a rare infection caused by the larval stage of pentastomids, an unusual group of crustacean-related parasites. Zoonotic pentastomids have a distinct geographical distribution and utilize reptiles or canids as final hosts. Recently, an increasing number of human abdominal infections have been reported in Africa, where pentastomiasis is an emerging, though severely neglected, tropical disease. Here we describe four ocular infections caused by pentastomids from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Two cases underwent surgery and an Armillifer grandis infection was detected by morphological and molecular approaches. Thus far, 15 other cases of ocular pentastomiasis have been reported worldwide. Twelve cases were caused by Armillifer sp., recorded almost exclusively in Africa, where such infections occur as a consequence of hunting and consuming snakes, their final hosts. Seven further cases were caused by Linguatula serrata, a cosmopolitan pentastomid whose final hosts are usually canids. Intraocular infections caused permanent visual damage in 69% and a total loss of vision in 31% of reported cases. In contrast, ocular adnexal cases had a benign clinical course. Further research is required to estimate the burden, therapeutic options and pathogenesis of this neglected disease.

  • Extracted pentastomid nymph from Case 1, morphologically and molecularly identified as Armillifer grandis.
    2014
    Co-Authors: Mihaly Sulyok, Lajos Rozsa, Dennis Tappe, Imre Bodó, Richard Hardi
    Abstract:

    The nymph is still surrounded by its shed translucent cuticle (exuvia), a characteristic feature of pentastomid larvae as they moult in the intermediate hosts' tissues. A. grandis is the smallest of the zoonotic African Armillifer species with the most body annulations (9–15 mm body length and >25 annulations; A. armillatus, the nearest geographical neighbour for comparison: 12–23 mm length and 18–22 annulations (2). A. grandis is the least often encountered zoonotic Armillifer species worldwide. Scale bar = 3 mm.