Targeting Cyp51 In The Treatment Of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, 2024 Touro University Nevada
Targeting Cyp51 In The Treatment Of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Ashkan Hassani, Vineet Sadarangani, Brad Haubrich
Annual Research Symposium
Acanthamoeba castellanii causes a rare but serious ocular infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Risk factors for infection include contact with contaminated water and poor hygiene of contact lenses. The first-line treatment is comprised of a months-long schedule of antibiotics. However, in cases where pharmacological interventions fail to address the infection, surgery may be necessary, with the continued risk of potential vision loss. Consequently, new treatments are needed, whether new pharmacological agents or new combination therapies with current agents. As an aerobic parasite, Acanthamoeba synthesizes ergosterol as a cell membrane insert, and ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors (EBIs), common in antifungal pharmaceuticals, could potentially …
Microsporidiosis: Reviewing Clinical Presentation And Treatment Strategies, 2024 Touro University Nevada
Microsporidiosis: Reviewing Clinical Presentation And Treatment Strategies, Julienne Zhou, Belinda Liu, Megan Dearmond, David Banach, Brad Haubrich
Annual Research Symposium
Microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection caused by obligate intracellular pathogens within the taxon Microsporidia. Infection is zoonotic and has been associated with patients experiencing immunodeficiency, though incidence is increasing among other populations. Most commonly, the disease is gastrointestinal, typically by Enterocytozoon bieneusi and less commonly by Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Symptoms present with diarrhea and vomiting, and severe cases can lead to wasting and mortality. While the incorporation of anti-retroviral therapy for HIV patients has significantly decreased mortality in a subset of the vulnerable populations, treatment for microsporidiosis is still not standardized or well explored. Resistance to first-line treatment albendazole is increasing, …
Human-Bat Interactions In A Disease Emergence Hotspot: Implications For Human Health And Bat Conservation, 2023 University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
Human-Bat Interactions In A Disease Emergence Hotspot: Implications For Human Health And Bat Conservation, Reilly Tempest Jackson
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Bats are an ecologically important taxon that can host zoonotic pathogens. Globally, many bat species are synanthropic and live closely with humans, often roosting in man-made structures. The spatial overlap between humans and bats creates opportunities for human-bat contact, which can lead to human exposure to bat-borne pathogens and conflicts that cause bat mortality. Despite this risk, little is known about the drivers and characteristics of these human-bat interactions in buildings and work is needed to understand this aspect of the wildlife-urban interface. In Chapter I, I present a literature review that identifies the geographic and taxonomic trends in reported …
Concepts In Animal Parasitology: Master Bibliography, 2023 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Concepts In Animal Parasitology: Master Bibliography, Sue Ann Gardner
Concepts in Animal Parasitology Textbook
Master bibliography for the open educational resource/open access textbook Concepts in Animal Parasitology, Scott L. Gardner and Sue Ann Gardner, editors, published by Zea Books, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 2024. This includes the references from literature cited and suggested supplemental reading.
Black Bear Population Health Monitoring In The Southeast, 2023 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Black Bear Population Health Monitoring In The Southeast, Kathleen Elizabeth Riese
Masters Theses
Recent growth of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) population in the southeast raises concerns about the potential spread of density-dependent diseases among bears, particularly sarcoptic mange. However, research on the health of bears in this area is limited. We analyzed samples from 169 bears in the region. We performed Knotts tests, skin scrapes, fecal floats; Canine adenovirus (CAV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and Toxoplasma gondii serology, Trypanosoma, Rickettsia rickettsii, and apicomplexan PCR, and identified ecto- and endoparasites found grossly or histologically. We found that 69% (63 of 91) had microfilaria; genetic analysis identified …
From Myzocytosis To Cytostomal Nutrient Uptake And Transport By Intracellular Plasmodium Species, 2023 Cleveland State University
From Myzocytosis To Cytostomal Nutrient Uptake And Transport By Intracellular Plasmodium Species, T. Y. Sam-Yellowe
Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Newer Surveillance Data Extends Our Understanding Of The Niche Of Rickettsia Montanensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) Infection Of The American Dog Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) In The United States, 2023 University of Florida
Newer Surveillance Data Extends Our Understanding Of The Niche Of Rickettsia Montanensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) Infection Of The American Dog Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) In The United States, Catherine A. Lippi, Holly D. Gaff, Robyn M. Nadolny, Sadie J. Ryan
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Background: Understanding the geographic distribution of Rickettsia montanensis infections in Dermacentor variabilis is important for tick-borne disease management in the United States, as both a tick-borne agent of interest and a potential confounder in surveillance of other rickettsial diseases. Two previous studies modeled niche suitability for D. variabilis with and without R. montanensis, from 2002-2012, indicating that the D. variabilis niche overestimates the infected niche. This study updates these, adding data since 2012.
Methods: Newer surveillance and testing data were used to update Species Distribution Models (SDMs) of D. variabilis, and R. montanensis infected D. variabilis, in …
Effect Of Temperature On The Microbiome Of A Laboratory Reared Colony Of Haemaphysalis Longicornis Ticks, 2023 University of South Alabama
Effect Of Temperature On The Microbiome Of A Laboratory Reared Colony Of Haemaphysalis Longicornis Ticks, Brianna Mitchell
Poster Presentations
Honors research poster.
Haemaphysalis longicornis is a species of tick native to eastern Asia, including eastern China, Japan, eastern Russia, and Korea. To date, it has invaded and has now established its existence in Australia, New Zealand, and several of the Pacific Islands. This species of tick has recently been introduced to the United States, having a confirmed sighting in November 2017 on a sheep farm in New Jersey and since establishing populations in 18 states along the east coast and Appalachia. Based on the existing locations of H. longicornis in its native regions, as well as in the United …
Effect Of Temperature On The Microbiome Of A Laboratory-Reared Colony Of Haemaphysalis Longicornis Ticks, 2023 University of South Alabama
Effect Of Temperature On The Microbiome Of A Laboratory-Reared Colony Of Haemaphysalis Longicornis Ticks, Brianna L. Mitchell
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks are invasive to the United States with potential to transmit several tick-borne pathogens that are native to the United States. Based on existing locations of H. longicornis in its native regions in Asia, as well as its invasive populations that are established in the United States, several geographic range prediction models have been produced to help understand future range expansion and distribution of this invasive tick in North America. Unfortunately, these models do not all agree and there is uncertainty associated with the potential geographic range expansion of H. longicornis ticks in North America. Climate can affect …
A Systematic Review Of Research On Treatment & Prevention Of The Neglected Tropical Disease Leishmaniasis, 2023 Clemson University
A Systematic Review Of Research On Treatment & Prevention Of The Neglected Tropical Disease Leishmaniasis, Aryn Akerberg
All Theses
Leishmaniasis is a life-threatening neglected tropical disease that is caused by the protozoa parasite, Leishmania. Over one million new human leishmaniasis cases occur each all over the world, affecting most the deeply impoverished regions of the world. The disease presents in three different forms: cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous (mucosal) leishmaniasis, and visceral leishmaniasis. Symptoms can range from self-limiting lesion to more life-threatening conditions such as fever, kidney disease, and anemia. The Leishmania parasite is transmitted via the bite of the female phlebotomine sandfly and can infect many other mammals such as canines, rodents, bats, etc. The canine leishmaniasis epidemic is also …
Characterization Of Toxoplasma Gondii Calcium Regulator Proteins Tggt1_253640 And Tggt1_222060 For Toxoplasma Gondii Growth And Invasion, 2023 University of Mary Washington
Characterization Of Toxoplasma Gondii Calcium Regulator Proteins Tggt1_253640 And Tggt1_222060 For Toxoplasma Gondii Growth And Invasion, Abigail Delapenha
Student Research Submissions
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic apicomplexan parasite infecting humans and livestock. Infection in immunocompromised individuals can cause neurological damage and infection during pregnancy can lead to fetal death. These parasites engage in a complex life cycle, involving repeated invasion of the host cell and egress from the host cell. Calcium signaling is an important regulatory mechanism for many essential processes in the parasite, including gliding motility (actomyosin-dependent mode of motion), invasion, and egress. Our work here focuses on two previously uncharacterized calcium regulator proteins (TGGT1_253640 and TGGT1_222060). To characterize the role of these proteins in parasite viability and calcium regulation, …
A Systematic Review: Toxoplasma Gondii Infection And Drugs Of Abuse, 2023 Roseman University of Health Sciences
A Systematic Review: Toxoplasma Gondii Infection And Drugs Of Abuse, Amani Sastry
Annual Research Symposium
No abstract provided.
First Bovine Vaccine To Prevent Human Schistosomiasis - A Cluster Randomised Phase 3 Clinical Trial, 2023 Old Dominion University
First Bovine Vaccine To Prevent Human Schistosomiasis - A Cluster Randomised Phase 3 Clinical Trial, Allen G. Ross, Donald A. Harn, Delia Chy, Marianette Inobaya, Jerric R. Guevarra, Lisa Shollenberger, Yuesheng Li, Donald P. Mcmanus, Darren J. Gray, Gail M. Williams
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Objective
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma japonicum is zoonotic in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia, with bovines acting as major reservoirs of human infection. The primary objective of the trial was to examine the impact of a combination of human mass chemotherapy, snail control through mollusciciding, and SjCTPI bovine vaccination on the rate of human infection.
Methods
A 5-year phase IIIa cluster randomized control trial was conducted among 18 schistosomiasis-endemic villages comprising 18,221 residents in Northern Samar, The Philippines.
Results
Overall, bovine vaccination resulted in a statistically significant decrease …
Multipatch Stochastic Epidemic Model For The Dynamics Of A Tick-Borne Disease, 2023 University of Malawi
Multipatch Stochastic Epidemic Model For The Dynamics Of A Tick-Borne Disease, Milliward Maliyoni, Holly D. Gaff, Keshlan S. Govinder, Faraimunashe Chirove
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Spatial heterogeneity and migration of hosts and ticks have an impact on the spread, extinction and persistence of tick-borne diseases. In this paper, we investigate the impact of between-patch migration of white-tailed deer and lone star ticks on the dynamics of a tick-borne disease with regard to disease extinction and persistence using a system of Itô stochastic differential equations model. It is shown that the disease-free equilibrium exists and is unique. The general formula for computing the basic reproduction number for all patches is derived. We show that for patches in isolation, the basic reproduction number is equal to the …
A Short Introduction To Marine Parasitology: Marine Parasites Of Economic And Medical Importance, 2023 University of New England
A Short Introduction To Marine Parasitology: Marine Parasites Of Economic And Medical Importance, Klaus Rohde, Robin M. Overstreet
Concepts in Animal Parasitology Textbook
Introduction
Parasitism, in this chapter, is defined as “a close association of two organisms, in which one—the parasite—depends on the other—the host—deriving some benefit from it. The benefit is often food” (Rohde, 2005b). Many bacteria, viruses, and fungi are parasitic but usually not studied by parasitologists sensu stricto; they are the domain of microbiologists. Parasites as defined here do not always harm their host; the border between so-called genuine parasites and other symbionts such as commensals is often blurred, and investigators who work on disease aspects tend to emphasis the pathogenic aspects and may not consider non-pathogenic species as truly …
Estimating The Distribution Of Oryzomys Palustris, A Potential Key Host In Expanding Rickettsial Tick-Borne Disease Risk, 2023 Old Dominion University
Estimating The Distribution Of Oryzomys Palustris, A Potential Key Host In Expanding Rickettsial Tick-Borne Disease Risk, Catherine A. Lippi, Samuel Canfield, Christina Espada, Holly D. Gaff, Sadie J. Ryan
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Increasingly, geographic approaches to assessing the risk of tick-borne diseases are being used to inform public health decision-making and surveillance efforts. The distributions of key tick species of medical importance are often modeled as a function of environmental factors, using niche modeling approaches to capture habitat suitability. However, this is often disconnected from the potential distribution of key host species, which may play an important role in the actual transmission cycle and risk potential in expanding tick-borne disease risk. Using species distribution modeling, we explore the potential geographic range of Oryzomys palustris, the marsh rice rat, which has been …
Livestock Cattle As A Predictor Of Schistosomiasis Transmission In Nigeria, 2023 Old Dominion University
Livestock Cattle As A Predictor Of Schistosomiasis Transmission In Nigeria, Oyetunde T. Oyeyemi, Oluyemi A. Okunlola, Zhiqiang Fu, Yang Hong, Jun-Hu Chen, Lisa M. Shollenberger
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Livestock cattle have been widely linked to schistosomiasis epidemiology, but little is known about its contribution to schistosomiasis transmission in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to examine the association between prevalence of schistosomiasis and livestock cattle index in Nigeria. The study's data came from three sources: the demographic and health survey (DHS), the malaria indicators survey (MIS), and the expanded special project for the eradication of neglected tropical diseases (ESPEN). Analysis of variance, correlation, and logistic regression were used to evaluate the mean difference in schistosomiasis prevalence across geopolitical zones, the relationship between schistosomiasis prevalence and livestock cattle, …
Anthelmintic Resistance In Sheep Across Ireland And The Uk: A Literature Review Of The In Vivo Versus In Vitro Methods, 2022 Technological University of the Shannon
Anthelmintic Resistance In Sheep Across Ireland And The Uk: A Literature Review Of The In Vivo Versus In Vitro Methods, Megan Tumulty
SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal
Background: The animal welfare and production consequences of gastrointestinal nematode infections, namely Nematodirus battus, on sheep are compelling. The control of gastrointestinal infections has been heavily reliant on the administration of anthelmintics since their introduction into mainstream use in 1960. However, their frequent and often excessive use has resulted in anthelmintic resistance being reported extensively in several gastrointestinal nematode species. The prevalence of anthelmintic resistance as well as the increase in the number of cases of multiple-drug resistance in nematode populations now poses substantial hindrance on the viability of sheep production systems. However, despite the threat N. battus poses …
An Epidemiological Synthesis Of Emerging And Re-Emerging Zoonotic Disease Threats In Cameroon, 2000-2022 And Community Stakeholder Mapping, 2022 University of Nebraska Medical Center
An Epidemiological Synthesis Of Emerging And Re-Emerging Zoonotic Disease Threats In Cameroon, 2000-2022 And Community Stakeholder Mapping, Nancy Tahmo
Capstone Experience
Introduction: Population factors such as urbanization, socio-economic, and environmental factors are driving forces for emerging/re-emerging diseases in Cameroon, and the effects of these are experienced differently across demographics. Indigenous rainforest communities in the Congo Basin, for example, suffer worse health outcomes compared to neighboring communities, like the Pygmies, who have a life expectancy of 22 years less than neighboring Bantus. It is important to characterize the risk of exposure of these vulnerable communities and map out, through a systematic review, descriptive epidemiological data around zoonoses, to inform preparedness and research efforts.
Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a protocol was registered …
Species Data And Vector Modeling: Evaluating Datasets For Improved Models Of Ixodes Ricinus Tick Distribution In Europe Under A Changing Climate, 2022 East Tennessee State University
Species Data And Vector Modeling: Evaluating Datasets For Improved Models Of Ixodes Ricinus Tick Distribution In Europe Under A Changing Climate, Steven Jones
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
To increase capacity for monitoring and surveillance of tick-borne diseases, publicly available tick distribution and climate change datasets are required to create accurate predictive distribution models. It is difficult, however, to assess model accuracy and utility when using incomplete datasets. The more recent development of comprehensive tick databases for Europe and availability of climate change scenarios from multiple IPCC Assessment Reports allows for improved modeling efforts. Multiple tick datasets were combined and three climate change projections were compared by predicting current and future distributions of Ixodes ricinus ticks in Europe using the MaxEnt species distribution model. Overall, much of Europe …