DORA :: Browsing by Author "Izquierdo, F."

Browsing by Author "Izquierdo, F."

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Open Access
Applicability of monthly CDC case studies to improve reflection in biomedical science students.
(ASM Microbe 2017, 2017-06-02) Pena-Fernandez, A.; del Aguila, C.; Fenoy, S.; Magnet, A.; Izquierdo, F.; Evans, M. D.; Lobo-Bedmar, M. C.; Pena, M. A.
Background Academics from De Montfort University (DMU, UK) in collaboration with other EU universities, virologists and first responders are developing training for health science students to deal with biological incidents. Initially the training is being tested with final year students enrolled on the BSc Biomedical Science (Hons) and in the BMedSci Medical Science (Hons) degree programmes in 2016/17 at DMU. To improve the limited clinical skills of these students, a series of parasitology case studies have been introduced, where students will need to reflect on their knowledge and search for information from different sources to propose possible diagnoses. Reflection is an essential learning tool for developing aspects such autonomous working, critical and analytical thinking and integration of theory with practice (Quintanilla et al., 2016). Methods A series of teaching sessions (theoretical and practical) has been created related to emergency preparedness and response (Peña-Fernández et al., 2016). Students are provided with different scenarios to develop an intervention programme to protect human health in the aftermath of a biological incident involving different biological agents including emerging parasites. During the theoretical component of the training students are provided with different slides collected from the Laboratory Identification of Parasitic Diseases of Public Health Concern (DPDx) (CDC, 2016). Students, by peer group interaction, provide a possible “diagnosis” for each clinical case based on the clinical features presented and microscopic slides provided. Critical thinking is encouraged. Results Although our results are preliminary and we need to evaluate the students’ feedback, the introduction of clinical case-studies has shown to facilitate the acquisition of some clinical skills, particularly in the biomedical science cohort. This is informed by the high level of students’ interaction during these sessions and the formulation of appropriate questions. Students have also shown some gradual improvement in the resolution of clinical case studies throughout the course. Conclusions Despite the fact that student feedback will not be collected until the end of the course, students have display strong engagement and interest in these workshops through interim module level feedback. A priori, these case-studies have been shown to be effective in facilitating the acquisition of different transversal competences including critical thinking, clinical skills, communication and team work.
Open Access
Applicability of the DMU e-Parasitology for teaching cell and parasite culture
(2019-07-08) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Hurtado, C.; Evans, M. D.; Izquierdo, F.; Acosta, L.; Llorens, S.
De Montfort University (DMU, UK) and the Spanish University of San Pablo CEU (USP-CEU) and Miguel Hernández de Elche, are developing a complete on-line package for teaching and learning medical parasitology, named DMU e-Parasitology (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk). This novel package includes a virtual laboratory and microscope with a complete library of digitised 2D slides of parasites in clinical samples. Recently, we have been successful in using super-resolution 3D microscopy (3D Cell Explorer; Nanolive, Lausanne, Switzerland), to incorporate 3D microscopic photographs (multiple-viewpoint-holographic images, 96 z-stacks) of fixed cultures, on slides, of important human parasites provided by the Cell Culture Laboratory (USP-CEU). We have also created two e-learning units that show all the practices and procedures of work in a cell and parasite culture unit in conjunction with detailed information and videos of parasitologists working in real conditions with amoebas and Leishmania infantum cultures. These novel resources were tested using a blended approach with final year Biomedical Science and Medical Science students at DMU that voluntarily enrolled to receive practical training in cell/parasite culture provided by an USP-CEU academic through an Erasmus+ mobility grant. Briefly, 2-hour training sessions were delivered, in which students working in pairs were trained how to culture adherent human cancer cells lines, including counting viable vs. dead cells. Twenty-two students attended these sessions; 9 (8 BMS, 1 BMedSci) provided comprehensive feedback. Prior to attending the laboratory session, participants were asked to view the DMU e-Parasitology cell and parasite culture units. 88.9% reported that the e-learning units (22.2% agreed, 66.7% strongly agreed) and the virtual microscopic slides (55.6% agreed, 33.3% strongly agreed) facilitated their learning. Only one student (11%) indicated that the units were difficult to understand. Most students (55.6% agreed, 33.3% strongly agreed) indicated that they learnt basic skills to perform cell/parasite culture. Some students demanded more time to perform the practical, or to deliver it in the first term when they have just started the course. Although preliminary, our results indicate that the methods and resources here detailed could help with the teaching/learning of these important practical topics to any future health scientist.
Open Access
Are zoonotic protist parasites present in the English urban environment?
(2018-08-24) Anjum, U.; Izquierdo, F.; Magnet, A.; Fenoy, S.; Hoosen, H.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. lamblia and G. intestinalis) and Entamoeba spp. are intestinal protozoa capable of infecting a range of animal species. Giardia has potential to contaminate water and food, whereas E. histolytica can cause amoebic disease. From a public health perspective, these protozoan parasites have high zoonotic potential being among the most common intestinal human parasites worldwide. The main aim of this study was to evaluate if Giardia and Entamoeba are present in an English urban environment (Leicester) and to determine if public health interventions are necessary to protect human health. Thus, fourty-six fresh animal faecal samples were collected from Humberstone and Abbey Park (Leicester) in August and November 2017, respectively. A veterinarian identified the possible animal species as: 28 avian (2 songbird, 2 pigeon, 19 waterfowl, 5 uncertain), 14 dog and 4 cat. Smears were stained with trichrome as described elsewhere. Entamoeba spp. was not detected in any of the monitored samples. Conversely, Giardia spp. cysts were observed in three faecal samples from dogs (21.4% dog; 6.5% faecal samples), confirming our previous results in which we detected the presence of G. duodenalis in one dog faecal sample collected in Leicester’s Castle Park (central Leicester) in a pilot study performed in winter 2016 using the immunoassay ImmunoCard STAT!®. Our results, although preliminary, indicate the presence of Giardia spp. in Leicester’s urban environment. Moreover, dogs could act as reservoirs and might play a potential role in the transmission of these pathogens in Leicester as they could intermittently excrete cysts in their faeces, which can remain viable and infective in the environment for several months. Thus, a more comprehensive study to determine the size of this risk and the necessity of enhancing public health awareness to reduce canine faecal pollution in Leicester is necessary to protect human health.
Metadata only
Biological contamination of urban soils in Leicester, UK, with Cryptosporidium spp.: a pilot study.
(Toxicology Letters, 2016-09-07) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Lobo-Bedmar, M. C.; Gould, F.; Khan, B.; Fenoy, S.; Izquierdo, F.; Magnet, A.; Hoosen, H.; del Aguila, C.
Environmental contamination with zoonotic microorganisms can have significant health and environmental implications due to their potential for producing large numbers of transmissive stages and their ability to survive in the environment for prolonged periods of time. This is especially relevant in urban environments because of the dramatic human population boom and urbanization. Cryptosporidium spp. is a zoonotic pathogen which can affect animals and humans. Although a major public health concern there is limited information about the occurrence and circulation of Cryptosporidium spp. in urban environments. 27 soil and animal faecal samples from birds, water birds, cats and dogs were collected in public parks and recreation areas in Leicester centre city between January and February 2016. Samples were collected on days with no rain to avoid problems of sample integrity. After appropriate preparation of each sample, detection of Cryptosporidium spp. was performed with the conventional parasitological technique of Kinyoun's acid-fast staining and the immunoassay ImmunoCard STAT!®. None of the 27 samples collected was positive for these emerging pathogens, although we found structures that may be related to Cryptosporidium in one of the faecal smears from a dog. Despite the preliminary data described indicating a limited presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the public parks and recreational areas monitored, further more detailed knowledge of their circulation in these ecosystems will be crucial to assess the public risk to develop novel strategies to protect humans and increase the awareness of parasite contamination of our environment.
Embargo
Blended learning for teaching cell culture as part of DMU e-Parasitology.
(Alcalá de Henares: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Alcalá, 2019-09-01) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Evans, M. D.; Hurtado, C.; Acosta, L.; Izquierdo, F.; Magnet, A.; Pena, M. A.; Singh, N.; Fenoy, S.; Bornay, F. J.; del Aguila, C.
Emerging and re-emerging human parasites have become a global health threat due to different factors including globalisation, climate and vector ecology changes that have highlighted the necessity of teaching human parasitology to appropriately train future health care professionals. However, a significant erosion in the teaching of parasitology in conjunction with a reduction of the number of parasitology departments across European universities has been reported. To maintain and strengthen the teaching of this discipline, De Montfort University (DMU, UK) is leading an innovative international project for the development of a complete on-line package for teaching and learning parasitology named DMU e-Parasitology. This package will be publicly available on the DMU website here http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/ when completed early in 2019 and have different modules including a Virtual Laboratory. This paper focuses on the first e-learning unit created for the Virtual Laboratory section, named Human Cell Culture, and the validation undertaken to use it as a model unit to build this section. Cell culture is fundamental in parasitology for supporting different areas such as culture of obligate intracellular parasites or testing future drugs against these pathogens. The evaluation of the unit with undergraduate Biomedical Science students in 2017/18 at De Montfort University (UK) indicate that the unit seemed successful in facilitating students to acquire essential basic skills for working with cells in a cell culture room. Finally, we also provide a description of the short-blended learning experience implemented to validate the unit, intervention that could be easily adopted to enhance the teaching of cell culture in human health science programmes.
Open Access
Building a DMU e-Biology resource for health sciences’ students.
(International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED), 2017-11-18) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Sgamma, Tiziana; Young, Christopher N. J.; Randles, Michael J.; del Aguila, C.; Hurtado, C.; Evans, M. D.; Potiwat, N.; Izquierdo, F.; Pena, M. A.; Coope, J.; Armstrong, M.; Bhambra, Avninder S.
The BSc Biomedical Science (BMS) programme at De Montfort University (DMU, Leicester, UK) is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Students enrolled within this programme acquire highly sought after skills related with human health sciences to work in: pathology departments in hospitals; research institutions; biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries; and the education sector to name a few. The degree recruits a large number of students with currently around 600 students enrolled on this programme at DMU. Despite pre-entry requirements of knowledge of subjects related to human biology, biology or chemistry, we have noted that first year students require basic support in STEM subjects (biology, chemistry and mathematics) in modules such as “Basic Microbiology”, “Basic Anatomy and Physiology” and “Chemistry for the Biosciences”. This support is especially necessary for students that come from non-traditional routes such as Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) routes. Moreover, usually topics related with microbiology and human diseases are challenging for students, often causing stress impacting their overall performance and experience. A group of BMS academics at DMU in conjunction with universities in the European Union (EU; e.g. University of San Pablo CEU, Spain) have started to design, create and develop a series of e-learning resources or units in human biology and BMS for undergraduate students that study health sciences degrees in the EU. These units are being uploaded onto the DMU web server (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/) and will be only accessible for students from participating universities during the first phase of this project (2017/18 course) in which comprehensive feedback will be collected. This web server space has three sections or modules (theoretical section, virtual laboratory and microscope) in which the new e-learning resources will be preliminary accommodated. These units will be interactive and easy to follow, and will cover basic human biology (e.g. cells, cell structure), human anatomy and physiology, histology and basic microbiology, which will be embedded in a theoretical module named DMU e-Biology within the above URL link. They will include formative assessments and case studies throughout each unit. In addition, a series of practical units are being developed which describe routine practical elements in any biomedical laboratory such as laboratory materials, pipetting, molecular techniques (e.g. PCR), cell culture (e.g. use of biological safety cabinet) and histological techniques (e.g. use of microtome, staining techniques). The development of this teaching and learning resource will cover a gap in the traditional teaching and learning methods that are currently used and provided in the participating universities. The DMU e-Biology will aid to our undergraduate students to gain knowledge in human biology and microbiology by promoting self-learning. We consider that the DMU e-Biology will help overcome spatiotemporal, equipment and resource barriers. Additionally, it may help student retention as currently about a 10% of our first year students fail to continue BMS at DMU. Finally, the creation of the DMU e-Biology will also provide support to the DMU Student Retention and Attainment Strategy 2016-2020 through the DMU Student Learning Hub, which is currently under development.
Open Access
Building on-line materials for teaching parasitology to health sciences’ students: initial impressions.
(2017-06-05) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Ollero, M.; Fenoy, S.; Magnet, A.; Mackenzie, S.; Pena, M. A.; Izquierdo, F.; Hurtado, C.; Ioannou, M.; Bornay, F.; Halliwell, R.; Acosta, L.; Torrus, D.; Singh, Harprit; Sgamma, Tiziana; Evans, M.; Bhambra, Avninder S.; Baho, S.; del Aguila, C.
Background: It is widely recognised that the use of web-based teaching resources is an increasingly important method for delivering education, and it will be particularly important in the near future due to the progressively increasing number of health science students and the current number of academics in the “European Higher Education Area”. The study of parasitology and infectious diseases is essential to build professionals in the health sector with the key knowledge and skills to face global public health threats such as food-, water- or vector-borne infectious diseases outbreaks. However, the current time dedicated to the teaching of this discipline in all health sciences degrees at De Montfort University (DMU, Leicester, UK) is very little or non-existent depending on the degree/master. Methods: An innovative teaching group at DMU is trying to fill this gap in the currently available teaching offer in line with new trends in global health education, the large number of students enrolled in any health degree and the increasing number of students that would like to study this discipline (but due to different commitments do not have enough time or resources to study on a full time basis). Thus, an innovative teaching group from different EU Universities (DMU and the Spanish universities: University of San Pablo CEU, University of Alcalá, and University Miguel Hernández de Elche) and clinicians (University Hospitals of Leicester, UK) have started to design, create and develop a complete on-line package in Parasitology for undergraduate and postgraduate students that study health sciences. Results: The e-Parasitology package will be accessible through the DMU website (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk) in 2017 and will be focused on infection, prevention and treatment of major and emerging parasitological diseases. Conclusions: This teaching resource will aid our undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain a significant knowledge in parasitology by promoting self-learning and internationalization. This poster will explore one of the first mini-modules developed so far related with Toxocara, a helminthiasis with prevalence rates that can reach as high as 40% or more in parts of the world, and the challenges for its development.
Open Access
Creating a model module for the novel resource DMU e-Parasitology.
(International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED), 2017-11-18) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Ollero, M. D.; Fenoy, S.; Magnet, A.; Izquierdo, F.; Pena, M. A.; Bornay, F.; Acosta, L.; Parker, L. A.; Sgamma, Tiziana; del Aguila, C.
The study of parasitology has become essential to build future health care professionals with skills to respond to public health threats such as the recent outbreaks due to Cryptosporidium spp. or Giardia in the United Kingdom (UK). To facilitate the teaching of parasitology, which negligible across the different undergraduate and taught masters degrees at De Montfort University (DMU, Leicester, UK), a group from different EU Universities [DMU and the Spanish universities: University of San Pablo CEU (USP-CEU) and University Miguel Hernández], clinicians and practising Biomedical Scientists from the UK National Health Service are developing an on-line package for teaching and learning parasitology named DMU e-Parasitology. This package will have three sections or modules: a theoretical module with mini e-learning units to study major human parasites such as Leishmania spp. or malaria; a virtual laboratory module with units to enhance the learning and study of parasitic diseases such as culture of parasites, staining and use of light microscope to identify these organisms or molecular techniques for the identification of parasites to species level; and a virtual microscope with a real slide collection of clinical samples of parasites. The e-Parasitology resource is being created for undergraduate/postgraduate human health science students, with corresponding degrees of difficulty. Units will include a tool to assess the learning process of the students, in form of a quiz, activity and/or exam, and several formative activities throughout each mini-module. The development of this teaching resource will cover a gap in the traditional teaching and learning methods that are currently used and provided in the participating Universities. The DMU e-Parasitology will aid to our undergraduate students to gain a significant knowledge in parasitology by promoting self-learning. A unit related with Toxocara, a helmintiasis with prevalence rates that can reach as high as 40% or more in different parts of the world, was firstly developed to use as a model for the development of the DMU e-Parasitology. Three undergraduate students that studied parasitology during the first term in 2016/17 [n=27; 6 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits (ECTS); 3rd year module] from the bilingual Pharmacy and Biotechnology degree at USP-CEU were voluntarily recruited to provide comprehensive feedback for this model unit at the beginning of the second term. This unit was tested with these students because of their comprehensive knowledge of parasitology. Students described it as interactive and presenting the appropriate content and resources to study the parasitic disease addressed (toxocariasis). Limitations were the poor navigability in the formative exercise section and the excessive information provided in some slides that could hinder their understanding. The team has addressed these limitations and is using this unit as a model to build the DMU e-Parasitology, which will be accessible through the DMU website (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk) in 2018. We consider that this teaching and learning resource will overcome barriers of time, space, equipment and resources; and may help students and scientists around the world in the diagnostic of different parasitic diseases that impact human health.
Open Access
Cryptosporidium spp. in Leicester (UK): an update.
(2019-05-02) Anjum, U.; Izquierdo, F.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis are considered opportunistic emerging human parasites that can severely affect immunocompromised patients and individuals worldwide for which an early stage diagnosis is critical for appropriate prognosis. Although these parasites have been related to serious outbreaks in the United Kingdom (UK), there is little information regarding their presence and distribution in urban and rural environments in the UK. Our research group is investigating the potential presence and distribution of human-related Cryptosporidium spp. parasites in Leicestershire (UK), after microscopically detecting oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in a dog faecal sample collected in a highly frequented public park in Leicester city centre in 2016 during a pilot study in which 27 topsoil and animal faecal samples were analysed. This positive sample was specifically tested for C. parvum using an ImmunoCard STAT!® assay, although with a negative result. A more comprehensive study was performed between Summer 2017 and Spring 2018, in which 209 animal faecal samples were collected from urban parks and recreational areas across Leicester city and surrounding rural areas in Leicestershire. A veterinarian confirmed animal species as: 142 avian (49 pigeon, 37 waterfowl, 23 songbird, 33 uncertain) 22 dog, 8 cat and 37 deer. Analysis of samples using specific Kinyoun's acid-fast staining for these coccidian parasites, revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 17 (8.1%) of the monitored faecal samples, specifically in 7 deer, 8 avian and 2 dog stool samples. Oocysts, the infective forms of these zoonotic parasites, were observed in samples collected throughout this monitoring period, although a higher prevalence was detected in samples collected in Spring 2018, which might indicate a potential trend in their dispersion that should be studied to appropriately inform potential public health interventions to tackle their presence and distribution. Although our results are inconclusive, as determination of Cryptosporidium species is necessary to fully stablish whether there is any risk for the population in Leicestershire, wild and domestic animals could play a significant role in the maintenance and dispersion of these zoonotic parasites that require careful monitoring.
Open Access
Cryptosporidium spp. in the English urban environment: a public health concern?
(2018-11-28) Anjum, U.; Magnet, A.; Izquierdo, F.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Several species of Cryptosporidium can infect humans and have been described as opportunistic parasites. Different outbreaks have been described in the UK as oocysts of these pathogens can spread through contaminated water and food as some species of Cryptosporidium, such as C. parvum, exhibit resistance to harsh environmental conditions. These pathogens have been found in animal faeces, thus we reported the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in a dog faecal sample collected in a highly frequented public park in Leicester city centre (UK), after screening 9 topsoil and 18 faecal samples. As a result, and to determine potential risks to the Leicester population, we collected 132 animal faecal samples [37 deer, 13 dogs, 4 cats and 78 avian (27 uncertain due to diarrhoea, 25 pigeon, 14 waterfowl and 12 songbird)] across different parks in Leicester from June 2017 to May 2018. Animal faecal samples were appropriately screened using Kinyoun's acid-fast staining. We observed structures related to Cryptosporidium spp. in 16 faecal samples as follows: 10.3% avian (3 pigeon, 2 songbird and 3 diarrhoeic), 18.9% deer and 7.7% dog. However, and in order to characterise the risks to the local population, molecular analysis will be required to determine if the oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. found are from anthroponotic species. Our results might highlight the relevance of performing environmental monitoring studies to determine the presence of these pathogens in the urban environment due to the unprecedented expansion of the urban media that is occurring to a global scale.
Metadata only
Detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases E. coli in Animal Faeces Collected in Urban Parks in Leicester, UK
(2017-06-02) Adeyemi, J.; Reid, R.; Baho, S.; Hoosen, H.; del Aguila, C.; Fenoy, S.; Pena, M. A.; Izquierdo, F.; Magnet, A.; Sgamma, Tiziana; Ollero, M. D.; Hurtado, C.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Background: The presence and distribution of antibiotic resistance bacteria in the environment could constitute an emerging public health concern. Different studies have described these bacteria in a range of animals and their possible role in the contamination of the environment, however very little studies have determined these bacteria in urban ecosystems. Recovery and remediation of affected environments with these biological hazards, and the establishment of protection interventions, constitute a challenge that requires a collaborative international response to protect the public, especially in urban ecosystems. A preliminary study carried out by our research group have detected Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBL) genes for Gram-negative bacteria in animal faecal samples collected in different urban parks in the city centre of Leicester (United Kingdom). Methods: This study investigated the presence of ESBL-producing genes (blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM and blaOXA) within Escherichia coli (E. coli) due to its implications for human health. 30 faecal samples were collected in the same parks between August and September of 2016. A veterinarian identified the animal species as follow: 22 avian (18 waterfowls, 4 pigeons), 4 dogs, 3 cats and 1 fox. After appropriate treatment of the samples, CTX-M-1-type producing E. coli was detected by molecular analysis in 5 of the analysed samples (17%); all of them from waterfowls. Results: The results described here, although preliminary, might indicate that waterfowls might be carriers of ESBL E. coli producers in Leicester. Waterfowls may have a possible role in the spread of CTX-M-1 producing E. coli in urban ecosystems although more research is required prior to implementing intervention programs in the monitored environment. Conclusions: Possible control measures may be cleaning frequently urban parks, roads and pavement from animal faeces, especially avian faeces; or banning exposure practices such as feeding these animals, activity that is very popular in the monitored city.
Open Access
Detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in topsoils and faecal samples from urban parks in Leicester, UK.
(Society for Applied Microbiology Summer Conference 2016, 2016-07-07) Khan, B.; Gould, F.; Izquierdo, F.; del Aguila, C.; Fenoy, S.; Magnet, A.; Hoosen, H.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Aims The main aim of this study was to detect the occurrence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in soils and faecal samples in Leicester, UK, as a preliminary study in this area to assess possible impacts on human health. Methods and results 18 faecal and 9 soil samples were collected in public parks and recreation areas close to Leicester centre city between January and February 2016 following the methodology described by Dado et al. (2012). A veterinarian identified the possible animal species of the stool samples: 8 avian (pigeons and water birds), 6 dogs, 3 cats and 2 unidentified due to diarrhoea. The immunoassay ImmunoCard STAT!® was used to detect the presence of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium parvum (Elsafi et al., 2013). Kinyoun's acid-fast staining was also performed to detect Cryptosporidium spp. (Dado et al., 2012). Only one of the dog’s faecal samples was positive for Giardia for the immunoassay. We also found structures that may be related with Cryptosporidium in one of the faecal smears from a different dog’s sample. Conclusions Although Giardia duodenalis has been detected in only one of the 18 faecal samples collected, this result could indicate the presence of this enteropathogen in the areas of the city monitored. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in only one sample may be related with the circulation of these parasites in the environment as a significant reduction in the incidence of cryptosporidiosis has been reported in winter in the UK (PHE, 2013). Significance of study Both pathogens have a wide range of host species, including companion animals, but the size of this risk is not well known. A clear understanding of the size of this risk is important to set up intervention programmes to protect human health, especially in urban environments, due to the exponential urban development. References Dado, D, Izquierdo, F, Vera, O, Montoya, A, Mateo, M, Fenoy, S, Galván, AL, García, S, García, A, Aránguez, E, López, L, del Águila, C, Miró, G (2012). Detection of zoonotic intestinal parasites in public parks of Spain. Potential epidemiological role of microsporidia. Zoonoses Public Health; 59(1):23-8 Elsafi, SH, Al-Maqati, TN, Hussein, MI, Adam, AA, Hassan, MM and Al Zahrani, EM (2013). Comparison of microscopy, rapid immunoassay, and molecular techniques for the detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. Parasitol Res; 112(4):1641-6 PHE (Public Health England) (2013). Cryptosporidium: statistics 2000 to 2012. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cryptosporidium-statistics-2000-to-2012
Metadata only
Detection of new emerging pathogens microsporidia in recreational areas in Leicester, UK: potential risks for human health.
(Toxicology Letters, 2016-09) Pena-Fernandez, A.; del Aguila, C.; Fenoy, S.; Magnet, A.; Khan, B.; Gould, F.; Lobo-Bedmar, M. C.; Izquierdo, F.
Humans are increasingly being exposed to a different range of biological hazards in the urban media. The identification of these hazards and the implementation of intervention mechanisms to protect the public health are therefore necessary. Microsporidia, a new emerging pathogenic group, forms environmentally resistant spores, and has been related with recent water- and food-borne outbreaks. “Urban” animals can be reservoirs of these parasites playing a role in the environmental contamination of cities. Accidental ingestion of microsporidia spores while playing or spending time in recreational areas may be a significant risk for people. However, there is limited information about the presence of microsporidia in the UK environment. 18 faecal and 9 soil samples were collected in recreational areas in Leicester city between January and February 2016. A veterinarian identified the possible animal species of the stool samples: 8 avian (pigeons and water birds), 6 dogs, 3 cats and 2 unidentified due to diarrhoea. After appropriate preparation of each sample, detection of microsporidia was performed with the conventional parasitological technique of Weber’s Trichrome staining. We observed microsporidia spores in two samples from dogs and none were identified in soil samples. Although our results should be taken as preliminary, they might indicate a possible potential zoonotic role of domestic dogs in the transmission of these pathogens. Dogs are in close contact to human, so further research is critical to assess the public risks of these pathogens in the urban media and the identification of applicable interventions to decontaminate the environment to protect humans.
Open Access
Detection of Opportunistic Parasites in Public Parks in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid, Spain).
(XX Spanish Congress of Parasitology (SOCEPA)., 2017-07-21) Martinez-Fernandez, C.; Magnet, A.; Izquierdo, F.; Gomes, T.S.; Vaccaro, L.; Ollero, D.; Pena-Fernandez, A.; Fenoy, S.; del Aguila, C.
Opportunistic parasites such as free living Amoebae (FLA) and microsporidia can cause serious diseases in cases of immunosuppression or a weak immune system, for example in infants and the elderly. FLA can infect the central nervous system, eye or skin depending on the species. FLA do not require a host to complete their life cycle, thus they are commonly isolated from water or soil. Microsporidia are intracellular parasites that can cause intestinal and other infections in all types of animal. Due to their zoonotic potential, they can infect all animal phyla, so that humans can be easily exposed to them in the environment. Because of this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of FLA and Microsporidia in urban parks in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid) in soil, water and fecal samples. Five parks were selected and 28 dust samples (soil and children’s sandpit), 4 water samples (ornamental fountains and drinkable water) and 5 mammal feces were collected in total. FLA was analyzed in soil and water samples by a triplex real time PCR with 3 TaqMan® probes for Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri. No positive results were found. On the other hand, microsporidia were detected in all types of sample using a SYBR Green real time PCR that allows distinction of phylum microsporidia, reaching to species level in the case of Encephalitazoon bieneusi, Enterocytozoon hellen/ intestinalis and E. cuniculi. All fecal samples were positive for E. hellen/ intestinalis. Only one water sample was positive for phylum microsporidia but negative for the above species. In the dust samples, 15 were positive for at least 1 type of microsporidia; in total 2 samples were positive for E. cuniculi, 2 for E. bieneusi, 7 for E. hellen/ intestinalis and 6 for undetermined species. At the sight of the results we can confirm that fecal contamination in urban parks can be a potential health risk through fecal oral transmission, as microsporidia, have been found in a large number of samples. Conversely, urban park soils do not seem to present a source of FLA infection in the studied area.
Open Access
Developing a novel resource for teaching and learning parasitology: DMU e-Parasitology.
(2018-04-24) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Ollero, M. D.; Magnet, A.; Fenoy, S.; Izquierdo, F.; Bornay, F.; Acosta, L.; Pena, M. A.; Hoosen, H.; Evans, M. D.; del Aguila, C.
Background: The study of parasitology has become essential to develop future health care professionals with skills to respond to public health threats such as the recent outbreak of Cryptosporidium in the UK. To facilitate the teaching of parasitology, which is negligible across the different undergraduate and taught masters degrees at De Montfort University (DMU, UK), a group from different EU Universities [DMU and the Spanish universities: University of San Pablo CEU (USP-CEU) and University Miguel Hernández] and clinicians are developing an on-line package for teaching and learning parasitology named DMU e-Parasitology. The development of this teaching resource will cover a gap in the traditional teaching and learning methods that are currently used and provided in the participating universities. Materials/methods: The DMU e-Parasitology resource is being created for undergraduate and postgraduate human health science students, with corresponding degrees of difficulty on the DMU website (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/). To develop the theoretical section, a preliminary unit about the helminth Toxocara was initially developed to be used as a model for this section: http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/learn/modules/toxocara/story.html. Volunteers that studied Parasitology during the first term in 2016/17 [n=27; 6 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits (ECTS); 3rd year module] from the bilingual Pharmacy and Biotechnology degree at USP-CEU provided comprehensive feedback for this preliminary unit at the beginning of the second term. The module was tested with these students because of their knowledge of parasitology. Results: Students described the initial unit as interactive and presenting the appropriate content and resources to study the parasitic disease addressed (toxocariasis). Limitations were the poor navigability in the formative exercise section and the excessive information provided in some slides that could hinder their understanding. Conclusions: The team has addressed these limitations and is using this unit as a model to build the DMU e-Parasitology, which will be accessible through the website (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk) in 2018. We consider that this teaching and learning resource will overcome barriers of time, space, equipment and resource. Finally, this resource could facilitate the introduction of parasitology in any health science programme with limited time for teaching this subject in their curriculums.
Open Access
Development of a virtual environment for teaching and learning biomedical techniques and equipment for the study of human pathogens.
(IATED, 2018-07-04) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Fenoy, S.; Evans, M. D.; Sgamma, Tiziana; Hurtado, C.; Izquierdo, F.; Randles, M.; Young, Christopher N. J.; Acosta, L.; del Aguila, C.
An international innovative teaching group from different EU Universities (De Montfort University, Leicester, UK; University of San Pablo CEU, Madrid, Spain; University of Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain) and biomedical scientists registered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, UK) are developing a complete e-learning package in medical parasitology for undergraduate and postgraduate students that study Health Sciences. This package, named DMU e-Parasitology, is accessible through the DMU website (http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk) and will present different modules including a virtual laboratory module for the study of traditional and novel biomedical laboratory techniques and equipment for detecting, identifying and studying human pathogens, specifically parasites. These techniques could also be potentially used to study other pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. The virtual biomedical laboratory is under development, but is available in the DMU website here: http://parasitology.dmu.ac.uk/learn/laboratory.htm. To develop this new module of the DMU e-Parasitology, we are using Storyline 360 software and the scaffolding and methods used to build the theoretical module (Peña-Fernández et al., 2017) [1]. To facilitate the navigation, study and comprehension of the final user, we have divided the virtual laboratory into a series of sub-sections that include different units; the sub-sections so far are: microscopes (with units such as the electron microscope); molecular biology (e.g. polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis); biological safety cabinets and cell/parasite culture; biochemical and immunological techniques (e.g. magnetic immunoseparation); histology (e.g. microtome) and staining techniques (e.g. Kinyoun staining). The virtual laboratory units are highly interactive and present short videos of academics and/or technicians working in real conditions with the different laboratory equipment such as a thermocycler, a microtome, or a biological safety cabinet, as well as performing a specific technique such as a staining to determine pathogens. Therefore, the user of this virtual environment will receive a complete and “real” experience of the work in a biomedical laboratory. The DMU e-Parasitology package, and specifically its virtual laboratory environment, could help technicians and students across the world to learn how to work in a biomedical laboratory as well as to perform techniques to identify and diagnose human pathogens such as microsporidia or Plasmodium spp. Thus, the virtual resource is supported by a virtual library that includes a real collection of clinical slides that will provide the user with the functionality of a light and/or an immunofluorescence microscope. In conclusion, the virtual laboratory may serve as a high quality and reliable on-line environment for the learning of techniques and equipment. These resources can be used to improve the learning of undergraduate and postgraduate students of human health sciences as well as to develop CPD training. Moreover, the virtual laboratory module may impact in the teaching of laboratory techniques and skills in developing countries due to their limited resources. This communication will explore the design and development of the virtual laboratory environment that will be publicly accessible by the end of 2018.
Embargo
Development of a virtual library of clinical samples for medical parasitology diagnosis
(IATED, 2018) Pena-Fernandez, A.; Fenoy, S.; Halliwell, R.; Izquierdo, F.; Magnet, A.; Hurtado, C.; Bornay, F.; Acosta, L.; Ollero, M. D.; Armstrong, M.; Evans, M. D.; del Aguila, C.
Open Access
Emerging human pathogenic microsporidia in built-up environments: a public health concern?
(2018-08-24) Hoosen, H.; Anjum, U.; Magnet, A.; Izquierdo, F.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Genera of the phylum of Microsporidia that have been categorised as emergent human pathogens include Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. (E. intestinalis, E. hellem and E. cuniculi). The sources of human infection and the routes of transmission of microsporidia are not yet fully understood, although a strong zoonotic component has been suggested, which may represent a serious public health concern in the built-up environment due to the presence of “urban animals”. We reported, for the first time, the presence of human-related microsporidia in 2 out of 18 dog faecal samples collected in public parks from the city centre of Leicester (England) in January 2016 during a pilot study. We report here the results of a further investigation performed from June 2016 to February 2017 in which 228 animal faecal samples were randomly collected from different parks and recreational areas across Leicester. Spores of microsporidia were observed in 36 of these samples by Weber’s modified trichrome stain analysis, which were subsequently processed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with melting curve analysis for species identification. The RT-PCR assay indicated that 28 out of these 36 stools samples were positive for human-related microsporidia, as follows: Encephalitozoon spp. were detected in 26 of these faecal samples (14 deer, 7 avian [3 waterfowl, 2 songbird, 1 pigeon, 1 uncertain], 2 dog, 1 fox and 2 unidentified due to diarhoea), for which E. intestinalis/ E. hellem were specifically found in two (waterfowl and uncertain avian species) and E. cuniculi in 7 samples (6 deer and 1 fox). For its part, Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 2 of them, both from waterfowl. Our results highlight that different urban animal species could play a role in the transmission of these pathogens that requires to be fully understood to develop interventions to protect the local community.
Open Access
Evaluating the presence of free-living human pathogenic amoeba in an urban area in Leicester, UK.
(2017-07-21) Hoosen, H.; Magnet, A.; Pancholi, R.; Kukathasan, S.; Anjum, U.; Fenoy, S.; Izquierdo, F.; Ollero, D.; Lobo-Bedmar, M. C.; Pena, M. A.; del Aguila, C.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Human pathogenic free-living amoebas include Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris. These FLA are widely distributed protozoa in the environment and are becoming a public health threat as they are resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Despite several studies describing the presence of these organisms in soil and fresh water environments, there is a general lack of knowledge of the distribution of FLA in the environment or their source. Thus, identification of these FLA in the environment to protect the public is therefore necessary, particularly due to fact that they are becoming the natural habitat for humans. The present study investigated whether these FLA were present in an urban area close to the city centre of Leicester (UK). Ten samples of both grass and soil were collected from Bede Park (postcode LE2 7HN) in November 2016. This park is located between two water courses, the Old River Soar and the River Soar, and is frequented by children and adults. An additional ten animal faecal samples were collected from the river bank close to this park in the same period and on dry days to maintain the integrity of the sample. A veterinarian identified the possible animal species as: 5 avian (3 waterfowl, 2 uncertain); 4 canine (3 fox, 1 dog) and 1 cat. Grass and soil samples were appropriately treated with 1% phosphate-buffered saline to extract any possible cysts. DNA was extracted from each sample (faecal and aliquots of soil and grass) using the Fast-DNA-Spin kit following the methodology previously described. PCR inhibitors were removed using the QIAamp micro DNA extraction kit. Extracts were screened for FLA using a triplex real-time TaqMan PCR assay that can simultaneously identify these three amoebae. Positive controls were used for each amoeba. All samples screened for FLA were negative, however the results overall were inconclusive due to the limited number of samples and the small area monitored. Further studies will be needed to protect the public from these emerging human pathogens as recent evidence indicates an increase in infections due to FLA globally.
Open Access
Exploring the presence of human pathogenic free-living amoebas in different water ecosystems in Leicester, UK.
(2018-04-24) Anjum, U.; Hoosen, H.; Magnet, A.; Izquierdo, F.; Fenoy, S.; Reid, R.; Pena-Fernandez, A.
Background: The presence and distribution of Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris and Naegleria fowleri (human pathogenic free-living amoebas, FLA) in different environmental compartments and geographical locations in Europe remains unknown. These FLA can be a public health threat as their cysts are highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the presence of FLA in different water ecosystems close or in Leicester city (Leicestershire, UK) as information on the presence these emerging parasites in the UK is limited in the literature. Materials/methods: A total of 30 water samples were collected from different open water environments in Leicester during winter 2016/17 including: the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal (a canalised section of the River Soar), different lakes highly frequented for fishing or leisure (e.g. John Merricks' Lake, Kings Lears Lake; Bennion Pools Fishing Lake), and a marina near River Soar. The River Soar is rich in wildlife including water birds, fish and plant populations attracting large numbers of users. Water samples were obtained following protocol 1623 described by US EPA and concentrated using IDEXX® Filta Max system following manufacturer's instructions. DNA extraction from concentrated water was performed from each water sample with Fast DNA® Kit. A triplex real-time TaqMan PCR assay was performed to detect FLA; positive controls for the three amoebae were used. Results: All 30 samples assessed for FLA were negative. However these results should be considered as inconclusive as, although rare, several studies have reported the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the UK domestic water supplies which may indicate the presence of these human pathogens in other water systems including the environment. Moreover, the incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased in recent years in England. Conclusions: Further studies will be needed to determine the presence and distribution of FLA in the open water systems monitored to protect the public as recent evidence indicates an increase in infections due to these emerging human pathogens globally. This information is crucial to develop novel strategies to protect humans and increase the awareness of these protozoan parasites in aquatic environments in the UK.

Browsing by Author "Izquierdo, F."

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