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Metformin (Met) is an anti-hyperglycemic and potential anti-cancer agent which may exert its anti-proliferative effects via the induction of energetic stress. In this study we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Met against the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Metformin showed significant dose- and time-dependent killing effects on in vitro cultured protoscoleces and metacestodes. Notably, the combination of Met together with the minimum effective concentration of ABZSO had a synergistic effect after days 3 and 12 on metacestodes and protoscoleces, respectively. Oral administration of Met (50 mg/kg/day) in E. granulosus-infected mice was highly effective in reducing the weight and number of parasite cysts, yet its combination with the lowest recommended dose of ABZ (5 mg/kg/day) was even more effective. Coincidentally, intracystic Met accumulation was higher in animals treated with both drugs compared to those administered Met alone. Furthermore, the safe plant-derived drug Met exhibited remarkable chemopreventive properties against secondary hydatidosis in mice. In conclusion, based on our experimental data, Met emerges as a promising anti-echinococcal drug as it has proven to efficiently inhibit the development and growth of the E. granulosus larval stage and its combination with ABZ may improve the current anti-parasitic therapy.

Molecular detection of Babesia bigemina involves a nested PCR protocol and reverse line blot hybridization (RLBH) assay based on the 18S gene. In this study, we report the development of molecular tools for improving B. bigemina detection in bovine blood-a one-step PCR assay based on the amplification of rap-1a paralogous and a new RLBH Babesia spp. 18S probe. The one-step PCR assay is highly specific, with an estimated analytical sensitivity corresponding to 0.00002% parasitemia. The RLBH assay, with a new B. bigemina probe, allows the detection of all tested B. bigemina isolates showing no cross-hybridization with B. bovis 18S gene. By developing this highly specific and sensitive one-step PCR and upgrading the RLBH assay for B. bigemina, we have improved molecular assays which, together with serologic methods, provide valuable tools for epidemiologic studies of bovine babesiosis.

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This work aims to increase the information on the entero-parasitism in Holocene carnivores, by examining coprolites found in Patagonia. Molecular analysis was conducted following the Authenticity Criteria to Determine Ancient DNA sequences. The nucleotide sequences showed 99% of identity with the Control Region sequences of Lycalopex culpaeus (culpeo fox). Coprolites were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. The presence of Alaria sp. and Clonorchis sp. represents the first record for pre-Columbian America. The parasitological findings suggest the importance of these carnivores for the dissemination of their own parasites and those to their prey in rockshelters, areas with high re-use of space.

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SummaryThe parasites of the genus Spirometra belong to one of the twelve genera of the family Diphyllobothriidae, with several species of zoonotic importance whose defi nitive hosts are carnivorous mammals. In Argentina, few reports have described these parasites in wild carnivores. Morphological studies of the adult stage obtained from necropsy allow the distinction between Diphyllobothrium and Spirometra. A less invasive method of identifi cation is the analysis of the parasite eggs; however, the morphometric similarities between close genera and species and alterations in egg preservation affect the identifi cation. In Argentina, molecular tools have been used as a non-invasive and accurate method to increase the information about Spirometra and to improve its identifi cation. In the present study, DNA was extracted from Spirometra eggs from Pampas foxes and a 450-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was sequenced. The sequence obtained, which is the fi rst Spirometra DNA sequence from Argentina, was deposited at GenBank. Comparison by BLASTN analysis between the sequence obtained and the sequences from GenBank showed 93 % identity with S. proliferum and 89% with S. erinaceieuropaei.