C.H. Burren

Bio: C.H. Burren is an academic researcher. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 36 citations.

The distribution of Toxocara larvae in the central nervous system of the mouse.

Abstract: The distribution of T. canis and T. cati larvae in the brains of experimentally infected mice were examined. Larvae were found within the brains of all mice infected with the former species, whereas, they were present in only 8·3% of those infected with the latter. The larvae of T. canis showed a predilection for the cerebellum, more per unit weight of tissue being found in this region than in either the cerebral hemispheres or the brain-stem. A few mice also contained larvae within the spinal cord. The incidence of eye involvement was 4·5%.

Cerebral Toxocariasis: Silent Progression to Neurodegenerative Disorders?

Abstract: SUMMARY Toxocara canis and T. cati are highly prevalent nematode infections of the intestines of dogs and cats. In paratenic hosts, larvae do not mature in the intestine but instead migrate through the somatic tissues and organs of the body. The presence of these migrating larvae can contribute to pathology. Toxocara larvae can invade the brains of humans, and while case descriptions of cerebral toxocariasis are historically rare, improved diagnosis and greater awareness have contributed to increaseddetection.Despitethis,cerebralorneurologicaltoxocariasis (NT) remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Furthermore, our understanding of cognitive deficits due to toxocariasis in human populations remains particularly deficient. Recent data describe an enhanced expression of biomarkers associated with brain injury, such as GFAP, APP, transforming growth factor 1 (TGF-1), NF-L, S100B, tTG, and p-tau, in mice receiving even low doses of Toxocara ova. Finally, this review outlines a hypothesis to explore the relationship between the presence of T. canislarvaeinthebrainandtheprogressionofAlzheimer’sdisease

Toxocariasis of the central nervous system: with report of two cases

Abstract: Clinical involvement of the nervous system in visceral larva migrans due to Toxocara is rare, although in experimental animals the larvae frequently migrate to the brain. A review of the literature from the early 50's to date found 29 cases of brain involvement in toxocariasis. In 20 cases, various clinical and laboratory manifestations of eosinophilic meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis or radiculopathy were reported. We report two children with neurological manifestations, in which there was cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis with marked eosinophilia and a positive serology for Toxocara both in serum and CSF. Serology for Schistosoma mansoni, Cysticercus cellulosae, Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus were negative in CSF, that was sterile in both cases. Improvement of signs and symptoms after specific treatment (albendazole or thiabendazole) was observed in the two cases. A summary of data described in the 25 cases previously reported is presented and we conclude that in cases of encephalitis and myelitis with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and eosinophilia, parasitic infection of the central nervous system should be suspected and serology should be performed to establish the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Species-specific and common epitopes on the secreted and surface antigens of Toxocara cati and Toxocara canis infective larvae

Abstract: It is widely accepted that the major cause of visceral larva migrans (VLM) in man is Toxocara canis infection. This has been largely based on the detection of antibodies to this species. We have compared the antigens of T. canis and Toxocara cati in order to establish whether assay for the former might be compromised by infection with the latter. Comparisons were made by radioiodination of the surface and excretory/secretory (ES) glycoproteins of the infective larvae of both species, immunoprecipitation with poly- and monoclonal reagents, and SDS-PAGE. The SDS-PAGE profiles of surface antigens of the two species showed few similarities, whereas that of the ES material indicated considerable homology. Serum from infected animals and a human VLM patient exhibited complete cross reactivity, although there was evidence in the mouse of a specific response to one of the components of T. cati ES. Testing of ES against a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) confirmed the similarity; all but one of the MoAbs recognized several of the components of both sources of ES. The only exception was MoAb Tcn-2, which did not react with T. cati surface, somatic or ES antigens. This antibody is known to recognize a carbohydrate determinant which is widespread on T. canis glycoproteins. This species-specific determinant, therefore, represents a reversal of the consensus that peptide determinants tend to be the more specific. Finally, the MoAbs were used to examine the exposure of shared epitopes on the surface of intact larvae of T. cati. Again, fine differences in binding by anti-carbohydrate monoclonals were observed when the two species of Toxocara were compared, reflecting a distinction in exposure or orientation of surface molecules on these nematodes. Moreover, these epitopes were absent or variably present on the surface of freshly hatched larvae, and full exposure did not occur until about 24 h post-hatching. This delay in the presentation of epitopes might have implications for the process of infection in sensitized hosts. In conclusion, it is probable that the serological response in man to T. canis is, by current serological methods, indistinguishable in specificity from that induced by T. cati infection, and that the MoAb which we describe could be used to permit discrimination.

Behavioral effects of lead and Toxocara canis in mice

Abstract: Adult mice were administered the common parasite Toxocara canis or lead or both. The parasite clearly altered mouse performance on tests of exploration, activity, learning, and motor coordination; behavioral effects in mice receiving lead alone were less general. Consequence of Toxocara administration appeared attenuated in animals receiving both agents. Parasite larvae were found in the central nervous system in all infected mice.