Animal Parasites

How to cite this article: Chauhan S, Singh VS, Thakur V (2017) Effect of Calotropis procera (madar) and amprolium supplementation on parasitological parameters of broilers during mixed Eimeria species infection, Veterinary World, 10(8): 864-868. Abstract Aim: An experiment was conducted on day old 168 broiler chicks to study the effect of 0.4% as well as 0.2% Calotropis procera (madar) leaf powder and 0.0125% amprolium supplementation on parasitological parameters of broilers during mixed Eimeria species infection. Materials and Methods: Chicks were randomly divided into seven groups (I-VII) each with two replicates of 12 chicks. On 15 th day of experiment, broilers of Group II, IV, VI, and VII were infected with 50,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. To evaluate the anticoccidial effect of different feed supplements percent fecal score, percent survival, percent weight gain, performance index (PI), average oocyst production, and percent reduction in oocyst production were calculated. Results: It was observed that amprolium supplementation had maximum anticoccidial effect as it gave the best efficacy in terms of all parameters, whereas supplementation of 0.4% madar leaf powder showed nonsignificant difference with amprolium for some parameters such as percent survival, percent weight gain, and PI. Conclusion: It can be concluded that madar (C. procera) leaf powder and amprolium had comparable activity against coccidiosis. Hence, madar leaf powder may be used for the prevention and control of mixed Eimeria spp. infection prevalent in field conditions.

Aim: Aim of the present study was to carry out the partial purification and biochemical characterization of glutathione S-transferase (GST) from the somatic tissue of ruminal amphistome parasite, Gastrothylax crumenifer (Gc) infecting Indian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Materials and Methods: The crude somatic homogenate of Gc was subjected to progressive ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by size exclusion chromatography in a Sephacryl S 100-HR column. The partially purified GST was assayed spectrophotometrically, and the corresponding enzyme activity was also recorded in polyacrylamide gel. GST isolated from the amphistome parasite was also exposed to variable changes in temperature and the pH gradient of the assay mixture. Results: The precipitated amphistome GST molecules showed maximum activity in the sixth elution fraction. The GST subunit appeared as a single band in the reducing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with an apparent molecular weight of 26 kDa. The GST proteins were found to be fairly stable up to 37°C, beyond this the activity got heavily impaired. Further, the GST obtained showed a pH optima of 7.5. Conclusion: Present findings showed that GST from Gc could be conveniently purified using gel filtration chromatography. The purified enzyme showed maximum stability and activity at 4°C.

DNA metabarcoding offers new perspectives, especially with regard to the high‐throughput identification and diagnostics of pathogens. Microsporidia are an example of widely distributed, opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms in which molecular identification is important for both environmental research and clinical diagnostics. We have developed a method for parallel detection of both microsporidian infection and the host species. We designed new primer sets: one specific for the classical Microsporidia (targeting the hypervariable V5 region of small subunit [ssu] rDNA), and a second one targeting a shortened fragment of the COI gene (standard metazoan DNA‐barcode); both markers are well suited for next generation sequencing. Analysis of the ssu rDNA data set representing 607 microsporidian species (120 genera) indicated that the V5 region enables identification of >98% species in the data set (596/607). To test the method, we used microsporidians that infect mosquitoes in natural populations. Using mini‐COI data, all field‐collected mosquitoes were unambiguously assigned to seven species; among them almost 60% of specimens were positive for at least 11 different microsporidian species, including a new microsporidian ssu rDNA sequence (Microsporidium sp. PL01). Phylogenetic analysis showed that this species belongs to one of the two main clades in the Terresporidia. We found a high rate of microsporidian co‐infections (9.4%). The numbers of sequence reads for the operational taxonomic units suggest that the occurrence of Nosema spp. in co‐infections could benefit them; however, this observation should be retested using a more intensive host sampling. Our results show that DNA barcoding is a rapid and cost‐effective method for deciphering sample diversity in greater resolution, including the hidden biodiversity that may be overlooked using classical methodology.

Aim: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) has potential economic effects to both animal products and human health. A vaccine to protect livestock against CE can be effective in reducing economic costs and increasing the livestock products. Protoscolex tegumental surface antigens (PSTSA) used to induce the production of specific antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus in sheep. The tegumental antigens were extracted from viable protoscolices by solubilization in sterile phosphate-buffered saline containing decanoyl-N-methylglucamine. Materials and Methods: Ten lambs which were infected with CE (positive control), 10 negative control, and 10 test groups of sheep were included in the study. 300 µg emulsion of purified-PSTSA was injected intramuscularly in a two-step immunization on the first and 30 days. Sera were collected immediately before immunization and 6 times with 10-day intervals until 60 days post immunization. Thereafter, the sera were tested for antibodies by indirect hemagglutination test in microtiter plate. Results: After two immunizations, all the infected animals in test group showed substantial increases in antibody titer. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the titer obtained in the test and negative control groups in both phases of immunization (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the PSTSA is a promising immunogenic compound for immunization of sheep against CE.

During 2009 and 2010, 87 specimens of the smooth-backed frog, Lithobates psilonota, from 2 localities (Atenquique and Zapopan) in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, were collected and analyzed for helminths. A total of 816 helminth specimens representing 9 species (7 adults and 2 larvae) were collected. The helminthological record for this host species is composed by 5 digeneans, 3 nematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan. Hosts from both sites shared the nematode Foleyellides sp. and the digeneans Haematoloechus sp., Megalodiscus americanus, and Glypthelmins quieta. On the other hand, Halipegus psilonota, Gorgoderina sp. (Trematoda), Eustrongylides sp., and Rhabdias sp. (Nematoda) were exclusively found in frogs from Atenquique. The acanthocephalan Oncicola sp. was found only in hosts from Zapopan. The most prevalent helminth species in both localities was M. americanus, reaching the highest levels in hosts from Atenquique.
The composition of the helminthological record of L. psilonota is compared with those described for the other 8 species of this amphibian genus studied in Mexico; in these host species, the richness ranges from 6 to 21 species and abundance from 194 to 18,434 individuals. Richness and abundance of the parasite community of L. psilonota is dominated by digeneans.
Most of the species that parasitize Ranidae hosts in Mexico infect them through ingestion of eggs or larval stages; some others are recruited via penetration or mosquito bite. Finally, the helminth fauna of L. psilonota shows a Nearctic influence coupled with a high percentage of endemic species that suggests an important coevolutionary component in the history of the association of this group of frogs and their helminths.

While both human and animal trypanosomiasis continue to present as major human and animal public health constraints globally, detailed analyses of trypanosome wildlife reservoir hosts remain sparse. African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) affects both livestock and wildlife carrying a significant risk of spillover and cross-transmission of species and strains between populations. Increased human activity together with pressure on land resources is increasing wildlife–livestock–human infections. Increasing proximity between human settlements and grazing lands to wildlife reserves and game parks only serves to exacerbate zoonotic risk. Communities living and maintaining livestock on the fringes of wildlife-rich ecosystems require to have in place methods of vector control for prevention of AAT transmission and for the treatment of their livestock. Major Trypanosoma spp. include Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, and Trypanosoma cruzi, pathogenic for humans, and Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma dionisii, Trypanosoma thomasbancrofti, Trypanosma elephantis, Trypanosoma vegrandis, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma irwini, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma gilletti, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma godfreyi, Trypansoma simiae, and Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) pestanai. Wildlife hosts for the trypansomatidae include subfamilies of Bovinae, Suidae, Pantherinae, Equidae, Alcephinae, Cercopithecinae, Crocodilinae, Pteropodidae, Peramelidae, Sigmodontidae, and Meliphagidae. Wildlife species are generally considered tolerant to trypanosome infection following centuries of coexistence of vectors and wildlife hosts. Tolerance is influenced by age, sex, species, and physiological condition and parasite challenge. Cyclic transmission through Glossina species occurs for T. congolense, T. simiae, T. vivax, T. brucei, and T. b. rhodesiense, T. b. gambiense, and within Reduviid bugs for T. cruzi. T. evansi is mechanically transmitted, and T. vixax is also commonly transmitted by biting flies including tsetse. Wildlife animal species serve as long-term reservoirs of infection, but the delicate acquired balance between trypanotolerance and trypanosome challenge can be disrupted by an increase in challenge and/or the introduction of new more virulent species into the ecosystem. There is a need to protect wildlife, animal, and human populations from the infectious consequences of encroachment to preserve and protect these populations. In this review, we explore the ecology and epidemiology of Trypanosoma spp. in wildlife.

– Parasitological examination of marine perciform fishes belonging to four species of Carangoides, i.e. C. chrysophrys, C. dinema, C. fulvoguttatus and C. hedlandensis (Carangidae), from off New Caledonia revealed the presence of nematodes. The identification of carangids was confirmed by barcoding of the COI gene. The eight nematode species found were: Capillariidae gen. sp. (females), Cucullanus bulbosus (Lane, 1916) (male and females), Hysterothylacium sp. third-stage larvae, Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) sp. (female and larvae), Terranova sp. third-stage larvae, Philometra dispar n. sp. (male), Camallanus carangis Olsen, 1954 (females) and Johnstonmawsonia sp. (female). The new species P. dispar from the abdominal cavity of C. dinema is mainly characterised by the body length (5.14 mm), the lengths of markedly unequal spicules (163 and 96 lm) and gubernaculum (102 lm long) provided with a dorsal protuberance and a small, reflexed dorsal barb on its posterior portion. The finding of C. bulbosus represents the first record of this parasite a century after its discovery; the first study of this species by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enabled detailed redescription. The finding of Johnstonmawsonia sp. in C. fulvoguttatus is the first record of a rhabdochonid nematode from a host belonging to the Carangidae family. Johnstonmawsonia africana Moravec & Puylaert, 1970 and J. campanae Puylaert, 1973 are transferred to Prosungulonema Roytman, 1963 as P. africanum (Moravec & Puylaert, 1970) comb. n. and P. campanae (Puylaert, 1973) n. comb.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of rabbit coccidiosis (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in North Algeria. Materials and Methods: During the study, 40 rabbit farms were investigated. The farms are located in the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Médéa, and Djelfa which distributed, respectively, into three regions: East Tell Atlas Mountains, Central Tell Atlas Mountains, and High Plateaus. The number of oocyst per gram of feces (OPG) was determined by McMaster technique, and the Eimeria species were identified using morphological criteria. Results: In the farms investigated, the prevalence of coccidian infection was estimated to 90% (80.7-99.3%) in rabbits after weaning. The classification of the farms according to their parasite load allowed us to show that 37.5% of the prospective farms have an oocyst excretion between 10 4 and 5×10 4 oocysts per gram and 22.5% excrete >5×10 4 oocysts per gram. Excretion levels by region show that the region of East Tel Atlas Mountains ranks first with 79% of farms with a parasitic load >10 4 coccidians compared to the regions of Central Tel Atlas Mountains and High Plateaus. In total, eight species of Eimeria were identified from oocyst-positive samples. Mixed infections with four Eimeria species were common. E. magna is the dominant species in comparison with E. media and E. irresidua with respective frequencies of 42.5% and 17.6% and 14.9% (p<0.001). Our results showed that the farms using anticoccidial drugs for their rabbits were low (25%) and the percentage of farms with poor hygienic conditions was 65%. There was a significant association between increased oocysts excretion and control measures of coccidian infection. Conclusion: The study revealed an overall prevalence of 90% in the three Algerian regions. A strong association was observed between Eimeria infection and hygienic status and preventional chemotherapy.

Aim: The objective of this research was to in vitro evaluate the cuticular surface damage of Ascaridia galli adult worms treated with ethanolic extract of betel nuts Veitchia merrillii. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening was done using FeCl 3 , Wagner and Dragendorff reagents, NaOH, MgHCl, and Liebermann–Burchard reaction test. Amount of 16 worms were segregated into four groups with three replicates. Four worms of each group submerged into phosphate buffered saline, 25 mg/ml, and 75 mg/ml crude ethanolic extract of V. merrillii, and 15 mg/ml albendazole. The effect of these extract was observed 40 h after incubation as soon as worms death. The worms were sectioned transversally and were explored for any cuticular histopathological changes in their body surface under microscope. Results: We found that the ethanolic extract of V. merrillii betel nuts contains tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and saponins. The ethanolic extract of betel nuts V. merrillii induces surface alterations caused cuticular damage of A. galli adult worms. Conclusion: We concluded that ethanolic extract of betel nuts V. merrillii possess anthelmintic activity caused cuticular damage of A. galli adult worms.

2012. First record of Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in coyotes of Mexico. Acta Zoológica Mexicana (n. s.), 28(3): 659-662. ABSTRACT. In Mexico, studies of parasites of wild canids are incidental. We present the results of a necropsy of a road-killed male coyote found near Queretaro City, Mexico. No metazoans parasites were collected in the digestive tract, lungs or internal cavity, yet, we collected 40 nematodes of Dirofilaria im-mitis or heartworms. This scientific note is the first record of Dirofilaria immitis in coyotes of Mexico.

Aim: The effects of N-P-K fertilizers in the form of urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash on development of free-living stages of Haemonchus contortus were studied. Materials and Methods: Five parasite free experimental plots of 1 m×1 m area, each of paddy leaves (15-day-old) and an equal number of Cynodon dactylon grass were infested with about 10×10 4 eggs/ml phosphate buffer saline along with the application of the calculated amount of fertilizers solution. On the 10 th day of posttreatment, the pasture was cut, processed, larvae recovered by Baermann method and counted, which was expressed as number of L 3 per kg dry matter (DM) of pasture. Results: The average recovered population of L 3 of H. contortus per kg DM varied significantly (p<0.05) between the paddy leaves (5933.57±22.718) and Cynodon grass (4861.00±22.718). When different doses of chemical fertilizer and their impact on different pasture were analyzed for control (T-1, 0-0-0 kg/ha N-P-K), the mean L 3 recovery per kg DM of paddy (19512.7±50.80) was more than that of Cynodon grass (16540.9±50.80). Larvae recovery per kg DM for different pastures under treatment were in decreasing order as follows: T-2 of paddy (6981.33±50.80, 35.77%), T-2 of Cynodon (5545.38±50.80, 33.52%), T-3 of paddy (317378±50.80, 16.26%), and T-3 of Cynodon (2218.72±50.80, 13.41%) which showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments. In T-4 (paddy) and T-5 (Cynodon), the average number of recovery of larvae was nil implying no significant variation (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study shown that when N-P-K fertilizers administered at recommended level, significantly reduced larval translation of H. contortus minimizing pasture infectivity for the free range grazing animals.

Aim: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of bluetongue virus (BTV) in sheep and bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) in dairy cattle in Jordan.

Materials and Methods: A simple randomized study was designed to collect 600 serum samples from sheep and 300 serum samples from dairy cattle located in the Northwestern parts of Jordan. In addition, data regarding farm management were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire through personal interview to determine potential risk factors. The seroprevalences of BEF and BTVs were determined using serum neutralization test and BTV group-specific competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies against BEFV in dairy cattle was 45.37%. The overall seroprevalence of BTV group-specific antibodies in sheep was 47.8% (54% true seroprevalence). Logistic regression analysis identified geographic location (Irbid) (odds ratio [OR]=1.0; confidence interval [CI]=0.5-2.1), no use of disinfectants on the farm (OR=1.0; CI=0.05-0.1), and lack of veterinary services (OR=10; CI=3.5-13.2) as risk factors associated with high seropositivity against BTV in sheep. Geographic location (Jarash) (OR=3; CI=1.0-5.5), age of the animal (1-2 years of age (OR=1; CI=0.3-1.9), and lack of veterinary services (OR=9; CI=4-11) were identified as risk factors associated with high seroprevalence against BEFV in dairy cattle.

Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that BEFV in dairy cattle and BTV in sheep are endemic in Northwestern regions of Jordan. Implementation of appropriate control measures is, therefore, required to reduce the adverse effects of these diseases on animal health and productivity.

سابقه و هدف : لینگواتولا سراتا یکی از عوامل انگلی مشترک انسان و دام با گسترش جهانی است. انگل بالغ¬ در مجاری بینی میزبانان اصلی (سگ، سگ¬سانان) و مراحل لاروی آن در کبد، ریه و گره¬های لنفی مزانتری میزبانهای واسط (علف خواران، اسب و جوندگان) زندگی می¬کند.  انسان هم به عنوان میزبان واسط و هم اصلی انگل محسوب می شود. هدف از این مطالعه تعیین میزان آلودگی 380 راس نشخوارکننده کوچک کشتار شده در کشتارگاه لنگرود  به  نوچه  لینگواتولا سراتا در عقده های لنفاوی مزانتر در طول مدت یکسال می باشد.
مواد و روش ها: عقده ها لنفاوی بعد از کشتار  به صورت  تصادفی جمع آوری شد و مشخصات دام از قبیل جنس، سن، زمان نمونه برداری ثبت گردید. سپس به آزمایشگاه منتقل گردید و عقده ها به قطعات کوچک بریده شد و در نرمال سالین 9/0 درصد به مدت 5 ساعت قرار گرفت تا نوچه های موجود از آن خارج شده در محلول غوطه ور شوند. سپس نوچه ها در لاکتوفنل شفاف شده و از لحاظ فاکتورهای مورفولوژیک مورد ارزیابی و شناسایی قرار گرفتند.
يافته ها: میزان آلودگی عقده ها ی لنفاوی مزانتر 380 راس گوسفند(200) و بز(180) کشتار شده در کشتارگاه لنگرود به  لینگواتولا سراتا  در گوسفند(64) و بز(38) به ترتیب 32 و 21.11 درصد مشاهده شد. نشخوارکننده کوچک کشتار شده در چهار فصل سال و در 5 گروه سنی بررسی شدند و همچنین بررسی های انجام شده از نظر آماری تفاوت معنی داری بین میزان آلودگی عقده ی لنفاوی مزانتر با  جنس و فصل نشان نداد  .(p>0.05) اما تفاوت معناداری در ارتباط آلودگی با سن مشاهده گردید که افزایش سن با افزایش میزان آلودگی ارتباط مستقیم دارد (p<0.05).
نتيجه گيري: باتوجه به این که  لینگواتولا سراتا جزء انگلهای زئونوز محسوب می شود  اهمیت بازرسی کشتارگاهی اندام های دیگر مانند کبد و  ریه به منظور قطع چرخه زندگی انگل بایستی مورد تأکید قرار گیرد.

Ticks (Arachnida: Acari) are vectors for pathogens and the biggest threat to animal health. Many Australian ticks are associated with pathogens that impact humans, domestic animals and livestock. However, little is known about the presence or impact of tick-borne pathogens in native Australian wildlife. Wombats are particularly susceptible to the effects of the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei which causes sarcoptic mange, the reason for which is unknown. Factors such as other ectoparasites and their associated pathogens may play a role. A critical understanding of the species of ectoparasites that parasitise wombats and their pathogens, and particularly ticks, is therefore warranted. This review describes the ectoparasites of wombats, pathogens known to be associated with those ectoparasites, and related literature gaps. Pathogens have been isolated in most tick species that typically feed on wombats; however, there are minimal molecular studies to determine the presence of pathogens in any other wombat ectoparasites. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies allows us to explore entire microbial communities in ectoparasite samples, allowing fast and accurate identification of potential pathogens in many samples at once. These new techniques have highlighted the diversity and uniqueness of native ticks and their microbiomes, including pathogens of potential medical and veterinary importance. An increased understanding of all ectoparasites that parasitise wombats, and their associated pathogens, requires further investigation.

Sobre los tiburones inciden serias amenazas por la sobrepesca y cambios ambientales. Son elementos de relevancia ecológica, actuando con frecuencia como modeladores de las tramas tróficas y como bio-indicadores de la salud del ecosistema. A su vez, las tramas tróficas están influenciadas por la presencia de parásitos, y al igual que otros grupos de peces los tiburones los presentan con frecuencia, revelándose los copépodos parásitos como el segundo grupo más diverso en estos escualos, siendo de gran significación para sus hospederos, por su diversidad, usual presencia y efectos patológicos. En vista de lo antes mencionado y de la escasez de infor- mación sobre estos copépodos en Venezuela, se estudió la fauna de copépodos parásitos de tibu- rones de los mares circundantes a la Isla de Margarita. Con ese fin se visitaron cinco puertos pesqueros para registrar capturas de selacios. Únicamente los puertos de Robledal y La Pared proporcionaron tiburones, pero sólo en el primero fueron hallados hospederos parasitados. Cuatro especies de tiburones (Alopias superciliosus , Prionace glauca , Carcharhinus brevipinna e Isurus oxyrinchus portaban copépodos parásitos. Los cuales fueron fijados en formalina al 10% e iden- tificados con claves y literatura especializadas. Las especies de copépodos parásitos pertenecen a las familias Pandaridae (Pandarus cranchii, P. satyrus, P. smithii y Phyllothyreus cornutus), Eudacty- linidae (Bariaka alopiae y Nemesis robusta) y Kroyeriidae (Kroyeria carchariaeglauci). Todos estos hallazgos constituyen nuevos registros para aguas del mar Caribe. Igualmente, se presentan tres relaciones parásito-hospedero inéditas. Se realza la importancia del estudio de estos parási- tos para la conservación de los elasmobranquios.

Aim: The current study was designed to isolate and characterize Toxocara vitulorum glycoprotein antigens and then to evaluate its potency in accurate diagnosis of toxocariasis.

Materials and Methods: T. vitulorum glycoprotein fractions were isolated using Con-A affinity chromatography. The fractions characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and immunoblot assay. Mass spectrometric analysis was used for identification of proposed structure of the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) fraction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the diagnostic potential of the isolated fractions.

Results: Surface of T. vitulorum adult worm revealed two glycoprotein fractions rich in glucose (Glc) and GlcNAc. Three bands of molecular weight 212kDa, 107 kDa, and 93 kDa were detected in Glc fraction by SDS-PAGE. These bands were also detected in GlcNAc fraction with an additional band of 49 kDa. GlcNAc fraction showed more diagnostic potency of calves' toxocariasis; 79% than Glc fraction; 46.9% by indirect ELISA. The additional band of 49 kDa in GlcNAc fraction is probably responsible for its higher diagnostic potentials. Western blotting verified the immunoreactivity of the Glc and GlcNAc isolated fraction as they reacted with calves sera infected with toxocariasis. The proposed structure of GlcNAc fraction was Ser-Meth-Arg-O-methylated GlcNAc.

Conclusion: GlcNAc-rich fraction of T. vitulorum can be successfully utilized in the diagnosis of calves' toxocariasis.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark against Haemonchus contortus. Materials and Methods: Ethanol extract of bark (E.E.B.) waste and aqueous extract of bark (A.E.B.) waste of P. falcataria (at concentrations 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1, 2.5, and 5%) and albendazole (2 mg/ml) as the positive control were placed in separate Petri dishes (50 mm). Twenty H. contortus worms were placed in Petri dishes and incubated at 37°C for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 h. Mortality of each worm was ensured by pressing the body of the worm with a pair of tweezers and keeping it in lukewarm water for 5 min before declaring it dead. Mortality is defined as amount of death individuals and time of mortality of each worm was recorded. The parasites were then observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at an accelerating voltage of 15 Kv. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 software, two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test to detect significant differences (p<0.05). The result was expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. Results: The E.E.B. and A.E.B. of P. falcataria contained active compounds, such as tannin, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, steroid, and triterpenoid. E.E.B. had a higher content of phenol, while A.E.B. had a higher content of flavonoid. In this study, P. falcataria showed a significant effect (p=0.00) on H. contortus in vitro. E.E.B. (0.8%) was able to exterminate H. contortus completely after 6 h, more effective than A.E.B. (5%) while the positive control requires (2 mg/ml) after 2 h. SEM analysis of the worm treated with E.E.B. and A.E.B. showed damaged cuticle structure. Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of P. falcataria bark waste demonstrated anthelmintic activity against H. contortus.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) worms in Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep from the slope of Mount Sumbing. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples (n=305) were collected directly from the rectum of Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep during the dry and rainy seasons in Wonosobo Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The presence of GI helminth eggs in the fecal samples was assessed using the modified McMaster egg counting technique. The identification of the eggs or oocysts was done on the basis of their morphology and size. Results: The highest prevalence of GI worms was observed in male thin-tailed sheep (76.47%) during the rainy season, whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in female Wonosobo sheep (47.36%) during the dry season. The types of GI nematodes observed in these two types of sheep were Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Bunostomum spp., Trichuris spp., and Moniezia spp. The GI worms with the highest prevalence were of Haemonchus spp. and were observed in male thin-tailed sheep. The prevalences of the two types of sheep assessed at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level were higher than those observed at the altitude of 1586 m. The prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical parasites infestation in Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep in Kwadungan village was significantly different (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that two types of local sheep on the slope of Mount Sumbing are infected with various GI worms during the dry and rainy seasons. The highest prevalence of GI worms was found in thin-tailed sheep at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level during the rainy season, with H. contortus being the most prevalent GI parasites.

The research on physiological and reproduction status of Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii) in its habitat has been
conducted, to understand and to find out as a basic information on Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii) in its habitats a
baseline data for wildlife conservation efforts. The deer is categorized as an endangered animal, therefore, more
attention was given toward Bawean deer conservation. Habitat changes, loss of habitat, fragmentation and illegal
hunting might caused the wild animals become more marginalized and the populations have been declined.
Therefore, it is needed to have research as an effort to save Bawean deer in its natural habitat. This research
activity covered monitoring on physiological and reproduction status, and also the examination of deer's feces
samples was parasite coprological data that serve as a basic consideration data in conservation and determination
of Bawean deers health in the nature and/or conservation. The research was done in Bawean Island, Gresik and
East Java, by taking faces of Bawean deers in the nature and conservation. Data gathering of physiological and
reproduction status were done by examining deer's condition, either directly in conservation or in its habitat, and
also by interviewing people around the forest. The data on physiological status, behavior monitoring,
reproduction status, faces samples, blood, food analysis, and interview result were analyzed descriptively. Some
worm eggs were found during feces examination, those were Strongyl, Strongyloides sp, Trichuris sp, Fasciola
gigantica and Oocysta coccidia. The result showed that the same parasites were found in the cattle and goat
raised by people around in the vicinity of the forest, meaning, there was an interaction between wildlife and
livestock. According to the result, it is needed to monitor the physiological status of Bawean deers routinely since
Bawean deers is classified as endangered species.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the role of ticks in transmission of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq. Materials and Methods: This survey included 255 healthy and clinically ill buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq (Thi-Qar, Basra, and Misan provinces) between the periods from May 2017 to April 2018. Animals were clinically examined. Ticks, isolated from perineum and under tail, sent to the Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad and University of Thi-Qar for taxonomy. Ticks were dissected, and all internal organs were removed aseptically by forceps to sterile tubes containing brain heart infusion broth and incubated at 37°C for 36 h and subcultured on blood and MacConkey agars at 37°C for 36 h. Biochemical tests including citrate, methyl red, indole, urease, triple sugar iron (H 2 S), motility tests, and Gram stain were performed. Results: Two species of ticks were identified. Hyalomma spp. (175; 68.63%) were significantly higher than Rhipicephalus spp. (80; 31.37%). Conversely, pathogenic bacteria in Rhipicephalus spp. (55; 68.75%) was higher than detected from Hyalomma spp. (113; 64.57%), but non-significant. The prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in ticks on diseased buffaloes (110; 88.00%) was significantly higher than non-diseased (58; 44.61%). Escherichia coli (123; 73.21%) showed a significantly higher prevalence than Salmonella spp. (25; 14.88%) and Klebsiella spp. (15; 8.92%). There was no significant variation between Salmonella spp. and Klebsiella spp. The latter was significantly higher than Enterobacter spp. (5; 2.97%). The isolation rate of infected tick collected from buffaloes inhabiting marshes was 65 (66.32%), 45 (69.23%), and 58 (63.40%) from Thi-Qar, Basra, and Misan provinces, respectively, with no significant variation. July and August (71.05% and 72.97%) reported the highest among months, while November, December, January, and February recorded nil (0.00%). The summer season was significantly higher (72.72%) followed by autumn (62.06%) and spring (59.77%), while winter reported no any bacterial isolation (0.00%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria isolated from hard ticks supports the probability of transmitting these bacteria to buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq.

Background: Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Babesia spp. are canine pathogens transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick which can cause varied clinical signs. These pathogens have been investigated in the Philippines, but coinfection has not been reported yet.

Aim: This research was conducted to evaluate the molluscicidal and mosquitocidal efficacy of silica nanoparticles in the eradication of the larvae and pupa of malaria and filariasis vector as well as vectors of rift-valley fever virus (Culex pipiens); Schistosoma mansoni vector (Biomphlaria alexandrina (snail and egg masses)). Materials and Methods: Hydrophilic nanosilica particles (NSPs) were characterized using transmission electron microscope during the preliminary part of the study; the stages were exposed to upgrade concentrations of NSP from 50 to 1200 ppm each for 24-36 h exposure time. The highly effective concentrations were re-evaluated at lower exposure time as 3, 6, and 12 h. Results: Lethal concentration (LC 50) and LC 90 versus mosquito larvae were (350 ppm/24 h and 1400 ppm/24 h, respectively). C. pipiens pupae proved slight high tolerance versus the effect of these nanoparticles as the two previous doses increased to 680 ppm/6 h and 1300 ppm/24 h. The LC 50 and LC 90 versus B. alexandrina were increased to 590 ppm/6 h and 980 ppm/48 h, respectively. Moreover, the embryonated snail egg masses appear more susceptible to the toxic effect of these nanoparticles than the non-embryonated eggs as the LC 50 and LC 90 were increased to 1450 ppm/12 h and 1250 ppm/48 h, respectively, for embryonated eggs, and it was 1400 ppm/24 h and 1890 ppm/48 h, respectively, for non-embryonated one. Conclusion: The results open a new field for controlling the infectious diseases through eradication of their vectors by the way that avoids the resistance recorded from the successive chemical application in this field.

Hymenolepis diminuta is an important model species in studies of therapeutics, biochemical processes, immune responses and other aspects of cestodiasis. The parasite produces numerous excretory-secretory (E-S) proteins and a glycocalyx covering its body. Our study focused on the mass spectrometry analysis of the E-S material with an objective to determine if E-S contains any new proteins, in particular those that can be identified as: antigens, vaccine candidates and drug targets. These proteins might engage directly in host-parasite interactions. Adult parasites collected from experimentally infected rats were cultured in vitro for 5 and 18h. Immunoblotting was used to verify which E-S protein bands separated in SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) react with specific antibodies from sera of infected rats. We identified thirty-nine proteins by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry). Results indicated the presence of proteins that have never been identified in cestode E-S material. Immunoblotting showed the immunogenicity of E-S products of H. diminuta, most probably associated with the presence of proteins known as antigens in other flatworm species. Among identified proteins are those engaged in immunomodulatory processes (eg. HSP), in response to oxidative stress (peroxidasin) or metabolism (eg. GAPDH). The predominant functions are associated with metabolism and catalytic activity. This is the first study identifying E-S-proteins in adult tapeworms, thus providing information for better understanding host-parasite interrelationships, and may point out potential targets for vaccines or drug discovery studies, as among the proteins observed in our study are those known to be antigens.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de parasitas nas caixas de areia de
oito praças públicas da cidade de Guarapuava, Paraná, Brasil, em quatro diferentes
estações. As amostras foram coletadas de caixas de areia, e então concentradas
pelas técnicas de Faust e Hoffmann, para posterior identifi cação dos parasitos por
microscopia. Dentre as amostras, 52% (83) apresentavam-se positivas para algum
parasito, incluindo ovos, larvas e cistos, e 48% (77) negativas. As estações de
primavera e outono foram as que apresentaram maior contaminação, totalizando 65%
(26) das amostras. As larvas rabditóides foram encontrados em 22% (35), Ascaris sp.
em 20,3% (32), Entamoeba coli em 14% (22), Taenia sp. em 12,1% (19), Toxocara
s. em 9,5% (15) e Ancylostoma sp./ Necator sp. em 8,2% (13) das amostras. Estes
dados demostram um problema de saúde pública devido à contaminação ambiental
e um risco de transmissão de vários agentes para o homem e os animais.

The genus Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) is composed of intracellular haemogregarine parasites
that are widely distributed among all tetrapod groups. The present study combines microscopic and molecular data on haemogregarine parasites from lizards in the western Mediterranean. We screened tissue samples and examined blood smears for the presence of species of Hepatozoon from four lizards, namely Algyroides marchi Valverde, endemic to Southeast Spain, Podarcis bocagei Seoane from Spain and Portugal, P. hispanica Steindachner from Spain, and P. lilfordi Günther from Cabrera, Balearic Islands (Spain). Our results show that prevalence and intensity of Hepatozoon parasites vary between and within lizard species from different regions. Algyroides marchi and P. bocagei from Spain had the lowest values, whereas P. hispanica had the highest. Phylogeny based on 18S rRNA gene sequences indicates that most of the new Hepatozoon sequences are part of a clade exclusive from North African and Iberian lizards, except for a single P. bocagei isolate that is found related to another clade including isolates from other reptile host species and rodents. Interestingly, isolates from Algyroides form a distinct monophyletic subgroup, which could be a signal of strict host-specificity within this host genus.

Aim: The effects of N-P-K fertilizers in the form of urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash on development of free-living stages of Haemonchus contortus were studied. Materials and Methods: Five parasite free experimental plots of 1 m×1 m area, each of paddy leaves (15-day-old) and an equal number of Cynodon dactylon grass were infested with about 10×10 4 eggs/ml phosphate buffer saline along with the application of the calculated amount of fertilizers solution. On the 10 th day of posttreatment, the pasture was cut, processed, larvae recovered by Baermann method and counted, which was expressed as number of L 3 per kg dry matter (DM) of pasture. Results: The average recovered population of L 3 of H. contortus per kg DM varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) between the paddy leaves (5933.57±22.718) and Cynodon grass (4861.00±22.718). When different doses of chemical fertilizer and their impact on different pasture were analyzed for control (T-1, 0-0-0 kg/ha N-P-K), the mean L...

Aim: Haemonchus contortus is a major problem in small ruminants in Indonesia. The frequent use of the anthelmintic drugs has given rise to drug-resistant populations which increase the need for new anthelminthic compounds, particularly from endemic plants. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of Biophytum petersianum crude aqueous extract (BAE) as an anthelmintic compound against H. contortus adult worm isolated from goats. Materials and Methods: Adult worm collected from naturally infected abomasums were obtained from slaughtered goats on the day of slaughter. BAE was prepared in six different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/ml) which were tested for their efficacies on ten actively moving worms. Ivermectin (1 mg/ml) was included as a reference drug, while saline water was included as a control. The dead worms from anthelmintic test then went through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Highest mean mortality in treatments group both at 2 h and 4 h observations was BAE 10%. The SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the presence of five protein bands with molecular weights 9.3, 17.1, 50.0, 63.2, and 72.7 kDa based on BAE 10%. The SEM changes observed in the in vitro trials revealed the occurrence of interactions between the BAE and the cuticle. Conclusion: The SEM and SDS-PAGE analysis revealed ultrastructural structural changes and the decrease numbers of polypeptides on treated worms when compared to the control worms. It can thus be concluded that the BAE exhibits good anthelmintic activity against H. contortus adult worm.

Aim: Preservation of macroparasites by infiltrating the polymer in the tissues can defy the inherited shortcoming of classical wet preservation method. Materials and Methods: Preservation was done by infiltrating the melamine alone or with xylene (MX)/chloroform (MC)/turpentine oil (MT) in 1:1 and hardener (MH) in 9:1 ratio in the tissues of the gross specimen of the animal parasites. Results: The plastinated models withstand the process of microbial decomposition, and remain intact in the environmental conditions. The polymer mixture resists the entry of the water molecule, and model dried just after taking out it from the water tank. Overall, the plastinated parasites were dry, non-sticky, glossy, odorless, chemical free, and harmless, to some extent flexible, with detectable morphological structure, and retain their natural form but lost their natural color. Full marks were assigned to the degree of dryness, non-stickiness, and odorlessness to the model plastinated in different solutions on a five-point scale. For flexibility, the score was 1.2, 2.2, and 2.4 for the plastinated model in melamine/MH, MX/MC, and MT solutions, respectively. The average score of glossiness was 4.6 and 5 for the specimen plastinated in melamine/MH and MX/MC/MT solutions, respectively. The degree of dryness, glossiness, stickiness, and flexibility varies non-significantly, with the polymer mixtures used. Conclusion: The prepared model can be used to educate the students/general mass population.

Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease affecting the productive performance of farm animals in Egypt. The aim of the present study was comparing the ovicidal effect of different extracts as an alcoholic (Methanolic and Ethanolic) and aqueous leaf extracts on non-embryonated and developed eggs. Tested concentrations of extracts ranged from 12.5 to 800 mg/ml. Nitroxynil was used as reference drug with a dose of 100 mg/ml. alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed a concentration-dependent ovicidal effect on non-embryonated and developed eggs. Based on LC values, water extract showed the highest ovicidal activity since it registered the lowest values of 2.6 mg/ml on non-embryonated eggs. Non-embryonated eggs were more susceptible to aqueous extract than developed eggs. On the other hand, the developed eggs were more susceptible to ethanolic extract than non-embryonated eggs even the lowest LC (12.38 mg/ml). leaf extracts especially aqueous extract could be a promising step in the fie...

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark against Haemonchus contortus. Materials and Methods: Ethanol extract of bark (E.E.B.) waste and aqueous extract of bark (A.E.B.) waste of P. falcataria (at concentrations 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1, 2.5, and 5%) and albendazole (2 mg/ml) as the positive control were placed in separate Petri dishes (50 mm). Twenty H. contortus worms were placed in Petri dishes and incubated at 37°C for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 h. Mortality of each worm was ensured by pressing the body of the worm with a pair of tweezers and keeping it in lukewarm water for 5 min before declaring it dead. Mortality is defined as amount of death individuals and time of mortality of each worm was recorded. The parasites were then observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at an accelerating voltage of 15 Kv. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 software, two-way ANOVA ...

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Oestrus ovis in sheep meant for meat commercialization in the main slaughterhouse of the country. Materials and Methods: Between October 2015 and December 2015, we assessed the occurrence of Oestrus myiasis in the main slaughterhouse localized in Quito. In total, 80 sheep heads were randomly inspected and necropsied. Larvae were removed from nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses and cleaned. ANOVA (generalized linear model) was used to estimate the relationship between sex, age, and place of origin and presence or absence of parasite larvae. Results: Morphological identification confirmed that 19% (15/80) of the examined animals were positive for Oestrus ovis; from the positive cases, 21% were young animals <12 months old. We found that statistical differences by animal sex, males, were most infested 93% (14/15) than females 7% (1/15). Larvae's L2 were more abundant than other stages (62 of the total 149). 14 of the infested animals were from the Andean places at > 2500 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), and only one case from the coastal region at 250 m.a.s.l. with tropical environmental conditions. Conclusion: Our results showed evidence of the presence of myiasis caused by O. ovis in Andean and coastal places in Ecuador and its adaptation to different environmental conditions from that reported previously in temperate regions from Europe and Africa.