Showing papers in "Annals of parasitology in 2018"
TL;DR: This review study presents the biology of Acanthamoeba sp.
Abstract: Amoebas from the genus Acanthamoeba are cosmopolitan organisms, which can exist as free-living organisms and as parasites within host tissue. Acanthamoeba infection present a serious risk to human health and are characterized by high mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. These protozoa are the etiological factors of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). They can also live in the lungs, adrenals glands, nose, throat, and bones of the host. Furthermore, the amoebas can be vectors of pathogenic bacteria. Acanthamoeba infection caused is a serious clinical problem mainly due to limited progress in diagnostics and treatment of this infection, which is associated with insufficient knowledge of pathogenesis, pathophysiology and the host immune response against Acanthamoeba antigens. This review study presents the biology of Acanthamoeba sp. as well as pathogenicity, diagnostics, and treatment of amoebas infections. It also presents data, including experimental results, concerning pathogenic properties and the host’s immunology response against Acanthamoeba sp.
41 citations
TL;DR: It is possible to reveal in Central Europe the existence of at least three different epidemiological transmission cycles of A. phagocytophilum, which concern the same ticks species and different mammal hosts.
Abstract: In Central European conditions, two species of Anaplasmataceae have epidemiological significance – Candidatus Neoehrlichia micurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Tick Ixodes ricinus is considered as their main vector, wild mammals as the animal reservoir. There is presented the transstadial transmission in ticks, due to the lack of transovarial mode the circulation goes mainly between immature ticks and hosts; pathogen circulates primarily in the cycle: infected rodent → the tick larva → the nymph → the mammal reservoir → the larva of the tick. The tick stages able to effectively infect human are nymphs and adult females, males do not participate in the follow transmission. The summary of available data of different A. phagocytophilum strains associations with different hosts revealed at least few distinct enzootic cycle, concern the same ticks species and different mammal hosts. It is possible to reveal in Central Europe the existence of at least three different epidemiological transmission cycles of A. phagocytophilum. The first cycle involves strains pathogenic for human and identical strains from horses, dogs, cats, wild boars, hedgehogs, possibly red foxes. The second cycle involves deer, European bison and possibly domestic ruminants. The third cycle contains strains from voles, shrew and possibly Apodemus mice. In Western Europe voles might be involved in separate enzootic cycle with Ixodes trianguliceps as the vector.
19 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that both medications have suitable effects like Glucantime® on the parasite in vitro and clinical assessment of the anti-leishmanial activity of silibinin and silymarin for treating the dermal lesions caused by L. major is recommended.
Abstract: Cutaneous leishmaniosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by various Leishmania species. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of silibinin and silymarin on the in vitro growth and proliferation of promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major compared to glucantime-treated parasites. The promastigotes and amastigotes of this parasite were treated with the two drugs, silibinin and silymarin, in several concentrations (25–100 μM). The highest effect on promastigotes was for silymarin in concentration of 100 μM with 90% and 91% death rate at hours 48 and 72, respectively. Regarding amastigotes, the highest effect at 48 hours was for silibinin in concentration of 100 μM with 35% death rate. However, at 72 hours, silymarin showed the highest effect with 63% death rate in concentration of 100 μM. The highest observed maximal 50% lethal concentration (LC50) for promastigotes was for silymarin with 19.34 μM at 48 hours and 18.22 μM at 72 hours. Likewise, maximal LC50 for amastigotes was for silymarin with 191 μM at 48 hours and 24.27 μM at 72 hours. Our findings demonstrated that both medications have suitable effects like Glucantime® on the parasite in vitro. Therefore, clinical assessment of the anti-leishmanial activity of silibinin and silymarin for treating the dermal lesions caused by L. major is recommended.
15 citations
TL;DR: This is the first study in which O. quadrispinulatum has been found in wild boar from Bulgaria, and Metastrongylus, Globocephalus and Oesophagostomum were the genera with the highest prevalence of infection.
Abstract: Eighty fecal samples from free living wild boars and internal organs from eleven hunted animals from Bulgaria were investigated during 2016–2017. The fecal samples were analyzed with the coproscopical methods of Fulleborn, Shterbovich and serial sedimentations, as well as the modified Baermann technique. Helminthological necropsies of the lungs and gastrointestinal tracts of the animals were carried out through the common technique. Ten helminth genera (Metastrongylus, Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum, Hyostrongylus, Globocephalus, Nematodirus, Ascaris, Ascarops, Trichuris, Macracanthorhynchus) and one protozoa (Eimeria) were established through coproscopical investigations. Helminths of the species Metastrongylus elongatus, M. pudendotectus, M. salmi, Globocephalus urosubulatus, Oesophagostomum dentatum, O. quadrispinulatum, Trichuris suis, Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, Ascaris suum, Ascarops strongylina and Physocephalus sexalatus were found during the necropsies. Metastrongylus, Globocephalus and Oesophagostomum were the genera with the highest prevalence of infection being respectively 28.75%, 13.75% and 12.5%. These were also the genera with the highest territorial incidence. Metastrongylids were found in eight of the eleven examined areas, while globocephalids and oesophagostomids were found in four of them. The infections of Metastrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp. and Ascarops spp. were with the highest intensity. This is the first study in which O. quadrispinulatum has been found in wild boar from Bulgaria.
14 citations
TL;DR: In vitro anti-parasitic effects of extracts of Ferula asafoetida and Allium sativum, two native plants that are widespread in Iran on Strongylus spp.
Abstract: The high incidence of equine gastrointestinal worms and their increased resistance against anthelmintics has encouraged research into the effectiveness of rational phytotherapy. This study investigates the in vitro anti-parasitic effects of extracts of Ferula asafoetida and Allium sativum, two native plants that are widespread in Iran on Strongylus spp. larvae. Faecal samples were collected from horses, examined by routine parasitology methods and positive samples were used for future examination. After incubation, the third-stage larvae were harvested by the Baermann technique. A hydroalcoholic extract from the plants was used for the antiparasitic study, while tap water was used for controls. Trials for each concentration and control group were performed in three replicates. The results showed that that during the first day of exposure, the hydroalcoholic extract of F. asafoetida at concentration of 10, 50 and 100 mg/ml killed over the 90% of the larvae, and A. sativum extract at concentration of 50 and 100 mg/ml killed over the 95% of larvae (p<0.05). The results obtained from the bioassay showed that two plant extracts have a larvicidal effect on the Strongylus spp. larval stages compared with the control group.
12 citations
TL;DR: This study shows that ASAQ and AL are still effective and well-tolerated and can continue being used to treat uncomplicated malaria in Côte d’Ivoire, however, monitoring of their efficacy should remain a priority for health authorities.
Abstract: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Cote d’Ivoire. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) versus artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, at two malaria surveillance sites in Cote d’Ivoire. The World Health Organization 2003 protocol was used for this multicenter open randomized clinical trial with a 42-day follow-up. We recruited 240 patients (120 per arm), of whom 114 (ASAQ group) and 112 (AL group) were fully followed-up. According to intention-to-treat statistical analysis, PCR-corrected cure rates for ASAQ and AL treatments were 95.8% and 92.5% on day 28, and 95% and 92.5% on day 42, respectively. Based on per-protocol statistical analysis, ASAQ and AL treatment rates reached 100% and 99.1%, respectively, on day 28 and remained the same on day 42. Overall, both drugs were well-tolerated at the clinical and biological level. This study shows that ASAQ and AL are still effective and well-tolerated. Accordingly, they can continue being used to treat uncomplicated malaria in Cote d’Ivoire. However, monitoring of their efficacy should remain a priority for health authorities.
11 citations
TL;DR: The results in this study showed that Imidocarb Diproprionate and Buparvaquone are effective treatments for Babesia and Theileria, respectively, and the ticks of Rhipicephalus spp.
Abstract: Babesia and Theileria are two protozoa belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which result in babesiosis and theileriosis in different hosts, cause considerable problems in domestic animals and as a consequence economic losses. These two diseases are transmitted by ticks. This survey was carried out due to the lack of studies and information regarding tick vectors and Theileria and Babesia species in the Dehgolan area of Iran, which is a center of agriculture and animal holding industry. This study was conducted during a four-year period, between 2012 and 2016. Infection with Theileria and Babesia was observed throughout the year while in contrast to cattle and sheep, infection with Babesia in goats was not observed between December and February. Infection with Babesia and Theileria reached the highest peak in July and this was more considerable for Theileria in cattle and sheep with a prevalence of 37–47% and 46–79%, respectively. The infection rate in goats for both diseases was 20%. The results in this study showed that Imidocarb Diproprionate and Buparvaquone are effective treatments for Babesia and Theileria, respectively. In this survey, the ticks of Rhipicephalus spp. and Hyalomma anatolicum had the highest infection rate with Babesia and Theileria, respectively. Considering the significant relationship between the prevalence of Theileria and Babesia with tick infection in this study and other studies, more studies on climate changes and tick vector prevalence are necessary.
10 citations
TL;DR: A field survey performed to determine the prevalence of hydatid cyst disease in ruminants in butcher shops in the Holy City of Karbala, and to compare the rates of infection among these animals, indicates that in cattle, lung infection was more widespread than liver infection.
Abstract: The paper describes a field survey performed to determine the prevalence of hydatid cyst disease in ruminants in butcher shops in the Holy City of Karbala, and to compare the rates of infection among these animals. The study lasted for five months from November 2016 to April 2017. During the study, 2115 cattle, 4230 sheep and 623 goats were examined. The results indicate that 39 cattle (1.84%), 84 sheep (1.9%) and 15 goats (2.4%) were infected. The livers of sheep and goats demonstrated a higher incidence of hydatid cysts than the lungs, with 1.2% of sheep livers and 2.08% of goat livers being infected. The incidence of lung infection was 0.7% of sheep and 0.32% of goats. In cattle, however, lung infection (1.22%) was more widespread than liver infection (0.61%).
9 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest the increased oxidative stress caused by T. gondii infection can be efficiently alleviated, at least in the liver, by increased levels of antioxidant enzymes during post-infection.
Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii is a common protozoan parasite which causes toxoplasmosis worldwide. There are limited treatment options against T. gondii infection. Once transmitted, T. gondii can spread to many organs in the body, including the brain, liver and kidneys. One of the most common signs of toxoplasmosis is a rise in oxidative stress. Therefore, our aim was to determine the antioxidant levels in the brain, liver and kidney of rats infected with this parasite. In the present study, 2–4-months old Wistar albino rats were infected intraperitoneally with 1 x 104 mL of RH strain of T. gondii dispersed in 0.9% NaCl. Post-infection after 30 days, the experiment was terminated, the rats were sacrified, and the blood, brain, liver and kidney tissues were collected for analyses. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined by ELISA assay. Increased SOD and GSH-Px levels were found in the liver of infected rats compared to controls; however, similar changes were not observed in other tested organs. These results suggest the increased oxidative stress caused by T. gondii infection can be efficiently alleviated, at least in the liver, by increased levels of antioxidant enzymes during post-infection. Further research will be required to determine the potential mechanisms of increasing antioxidant levels in the liver at 30 days post-infection, as well as the potential differences in antioxidant enzyme levels during the acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis.
8 citations
TL;DR: This study may be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of Acanthamoeba prevalence and genotyping in different environmental sources of Iran and showed that T4 was a predominant strain in Iran.
Abstract: Acanthamoeba, an opportunistic protozoan parasite, is distributed in the environment globally, causes serious human infections, including a fatal encephalitis and keratitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. from different water and soil sources in Iran. Six English language and four Persian language databases were searched to identify studies published from March 2005 to October 2016. Random effect model and Stats Direct statistical software was used for the meta-analysis. This review resulted in a total 34 articles meeting the including criteria. The overall prevalence rate of Acanthamoeba spp. among the 1850 water and soil samples in Iran with using random-effect model was estimated 42.7%. The genotyping results of the Acanthamoeba isolates showed that T4 (81.2%) was a predominant strain in Iran. In addition, other genotypes, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T11, T13, T15, mixed T3/T4 and mixed T2/T6, were obtained in the environmental samples of Iran. This study may be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of Acanthamoeba prevalence and genotyping in different environmental sources of Iran. Knowledge about wide distribution of Acanthamoeba T4 in the environmental sources may help physicians to manage the patients and susceptible persons in Iran.
8 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Investigation of prevalence of infection with Trichomonas tenax identified by molecular techniques amplifying the region of ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 specific for T. tenax found symptoms of gingiva and periodontium deteriorations, at varying intensity in patients with various systemic diseases showed.
Abstract: Trichomonas tenax, cosmopolitan flagellate inhabiting human oral cavity, is the etiological agent of oral trichomonosis associated with gingival and periodontium deterioration. Purpose of this studies was to investigate the prevalence of infection with Trichomonas tenax identified by molecular techniques amplifying the region of ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 specific for T. tenax. The study included 498 persons: diabetic, renal transplant, rheumatoid arthritis patients and the control group. Prevalence of T. tenax in oral cavity was 10.2% in control group, 14.1% in diabetics, 12.0% in renal transplant patients and 14.0% in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Comparative assessment of results showed symptoms of gingiva and periodontium deteriorations, at varying intensity in patients with various systemic diseases; higher prevalence of the trichomonad infection was revealed in adults in all groups. Simultaneously, renal transplantation, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and related therapy do not affect T. tenax incidences and no increased risk of the infection has been observed in the patients; the permanent medication used due to main disease should be taken into consideration as likely inhibitory factor.
TL;DR: These essential oils can be considered as good replaces for chemical pesticides but more experiments are need for this purpose, as the first study on insecticidal and repellent activity of mentioned essential oils against Culex theileri Theobald.
Abstract: Insecticidal and repellent activity of essential oils of Zingiber officinale and Eucalyptus globulus against Culex theileri Theobald, 1903 as a wide-distributed species of mosquitoes in different parts of world with an important role in transmission of infectious organisms and agent were studied. Essential oils were extracted from fresh parts of plants and different concentrations of 250 μl/ml, 500 μl/ml, 750 μl/ml and 1 (undiluted extract) were prepared for each of essential oils. Insecticidal and repellent activity of essential oils against adult form of Culex theileri Theobald mosquitoes, collected from small pools located near the Zayande-Rood River in the Saman city, Iran, were examined via direct exposure method and Y-tube olfactometer bioassay, respectively. Results of current study, as the first study on insecticidal and repellent activity of mentioned essential oils against Culex theileri Theobald, show considerable values of insecticidal and repellent activity against mosquitoes, concentration of one (undiluted extract) had the highest insecticidal and repellent activity against Culex theileri Theobald for both of essential oils and essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus (66% insecticidal and 74% repellent activity) was more potent than Zingiber officinale (45% insecticidal and 61% repellent activity). This study shows that these essential oils can be considered as good replaces for chemical pesticides but more experiments are need for this purpose. Study on insecticidal activity of these essential oils in the field condition can be considered as a subject for next experiments.
TL;DR: Results of the comparative investigations showed that cationic antiseptic chlorhexidine digluconate indicated in vitro anti-amoebic effect on environmental Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff strain and pathogenic corneal Acanthamaeba polyphaga T4 genotype.
Abstract: Small amoebae belonging to the Acanthamoeba genus complete their life cycles in different environmental niches as free-living protists however some of them are facultative parasites that can cause severe disease in humans. The sight-threatening Acanthamoeba keratitis develops in immune-competent persons, mainly in contact lens wearers; it is detected with increasing frequency along with the spread of contact lens use. The high abundance of the amoebae in the environment is important for dispersion and transmission of the infections among humans. Emerging threats for the public health generated by these amoebae is the serious medical problem worldwide. Nonspecific symptoms, similar to those occurring in the other eye diseases, diagnostic mistakes, the delay of an appropriate treatment, an exceptional high resistance of the amoebae to chemicals and drugs result in a prolonged course of the disease and often unsuccessful therapeutic management. Thus, different chemicals are still examined for their potential activity in vitro against various species, strains/isolates of Acanthamoeba. As the prolonged therapy often induces encystation subsequently leading to excystment and recurrences of amoebic keratitis, apart from anti-amoebic activity, cysticidal effect of examined agents is desirable. In the present study, results of our comparative investigations showed that cationic antiseptic chlorhexidine digluconate indicated in vitro anti-amoebic effect on environmental Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff strain and pathogenic corneal Acanthamoeba polyphaga T4 genotype. Amoebostatic effect of the disinfectant was expressed in reduced number of surviving amoebae in comparison to the respective control cultures; simultaneously, despite prolonged incubation with the agent no stimulation of encystation was noted. The corneal strain was more resistant to the tested compound than the Neff strain. The cysticidal efficacy of chemicals is very expected, thus further in vitro studies on pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains with different application chemicals pattern are needed.
TL;DR: It is concluded that 34 nematode species are present in rodents in Armenia, five of which are identified for the first time in rodents from the territory of Armenia, and three of which (Trichinella spiralis, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Tournais skrjabini) are able to parasitize humans.
Abstract: This review summarizes known data on the species composition of nematodes in 24 species of rodents inhabiting the territory of Armenia (South of Lesser Caucasus). The studied rodents include members of some cosmopolitan species (Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus), as well as endemic and narrow-areal species (Meriones vinogradovi, Spermophilus xanthoprymnus, Microtus schidlovskii, Mesocricetus brandti, Sciurus anomalus). The taxonomical identity of the nematode species reported by previous authors is discussed with regard to present knowledge about helminth fauna of rodents. Our review concludes that 34 nematode species are present in rodents in Armenia, five of which are identified for the first time in rodents from the territory of Armenia, and three of which (Trichinella spiralis, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichostrongylus skrjabini) are able to parasitize humans.
TL;DR: The present study provides the first data on the parasitic ecology of P. extrilidus from Argentina, and there were differences in mean intensity between the summer (dry period) and autumn (wet period) seasons.
Abstract: The pattern of infection with the nematode Parapharyngodon riojensis in the lizard Phymaturus extrilidus in a Puna area, central-west Argentina was studied. No significant prevalence differences were found between sexes or seasons sampled. However, there were differences in mean intensity between the summer (dry period) and autumn (wet period) seasons. Mean intensity was higher in the moistest season, associated with low body condition in P. extrilidus. The genus Parapharyngodon has a direct life cycle, and environmental moisture could favor higher intensity in the rainy period. The present study provides the first data on the parasitic ecology of P. extrilidus from Argentina.
TL;DR: The present study describes the gross, histopathologic lesions of the heart arising in pigs infected with acute African Swine Fever and their biochemical profile.
Abstract: The present study describes the gross, histopathologic lesions of the heart arising in pigs infected with acute African Swine Fever (ASF) and their biochemical profile. Ten pigs were infected by intramuscular injection of ASF virus (Georgia 2007). Selected heart samples were submitted for histopathological examination and Hematoxylin-Basic Fuchsin-Picric Acid (HBFP) staining. Enzymatic abnormalities were evaluated by measurement of main cardiac markers, whose activity increased during the early stage of infection, with histopathological changes occurring later. Minor myocardial haemorrhages were first observed at four days post infection (dpi), and were noted in all pigs by six dpi. Early vascular response to infection was manifested as increased capillary permeability leading to diapedesis and the retention of blood cells in myocardial tissue. The terminal stage of the disease was characterised by massive haemorrhages caused by the rupture of large vessels. Substantial ischemic areas were detected by HBFP staining at the terminal stages of ASF.
TL;DR: This is the first record of the nematode parasite Kalicephalus subulatus in Wagler’s snakes, Xenodon merremi, collected in Corrientes, Argentina and despite the differences in the measurements, some characters such as the dorsal lobe type III and the amphidelphic uterus allow its specific identification.
Abstract: This is the first record of the nematode parasite Kalicephalus subulatus (Strongylida, Diaphanocephalidae) in Wagler’s snakes, Xenodon merremi (Squamata, Colubridae), collected in Corrientes, Argentina. The species was observed using light and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compared to previous studies from Tropical America. As for the metric characters, the specimens collected in Argentina are smaller than all of those found so far in other hosts. However, despite the differences in the measurements, some characters such as the dorsal lobe type III and the amphidelphic uterus allow its specific identification. Previously, this genus was found in X. merremi from Argentina but the absence of males precluded their specific identification.
TL;DR: A relatively high prevalence of T. equi in horses in the study area is confirmed and it is suggested that Equine Merozoite Antigen (EMA)-1 could be a strong candidate to develop diagnostic methods for T. Equi infection.
Abstract: The major agent of equine piroplasmosis (EP), Theileria equi, contributes to significant losses in the equine industry. This study was designed to evaluate T. equi infection among horses from West Azerbaijan by microscopy and molecular approaches. One hundred and twenty six blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and placed in sterile tubes containing EDTA; these tubes were either used immediately for blood smears or stored at –20°C for later examination by PCR. T. equi was detected in 3.2% and 27.7% of the animals examined using light microscopy and PCR methods, respectively. The prevalence of T. equi was higher in older animals (30.4%) than young equines (24.6%). Also, the females (31%) demonstrated higher T. equi infection rates than the males (23.6%). Additionally, while 12 horses housed with other animals were positive for T. equi, 23 not housed with other animals were found to be infected. No significant difference was found between infection rate and associated risk factors (age, sex, and housing with other animals). The results confirm a relatively high prevalence of T. equi in horses in the study area and also suggest that Equine Merozoite Antigen (EMA)-1 could be a strong candidate to develop diagnostic methods for T. equi infection. Due to the importance of EP in the equine industry, and the ability of animals to be lifelong carriers of T. equi, accurate and early diagnosis of the disease, based on specific antigens, is critical. Diagnosis would provide basic information about its epidemiology, distribution and prevalence, especially in apparently healthy animals, and effective control and vaccine measures.
TL;DR: Results confirm that the use of imaging techniques only may be insufficient to diagnose alveococcosis thus the recognition of the zoonosis should base on several procedures; especially valuable are highly sensitive and specific molecular methods.
Abstract: In this study five cases of suspected alveolar echinococcosis from Poland in which surgical treatment was needed, previously diagnosed by means of imaging and serological techniques, were analyzed in terms to identify the causative agent. Samples of the parasite tissues taken perioperatively from the liver lesions were used for the histopathological and molecular examinations. The sequences of all isolates were identical to Echinococcus multilocularis; all nad1 sequences have been deposited in GenBank The histopathological examination revealed Passpositive fragments of laminated layers typical for E. multilocularis metacestode. Obtained results confirm that the use of imaging techniques only may be insufficient to diagnose alveococcosis thus the recognition of the zoonosis should base on several procedures; especially valuable are highly sensitive and specific molecular methods.
TL;DR: The morphological description, biometric data and photographs of the parasites, as well as a discussion of similar cases reported in the literature, are presented.
Abstract: Acanthocephalan larvae were found during parasitological sections in intestines of four out of 84 individuals of raccoon (Procyon lotor L.) from eastern Czech Republic. They were identified as cystacanths of Polymorphus minutus (Goeze, 1782). Because water birds are the proper hosts of this parasite, this record is among the rare ones. For this reason we present the morphological description, biometric data and photographs of the parasites, as well as a discussion of similar cases reported in the literature.
TL;DR: The biology of A. abstrusus is described, particularly the factors influencing its infection and spread in intermediate and paratenic hosts, and the parasitic interactions between A. AbSTRusus and other pathogens are described.
Abstract: Feline aelurostrongylosis, caused by the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is a parasitic disease with veterinary importance. The female hatches her eggs in the bronchioles and alveolar ducts, where the larva develop into adult worms. L1 larvae and adult nematodes cause pathological changes, typically inflammatory cell infiltrates in the bronchi and the lung parenchyma. The level of infection can range from asymptomatic to the presence of severe symptoms and may be fatal for cats. Although coprological and molecular diagnostic methods are useful for A. abstrusus detection, both techniques can give false negative results due to the presence of low concentrations of larvae in faeces and the use of inadequate diagnostic procedures. The present study describes the biology of A. abstrusus, particularly the factors influencing its infection and spread in intermediate and paratenic hosts, and the parasitic interactions between A. abstrusus and other pathogens.
TL;DR: In this study, a few insects with the bumblebee population present in country was checked for the presence of Nosema apis, Nosema bombi and Nosema ceranae microsporidia, ABPV, the chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) and DWV.
Abstract: Dangerous pathogens that affect honeybees, including microsporidia of the genus Nosema, the acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) and the deformed wing virus (DWV), also contribute to the global decline in bumblebee populations. In this study, a few insects with the bumblebee population present in country was checked for the presence of Nosema apis, Nosema bombi and Nosema ceranae microsporidia, ABPV, the chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) and DWV. Thirteen adult bumblebees (Bombus) representing 4 species were analyzed: Bombus lapidarius (2 workers, 2 males), Bombus lucorum (1 worker), Bombus pascuorum (5 workers, 1 male) and Bombus terrestris (2 workers). These specimens were found dead in two urban botanical gardens and four landscape parks in Lower Silesia. Microsporidia of the genus Nosema and CBPV were not detected in any of the examined samples. ABPV was identified in 2 insects of B. pascuorum and B. terrestris (2 workers). The presence of DWV was detected in 12 bumblebees (10 workers, 2 males).
TL;DR: The working horses, donkeys and mules were also found to be heavily infected with Dictyocaulus arnfieldi and working horses are considered natural hosts for lungworm, and this has effects on both the epidemiology of parasitic infections and performance of the equids.
Abstract: Dictyocaulus arnfieldi is a lungworm commonly found in equids; however, relatively little is known about it. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of equine lungworms in naturally-infected working and sporting horses, donkeys and mules in rural areas of Urmia, northwest Iran. The fecal samples were collected from 299 working horses, 57 sporting horses, 66 donkeys and 37 mules during the period March 2014 to June 2016. The collected fecal samples were processed within 48 hours following rectal sampling. The larval count/g (LPG) of feces was determined using the Baermann technique. The larvae were identified morphologically, and the arithmetic mean of the LPG was calculated at each sampling point. The overall prevalence of lungworm in all equine species was found to be 19.20%., with specific values of 15.71%, 0%, 31.81% and 24.32% being found in working horses, sporting horses, donkeys and mules, respectively. The working horses, donkeys and mules were also found to be heavily infected with Dictyocaulus arnfieldi and in addition to donkeys and mules, working horses are considered natural hosts for lungworm, and this has effects on both the epidemiology of parasitic infections and performance of the equids.
TL;DR: Clinicians should be aware that a common illness, such as infection with Bartonella, can be transmitted by arthropod vectors, and that a history of animal scratches or bites is not necessary for disease transmission.
Abstract: Bartonellosis is a disease caused by Bartonella spp. microorganisms which belong to the Rickettsiales order. This disease is a zoonosis, B. henselae, whose primary reservoir is the cat, which in humans causes a cat-scratch disease. In infected cats, symptoms such as fever, lymphedema, reproduction disorders, myocarditis, rhinotracheitis, gingivitis, and arthritis may be observed. Bartonella appears to be transmitted among cats and dogs in vivo exclusively by arthropod vectors (excepting perinatal transmission), not by biting or scratching. In the absence of these vectors, the disease does not spread. On the other hand, the disease can be spread to humans by bites and scratches, and it is highly likely that it is spread by arthropod vectors as well. This review presents a potential role of ticks and fleas in the transmission of bartonellosis. Clinicians should be aware that a common illness, such as infection with Bartonella, can be transmitted by arthropod vectors, and that a history of animal scratches or bites is not necessary for disease transmission.
TL;DR: The preliminary study of this mustelid in Portugal, aimed to assess prevalence of helminths and found the first report of Toxascaris leonina in this host species.
Abstract: The stone marten (Martes foina) is one of the most common species of marten in Europe. Due to increased urbanization and forest degradation, it is now often found in urban habitats, which increased the possibility of parasites transmission between wildlife-domestic animals and humans. Our preliminary study of this mustelid in Portugal, aimed to assess prevalence of helminths. Six helminth parasites were found (Crenosoma vulpis, Angiostrongylus sp., Toxocara sp., Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostomatidae and Strongyloides sp.). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Toxascaris leonina in this host species.
TL;DR: The present study confirms the existence of D. chiropteralis after nearly one hundred years from its original description, as well as the first determination of representatives of the Demodecidae in the Chiroptera of Central Europe.
Abstract: As many as 26 species of parasitic mites of the Demodecidae family have thus far been described in the Chiroptera, of which only three have been found in bats from Europe. The first of the latter group was Demodex chiropteralis Hirst, 1921, described on the basis of only two females originating from one bat from Great Britain; an observation which has never been made since. The present study reports the discovery of both male and female D. chiropteralis in Poland, together with other unknown demodecid mites which may well belong to new species. The present study confirms the existence of D. chiropteralis after nearly one hundred years from its original description, as well as the first determination of representatives of the Demodecidae in the Chiroptera of Central Europe.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that T. gondii is present in ovine tissues and can be passed on to humans by consuming undercooked or raw meat and other organs such as the liver.
Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Felids are definitive hosts and all warm-blooded animals can be intermediate hosts. Some animals such as sheep, goats and pigs are sensitive to infection. In sheep production systems, toxoplamosis can cause abortion and economic loss. In public health, this disease can be transmitted to humans by the consumption of undercooked infected meat or other organs. In this study, T. gondii DNA was detected by B1 gene amplification in 140 randomly-selected brains of slaughtered sheep in Semnan, Iran. The prevalence of ovine cerebral toxoplasmosis was estimated using 95% confidence interval. The brain was selected as a target organ because it gives the highest detection rates, and the results can be compared with previous data from other countries. Our findings indicate that T. gondii is present in ovine tissues and can be passed on to humans by consuming undercooked or raw meat and other organs such as the liver. The infection can be lethal for immunosuppressed individuals and can cause abortion or birth of infected children in pregnant woman.
TL;DR: Feces from T. dimidiata were colonized by few culturable microorganism genera that are able to induce local inflammation and IgG immune response in a murine model.
Abstract: In endemic regions for Triatoma dimidiata the vector for Chagas disease, subjects can be in contact with insect`s feces several times through a lifetime. The triatomine’s digestive tract is colonized by diverse but few dominant genera of microorganisms. The immune responses to microbiota feces are poorly known in mammal hosts. The goal of this paper is to describe the local inflammation at the port of inoculation and the humoral immune response in a murine model mimicking natural contamination of feces from wild Triatoma dimidiata and its identification of bacterial community. Feces from twenty T. dimidiata insects captured in peridomestic and domestic ecotopes were used for bacteria isolation and phenotypic identification. Five microliters of whole feces or bacteria isolated colonies were used for intradermal inoculation of mice for detection of humoral immune response and local inflammation at the inoculation site. The bacterial community identified corresponded to Kytococcus, Brevibacillus, Kocuria, Chryseobacterium, Pantoe, Proteus, Burkholderia, Acinetobacter and Stapylococcus. The local inflammation at the inoculation site was dominated by neutrophils infiltration, and specific seric IgG immune response was recognized against whole feces as well as Burkholderia, Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus isolates. In conclusion, feces from T. dimidiata were colonized by few culturable microorganism genera that are able to induce local inflammation and IgG immune response in a murine model.
TL;DR: The morphological characteristics of the discovered males of T. globosa are presented, found in the proventriculus of the Eurasian coot Fulica atra.
Abstract: During parasitological studies of 23 Eurasian coot Fulica atra (Linnaeus, 1758), 91 nematodes were isolated. Three of them, found in the proventriculus, were identified as Tetrameres globosa (Linstow, 1879). This paper presents the morphological characteristics of the discovered males of T. globosa.
TL;DR: The purpose of the present study was to determine the species composition of parasites present in reptiles bred privately or in Cracow Zoological Garden, and those obtained from pet shops.
Abstract: Due to the growing popularity of reptiles as a household animals and the development of numerous reptile farms, they have become a common sight in veterinary clinics. As parasitic infections represent a serious problem among pet reptiles obtained by captive breeding and from pet shops, the purpose of the present study was to determine the species composition of parasites present in reptiles bred privately or in Cracow Zoological Garden, and those obtained from pet shops. Fecal samples collected from 91 reptiles (30 turtles, 40 lizards, and 21 snakes) were examined using the quantitative McMaster method. Parasite eggs or protozoan oocysts were identified in 59.3% of samples. These included the eggs of the Pharyngodonidae, Ascarididae and Rhabditoidea (Nematoda), and Trematoda, as well as oocysts of Isospora and Eimeria. In addition, pseudoparasites belonging to the Mesostigmata, Demodecidae and Myobiidae were found.