Showing papers in "Journal of Helminthology in 1993"
TL;DR: Three nematode-trapping fungi were fed to Ostertagia ostertagi-infected calves to test their ability to destroy larvae of this parasite in faeces and consequently to reduce the transmission of infective larvae to herbage.
Abstract: Three nematode-trapping fungi, one Arthrobotrys oligospora and two Duddingtonia flagrans isolates, were fed to Ostertagia ostertagi-infected calves to test their ability to destroy larvae of this parasite in faeces and consequently to reduce the transmission of infective larvae to herbage. The fungi had previously been selected for their capability to pass the alimentary tract of cattle without losing growth and nematode-trapping potentials. Dung was collected from three calves each fed one of the three fungi and placed as 1-kg cow pats on a parasite-free grass plot together with control cow pats from a calf that was not given fungi. The cow pats contained comparable concentrations of parasite eggs. The two D. flagrans isolates were highly effective in that they reduced herbage larval infectivity by 74-85%. In contrast, A. oligospora did not show any effect in the present experiment. Field experiments will demonstrate if D. flagrans represents a potential organism for biological control of bovine gastrointestinal nematodes under practical agricultural management conditions.
66 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the species involved is Oesophagostomum bifurcum and that the eggs of this species cannot be differentiated from those of Necator americanus and that both infections occur simultaneously in the population involved.
Abstract: Infection with Oesophagostomum sp. appears to be extremely common in man in northern Togo and Ghana. Adult specimens were recovered from the intestinal lumen by treatment with pyrantel pamoate and the morphological characteristics of oesophagostomes of man could for the first time be compared with information available on the morphology of oesophagostomes of monkeys. The observations and measurements demonstrated that the species involved is Oesophagostomum bifurcum and that the eggs of this species cannot be differentiated from those of Necator americanus. Both infections occur simultaneously in the population involved. The L1 larvae, too, cannot be differentiated from hookworm L1 larvae. The L3 larvae, however, are characteristic. Diagnoses of human Oesophagostomum infections is based on the detection of these larvae in coprocultures. In the present paper, the eggs, the L1 and L3 larval stages and the adults, are carefully described and photos are given.
58 citations
TL;DR: There can be a variation in the predatory capacity of different isolates within a single fungus species, as shown in laboratory experiments investigating the ability of isolates from the predacious fungus species Arthrobotrys conoides and Al. robusta to trap and kill infective Haemonchus placei larvae.
Abstract: Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate the ability of isolates from the predacious fungus species Arthrobotrys conoides (one isolate) and Al. robusta (four isolates) to trap and kill infective Haemonchus placei larvae. Three groups for each isolate were formed: group 1, fungi and infective larvae; group 2, fungi; group 3, infective larvae. There were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the antagonistic effects of three isolates of A. robusta, but there was no such difference between the isolate of A. conoides and isolates of A. robusta. This result indicates that there can be a variation in the predatory capacity of different isolates within a single fungus species. After 20 days of assay, there was greater recuperation of infective H. placei larvae in group 3 compared to group 1.
55 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study indicate that hydatidosis is in an endemic steady state in Jordan with estimated economic losses of JD 3.0 (= US $4.4) per infected sheep.
Abstract: A total of 2.8% (5 of 176) sera from schoolchildren and university students were seropositive for hydatidosis (Echinococcus granulosus) by the ELISA IgEtest. The prevalence of seropositivity was 4·5% among females of all age groups (5–24 years) and among males of the age group 18–24 years. Males of the age group (5–17 years) were seronegative. The ratio of seropositivity between schoolboys and schoolgirl was 1:4. Sera collected from 1085 university students, aged 18–24 years, and from 1656 outpatients from northern and central Jordan, and the Jordan River valley, when tested by the IHA test, revealed the presence of antihydatid agglutinating antibodies in 5·16% (56 of 1085) and in 3·6% (60 of 1656) respectively, with a male to female infection ratio of 1:3 in the unviersity students and 1:1·1 in the outpatients. Intensity, prevalence and cyst fertility of E.granulosus increased increased in sheep with age. The results of this study indicate that hydatidosis is in an endemic steady state in Jordan with estimated economic losses if JD 3·0 (=US $ 4·4) per infected sheep.
49 citations
TL;DR: Contamination of 13 sandpits in public parks in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, by Toxocara eggs and animal faeces was studied, finding eggs were numerous on the sandpit surface but also present at depths of about 35 cm.
Abstract: Contamination of 13 sandpits in public parks in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, by Toxocara eggs and animal faeces was studied. All 13 sandpits were contaminated with faeces. The mean number of faeces found in 1 m2 of the sandpits was 35, from which the number of faeces in each sandpit was estimated to be 261 to 2205. Toxocara eggs were detected in 12 of the 13 sandpits, each examined 4-15 times; the overall prevalence was 92%. The eggs were not always distributed in the same pattern, but in general, eggs were numerous on the sandpit surface but also present at depths of about 35 cm. Of the eggs recovered, 63% were fully embryonated. Of the 13 sandpits examined, two were heavily contaminated by eggs, and all but one of the others were mildly contaminated. The difference between heavy and light contamination was not related to differences in the environment or in the number of faeces; the cause is unknown.
47 citations
TL;DR: Sera of 908 blood donors, average age 35 years, living in towns and villages of the Slovak Republic were tested for Toxocara canis antibodies using an ELISA-IgG test, finding that in children, boys had a higher seroprevalence than girls, and in adults, women had a significantlyHigher seropositivity than men.
Abstract: Sera of 908 blood donors, average age 35 years, living in towns and villages of the Slovak Republic were tested for Toxocara canis antibodies using an ELISA-IgG test. The seroprevalence in the healthy population was estimated at 13·65%. Antibodies were predominantly demonstrated in the sera from persons living in rural communities (17·09%) compared to the sera investigated from urban communities (11·82%). Women had a significantly higher seropositivity than men. The serological response in 2703 sera from patients suspected of toxocarosis was compared with their clinical manifestation, sex and age. Toxocara antibodies were found in 27·41% of suspected patients. Although the seroprevalence in adults was significantly higher among women than men, in children, boys had a higher seroprevalence than girls. The main clinical manifestations were leucocytosis and eosinophilia (46%), ocular disorders (36%), lung, liver and neurological disorders (26%). The most severe forms of this disease were observed in 2 to 5-year-old children with geophagy.
43 citations
TL;DR: Mouse (C3H) mucosal glycoconjugates were examined in normal small intestines and intestines infected with Echinostoma caproni or E. trivolvis to study the expression of lectin-binding sites and the intensity of the binding of lectins in the mouse small intestine changed by infection with the echinostomes.
Abstract: Mouse (C3H) mucosal glycoconjugates were examined in normal small intestines and intestines infected with Echinostoma caproni, or E. trivolvis using six different fluorescein-conjugated lectins: Triticum, vulgaris agglutinin (WGA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I), Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA-I). Glycine max soybean agglutinin (SBA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), and Arachis hypogaeu peanut agglutinin (PNA). The expression of lectin-binding sites and the intensity of the binding of lectins in the mouse small intestines were changed by infection with the echinostomes. Specific differences in the reaction to glycoproteins were clearly observed between the mouse intestines infected with E. caproni and those infected with E. trivolvis. In E. caproni infection, binding of most of the lectins to the villi was remarkably reduced in accord with the villous atrophy and loss of goblet cells. In contrast, in E. trivolvis infection, the binding of WGA, RCA-I and DBA was reduced in the microvillar surfaces, but binding of UEA-I and SBA were unchanged compared to the control intestines. The lectin binding to goblet cells in E. trivolvis-infected mice mostly increased. These observations may reflect the marked increase in goblet cells and the less severe damage in the villi of E. trivolvis infection compared to E. caproni infection. Most of the glycoconjugates were slightly reduced in the hyperplastic crypts except for N-acetyl glucosamine. It is possible that glucose metabolism in the host intestines infected with E. trivolvis was activated. resulting in an increase in the rate of mucin synthesis as well as qualitative changes in mucus, thereby mediating the expulsion of the worms.
33 citations
TL;DR: The finding that parasitic infections are prevalent among Thai labourers demonstrates the need for control measures in foreign labourers in Taiwan and further studies to determine the susceptibility of O. viverrini to the snail hosts of Clonorchis sinensis are needed.
Abstract: In order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among labourers from Thailand in Taiwan, the stool samples from 1364 Thai labourers were examined by the formalin-ether concentration method and 180% were found to be infected with one or more parasites The infection rates of hookworm, Opisthorchis viverrini, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Capillaria philippinensis, Schistosoma japonicum, Echinostoma sp, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica, were 76%, 70%, 32%, 05%, 03%, 01%, 01%, 01%, 01%, 04%, 02%, and 01% respectively The prevalence was highest among the 21-25 age group (248%) Among the 245 infected persons, 91% were infected with one parasite, 8% with two parasites and 1% with three parasites The finding that parasitic infections are prevalent among Thai labourers demonstrates the need for control measures in foreign labourers in Taiwan and further studies to determine the susceptibility of O viverrini to the snail hosts of Clonorchis sinensis
33 citations
TL;DR: An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring the specific IgM, IgG and IgA antibody responses in serum, small intestinal tissue and small intestinal lumen of the mice, using a crude adult E. caproni antigen.
Abstract: Groups of mice (NMRI) were infected with 0.6 and 25 metacercariae of the intestinal trematode Echinostoma caproni. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring the specific IgM, IgG and IgA antibody responses in serum, small intestinal tissue and small intestinal lumen of the mice, by using a crude adult E. caproni antigen. In infected mice, significant levels of IgM were measured in the sera from day 14 after infection and of IgG and IgA from day 28 after infection. Early in the infection, the mean level of serum IgM was higher in 6-worm infections than in 25-worm infections. Late in the infection, higher mean levels of IgA were reached in the serum of mice with high than in those with low dose infections. The onset of appearance of antibodies in the tissue of the small intestine reflected the picture seen in the serum. For IgM, and to a lesser degree for IgG, the highest mean antibody levels appeared in the posterior sections of the small intestinal wall, where also the parasites were located. The mean level of IgA, however, was uniform throughout the length of the small intestinal tissue. High levels of specific IgA were detected in the lumen of the small intestine on day 28 after infection, especially in the anterior sections, where only few parasites were located. No specific IgM or IgG could be detected in the intestinal lumen on this day. The results are related to the intestinal location and the pattern of expulsion of E. caproni in the mouse host.
29 citations
TL;DR: Conjunctivitis due to the trematode Philophthalmus in a 13-year-old Israeli girl is described, the first documentation of human philophthalmosis in Israel.
Abstract: Conjunctivitis due to the trematode Philophthalmus in a 13-year-old Israeli girl is described. A single worm, probably a mature Philophthalmus palpebrarum, was detected on the palpebral conjunctiva of the upper eyelid of the right eye. Removal of the worm resulted in rapid abatement of the ocular symptoms. This is the first documentation of human philophthalmosis in Israel.
25 citations
TL;DR: The results confirm the association between water source choice and the prevalence of the disease and the policy implications of the study findings are presented.
Abstract: This paper describes a study carried out in a rural area of Ghana on the drinking water sources and other determinants of dracunculiasis (guinea worm disease). The results confirm the association between water source choice and the prevalence of the disease. A logistic regression model was used to show the combined effect of several behavioural, biological, and environmental risk factors. The important behavioural factors were related to the head of household, fetching of water, travelling, and farming. Age was found to be an important biological risk factor for dracunculiasis, but the greatest relative risk applied to those who had suffered from guinea worm disease in the previous year. Although males were significantly more infected than females when analysing the raw data, sex did not prove to be a significant risk factor in this model. Village of residence was an important environmental risk factor for dracunculiasis. Factors related to socio-economic status were not associated with the risk of infection. The paper concludes by presenting the policy implications of the study findings.
TL;DR: Sera were obtained early and late in the peak transmission period, from persons with patent and postpatent infections, as well as from persons from the same endemic area who claimed never to have had Guinea worm infection.
Abstract: The serum antibody response (total, and isotypes IgG1, IgG4, IgM, IgA and IgE) to Guinea worm infection was examined in humans from a highly endemic area of northern Ghana by ELISA and SDS-PAGE/Western blot techniques using an adult D medinensis antigen Sera were obtained early and late in the peak transmission period, from persons with patent and postpatent infections, as well as from persons from the same endemic area who claimed never to have had Guinea worm infection To observe for potential cross-reactions in the tests, sera were also obtained from areas with no transmission of Guinea worm from patients with hookworm, O volvulus and W bancrofti infections, and from non-infected controls Sera from persons living in the Guinea worm endemic area reacted extensively with Guinea worm antigen in both tests, and large numbers of bands were produced in the Western blots (up to 35 identified for some sera) For most antibody isotypes, the ELISA absorbance values obtained with sera from the same individuals varied between the two transmission seasons, with the highest titres present towards the end of the peak transmission period The mean antibody titres for persons in the patent and postpatent infection categories were not significantly different when sera were obtained at the same season of the year Persons from the endemic area, who claimed never to experience patent infections, also had antibodies to Guinea worm, although at significantly lower mean levels than for the patent and postpatent categories The highest specificity in the ELISA and the most homogenous Western blots were obtained when detecting for antibodies of the IgG4 isotype
TL;DR: The results of a 5 year study of helminth parasites of Mus spretus, are reported, with the most commonly encountered nematode and cestode species being Syphacia obvelata and Taenia taeniaeformis.
Abstract: The results of a 5 year study of helminth parasites of Mus spretus, are reported. Six nematode and 5 cestode species were identified but no helminth showed 100% prevalence in M. spretus, the most commonly encountered nematode and cestode species being Syphacia obvelata (46.6%) and Taenia taeniaeformis (22.4%). Among the more unusual helminth species identified was Eucoleus bacillatus, a capillariid nematode inhabiting the stomach musculature. This species was identified in 3 of the 5 years of the study. The results are discussed in the broader context of previous studies and the epidemiology of rodent helminth infections in general.
TL;DR: Proteolytic enzymes present in extracts of third and fourth stage larvae and adults of the cattle nematode Ostertagia ostertagi were defined on the basis of pH optima and proteinase inhibitor sensitivity in spectrophotometric assays using azocasein and elastin-orcein as protein substrates.
Abstract: Proteolytic enzymes present in extracts of third (L3) and fourth (L4) stage larvae and adults of the cattle nematode Ostertagia ostertagi were defined on the basis of pH optima and proteinase inhibitor sensitivity in spectrophotometric assays using azocasein and elastin-orcein as protein substrates. Evidence that different classes of proteinases are expressed in a stage specific manner was provided by the contrasting pH optima and inhibitor sensitivities shown by the enzymes in the different parasite stages. Stage specificity was confirmed by gelatin-substrate analysis. In addition, proteolytic activity was sought in the excretory/secretory products (ES) of the L4 following simple in vitro culture. Contrasting pH and inhibitor sensitivities as well as gelatin-substrate analysis showed that different proteinases were present in somatic L4 extracts and L4 ES products. The secreted proteinases may be useful targets for serodiagnosis or vaccination.
TL;DR: A total of 1590 human appendices were collected and examined histologically for evidence of pinworm infection, and 3 and 7 samples respectively were seen to be infected by pinworm.
Abstract: A total of 1590 human appendices were collected and examined histologically for evidence of pinworm infection. The incidence of infection in appendices was 2.39%. In examining 100 appendices by both the histological and the parasitological methods, 3 and 7 samples respectively were seen to be infected by pinworm.
TL;DR: Transmission of Onchocerca sp.
Abstract: The transmission of bovine Onchocerca spp. in Britain was investigated by studying the Ceratopogonidae and Simuliidae which attacked bait cattle between April and October at two sites in North Wales, where either Onchocerca lienalis and O. gutturosa (Cynwyd), or O. lienalis alone (Pentrefoelas) occurred. Based on the relative abundance of each species, their seasonal variation in abundance and preferential feeding sites on cattle, the presence of Onchocerca sp. infective larvae and the development of patent infections in bait cattle, vectors were identified as Simulium ornatum s.1. at Pentrefoelas and S. reptans at Cynwyd (0.5% and 1.5% of parous flies infective, respectively). There was no significant difference between the lengths of the infective larvae from vectors at either site (Pentrefoelas: mean = 543.5 microns, SD = 29.45; Cynwyd: mean = 550.86 microns, SD = 35.26; p > 0.1), which were consistent with descriptions of O. lienalis. The identity of a vector for O. gutturosa was not determined and the role of certain candidates is discussed. In this respect, the absence of Culicoides nubeculosus was notable. Transmission of Onchocerca sp. was limited to a short period of about 8 weeks, by a combination of vector abundance and parasite uptake from dermal skin layers, and a mean daily temperature requirement of 15 degrees C or more for complete parasite development in the vector. The effect of this temperature restriction in relation to the geographical distribution of the two species is discussed.
TL;DR: A survey of larval helminths in freshwater snails of Kinmen was conducted from 1986 to 1987, and metacercariae of Centrocestus formosanus, Haplorchis pumilio and a xiphidiocercaria were found in three specimens, respectively, of 37 Thiara tuberculata.
Abstract: A survey of larval helminths in freshwater snails of Kinmen was conducted from 1986 to 1987. Parasitological examinations of a total of 726 live snails collected from 25 loci revealed that 20 of 80 Bithynia fuchsiana were infected with metacercariae of Echinostoma gotoi and 36 with metacercariae of other echinostomes. Among 57 Radix auricularia swinhoei snails, 27 were infected with echinostomes and eight with metacercariae of other flukes. Of 20 Cipangopaludina chinensis, 18 were found with larvae of echinostomes. Larval trematodes were also found in three of 37 Austropeplea ollula and two of 87 Gyraulus spirillus. Third-stage larvae of Parastrongylus cantonensis were found in Ampullarius canaliculatus (5/103), Sinotaia quadrata (20/141), Hippeutis umbilicalis cantori (1/70) and Gyraulus spirillus (2/87). Segmentina hemisphaerula were not infected. Cercariae of Centrocestus formosanus, Haplorchis pumilio and a xiphidiocercaria were found in three, two and two specimens, respectively, of 37 Thiara tuberculata.
TL;DR: Experimental incubation of eggs showed that the optimum temperature for development was 20 to 30 degrees C and eggs could survive under low temperature, indicating that grazing in the contaminated pasture may accelerate the transmission of eggs to cows.
Abstract: The prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum in cattle around Bursa, Turkey, was surveyed by faecal examination of eggs. The average infection rate among 11 towns was 5.1% in calves younger than 6-months-old, and 2.2% in all ages of animals. T. vitulorum was found to be prevalent in two different areas of Bursa. Third stage larvae were found in one milk sample and therefore galactogenic transmission was suggested. Experimental incubation of eggs showed that the optimum temperature for development was 20 to 30 degrees C and eggs could survive under low temperature, indicating that grazing in the contaminated pasture may accelerate the transmission of eggs to cows. Mode of farming, therefore, affects the infection rate of T. vitulorum and may explain the difference in the rate between the two areas.
TL;DR: There was a significant difference in the mean body area of worms fixed in hot AFA, NBF, and aceto-carmine on all days except 4 and 6; and distinction of the ovary and ootype was apparent by day 6 and uterine cooling was observed by day 8 PI.
Abstract: All 23 6–8-week old outbred female ICR mice, each fed 100 metacercarial cysts of Echinostoma caproni, were infected on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 postinfection (PI) with a mean of 45 worms/host. To examine worm distribution in the mouse, the small intestine was divided into five equal sections (segments 1–5 beginning with the pylorus). Worms were found mainly in segments 3 and 4 and were never found in segment 1. Mean body area of worms fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF), hot alcohol-formalin-acetic acid (AFA) and aceto-carmine increased slowly until day 4 and then rapidly until day 8 PI. There was a significant difference in the mean body area of worms fixed in hot AFA, NBF, and aceto-carmine on all days except 4 and 6. Distinction of the ovary and ootype was apparent by day 6 and uterine cooling was observed by day 8 PI. Only 2 of 50 worms showed eggs in the uterus on day 8 PI.
TL;DR: The distribution patterns of these peptides and 5-HT within the nervous system of C. vitta suggest they are likely to function as neuronal mediators, and may also serve in regulating egg production.
Abstract: Adult Corrigia vitta (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidea) inhabit the pancreatic duct of the fieldmouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, where, in numbers, they may occlude the duct lumen and prevent the flow of pancreatic secretions. Enzyme histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques, in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy, have been used to examine the localization and distribution of cholinergic, serotoninergic (5-HT, serotonin) and peptidergic components of the nervous system of the adult worm. All three classes of neuronal mediator showed a common pattern of staining, occurring throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Of the four peptide immunoreactivities (IR) demonstrated (pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY), substance P (SP), FMRFamide), PP-IR was the most predominant, occurring not only within the central ganglia and longitudinal nerve cords, but also in subtegumental plexuses and in fibres associated with the egg-forming apparatus. PYY and FMRFamide IRs were evident throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems; FMRFamide immunostaining, in particular, highlighted innervation of the ootype and immunoreactive cell bodies around the Mehlis' gland. Both SP- and 5-HT-IRs were restricted to the cerebral ganglia, ventral nerve cords and associated cell bodies. The distribution patterns of these peptides and 5-HT within the nervous system of C. vitta suggest they are likely to function as neuronal mediators. PP, PYY and FMRFamide may also serve in regulating egg production.
TL;DR: Specific immunoreactive components present in crude somatic extract and in excretory-secretory products of Gnathostoma spinigerum advanced third-stage larvae were identified by Western blotting and their diagnostic potential evaluated by indirect ELISA.
Abstract: Specific immunoreactive components present in crude somatic extract and in excretory-secretory (ES) products of Gnathostoma spinigerum advanced third-stage larvae (L3) were identified by Western blotting and their diagnostic potential evaluated by indirect ELISA. Although both crude antigen preparations were highly complex, the ES antigen gave a more satisfactory diagnostic result. Most G. spinigerum specific components present in the somatic and ES preparations had molecular weights below 29 kD and were not glycosylated, judging from the concanavalin A staining pattern. Specific diagnostic antigens were prepared by subjecting the crude preparations to SDS-PAGE. Low molecular weight components were identified and electroeluted from the gel. Excess SDS was removed by the use of an ion retardation resin. The antigens obtained by this relatively simple procedure were found to be highly specific for G. spinigerum. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the assay using the fractionated somatic antigen were 100%.
TL;DR: The Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect Ascaris suum antibodies in swine sera with adult body fluid (ABF) as an antigen and was more sensitive than the complement fixation test.
Abstract: The Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect Ascaris suum antibodies in swine sera with adult body fluid (ABF) as an antigen. The assay was standardized with respect to the antigen concentration and serum and conjugate dilutions. Cross reaction was found between the antigen and the sera from the swine infected with Metastrongylus apri. The ELISA was more sensitive than the complement fixation test. Five protein peaks were obtained from ABF by gel filtration on Sephacryle S-300. Fraction 1 was the most specific. A 105 kDa protein in the fraction reacted with swine IgG in the serum of infected animals in Western blot analysis.
TL;DR: It was found that a single oncosphere was sufficient to induce complete resistance in infected rats, whereas approximately 50 and 500 non-viable oncospheres were required to evoke strong and complete resistance, respectively, in vaccinated rats.
Abstract: The usefulness of hatched but non-activated oncospheres as a candidate vaccine was evaluated using a Taenia taeniaeformis/rat system, since preparation of these oncospheres in vitro is known to be very simple. The findings were: (1) rats vaccinated with non-viable oncospheres became completely resistant to challenge infection; (2) intra-venous injection was the most effective to induce complete resistance; (3) a single oncosphere was sufficient to induce complete resistance in infected rats, whereas approximately 50 and 500 non-viable oncospheres were required to evoke strong and complete resistance, respectively, in vaccinated rats. The usefulness of non-viable oncospheres without adjuvant is discussed.
TL;DR: A metastrongyle worm extracted from the anterior chamber of the right eye of a patient in Sri Lanka belongs to the genus Parastrongylus and probably to a yet undescribed species, related to P. cantonensis.
Abstract: A metastrongyle worm extracted from the anterior chamber of the right eye of a patient in Sri Lanka belongs to the genus Parastrongylus and probably to a yet undescribed species, related to P. cantonensis well known to infect man. It is mostly a parasite of rodents, wandering in man and unadapted to this host. Evidence for this lack of adaptation are that the specimen is undergoing necrosis (teratological specimen) and is located in an organ with little immunological defences.
TL;DR: A 28-week-old male child delivered by a 39-year-old Fulani woman suffering from onchocerciasis was positive for O. volvulus microfilariae based on skin snip examinations, and had general body pruritic rash and intermittent fever.
Abstract: A probable case of vertical transmission of Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in Dass Bauchi State, Nigeria is presented. A 28-week-old male child delivered by a 39-year-old Fulani woman suffering from onchocerciasis was positive for O. volvulus microfilariae based on skin snip examinations. The child had general body pruritic rash and intermittent fever. Although the child's skin snip on re-examination five weeks later was also positive, the fever had gradually subsided.
TL;DR: The development of the tapeworm Proteocephalus torulosus (Batsch, 1786), a parasite of cyprinid fish, was studied in the intermediate host under experimental conditions and revealed the ability of some oncospheres to survive and remain infective to the intermediatehost for up to 5 weeks.
Abstract: The development of the tapeworm Proteocephalus torulosus (Batsch, 1786) (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae), a parasite of cyprinid fish, was studied in the intermediate host under experimental conditions. The eggs of P. torulosus were typified by a relatively small outer envelope (hyaline membrane) and a thick middle layer surrounding the oncosphere. Incubation of P. torulosus eggs at different temperatures revealed the ability of some oncospheres to survive and remain infective to the intermediate host for up to 5 weeks at 5-7 degrees C, 12 days at 10-12 degrees C, and 8 days at 20-22 degrees C. Of 8 copepod species used in these experiments, complete development of larvae was observed only in Cyclops strenuus. Growth was completed in 9-12 days at 20-22 degrees C and four weeks at 9-10 degrees C. During development the cercomer was not observed. The infectivity of larvae from C. strenuus for the definitive hosts, cyprinid fish, was very low and only one chub of 26 fish used for feeding experiments (21 chub, Leuciscus cephalus, 3 bleak, Alburnoides bipunctatus, 1 rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus--all the family Cyprinidae, and 1 loach, Noemacheilus barbatulus--the family Cobitidae) became infected.
TL;DR: Male Hisex chicks were used in two experiments to investigate the interaction between Ascaridia galli infection and supplemental copper from basic and neutral salts and Cu2(OH)3Cl reduced the number of parasites but CuSO4.5H2O and CuCO3.nH 2O did not affect the parasite burden.
Abstract: Male Hisex chicks were used in two experiments to investigate the interaction between Ascaridia galli infection and supplemental copper from basic and neutral salts. This was assessed by means of body weights, mortality, parasite burden and liver copper level. Cu2(OH)3Cl reduced the number of parasites but CuSO4.5H2O and CuCO3.Cu(OH)2.nH2O did not affect the parasite burden.
TL;DR: Distribution of some elements during development of endogenous daughter (hydatid) cysts of Echinococcus granulosus of buffalo origin was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and showed that the distribution of copper and cobalt was highest in the smallest cysts.
Abstract: Distribution of some elements during development of endogenous daughter (hydatid) cysts of Echinococcus granulosus of buffalo origin was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These analyses showed that the distribution of copper and cobalt was highest in the smallest cysts. These elements gradually decreased in the cysts as they enlarged. The distribution of zinc, iron and manganese was very high in the smallest cysts in comparison to copper and cobalt, but these three elements decreased greatly in larger cysts. Iron and manganese were the only two elements found in very high concentrations in "thin-walled" cysts. Like all other elements both calcium and magnesium decreased as the cysts increased in size. In the thin-walled cysts magnesium increased by four times initially and this was followed by a two-fold "influx" of calcium in the "white-spots" in the above cysts. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to earlier works.
TL;DR: An optimum protocol for the cryopreservation of third-stage larvae (L3) of Angiostrongylus cantonensis was determined by use of different dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) concentrations, and variation in the thawing temperature.
Abstract: An optimum protocol for the cryopreservation of third-stage larvae (L3) of Angiostrongylus cantonensis was determined by: (i) use of different dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) concentrations; (ii) use of different FBS concentrations in RPMI-1640 medium; and (iii) variation in the thawing temperature. Studies showed that with concentrations of DMSO at 4.8% and FBS at 40% and a thawing temperature of 43 degrees C, L3 survival assessed by motility was highest at 56%. The infectivity of the cryopreserved L3 of A. cantonensis was 20% compared to controls obtained from slugs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a group mullet, Chelon labrosus, was experimentally infected with Cryptocotyle lingua (Heterophyidae) by tail dip in a suspension of cercariae and was excised after 1 and 24 hours and prepared for TEM and post-embedding immunogold labeling.
Abstract: 'O' group mullet, Chelon labrosus, were experimentally infected with Cryptocotyle lingua (Heterophyidae) by tail dip in a suspension of cercariae Metacercariae were excised after 1 and 24 hours and prepared for TEM and post-embedding immunogold labelling Antisera to cercariae of C lingua were raised in adult mullet by natural infection via the skin and by intra-peritoneal injection of sonicate The membrane-bound vesicles within the syncytial lining of the metacercarial excretory vesicle were found to be intensely antigenic with both antisera; the epidermal secretory bodies type 5 within the cystogenous glands gave a positive response Penetration gland contents were not found to be antigenic with either antiserum Discharge of the membrane-bound vesicles coinciding with both the reorganization of the lining of the metacercarial excretory vesicle and with cyst wall formation appears to be of significance in the initiation of the host immune response That the term 'excretory vesicle' in Digenea may be a misnomer is discussed in the light of current information regarding the wide range of functions attributed to this structure