Showing papers in "Journal of Parasitology in 2018"
TL;DR: It was determined that eyelash shampoo with TTO is 3 times more effective at achieving full Demodex reduction, significantly reducing theDemodex count, and relieving ocular symptoms in patients where full reduction cannot be attained, without adverse side effects.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of 7.5% tea tree oil (TTO) eyelash shampoo on the density of Demodex (Acari: Demodicidae) and ocular symptoms in patients with demodectic blepharitis. A total of 135 patients diagnosed with demodectic blepharitis, following clinical inspection and parasitological examinations, were included in the study. Patients were treated with eyelash shampoo, with or without TTO. Full Demodex reduction was attained in 36% of the patients who used eyelash shampoo with TTO, and the average Demodex count was reduced from 6.33/eyelash to zero (P < 0.001). In contrast, the average Demodex count in patients who did not achieve full reduction (64%) was reduced from 12.46/eyelash to 4.15/eyelash (P < 0.001). Full reduction was observed in 11.7% of patients who used TTO-free eyelash shampoo, and average Demodex count reduced from 2.00/eyelash to zero (P = 0.017). The average Demodex count was reduced from 11.98/eyelash to 7.91/eyelash in patients (88.3%) who did...
35 citations
TL;DR: Evaluated the economic impact of Theileria annulata on a commercial Holstein Friesian dairy farm in the District of Ranjanpur, in the Province of Punjab, Pakistan to find out whether the benefits of increased milk production do not provide resistance to pathogens present in regions where the exotic breeds are introduced.
Abstract: The dairy industry in Pakistan is booming, and investors are anxious to fund dairy farms that are using high-milk-producing (exotic) cattle breeds such as Holstein Friesians that are not native to the country. Unfortunately, the benefits of increased milk production do not provide resistance to pathogens present in regions where the exotic breeds are introduced. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the economic impact of Theileria annulata on a commercial Holstein Friesian dairy farm in the District of Ranjanpur, in the Province of Punjab, Pakistan. The economic impact of T. annulata infection was calculated for cattle with subclinical and clinical theileriosis. Losses were estimated based on milk production, morbidity, mortality, and tick control costs (organophosphate sprays). Animals were classified into groups after screening for mastitis, teat abnormality, abnormal parturition, intestinal parasites, and hemoparasites (T. annulata, Babesia spp., and Anaplasma spp.). Microsco...
25 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that high average temperatures may be constraining both the distribution and diversity of Leucocytozoon in lowland tropical South America.
Abstract: Birds harbor an astonishing diversity of haemosporidian parasites belonging to the genera Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium. Currently there are more than 250 morphologically described avian haemosporidian species and 2,828 unique lineages found in virtually all avian clades and zoogeographic regions, except for Antarctica. Our report is based on PCR and microscopic screening of 1,302 individual avian samples from Brazil to detect the underrepresented genus Leucocytozoon. This survey primarily focuses on passerine birds collected from Amazonia, the Atlantic Rain Forest, and Pantanal. We also summarize studies conducted in Brazil that report haemosporidian prevalence using both microscopy and molecular tools and present for the first time a record of Leucocytozoon infecting an avian host population in Amazonia. Based on our findings, we suggest that high average temperatures may be constraining both the distribution and diversity of Leucocytozoon in lowland tropical South America.
23 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of milk was a valid alternative to serological tests, being easily applied in large-scale epidemiological surveys and for continuous monitoring of T. gondii infection.
Abstract: A major public health issue, Toxoplasma gondii infection can affect humans mainly via the consumption of animal products from certain species, including small ruminants. Therefore, a regular monitoring of the infection in ovine and caprine populations is advisable for the control of human and animal toxoplasmosis. Antibody detection in individual and bulk tank milk (BTM) may represent a valid alternative to serological analysis, in that its collection is easy and does not affect animal welfare. Many serological tools for milk analysis have already been validated for several parasites, including Apicomplexa. Thus, the aim of the present study was to obtain epidemiological data on T. gondii infection through the detection of antibodies in BTM of dairy goat herds from an important area for caprine dairy production (northern Italy). The performance of a commercial ELISA was first evaluated for analysis of caprine milk samples, using a panel of serum–milk pairs of goats naturally infected by T. gondii...
18 citations
TL;DR: Molecular data call into question some existing species identifications in Saccocoelioides and reveal that molecular tools combined with traditional taxonomy are required for accurately identifying species in the genus.
Abstract: Two cryptic species of haploporid digeneans belonging in Saccocoelioides are described from Costa Rica: one from a poeciliid fish, Poecilia gillii, and the other from a characid fish, Astyanax aeneus. Traditional morphological features are examined and found to be largely inefficient for differentiating among the new species and 20 New World congeners. Comparison of ribosomal DNA sequences among the 2 new species, 2 North American, 4 Middle American, and 3 South American species of Saccocoelioides, including the type-species Saccocoelioides nanii from Argentina and Saccocoelioides sogandaresi from Texas, is effective in differentiating among these species. A Bayesian inference analysis is conducted using a concatenated alignment of the same 2 ribosomal gene regions from 35 species belonging in the Haploporoidea and rooted by the atractotrematid Isorchis anomalus. The analysis provides stronger support for a close relationship between species in Saccocoelioides and Intromugil; thus, Intromugil is transferred from the Waretrematinae to the Chalcinotrematinae. Additionally, interrelationships among 11 species of Saccocoelioides are resolved and reveal a distinct genetic rift suggesting the presence of 2 distinct lineages within the genus, 1 containing the type-species and the other containing a group of species that more closely resemble other genera in the subfamily. Taxonomy of Saccocoelioides is discussed, and observations made during the present study justify taking several taxonomic actions: new combinations are proposed for Saccocoelioides tilapiae n. comb., formerly in the now-defunct Culuwiya, and Saccocoelioides ruedasueltensis n. comb., formerly in Chalcinotrema; Saccocoelioides guaporense nomen novem is proposed for Lecithobotrioides elongatus; Saccocoelioides papernai is considered a junior subjective synonym of Saccocoelioides overstreeti; Saccocoelioides godoyi is considered a junior subjective synonym of Saccocoelioides szidati; Saccocoelioides magnorchis and Saccocoelioides saccodontis are considered species inquirendae; and Saccocoelioides adelae is considered a nomen nudum. Four new hosts are reported for Saccocoelioides cichlidorum: Amphilophus lyonsi, Amatitlania nigrofasciatus, Amatitlania septemfasciatus, and Hypsophrys nicaraguensis. Molecular data call into question some existing species identifications in Saccocoelioides and reveal that molecular tools combined with traditional taxonomy are required for accurately identifying species in the genus. Twenty-two species of Saccocoelioides are formally accepted, but it is noted that as new molecular data become available, some of these species may be transferred to other genera in the subfamily.
18 citations
TL;DR: Discovery of the tropical lineage north of the identified climatic limitations suggests that more work is needed to characterize this tick's ecology, vectorial capacity, expansion, possible evolution, and response to climate change.
Abstract: Increasing rates of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico underscore the importance of studying the ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the vector in that region. This species is reported to comprise distinct tropical and temperate lineages that may differ in vectorial capacity for RMSF and are hypothesized to be limited in their geographical range by climatic conditions. In this study, lineage was determined for ticks from 9 locations in California, Arizona, and Mexico by DNA sequencing of 12S, 16S, and D-loop ribosomal RNA. As expected, sites in northern California and eastern Arizona had temperate-lineage ticks, and phylogenetic analysis revealed considerable genetic variability among these temperate-lineage ticks. However, tropical-lineage ticks extended north from Oaxaca, Mexico were well established along the entire border from San Diego, California to western Arizona, and were found as far north as Lytle Creek near Lo...
18 citations
TL;DR: The findings improve the epidemiological knowledge of bovine cryptosporidiosis in China, highlighting the importance of ongoing Cryptosporidium surveillance.
Abstract: Bovine cryptosporidiosis constitutes a threat to the livestock industry and public health worldwide. In the present study we investigated dairy cattle of all ages in northeast China for the prevalence and genetic traits of Cryptosporidium. Nested polymerase chain reaction of the small subunit rRNA gene was used to identify Cryptosporidium species or genotype. The parasite was detected in 130 of 537 (24.2%) animals sampled from the cities of Harbin (35.2%, 69/196) and Qiqihar (32.1%, 61/190). Cryptosporidium parvum (87/130) was identified as the dominant species by sequence analysis followed by Cryptosporidium bovis (28/130), Cryptosporidium ryanae (5/130), Cryptosporidium andersoni (2/130), Cryptosporidium suis-like genotype (2/130), and mixed C. ryanae/ C. bovis (1/130). Subtyping of C. parvum isolates was based on the DNA polymorphisms of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene. Subtyping of the C. parvum isolates recognized subtypes IIdA15G1 (24/87) in Harbin and IIdA20G1 (48/87) in Qiqihar. A diversity of Cryptosporidium species/genotype and subtypes was identified in cattle from northeast China. Widespread occurrence of human-pathogenic Cryptosporidium species and subtypes is of public health significance. This is the first study reporting C. parvum subtype IIdA20G1 in China. The findings improve the epidemiological knowledge of bovine cryptosporidiosis in China, highlighting the importance of ongoing Cryptosporidium surveillance.
17 citations
TL;DR: DNA sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 12S, cox1, and nad1 genes have demonstrated that specimens from S. lateralis represent a species clearly distinct from all previously sequenced Mesocestoides and closely related to 2 forms from domestic dogs and Channel Island fox in California previously published.
Abstract: Free pre-tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp. are described, for the first time, from samples obtained from the coelomic cavity of a ground skink, Scincella lateralis, from Oklahoma. Closer examination of these early-stage tapeworms revealed they were transitional metamorphosis stages between a post-hexacanth procercoid form to the full metacestode of Mesocestoides. A series of transitional stages was found that span the full period of sucker and apical organ development. However, we did not see any fully developed tetrathyridia, i.e., having classic Mesocestoides morphology but with the apical sucker absent following developmental atrophy. This is the first time that metamorphic pre-tetrathyridial stages of a Mesocestoides sp. have been reported in vivo from a natural infection. These observations corroborate earlier reports of such stages of Mesocestoides vogae developed in vitro, though the previously reported isolate of M. vogae is asexually proliferative, and the species from the present study...
17 citations
TL;DR: A case of troglostrongylosis in a litter of 3 suckling kittens is described, with a focus on anatomo-pathological and biological features of the infection in 2 of these 3 animals and clinical and therapeutic aspects are presented.
Abstract: Parasitic nematodes affecting the respiratory system of cats are gaining much attention in the scientific community and new knowledge has recently been acquired on their epizootiology, biology, and clinical aspects. In particular, in the past few years different studies have indicated that the metastrongyloid lungworm Troglostrongylus brevior can be vertically transmitted in cats, although information on its basic biology is still poor. The present paper describes a case of troglostrongylosis in a litter of 3 suckling kittens, with a focus on anatomo-pathological and biological features of the infection in 2 of these 3 animals. The third kitten survived the infection and clinical and therapeutic aspects are presented. New insights into the transmission and biology of T. brevior are discussed along with potential strategies for an efficacious treatment and control of this life-threatening parasitosis of cats.
17 citations
TL;DR: The findings of widespread, consistent host–parasite genotype patterns support the hypothesis that C. shasta has a long evolutionary history with salmonid fishes in the Pacific Northwest, and impels additional studies to determine if these parasite genotypes should be considered different species.
Abstract: The distribution of the freshwater myxozoan parasite Ceratonova shasta in the Pacific Northwest of North America is limited to overlap in the ranges of its 2 hosts: the polychaete Manyunkia sp., and Pacific salmonids. Studies in the Klamath River (Oregon/California) and Deschutes River (Oregon), showed that the parasite population is comprised of multiple sympatric genotypes, some of which correlate with particular salmonid host species and with differences in clinical disease in those hosts. The 3 primary genotypes O, I, and II are defined by the number of a specific tri-nucleotide repeat in the internal transcribed spacer-1 region. To understand the spatial extent of host–parasite genotype patterns, we sequenced the parasite from 448 salmonid fishes from river basins in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada. We sampled intestinal tissues from 6 species of salmon and trout, both those that exist naturally with the parasite (sympatric) and those that do not naturally...
16 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that, in the environment the authors surveyed, humans and animals are a potential part of the same transmission cycle and measures to prevent zoonotic transmission should be considered to reduce the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis.
Abstract: Cryptosporidiosis is one of the leading causes of diarrhea in humans and several other vertebrate species Because surveys of Cryptosporidium genotypes from animals and humans living in the same region are rare, our understanding of the importance of zoonotic transmission in the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis remains superficial PCR was used to amplify a portion of the Cryptosporidium 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene from fecal DNA from humans and livestock living in Ekiti and Oyo states, Nigeria PCR-positive samples were further analyzed using PCR targeting the heat-shock protein HSP-70, the actin, and the sporozoite glycoprotein gene gp60 A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information Sixteen of 187 samples collected were Cryptosporidium 18S PCR positive Of these, 5 samples originating from HIV-positive patients, 5 from otherwise healthy children, 2 from chickens, 3 from goats, and 1 from a dog were positive for at least 1 marker Sequencing of the 18S rRNA amplicons revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum in 2 HIV positive patients and in a child; the actin sequence confirmed the presence of this species Two samples of HIV-positive patients amplified Cryptosporidium hominis 18S rRNA, one of them confirmed by the HSP-70, actin, and gp60 sequences Cryptosporidium meleagridis was found in another HIV patient, while C hominis was detected in 3 children (of which 2 were confirmed by gp60) Cryptosporidium muris was found in 1 child In birds, we found C meleagridis and, significantly, C parvum, whereas we detected C parvum and C muris in 1 goat each The only dog sampled was positive for Cryptosporidium canis We conclude that, in the environment we surveyed, humans and animals are a potential part of the same transmission cycle Measures to prevent zoonotic transmission should therefore be considered to reduce the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis
TL;DR: Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses unequivocally showed the conspecificity between C. heluans and Clinostomum sp.
Abstract: The phylogenetic position of Clinostomum heluans Braun, 1899 within the genus Clinostomum Leidy, 1856 is reported in this study based on sequences of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COX1). Additionally, molecular data are used to link the adult and the metacercariae of the species. The metacercariae of C. heluans were found encysted infecting the cichlid fish Australoheros sp. in Minas Gerais, Brazil, whereas the adults were obtained from the mouth cavity of the Great White Egret, Ardea alba, in Campeche, Mexico. The COX1 sequences obtained for the Mexican clinostomes and the Brazilian metacercaria were almost identical (0.2% molecular divergence), indicating conspecificity. Similar molecular divergence (0.2–0.4%) was found between sequences of C. heluans reported here and Clinostomum sp. 6 previously obtained from a metacercaria recovered from the cichlid Cichlasoma boliviense in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference an...
TL;DR: Using next-generation sequencing, transcribed, putative anticoagulants and other salivary bioactive compounds that have previously been linked to blood feeding from 7 piscicolid species and 1 ozobranchid species showed a broad spectrum of described antagonistic pathways, such as inhibition of factor Xa and platelet aggregation.
Abstract: Leeches (Annelida: Hirudinea) possess powerful salivary anticoagulants and, accordingly, are frequently employed in modern, authoritative medicine. Members of the almost exclusively marine family Piscicolidae account for 20% of leech species diversity, and they feed on host groups (e.g., sharks) not encountered by their freshwater and terrestrial counterparts. Moreover, some species of Ozobranchidae feed on endangered marine turtles and have been implicated as potential vectors for the tumor-associated turtle herpesvirus. In spite of their ecological importance and unique host associations, there is a distinct paucity of data regarding the salivary transcriptomes of either of these families. Using next-generation sequencing, we profiled transcribed, putative anticoagulants and other salivary bioactive compounds that have previously been linked to blood feeding from 7 piscicolid species (3 elasmobranch feeders; 4 non-cartilaginous fish feeders) and 1 ozobranchid species (2 samples). In total, 149 ...
TL;DR: The pattern of association between the fish parasites in this study and their hosts indicates, with few exceptions, ecologically driven diversification events involving host shifting not related to the phylogenetic relationships of their hosts.
Abstract: Nematodes are common in the parasite communities of North American freshwater fishes, and the majority of them belong to 1 conventional order, Spirurida Chitwood, 1933. Within the Spirurida, the superfamilies Habronematoidea Chitwood and Wehr, 1932 and Thelazioidea Sobolev, 1949 have undergone considerable diversification. The dominant families of these 2 superfamilies, Cystidicolidae Skrjabin 1946 and Rhabdochonidae Railliet, 1916, respectively, are particularly common, widely distributed, and diverse, especially in North America, yet their phylogenetic relationships remain largely unexplored. In this study, we use near complete sequences of the 18S rRNA genes (SSU rDNA) from species in 6 genera (Capillospirura Skrjabin, 1924, Cystidicola Fischer, 1798, Salmonema Moravec, Santos and Brasil-Sato, 2008, Rhabdochona Railliet, 1916, Spinitectus Fourment, 1883, and a putative new cystidicolid in mooneyes, Hiodontidae), along with a species of Hedruris Nitzsch, 1812 from newts as a surrogate for the f...
TL;DR: This case report highlights continuing risk associated with the importation of exotic tick vectors of medical and veterinary significance on international travelers returning to the United States from abroad.
Abstract: We report the importation into Connecticut, U.S.A., of an exotic tick, Hyalomma truncatum (Koch) (Acari: Ixodidae), on a human with recent travel history to Africa. The tick was identified using key morphological characters and through DNA sequencing. This case report highlights continuing risk associated with the importation of exotic tick vectors of medical and veterinary significance on international travelers returning to the United States from abroad.
TL;DR: It is concluded that anthelmintic treatments of recently calved cattle have a significant effect on milk production due to the nematode control.
Abstract: Gastrointestinal nematodes are responsible for economic losses in bovines and are characterized by reduced milk production, decreased working efficiency, and even death. In our study, the effect of different anthelmintic treatments on nematode control in different parity cattle (Friesian crossbreds) at calving and their effect on milk yield were evaluated. The economics of anthelmintics and farm benefits in terms of increased milk production after deworming was also calculated. We screened cattle of first and second parity for nematodes. Animals were randomly selected in each group. In first parity animals, there were 23 positive cattle found, which were divided into 3 different groups, while in second parity animals there were 20 positive cattle which were also divided into 3 groups. For treatment of gastrointestinal nematodes, we used albendazole (velbazine) at 10 mg/kg body weight and levamisole (Nilverm®) at 7.5 mg/kg. In this study, both drugs were found effective in controlling nematode infections in cattle. Percentage reduction of eggs per gram (EPG) by albendazole was 48.20, 85.34, and 93.90% and 51.54, 81.43, 91.74% on day 7, 14, and 21 in first and second parity animals, respectively. Percentage reduction of EPG by levamisole was 44.45, 76.92, and 88.03% and 46.60, 73.78, 85.43% on day 7, 14, and 21 in first and second parity animals, respectively. The average increase in milk production in albendazole-treated groups was 0.39 and 0.92 L per day while increases in levamisole treated groups were 0.27 and 0.55 L per day in first and second parity cattle, respectively. After treatment, albendazole increased the milk fat by 0.07 and 0.1% while levamisole decreased by 0.02 and 0.05% in first and second parity cattle, respectively. It is concluded that anthelmintic treatments of recently calved cattle have a significant effect on milk production due to the nematode control. Milk production increased significantly in second parity cattle following anthelmintic treatment as compared to first parity animals. Levamisole had a negative effect on fat concentration in cattle while albendazole-treated cattle showed a positive effect. Albendazole has been found more efficient in reducing EPG of helminths in both parity animals as compared to levamisole-treated animals while the cost-benefit ratio of levamisole was greater than albendazole.
TL;DR: Results indicate that the storage period is important in affecting the peak point and pattern of oocyst shedding and infectious lesion generation in animals infected with E. tenella.
Abstract: Various species of Eimeria have different prepatent times and predilection sites, but their life cycles in infected poultry are similar. Practically speaking, chickens can be continuously exposed to various Eimeria species through environmental contamination. Furthermore, storage condition of the oocysts influences subsequent challenge infectivity, since coccidian oocysts contain a polysaccharide energy source known as amylopectin that is required for sporulation of oocysts and survival of the sporozoites. Here analysis of the oocyst-shedding patterns of 3 Eimeria species ( Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella) and the effects of different oocyst storage time (64, 143, 225, and 332 days) on subsequent propagation patterns were evaluated. Based on the analysis of oocyst-shedding patterns and infectious lesions evaluated by oocyst counts and histopathology, respectively, the peak points of oocyst production and infectious lesion generation in animals infected with E. acervulina were observed to occur earlier in comparison to E. maxima- and E. tenella-infected animals. Prolonged storage of E. tenella oocysts decreased oocyst excretion (measured as oocysts per gram of feces [OPG]) and lengthened the peak period. Chickens infected with the freshest oocysts (Group A) had the highest fecal oocyst output, and animals in this group reached their peak at 7 days post-infection (dpi), which is similar to the normal pattern of oocyst output in fresh isolates. Infection with oocysts stored for longer periods showed a 1-day delay in the fecal oocyst peak count (8 dpi), and these infections also resulted in fewer OPG compared to Group A. Therefore, these results indicate that the storage period is important in affecting the peak point and pattern of oocyst shedding.
TL;DR: This is the first record of G. neoplasticum in urban areas of the Brazilian Amazon and proposes a taxonomic key for species of this genus that parasitize rodents.
Abstract: Specimens of the genus Gongylonema were collected from the gastric mucosa of rodents of Rattus rattus Linnaeus, 1758, and Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769, collected in urban areas in Belem, Para, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The helminths were processed for analysis using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques and presented taxonomic characteristics of the species Gongylonema neoplasticum. The SEM analyses revealed the presence of 2 developed buccal plates (1 dorsal, 1 ventral), also called interlabia, with a prominent and bifurcated ventral plaque. The occurrence of the bifurcated ventral interlabium had not yet been identified by any other author from G. neoplasticum. As a result of our extensive research on published data on Gongylonema spp., we propose a taxonomic key for species of this genus that parasitize rodents. This is the first record of G. neoplasticum in urban areas of the Brazilian Amazon.
TL;DR: Durban's city center, which offers rats harborage, an unsanitary environment, and availability of food, is a high-transmission area for fleas and trypanosomes, and consequently a potential public health risk.
Abstract: This study investigated associations between Trypanosoma lewisi and Xenopsylla cheopis, a common cyclical vector of T. lewisi; Polyplax spinulosa, a reported mechanical vector; and Laelaps echidnina and Laelaps lamborni, 2 rodent mites of Rattus norvegicus in Durban, South Africa. In total, 379 R. norvegicus individuals were live-trapped at 48 sites in 4 locality types around Durban during a 1-yr period. Rats were euthanized, cardiac blood was taken to check for hemoparasites, and ectoparasites were removed for identification. Parasite species richness was higher in pups (2.11) and juveniles (1.02) than adults (0.87). Most rats in the study harbored 1 or 2 of the 5 parasites surveyed. Rats with trypanosomes and fleas were more prevalent in the city center and harbor, where juveniles were most affected. Rats with lice were more prevalent in informal settlements and urban/peri-urban areas, where pups had the highest infestations. There was a significant positive association between rats with fleas and trypanosomes and a negative association between rats with lice and trypanosomes. Location and rat age were significant predictors of T. lewisi, X. cheopis, and P. spinulosa. Mites showed no strong association with trypanosomes. Ectoparasite associations are possibly habitat and life-cycle related. We conclude that Durban's city center, which offers rats harborage, an unsanitary environment, and availability of food, is a high-transmission area for fleas and trypanosomes, and consequently a potential public health risk.
TL;DR: Samples obtained from 11 teleost fish species collected in waters off of the Mediterranean coasts of Sicily, Italy, were examined for the presence of Hysterothylacium spp.
Abstract: Samples obtained from 11 teleost fish species collected in waters off of the Mediterranean coasts of Sicily, Italy, were examined for the presence of Hysterothylacium spp. larvae. In total, 3,017 fish samples were examined, and the larvae recovered were used in subsequent phylogenetic studies. Fifty-eight raphidascaridid parasitic nematodes were found in the examined fish, with prevalence values ranging from 0.2% in anchovies to 60% in forkbeard samples. Twenty-seven parasites were identified as Hysterothylacium fabri and Hysterothylacium aduncum by sequencing the following regions: the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COXII). Two other larvae collected from Lophius piscatorius had very low identity scores, with ITS and COXII sequences reported in GenBank and high genetic distances (AY603539). Pairwise comparisons between the ITS region of the H. fabri isolated from fishes from Sicilian coastal waters and those isolated fro...
TL;DR: A phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) suggests that the new species shares a recent common ancestor with a clade of cyprinid-infecting species of Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 and Thelohanellus and are polyphyletic and need revision.
Abstract: Thelohanellus magnacysta n. sp. (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae) infects the skeletal muscle of blacktail shiner, Cyprinella venusta Girard, 1856 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in Bull Creek, Chattahoochee River Basin, eastern Georgia. Although numerous members of ThelohanellusKudo, 1933 have overlapping myxospore dimensions with the new species, it differs from all nominal congeners by polar filament coil number and polar capsule width as well as by lacking a mucous envelope, iodinophilic vacuole, and sutural markings. With the use of novel primers for Myxozoa, a phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) suggests that the new species shares a recent common ancestor with a clade of cyprinid-infecting species of Myxobolus Butschli, 1882 (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae) and Thelohanellus. Consistent with other published research concerning the systematics of Thelohanellus, this result suggested that Thelohanellus and Myxobolus are polyphyletic and need revision. Histological sections of infected blacktail shiners confirmed that myxospores were only found within a plasmodium and only infected skeletal muscle and that plasmodia were encapsulated by a granuloma comprising varying degrees of acute granulomatous inflammation. The new species is the fourth of Thelohanellus reported from North America and the first reported from Cyprinella, as well as the first myxozoan described from the blacktail shiner.
TL;DR: Morphological characterization of the cercariae and their DNA barcodes provide a primary platform for differentiating dicrocoeliids from various mollusks in Japan and suggest a possibility that the currently accepted macrotaxonomy of the Dicro coeliidae is problematic, due to the paraphyly of the subfamilies Dicro Coeliinae and Leipertrematinae.
Abstract: Trematodes of the family Dicrocoeliidae commonly use terrestrial mollusks as the first intermediate host. Despite abundant studies on the adult worms in birds and mammals, few reports exist on their larval stage in snail intermediate hosts. A present survey of mollusks in Japan led us to the discovery of dicrocoeliid sporocysts with cercariae in 16 of 303 individuals, encompassing 8 snail species and 1 slug species. A DNA barcoding based on sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 showed that the larvae consisted of 5 species. Phylogenetic trees of nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal DNAs confirmed the 5 species to be members of the Dicrocoeliidae. These were temporarily termed dicrocoeliid species 1 to 5, because conclusive identification was impossible without adult worms. These unknown species were phylogenetically related to each other, except for sp. 5. The phylogenetic trees demonstrated close genetic relationships between sp. 3 and the genus Lutztrema and between sp. 5 and the genus Lyperosomum. The phylogenetic analysis also suggests a possibility that the currently accepted macrotaxonomy of the Dicrocoeliidae is problematic, due to the paraphyly of the subfamilies Dicrocoeliinae and Leipertrematinae. Morphological characterization of the cercariae and their DNA barcodes provide a primary platform for differentiating dicrocoeliids from various mollusks in Japan. The DNA barcodes, in particular, will enable tracing the parasite life cycles, in case of finding metacercariae and adults from presently unknown hosts.
TL;DR: This is the first report of deleterious effects caused by F. hepatica in capybaras, highlighting the potential harm caused by this exotic parasite in the capybara.
Abstract: The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica (Trematoda: Fasciolidae) causes fascioliasis, which affects mostly domestic ruminants and humans worldwide. This parasite has an Old World origin and was introduced into the New World by European colonizers. Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest living rodent species, with adults weighing over 60 kg. We report a fascioliasis outbreak caused by F. hepatica that reduced a capybara group from 21 to 2 animals within a 9-mo period. Animal infection and associated lesions were confirmed by postmortem examinations that revealed extensive liver damage associated with the presence of large number of adult and immature forms of F. hepatica. Both macroscopic and microscopic alterations in the liver were compatible with acute fascioliasis, which is characterized by a large parasite burden in the liver. Taxonomic identification of flukes collected from capybara livers were confirmed by molecular methods, which generated a mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase I (NDI) gene partial sequence that was 100% identical to a F. hepatica NDI sequence from the United Kingdom. This is the first report of deleterious effects caused by F. hepatica in capybaras, highlighting the potential harm caused by this exotic parasite in the capybara.
TL;DR: The role of wild boars as reservoirs of T. britovi in Serbia is suggested, which is the first case of the species being confirmed in food samples linked to human trichinellosis.
Abstract: After a human trichinellosis outbreak in Zlatibor District, Serbia, in 2016, Trichinella larvae were found in wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat products. One hundred and fourteen people were infected during the outbreak. The larvae were determined to be Trichinella britovi using the polymerase chain reaction method. Trichinella britovi has previously been identified in Serbia, but this is the first case of the species being confirmed in food samples linked to human trichinellosis. The results of the study confirmed that the T. britovi is able to affect human health. In addition, this study suggests the role of wild boars as reservoirs of T. britovi in Serbia.
TL;DR: It is concluded that vaccination is a viable method for controlling coccidiosis in Japanese quail.
Abstract: A systematic study was undertaken to identify the species, characterize the pathogenicity, and assess the immunization of Eimeria bateri in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In total, 107 Japanese quail farms were examined. The samples were processed and oocyst shape indices of sporulated oocysts were determined. Out of 107 examined farms, 34 (31.78%) farms were positive. Four Eimeria spp. were morphologically identified. For characterization of the pathogenicity, Japanese quail were orally inoculated with various doses of sporulated oocysts of Eimeria bateri. Weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, severity of diarrhea, and intestinal lesion scores were examined. The birds inoculated with high doses displayed significantly lower weight gain and poorer FCR, increased mortality, and more intestinal and fecal lesions scores. To quantify the immunization of Japanese quail against coccidiosis, 2-day-old quail were orally inoculated with either 100 or 1,000 sporulated oocysts o...
TL;DR: The nematode Raillietnema spectans presented the highest prevalence and was the most abundant and the body of knowledge about the diversity of helminth fauna associated with Dermatonotus muelleri from northeastern Brazil is increased, extending the record of hosts and the geographic distribution of these helmineth species.
Abstract: The helminth fauna associated with Muller's termite frog, Dermatonotus muelleri, from the southern region of Ceara State, Brazil, was studied. The species richness was 6 helminth taxa, including cystacanths of Acanthocephala and 5 nematode species: Aplectana membranosa, Parapharyngodon silvoi, Raillietnema spectans, larvae of Physaloptera sp., and an unidentified nematode. The overall prevalence was 88.6%, with an average intensity of infection of 123.7 ± 26.3. The nematode Raillietnema spectans presented the highest prevalence and was the most abundant (d = 0.670). Host body size did not influence the intensity of infection nor the richness of helminth species. This study increases the body of knowledge about the diversity of helminth fauna associated with Dermatonotus muelleri from northeastern Brazil, extending the record of hosts and the geographic distribution of these helminth species.
TL;DR: The incidental discovery of novel parasites during a study that did not specifically aim to investigate the occurrence of helminths underscores the value of histopathological examination as an exploratory diagnostic approach.
Abstract: The Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) is native to Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, and is a regular winter migrant in Uruguayan and Brazilian coastal waters. The species is known to be susceptible to a variety of gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and acanthocephalans, as well as renal trematodes and pulmonary nematodes. Schistosomes (Platyhelminthes, Trematoda, Schistosomatidae) and microfilariae (Nematoda, Secernentea, Onchocercidae) were histologically identified in Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) that died while under care at rehabilitation centers in southern Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene, ITS-1 region, 5.8S rRNA gene, ITS-2 region, and 28S rRNA gene sequences of the schistosome revealed that it is closely related to, but distinct from, a schistosome reported from the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus). The schistosomes from Magellanic and African Penguins were grouped with Gigantobilharzia huronensis, Gigantobil...
TL;DR: This is the first report of tick-borne disease from Pakistan by using RPA, and demonstrates the application of highly sensitive and specific rapid diagnostic methods for T. annulata to a regional screening program.
Abstract: Piroplasmosis is one of the most important diseases of livestock, constraining optimal production and leading to economic loss. This study was carried out to detect Theileria annulata by using 2 different molecular techniques: recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood samples were collected from 274 ticks infesting asymptomatic cattle from several counties in the Chakwal, Faisalabad, and Jhang districts of Punjab Province in Pakistan by using FTA cards. After extraction of genomic DNA, each sample was subjected to RPA optimized to amplify a 281-bp fragment of the Enolase gene for T. annulata. The specificity of the test was confirmed using positive DNA samples of related piroplasm species, whereas the analytical sensitivity was calculated using different serial dilutions of a long fragment of the same gene. The RPA results were positive for 48 (17.51%) of 274 samples. All 274 samples were screened using conventional PCR, and 21 (7.66%) samples were positive for T. annulata. All the samples that were RPA positive but PCR negative were sequenced, which confirmed the results of RPA. The highest positive rate was found in Chakwal district, followed by Faisalabad and Jhang districts. This study demonstrates the application of highly sensitive and specific rapid diagnostic methods for T. annulata to a regional screening program. This is the first report of tick-borne disease from Pakistan by using RPA.
TL;DR: Neoechinorhynchus bullocki differs from other catostomid-infecting species in body size and shape, proboscis armature, and characteristics of the male reproductive system and was found to have a strict level of host specificity based on an extensive fish parasite survey that took place in New York State over a 10-yr period.
Abstract: Neoechinorhynchus bullocki n. sp. is described from Catostomus commersonii Lacepede, 1803, from the Otsego Lake watershed, central New York State. Neoechinorhynchus bullocki differs from o...
TL;DR: The diverse genetic variability of T. gondii in Brazil is reaffirms, and the CS3 marker demonstrated efficiency in the evaluation of virulence in mice.
Abstract: The genotyping of 25 isolates of Toxoplasma gondii from free-range chickens in the state of Bahia, Brazil, was performed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism using 11 genetic markers: SAG1, 5′+3′SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3. The analysis revealed 8 genotypes, 3 of which had not been previously reported. Four genotypes were represented by single isolates, whereas the other genotypes were represented by 2 or more isolates. Five isolates showed mixed infections, and 2 of them were identical. None of the clonal types I, II, or III were found, but 2 isolates corresponded to the Brazilian clonal lineage BrIII. There was a single allele for the c22-8 marker. The CS3 marker demonstrated efficiency in the evaluation of virulence in mice. This study reaffirms the diverse genetic variability of T. gondii in Brazil.