Capillaria Obsignata Research Articles

The Study on Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths (Cestodes, Nematodes, and Trematodes) in Chickens, Dalomana District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Introduction: Gastrointestinal tract helminthiasis of poultry is a parasitic infection of gastrointestinal parts of poultry by macroparasite which is classified as a tapeworm (cestodes), roundworm (nematodes), and flukeworm (trematodes). Cestodes and nematodes are the common intestinal helminthic infections in local chickens leading to high nutritional and economic loss to the poor farmers of rural areas. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites and identify the parasite species that infect local breed chickens in the study area.
 Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study on gastrointestinal helminths was conducted on 144 local breeds of chickens raised under a traditional management system in seven kebeles located around Dalomana town of Bale zone, Ethiopia.
 Results: Of these chickens, 131 (91%) were infected with one of the five different helminth parasites and 13 (9%) were free of helminth parasites. The results of the current study indicated that 131 (91%) and 107 (74.3%) of the examined chickens were invariably infected by diverse species of cestodes and nematodes species, respectively. The major cestode species recovered from chickens were Raillietina echinobothrida (75.5%), Raillietina tetragona (73.6%), Davainea proglottina (11.1%). The major nematode species encountered were Heterakis gallinarum (37.5%), Ascaridia galli (35.4%), Capillaria anatis (6.9%), Capillaria obsignata (5.6%), and Capillaria annulata (4.9%). Regarding the prevalence of these parasites in relation to age, sex, and kebele, no significant difference was indicated.
 Conclusion: The findings of the current study strongly suggested that helminthiasis is a very serious problem of backyard chickens in Dalomana district, Bale zone of Oromia, and appropriate control strategies need to be devised.

Distribution and age dynamics of chicken helminth infections in the republic of Azerbaijan

Studies were conducted in private poultry farms in five economic regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Apsheronsky, Sheki-Zakatalsky, Lenkoran-Astarasky, Guba-Khachmazsky and Aransky. It was found that helminthocomplex of domestic chickens is represented by parasites belonging to class Nematoda, including 4 species - Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Syngamus trachea, Capillaria obsignata and Cestoda, represented by one species, Raillietina tetragona. Their ubiquitous distribution has been established; however, with a homogeneous taxonomic composition in economic areas, the infestation of chickens with pathogens of individual helminthic diseases varies. Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum are the dominant species. Their invasion of hens is maximum (36.8 and 35.5% prevalence) and does not have significant territorial differences. Bird infestation with nematodes C.obsignata and tapeworms Raillietina tetragona is characterized by lower prevalence rates and their pronounced variability within areas. The infestation of chickens with capillariasis and ryetinosis varies from 7.1% in Aransky district to 28.8% in Lenkoran-Astarsky district, from 5.4% to 24.8% in Apsheronsky and Guba-Khachmazsky districts. On average, it is 17.8 and 18.5% in the republic, respectively. Age peculiarities of chickens' helminth infestation are characterized by the same taxonomic spectrum of parasites and maximum infection with the causative agents of ascariasis, heterokidosis, syngamosis, capillariasis and ryetinosis in chickens aged 2.5-5 months with prevalence of 38.9; 40.8; 21.9; 19.7 and 20.9%, respectively. The incidence of these nosoforms in adult birds is much lower and amounts to 32.0; 30,8; 15,3; 16.2 and 16.0%.

Распределение гельминтов, обнаруженных в частных птицеводческих хозяйствах, по районам Азербайджана

Of the helminths detected during these studies, the intensity of the invasions with Ascaridia galli in the Aran region, Heterakis gallinarum — on the Absheron, Syngamus trachea, Capillaria obsignata — in Lankaran-Astara, Raillietina tetragona — in Kuba-Khachmaz, and on the basis of studies carried out during autopsy of carcasses the intensity of invasions with heterakises, railietins in the Aran region, Ascaridia in Kuba-Khachmaz, and with singamuses and capillaries in Lankaran-Astara was high. Along with the fact that in the summer period there was observed high extensiveness and intensity of invasions among the studies carried out by seasons of the year, the prevalence of Ascaridia, heterakises, singamuses in Sheki-Zagatala region, railietins in Kuba-Khachmaz, and capillaries in Lankaran–Astara in comparison with other regions was high. The intensity of the invasions with Ascaridia in Kuba-Khachmaz, heterakises, singamuses, railietins, and capillaries in Aran came up to a high level.

The spread of helminthic invasion among birds in the subtropical zone of Azerbaijan

Investigations on the invasion of hens in different groups in the farms are carried out. It was found out that the most common invasions are Аscaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Syngamus trachea, Raillietina tetragona and Capillaria obsignata. The highest rates of intensity and extensity of invasion were in 2-4 monthly hens with Аscaridia galli, Syngamus trachea, Capillaria obsignata and Raillietina tetragona, and in hens aged 6-8 months - Heterakis gallinarum. The highest invasion among hens was in summer.

The survey of parasitic infections of wild pigeons (Columba livia) in Lahijan city, Guilan, Iran

Pigeons of the order Columbiformes especially wild pigeons (Columba livia), are of concern since they have a role in spreading some zoonoses to people as well as being a reservoir of many parasitic diseases for poultry.The aim of this investigation was to study on parasitic infections of Columba livia. This survey was conducted from 180 Columba livia in four parts of the Lahijan city, Northern area of Iran, between March 2015 and April 2016. From 180 pigeons, 43.33 and 36.66% were infected with nematodes and cestodes respectively whereas no trematodes were found. The helminths were Nematoda: Ascaridia columbae (50%), Capillaria obsignata (38.4%) Acuaria spiralis (7.6%), Cestoda: Raillietina magninumida (54.5%), Raillietina echinobothrida (45.4%), Raillietina tetragona (45.4%). Eight different species of ectoparasites included Pseudolynchia canariensis (73.3%), Columbicola columbae (88.3%), Dermanyssus gallinae (3.3%), Falculifer rostratus (31.6%), Menopon gallinae (6.6%), Goniodes sp. (53.3%), Menacanthus stramineus(41.6%), Megninia cubitalis (13.3%). Also, two species of protozoa were found: Haemoproteus columbae in 78.33% of blood samples and Trichomonas gallinae of 50% of crop smears. Our finding showed that incidence the rate of parasitic infections in Columba livia was high. It advises to more studies in this background.

Helminth fauna of domestic waterfowl (goose – Anser anser dom. and duck– Anas platyrhynchos dom.) of Nakhchivan AR

Helminths, causing various diseases, have a negative impact on the quality of meat, egg production, productivity and other characteristics of domestic waterfowl that is an important sourсe of a number of ration components. To prevent the above facts, for the first time from 2014 to 2018, complex helminthological studies were carried out in all regions of the Nakhchivan AR (Babek, Julfa, Sharur, Kengerli, Shahbuz, Ordubad and Sederek) and 359 domestic waterfowl hosts were subjected to complete helminthological autopsy to find 14 helminth species (three species of cestodes – Fimbriaria fasciolaris, Tschertkovilepis setigera, Drepanidotaenia lanceolata, two species of trematodes – Notocotylus attenuatus, Hypoderaeum conoideum and 9 nematode species – Amidostomum anseris, Trichostrongylus tenius, Capillaria obsignata, Ganguleterakis dispar, Tetrameres fissispina, Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Porraceum crassum and Thominx contorta). Of these, 11 species were observed in domestic geese and 12 species in domestic ducks. Common for both geese and ducks are 9 species (3 species of cestodes, 2 species of trematodes and 4 species of nematodes). The presence of such a large number of common species of parasites for both species of birds can be explained by keeping these birds under identical conditions with similar nutrition in the same farms. The percentage of helminth infection of geese and ducks in general for the Nakhchivan AR is 46.5%. Separately, the percentage of infection in the AR in geese is 45.1%, and in ducks 48.0%. The largest number of species of parasites by regions was recorded: Babek – 12 species, Sharur – 9 species and Kengerli – 8 species. Of the 14 species of helminths recorded on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, three species (G. dispar, A. anseris, T. tenius) were recorded in all 7 regions with high prevalence and intensity of infection. The finding of these all 3 species of nematodes in different regions differing from each other in ecological conditions and their widespread distribution in these hosts can be explained by the fact that they have a simple cycle of development, and most importantly, that all of them are specific parasites of domestic waterfowl.

Morpho-pathological description of first record of fatal concurrent intestinal and renal parasitism in Columba livia domestica in India

Out of around 200 pigeons (housed at Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park, Chhatbir, Punjab), two pigeons exhibiting signs of depression, lethargy, droopiness and blood tinged greenish diarrhoea were quarantined for detailed examination. The faecal examination revealed a concurrent parasitic egg load of capillarid, ascarid and strongyle eggs. Morphological observations after clearing of retrieved parasites from the deceased pigeons revealed the presence of Ascaridia columbae, Capillaria obsignata, and Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus. Histopathological studies of the intestines revealed sloughing and hyperplasia of the lining epithelium; whereas kidneys of one of the pigeon exhibited the extensive tubular damage and marked haemorrhages with cut sections of the parasite, Paratanaisia bragai. The other vital organs showed no signs of any significant lesions in both pigeons. This seems to be the first report of fatal concurrent gastrointestinal and renal pathology due to A. columbae, C. obsignata, O. quadriradiatus and P. bragai in pigeons kept at zoological park in India.

Morpho-pathological description of first record of fatal concurrent intestinal and renal parasitism in Columba livia domestica in India

Out of around 200 pigeons (housed at Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park, Chhatbir, Punjab), two pigeons exhibiting signs of depression, lethargy, droopiness and blood tinged greenish diarrhoea were quarantined for detailed examination. The faecal examination revealed a concurrent parasitic egg load of capillarid, ascarid and strongyle eggs. Morphological observations after clearing of retrieved parasites from the deceased pigeons revealed the presence of Ascaridia columbae, Capillaria obsignata, and Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus. Histopathological studies of the intestines revealed sloughing and hyperplasia of the lining epithelium; whereas kidneys of one of the pigeon exhibited the extensive tubular damage and marked haemorrhages with cut sections of the parasite, Paratanaisia bragai. The other vital organs showed no signs of any significant lesions in both pigeons. This seems to be the first report of fatal concurrent gastrointestinal and renal pathology due to A. columbae, C. obsignata, O. quadriradiatus and P. bragai in pigeons kept at zoological park in India.

Gastro-intestinal helminths of pigeons (<i>Columba livia</i>) in Gujarat, India</i>

A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of helmith parasites of domestic wild and zoo pigeons in Gujarat, India by faecal sampling and postmortem examination. Qualitative examination of 78 faecal samples revealed 71 (91%) with parasitic infections of nematodes (85%), cestodes (31%) and Eimeria sp (77%). There were 200-1600 nematode eggs per gram during the monsoon season, which was high compared to the 200-1000 eggs per gram in winter and summer. In post-mortems 85% had parasitic infections, of nematodes (75%), cestodes (69%) and Eimeria sp (58%). Two species of nematodes (Ascaridia columbae and Capillaria obsignata) and five species of three genera of cestodes (Raillietina echinobothridia, R. tetragona, R. cesticillus, Cotugnia digonophora and Hymenolepis sp) were identified. Despite their parasitic infections, not a single pigeon revealed any alarming clinical signs.

The Parasitic Communities of the Rock Pigeon Columba livia from Iraq: Component and Importance

The main objectives of the present study were to investigate the rock pigeon parasitic communities from Iraq as well as reporting on the prevalence and intensity of various infections from both sexes. An examination of 128 specimens of the live rock pigeon Columba livia from Iraq was undertaken. The samples were obtained from several localities of Iraq. Blood samples were examined for haemoprotozoa, carcasses were investigated for the ectoparasites throughout their body skins and feathers, and the alimentary canal was examined for protozoans and helminths. Twenty-seven species of parasites were identified. They comprised 1 Fungi, Candida sp.; 4 Protozoa, Eimeria labbeana, Trichomonas gallinae, Haemoproteus columbae and Plasmodium sp.; 8 Cestoda, 4 of each of the genera Cotugnia and Raillietina; 4 Nematoda, Ascaridia columbae, A. galli, Capillaria obsignata and Synhimantus spiralis; and 10 Arthropoda, the commonest of which were the wing and tail feather louse Columbicola sp. and the pigeon louse fly Pseudolinchia canariensis. Infection indices are provided for each species and in respect to both sexes of the host. The issue of zoonosis is raised, so is the role of the rock pigeons in acting as a reservoir and spreading some of the disease agents associated with other avian populations including poultry. Seven of the species are newly introduced to the parasitological list of Iraq and for this country the rock pigeon is a new host record for another 9 of the endoparasites that were diagnosed.

Seasonality of parasitism in free range chickens from a selected ward of a rural district in Zimbabwe

A study to investigate the intensity of ectoparasites and gastro-intestinal tract worms of chickens in winter and summer was conducted in Ward 28 of Murehwa District in Zimbabwe. Sixty chickens given to local farmers to rear under the free-range system were examined for parasites; 30 in summer of 2009 and the other 30 in winter of 2010. In both seasons, ectoparasites collected were Argas persicus, Echidnophaga gallinacea, Dermanyssus gallinae and Cnemidocoptes mutans. The intensities of A. persicus (t= 2.54, p= 0.012) and E. gallinacea (t= 4.146, p= 0.000) were significantly higher in summer. There was no significant difference in seasonal intensity of D. gallinae (t= 0.631, p= 0.532) and C. mutans (t= 0.024, p= 0.978). The intensity of the nematode, Ascaridia galli (t= 3.889, p= 0.001) and the cestode, Choataenia infundibulum(t= 3.286, p= 0.004) were significantly higher in summer. There were no significant differences in the intensities of Allodapa suctoria (t= 0.031, p= 0.971), Heterakis gallinarum (t= 1.176, p= 0.248), Capillaria obsignata (t= 0.141, p= 0.890), Tetrameres americana (t= 0.514, p= 0.603), Hymenolepis spp. (t= 0.770, p= 0.464) and Amoebotaenia cuneata (t= 0.569, p= 0.579). Chickens were generally parasitised in Murehwa District. There is need to intensify parasite prevention and control, but more specifically, the control of A. persicus, E. gallinacea, A. galli and C. infundibulum in summer. Key words: Ectoparasite, gastro-intestinal tract worm, free range system, poultry, prevalence.

ConcurrentCapillariaandHeterakisInfections in Zoo Rock Partridges,Alectoris graeca

Two adult rock partridges raised in a city zoo were examined parasitologically and pathologically. Two distinctive eggs resembling those of Capillaria and Heterakis were detected in the feces. At necropsy, a markedly-dilated duodenum with severe catarrhal exudates, containing adult worms of Capillaria sp. and Heterakis sp. in the cecum, was observed. Male Capillaria had the cloacal aperture extended almost terminally with a small bursal lobe and an unsheathed spicule with transverse folds without spines. Female Capillaria had a vulva that was slightly prominent and slightly posterior to the union of the esophagus and intestine. The esophagus of the adult Capillaria was more than a half as long as the body in the male, but was much shorter in the female. Based on these morphological features, the capillarid nematode was identified as Capillaria obsignata. The male adult worms of Heterakis was identifiable by 2 dissimilar spicules, a unique morphological feature where the right spicule was considerably longer than the left, which is also a characteristic feature of Heterakis gallinarum. This is the first report of concurrent infections with C. obsignata and H. gallinarium in rock partridges.

Prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal helminthes among local chickens, in northern Jordan

We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2004 to February 2005 and from June 2005 to August 2005. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and tracheal helminthes among local chickens in northern Jordan. A total of 208 male and female local scavenging chickens were selected randomly. We examined the trachea and gastrointestinal tract of each bird for the presence of helminthes. We recovered three nematode and eight cestode species. No trematodes were found. One hundred and fifty-two birds (73.1%) (95% CI: 67, 79) were infected. The prevalences of different species were as follows: Ascaridia galli female 28%, male 43%; Capillaria obsignata 0.5%; Heterakis gallinarum 33%; Amoebotaenia cuneata 4.3%; Choanotaenia infundibulum female 23%, male 13%; Davainea proglottina 1.4%; Hymenolepsis cantaniana 11%; Hymenolepsis carioca female 35%, male 24%; Raillietina cesticillius female 5%, male 11%; Raillietina echinobothrida 16%; and Raillietina tetragona 18%. The prevalences of A. galli and R. cesticillus were higher in male than female hosts while those of C. infundibulum and H. carioca were higher in females. The median worm burden was 7 (range 0–168) worms per chicken.

Gastrointestinal helminths in indigenous and exotic chickens in Vietnam: association of the intensity of infection with the Major Histocompatibility Complex

This study compared the prevalence and intensity of infections of helminths in 2 chicken breeds in Vietnam, the indigenous Ri and the exotic Luong Phuong. Also, possible correlations with the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) were tested. The most prevalent helminths were Ascaridia galli, Heterakis beramporia, Tetrameres mothedai, Capillaria obsignata, Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina tetragona. Differences in prevalence and intensity of infection were found between the 2 breeds. Comparing the 2 groups of adult birds, Ri chickens were observed to have higher prevalence and infection intensities of several species of helminths, as well as a higher mean number of helminth species. In contrast, A. galli and C. obsignata were shown to be more prevalent in Luong Phuong chickens. Furthermore, an age-dependent difference was indicated in the group of Ri chickens in which the prevalence and the intensity of infection was higher for the adult than the young chickens for most helminths. The most notable exception was the significantly lower prevalence and intensities of A. galli in the group of adult chickens. In contrast, the prevalence and intensity were very similar in both age groups of Luong Phuong chickens. Using a genetic marker located in the MHC, a statistically significant correlation between several MHC haplotypes and the infection intensity of different helminth species was inferred. This is the first report of an association of MHC haplotype with the intensity of parasite infections in chickens.

Distribution of gastrointestinal helminths in chicken farms in the Gharb region—Morocco

Gastrointestinal tracts of 300 chickens from three villages of the Gharb region, Morocco, were examined for adult helminths during 2002-2005. Helminth species found were: Notocotylus gallinarum (prevalence 0.7%), Hymenolepis carioca (3.7%), Raillietina echinobothrida (5.7%), Hymenolepis contaniana (7%), Raillietina tretragona (9.3%), Raillietina cesticillus (12%), Capillaria obsignata (6%), Subulura brumpti (15.3%), Heterakis gallinarum (10%), Cheilospirura hamulosa (2.7%), Dispharynx nasuta (5.3%), Ascaridia galli (9%), and Tetrameres sp. (3.3%). The prevalence and mean intensity of helminth infections did not differ significantly between male and female chickens.

Health status of free-living pigeons in the city of Santiago

A total of 100 free-living urban pigeons (Columba livia) were captured in the city of Santiago, Chile, in order to evaluate, for the first time, their health status. Negligible antibody titres (1 to 3 log2) were detected in 22% of the birds against a strain of the paramyxovirus (PMV) serotype 1. No pigeons had antibodies against PMV serotype 7 and avian influenza. Salmonella sp. belonging to serogroups B and D were isolated from the intestinal tract of three pigeons (3%). The protozoa Haemoproteus columbae, Plasmodium sp., and Leucocytozoon sp. were not detected in any pigeons. Trichomonas gallinae was detected in 11%, without observation of either clinical signs or gross pathological changes at necropsy. Sixty-seven percent of the birds showed the presence of the chewing lice Columbicola columbae and Campanulotes bidentatus compar, and 1% harboured the mite Laminosioptes cysticola. Seven species of nematodes were identified. The frequency at which each species was detected was; Tetrameres sp. (14%), Capillaria annulata (1%), Capillaria columbae (11%), Capillaria obsignata (1%), Ascaridia columbae (5%), Dispharynx spiralis (2%), and Gongylonema ingluvicola (2%). The class Cestoda, found in one pigeon, was represented by the species Aporina delafondi. No trematodes were detected in the sampled birds.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in different poultry production systems

1. A cross-sectional prevalence study of gastrointestinal helminths in Danish poultry production systems was conducted on 268 adult chickens selected at random from 16 farms in Denmark from October 1994 to October 1995. 2. The trachea and the gastrointestinal tract of each bird was examined for the presence of helminths. 3. In the free-range/organic systems the following helminths were found: Ascaridia galli (63 8%), Heterakis gallinarum (72 5%), Capillaria obsignata (53 6%), Capillaria anatis (31 9%) and Capillaria caudinflata (1 5%). In the deep-litter systems: A. galli (41 9%), H. gallinarum (19 4%) and C. obsignata (51 6%). In the battery cages: A. galli (5%) and Raillietina cesticillus or Choanotaenia infundibulum (3 3%). Exact identification of the cestodes was not possible because of missing scolexices. In the broiler/parent system: C. obsignata (1 6%), and finally for the backyard system: A. galli (37 5%) H. gallinarum (68 8%), C. obsignata (50 0%), C. anatis (56 3%) and C. caudinflata (6 3%). 4. The results confirm the higher risk of helminth infections in free-range and backyard systems but prevalence may also be high in deep litter systems.

Treatment of Nematodiasis in Poultry and Game Birds with Fenbendazole

Administration of 100 ppm fenbendazole to 661 pheasants (Phasianus colchicus colchicus) and 25 partridges (Perdix perdix) for 4 days reduced natural infection with Syngamus trachea and/or Capillaria obsignata and in some cases with Heterakis spp. by more than 90%. A 5-day administration of feed medicated with 30 or 60 ppm fenbendazole resulted in almost 100% efficacy against natural C. obsignata and Heterakis gallinae infection in 343 pullets. The treated pullets were kept under poor hygienic conditions, resulting in slight reinfection, which manifested itself in immature nematode stages at autopsy and in a slight excretion of nematode eggs in individual cases. Fenbendazole treatment effected the clinical recovery of the stocks within a few days and was very well tolerated.

Serology of Capillaria philippinensis infection: reactivity of human sera to antigens prepared from Capillaria obsignata and other helminths.

The reactivity of sera from 151 confirmed human cases of Capillaria philippinensis infection was examined by double diffusion and indirect hemagglutination (IHA) tests chiefly against Capillaria obsignata antigen because of the present unavailability of C. philippinensis antigen. Antigens from additional parasites and other human and animal sera representing a variety of helminthic infections were used for comparison. Of 71 pre-treatment human sera, 56.3% were reactive by double diffusion test and 85.9% by IHA test (titer greater than 1:16) with C. obsignata antigen. C. philippinensis sera were also reactive with Trichinella spiralis and Trichuris vulpis antigens but not with Schistosoma japonicum antigens. Sera from other infections such as with T. spiralis, T. vulpis, and S. japonicum were also reactive with C. obsignata antigen but sera from Trichuris trichiura infection were not. With C. obsignata antigen, IHA titers in human C. philippinensis sera are apparently not related to clinical severity of the disease; the titers remain at fairly stable levels during the course of the illness but may tend to decrease after chemotherapy. The cross-reactivities observed dictate caution in the use and interpretation of any serologic procedure for human intestinal capillariasis; nevertheless, the IHA test using C. obsignata antigen may be a useful addition tool in the study of C. philippinensis infection both for clinical and epidemiologic purposes especially when the efficiency of stool examination is decreased by changes in the reproductive activity of the helminth.

Diseases and parasites encountered in pen-raised Indian red junglefowl.

Forty-two visibly ill or dead pen-raised Indian red junglefowl were examined for parasites and diseases. The following disease conditions and parasites were identified; VIRUS(?)—visceral tumors; FUNGUS—Candida albicans; PROTOZOA — Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. mivati, E. tenella, Histomonas meleagridis; CESTODA — Raillientina tetragona; NEMATODA — Ascaridia galli, Capillaria obsignata, Heterakis gallinarum; Filiariidea; ACARINA (mites) — Megninia sp. Coccidiosis was the most important problem. Junglefowl appear to be susceptible to most diseases and parasites of domestic chickens.