Cestode Research Articles

Cestodes in Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus lupus) and domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Switzerland

Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus lupus) and domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are definitive hosts of numerous cestode species. While infections with adult stages in canids are usually subclinical, some species pose a zoonotic risk or cause infections in wildlife and livestock, resulting in disease and/or economic losses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, species composition, and geographical distribution of cestode infections in dogs and free-ranging wolves in Switzerland. Faecal samples from 2,065 dogs and intestinal content from 121 necropsied wolves were macroscopically examined and tested using zinc chloride flotation method. When cestode eggs or adult cestodes were detected, a molecular identification based on multiplex-PCR and sequencing was performed. In the sampled wolves, the prevalence by flotation (42/121; 34.7%) was lower than the overall prevalence including macroscopic examination (76/121; 62.8%). The flotation method thus failed to detect cestode infections in 44.7% (34/76) of infected wolves. The most frequently detected species was Taenia hydatigena (46/121; 38.0%), followed by Taenia serialis (23/121; 19.0%), Mesocestoides spp. (3/121; 2.5%), Taenia ovis (1/121; 0.8%), and Echinococcus multilocularis (1/121; 0.8%). In the analysed dogs, the prevalence was 0.9% (19/2,065), but the real prevalence is very likely to be higher, as no necropsy data were available. Identified cestode species included Taenia crassiceps (6/2,065; 0.3%), E. multilocularis (3/2,065; 0.1%), Mesocestoides sp. (2/2,065; 0.1%), Taenia polyacantha (1/2,065; 0.05%), and Dibothriocephalus latus (1/2,065; 0.05%). By identifying the cestode species infecting two closely related host species with markedly different lifestyles, this study sheds light on the local distribution of these parasites and their potential impacts on wildlife, livestock, and human health. Due to their close contact with humans, infected dogs represent an important source of infection with zoonotic cestodes such as Echinococcus spp. and certain Taenia species, responsible for serious human diseases.

Lyotropic liquid crystal and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems nanoparticles as artesunic acid and praziquantel carriers: An innovative approach for formulation of anti-malaria and schistosomicidal drugs

Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treating cestode and trematode infections, and it is currently the only option against schistosomiasis. Artesunic acid (AcART) is effective against several parasites and has emerged as an alternative for schistosomiasis treatment. However, AcART and PZQ have limited bioavailability due to poor water solubility, low permeability, and rapid cell clearance. To address these challenges, this study aimed to develop self-emulsifying drug delivery systems to develop SEDDS and NPs-LLC to overcome the low water solubility affecting AcART and PZQ bioavailability. The study involved validating the HPLC analytical methodology for AcART, SEDDS, and NPs-LLC formulations, and conducting physicochemical characterization and ex-vivo intestinal permeation assays. The composition of formulations was determined by the solubility balance of AcART and PZQ. The drug content ranged between 83 and 90 %. The anionic zeta potential was attributed to Myverol®, and the particle diameter increased slightly after the drug incorporation, while the polydispersity index indicated the relatively narrow particle size distribution. Additionally, the DSC thermogram confirmed that PZQ and AcART are in solution within SEDDS and NPs-LLC. The FTIR analysis suggests that components of SEDDS and NPs-LLC and drugs do not react to form new chemical species. The selection of specific compound formulations was based on achieving the best solubility balance. The nanostructures were stable and exhibited a surface charge favorable to mucosal permeation, with slightly superior performance for SEDDS. The innovative formulations, SEDDS and NPs-LLC, are suitable and effective carriers for AcART and PZQ.

Tapeworm infection affects sleep-like behavior in three-spined sticklebacks

Sleep is a complex and conserved biological process that affects several body functions and behaviors. Evidence suggests that there is a reciprocal interaction between sleep and immunity. For instance, fragmented sleep can increase the probability of parasitic infections and reduce the ability to fight infections. Moreover, viral and bacterial infections alter the sleep patterns of infected individuals. However, the effects of macro-parasitic infections on sleep remain largely unknown, and measuring sleep in non-model organisms remains challenging. In this study, we investigated whether macro-parasite infections could alter sleep-like behavior of their hosts. We experimentally infected three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a freshwater fish, with the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus and used a hidden Markov model to characterize sleep-like behavior in sticklebacks. One to four days after parasite exposure, infected fish showed no difference in sleep-like behavior compared with non-exposed fish, and fish that were exposed-but-not-infected only showed a slight reduction in sleep-like behavior during daytime. Twenty-nine to 32 days after exposure, infected fish showed more sleep-like behavior than control fish, while exposed-but-not-infected fish showed overall less sleep-like behavior. Using brain transcriptomics, we identified immune- and sleep-associated genes that potentially underlie the observed behavioral changes. These results provide insights into the complex association between macro-parasite infection, immunity, and sleep in fish and may thus contribute to a better understanding of reciprocal interactions between sleep and immunity.

Effect of Moniezia Benedeni infection on ileal transcriptome profile characteristics of sheep

BackgroundThe intestinal mucosal immune system, renowned for its precise and sensitive regulation, can provide comprehensive and effective protection for the body, among which the ileum is a critical induction site for regulating mucosal immune homeostasis. Moniezia benedeni parasitizes the small intestine of sheep and can cause serious pathological damage or even death to the host when the infection is severe. In this study, 5 sheep infected with Moniezia benedeni were selected as the infected group, and 5 uninfected sheep were selected as the control group. The ileal transcriptome profile characteristics of Moniezia benedeni infection were analyzed based on RNA-seq sequencing technology, aiming to lay a foundation for further exploring the perception mechanism of sheep intestines to Moniezia benedeni infection and formulating effective prevention and control strategies.ResultsThe results showed that a total of 3,891 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the ileum tissues of sheep between the infected and control groups with 2,429 up-regulated genes and 1,462 down-regulated genes. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differential genes, as well as Clue GO analysis showed that differential genes were significantly enriched in immune and metabolic-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Particularly, in immune-related signaling pathways, the B cell receptor signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated, while in metabolic regulation related signaling pathways, Bile secretion, Fat digestion and absorption and Vitamin digestion and absorption were notably up-regulated. On this basis, the differential core genes related to immune metabolism were verified by qRT-PCR method. The results showed that OVAR, CD3E, CD8A, CD4 and CD28 were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05), while CIITA, BLNK, BCL6 and CD79A were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05), which were consistent with transcriptome sequencing data.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that Moniezia benedeni infection significantly affected the immune and metabolic processes in sheep ileum, particularly, it significantly inhibited the activation process of host B cells, and also led to an overactive function of bile acid metabolism. This finding provides a solid foundation for further elucidating the response mechanism of Peyer's patches in sheep ileum to Moniezia tapeworm infection.

Comprehensive Insights into Arecoline Hydrobromide: Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics.

Arecoline hydrobromide (AH) is an active alkaloid found in betel nut. AH was first extensively employed for treatment of tapeworm infection in dogs in Australia. In the last 2 decades, AH has gained increasing attention due to its multiple and notable pharmacological activities in various diseases, including: acaricidal activity against cattle ticks; anticataract activity; therapeutic and alleviating effects against diabetes complications, including male reproductive damage and cataract; treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); and protection against gastric ulcer. In addition, AH may have potassium channel inhibitory activity, regulate of CYP2B (Cytochrome P450 2B) expression, and regulate mRNA expression of hepatorenal transporters. In terms of toxicity, the data showed that AH may have sub-chronic, long-term and acute toxicities, and teratogenic effects. Additionally, in pharmacokinetic studies, rapid LC-MS/MS methods have been applied to determine AH or arecoline quantitatively. In summary, the above studies suggested that AH may have considerable application prospects and great potential value in clinical practice in the future, but limitations of current studies and new challenges in AH were also be discussed, and future development directions were suggested in toxicities and pharmacokinetics. This article aims to review the pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of the natural alkaloid, arecoline hydrobromide.

Differences in body condition and hepatic cellular metabolism among distinct populations of cestode-infected pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)

Host populations can vary in the prevalence and intensity of their parasites, which may influence the impacts of infection on host physiology and health. Parasite-induced effects on hosts may be due to underlying changes in cellular energy metabolism, predominantly driven by the mitochondria. However, limited research has been conducted on understanding variation in host–parasite interactions across populations. We sampled three wild populations of pumpkinseed sunfish ( Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758)), two of which are infected by cestodes, to study correlations among infection intensity, host body condition, and key metabolic enzyme activities in liver tissue. In both infected populations, cestode infection was associated with reduced hepatic lipid metabolism and increased hepatic lactic fermentation. Interestingly, Lake Cromwell fish showed a decrease in body condition, electron transport system activity, and antioxidant activity with cestode intensity, whereas the contrary was observed for Lake Long fish. This suggests that Lake Long fish could be boosting their immune system and food intake to better tolerate infection, unlike Cromwell fish. This study not only highlights how different populations can vary in their response to parasite infections but also the importance of accounting for infection when studying animal physiology.

Determination of Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As) concentration in the Liver and Kidney of Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia) infected with Cestoda worms in Al-Nasiriyah City, southern Iraq

The aim of the current study was to determine the amounts of heavy metals and to illustrate the potential risk they posed to birds by measuring the bioaccumulate of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in cestode worms and the liver and kidney tissue of Columba livia (host) infected with Raillietina sp. Three hundred C. livia birds were gathered from an Al-Nassiriyah city local market. The birds were split into two groups: the healthy group and the group infected with Raillietina sp. The three genera of tapeworms that infected the 119 birds were Raillietina sp., Cotugina sp. and Apronia sp. with relative infection rates of 52.8%, 27.9% and 19.1% respectively. The Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS) was used to measure the amounts of heavy elements. In the summer, the quantity of cadmium in the liver tissues of infected birds was highest (0.60 μg/g) as dry weight, while in healthy birds, the highest value was observed in the autumn. When comparing cadmium with arsenic concentrations, the latter has lower bioaccumulation levels in infected birds. The highest concentration was found in intestinal tissues during the winter, reaching 0.0092 μg/g of dry weight. Similarly, high concentrations were found in liver tissue during the summer, amounting to 0.009 μg/g of dry weight.

Prevalence of Helminth Infections in Patients with Celiac Disease

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between helminth infections and celiac disease (CeD), examining various demographic and clinical factors in CeD cases compared to controls. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study utilizing Leumit Health Care Services’ electronic health records. The study encompassed individuals with CeD and a matched control group. We analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics, examining their association with helminth infections. Results: We observed CeD cases and controls had similar mean ages (17.8 years vs. 18.0 years, p = 0.565) and gender distributions (64.0% females in both groups, p = 0.999). There were no significant differences in socioeconomic status and ethnic distribution between the two groups. Most of the helminthiases in the CeD group were due to intestinal helminthiases, and most of the intestinal helminthiases were nematode (roundworm) infections. Enterobiasis (the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis) is involved in most cases (odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.20–1.45, p < 0.001). While the prevalence of ascariasis and anisakiasis was also higher in the CeD group, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.115 and p = 0.174, respectively). No significant differences were found in the prevalence of other specific helminth infections, such as echinococcosis, cestode infections, and strongyloidiasis. Conclusions: This study reveals an unexpected association between CeD and helminth infections, challenging prevailing hypotheses, particularly within the context of the hygiene hypothesis. These findings warrant further investigation to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this intriguing relationship.

Histopathological assessment of the viability of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

Infections by the larval stage of the tape worms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus s.l. are potentially fatal zoonoses affecting humans as dead-end hosts. Histopathological evaluation of hepatic echinococcosis is an integral part of patient management, including the distinction between alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE), which are associated with different disease courses and treatments. To improve histopathological assessment of Echinococcus lesions, we aimed to develop robust criteria to evaluate their viability and decay. Histomorphological criteria for determining parasitic viability based on the morphology of parasite structures and different stages of their decay were defined based on a clinically and molecularly defined cohort comprising 138 specimens from 112 patients (59 AE and 53 CE); 618 AE lesions were assessed for histopathological viability comparing haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining with mAbEm18 and mAbEm2G11 immunostaining. Moreover, parasite viability was systematically mapped in cross-sections of five additional AE lesions. Protoscoleces in CE and AE displayed variable states of degeneration. Albendazole had no significant effect on the morphology of parasite structures. Viability assessment revealed high agreement between H&E and mAbEm18, but not mAbEm2G11 staining, suggesting mAbEm18 staining as reliable for parasite viability assessment. H&E and mAbEm18 staining displayed a central-peripheral gradient of parasite viability and decay across parasitic lesions, with decayed cystic lesions located more towards the lesion centre while the most viable cystic lesions were located more peripherally. Histopathological criteria corroborated by mAbEm18 staining provide a simple and reliable tool to assess the viability of AE lesions, knowledge of which is a valuable decision-making tool for further treatment.

Serological diagnosis of strongyloidiasis: An evaluation of three commercial assays.

Strongyloidiasis is caused by a neglected nematode, manifesting as chronic intestinal infection with potentially severe manifestations. The disease is an emerging problem in non-endemic countries affecting travelers and migrants. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is hampered by the lack of standardization and absence of a gold standard. Since adequate direct methods to detect the motile larvae in stool samples are not widely available, other techniques such as serology have been developed. We evaluated three commercial ELISA kits (DRG Instruments, IVD Research, and Bordier Affinity Products) to detect IgG antibodies against Strongyloides stercoralis assays utilizing serum samples from travelers with microscopically confirmed strongyloidiasis (n = 50) and other imported helminthic infections (n = 159) as well as healthy controls (n = 50). The DRG, IVD, and Bordier assays showed sensitivities of 58.0%, 64.0%, and 56.0%, respectively. Specificity values were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 92.0% in healthy controls, and 67.3%, 62.9%, and 76.7% in cases with other helminth infections, respectively. Cross-reactions were mostly observed in cases with other nematodes (37.5%, 42.5%, and 20.0%, respectively), but also in trematode (33.3%, 38.1%, and 19.0%, respectively) and in cestode infections (25.0%, 30.0%, and 32.5%, respectively). The study demonstrates the diagnostic limitations of serological assays to detect or exclude cases of strongyloidiasis in returning travelers, who frequently present with recent or acute infections.

Two proteocephalid cestodes in the fish Malapterurus electricus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis from Lake Nasser, Egypt: a morphological, molecular, and histopathological study

Despite the importance of the electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) and the African giant catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis) in the foodweb of Lake Nasser, Egypt, little is known about their diseases and parasitic fauna. This work describes, for the first time, cestodiasis in M. electricus and H. bidorsalis. Corallobothrium solidum and Proteocephalus sp. were identified morphologically and molecularly from M. electricus and H. bidorsalis, respectively. Using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, the two cestodes shared rRNA gene sequence similarities yet were unique and the two new sequences for the proteocephalid genera were submitted to the GenBank database. The prevalence of infection was 75% and 40% for the two fish species, respectively. Infections significantly increased in the summer and spring and were higher in female fish than in male fish. The intestine was the preferred site of the two adult cestodes. However, in the case of C. solidum some larval cestodes were found outside the intestine in between the skin and abdominal musculature, attached to the mesentery, and within intestinal tunica muscularis. Desquamation of the intestinal epithelium and inflammation at the site of infection in addition to congestion of the intestinal wall of the tapeworm infected fish were evident, indicating that C. solidum and Proteocephalus sp. impacted the infected fish. The larval stages of C. solidum attempted to penetrate the intestine and sometimes they were encircled within fibrous layers infiltrated with inflammatory cells. The infected fish’s musculature was free of cestode infections. Preventive measures should be implemented to prevent the spread of infections.

Reinfection of farm dogs following praziquantel treatment in an endemic region of cystic echinococcosis in southeastern Iran.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) as a prevalent tapeworm infection of human and herbivorous animals worldwide, is caused by accidental ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs excreted from infected dogs. CE is endemic in the Middle East and North Africa, and is considered as an important parasitic zoonosis in Iran. It is transmitted between dogs as the primary definitive host and different livestock species as the intermediate hosts. One of the most important measures for CE control is dog deworming with praziquantel. Due to the frequent reinfection of dogs, intensive deworming campaigns are critical for breaking CE transmission. Dog reinfection rate could be used as an indicator of the intensity of local CE transmission in endemic areas. However, our knowledge on the extent of reinfection in the endemic regions is poor. The purpose of the present study was to determine E. granulosus reinfection rate after praziquantel administration in a population of owned dogs in Kerman, Iran. A cohort of 150 owned dogs was recruited, with stool samples collected before praziquantel administration as a single oral dose of 5 mg/kg. The re-samplings of the owned dogs were performed at 2, 5 and 12 months following initial praziquantel administration. Stool samples were examined microscopically using Willis flotation method. Genomic DNA was extracted, and E. granulosus sensu lato-specific primers were used to PCR-amplify a 133-bp fragment of a repeat unit of the parasite genome. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method to calculate cumulative survival rates, which is used here to capture reinfection dynamics, and monthly incidence of infection, capturing also the spatial distribution of disease risk. Results of survival analysis showed 8, 12 and 17% total reinfection rates in 2, 5 and 12 months following initial praziquantel administration, respectively, indicating that 92, 88 and 83% of the dogs had no detectable infection in that same time periods. The monthly incidence of reinfection in total owned dog population was estimated at 1.5% (95% CI 1.0-2.1). The results showed that the prevalence of echinococcosis in owned dogs, using copro-PCR assay was 42.6%. However, using conventional microscopy, 8% of fecal samples were positive for taeniid eggs. Our results suggest that regular treatment of the dog population with praziquantel every 60 days is ideal, however the frequency of dog dosing faces major logistics and cost challenges, threatening the sustainability of control programs. Understanding the nature and extent of dog reinfection in the endemic areas is essential for successful implementation of control programs and understanding patterns of CE transmission.

Suppression of the growth and metastasis of mouse melanoma by Taenia crassiceps and Mesocestoides corti tapeworms.

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death, with an estimated 19.3 million new cases every year. Our paper presents the tumor-suppressing effect of Taenia crassiceps and Mesocestoides corti on B16F10 melanoma, the intraperitoneal application of which followed the experimental infection with these tapeworms, resulting in varying degrees of effectiveness in two strains of mice. In the case of M. corti-infected ICR mice, a strong tumor growth suppression occurred, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in the formation of distant metastases in the liver and lung. Tapeworm-infected C57BL/6J mice also showed a suppression of tumor growth and, in addition, the overall survival of infected C57BL/6J mice was significantly improved. Experiments with potential cross-reaction of melanoma and tapeworm antigens with respective specific antibodies, restimulation of spleen T cells, or the direct effect of tapeworm excretory-secretory products on melanoma cells in vitro could not explain the phenomenon. However, infections with T. crassiceps and M. corti increased the number of leukocytes possibly involved in anti-tumor immunity in the peritoneal cavity of both ICR and C57BL/6J mice. This study unveils the complex interplay between tapeworm infections, immune responses, and melanoma progression, emphasizing the need for further exploration of the mechanisms driving observed tumor-suppressive effects.

First Report of Intestinal Cestode Infection in a Berylline Hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina) in Mexico.

Up to now, five cestode species have been reported infecting five hummingbird species. To date, there have been no reports of cestode infections in hummingbirds in Mexico. A Berylline hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina) was found dead in a backyard at Toluca City, Mexico, and a window collision was assumed as the cause of death. The bird was preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin for routine histological examination. At the histological study, liver parenchymal disruption was observed. This lesion could be the result of the assume collision. No lesions were observed in other tissues examined. Conspicuous cestode structures were observed in the lumen of the small intestine. Structure of cestodes, as revealed from histological sections, suggests their position in the genus Anonchotaenia Cohn, 1900 (family Paruterinidae). This is the first report of intestinal cestodosis in a Beryllinehummingbird (S. beryllina) in Mexico.

Medicinal Plants Used by Oromo Community in Kofale District, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

The purpose of this study was to record the utilization of medicinal plants by the Oromo people in the Kofale District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to control human and animal health problems. Data regarding the use of medicinal plants were collected using ethnobotanical methods from 84 traditional medicine practitioners and 304 general informants sampled employing purposive and systematic random sampling methods, respectively, in the Kofale District. Data were analyzed using different indices, including a preference ranking exercise, informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL) and relative popularity level (RPL). In the district, 106 medicinal plants were claimed to be used for the treatment of 43 human and 18 livestock illnesses, of which 75 (71%) were used to manage human health problems, 23 (21.5%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments and eight (7.5%) were utilized to treat manage livestock health problems. Most (76.4%) plants were harvested from the wild. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (55.6%) in remedy preparations. Skin diseases scored the highest ICF value (0.97), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (ICF = 0.95), cancer (ICF = 0.93), and hemorrhoids (ICF = 0.91). Medicinal plants that record the highest fidelity level (FL) (100%) and rank order priority (ROP) (100%) values included Justicia schimperiana, Embelia schimperi, Ekebergia capensis and Datura stramonium, which have been used to treat liver disorders, tapeworm infections, babesiosis, and rabies, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the mean numbers of medicinal plants claimed by different social groups: older, illiterate, and traditional medicine practitioners reported higher mean numbers of medicinal plants than younger, literate, and general informants, respectively. This study indicated the richness of medicinal plant species in Kofale District. Medicinal plants with the highest FL and ROP values and those used to treat disease categories with the highest ICF values should be prioritized in future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.

Intestinal helminth parasites of Felis catus in Syangja, Nepal

Domestic cats can be infested by a huge range of parasite species, leading to a range of diverse clinical signs and symptoms. However, a comprehensive understanding of these endoparasites, particularly in the context of multiparasitism, remains limited. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites on domestic cats in Arjunchaupari Rural Municipality of Syangja District, Nepal. The study was carried out from November 2017 to June 2018. A total of 30 fresh feline fecal samples were collected and examined by using the Saline wet method and sedimentation technique. Overall, 21 (70%) fecal samples were found to be positive for different parasitic infections. Four different helminth parasitic species were encountered as Toxocara cati (40%), Toxascaris leonina (16.67%), and Ancylostoma tubaeforme (10%) belonging to nematodes and a species of cestode: Hymenolepis diminuta (6.67%). Nematode infection (66.67%) was found to be comparatively more common than cestode infection (6.67%). Statistically, the relationship between the cestode and nematode parasite is significant (x2 = 0.232, p&gt;0.05). The high incidence of parasitism of cats was due to the relative influence of behaviour and a contaminated environment since these cats lived in the same environment as other domestic animals. The study recommended that studies on all kinds of gastrointestinal parasites, including protozoan parasites, would be better to get more knowledge about parasites and their risk of transmission.

Performance of three techniques for diagnosing equine tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infection in horses can cause serious health concerns, and recent data have documented treatment failures in the most common species, Anoplocephala perfoliata. The threat of anthelmintic resistance in A. perfoliata is of particular concern because of poor diagnostic performance of standard egg counting techniques for detecting this parasite. This study compared the performance of three diagnostic techniques 1) Mini-FLOTAC, 2) Cornell-Wisconsin, and 3) Proudman and Edwards used to detect and quantify A. perfoliata eggs in naturally infected horses. Eighteen adult female horses from the University of Kentucky’s historic parasitology herd were included in this study. Fecal samples were collected from all horses at five collection time points two weeks apart and analyzed with the three techniques. A total of 90 samples were collected and 270 counts determined in the study. The proportions of positive samples determined by the three techniques were significantly different from each other (p<0.05): Mini-FLOTAC (16%), Cornell-Wisconsin (47%), and Proudman and Edwards (70%). The Proudman and Edwards technique counted consistently higher numbers of tapeworm eggs compared to the other two techniques throughout the study [p < 0.05]. Total raw counts of tapeworm eggs across the study for each technique were 16, 88, and 410 for the Mini-FLOTAC, Cornell-Wisconsin, and Proudman and Edwards, respectively. This study demonstrated that the Proudman and Edwards technique was superior in diagnosing A. perfoliata infection. Future work needs to assess this technique’s potential for Fecal Egg Count Reduction Testing (FECRT).

Progress interrogating TRPMPZQ as the target of praziquantel.

The drug praziquantel (PZQ) has served as the long-standing drug therapy for treatment of infections caused by parasitic flatworms. These encompass diseases caused by parasitic blood, lung, and liver flukes, as well as various tapeworm infections. Despite a history of clinical usage spanning over 4 decades, the parasite target of PZQ has long resisted identification. However, a flatworm transient receptor potential ion channel from the melastatin subfamily (TRPMPZQ) was recently identified as a target for PZQ action. Here, recent experimental progress interrogating TRPMPZQ is evaluated, encompassing biochemical, pharmacological, genetic, and comparative phylogenetic data that highlight the properties of this ion channel. Various lines of evidence that support TRPMPZQ being the therapeutic target of PZQ are presented, together with additional priorities for further research into the mechanism of action of this important clinical drug.

Identification, Pathogenicity, Public Health, and Economic Importance of Tapeworms of Poultry

Tapeworms of poultry are a group of cestodes that parasitize the intestinal tract of chickens and other birds. They cause economic losses due to reduced production, growth retardation, weight loss, and mortality. In Ethiopia, several species of tapeworms have been reported in poultry, especially in free-range systems and low land areas. The most common genera are Davainea, Hymenolepis, Amoebotaenia, Choanotaenia, and Raillietina. These tapeworms have complex life cycles that require arthropod or other invertebrate intermediate hosts, such as snails, beetles, ants, and earthworms. The birds become infected by ingesting these intermediate hosts that contain the infective larval stage of the tapeworms. The larvae then attach to the mucosa of the intestine and change themselves to adult tapeworms that produce eggs or proglottids that are passed in the feces. Tapeworm infections can cause various clinical signs and pathological lesions in poultry, depending on the species, number, and location of the worms. Some of the common signs are diarrhea, anorexia, emaciation, weakness, ruffled feathers, slow movement, and rapid breathing. Some tapeworms can also cause intestinal blockage, hemorrhage, nodular growth, and catarrhal enteritis. Tapeworm infections can also predispose the birds to other diseases by impairing their immunity and nutrition. However, other chicken diseases may have similar symptoms and effects like tapeworm infections, so deferential diagnosis should be done at the laboratory level or post-mortem examination. The treatment and control of tapeworm infections in poultry are challenging because of the presence of intermediate hosts that serve as sources of infection. Prevention of birds from contact with intermediate hosts is the most important step that should be taken in the control of tapeworm infection. This can be achieved by improving the hygiene and sanitation of the poultry houses and yards, providing clean water and feed, preventing access to wild birds and rodents that may carry intermediate hosts, and using insecticides or biological agents to reduce intermediate host populations. Tapeworms of poultry are a significant problem in Ethiopia and other tropical countries where free-range systems and low land areas are common. They cause economic losses and affect the health and welfare of poultry. Therefore, more attention should be given to their identification, pathogenicity, public health, and economic importance.

Efficacy of Lactobacillus taiwanensis S29 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S27 against tapeworm infection in Swiss Albino rats

Hymenolepis diminuta a zoonotic tapeworm infection in human remains an important cestode model for anthelmintic study as it display common clinical symptoms like other adult human tapeworms during heavy infestation. The use of Lactobacillus as a probiotic is an alternative to drugs which have increased in research and usage considerably during the last decade. The present study aims to determine the anthelmintic efficacy of two probiotics, L. taiwanensis strain S29 and L. plantarum strain S27 against H. diminuta in infected rat. Four groups of animals, each with six numbers were randomly chosen as the negative control (Group I), positive control (infected) (Group II) and the infected treated with two probiotics Group III and Group IV respectively. Another four groups (Group V-VIII) were selected and further subdivided into four sub-groups to investigate the development of larvae to adult during probiotics treatment. Worm burden, egg per gram were determined after treatment with these two probiotics. Furthermore, hematological assays and levels of biochemical markers were estimated, tissue damage was assayed through histological study and intestinal mitochondria detection was done. Worm sustainability reduced about 70–90% and EPG count decreased by 81–94% in probiotics treated groups. A significant level of unsuccessful establishment of larvae was observed in the developmental phase. Improvement in hematological parameter along with some biochemical parameters in the host were significantly observed after treatment with probiotics. The architecture damaged caused in the intestine and mitochondria density due to parasite infection improved significantly as that of control after probiotics treatment.