Common Parasite Research Articles

Genetic diversity, phylogenetic position, and co-phylogenetic relationships of Karyolysus, a common blood parasite of lizards in the western Mediterranean

The genus Karyolysus was originally proposed to accommodate blood parasites of lacertid lizards in Western Europe. However, recent phylogenetic analyses suggested an inconclusive taxonomic position of these parasites of the order Adeleorina based on the available genetic information. Inconsistencies between molecular phylogeny, morphology, and/or life cycles can reflect lack of enough genetic information of the target group. We therefore surveyed 28 localities and collected blood samples from 828 lizards of 23 species including lacertids, skinks, and geckoes in the western Mediterranean, North Africa, and Macaronesia, where species of Karyolysus and other adeleorine parasites have been described. We combined molecular and microscopic methods to analyze the samples, including those from the host type species and the type locality of Karyolysus bicapsulatus. The phylogenetic relationship of these parasites was analyzed based on the 18S rRNA gene and the co-phylogenetic relationship with their vertebrate hosts was reconstructed. We molecularly detected adeleorine parasites in 37.9% of the blood samples and found 22 new parasite haplotypes. A phylogenetic reconstruction with 132 sequences indicated that 20 of the newly detected haplotypes clustered in a well-supported clade with another 18 sequences that included Karyolysus galloti and Karyolysus lacazei. Morphological evidence also supported that K. bicapsulatus clustered in this monophyletic clade. These results supported the taxonomic validity of the genus. In addition, we found some parasite haplotypes that infected different lizard host genera with ancient diverging histories, which suggested that Karyolysus is less host-specific than other blood parasites of lizards in the region. A co-phylogenetic analysis supported this interpretation because no significant co-speciation signal was shown between Karyolysus and lizard hosts.

Detection of Babesia bovis using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with improved thermostability, sensitivity and alternative visualization methods

Bovine babesiosis is one of the most economically important tick-borne diseases in tropical and subtropical countries. A conventional microscopic diagnosis is typically used because it is inexpensive and expeditious. However, it is highly dependent on well-trained microscopists and tends to be incapable of detecting subpatent and chronic infections. Here, we developed a novel nucleic acid-based amplification method using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in conjunction with a colori-fluorometric dual indicator for the rapid and accurate detection of Babesia bovis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. We aimed to improve the thermostability, sensitivity, specificity, and alternative visualization of LAMP-based methods. We assessed its diagnostic performance compared to two conventional PCR agarose gel electrophoresis (PCR-AGE) methods. The thermostability of LAMP reaction mixtures and DNA templates in variable conditions was also assessed. In addition, we evaluated alternative visualization methods using different light sources including neon, LED, and UV lights. We found that the LAMP-neon was ten times more sensitive than the PCR-AGE, while the LAMP-LED and LAMP-UV were 1,000 times more sensitive. The current LAMP method showed no cross-amplification with uninfected cattle DNA or other common blood parasites in cattle, including Babesia bigemina, Theileria orientalis, Anaplasma marginale, and Trypanosoma evansi. In addition, the developed LAMP method has good thermostability and the potential for on-site utility as B. bovis DNA could still be detected up to 72 h after initial preparation. Our findings suggested that the developed LAMP method provides an alternative approach for B. bovis detection with sensitivity higher than PCR-AGE diagnostics, high specificity, and the flexibility to use neon, LED, and UV light sources for positive signal observations.

Detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia in children with diarrhea in Tikrit city

Background: Entamoeba histolytica are very common protozoan parasites in Iraq and are causative agents of gastrointestinal diseases especially among children.
 Objective: To show the distribution of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia among children aging 6-12 years old in Tikrit City.
 Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried on (1100) school children attended Tikrit Primary Heath Care Centers for period from February 2010 to June 2012. For each child the clinical examination was carried on by physicians in addition to anthropometric measurements, laboratory investigations including haematological, biochemical and general stool examination.

Mining various genomic resources to resolve old alpha-taxonomy questions: A test of the species hypothesis of the Proteocephalus longicollis species complex (Cestoda: Platyhelminthes) from salmonid fishes

High-throughput sequencing strategies became commonly employed to study non-model parasites, but the corresponding genomes and transcriptomes were seldom mined following the original publication. Similar to the data generated with genome skimming techniques based on shallow-depth shotgun genomes, various genomic and transcriptomic resources can be screened for useful molecular phylogenetic markers traditionally characterised with Sanger sequencing. Here, we provide an example of a strategy using reduced-representation genomic as well as transcriptomic data to obtain broad insights into the molecular diversity of the cestode Proteocephalus longicollis, a common parasite of salmonids distributed throughout the Holarctic region. We extract popular mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal markers from various genomic resources for hundreds of parasite specimens from multiple European whitefish populations and compare those with Proteocephalus representatives from other species of salmonids and various geographical regions. In contrast with the previous morphology-based assessments, molecular phylogeny reveals a high degree of genetic divergence between Proteocephalus isolates from different salmonids, contrastingly low genetic differentiation within the parasite’s populations hosted by the European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus species complex), and a sister species relationship of Proteocephalus from European whitefish and Proteocephalus percae, a parasite of European perch (Perca fluviatilis). Proteocephalus spp. from North American lake whitefish, brown trout and Arctic charr each formed clearly distinct lineages. These results advance our understanding of the interrelationships of the Proteocephalus-aggregate, a well-recognized clade of Holarctic freshwater fish proteocephalids, and support resurrection of some of the nominal species of Proteocephalus, including Proteocephalus exiguus La Rue, 1911 from North American coregonids and Proteocephalus fallax La Rue, 1911 from European C. lavaretus, reserving Proteocephalus longicollis (Zeder, 1800) exclusively for parasites of Salmo trutta.

Molecular surveillance detects the zoonotic nematode parasite Toxocara in soils from public spaces in a Minnesota community

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are common nematode parasites of dogs and cats, and are capable of causing a variety of pathologies in humans. Human toxocariasis is a ubiquitous and likely under-diagnosed public health concern across the globe. Examination of soils in numerous public spaces worldwide readily detect Toxocara eggs and serological studies indicate a substantial exposure to this parasitic roundworm in human populations. This study sought to determine whether genetic evidence of pathogenic Toxocara species could be found in soils from local public spaces in a Minnesota community. Total genomic DNA was purified from soil samples obtained from public parks and PCR was performed using primers specific to either T. canis or T. cati. Genetic evidence for both species of Toxocara was found in soils surveyed. T. canis was identified in five of 12 public spaces surveyed and T. cati was present in two of the same 12 public spaces. Although the infectious potential of the Toxocara identified was not determined, the presence of this parasite in locations amenable to transmission to humans indicates the need for proper veterinary care of domestic dogs and cats as well as a greater emphasis on public health education and actions to prevent human infection.

Influence of targeted selective anthelmintic treatment on the productive performance of wool and hair lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes in Brazil.

Targeted selective treatment (TST) is an alternative method to reduce the use of anthelmintics and delay the development of resistant nematode populations. However, there is limited information on the actual effects of this type of treatment on livestock productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production performance of Santa Ines (hair) and Ile de France (wool) lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) under TST based on packed cell volume (PCV) versus suppressive anthelmintic treatments. Thirty-eight lambs were divided into two treatment groups: Suppressive treatment, animals were drenched with monepantel every two weeks and TST, animals were treated with the same anthelmintic when they presented PCV ≤ 20%. Feces, blood, and weight were measured weekly to determine eggs per gram of feces, PCV, total plasma protein, and weight gain. After animals were slaughtered, carcasses were weighed to determine carcass yield. In the TST group, substantial productive losses of approximately 21.3% in the wool and 25.9% in the hair lambs were observed in body weight compared to their counterparts. Significant differences in hematological variables occurred over the experimental period, especially in the wool lambs under TST. Favorable environmental conditions enabled infective larvae to survive and thrive on pasture. Haemonchus contortus and intestinal nematodes were the most common parasites found in the Ile de France lambs and the Santa Ines lambs, respectively. Although TST prevented mortality, it did not prevent production losses. Both breeds showed a significant drop in production due to GIN parasitism.

Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminths In Cattle Reared In Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the presence of intestinal parasitic infection among cattle reared in Owo, Ondo state. Seventy two (72) fecal samples were randomly collected from cattle. Characteristics of each cattle such as sex, age and body condition scores were noted. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from the selected animals and were subjected to physiological normal saline, Iodine and formal ether concentration techniques. . The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 94.4%. Of the 72 cattle screened, 68 were infected, with 16.7% mixed infections and 77.6% single infection with high prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum (26.3%), Strongyloides papillosus (20.8%), Taenia saginata (12.5%), Cooperia spp (9.7%), Haemonchus contortus (8.3%) respectively. Common parasites in mixed infections are Toxocara vitulorum, Strongyloides papillosus, and Paramphistomum spp. Hence, in order to mitigate these issues, it is crucial to promote the implementation of suitable anthelminthic treatment plans and control measures. This includes advocating for comprehensive programs that address parasite control, effective management of pastures, and maintaining a clean environment for cattle. It is equally important to raise public health awareness and emphasize the significance of these measures. Additionally, there is a pressing requirement to monitor gastrointestinal parasites in cattle as a means to enhance animal production and safeguard public health in Nigeria.

Genetic characterization of the zoonotic parasite Ancylostoma caninum in the central and eastern United States.

Ancylostoma caninum is the most common nematode parasite of dogs in the United States. The present study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology of A. caninum isolates from the central and eastern states of the United States using the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (cox1) gene and to compare them with those reported globally. We isolated eggs from faecal samples of dogs and characterized each isolate based on cox1 sequences. A total of 60 samples originating from Kansas, Iowa, New York, Florida and Massachusetts were included. 25 haplotypes were identified in the United States dataset with high haplotype diversity (0.904). Sequence data were compared to sequences from other world regions available in GenBank. Global haplotype analysis demonstrated 35 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.931. Phylogenetic and network analysis provide evidence for the existence of moderate geographical structuring of A. caninum haplotypes. Our results provide an updated summary of A. caninum haplotypes and data for neutral genetic markers with utility for tracking hookworm populations. Sequences have been deposited in GenBank (ON980650-ON980674). Further studies of isolates from other regions are essential to understand the genetic diversity of this parasite.

Evaluation of Vectorial Capacity of Houseflies and Cockroaches for Transmitting Human Intestinal Parasites

Houseflies and cockroaches are adapted to live in close association with human habitations. They carry lots of medically important parasites and pathogens to humans and animals. The study was carried out in Malegaon city of District Nashik (M.S., India). The objective of the present work was to investigate the presence of human intestinal parasites transmitted mechanically by these insects and to evaluate prevalence of diarrhea in the present study area. Houseflies and cockroaches were collected for a period of four months (July to October, 2020) from different areas like kitchen, restaurants, canteen, garbage piles, grocery stores, and fish and meat shops. Microscopic examination of intestinal parasites was conducted by using standard procedure. A total of 265 flies (166 Musca domestica, 49 Chrysomya megacephala, 31 Musca autumnalis, 19 Musca sorbens) and 230 cockroaches (137 Periplaneta americana, 54 Blatella germanica, 39 Blattella orientalis) were collected and examined for possible human intestinal parasites. Of the total examined flies and cockroaches, 181 (68.3%) flies and 163 (70.9%) cockroaches were found to be carriers of various parasites. A total of four protozoan and three helminth parasites were isolated from these insects. The most common protozoan and helminth parasites were Balantidium coli and Ascaris lumbricoides. There were also higher numbers of cockroaches positive for Balantidium coli and Entamoeba coli than houseflies. Similarly, females of both the insects were found to be more vectorial than males. Significant correlation (r=0.95197) was found between the incidence of diarrhea and number of positive flies. These data suggest that both the insects should be considered potential mechanical vectors of human intestinal parasites in the present study area.

Occurrence and genetic characteristics of Giardia duodenalis in donkeys in Xinjiang, China.

Giardia duodenalis is a common enteric parasite in humans and animals. To examine the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Giardia in donkeys in Xinjiang, China, 758 fecal samples from donkeys were collected, and Giardia was screened via PCR at the SSU rRNA gene. A total of 17.0% (129/758) of samples tested positive for Giardia, with the infection rate in large-scale farm and domestic donkeys being 21.4% (124/580) and 2.8% (5/178), respectively; the infection rates in<1-year-old and≥1-year-old donkeys were 19.3% (72/374) and 12.7% (41/323), respectively. Three Giardia assemblages were identified, with assemblage B (n=102) as the prevalent assemblage, followed by assemblage A (n=23) and assemblage E (n=4). Of the 129 Giardia-positive isolates, 40, 34 and 59sequences were obtained at the bg, gdh and tpi genes, respectively. Twenty-one isolates successfully allowed multilocus genotyping (MLG), with four novel assemblage A MLGs, named MLG-AI-1 (n=1), MLG-AI-2 (n=1), MLG-AI-3 (n=1), and MLG-AI-4 (n=1) and three novel assemblage B MLGs, named MLG-B1 (n=1), MLG-B2 (n=14), and MLG-B3 (n=1). Moreover, two isolates formed two MLG-mixed sequences. The results suggest that donkeys are commonly infected with Giardia in Xinjiang, and there is genetic diversity and host adaptability among the isolates.

Freshwater fish parasite diversity in West Bengal – A review

Aquaculture has the potential to meet the need of growing demand of fish in an affordable price. But in capture and in culture fisheries the fishes face diseases that interfere in the production of fish. The occurrence of disease causes the reduced production in aquaculture or reduce the marketable value of fish because of change of flesh quality, thus hampering the production. Freshwater fishes whether they are cultured or wild face different types of diseases in their skin, gills, fins, blood, and internal organs. The parasites that cause the diseases may be protozoans or metazoans.The main protozoan freshwater fish diseases are ichthyophthiriasis, trichodiniasis, costiosis, chilodonellosis. The most common metazoan parasitic diseases of freshwater fishes are dactylogyrusis, gyrodactylosis, argulosis, myxosporidiasis, ligulosis, ergasilosis, lernaesis, etc. The focus of this review is to screen the research studies that takes place on freshwater fish parasites of West Bengal. The review also aims to study the diversity of freshwater fish parasites in West Bengal, so that it will helps the researcher to get an idea about the freshwater fish parasites and their mode of infection in the fishes. The research work that takes place in different regions of West Bengal. Some of them reveal new species of parasites in fishes. Protozoan, cnidarian, acanthocephalan, nematode, cestode, trematode, crustacean parasites are identified in freshwater fishes of West Bengal. Among the protozoans cailiates, flagellates are identified. Trichodinids are very common protozoan fish parasites in most districts. Parasites under genus Myxobolus, Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus, Argulus, Lernea are common among the metazoans.

A new species of Aplectana Railliet & Henry, 1916 (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in the Brazilian Amazon and the taxonomic status of Aplectana longa.

Nematodes of the genus Aplectana Railliet & Henry, 1916 are common parasites of the digestive tract of amphibians and reptiles in the Neotropical region. During a parasite survey on Boana boans (Linnaeus, 1758), we found specimens of nematodes with Aplectana characteristics. We observed a set of characteristics that differs the species of our study from its congeners, and the present study describes a new species of Aplectana parasite of B. boans using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Aplectana pella n. sp. has lateral alae and somatic papillae in males and females; males have equal short spicules, and the gubernaculum is absent. The arrangement of pairs of caudal papillae also differs from other species (2 precloacal,1 adcloacal, and 5 postcloacal+1 unpaired). In females, the vulva is simple, with non-prominent lips, and equatorial. This is the first record of the genus Aplectana parasitizing B. boans and the 58th species described for this genus. Additionally, we added the precloacal papillae pattern of A. delirae, and based on morphological and morphometric characteristics, we propose the reallocation of Aplectana longa to the genus Oxyascaris.

Breastfeeding Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children Up to Two Years of Age at Selected Health Facilities in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections have been a worldwide public health issue. The most vulnerable population is children due to their immature immune systems and nutritional requirements. IPIs are associated with improper sanitation, no access to safe water and improper hygiene, economic uncertainty, and social marginalization. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association of breastfeeding with IPIs among children up to two years of age at selected health facilities in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: The study was conducted among 160 children up to two years of age, out of which 80 were breastfed and 80 were non-breastfed. The study was carried out in selected health facilities in Karachi, Pakistan, from October 2022 to January 2023. The study design was analytical cross-sectional, and the data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions related to the demographics of the children and their mothers, feeding practices, hygiene practices, and the health status of the children. Results: The overall prevalence of IPIs among children up to two years of age was 36.9%, with Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia Lamblia being the most common parasites identified. Breastfeeding was significantly associated with a lower risk of IPIs (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.05-3.90, p=0.033). Other factors associated with IPIs included age 0 to 12 months (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.74), the habit of fingernails trimming (OR:0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.72), mother's hand washing before preparing food (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.85), method of purifying drinking water (OR: 0.45,95% CI: 0.21-0.86) and history of diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive crying, and perianal itching (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.76), (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.76), (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.47-5.64) and (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.50-6.60), respectively. Conclusion: Our study highlights the prevalence of IPIs among children up to two years of age in Karachi, Pakistan. Breastfeeding was found to be protective against IPIs, while other factors such as age, the habit of fingernail trimming, hand washing, water purification, and symptoms of infection were found to be associated with a higher risk of IPIs.

Сlinical-Epidemiological, Immunological, Microbiological Aspects and Prevalence of Blastocystosis among the Population in the Republic of Azerbaijan

Blastocystis hominis is currently one of the most common parasites found in human feces - up to 10% of the population in the developed countries and approximately 50-60% of cases are found particularly in the developing countries. Nevertheless blastocystosis is one of the least studied infectious diseases among intestinal protozoans in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The aim of this study was to assess morbidity of blastocystosis, to determine its clinical picture, its role in the immune system and in the intestinal microflora. Methods. This study involved a total of 8002 patients who applied to the Parasitology Clinic of the Research Institute of Medical Prevention named after V.Yu. Akhundova in Baku, Azerbaijan. As part of the study, the feces of the participants were examined microscopically, using ELISA and PCR methods. Results. This study has presented that course of infection is mostly asymptomatic, although patients could experience abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, foul-smelling stool, skin rashes, allergy symptoms, hypersalivation and unpleasant breath. The increase of IL8 was detected among most patients which has indicated negative effect on the immune system, moreover it has caused quantitative and qualitative changes in the normal microflora of the intestines. Conclusions. Based on the results we came to conclusion that blastocystosis has been very widespread among population of Republic of Azerbaijan and it is still vital to continue in-depth study.

Morphological and molecular comparison of nematodes from the family Ancylostomatidae isolated from selected species of carnivorous mammals in central Poland

The aim of the study was to morphologically and genetically compare parasitic nematodes from the genus Uncinaria found in different hosts. These common parasites belong to hookworm nematodes (family Ancylostomatidae). Worms were collected during dissection of mammals obtained from the Institute of Veterinary Hygiene in Warsaw, where the animals had been tested for rabies. The hosts of the nematodes were European badgers (Meles meles) from the family Mustelidae, as well as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), dogs (Canis familiaris), and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from the family Canidae. The parasites were viewed under a microscope, and identified on the basis of their morphological features characteristic of the species U. stenocephala. Isolated, PCR-amplified, and sequenced rDNA segments containing internal transcribed spacer segments (ITS1 and ITS2) in the gene encoding 5.8S rDNA were also compared. No genetic or morphological differences were found between Uncinaria hookworms obtained from the four different host species. This means that wild raccoon dogs and badgers can be a source and reservoir for the hookworm U. stenocephala that infects dogs.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and genetic differentiation of Strongyloides stercoralis among migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia in northeastern Thailand.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a public-health problem worldwide, including in countries of the Lower Mekong subregion. Increases in human migration from neighboring countries might cause reemerging parasitic infections, leading to spread of parasites in the landscape. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of IPIs in migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia who were dwelling in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. The identification of Strongyloides species and genetic differentiation of worms from migrant workers with different countries of origin was also assessed. Fresh stool samples were collected from 338 migrant workers and examined for evidence of IPIs using agar plate culture (APC) and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). Among those nine samples positive for nematodes by APC, the Strongyloides or hookworm species present was confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. This revealed eight cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and one of Necator americanus. Fifty-one out of 338 individuals (15.09%) were positive for IPIs using FECT and APC. Eggs of Opisthorchis-like flukes were the most common parasite (11.83% of samples), followed by S. stercoralis (2.37%), Entamoeba coli (1.50%), hookworm (0.89%), Taenia sp. (0.60%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.30%). The genetic differentiation of S. stercoralis recovered from migrant workers with different countries of origin was analyzed. Specimens of S. stercoralis isolated from workers from Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar were genetically similar to those sequenced from Thailand. However, there were population-genetic differences between S. stercoralis from these Southeast Asian countries and other regions of the world. This study demonstrated that IPIs were prevalent in migrant workers in the northeastern region of Thailand. Our findings provided molecular confirmation of the presence of S. stercoralis and explored the genetic differentiation of S. stercoralis from those infected migrant workers. An effective anti-parasitic drug should be provided for migrant workers and its administration enforced.

Epidemiological Survey on Gastrointestinal and Pulmonary Parasites in Cats Around Toulouse (France).

Various feline parasites are potentially zoonotic thus establishing factors associated with parasitism is of animal and public health interest. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of endoparasites in client-owned cats, living in the area of Toulouse, France, over the period 2015 - 2017, and to investigate possible risk factors. A total of 498 faecal samples from cats of the University Animal Hospital of Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse were analysed, 448 from cats presented for consultation and 50 at post-mortem. Analysis was performed using a commercial flotation enrichment method with a hypersaturated sodium chloride solution and Baermann technique. Further examination of the gastrointestinal tract contents was conducted on necropsied cats. Overall, 11.6 % of cats were positive for endoparasites; 50 (11.2 %) consultation cases and 8 (16 %) post-mortem cases, with no significant difference in prevalence between the groups. Amongst infected cats, most were infected by a single species of parasite and 10.3 % (n=6) were infected with two or more. The most common parasite was Toxocara cati with a prevalence of 9.4 % (n=47). Other endoparasites encountered were: Cystoisospora sp 1.0 % (n=5), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus 1.0 % (n=5), Strongyloides sp 0.6 % (n=3), Dipylidium caninum 0.4 % (n=2), Aonchotheca putorii 0.2 % (n=1), Ancylostomatidae 0.2 % (n=1) and Toxascaris leonina 0.2 % (n=1). The examination of the gastronintestinal tract contents of the necropsied cats revealed Mesocestoides sp 0.4 % (n=2) and Tænia (Hydatigera) tæniaeformis sensu lato 0.2 % (n=1) which are seldomly diagnosed by flotation methods. In this study, increasing age and neutered status were statistically associated with reduced odds of infection by endoparasites (helminth and coccidian). Predictors of significantly increased risk included being male, intact, and not receiving regular anthelmintic treatment. The same risk factors were highlighted specifically for Toxocara cati infections, with rural location being an additional risk factor for infection.

Retrospective Survey of Dog and Cat Endoparasites in Ireland: Antigen Detection.

Endoparasites of dogs and cats, play an important role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Untreated and stray dogs and cats, in particular, play an important role in contaminating the environment with important zoonotic parasites. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats using highly sensitive and specific copro-antigen tests. Archive faecal samples from previous surveys conducted between 2016−2019 from dogs (n = 789) and cats (n = 241) were included in this study. The IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen panel was used for the detection of Toxocara, hookworms, Trichuris and the SNAP™ Giardia antigen assay was used for the detection of Giardia infection. Giardia duodenalis was the most common parasite (26%, n = 205) detected in the dogs, followed by ascarids (17.6%, n = 139) and hookworms (5.3%, n = 42). Trichuris vulpis was only detected in 1 dog. Ascarids (23.2%, n = 56) was the most common parasite detected in the cats, followed by Giardia (12.9%, n = 31) and hookworms (n = 7, 2.9%). No whipworms were detected in cats. Overall, there was little difference in the positivity between sexes in both dogs and cats. However, in terms of age, adolescent dogs (<3 years) and kittens (<1 year) had the highest parasite prevalence overall, with G. duodenalis and ascarids being the most prevalent. This study shows a high prevalence of parasite infection in untreated and stray dogs and cats in the greater Dublin area in Ireland. Since they live in synanthropic conditions and can roam over vast distances they can contaminate public areas and pose a risk to both humans and owned pets that utilise these spaces. It is therefore important to raise public awareness and increase the knowledge on zoonotic parasites.

Serological detection for Entamoeba histolytica among cancer patients suffering from diarrhea in Thi-Qar province/ Southern Iraq

AbstractCancer is a state in which cell proliferation occurs abnormally when it becomes uncontrollable and able to invade other cells. Additionally, the number of cancer patients has been clearly rising in recent years. Therefore, it is necessary to study the incidence of intestinal parasites infections in people with this diseas and understand how harmful that is. Cancer patients with parasitic infections were a targets in the current study. The present study was carried out during the period of July through December 2022 in Thi-Qar province. The total number of samples was 70 cancer patients, blood samples were collected from them and examined via the ELISA system to detect the infection with intestinal parasites (Entamoeba histolytica ). Total number of a positive patients for intestinal parasite E.histolytica were 11(15.7%) , analysis of serum samples for anti-amebic antibodies revealed that (15.7% and 2.85% of samples) were positive for IgG and IgM respectively, while negative for IgA. According to the ELISA findings, E. histolytica was the most common intestinal parasite that caused diarrhea that was reported among patients with cancer.

An Epidemiological Investigation and Drug-Resistant Strain Isolation of Nematodirus oiratianus in Sheep in Inner Mongolia, China.

Nematodirus causes major economic losses in the development of the livestock industry, as they are common gastrointestinal parasites of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. The present study investigated Nematodirus infections in sheep in the Hulunbuir and Xilingol Grasslands, two well-known natural pastures in Inner Mongolia, China. The results indicated that the average infection rate was more than 50%. Furthermore, a naturally occurring strain of Nematodirus was obtained using numerous isolation methods in the survey region. Conventional morphology and molecular biology were used to identify the strain. The larval migration inhibition test was used to determine the ivermectin level in the isolated strain. The results indicated that the larvae belonged to the species Nematodirus oiratianus. The strain was found to be ivermectin-resistant. Thus, these results recorded the detailed development processes of Nematodirus eggs, providing novel insights regarding the prevention and control of nematodes by using conventional anthelmintic regimens and by offering valuable species resources for studying anthelmintic resistance in nematodes.