Different Species Of Helminths Research Articles

A coprological survey on helminths of Jackal Canis aureus Linnaeus 1758 in Kashmir Himalaya.

A coprological examination was carried out between February 2017 and January 2019 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in jackals of Kashmir Himalaya, India. Fecal floatation and sedimentation technique revealed helminths in 215 scats out of 879 examined scats, with overall helminth prevalence of 24.45%. In the study, five different species of helminths were detected in scats of jackal: Toxocara canis (22.86%), Ancylostoma caninum (20.47%), Dipylidium caninum (17.17%), Trichuris vulpis (19.34%), and taeniid eggs (13.65%). One helminth species was found in (0.11%) of the jackal scats, two were in (1.25%), three were in (4.77%), four were in (16.38%), and five were in (1.92%). Toxocara canis, a nematode with great zoonotic significance, was most common helminth found in scats of jackal during the study. We observed significant seasonal fluctuation (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths, with summer having high frequency followed by autumn, spring, and winter having lowest prevalence. The study area's jackal population's preponderance of zoonotic helminth species suggests a high risk of zoonotic infection by canine intestinal helminths. This study will aid veterinarians in better plan preventative strategies with regard to wild animal intestinal parasites.

Centesimal composition and meat yield of Hoplias malabaricus: association with intestinal parasites.

Hoplias malabaricus is a non-migratory fish commonly found in the Mogi Guaçu River basin, mainly feeding on fish, small crustaceans and insects. It forms part of the diet for humans, birds and some mammals. This fish has great nutritional value, with both good quality and good quantities of essential vitamins and amino acids. Regarding parasitic fauna, this fish can host different species of helminths in its gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible interference of parasitism in the meat yield from H. malabaricus and the centesimal composition. For this purpose, fish specimens were collected from marginal lagoons of the Mogi Guaçu River (Pirassununga, state of São Paulo, Brazil) using hooks and fishing nets. We found that all specimens of H. malabaricus were parasitized by at least one species, including larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae). Parasitism did not have any significant influence on centesimal composition, but meat yield was negatively correlated with the abundance of larvae.

Helminth metacommunity structure of wild rodents in a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil.

The helminth fauna and metacommunity structure of eight sympatric sigmodontine rodents were investigated at the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, an Atlantic Forest reserve located in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Rodents of the species Abrawayaomys ruschii, Akodon montensis, Blarinomys breviceps , Delomys dorsalis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oxymycterus quaestor and Thaptomys nigrita were found infected with helminths. Akodon montensis presented the highest total helminth species richness, with six different species of helminths. The nematode Stilestrongylus lanfrediae was the most abundant and prevalent helminth species observed. The host-parasite network analysis showed little interactions among host species. Akodon montensis seems to act as a keystone-species in the rodent community. This species shared the nematodes Stilestrongylus aculeata with A. ruschii and Protospirura numidica criceticola with T. nigrita, and the cestode Rodentolepis akodontis with D. dorsalis. The congeners host species O. flavescens and O. nigripes shared the nematodes Guerrerostrongylus zetta and S. lanfrediae. The rodents B. breviceps and O. quaestor did not share any helminths with other hosts. The helminth metacommunity showed a random pattern on both infracommunity and component community levels, indicating different responses by each helminth species to the environmental gradient.

La estructura de las comunidades de helmintos de Galaxias maculatus (Osmeriformes: Galaxiidae) en diferentes sitios de un lago de la Patagonia argentina

The spatial variation of helminth communities of an aquatic system can be attributed to different biotic and abiotic factors. In South America, this type of studies has not been conducted in freshwater environments. The lake Nahuel Huapi is the largest within the Nahuel Huapi National Park. As it presents a diversity of habitat, this lake offers an ideal environment to identify factors that impact over the helminth communities of Galaxias maculatus (small puyen) at different sites of the lake. In order to analyze these variations, 144 small puyens were captured in five sites of the lake with different environmental characteristics. Community analyses were performed, and composition of communities and abundance of the different species of helminths were related with biotic and abiotic factors of the different sites. The size of the host, shallow littorals with aquatic vegetation, and anthropic impact were the factors that determined the variations in composition and abundance of the component communities of helminths in the prey fish Galaxias maculatus from Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Endoparasites of horses from the Formiga city, located in center-west region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

With the aim of studying the endoparasite fauna of horses from the Formiga city, located in center-west region of the state of Minas Gerais, 25 animals that were naturally infected with helminths were evaluated. By means of parasitological necropsies, different endoparasites were found. The subfamily Cyathostominae presented the highest incidence, followed by Trichostrongylus axei, Oxyuris equi, Triodontophorus serratus, Strongyloides westeri, Strongylus edentatus, Habronema muscae, Parascaris equorum, Probstmayria vivipara, Strongylus vulgaris, Gasterophilus nasalis, Anoplocephala magna and Anoplocephala perfoliata. In the present study, if the species Probstmayria vivipara was not considered in the prevalence, the frequency of Cyathostominae was equivalent to 94.85%. The results obtained in this study allowed us to detect and identify different species of helminths in horses, and confirmed the high incidence of nematodes belonging to the subfamily Cyathostominae in the center-west region of Minas Gerais.

Fauna helmintológica de ovinos provenientes da microrregião de Jaboticabal, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Avaliou-se a prevalência e a contagem parasitária das diferentes espécies de helmintos de ovinos provenientes da microrregião de Jaboticabal, região Noroeste de São Paulo. Para tanto, foram utilizados 66 animais naturalmente infectados, de quatro a 36 meses de idade, criados em regime extensivo. Os resultados necroscópicos revelaram a presença de sete gêneros e 12 espécies, com a seguinte prevalência e a média de parasitismo: Haemonchus contortus: 100,0% (2947,2); Trichostrongylus colubriformis: 90,9% (3048,8); Cooperia curticei: 56,0% (256,5); Oesophagostomum columbianum: 48,4% (36,0); Cooperia punctata: 30,3% (94,5); Trichostrongylus axei: 22,7% (26,5); Strongyloides papillosusi: 19,6% (83,0); Haemonchus contortus (L4): 7,5% (17,2); Cooperia pectinatai: 10,6% (12,9); Trichuris ovis: 10,6% (0,6); Cooperia spatulata 4,5% (0,3); Capillaria bovis: 4,5% (0,1). A carga parasitária média foi de 6.524,7 helmintos por animal. Haemonchus contortus (Adultos e L4) e Trichostrongylus colubriformis corresponderam a 45,4% e 46,7% da carga parasitária média total, respectivamente. Pode-se concluir que as duas espécies de helmintos mais abundantes e importantes da microrregião de Jaboticabal/São Paulo foram Trichostrongylus colubriformis e Haemonchus contortus, sendo que essas duas espécies perfizeram 92,1% da distribuição percentual dos helmintos recolhidos de todos os animais. Tais resultados demonstram a importância em se realizar um monitoramento das contagens de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) dos rebanhos desta região, quando o método FAMACHA for empregado em uma determinada propriedade, uma vez que este método de controle, geralmente, não permite diagnosticar os danos/sinais clínicos desencadeados nos animais pelo T. colubriformis, em função de essa espécie não possuir hábito de hematofagismo sobre os hospedeiros.

Prevalence of endoparasitic infections of non descript dogs in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

The objective of this study was to investigate, through cross-sectional survey, the distribution, types and prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites affecting stray dogs in and around Mathura, India. Freshly voided faecal samples of 108 identified, stray, non descript dogs of either sex and different age groups were collected and examined for coprological examination by direct faecal smear method; simple flotation and sedimentation techniques to detect parasitic oocysts and/or eggs. A total of 96 samples (88.9%) were found positive for helminthic eggs (nematodes and cestodes) while 16 (14.2%) were found to be positive for protozoan infections with a overall parasitic prevalence of 98 (90.7%). Single parasite infections (72.2%) were more common than two or more infections (27.8%). The data on the distribution of the various worm species in the positive dogs indicate that Ancylostoma caninum eggs were by far the most common (55.6%). The other detected worm egg species and their respective frequencies were: Toxocara canis (51.9%), Dypilidium caninim (50.0%), Taenids (33.3%), Toxocara leonina (25.9%), Diphylobothrium latum (5.6%), Spirocerca lupi (3.7%) and Physaloptera canis (3.7%). Eimeria canis oocysts were detected in eight samples (7.4%) besides, total coccidian oocysts in 16 samples (14.8%). The prevalence of helminth eggs was higher in puppies compared to adults. The prevalence of different species of helminths also varied in different age groups. The high prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminth parasites of zoonotic potential registered in the dogs indicates a potential risk to human health. The public health significance of the encountered parasitic infections is described and the prevalence is compared with the surrounding areas.

Relationship between Different Species of Helminths and Atopy: A Study in a Population Living in Helminth-Endemic Area in Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: The association between allergen skin sensitization and helminth infection has been debated for years. Here, we sought to estimate the prevalence of atopic sensitization of residents living in area endemic for lymphatic filariasis and intestinal helminths and to investigate the association between these different species of helminths with allergen skin test reactivity to allergens. Methods: Five hundred and eighty-three individuals living in an area endemic for Brugia malayi and for intestinal helminths were skin prick tested using 3 allergens. Microfilariae were enumerated by filtration of 1 ml nocturnally collected blood, and 442 stool samples were examined for the presence of intestinal helminth eggs. Results: The prevalence of skin prick test positivity to any allergen was 23.5% (to cockroach 20.6%, to house dust mite 6.2% and to grass pollen 1.2%). Individuals with B. malayi infection had a significantly reduced risk for atopic reactivity to cockroach (adjusted odds ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.35–0.88). In the same population, no association was found between the presence of intestinal helminths and any skin test reactivity. Conclusions: In a general population, across all ages in a rural area of Indonesia, the prevalence of skin test reactivity to house dust mite is as low as in other non-affluent countries, and infection with B. malayi appears to reduce the risk of skin reactivity to cockroach. On the other hand, we found no association between infection with intestinal helminths and skin test reactivity to aeroallergens.

GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS IN RACCOONS IN TEXAS

Raccoons (n=590) were collected from October 1999 to August 2003 from 35 counties across Texas, and gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminth parasites. Prevalence was calculated and differences in mean abundance were examined among habitat ecoregions, age classes, and between sexes. Twenty different species of helminths (13 nematodes, two cestodes, two acanthocephalans, and three trematodes) were positively identified in the gastrointestinal tracts of 590 raccoons in Texas. Five of the 20 helminth species collected (Physaloptera rara, Placoconus lotoris, Molineus barbatus, Atriotaenia procyonis, and Macracanthorhynchus ingens) had a prevalence >20%. The total number of individuals of these five species (n=22,777) accounted for over 86% of the total number of individuals of all helminth species (n=26,426) collected. Subsequent analyses were based on these five helminths. Mean abundance differed among habitat ecoregions, age classes, and between sexes for all five parasites evaluated. This study is the most comprehensive statewide survey ever done of gastrointestinal helminths of raccoons across Texas. The five most prevalent helminths identified have all been reported in at least one previous survey, indicating that these parasites are not new to Texas and that raccoons are not naïve to the effects these parasites have on them. It may be helpful to wildlife rehabilitators, trappers, wildlife biologists, and other professionals to be aware of parasite abundance in raccoons from different areas of the state, as frequent human-raccoon interactions occur, and some of these parasites could be harmful to humans and domestic animals.

Point prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in ruminants in southern Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in ruminants in an irrigated area of lower Punjab (Pakistan). For this purpose, 100 faecal samples were collected from sheep, goats, cattle and buffaloes. Parasitological procedures including direct and indirect methods (sedimentation and floatation) and coproculture were used for the identification of helminths. The overall prevalence of helminthiasis was 51% in cattle, 47% in buffaloes, 62% in sheep and 52% in goats, with nematodes being the most common helminths. The prevalence of helminths was higher in young animals compared with adults in cattle (P < 0.0001), buffaloes (P < 0.0001), sheep (P < 0.059) and goats (P = 0.010). The prevalence of different species of helminths also varied in different age groups, with Toxocara vitulorum being higher in calves than adults both in cattle (P = 0.017) and buffaloes (P < 0.0001). Sex-wise prevalence of helminths was higher in males than females for buffaloes (P < 0.0001) and sheep (P = 0.014) in contrast to cattle and goats.

Fauna helmintológica de bovinos da região de Jaboticabal, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

This paper deals with the study of parasites in cattle in the region of Jaboticabal, São Paulo. For this, 42 holstein-zebu mixed breeding animals, 8 to 14 month old, were necropsied. At necropsy 17 species of helminth were collected. The prevalence and intensity of infection were as follow: Haemonchus placei 97,62% (1961,81); Cooperia punctata 92,86% (8109,45); Oesophagostomum radiatum 73,81% (217,38); Trichuris discolor 38,19% (25,48); Trichostrongylus axei 26,19% (122,05); H. simillis 21,43% (37, 45); C. pectinata 19,05% (198,6); Bunostomum phlebotomum 16,66% (8,95); Dictyocaulus viviparus 16,66% (3,62); C. spatulata14,29% (109,95); Capillaria bovis 11,90% (5,48); Ostertagia ostertagi 7,14% (0,86); O. lyrata 4,76% (0,17); Eurytrema coelomaticum 4,76% (2,14); Moniezia benedeni, 4.76% (0,05); T. colubriformis 2,38% (0,48); Strongyloides papillosus 2,38% (0,25). Each calf had an average worm burden of 10804 helminths Haemonchus (18,5%) and Cooperia (77,91%) were the most frequently observed helminths. Mixed infections were commonly observed, 71,43% of the animals were parasitized with three to five different species of helminths. Only 2,38% of the calves were parasitized with ten different species of helminths.

A comparative study of the protein content of some helminths and the suitability of assay methods

The protein content of fresh homogenates and their corresponding TCA precipitated fractions of 10 different species of helminths was estimated by the methods of Lowry et al. and Spector using the Folin phenol reagent and Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 respectively. The former method gives exaggerated values as compared to the latter method. The parasite phenols, phenolic proteins and catecholamines could be responsible for interference in the Lowry's procedure. The TCA noln-precipitable moieties also give colour only with the Folin phenol assay. The pronounced intra-specific differences in the total protein content of helminths reflect their metabolic variations and adaptations. Habitat does not appear to influence the protein content of parasites, however, the effect of host variation was evident in the pouched amphistome G. crumenifer. It is concluded that the dye binding method gives more consistent results and it can be conveniently applied to crude tissue homogenates of helminths.

Distribution of Some Parasitic Nematodes in the Alimentary Tract of Sheep, Cattle, and Rabbits

The linear distribution of nematodes along the small intestine of sheep, cattle, and rabbits has been examined. In all three hosts the order of succession of species along the intestine appears to be the same. The shape of the distribution usually approximates a normal frequency curve even when the parasite is in an unusual host. In the ovine abomasum, thirdand early fourth-stage larvae of Haemonchus contortus tend to aggregate in the fundus, but larvae of Trichostrongylus axei occur in aggregations which appear to be scattered at random over the mucosa. It is well known that each of the various species of helminth parasites of the alimentary tract tends to be restricted to a particular location, but there are few detailed studies of distribution, and these are mostly concerned with a single species (Nishi, 1936; Bull, 1953b; Sommerville, 1954; Krupp, 1961). Experimental studies of the distributions of two or more species in concurrent infections (Holmes, 1961, 1962a, b) are rare. This is surprising, for a study of distributions might be expected to make a significant contribution to an understanding of relationships between different species of helminths in the same part of the host's gut. Possibly the most extensive studies of the distribution of helminths in natural infections have been made on the numerous species which parasitize the small intestine of the sheep (Tetley, 1935, 1937; Andrews, 1937; Davey, 1938). Each species tends to be located about the region of greatest abundance as a normal frequency distribution, and there is a regular order in the succession of species along the intestine although the individual distributions overlap. But certain species, which are more usually parasites of cattle, were found to have erratic distributions along the sheep intestine (Tetley, 1937), a phenomenon which was believed to reflect the incomplete adaptation of these species to sheep. The following data on nematodes in the abomasum and small intestine of sheep, cattle, Received for publication 20 November 1962. and rabbits were collected both to confirm and extend the findings of earlier workers and to provide a basis from which to study the role of interspecific relationships in the regulation of the distribution and abundance of helminth

Ecology of Worm Parasites in South-Central New York Salamanders

During the periods from July 19-September 17, 1950 and May 25-July 8, 1951, a total of 503 salamanders from different collection points in 5 counties (Broome, Cortland, Delaware, Tioga, Tompkins) of south-central New York were examined for helminth parasites and 220 (43.7 percent) were found infected with at least one species. In 1950 284 salamanders were examined and 219 in 1951. The late May to mid-September coverage is nearly the entire active season for salamanders in this area, except for approiximately a month on each end. Hosts examined were 105 newts (Triturus v. viridescens), 1 Jefferson's salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum), 36 red-backed salamanders (Plethodon c. cinereus), 25 slimy salamanders (Plethodon g. glutinosus), 24 purple salamaniders (Gyrinophilus p. porphyriticus), 134 two-lined salamanders (Eurycea b. bislineata), and 178 dusky salamanders (Desmognathus f. fuscus). The variation in numbers of different host species examined is indicative of their relative abundance in the area studied. According to Bishop (1941), and personal observations in the field, Triturus is aquatic, while Plethodon c. cinereus and P. g. glutinosus are terrestrial; Gyrinophilus, Eurycea and Desmognathus are terrestro-aquatic. Ambystoma jeffersonianum will not be considered in the discussion in this report inasmuch as the size of the sample is wholly inadequate from which to draw any conclusions. From the hosts listed 22 different species of helminths were recovered, 10 of which were trematodes, 3 cestodes, and 9 nematodes (table 1). In an abstract of a paper read at the 26th annual meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists, Fischthal (1951) presented a preliminary discussion of the data considered in this report. Little has been done in the United States on the ecology of parasites in salamanders. Most earlier papers either described new species or considered the parasites in a few salamanders in connection with a more extensive study on other amphibians and on reptiles. To date, only two significant ecological studies have been published. Rankin (1937), in North Carolina, examined 1,010 salamanders for the most extensive of these parasite studies. Later, Rankin (1945), in western Massachusetts, presented the results of an examination of 209 salamanders for helminths. Appreciation is expressed to Dr. A. C. Walton, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, for aid in identifying some of the nematodes listed in this paper.

On Some Parasites of the Rusty Tiger Cat (Felis planiceps)

In October, 1927, a rusty tiger cat, Felis planiceps, died at the Zoological Gardens, London, three weeks after imporation from the Malay States. An examination of the intestinal tract and of certain portions of the connective tissue revealed the presence of at least a dozen different species of helminths, embracing many diverse groups of worms. In the connective tissue, in addition, were a number of small oval cysts, somewhat resembling a trichina cyst in outline, but much larger in size and with a totally different structure. Fat globules were seen at the poles. It was not found possible to identify them but it is possible that they were parasitic in origin.