Direct Fecal Smear Research Articles

Detection of human strongyloidiasis among patients with a high risk of complications attending selected tertiary care hospitals in Colombo, Sri Lanka using molecular and serological diagnostic tools

BackgroundStrongyloidiasis a neglected tropical disease is known to cause severe disease among immunosuppressed and has not been studied extensively in Sri Lanka. Parasitological diagnostic approaches based on faecal microscopy and culture often fail to detect low-intensity infections. This study investigates the presence of strongyloidiasis among selected immunocompromised individuals using parasitological, molecular and serological techniques.MethodsAdult patients with immunocompromising conditions admitted to three tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka were recruited. A faecal sample and 2 ml of venous blood were collected. The faecal samples were subjected to direct faecal smear and cultures (agar plate, charcoal and Harada-Mori) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species specific primers designed for Strongyloides stercoralis. The presence of Strongyloides IgG antibodies was tested in the collected serum samples using DRG Strongyloides IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The PCR products of the positive samples were sequenced using Sanger sequencing method.ResultsA total of 260 patients were recruited to this study, out of which 160 provided faecal samples and 122 provided blood samples. Out of the 160 faecal samples, none were positive for strongyloidiasis by direct smear, charcoal and Harada-Mori cultures. Only one sample (0.6%) was positive by agar plate culture. Out of the 123 samples subjected to PCR, 14 (11.4%), including the culture positive patient, were positive for S. stercoralis. Sequencing results of the PCR products indicated 100% similarity to S. stercoralis. Out of the 122 serum samples subjected to ELISA, 20 (16.4%), including the culture positive patient, were positive for Strongyloides IgG antibodies. However, sociodemographic, exposure factors, clinical features were not significantly associated with the presence of strongyloidiasis infection.ConclusionsStrongyloidiasis is present among the immunocompromised population in Sri Lanka, even in the absence of a significant relationship with associated factors. It is advisable to screen such patients with highly sensitive tests such as PCR for early diagnosis and treatment.Graphical

Anthelmintic Effects of Betel Nut to Free-Range Chicken

The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Processed Betel Nut as an anthelmintic to Free-Range Chickens. The research employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and utilized 90 heads of uniformed experimental free–range chickens. The experimental birds were divided into 5 treatment combinations replicated thrice as follows: C- (pure water), C+ (commercial anthelmintic), S1L1 (Betel nut extract (10ml), S1L2 (Betel nut extract (20ml), S1L3 – Betel nut extract (30ml). The anthelmintic effect was observed during days 1,2,3,7,14,21, and 28 of the study. Prior to the allotment of the birds, fecal samples were collected after 21 days of rearing for pre-fecalysis to ensure that all of these were infected with internal parasites. After this, administration of the different treatments was done. This was followed by the collection of fecal samples on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after the administration of the different treatments. The fecal samples collected were given a drop of lactic acid solvent and placed in properly labeled plastic bags. Direct Fecal Smear (DFS) was used in examining the fecal samples collected Results revealed that betel nuts at 20ml level were the best on the growth performance. Betel nut at 30ml level was comparable to that of the experimental birds in commercial anthelmintic. It is then recommended the utilization of betel nut at 20 ml in terms of growth performance and betel nut at 30 ml as herbal anthelmintic to free-range chickens.

Pathological, microscopic, and molecular diagnosis of paratuberculosis/John's disease in naturally infected dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Paratuberculosis (PTB) or John's disease is a chronic disease of ruminants impeding the reproduction and productivity of the livestock sector worldwide. Since there is a lack of pathological studies explaining the nature and development of the disease in camels, this study aimed to highlight the anatomopathological changes of PTB in camels, which may help in verifying and validating some diagnostic tests used to detect the etiology of the disease in camel tissues. In August 2017, at Alselaa border's Veterinary Clinic of Al Dhafra Region, Western Abu Dhabi, UAE, one imported culled she-camel of 2 years old was subjected to clinical, microscopic, and anatomopathological investigations along with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) to confirm the infection and correlate between clinical signs and pathological lesions of the PTB in dromedary camels. Clinically, typical clinical signs compliant with the pathognomonic gross and histologic lesions of PTB were seen in naturally infected dromedary camel. As presumptive diagnosis microscopically, acid-fast coccobacillus bacterium clumps were demonstrated in direct fecal smears as well as in scraped mucosal and crushed mesenteric lymph node films, and in histopathological sections prepared from a necropsied animal and stained by Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Free and intracellular acid-fast clump phagosomes were further confirmed as Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis by q-PCR. Clinical signs and pathological lesions of paratuberculosis in a dromedary camel were found to be similar to those of the other susceptible hosts.

The Intensity of Infection and Public Health Perception of Potentially Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites of Dogs in Kwara Central, Nigeria

Background: The close relationship between dogs and humans and the possibility of intestinal parasite transmission from dogs to humans calls for frequent assessment of these potential zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs and the possibility of their transmission to humans. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the presence, intensity of infection, and public health perception of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs of Kwara Central, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in 28 locations in Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria. Three hundred and five healthy dogs were sampled. Two hundred and thirty respondents (dog owners or handlers) were questioned using a well-structured questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Fecal samples from the sampled dogs were subjected to the direct fecal smear technique, simple fecal centrifugation flotation technique, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts or eggs per gram of feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Results: Seven different intestinal parasites (Ancylostoma spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Dipylidium caninum, Isospora spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara spp., and Uncinaria stenocephala) were detected, with a prevalence ranging from 2.30% to 25.25%. Of these parasites, 6 were zoonotic. The mean intensities of infection were 91.43 eggs per gram (EPG) for D. caninum¸ 96.52 EPG for S. stercoralis, 129.36 ±28.12 oocysts per gram (OPG) for Isospora spp., 165.17±19.88 for Toxocara spp., 240.00±44.42 for EPG for U. stenocephala, and 303.64±31.83 EPG for Ancylostoma spp. Some dog owners and handlers were not cautious about possible zoonotic parasite transmission from dogs. Conclusion: Zoonotic intestinal parasites of dogs are present and prevalent in Kwara Central, Nigeria. There is a need to educate the public on the possibility of zoonotic parasite transmission to humans.

Molecular assay and in vitro culture for Blastocystis prevalence in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

Blastocystis is a polymorphic enteric parasite with a worldwide distribution. It is one of the most common human intestinal protozoans in developing countries. The primary objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of microscopy, stool culture, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for assessment of Blastocystis prevalence and risk factors. Human stool samples were collected from 110 individuals from Dakahlia governorate, Egypt as a part of a routine check-up or having gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms. These samples were subjected to direct fecal smear microscopy, culture, and PCR for the detection of Blastocystis sp. Positive results for Blastocystis screening among the study population were 36 (32.7%), 41 (37.3%), and 43 (39.1%) by microscopy, PCR, and culture, respectively. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the agreement between the culture and PCR was perfect (Κ=0.925). Compared to culture, the sensitivity of PCR was 95% and the specificity was 97% while the sensitivity of microscopy was 84% and the specificity was 90.5%. We concluded that the in vitro culture and molecular assay have significant diagnostic value for the accurate detection and identification of Blastocystis in stool samples. The pathogenic potential of Blastocystis cannot be ruled out because our results found a link between Blastocystis carriage and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diagnosis of microfilaria using modified Knott’s technique in buffalo and its treatment

Filariasis is a vector-transmitted parasitic disease caused by Filarioidea nematode with world wide spread especially in tropical and sub-tropical countries. This is highly prevalent in hot and humid areas of India mainly hilly parts of India like Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The tentative diagnosis was carried out by direct faecal smear examinations, wet blood film observation and blood smear examinations, and modified Knott’s technique, further case history was reviewed. The collected blood was subjected to different staining techniques including modified Knott’s technique. On modified Knott’s method examination detected microfilaria is long slender anterior blunt and tapering posterior ends. Ivermectin 200 μg/kg body weight subcutaneous route (orally microfilaricide 50 ug/ kg) is used as a curative drug in present clinical case and animal was responded well with the treatment. Hematological parameters of buffalo includes decreased hemoglobin (6.5 grs /dl), packed cell volume (20%), and total erythrocytic count (4.5×106/ul) were recovered within 1 week after treatment.

Coprological detection of Toxocariosis in domicile and stray dogs and cats in Sulaimani province, Iraq

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are ascarid nematodes, belong to the Toxocaridae family and genus Toxocara, causing toxocariosis in dogs and cats. The disease is mainly transmitted between animals and humans through ingestion of contaminated food with the embryonated eggs of the parasite. In addition, vertical transmission of the Toxocara larvae from pregnant bitches to their offspring through placenta and milk has been reported. Nowadays, stray dogs and cats, which are unvaccinated or not treated against the parasites, play a significant role in introducing the disease and seem to be a common public health concern. The study aimed to identify the rate of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati infection among the domiciliary and stray dogs and cats that presented to the veterinary clinics, using direct fecal smear and fecal floatation techniques. The results showed that stray cats were highly infected 47.62% in comparison to domiciled cats 5.56%. In contrast, the T. canis infection among domiciled and stray dogs was about 11.11% and 11.76%, respectively. Adult cats and dogs were found to have a higher infectious rate cat; 30%, dogs; 14.81% than younger age groups cats; 27.58%, dogs; 8%. There was a moderate and highly significant positive correlation between the lifestyle and infectious rate in cats. In conclusion, stray cats and dogs are the leading risk factor for transmitting the disease.

Higher efficacy of a single dosage albendazole and different soil-transmitted helminths re-infection profiles amongst indigenous Negritos from inland jungle versus those in resettlement at town peripheries.

Demarginalization through initiation of resettlement program since 1978 is an inevitable progress faced by the indigenous Orang Asli (OA) population in Peninsular Malaysia. As Malaysian huntergatherers, the Negrito has been exposed to various environmental-cultural variations. These changes may influence the pattern of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, the common malady amongst OA. This study evaluated the deworming effects of single-dosage albendazole (400 mg) and STH-reinfection rate between Negritos who are still living in the inland jungle versus those living in resettlements at town peripheries (RPS). Stool samples from the consented participants were first examined using the direct faecal smear, formalin-ether sedimentation and Kato Katz techniques. Subsequently, stool collections were carried out in three time points following treatment (i.e., 21 days, 3 months and 6 months). In brief, a total number of 54 Negritos (inland: 24; RPS: 30) with a complete set of stool collection was included in this longitudinal study. This study revealed 72.2% cure rate against T. trichiura in the inland but only 15.0% in the RPS. Although the efficacy of albendazole against T. trichiura was ultimately low in the RPS, 62.6% egg reduction rate (ERR) (arithmetic mean) was noted (p = 0.001). For A. lumbricoides and hookworm, high cure rates were found in both communities (85.7-100.0%). Reinfection for T. trichiura was seen in less than 1 month with higher rate in the RPS (90.0%) as opposed to the inland (44.4%) at 21 days following treatment. This study found that the inland OA had better tolerability to single-dosage albendazole and experienced slower STH reinfection rates versus the RPS. Hence, the selection of albendazole dosage should be targeted and the use of single- dosage albendazole (biannually) would be more suitable for the inland OA. Conversely, we propose the use of 3-days albendazole regimens in the resettled RPS population.

Investigation of Different Gastrointestinal Parasites in Stray Dogs in Garmian Administration Area, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The aims of the study were to diagnose and investigate the prevalence of different gastrointestinal parasites species in dog feces in various locations of the study area. The study was conducted between April and July 2021, during this period a total of 269 fresh fecal samples were collected from adult stray dogs of both gender in public areas from eleven municipalities of Garmian administration, then they were directly processed and analyzed using different standard coprological techniques: screening by dissecting microscope, direct fecal smear with normal saline and Lugol’s solution staining, centrifugal sedimentation, and centrifugal flotation. The results of the study showed that 172 (63.94%) of the total examined dogs were found to be infected with one or more gastrointestinal parasite species (protozoa, cestodes, nematodes, and trematode) with the prevalence 57.620% (155/269), 28.252% (76/269), 10.037% (27/269), and 0.371% (1/269) respectively, as well as indicated that there were statistically significant differences among these rates (p<0.05). The detected parasites significantly differ in their prevalence include: Echinococcus granulosus 21.933% (59/269), Cystoisospora canis 21.561% (58/269), Sarcocystis spp. 12.639% (34/269), Giardia spp. 11.524% (31/269), Ancylostoma canis 5.204% (14/269), Cryptosporidium spp. 4.089% (11/269), Eimeria spp. 5.204% (14/269), Dipylidium caninum 3.345% (9/269), Mesocestoid lineatus 2.973% (8/269), Balantidium spp. 2.602% (7/269), Toxocara canis 1.486% (4/269), Trichuris vulpis 1.486% (4/269), Uncinaria stenocephala 1.115% (3/269), Toxascaris leonina 0.743% (2/269) and Nanophyetus salmincola 0.371% (1/269). This was the first record of these parasites in stray dogs from Garmian Administration area/Iraqi Kurdistan region, in which the types of infection showed that 62.209% (107/172) dogs had single, and 37.790% (65/172) mixed infections which included; double 25.581% (44/172), triple 11.046% (19/172), and quadruple 1.162% (2/172), these types of infection were showed statistically significant difference among each other (p<0.05). The highest prevalence of intestinal infection among dogs was found in May at 72% (36/50) followed by 65.625% (63/96) in April, 61.29% (38/62) in June, and the lowest was 54.098% (33/61) in July with significant difference among them (p<0.05). The results also revealed that all sampled locations examined were positive for the majority of the above-identified parasites, the most prevalent location was Kifri district 100 % (19/19), followed by Qorato sub-district 76.47% (13/17), Shekh Taweel sub.district 75% (12/16), Khanaqin district 69.696% (23/33), Rizgari sub-district 65% (13/20), Pebaz (Bawanur) sub-district 64.285% (18/28), Kalar district 62.5% (20/32), Serqela sub-district 61.29% (19/31), Maidan sub-district 58.333% (14/24), Awaspi sub.district 52.38% (11/21), while Kokiz sub-district was appeared to be the lowest prevalence rate of infection 35.714% (10/28), the statistical analysis showed significant differences in infection rates among these locations (p<0.05).It was that all the identified parasites were recorded for the first time in this area and they were potentially hazardous zoonotic agents, so it was recommended that human beings should avoid fecal contamination of stray dogs in public areas, moreover serious attention by the veterinarians, municipality of the study area and public health service is necessary to generate awareness of these parasites' potential threat.

Study on Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Equines in and around Bekoji, South Eastern Ethiopia.

Parasitic infections can cause a variety of respiratory, intestinal, and other problems in horses, as well as contribute to some performance issues. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in and around Bekoji, South Eastern Ethiopia, from November 2020 to June 2021 to identify species and evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses, using direct fecal smear, floatation methods, and larval cultures. In this study, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites was 94.5% (363 out of 384), with donkeys accounting for 95.8% and horses accounting for 90.5%. The coprological study indicated that an overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites was 87%, 8.3%, 2.5%, 1.4%, and 0.8% for mixed parasite infection, nonmigratory strongylids, migratory strongylids, Parascaris equorum, and Oxyuris equi, respectively. Among mixed infections, nonmigratory strongylids+migratory strongylids (51.5%) occurred most frequently. The odds of male horses being infected by GIT nematodes were 1.59 times higher than male donkeys. Horses which have poor body condition were 2.94 times more infected than donkeys. The odds of old-aged donkeys were 3.11 times more infected than horses. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes with species and body conditions of the animals. However, no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was seen in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites between the sex and age of the Equidae. The mean fecal egg count of nematodes revealed that horses (1364.4 ± 483.5) had a more severe infection than donkeys with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The current study determined there was a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in Equidae. Regular deworming, improved housing and nutrition management systems, increased animal owner awareness, and prevention techniques should all be undertaken to minimize the disease's economic burden in the area.

Evaluation of fecal smear methods for research on Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in the feces of dairy calves

The objective of this study is to compare the direct fecal smear (DFS) and centrifugal sedimentation (CS) methods in the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples of dairy calves. One hundred and fourteen fecal samples were collected from calves aged up to six months from 10 dairy farms located in Palotina and Francisco Alves, Paraná, Brazil. The microscopic analysis revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in 51.75% (59/114) of the samples in both methods. In CS, 48.25% (55/114) of the samples were positive, while in DFS slides, only 6.14% (7/114) were positive. Only 4 samples were positive exclusively in DFS. To ensure that there were no false-negative results in the microscopic analysis, the 55 samples that were negative in both DFS and CS were selected for molecular analysis using the nested PCR (nPCR). Of these 55 samples, 24% (13/55) were positive and forwarded for sequencing part of the genome, which made it possible to identify C. parvum, C. bovis and C. ryanae. Besides the characterization of the Cryptosporidium species, it was possible to identify bacteria of the genus Acinetobacter interfering directly in the analyzed samples. The microscopic analysis also revealed higher sensitivity when CS was used to make the fecal smears. However, some samples that were negative in this technique had positive PCR results. Thus, molecular analysis is indicated to confirm cases of Cryptosporidium spp. Further studies are necessary to prove the specificities of the used primers since the results obtained in nPCR were positive for the protozoan but, when genetic sequencing was performed, Acinetobacter spp. was identified.

Case report: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection and radiographic findings in a kitten

A two-month-old female kitten suffering from respiratory signs, lethargy, and anorexia for fifteen days was brought to Balikesir University Small Animal Internal Medicine Clinics of Veterinary Faculty. During pulmonary auscultation, stridors in the cranial pulmonary lobes were detected. Laterolateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were obtained. A live larva of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was also detected in the patient's direct fecal smear. The patient had recovered after treated with suitable antibiotics and anthelmintics. The parasite is determined in young adults or older cats, and it can cause serious infection. It can cause serious radiological findings in the lungs in kittens besides clinical symptoms. In conclusion, a differential diagnosis list in kittens that have dyspnea and serious pulmonary radiological findings must involve A. abstrusus infection.

Prevalence of haemoprotozoan and gastrointestinal parasites of sheep imported from Syria into Sulaymaniyah province of Iraq.

Parasitic haemoprotozoan and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are a big issue in animal husbandry and one of the most significant causes for livestock economic losses in underdeveloped countries. This study aimed to record preliminary information on the prevalence of haemoprotozoan and gastrointestinal parasites of Awassi breed of sheep imported from Syria into Sulaymaniyah province, Iraq. Faecal and blood samples were randomly collected from a total of 714 sheep of both sexes from June to September 2019. Giemsa staining technique, direct faecal smear, saturated salt flotation method, and simple sedimentation technique, were applied to diagnose the parasitic stages in the coprological and blood specimens. The overall prevalence rate was 75.63%. Single and mixed infection rates of parasites were 55.46%, and 20.16%, respectively. GI parasites and haemoprotozoan infection rates were 78.15%, and 20.16%, respectively. Of all parasites, the most prevalent was Eimeria spp. (68%), followed by Babesia spp. (20.15%), Balantidium coli (5.90%), Fasciola hepatica (2.50%), and strongyles (1.7%). The prevalence rates for GI parasites and haemoprotozoa varied considerably in regard to sex categories. It is recommended that strict quarantine procedures, adequate parasitological monitoring, and therapeutic approaches should be implemented to animals transported from bordering countries to minimize the incidence of parasite infection.

Epidemiology and Determinants of Soil-transmitted Helminthiases among Selected Primary School Children in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines: A Cross-sectional Study

Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) infections are one of the top causes of morbidity among primary school children. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence, infection rate, and determinants of STH infection among primary school children aged 7-10 years old in Barangay Balzain, Tuguegarao City. Thirty-two Grade 1 and 2 pupils from Balzain East Elementary School were selected through purposive random sampling. Direct fecal smear testing of stool samples elucidated the prevalence of ascariasis and trichuriasis in primary school children. Data such as socio-demographic, water source, environmental sanitation, personal hygiene and health status were collected to better understand the correlation of these factors with STH infection. STH infection was found to be more prevalent [25% (95% CI: 6.02-43.98) ] than Grade 1 pupils [16.67% (95% CI: -4.42-37.76)]. The relative prevalence rate was 21.88% (95% CI: 7.56-36.20), which has a qualitative interpretation of a good environmental sanitation behavior. Number of siblings was positively correlated (p<0.05) with STH infection. Through a multiple logistic regression analysis, it was found out that a family with one additional child increases the probability of STH infection by about a factor of 4.2192 (p<0.05). All of these findings indicate further that a good sanitation is associated with a reduced risk of transmission of STH to primary school children. Identifying factors that contribute to the dynamics of STH transmission in vulnerable groups can help to plan for effective prevention strategies.

Endoparasites infecting exotic captive amphibian pet and zoo animals (Anura, Caudata) in Germany

Alongside exotic reptiles, amphibians, such as toads, frogs, salamanders, and newts, are nowadays considered popular pets worldwide. As reported for other exotic pet animals, amphibians are known to harbor numerous gastrointestinal parasites. Nonetheless, very little data are available on captive amphibian parasitic diseases. In this study, we applied direct saline fecal smears (DSFS) to examine in total 161 stool samples from 41 different amphibian species belonging to the orders Anura and Caudata. In addition, carbolfuchsin-smear (CFS) staining (n = 74 samples) was used to detect amphibian Cryptosporidium oocysts. Also, complete dissections of deceased amphibians (n = 107) were performed to specify parasite infections and to address parasite-associated pathogenicity. Overall, examined amphibian fecal samples contained 12 different parasite taxa. The order Rhabditida with the species Rhabdias spp. and Strongyloides spp. were the most prevalent nematode species (19.3%), followed by flagellated protozoans (8.7%), Amphibiocapillaria spp./Neocapillaria spp. (7.5%), Oswaldocruzia spp. (4.3%), Blastocystis spp. (3.1%), Cosmocerca spp. (3.1%), oxyurids (Pharyngonoidae) (3.1%), spirurids (1.2%), un-sporulated coccidian oocysts (0.6%), Tritrichomonas spp. (0.6%), Karotomorpha spp. (0.6%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.6%). One CFS-stained fecal sample (1.4%) was positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Within dissected amphibians, 31 (48.4%) of the anurans and 11 (26.2%) of the salamanders were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. One cutaneous Pseudocapillaroides xenopi infection was diagnosed in an adult African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). Etiologically, 17 (15.9%) of them died due to severe parasitic and/or bacterial infections (e.g., Chryseobacterium indologenes, Citrobacter freudii, Sphingobacterium multivorum, Klebsiella pneumoniae). High prevalence and pathological findings of several clinical amphibian parasitoses call for more detailed investigation on gastrointestinal parasite-derived molecular mechanisms associated with detrimental lesions or even death.

Prevalence and molecular identification of Balantioides coli isolates from pet guinea pigs in Central China.

Balantioides coli is the only known zoonotic ciliate that can infect humans and is usually acquired from swine. It has, however, been reported in other mammals, including guinea pigs, where infection prevalence and molecular characterization are relatively unknown. In the present study, 32 guinea pigs from two different pet markets in Luoyang city of the Henan province in China were evaluated for ciliate-like trophozoites or cysts by direct fecal smear microscopy. Positive samples were further characterized using 18S rDNA and ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 sequence analysis. Microscopy indicated that ciliate-like cysts were observed in the fecal samples of several guinea pigs, were spherical in shape, and exhibited sizes of 40-65μm in diameter. The average cyst-positive prevalence in guinea pigs was 62.5%. Sequence analysis indicated that the guinea pig-derived ciliate isolates belonged to B. coli and included two genetic variants (A and B), of which genetic variant A was more dominant among the guinea pig samples. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first molecular identification of B. coli in guinea pigs and provides some important information for investigating the molecular epidemiology of B. coli.

Can direct smear results that are routinely collected at health centre level be used for monitoring the impact of mass drug administration with praziquantel on schistosomiasis in Burundi? A preliminary assessment

BackgroundIntestinal schistosomiasis is still a public health problem in Burundi. Since 2008, annual mass drug administration with praziquantel has been rolled out in 11 endemic districts. The national programme relies on school-based surveys with kato-katz to monitor the impact of mass drug administration. We explored whether routine data on intestinal schistosomiasis as determined by direct fecal smears at health centre level could be used.MethodsFrom the Burundian National Health Information System, we collected routine incidence data on intestinal schistosomiasis as determined by direct smear examination in all 45 sanitary districts during 2011–2015. A temporal trends analysis was performed using a mixed negative binomial regression. Sanitary districts with mass drug administration campaigns with praziquantel (n = 11) were compared with those without (n = 34). In addition, prevalence data on intestinal schistosomiasis based on kato-katz results from a school-based national mapping in 2014 were compared with the incidence data in health centres based on direct smear results, in the same 45 sanitary districts.ResultsIn the 11 sanitary districts applying mass drug administration with praziquantel, the incidence rate decreased significantly for the years 2014 (β2014 = − 0.826, P = 0.010) and 2015 (β2015 = − 1.294, P < 0.001) and for the five-year period (β = − 0.286, P < 0.001), whereas in the 34 districts where mass drug administration was not delivered, there was no significant decrease over time (β = − 0.087, P = 0.219). In most of the 45 sanitary districts, the low prevalence based on kato-katz in school children was confirmed by low incidence rates based on direct smears in the health centres.ConclusionsNational Health Information System surveillance data, based on routinely collected direct smear results at health centre level, may be able to monitor the impact of mass drug administration with praziquantel on intestinal schistosomiasis in Burundi. Control and elimination of intestinal schistosomiasis call for integration of adequate diagnosis and treatment into routine activities of primary health care facilities, as recommended by the World Health Organization since more than 20 years. When moving towards elimination, more sensitive tests, such as the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen assay are desirable.

Lungworm: A roundtable discussion

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is increasingly recognised as a cause of illness, particularly cardiorespiratory signs and haemorrhage, in dogs. It is now distributed across the UK, although prevalence varies widely and there are local foci of higher infection. Presentation of clinical cases varies considerably, and lungworm should be on many differential diagnosis lists. Diagnostic tests now include direct faecal smear, Baermann's, bronchoalveolar lavage, antibody and antigen ELISAs and PCR. Appropriate testing depends on the clinical situation, and no test is 100% sensitive and 100% specific. Treatment involves moxidectin or milbemycin oxime, plus supportive care. Tranexamic acid and plasma transfusions may both be useful in dogs showing coagulopathies. Dogs may be at risk from accidental ingestion of intermediate host slugs with grass, or larvae in puddles, as well as from deliberately eating slugs, so prevention relies heavily on monthly appropriate anthelmintics, and compliance is an issue in this. Other lungworm species also occur and should not be forgotten. In cats, the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus can cause severe, even fatal, infection and this is probably under-diagnosed. Monthly preventative treatment with a licensed product is recommended in cats that go outside.

Occurrence of Kalicephalus, Strongyloides, and Rhabdias nematodes as most common gastrointestinal parasites in captive snakes of German households and zoological gardens

Nowadays, snakes established as domestic exotic pets, harboring numerous (zoonotic) gastrointestinal parasites. In this parasitological survey, we used direct saline fecal smears (DSFS) to examine 586 stool samples from 71 different snake species either kept as pets in households or in zoological gardens in Germany. In addition to DSFS, carbol-fuchsin-fecal smears (n =296), coproantigen ELISA tests (n =98), and immunofluorescence assays (IFA; n =77) for the detection reptile Cryptosporidium infections were conducted. Complete dissections of deceased snakes (n =63) were also performed in order to gain data on endoparasite species burdens affecting domestic snakes. Overall, examined fecal samples contained 20 different parasite taxa: Ancylostomatid Kalicephalus spp. were the most prevalent nematode species (3.3%), followed by Strongyloides/Rhabdias (2.6%), flagellated protozoan trophozoites (e. g., Proteromonadida, Reteromonadida) (2.3%), Monocercomonas spp. (1.9%), Entamoeba spp. (1.4%), unsporulated coccidian oocysts (1.4%), Kapsulotaenia spp. (0.9%), Capillaria spp. (0.7%), indet. trematodes (0.5%), pentastomids (0.5%), spirurids (0.4%), Eimeria spp. (0.4%), ascarids (0.4%), Blastocystis sp. (0.2%), heterakids (0.2%), cestodes (Proteocephalidae) (0.2%), Plagiorchis spp. (0.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (0.2%), Caryospora epicratesi (0.2%), and Sarcocystis spp. (0.2%). For Cryptosporidium, four carbol-fuchsin-stained smears (1.4%), 12 (12.2%) coproantigen ELISA-examined samples and 5.2% of examined samples were diagnosed with IFA. Fourteen (22.2%) of dissected snakes showed infections with various pathogenic nematode genera and 8 of them (12.7%) died due to protozoan parasitic infections. High prevalences of intestinal protozoan parasites resulting in severe pathological findings observed in dissected snakes call for more detailed investigations on gastrointestinal parasites.

What is known about Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats?

Tritrichomonas foetus is a parasite that has been definitively identified as an agent of trichomonosis, a disease characterized by chronic diarrhea. T. foetus colonizes portions of the feline large intestine, and manifests as chronic and recurrent diarrhea with mucus and fresh blood, which is often unresponsive to common drugs. Diagnosis of a trichomonad infection is made by either the demonstration of the trophozoite on a direct fecal smear, fecal culture and subsequent microscopic examination of the parasite, or extraction of DNA in feces and amplification by the use of molecular tools. T. foetus is commonly misidentified as other flagellate protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis and Pentatrichomonas hominis. Without proper treatment, the diarrhea may resolve spontaneously in months to years, but cats can remain carriers of the parasite. This paper intends to serve as a source of information for investigators and veterinarians, reviewing the most important aspects of feline trichomonosis, such as trichomonad history, biology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, world distribution, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.