Ectoparasite Infestation Research Articles

Why do zombies clean themselves? An initial test of the antimicrobial hypothesis in a parasite‐host relationship

The emerald jewel wasp Ampulex compressa attacks the cockroach Periplaneta americana which serves as the host of the parasite and injects venom directly into the cockroach’s central nervous system. The cockroach responds by excessive grooming and cleaning its entire body with its legs and mandibles. The antimicrobial hypothesis suggests that self-grooming is adaptive for the parasite because it decreases ectoparasite and fungal infection rates from the cockroach’s cuticle in order to prevent infection of the wasp’s larvae. We demonstrated under laboratory conditions that microbial prevalence was not higher in stung cockroaches experimentally prevented from self-grooming than in self-groomed ones.

Ectoparasite infestation and survival rate of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) that immunized with crude protein Zoothamnium penaei in intensive ponds

The aim of research was to determine ectoparasite infestation and survival rate of L. vannamei immunized with Zoothamnium penaei crude protein in intensive ponds. This research was an experimental study to determine the effect of using feed and added crude protein Z. penaei to L. vannamei. The sample used was 10,000 (PL-11) L. vannamei. The collected data of ectoparasite infestatiton were analyzed by descriptive and variance analysis. There was a significant difference between the pacific white shrimp immunized with crude protein Z. penaei on the 1th, 30th, 60th and 90th days of maintenance (p< 0.05). The highest ectoparasite infestation occurred in L. vannamei aged 60 days, and 30 days respectively. An increase of ectoparasites infestation occurred on shrimp aged 30 to 60 days in the ponds, though there was no significant difference (P> 0.05). On 90 days of maintenance, there was an increase of ectoparasites infestation and it was significantly different from the infestations in shrimp aged 60 days in ponds (p<0.005). The survival rate of pacific white shrimp immunized with crude protein was the age of 90 days in the pond (79%). crude protein Z. penaei could suppress ectoparasite infestation and vannamei shrimp mortality in intensive ponds.

Ectoparasite infections on Mangrove Crabs (Scylla sp.) in soft shell crab aquaculture in Banda Aceh city, Indonesia

This research examined the prevalence and intensity rate of ectoparasites that infected mangrove crab (Scylla sp.) at crab aquaculture area in Banda Aceh City, Indonesia. The study was conducted at three soft shell mangrove crab aquaculture in three different areas. Purposive sampling method was used within three aquaculture sites at Cot Langkeuweh, Gampoeng Blang, and Lamjabat village. The targeted organ was carapace, walk and swim leg and gill. Results showed that there were five parasites found from three family such as Zoothamnium sp. Vorticella sp., and Epistylis sp. Octolasmis sp., and Copepoda sp. The highest prevalence rate was Epistylis sp. with value of 50-60% whereas the lowest prevalence was Zoothamnium sp. and Octolasmis sp. with its value of 20%. The highest intensity level was Octolasmis sp., and Zoothamnium sp. with value of 8-11.3 ind/species, whereas the lowest intensity was Copepoda sp. with value of 2 ind/species.

Identification of ectoparasites of camels in Sabzevar City, Iran.

Ectoparasite infestation can transmit pathogens. They also cause economic losses and sometimes can cause mortality and reduce growth rates. Therefore, the objective of the present study was the determination of ectoparasite infestations on camels (C. dromedarius) in Sabzevar city, Iran. This survey was conducted from April 2017 to March 2018. A total of 75 camels were examined for ectoparasite infestation. All ectoparasites were collected in vials containing ethyl alcohol (70%) and were brought to the laboratory. The results showed that 25 camels (33.33%) were infested with hard ticks. There was not any infestation by other external parasites (mite, lice, flea, myias). The whole detected ticks were 130. The hard ticks on camels were identified as follows: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (37/69%), Hyalomma dromedarii (34/61%), Rhipicephalus bursa (27/69%), In conclusion, appropriate tick control programs in Sabzevar city would seem a prerequisite for progressing camel milk and meat production.

Histopathological changes induced by ectoparasites on gills and skin of Oreochromis niloticus (Burchell 1822) in fish ponds

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ectoparasites on gills and skin of (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish and water samples were brought to the laboratory from a tilapia fish farm in Riyadh area of Saudi Arabia. A number of (120) fish specimen were equally collected for 1 year on monthly basis. Water samples were examined in the laboratory for physicochemical characteristics (1 L month). Gills and skin tissues were prepared for histopathology and light and scanning electron microscopy. Water characteristics revealed a substantial deterioration of water quality. Mean value ± standard deviation shows low oxygen (2.18 ± 0.08–2.85 ± 0.14 mg/l), high ammonia-N (2.01 ± 0.45–2.92 ± 0.66 mg/l), and high nitrite-N. (0.82 ± 0.49–1.61 ± 0.66 mg/l). Ectoparasites including Trichodina, Monogenea, and Ambiphyra were observed on the infected tissues. Histopathological investigations showed severe gill alterations such as blood congestion, blood hemorrhage, a fusion of secondary lamella, and epithelial lifting. Gill erosion and mucus secretions were also reported on some fishes. The severity of the infection has worsened fish health and lead to death of many individuals. The histopathological changes induced by ectoparasites on fish gills and skin could be used to determine the severity of ectoparasite infection to take measures for better fish farm management and to produce healthy fish for human consumption.

The prevalence and potential factors associated with ecto-parasitic infestations in Black Bengal Goats in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Background: Ecto-parasites namely ticks, lice and flea are important due to their blood sucking habit, skin damage and acting as vectors for various disease pathogens in both livestock and humans. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence and identify potential factors associated with ecto-parasitic infestations at Mymensingh sadar, Mymensingh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during July 2019 to June 2020. The data on risk factors was recorded using a questionnaire. Ecto-parasites were collected from randomly selected 173 goats and examined by preparing permanent slides. The potential factors were identified by univariable analysis. Main results: The overall prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation was 60.1% (104/173). The identified ecto-parasites were Damalinia caprae (83, 47.9%), Linognathus stenopsis (42, 24.3%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (36, 20.8%) and Ctenocephalides canis (16, 9.3%). Female (70.7%) goats were 2.9 times more prone to ecto-parasitic infestations than male goats (48.2%). Significantly highest infestations was recorded in adult goats (72.7%), followed by the young goats (52.7%) and the lowest in kids (46.3%). Also, prevalence was significantly (p&lt; 0.001) higher in poor conditioned (76.4%) and anemic (72.9%) goats than that of good conditioned (34.3%) and non-anemic (44.2%) goats, respectively. Furthermore, acaricides /insecticides use in goats greatly influenced the prevalence of ecto-parasitic infestations. Prevalence was higher in those goats that never treated with acaricides and/or insecticides (70.78%) than those goats regularly treated with acaricides/insecticides (27.91%). Conclusions: A very high prevalence of ecto-parasitic infestation was recorded in goats of Mymensingh district. Farmers awareness should be increased to control ectoparasitic infestations especially in female, adult and goats with poor body condition.

Topical ivermectin in the treatment of pediculosis capitis

Background: Head lice infestation is considered a prominent issue because of its worldwide distribution, especially among children. Millions of children are infested with pediculosis capitis every year. The increasing rate of lice infestation has been reported even in the developed countries due to the resistance to known pediculicides. Besides, the louse is a vector for serious diseases, such as epidemic typhus fever. Objective: The aim of this work was the search for a new cheap and effective drug for pediculosis capitis. 2% ivermectin solution, a promising novel drug used for endoparasite and ectoparasite infections, was used in this study. Materials and Methods: This was a clinical trial study. The in vitro study was carried out in a period of five months. Samples of nits and lice were collected from female patients of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital. The study was conducted during a period from October 2002 through November 2003. One hundred fifty children from four primary schools in Hayy Al-A’amel, Baghdad, participated in this part of the study. The preparation was applied to the children by the author. One hundred children were tested with ivermectin solution and fifty children with rectified spirit. The first part of the study involved a parasitological evaluation (in vitro study) of pediculicidal and ovicidal activity, in which 4% ivermectin solution was discontinued because of contact dermatitis. Therefore, 2% ivermectin solution was used instead. Pediculicidal and ovicidal activity was examined half an hour afterward. The second part of the study involved a clinical evaluation (in situ study) of 2% ivermectin solution for half an hour. Results: Topical 2% ivermectin solution in rectified spirit is a good pediculicidal (100%) and a good ovicidal (88%) drug with good therapeutic efficacy (82% after the first application, 90% after the second application) against pediculosis capitis. Conclusion: The study described a novel topical preparation for pediculosis capitis, which was proven effective and safe.

Ectoparasite infestation and Vibrio alginolyticus bacterial infection in super-intensive ponds with high ammonia levels of Penaeus vannamei

Disruption to fish and shrimp farming can be caused by poor water quality or invading pathogens. This study aims to determine the degree of ectoparasite infestation and Vibrio alginolyticus bacterial infection in super-intensive ponds. This study uses a survey method. Water and shrimp sampling was carried out at three stations and two sampling points. The study was conducted from January until February 2020. Water quality, parasite, and bacterial identification were measured at the Jepara Center for Brackish Water Cultivation Fisheries. This study showed that all samples were positively infested with Zoothamnium, Epistylis, and Vorticella parasites. The highest number of Vibrio bacteria was found at an average of 1.16 x 105 cells / mL. Based on Pearson correlation analysis, the relationship between the total number of bacteria and the ectoparasite intensity level in Pacific white shrimp has a value of 0.015 with an R-value = 0.828. This indicates that the presence of high ectoparasite intensity. Water quality data also shows a very close relationship between the level of ectoparasite intensity and the stocking density of vannamei shrimp.

The role of traditional nomadic pastoralism in the spatial and genetic subdivision of the distribution of populations of small mammals in mountain areas and their sanitary and epidemiological significance (on the example of Tuva)

The data on the genetic and spatial subdivision of populations of synanthropic species of small mammals, their dependence on the intensity with the territories of distant-pasture cattle tending are presented, and some patterns of indicators of ectoparasite infestation of their communities are revealed. The factor determining the genetic and spatial differentiation of populations of small mammals can be attributed to the relationship of small mammals with ungulates that has long historical roots (Neogene, Anthropogen). At present, these relations have been preserved with domestic ungulates, which, along with physical and geographical ones, determine the genetic and biotopic differentiation of populations of small mammals. The assumption is made about the deep historical roots of the establishment of such relationships by pasture ungulate animals from the neogene and pleistocene.

Epidemiological Study of Camel Ectoparasites in Different Districts of Afar Region, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April, 2017 to October 2018 to investigate the occurrence of major camel ectoparasites and associated risk factors in selected districts of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Out of the total camels (N=813) examined for ectoparasite infestation, about 629 of camels were infested with one or more species of parasites and the overall prevalence was 77.4%. About 17.44%, 10.57%, 1.97%, and 0.24% were accounted for single and mixed infestation with two, three and four parasites respectively. The study indicated that there were statistically significant variation (<I>P</I>< 0.05) in the prevalence of ectoparasites among sex, age group and body condition; However, there was no significant variation (P>0.05) in infestation rate in relation to areas. In this study four of genera ticks and one genera of mite were identified. The identified genera were Hyalomma (28.30%), Amblyomma (24.48%), Rhipicephalus (17.17%) and Boophilus (0.32%). The infestation of a single mite showed that; Sarcoptes scabiei var cameli (8.90%). Infestations in seven districts in the region ranged (70.06%) of Yallo 82.6% in Elidar district to but higher prevalence was found (80.5%) at Megale and (82.6%) Elidar district. In conclusion, the prevalence of ectoparasites in the present study was high in camel population in the study areas of the Afar region; therefore it is important to reduce parasitic infestation and its load through applying ectoparasitic drugs and externally applied chemicals.

Use of anti-tick drugs in dairy farms in the microregion of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Ectoparasitic infestation in dairy cattle, the most common being Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, causes significant loss in production. The control of ectoparasites often occurs incorrectly, resulting in resistance to the active ingredients and residues in milk. To understand of acaricide use in the microregion of Alfenas, Minas Gerais (Brazil), questionnaires were applied to the owners of 100 dairy farms in the region and were selected randomly. Dairy farms were allocated according to production scale: up to 150 liters/day, 151-400 liters/day and more than 400 liters/day. The interviewees were asked about production characteristics, acaricide management and active ingredients. The interview answers were subjected to descriptive analysis. Results showed that all properties, independent of production-scale, used acaricides. The most cited was: Cypermethrin Chlorpyrifos Citronellal (31%), Fluazuron (18.6%) and Fipronil (17%). Among the interviewed, 41,1% use drugs that have restrictions that are not allowed in legislation for use in lactating dairy cows (fluazuron, fipronil, ivermectin). 15% affirmed they weren't aware of the "withdrawal period" of medication and 73% change in the active ingredient used. In order to revert this antiparasitic drug's resistance situation and contamination of milk with drug residues, it is necessary to focus on the awareness of milk producers and training of labor.

Stress responses of Indian major carps cultured in the East Kolkata Wetland, West Bengal, India

Fish are continuously exposed to multiple environmental stressors that work cumulatively and synergistically. This study assessed the stress responses of Indian major carps (IMCs) cultured in a sewage-fed pond (SP) in the East Kolkata Wetland (EKW), India and compared with the normal carps in situ. The experiment was conducted in two farms that cultured Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala for seven months, covering the summer and winter periods. Serum biomarkers of primary (cortisol) and secondary (glucose, total protein, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) stress responses, and oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were quantified using standard kits. The health status of carps was evaluated as a tertiary response. The biological oxygen demand, hardness, total dissolved solids, ammonia and phosphate levels of both ponds exhibited marked variations. The SP carps had significantly low haemoglobin and total protein, and high serum glucose, creatinine, ALT, AST and LDH levels. The SOD and cortisol levels were comparatively low in SP carps. The winter temperature had a significant effect on serum glucose, cortisol, SOD, creatinine, ALT and AST. Carps had a high degree of ectoparasitic infestation during the winter. Cirrhinus mrigala of the SP had significantly high serum creatinine levels. The increasing levels of serum glucose, creatinine, ALT and AST suggested that these indices, which were more pronounced in the carps of EKW in conjunction with winter temperature, could be useful biomarkers of stress, kidney and liver functioning in carps, respectively.

Detecção de Pseudomonas sp. em pirarucu (Arapaima gigas): um relato de caso na Amazônia Ocidental

Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas)is one of the most important fish in Amazonian fish farming. However, information about its nutritional, zootechnical and microbiological aspects is still scarce. This is especially true for the juvenile phase due to high mortality rates caused by malnutrition, difficulties in food training, endo and ectoparasite infestations, which in turn lead to immunosuppression, favoring secondary bacterial infections that may be present due to various environmental factors(e.g., sudden temperature variations, water acidity and pollution of the aquatic environment) and thestatus of fish. The Pseudomonas sp. species studied in this work is part of the aquatic ecosystem and is considered a contaminant or invader because it infects a wide variety of aquatic species, including pirarucu. Given this assumption, the objective of the study was to report a case of Pseudomonas sp.in the viscera and dorsum of a juvenile pirarucuArapaima gigas(SCHINZ, 1822) detected through bacteriological analysis. In the fish production chainin the Western Amazon, pirarucu is one of the most prominent fish species because of its high zootechnical performance in terms of weight gain and commercial value. However, one of the biggest obstacles in its production chain occurs during the juvenile phase, with high mortality rates caused by mainly bacterial infections, leading to economic losses in fish farming. In this study, Pseudomonas sp. was detected in a sample of dorsum and viscera of a pirarucu fish from a fish farm in the municipality of OuroPreto do Oeste, Rondônia, Brazil.

Scabies-Renaissance of an ectoparasite infection : Diagnosis and therapy-How to proceed in practice

Scabies or mange is currently acommon dermatosis in Germany and other countries, and should be more important in health policy. It affects across-section of society, including all age groups, from infants to the aged. Locals and people with amigration background both suffer from this highly contagious ectoparasite infection with excessive, predominately nocturnal itching. Clinical diagnosis represents achallenge for the experienced dermatologist due to the variety of dermatosis to be considered in the differential diagnosis. It is still unclear whether treatment failure or the recurrences observed everywhere are due to in vitro and in vivo resistance of the pathogen agent Sarcoptes scabiei against permethrin or ivermectin. Therapeutic errors seem to play arole as often not all direct contact persons are recorded and treated with antiscabious treatment. They form the reservoir for reinfections. In the event of repeated nonresponse to topical (permethrin) and/or oral antiscabious treatment, alternative topical preparations-benzyl benzoate or crotamiton-should be used. Combination with ivermectin is mandatory.

Ectoparasite Infestation among Stray Cats around Surabaya Traditional Market, Indonesia

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite infestation among stray cats around Surabaya traditional markets. A total of 305 stray cats were collected around 17 traditional markets in Surabaya City and were examined for the presence of fleas with a fine-toothed flea comb. Surveys were conducted during May-June 2019. 228 of 305 stray cats (74.75%) were infested with one species of ectoparasite. The average number of C. felis in every cat was 2.54, while the number of F. subrostratus in every cat was 0.33. Additional data about the gender, pregnancy/maternity, and bodyweight of every cat were recorded. The result of chi-square test shows that there is a significant difference between gender, pregnancy status, and bodyweight by the occurrence of ectoparasites (p=0.008; p=0.00; p=0.00). A total of 878 ectoparasites consisting of flea and lices, namely Ctenocephalides felis (88.27%) as the dominant ectoparasite, followed by Felicola subrostratus (11.73%). The highest infection rate (prevalence) of ectoparasite was found in Pucang Market (16.81%), while the lowest prevalence was found in Mulyorejo Market (0.8%). Coinfection was observed in only a few cats (1.63%). Multiple Regression showed that pregnancy is the most influential factor in the occurrence of fleas (p=0.000). These results should be taken into account among health workers to prevent a possible outbreak of zoonotic diseases caused by fleas.

The efficacy of herbal shampoo from Cymbopogon citratus and ultrasonic sound to control head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)

Background: Pediculosis capitis is a scalp disease due to the infestation of obligate ectoparasites (mites/lice) species of Pediculus humanus var. Capitis. Pediculosis capitis infects 6 to 12 million people each year in the US. Furthermore, head lice develop resistance to the active ingredients of the chemical drug and become insensitive to treatment. Methods & materials: A filter paper contact method was applied with three concentrations (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mL/cm2) of each Cymbopogon citratus shampoo as well as permethrin pediculicide (positive control) and drinking water (negative control) against eggs, nymphs and adults of Pediculus humanus capitis. Mortality rates of the eggs were recorded after 7 days of incubation while those of nymphs and adults were recorded after 5 minutes of contact. And, ultrasonic sound, those of egg, nymphs and adults were recorded after 5 minutes of contact. Results: Cymbopogon citratus shampoo at the high concentration were highly effective against nymphs and adults, but not effective against the eggs at 5 min showed mortality rates against nymphs at 100% and against adults at 100% with LC50 values of 1 mL/cm2. Ultrasonic sound exhibited the highest efficacy against the egg, nymphs and adults with 100% mortality rate at 5 min. Permethrin pediculicide was not effectively killing the eggs but showed 69.1%–83.2% and 43.4%–61.8% mortality rates against nymphs and adults. Conclusion: These results indicate that Cymbopogon citratus shampoo can be used as an effective nymphicide and adulticide against Pediculus humanus capitis. While ultrasonic sound can be used as effective for all stages of the head lice.

Sex-biased parasitism and expression of a sexual signal

AbstractGiven that sexual signals are often expressed more highly in one sex than the other, they can impose a sex-specific cost of reproduction through parasitism. The two primary paradigms regarding the relationship of parasites to sexual signals are the good genes hypothesis and the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis; however, there are other ecological, morphological and energetic factors that might influence parasite infections in a sex-specific fashion. We tested the relationship between expression of a sexual signal (the dewlap) and ecological, morphological and energetic factors mediating ectoparasite (mite) load between male and female Panamanian slender anoles (Anolis apletophallus). We found that males were more highly parasitized than females because of the preponderance of ectoparasites on the larger dewlap of males. Indeed, ectoparasite infection increased with both body size and dewlap size in males but not in females, and parasite infection was related to energy storage in a sex-specific fashion for the fat bodies, liver and gonads. Our work and previous work on testosterone in anoles suggests that this pattern did not arise solely from immunosuppression by testosterone, but that mites prefer the dewlap as an attachment site. Thus, the expression of this sexual signal could incur a fitness cost that might structure life-history trade-offs.

CPD article: An updated review of the indications and adverse drug events associated with the ectoparasiticides used in small animal practice

The global burden of ectoparasitic infestations is exacerbated by the lack of licensed vaccines, meaning safe and effective ectoparasiticide drugs are vital to their prevention and treatment. However, adverse clinical consequences of treatments for ectoparasites affect thousands of cats and dogs in the UK each year. The unpredictable outcomes of these treatments in some animals can be associated with undesirable consequences and there is a lack of knowledge surrounding their use. This article discusses indications of the major classes of ectoparasiticides used in small animal practice and highlights the types of adverse drug reactions associated with the parasiticides used to treat ectoparasite infestations in dogs and cats. Overall, the incidence of adverse drug events reported in relation to ectoparasiticide use, compared to the total doses administered globally, is small. The potential consequences for animal and human health of not using ectoparasiticides is likely to be more serious than the current rate of adverse drug reactions being reported. The benefits of protection from ectoparasite infestations will therefore outweigh the potential consequences of adverse events associated with such treatment.

Contagious itch and disgust during a lecture on ectoparasitic infestations: Two co-activated complementary parasite defense systems?

(Audio-)visual itch transmission is referred to as "contagious itch" (CI) and has been linked to an evolutionarily ingrained ectoparasite defense system. Disgust is considered to be part of the behavioral immune system aimed to prevent the spreading of pathogens. Although they probably serve a similar purpose, the relationship between CI and disgust is unknown. We investigated their co-prevalence, correlation, and differences between the sexes and between skin-diseased and skin-healthy individuals. Medical students attending a lecture on ectoparasitic infestation indicated their change in itch and disgust compared to baseline on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale (NRS) and specified which ectoparasitic infestation induced CI and disgust the most. Out of 132 participants, 87.9% reported CI, 84.1% disgust. The maximum intensity of CI was 3.68 ± 2.08 NRS (P < .0001), of disgust 3.80 ± 2.68 NRS (P < .0001), respectively. The CI and disgust correlated positively (rho 0.272; P = .002), but we also found that specific ectoparasitic infestations triggered rather itch than disgust and vice versa. Our results indicate that CI and disgust are coincident phenomena of distinct defense systems: CI is aimed to scrape off ectoparasites, disgust to prevent ingestion of pathogens. Furthermore, our data point to differences in CI and disgust between the sexes and skin-healthy vs skin-diseased participants.

Diversity and Intensity of Protozoan Ectoparasites of Black Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon Fab.) from Segara Anakan, Cilacap, Central Java

Ectoparasites can infect tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon Fab.) in which their ectoparasite-host relationship may be influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature, geographical location, water depth, and anthropogenic disturbances. This study aimed to determine the intensity of ectoparasite infection and to measure the parasite diversity in tiger prawns. Samples were taken randomly from the Sleko fish market in South Cilacap. The results revealed that the highest ectoparasite intensity was Zoothamnium sp. (29.33 individuals per prawn), indicating a moderate attack rate. The lowest ectoparasite intensity was Vorticella sp. (6.27 individuals per prawn) suggesting low attack rate. The ectoparasite diversity on tiger prawns reached 1.00 implying a moderate level of diversity.