Eggs Of Intestinal Parasites Research Articles

Contamination of selected recreational areas in Lublin Province, Eastern Poland, by eggs of Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp. and Trichuris spp.

While using recreational areas, people take with them accompanying animals (dogs, cats). These animals are the main source and reservoir of dangerous zoonoses, including parasitoses caused by genera of nematodes, also called roundworms, Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp. and Ancylostoma spp. Attentionshould also be paid to the possibility of contamination of recreational areas with the eggs of intestinal parasites by wild animals (e.g. red fox). Sand was collected on beaches and leisure terrains located in recreational areas in Zwierzyniec, Rudka reservoir on the river Wieprz, 'Echo' reservoir, accessible to tourists to the Roztocze National Park, and the 'Florianiecki' reservoir, chich is inaccessible to tourists due to its location in the depths of the National Park. Material for the research was also collected from the 'Zemborzycki reservoir in Lublin, A total of 300 sand samples were collected. The samples, approximately 500 g each, were collected into plastic bags from the superficial layer of sand, at a depth up to 3 cm. For egg detection, flotation with the Wasylikowa metod and the modified Quinn method were used. In the Quinn metod, the flotation solution is NaCl saturated solution, in the Wasylikowa method, 5% solution of NaOH is used. The most contaminated grounds were areas by the water 'Zemborzycki' reservoir in Lublin. The eggs of intestinal parasites were isolated from 13 out of 24 samples examined. In sand collected from the beach by the 'Echo', 'Florianiecki' and 'Rudka' water resevoirs in Zwierzyniec, no eggs of intestinal parasites were detected. Such a dissemination of results may indicate a connection between the degree of occurrence of geohelmint eggs and the intensity of human movement, together with accompanying animals, in places that can be used for recreation.

Risk factors with the occurrence of parasites and coliform in vegetables from an agroindustry

ABSTRACT In this study, we evaluated the risk factors associated with the occurrence of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and intestinal parasite eggs in vegetables from an agroindustry in the city of Ibiúna - SP, Brazil. A questionnaire with 17 questions was applied to 24 producers to carry out a diagnosis of the risk factors and their posterior association or not with total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and intestinal parasite eggs. The questions addressed mainly the production system, fertilizer used, source of the water used for irrigation, sanitization of the vegetables, and form of transport. For the investigation of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and intestinal parasite eggs, the samples were processed at the microbiology and parasitology laboratory of the Federal Institute of São Paulo, São Roque Campus. The results revealed that total coliforms were found in 100% of the investigated samples and thermotolerant coliforms were detected in 95.83% of the samples. There was a significant statistical association for the risk factor use of reservoir water, where there was release of wastewater and absence of sanitization of the vegetables at the moment of harvest in relation to the presence of thermotolerant coliforms. Intestinal parasite eggs were found in 33.33% of the samples.

New paleoparasitological investigations from the pre-inca to hispanic contact period in northern Chile

Paleoparasitological studies have demonstrated that changes in environment or culture are reflected in the patterns of parasitic infection diseases in populations worldwide. The advent of agriculture and animal domestication, with its accompanying reduction in human mobility and expanding population involves changes in or emergence of, parasites, the so-called first epidemiological transition. Cultural processes related to territory occupation contribute to both loss and acquisition of parasites. The archaeological site Lluta 57 in the Lluta Valley, Chile, provides a chronology of the transition from the pre-Inca or Late Intermediate Period (LIP), through the Late or Inca Period (LP), to the Hispanic Contact Period (HCP), providing the possibility of evaluating this epidemiological transition. The aim of this study was to conduct a paleoparasitological investigation of to gain insight into the dynamics of parasitism in Lluta people throughout the Inca expansion. Fourteen human coprolites from the three periods were rehydrated, submitted to spontaneous sedimentation, and examined by light microscopy for the presence of intestinal parasite eggs, pollen grains, and micro-remains. Eggs of four parasites: Enterobius vermicularis, Trichostrongylus sp., Trichuris sp., and Eimeria macusaniensis were recovered. Frequency, diversity, and number of parasite eggs per sample increased over the studied time period. Trichostrongylus sp. and E. macusaniensis were recorded in the region for the first time. Enterobius vermicularis eggs, absent in the LIP, were present as a hyper-infection in LP. The presence of E. macusaniensis is likely related to exploitation of llamas, which were used for food and transport and as sacrificial offerings. The paleobotanical analysis revealed ten families of pollen grains, as well as phytoliths and floral remains. In contrast to parasitological results, a diachronic pattern was not detected. Evolution of the settlements, with the advent of larger, more densely populated, villages, could have influenced the emergence and intensification of transmission of parasites in the region. The study showed that the Inca expansion influenced host-parasite-environment relationships in the Lluta Valley.

Survival of chicken ascarid eggs exposed to different soil types and fungi

The eggs of intestinal ascarid parasites (Ascaridia galli and Heterakis spp.) of chickens can survive long-term in soil and this makes contaminated yards and pastures infective to chickens for years. The fungi Pochonia chlamydosporia Biotype 10 and Metarhizium brunneum KVL04-57 can kill ascarid eggs in agar assays but their efficacy against these eggs in soil is unknown. We therefore initially tested the ovicidal effect of the two fungi in laboratory soil assays. Unembryonated eggs were added to sterilised and non-sterilised soil with or without fungi, and egg recovery was examined before and after incubation (22°C, 30days). Egg recovery was substantially reduced by P. chlamydosporia and M. brunneum in sterilised soil. However, in non-sterilised soil only M. brunneum slightly reduced egg counts. Notably, egg recovery was reduced markedly in non-sterilised soil though no fungi were applied. To test if this is a general characteristic of natural soil, eggs were incubated in similar assays comprising 7 different soils (sterilised and non-sterilised). After incubation, egg recoveries were reduced substantially in all non-sterilised soils whereas there were only minor reductions in sterilised soils. We next isolated and examined if particular egg-degrading fungi occurred in the non-sterilised soil that had exhibited the most extreme ovicidal activity (99%). The fungal isolates belonged to two genera (Metarhizium and Acremonium) with reported egg-degrading properties but when tested in vitro in agar assay, none of the three tested isolates of native fungi degraded >34% eggs, suggesting that these fungi may not individually have caused the reduction in egg survival in the non-sterilised soil. In conclusion, a range of natural soils showed inherent properties related to biotic factors to degrade nematode eggs. The biocontrol efficacy of both P. chlamydosporia Biotype 10 and M. brunneum KVL04-57 was very good in sterilised soil but currently limited in non-sterilised soil, potentially due to competition with natural soil biota in fungal establishment. Further research may determine if efficacy may be increased by changing the formulation.

Investigation of major parasitic diseases and related knowledge, attitude and practice among rural residents in Liyang City

To investigate the prevalence of major parasitic diseases and related knowledge, attitude and practice among rural residents in Liyang City, so as to provide the evidence for formulating appropriate preventive strategies and measures. Three villages were selected from three towns as survey sites, and the residents who were above three years old and had been in the village for over six months were investigated. The Kato-Katz technique was applied to detect intestinal parasite eggs in residents' feces, and the cellophane anal swab was used to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs among children aged 3-6 years. The iodine liquid smear and saline smear methods were used to examine intestinal protozoa cysts or trophozoites. Hookworm species were identified by the tube filter paper culture method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information on residents' knowledge, attitude and practice of the prevention and control of major parasitic diseases. Totally 759 residents were investigated and tested at the three rural survey sites, and only 2 cases were detected of parasitic infection and the total infection rate was 0.26%. Both cases were mild infections without mixed infection. The total awareness rate of knowledge on ascariasis, trichuriasis and ancylostomiasis was 37.9%, while the awareness rate of knowledge on clonorchiasis was 13.8%. The age and educational level were important factors of the knowledge on prevention and control of parasitic diseases among the residents. The formation rates of washing hands before meal and after using the toilet, and never drinking unboiled water were 83.8% and 92.1%, respectively. Totally 11.6% of the residents usually ate raw or half-cooked freshwater fishes and shrimps, and 53.0% had not the behavior to prepare raw and cooked food using the different chopping boards. The proportions of residents using fresh feces as manure and working in the field with bare feet were 13.8% and 22.8% respectively. The proportions of residents who thought they could, could not, or were not sure to change the risk behaviors and habits of parasitic infections were 40.2%, 28.5% and 31.4%, respectively. The infection rate of major parasitic diseases among the rural residents in Liyang City is low, and the awareness rate of knowledge on preventing parasitic diseases is also low. Therefore, the health education on the prevention and control of parasitic diseases should be strengthened to guide them to develop good hygiene, diet and farming habits. The environmental sanitation should be continuously improved to block the endemic of parasitic infection.

Use of space and site formation processes in a Neolithic lakeside settlement. Pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs spatial analysis in La Draga (Banyoles, NE Iberia)

Several taphonomic factors influence the composition of the palynological record especially in archaeological deposits, where human activities alter the representation of taxa. Spatial analysis by a taphonomic approach to the distribution of pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) provides useful information about intra-site spaces and environments in the Early Neolithic lakeside settlement of La Draga (Banyoles, NE Iberia). The spatial correlation of algae, lakeshore and aquatic plants and herbs with an economic value, together with eggs of intestinal parasites and spores of coprophilous fungi, evidence a humid and organic environment beneath a hut, where consumption waste is concentrated. In contrast, high values of arboreal pollen (AP) and spores of fungal indicators of soil erosion show a sub-aerial environment strongly altered by taphonomic processes in outside areas. Finally, the association of the highest values in Cerealia-t and the spatial distribution of grinding stones within Sector D identifies an area of cereal processing, proving the suitability of spatial analysis in archaeopalynology as a powerful tool for reconstructing activity areas within archaeological settlements.

The Archaeology of Prague and the Medieval Czech Lands, 1100–1600 by Jan Klápště

Reviewed by: The Archaeology of Prague and the Medieval Czech Lands, 1100–1600 by Jan Klápště Thomas A. Fudge Klápště, Jan, The Archaeology of Prague and the Medieval Czech Lands, 1100–1600 (Studies in the Archaeology of Medieval Europe), Sheffield, Equinox, 2016; cloth; pp. xviii, 254; 110 b/w illustrations, 29 colour plates; R.R.P. US $110, £75.00; ISBN 9781845536336. This groundbreaking study will attract those interested in the history, material culture, religion and archaeology of the Czech lands. The book avoids technical discourse with a specialist audience. For example, the author does not describe archaeological method. Instead, Klápště seeks to introduce the subject to a broad audience, and it should be noted that a synoptic survey does not exist for the subject or the period even in Czech. This makes this study particularly valuable. For the neophyte, the book defines the historic Czech lands as Bohemia, Moravia, and the southern part of historical Silesia. Today this is mainly in the Czech Republic. Especially important for the general reader is an introductory essay delineating the context of the study, the history of the region, and the history of archaeology in Czech lands (p. 1–14). Klápště elaborates the archaeological dimensions by developing concise treatments of the rural milieu, secular power, the religious landscape (churches, monasteries, cemeteries), urban settlements, domestic issues related to heat and light, technology, crafts and industry, artefacts, communication and symbols. The book concludes with an overview of medieval archaeology present and future. The reader may be interested to know that there are several thousand deserted medieval villages (DMVs) in the Czech lands forming essential context for understanding the rural milieu. Whereas these DMVs used to be thought of as 'time capsules of medieval rural occupation' (p. 20), Klápště adds considerable nuance pointing out that DMVs were not static but were products of long term development (p. 33). While archaeological work has revealed much of a vanished past, there are important areas of the Czech lands which have been irretrievably lost. Klápště underscores the negative impact of the protracted Hussite wars in the fifteenth century and the destruction of the medieval town of Most in the twentieth century as a result of opencast brown-coal mining. Parts of medieval Prague disappeared with the establishment of housing estates and new infrastructure. Up until the end of the twentieth century, Czech archaeology was dominated by investigations into settlement sites with a fortification (i.e. stronghold). This approach has broadened in the past two decades. We learn that Prague castle was reconstructed in stone and that dendrochronology is important for dating the foundations of castles and towns. Archaeological discoveries indicate a weak ecclesiastical structure (p. 75), definite connections between the 'worlds of the living and the dead' (p. 79) and the certainty of Prague's uniqueness (p. 143). Klápště reveals the details of the discovery of [End Page 224] a fortified suburbia below Prague castle unknown prior to 1994 spanning 25 hectares (p. 100). Excavation finds at Most and contamination in wells and cesspits bring remnants of the murky past into the light of day. These include ceramic and wooden toys, decorated stove tiles, pilgrim shells from Santiago de Compostela, pottery, glassware, animal skeletons, and general household goods. Excavations of medieval wells provide evidence to explain disease. With the discovery of contamination associated with the eggs of intestinal parasites, causal connections between disease, epidemics and water supplies is underscored (p. 136). At Tábor, 3959 silver coins were found in two ceramic vessels under a floor (p. 141), while a cesspit in the same town yielded a wooden book cover, wooden seal boxes and a leather spectacles rim. At the important mining town of Kutná Hora, 51,000 fragments of fourteenth-century lamps, essential in the lucrative silver mines, have been unearthed. Conditions preventing the chemical destruction of glass were provided by the cesspits and filled-up wells (p. 179–84). Klápště argues for an unparalleled density of evidence for urban archaeology anywhere in Europe (p. 145). The book draws attention to stove tiles as important items of Czech material culture. One can...

Contamination of beach sand by hookworm species: a small scale observation from Thailand

Hookworm is an important tropical nematode. The worm is a roundworm that can be seen in many tropical areas. Basically, this roundworm can cause gastrointestinal infection and chronic infection and result in hypochromic microcytic anemia, which is the common public health problem. Focusing on the worm’s life cycle, the hookworm egg will be passed from intestine of infected host and hatched as larva in the soil. Based on this information, bearfooted walking is at risk. In general, hookworm is a geohelminth. It usually lives in the sand and penetrates the human’s foot to cause infection. Hence, the analysis of the contamination of hookworm in sand can give useful data for disease surveillance and control. The contact to contaminated sand can be the primary origin of the infection[1]. Bojar and Klapec noted that “attention should also be paid to the possibility of contamination of recreational areas with the eggs of intestinal parasites by wild animals[2].” An interesting forgotten concern is the possible contamination of hookworm in sand at beach. According to a report by Mabaso et al., “amounts of fine and medium sand were highest in both the coastal plain soils and in inland sandy areas and these fractions showed a significant positive correlation with hookworm prevalence and nematode loadings[3].” There is an interesting previous report showing the possibility of contamination in sand beach[4]. In some beaches, 42% of the samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma larvae[4]. Here, the authors reported the observation on contamination of beach sand by hookworm species in sample collected from 3 beaches in Thailand. The standard soil analysis as previously described by Wiwanitkit and Waenlor was used[5]. According to the analysis, null prevalence could be observed. This can imply the cleanness of the studied beaches. The situations in other beaches have to be studied and verified. Since bare-footed walking in the beach is usual, the risk of getting hookworm infestation in dirty beach has to be notified to the general people. In additional, the use of alternative biological control of the worm is the new method to be notified. De Mello et al. mentioned the efficiency of the Duddingtonia genus in the control of Ancylostoma spp. infective larvae[6].

Investigation of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Gazella (Gazella subgutturosa) in Ghamishloo National Park and Wildlife Refuge

Context: The Ghamishloo National Park and Wildlife Refuge, located in the west part of Isfahan province, is one of the most important protected areas in the country. This area, as one of the semi-desert ecosystems in the central part of Iran, is the habitat of numerous wildlife species (especially Gazella subgutturosa, Ovis orientalis and so on). Aims: Since the Persian Gazella (G. subgutturosa) is one of the most important protected wildlife species in Iran, parasitic diseases (along with other problems) cause significant decrease in the population of this animal and finally lead to extinction. Materials and Methods: From early May to the late August 2016, seventy fresh dung samples of G. subgutturosa and 10 livestock dung samples were collected and were immediately transported to the laboratory. Then the Clayton Lane method was used to investigate the parasite eggs, and the Berman method was applied to prepare and identify the parasite species. Results: The results showed that five samples had parasite. These samples were cultured to identify the parasite type. According to the results, 7.15% (2.86% Trishuris, 2.86% Moniezia and 1.43% Marshalagia parasites) of the samples were contaminated with the intestinal parasite eggs. Thereafter, some strategies were presented for controlling and monitoring the parasite pollutions in the region.

Analysis of pollen and intestinal parasite eggs from medieval graves from Nivelles, Belgium: Taphonomy of the burial ritual

Pollen and intestinal parasite eggs of a number of burials from a medieval cemetery at Nivelles (Belgium) have been studied. The results of the pollen analysis provide indications for the use of straw and hay in the medieval burial ritual. Pollen assemblages from samples from the pelvic area of the skeletons, which are generally believed to represent the contents of the digestive tract, are potentially also influenced by this practice. The consequences for the palynological analysis and interpretation of pollen assemblages from medieval burials are discussed. The parasitological analysis shows a high infection rate of Trichuris and Ascaris in the medieval population of Nivelles.

Prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of small ruminants in Tamil Nadu, India.

Aim:The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of small ruminants (Sheep and Goats) in North Western part of Tamil Nadu, India.Materials and Methods:A total of 630 faecal samples (251-sheep, 379-goats) and 554 blood smears (242-sheep, 312-goats) were examined, for the presence of eggs of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites, respectively. The samples were received from the Veterinary college hospital and Veterinary dispensaries in North Western part of Tamil Nadu. Faecal samples were processed by sedimentation technique and examined under low power objective (×10), and blood smears were stained using Giemsa’s technique and examined under oil immersion (×100).Result:The analysis of data on the prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of sheep and goats in North Western part of Tamil Nadu for the period from 2004 to 2013, showed an overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was found to be 67% and 35% in sheep and goats, respectively, whereas only 11% of sheep and 3% of goats had the haemoprotozoan parasitic infection. Highly, significant difference (p<0.01) in the prevalence of intestinal (χ2=65), and hemoprotozoan (χ2=15.4) parasitism was observed between sheep and goats. Intestinal parasites such as strongyles, Trichuris, Moniezia, amphistome, and coccidia were identified in which the highest prevalence was observed with coccidia, followed by strongyles, Monezia, Trichuris, and least with amphistome in both the sheep and goats. The haemoprotozoan parasites recorded were Theileria and Anaplasma species, of which, Anaplasma spp. being the highest and Theileria spp. the least prevalent in both the sheep and goats. The seasonal prevalence of intestinal parasites showed highest in rainy season, followed by moderate in winter and least with summer in both the sheep and goats, whereas the haemoprotozoan parasites recorded were the highest in summer followed by winter and least with rainy season.Conclusion:The present study suggests that North Western part of Tamil Nadu is highly endemic for intestinal parasites such as coccidia and strongyles and haemoprotozoans such as Anaplasma and Theileria species in small ruminants.

Physical, Chemical, Microbiological and Parasitological Parameters in a Composting System of Vegetable Solid Residues

This work aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, microbiological and parasitological parameters in a composting system of Vegetable Solid Residues (VSR). The work was carried out during four months and was constituted of a compost bed of 12 m3 of volume and the proportion used for its filing was of 6:1 (VSR: Sawdust). For the analysis of the microbiological and parasitological parameters16 sample collections were carried out for each parameter, at weekly intervals. The presence of Total Coliforms (TC), Thermotolerant Coliforms (TTC) and Intestinal Parasite Eggs (IPE). Regarding the physical and chemical parameters were analyzed: Temperature, pH and the Carbon and Nitrogen Relation (CNR). For the physical and chemical parameters the results revealed that there was a reduction in the CNR, with the final value of 14. The temperature presented little increase in the first five weeks, with the average value of 38.98°C and its stabilization in the last week with average value of 29.3°. The pH oscillated between neutrality to slightly acid. There was no reduction in the TC, but for the TTC there was a decrease in its count of 98.54%. In relation to the IPE, the composting system was capable of inactivating and eliminating them.

Effectiveness of Selected Stages of Wastewater Treatment in Elimination of Eggs of Intestinal Parasites

Abstract The objective of the study was to determine the degree of municipal wastewater contamination with intestinal parasite eggs of the genera Ascaris, Toxocara, and Trichuris at individual stages of treatment, and indication of potentially weak points in the hygienisation of sewage sludge. The study was conducted in 17 municipal mechanical-biological wastewater treatment plants which, to a slight degree, differed in the technological process of wastewater treatment and the method of hygienisation of sewage sludge. The selected treatment plants, located in seven regions, included five classified as large agglomerations (population equivalent - PE &gt;100 000), ten as medium-size (PE 15 000-100 000), and two as smaller size with PE 10 000 - 5000. The largest number of viable eggs of Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichuris spp. was found in the sewage sludge collected from the primary settling tank. A slightly lower number of the eggs were found in the samples of excess sludge, which indicates that the sedimentation process in the primary settling tank is not sufficiently long to effectively separate parasites’ eggs from the sewage treated. The number of eggs of Ascaris spp. and Toxocara spp. in the fermented sludge was nearly 3 times lower than that in the raw sludge. The effectiveness of hygienisation of dehydrated sewage sludge by means of quicklime was confirmed in two wastewater treatment plants, with respect to Ascaris spp. eggs, in three plants with respect to Toxocara spp. eggs, and in one plant with respect to Trichuris spp. eggs. The mean reduction of the number of eggs was 65%, 61%, and 100%, respectively. In one wastewater treatment plant, a reduction in the number of viable eggs of Ascaris and Trichuris species was also noted as a result of composting sludge by 85% and 75%, respectively. In the remaining treatment plants, no effect of hygienisation of sewage sludge was observed on the contents of viable eggs of these nematodes.

THE MICROBIOLOGICAL AND SANITARY STATE OF SAND IN THE MUNICIPAL BATHING BEACH IN SZCZECIN

Artificial beaches, i.e. places in the public sphere, are usually intended for recreation, located at water reservoirs, rivers, and their surface is naturally occurring or applied sand. The urban bathing beach located in Szczecin by the Deep lake has sand purchased and distributed on the beach by the Municipal Services Office in Szczecin (a few hundred ton). The beach is divided into sectors, a volleyball court is in one part, in the next section catering and sanitary facilities are located, and the remaining area is a place intended for sunbathing and playing games. The aim of the experiment was to assess the effects of different ways of using the beach on changes of microbiological properties of the sand. The tests were taken from the beach sand in May 2013 (first term examinations), and in September, after several months of use (the second term of examinations). The sand was collected near catering and sanitary sector (the first object) and from the area of the volleyball court (the second object), as well as the playground for children (the third object). The facilities were distanced from the shoreline of the lake by approx. 8 metres. The comparison included the number of heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and the detected presence of coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli, bacteria of the genus Salmonella and eggs of intestinal parasites. In any of the objects, or the periods of time, eggs of intestinal parasites and bacteria of the genus Salmonella were detected. The presence of coliform bacteria including E. coli was found in the sand collected from a catering-sanitary zone, there was also the biggest number of bacteria and fungi. The number of heterotrophic bacteria and fungi was similar in samples of sand taken from the volleyball court and from the playground, in this sand there was no bacteria belonging to the E. coli species, although in several samples from the playground other bacteria belonging to the coliform genus were detected. To sum up, it is possible to state that the same sand used in various ways is gaining different microbiological characteristics. The values of the studied parameters differed significantly with regards to sand taken from the area of consumption, hygiene-sanitary activities and sand collected from the area of active leisure (the court and playground). These results indicate the need for a deliberate selection of location for sunbathing (children playing in the sand) away from the sites for culinary and sanitary purposes.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SANDPITS SECURITY SYSTEM AGAINST MICROORGANISMS AND INTESTINAL PARASITES SAND CONTAMINATION

Playgrounds and sandpits (small architecture objects according to the Construction Law) are subject to meticulous supervision, both at the design stage and subsequent status checks of the objects. One of the requirements arising from the need to protect playgrounds from animals is the necessity for fencing the object (Regulation of 31 December 2002 On Safety and Hygiene in Public and Private Schools and Institutions; Polish Standard PN-EN 1176 Playground equipment and surfacing). Does fencing playgrounds really reduce contamination of sand? To verify this hypothesis, the studies have been conducted on the residential areas’ sandpits, both fence secured and unsecured, located in close proximity to one another. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fences and nets as protection from microbial and parasite contamination of sandpits, mainly due to the access of animals to them. For several seasons of spring and summer the sand was examined in terms of the total number of heterotrophic bacteria and fungi (organic matter contamination of sand indicators) and for the presence of coliform bacteria (including Escherichia coli), bacteria of the Salmonella genus and the eggs of intestinal parasites. It can be concluded that fencing playgrounds affects sand pollution less with waste and plant material (as a consequence, it has been reported statistically significantly less heterotrophic bacteria and fungi in the fenced sandpits’ sand). Unfortunately, the fence does not eliminate the risks associated with sand pollution of coliform bacteria. Cats and birds, but also dogs, still have a continuous access to sand. Due to the repeatedly stated carelessness of children and their caregivers, gates left open to the playground do not constitute an obstacle for domestic and stray animals. Another source of sand pollution with intestinal pathogens can be a manner of carriage of new sand, as there is no legislation governing the issue of transport. It has been visually found that the sand has been transported in a vehicle used for waste disposal.

Comparison of Two Pour-On Formulations of Ivermectin against Gastrointestinal Worms, Fleas and Lice in Naturally Infected Stray Dogs

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial pour-on ivermectin formulations against intestinal parasites (IP), fleas and lice in naturally infested stray dogs. Eighteen crossbreed dogs with eggs of IP as well as adult fleas and lice were included in the trial. On day 0, the dogs were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each: a group receiving a single pour-on treatment with 0.5% ivermectin (500 mcg/kg), a group treated similarly with 0.2% iver-mectin (200 mg/kg), and a control group. Fecal and skin analyses were carried out on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 to determine the reduction of eggs and the number of fleas and lice. Weight gain was also measured on day 28. On day 30, the dogs were humanely sacrificed in order to count adult IP. Efficacy was measured as the percentage of the reduction of eggs per gram fecal mass (EPGF), of adult IP, fleas and lice relative to the control group. For the eggs of IP, ivermectin at 0.5% showed an efficacy of 100% against ascarids and 79% against Ancylostoma caninum. ivermectin at 0.2% removed 90.2% of the ascarids and 50.4% of A. caninum. For adult IP, the efficacy of 0.5% iver-mectin against Toxocara canis and A. caninum was 100%, and for 0.2% ivermectin it was 62.4% and 76.4% for T. canis and A. caninum, respectively. Both compounds were 100% effective against lice and 96% and 71.1% efficacious against fleas, respectively. However, neither treatment was effective against Dypilidium caninum. Weight gain in treated dogs was statistically different from that of the controls (p < 0.05). We concluded that 0.5% pour-on ivermectin showed better efficacy than 0.2% pour-on ivermectin in the reduction of eggs and adult intestinal parasites and fleas; it was similarly efficacious against lice.

Extraintestinal nematodes of the red fox Vulpes vulpes in north-west Italy.

Extraintestinal nematodes of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are a wide group of parasites that infect wild and domestic carnivores and occasionally humans. Nematodes in the cardiopulmonary system, stomach, urinary apparatus and muscle tissue of 165 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from north-west Italy (Liguria and Piedmont) were investigated between 2009 and 2012. Of the cardiopulmonary nematodes, a high prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) was found, 78.2% and 41.8% respectively; Crenosoma vulpis (15.8%) and Filaroides spp. (4.8%) were also found. Spirocerca lupi (23.5%), Aonchotheca putorii (syn. Capillaria putorii) (8.6%) and Physaloptera spp. (2.5%) were detected in the stomach and Pearsonema plica (syn. Capillaria plica) (56.8%) in the bladder. Eucoleus boehmi (syn. Capillaria boehmi) was also detected in the nasal cavities of one of the two foxes examined. A coprological examination revealed eggs of E. aerophilus, A. putorii, S. lupi, Physaloptera spp. and eggs of intestinal parasites. Filarial worms were absent in all the 165 animals examined, nor was there evidence of Trichinella spp. in any of the foxes. The foxes were found to host a high prevalence of many species of extraintestinal nematodes. The prevalence of A. vasorum in foxes found in the present study is among the highest in Europe. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, E. boehmi and Filaroides spp. have never been reported before in this host in Italy.

Roman impact on the landscape near castellum Fectio, The Netherlands

Castellum Fectio was one of the largest fortifications along the Limes, the northern border of the Roman Empire. The castellum, situated 5 km southeast of Utrecht, the Netherlands, was occupied from around the start of our Era to ca. a.d. 260. It was situated along a river bend of the Rhine that was cut off from the main stream during the occupation of the Roman fort. A 6 m long sediment sequence was recovered from the infill of the residual channel and pieces of Roman wall plaster, glume bases of Triticum spelta and radiocarbon dates indicate that the sediments were deposited during the period of Roman occupation. The combined palaeoecological analyses—palynological, macrobotanical, entomological and geochemical—allow a detailed reconstruction of changing environmental conditions as a consequence of the Roman occupation. The pollen record reveals a dramatic decrease in arboreal pollen, suggesting that the Romans were involved in large-scale deforestation, transforming semi-open parkland to a landscape of meadows and agricultural fields. Non-pollen palynomorphs, botanical macrofossils and insect remains support this conclusion. The recorded mycoflora shows a shift from assemblages characterised by the tree pathogen Kretzschmaria deusta to assemblages dominated by spores of fungi associated with herbaceous plants, concurrent with the decrease in arboreal pollen. The presence of masticated bran fragments of cereals, clover remains, eggs of intestinal parasites and entomological and geochemical data in the upper part of the sequence indicates that these sediments largely consist of faeces that were dumped into the former channel. Surprisingly, seeds of salt tolerant species are encountered in the sediments of this inland site, which was situated outside the influence of the sea. Horses may have brought these seeds to Fectio in their intestinal tracts after grazing in coastal meadows.

A new ascarid species in cynodont coprolite dated of 240 million years

Cynodonts represent the transition from reptiles to mammals. They are classified as synapsids, or tetrapod animals with mammalian characteristics. We present here the finding of helminth eggs in a coprolite identified as of cynodont origin dated of nearly 240 million years. Microscopy revealed the presence of very well preserved intestinal parasite eggs. Up to now we identified an ascarid egg by morphological characteristics. Based on a previous description of the new genus Ascarites Poinar Jr and Boucot 2006 in coprolites of iguanodons from Belgium, we propose a new species, Ascarites rufferi n.sp. in cynodonts, a host that inhabited the Southern Region of Brazil in the Triassic period.

Simplifying the process of extracting intestinal parasite eggs from archaeological sediment samples: A comparative study of the efficacy of widely-used disaggregation techniques

Some scientific techniques are widely used because they work satisfactorily, but they may not be the cheapest, fastest or most efficient method possible. Here we assess the widely used methods for disaggregating archaeological latrine sediments, where solid soils are converted to aqueous suspension prior to microscopic analysis for ancient parasite eggs. It has been noted that there is great variability in protocols described in the published literature. We have used samples from a medieval latrine in Cyprus and a cesspool from Israel containing roundworm eggs to evaluate in a pilot study whether there appears to be distinct advantages to any of the standard protocols. The results suggest that there is very little difference in the efficacy whether disaggregation is performed using traditional 0.5% trisodium phosphate or simple distilled water, whether the process lasts 72h or just 1h, or whether sonication is added to the process. While a larger sample size would allow a more robust statistical analysis, this pilot study provides no evidence to suggest the long disaggregation periods, expensive chemicals, or sonication steps leads to any better disaggregation in latrine sediments than using distilled water for just 1h.