Toxocara Cati Eggs Research Articles

Ovocidal activity of microbial agent for composting <i>in vitro</i> experiment against <i>Toxocara cati</i> eggs

The purpose of the research is to study ovocidal properties of a microbial agent for composting that has lactobacilli (Lactobacillus casei and L. plantarum) and microscopic fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) present as active components for Toxocara cati eggs in vitro experiment.Materials and methods. The tested microbial agent is used for compost preparation and liquid household waste processing. The agent is a homogeneous yellow liquid with a bacterial biomass in titers of 106 -108 CFU/cm3 which is placed in a ten-liter canister. First, a culture of Toxocara cati eggs was prepared, then ovocidal properties of aqueous standard solutions of the test agent were studied in four concentrations, 1.0%; 5.0; 10.0 and 50.0% versus a 4.0% phenol solution in vitro experiment.Results and discussion. The ovocidal effect of the tested aqueous microbiological agent solutions in the above concentrations in vitro experiment on T. cati eggs was not detected. A 4.0% phenol solution used as a reference solution showed high efficacy.

Intestinal endoparasitism in wild cat (Felis silvestris) from Banat area (Romania).

The wild cat (Felis silvestris), spread in Romania from the Danube Delta to the mountain range is present in the Banat area, on the hunting ground that can be contaminated with different stage developmental forms of parasites, some of them having real zoonotic potential. The wild cat is an animal protected by the Romanian law of protection animals. Coprological samples from 88 wild cats from 16 hunting grounds, as well as the gastrointestinal tract collected from six wild cats cadavers and the molecular characterization of the cestodes identified in their intestines, allowed us to establish intestinal parasitic fauna. During coprological examination Isospora oocysts, tapeworm eggs, eggs of Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma spp. and Capillaria spp were found. At the same time, the form of genera Mesocestoides, Taenia, Toxocara/Toxascaris and Ancylostoma were identified at necropsy. Further polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification revealed the species of Taenia taenieformis, and Mesocestoides litteratus, the latter providing a zoonotic potential. This study, the first in the western part of the country (Banat area, Timis County), provides information about the parasitic fauna of wild cats and underlines the importance of the human contamination risk.

Detection of Toxocara cati from Fecal Samples of Domestic Pet Cats at Pet Clinic Surabaya and Durability of Toxocara cati Eggs with In Vitro Media

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of Toxocara cati eggs in the feces of Domestic pet cats at the Surabaya Animal Clinic and the durability of Toxocara cati eggs with in vitro media. Total fecal samples taken were 30 cat feces from 5 animal clinics in Surabaya, then detected Toxocara cati eggs using an enlargement microscope 100 times, followed by counting eggs per gram of feces. The eggs used were approximately 200 eggs in each petri dish, then positive feces of Toxocara cati with various in vitro media using 0.9% NaCl, 1% PBS and 1% CMC for 24 hours and 48 hours. The results showed that two fecal samples positive Toxocara cati from 30 samples fecal and durability Toxocara cati eggs on medium in vitro over 24 showed 28% NaCl; PBS 68%; CMC 5% and at 48 hours showed 23.7% NaCl; PBS 58%; CMC 17.3%. Based on these results, the conclusion is two fecal (6,67 %) positive T.cati from 30 fecal samples, and the best medium in the test of the durability of Toxocara cati egg is 1% PBS.

Morphological Characteristics of Toxocara spp. Adults Determined by Electron Microscopy

Ascarids are commonly diagnosed in dogs and cats. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs are similar, and the difference between the two species is based on the morphological characteristics of adult roundworms. Specific morphological components can be revealed by light microscopy, but a detailed description of the structural characteristics can be provided by electron microscopy. The body of adult roundworms dehydrates highly quickly, thus it is quite difficult to obtain clear images. The aim of this study was to provide morphological details specific to the Toxocara genus to complete the knowledge about the morphology of roundworms. The morphology of these nematodes can be thoroughly explained by certain phenomena related to their biological cycle and the preference for localization in various organs of the parasitic host.

Clinical Case of Life-threatening Co-infection Due to Dirofilaria Immitis and Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus in a Cat: First Report of Feline Heartworm Disease in Bulgaria.

SummaryThe present report describes the first clinically manifested and serologically proven case of Dirofilaria immitis infection in a cat in Bulgaria. A 10-year-old intact male cat was referred to the Small Animal Clinic, Trakia University with a history of anorexia, weight loss, intermittent coughing and itching skin lesions on the head and neck. Physical examination revealed abnormal heart sounds and respiration, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, and generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes. Mild infestation with hard ticks and fleas was also detected during the initial skin inspection. In addition, adult Otodectes cynotis mites were observed in the skin lesions. The fecal sample was positive for larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and eggs of Toxocara cati. Blood serology revealed antigens of D. immitis as well as antibodies against both feline immunodeficiency virus and D. immitis. Thoracic radiographic findings included a pronounced generalized reticular interstitial pattern; alveolar and bronchial shades with multiple nodular thickenings throughout the lungs. Electrocardiography demonstrated a sinus tachycardia, a peaked P-wave (P-pulmonale) and an abnormally low ST-segment. The clinical signs disappeared after treatment with selamectin, doxycycline and corticosteroids. Despite the improvement in general health condition, the cat suddenly died several months later.

Zoonotic parasitic organisms on vegetables: Impact of production system characteristics on presence, prevalence on vegetables in northwestern Iran and washing methods for removal

Fresh vegetables are essential components of a healthy and nutritious diet, but if consumed raw without proper washing and/or disinfection, can be important agents of transmission of enteric pathogens. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic parasites on vegetables freshly harvested and “ready to eat” vegetables from greengrocers and markets in northwestern Iran. In addition, the effect of cropping system and season on contamination levels were assessed as well as the efficacy of washing procedures to remove parasites from the vegetables. A total of 2757 samples composed of field (n = 1, 600) and “ready to eat” (n = 1157) vegetables were analyzed. Vegetables included leek, parsley, basil, coriander, savory, mint, lettuce, cabbage, radish, dill, spinach, mushroom, carrot, tomato, cucumber and pumpkin. Normal physiological saline washings from 200 g samples were processed using standard parasitological techniques and examined microscopically. A total of 53.14% of vegetable samples obtained from different fields and 18.23% of “ready to eat” vegetables purchased from greengrocers and markets were contaminated with different parasitic organisms including; Entamoeba coli cysts, Giardia intestinalis cysts, Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Fasciola hepatica eggs, Dicrocoelium dendriticum eggs, Taenia spp. eggs, Hymenolepis nana eggs, Ancylostoma spp. eggs, Toxocara cati eggs, Toxocara canis eggs, Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. In both field and “ready to eat” vegetables, the highest parasitic contamination was observed in lettuce with a rate of 91.1% and 55.44%, respectively. The most common parasitic organism was Fasciola hepatica. A seasonal difference in contamination with parasitic organisms was found for field and “ready to eat” vegetables (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the recovery of parasitic organisms depending on the washing method with water and dishwashing liquid being the least effective. Proper washing of vegetables is imperative for a healthy diet as the results of this study showed the presence of zoonotic parasites from field and ready to eat vegetables in Iran.

Humoral immune response of pigs infected with Toxocara cati

Toxocara cati is one of the causative agents of human toxocariasis. Serological methods are used for diagnosis in paratenic hosts like humans but the humoral immune response triggered by this parasite is unknown. We characterized the humoral immune response to T. cati excretory-secretory antigens (TES) in pigs as animal model during the acute and chronic stages of infection. ELISA and Western Blot techniques were used to determine antibody response. Pigs were experimentally inoculated with 100,000 infective Toxocara cati eggs. Blood was collected at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-inoculation (d.p.i.) to assess the acute stage of infection and 90, 120 and 180 d. p.i. for chronic stage analysis. ELISA showed values higher than the cut-off of specific IgM and IgG at 7 d. p.i. with significant differences at 0 and 7 d. p.i. for IgM and at 14, 21 and 28 d. p.i. for IgG in the acute stage. Higher and stable levels were detected in the chronic stage. Western Blot showed bands from 102 to 38 kDa detected by specific IgM and IgG. More immunogenic bands were identified by specific IgG. In the chronic stage of infection a band near 31 kDa was the only band detected by IgM until 150 d. p.i. Specific IgG recognized bands between 102 and 31 kDa. This study demonstrates how the humoral immune response evolves in the acute and chronic stages of infection and provides evidence on the role of the pig as a paratenic host of T. cati.

Effects of some disinfectants on Toxocara spp.eggs viability of dogs and cats

The main cause of larva migrans syndrome LMS in humans is represented by Toxocara spp. found in dogs and cats. In the present study, the effects of three disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium compounds Kohrsolin® FF, Trioton$^{®}$ rapid AF and Terralin$^{®}$ protect and one based on propanol and ethanol Bacillol$^{®}$ , against Toxocaracanis and Toxocaracati eggs, were tested. These disinfectants have a strong antimicrobial and virucidal action. Two different exposure times and different concentrations for solutions were used. All four disinfectants presented high percentages of destructive effects against Toxocaracanis eggs, after 21 days of exposure. The vast majority of eggs with pronounced degenerative changes in the eggshell and embryonic development were observed using Bacillol$^{®}$ for both Toxocara species. Terralin$^{®}$ protect was ineffective against Toxocaracati eggs. The ovicidal effect of these compounds has been noticed thus allowing their use as disinfectants for surfaces contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs.

Retrospective survey of parasitism identified in feces of client-owned cats in North America from 2007 through 2018

Ownership of domestic cats in North America has been on the increase; however, there are only a few surveys conducted on the prevalence of parasitism in client-owned cats over years. Our study objective was to evaluate parasite prevalence through statistical analysis of fecal examination results for client-owned cats on samples submitted to the veterinary parasitology diagnostic laboratory of Oklahoma State University over a 12-year period. All results of centrifugal flotation, saline direct smear, sedimentation, and Baermann examinations on fecal samples submitted to the Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital and Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma State University from 2007 through 2018 were included. The impacts of sex, age, and seasonality on the prevalence of infection were also analyzed. A total of 2586 client-owned cat cases were included for this study. Parasites, eggs, oocysts, larvae, or cysts were not detected in the majority of cases (75.5%; 1,953/2586). Approximately 18.8% (485/2586) of client-owned cats were infected by one parasite, and 5.7% (148/2586) of cats were infected by multiple parasites. The most common parasite stage observed was Cystoisospora oocysts (9.4%; 243/2586), followed by Toxocara cati eggs (7.8%; 202/2586), Giardia cysts (4.0%; 104/2586), Alaria eggs (3.5%; 91/2586), Ancylostoma eggs (1.2%; 32/2586), taeniid proglottids/eggs (1.2%; 30/2586), Dipylidium caninum proglottids/egg packets (1.1 %; 29/2586), and Eucoleus aerophilus eggs (0.7%; 18/2586). Less commonly, Physalopetra eggs (0.19%; 5/2586), Toxascaris leonina eggs (0.19%; 5/2586), Tritrichomonas blagburni trophozoites (0.15%; 4/2586), Ollulanus tricuspis larvae/adults (0.12%; 3/2586), Platynosomum fastosum eggs (0.12%; 3/2586), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae (0.08%; 2/2323), Sarcocystis sporocysts (0.08%; 2/2586), Spirometra eggs (0.08%; 2/2586), Mesocestoides proglottids/eggs (0.08%; 2/2586), Trichuris felis eggs (0.08%; 2/2586), Cryptosporidium oocysts (0.04%; 1/2586), and Toxoplasma-like small coccidian oocysts (0.04%; 1/2586) were detected. Additionally, fecal examinations revealed some ectoparasites: Demodex mites (0.9%; 24/2586), Cheyletiella mites (0.15%; 4/2586), and Otodectes cynotis mites (0.04%; 1/2586). There was no statistical significance between different sex groups (p = 0.3316). Age affected the prevalence of Cystoisospora, T. cati, Giardia, and Alaria infections with prevalence decreasing as age increased (p < 0.0001). Statistical analyses also revealed significant differences by months; the higher prevalence of infection occurred from summer through fall (p = 0.0004). Overall, as the number of submittals increased, the prevalence of infection increased over the last 12 years (p < 0.0001). This study supports continuing the current practice of routine broad-spectrum anthelmintic and ectoparasitic treatments for client-owned cats as well as annual/biannual fecal examination.

Corrigendum to “A survey on Toxocara cati eggs on the hair of stray cats: A potential risk factor for human toxocariasis in Northeastern Iran” [Comp. Immunol. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 64 (2019) 10–13

Corrigendum to “A survey on Toxocara cati eggs on the hair of stray cats: A potential risk factor for human toxocariasis in Northeastern Iran” [Comp. Immunol. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 64 (2019) 10–13

Prevalence survey of gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites of shelter cats in northeastern Georgia, USA.

The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites of shelter cats from northeast Georgia, thus promoting a more targeted approach in parasite diagnosis and treatment. Fecal samples of cats kept in a shelter located in Lavonia, northeastern Georgia, USA, were processed for the presence of parasites using double centrifugation sugar flotation (n = 103) and Baermann techniques (n = 98). Flotation revealed eggs of Toxocara cati (17.5%), Ancylostoma sp. (11.7%), Taeniidae (3.9%), Spirometra mansonoides (2.9%), Mesocestoides sp. (1%), Dipylidium caninum (1%), and Eucoleus aerophilus (1%), and oocysts of Cystoisospora felis (16.5%), and Cystoisospora rivolta (8.7%). Baermann diagnosed Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae in 5 cats (5.1%), while fecal flotation alone identified only 2 of these infections. Taeniidae eggs were identified to species-level by PCR and sequencing targeting the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) of the mitochondrial DNA. All isolates belong to Hydatigera taeniaeformis sensu stricto, which is the first unequivocal report of the species in North America. Overall, 45.6% of the cats were infected with at least one parasite. This prevalence of infection is much higher than what is generally reported in client owned animals, highlighting the importance of using appropriate fecal diagnostic techniques to detect gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites on newly adopted cats. Correct diagnosis may direct appropriate treatment and control strategies, which would mitigate the risk of infection of other animals in household, and human exposure to zoonotic parasites.

A survey on Toxocara cati eggs on the hair of stray cats: A potential risk factor for human toxocariasis in Northeastern Iran

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of Toxocara eggs on the hair of stray cats. The total number of stray cats trapped and included in the trial was 167 that were collected weekly from different residential areas of Mashhad, in northeastern Iran, from November 2016 to December 2017. Among the 167 cats, 18 (10.8%) of them were positive to T. cati eggs in their hair. In the positive cats, 7 (39%) were adult, 1 (6%) was juvenile and 10 (55%) were kittens. Overall, the mean number of eggs from positive cats was 3.9 ± 1.7 eggs per gram (epg) of hair per cat with an average of 3.1 ± 1.4 in adults, 4.9 in juveniles and 4.3 ± 1.6 in kittens. In total, 39.9% of the eggs recovered were non-viable 35.5% were viable, 22.2% were embryonating and 2.3% were embryonated which embryonated eggs were found only in juveniles. Based on our data, kittens were responsible for 61.7% of the total number of eggs. The age of the cat was found to be an important risk factor associated with parasitic infection.. This study showed that cat hair contaminated by T. cati eggs in different developmental stages represents of potential source for human toxocariasis.

Dog walking brings Toxocara eggs to people's homes

To find out the transmission routes for Toxocara infection, the possibility of transfer of Toxocara eggs from the soil on the paws of animals and on the shoes of people was explored. For this purpose, a study was conducted to find helminth eggs in washings from the paws of dogs after walking, from the shoes of their owners, as well as non-dog owners. Toxocara eggs were detected in 19.4% of the dogs’ paws washings and in 11.4% of washings from the shoes of their owners. The number of eggs found on the paws was about twice as high as on the shoes. The mean number of eggs in the sample was 2.9 in washings from the paws and 1.8 from the shoes. In the samples, Toxocara cati eggs prevailed both in occurrence and in abundance. Out of the total number of positive samples, the eggs of T. cati were found in 83%, and T. canis in 42%. 79% of the found eggs belonged to T. cati and 21% to T. canis. In the washings from shoes of people that do not own dogs, the eggs of parasites were not found. This study demonstrates that the helminth eggs can be transferred from contaminated soil to people’s homes on the paws and shoe soles. Even animals without a patent infection may take part in propagation of infection causing risks of human toxocariasis. In dogs, in addition, the transferred on paws T. canis eggs can serve as a causative agent of permanent, cumulative subclinical infection with a deferred manifestation in posterity. It is supposed that infestation “through the paws” is one of the probable routes of transmission of toxocariasis in dogs.

PREVALENCE OF HELMINTH EGGS IN CAT FECES CONTAMINATING PUBLIC AREAS IN SURABAYA

Helminthiasis can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis). Helminthiasis can cause cutaneus larva migrants, visceral larva migrant, and occular larva migrants. Cats are the most easily animals can found in public areas. cats have a habit of defecating in areas, such as dusty soil, gardens, sand pits, trash cans, and even children’s playgrounds. Proximity of human life with a stray cats is one of the potential that can helminthiasis transmited to humans. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of helminth eggs (species and number) observed in cat feces contaminating public areas in Surabaya. Cross-sectional study have been observations cats existense and examination laboratory of 180 cat fecal samples were collected from canteens, markets, villages, schools, and parks across 5 areas in Surabaya. Helminth eggs present in fecal samples were identified using direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation methodes, and quantified as fecal egg count (eggs per gram of feces) with McMasster method. The test results positive for helminthiasis if found one or more types of helminth eggs in fecal samples. Helminth eggs were present in 68 (37.8%) of the 180 cat fecal samples contaminating public areas in Surabaya. Results of chi-squared analysis confirmed the prevalence of helminth eggs in cat fecal samples contaminating canteen, markets, villages, schools, and parks in Surabaya (p &gt; 0.05). The species causing environmental contamination included Ancylostoma sp. eggs, Toxocara cati eggs, and Toxascaris leonina eggs. The level of environmental contamination, as assessed using ANOVA, was 200 eggs per gram of feces.

Immunoglobulin subclass in experimental murine Toxocara cati infection.

Aim:The aim of this study was to detect specific immunoglobulin (Ig) that could be used to determine monoclonal antibody in conjugate-making an effort for the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) diagnostic kit of toxocariasis in human.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted to assess the Ig profile, based on ELISA-isotyping, in mice infected with second stage larvae eggs of Toxocara cati. The optical density values of anti-T. cati mice serum IgG subclasses were analyzed by applying ANOVA factorial.Results:The specific IgG subclass in mice infected with T. cati mice was found to be IgG2β.Conclusion:Subclass of IgG, especially IgG2β, can provide leads about the use of the monoclonal antibody in conjugate making an effort for the indirect ELISA diagnostic kit.

Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks and playground sandpits of Greater Lisbon, Portugal.

Toxocarosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease transmitted from companion animals to humans. Environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs is considered to be the main source of human infections. In Portugal, knowledge regarding the current situation, including density, distribution and environmental contamination by Toxocara spp., is largely unknown. The present study investigated environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs, in soil and faecal samples collected from public parks and playground sandpits in Greater Lisbon, Portugal. A total of 151 soil samples and 135 canine faecal samples were collected from 7 public sandpits and 12 public parks, over a 4 month-period. Soil samples were tested by a modified centrifugation and sedimentation/flotation technique and faecal samples were tested by an adaptation of the Cornell-Wisconsin method. Molecular analysis and sequencing were performed to discriminate Toxocara species in the soil. Overall, 85.7% of the sandpits (6/7) and 50.0% of the parks (6/12) were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. The molecular analysis of soil samples showed that, 85.5% of the sandpits and 34.4% of the parks were contaminated with Toxocara cati eggs. Faecal analysis showed that 12.5% of the sandpits and 3.9% of the parks contained Toxocara canis eggs. In total, 53.0% of soil and 5.9% of faecal samples were positive for Toxocara spp. Additionally, 56.0% of the eggs recovered from the samples were embryonated after 60 days of incubation, therefore considered viable and infective. The average density was 4.2 eggs per hundred grams of soil. Public parks and playground sandpits in the Lisbon area were found to be heavily contaminated with T. cati eggs, representing a serious menace to public health as the studied areas represent common places where people of all ages, particularly children, recreate. This study sounds an alarm bell regarding the necessity to undertake effective measures such as reduction of stray animals, active faecal collection by pet owners, awareness campaigns and control strategies to decrease the high risk to both animal and human health.

Prevalence of helminth and coccidian parasites in Swedish outdoor cats and the first report of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Sweden: a coprological investigation

BackgroundThis study was performed in order to gather recent epidemiological data on feline endoparasites in Swedish cats. Faecal samples from 205 outdoor cats were collected by their owners and submitted to the National Veterinary Institute for analysis. The study population was comprised of cats with access to an outdoor environment and with no history of anthelmintic treatment within the last 3 months. Intestinal parasites were detected with a centrifugal flotation technique and Baermann larval sedimentation was performed to detect metastrongylid lungworms. Eggs, larvae and oocysts were identified morphologically by microscopic examination. The following information was collected from cat owners: breed, sex, age, anthelminthic medication last used, observation of cestode proglottids and residential address.ResultsEndoparasites were detected in 25% of samples. Eggs of Toxocara cati were found in 21% of samples, followed by taeniid eggs (4%), oocysts of Cystoisospora felis/C. rivolta and capillarid eggs (both 1%). One cat tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts. Larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were detected in one cat, which is the first published observation of this parasite in Sweden.ConclusionsThe occurrence of intestinal parasites is rather high in outdoor cats in Sweden, which could indicate the need for more intensive deworming routines in the population. Clinical practitioners should be aware of the possible occurence of A. abstrusus in Swedish cats when considering potential causes of respiratory problems in cats in the future.

Distribution and dynamics of soil contamination with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs in Poland and prevention measures proposed after 20 years of study

The studies conducted in the years 1994–2013 allowed to determine the distribution of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil of different types of urban and rural areas in Poland and to establish seasonal and multi-year dynamics of soil contamination with T. cati and T. canis eggs. Out of 3309 soil samples examined, 14.9% contained the eggs and the average density was 3.43 eggs/100g of soil. The level of soil contamination was the highest in cities, lower in villages, and lowest in small towns. In urban areas eggs of T. cati were found more frequently than of T. canis, while in rural areas the opposite was true. Both, in urban and rural areas, the sites most heavily contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs were household surroundings (backyards). Recreation areas (parks, playgrounds, lake beaches) were significantly less contaminated. In older parts of Poznań, in backyards, soil contamination with the eggs was generally high each month, being lowest in July and highest in December and the prevalence of T. cati eggs was much higher than of T. canis. The prevention policy introduced in the city thus far – paying great attention to dog faeces but not to cats was unsatisfactory. After 18 years of such policy, the number of Toxocara spp. eggs dropped significantly but it was not a linear phenomenon – the intensity of soil contamination fluctuated. To be more effective, preventive measures should be preceded with discrimination of T. canis and T. cati eggs recovered in the soil and for this purpose the new molecular techniques should be applied. A survey conducted in the population in 2010 showed that people’s awareness on the significance of pets in the transmission of dangerous zoonoses to humans was unsatisfactory. We recommend to expand the knowledge of the subject among the populace.

Influence of land use and meteorological factors on the spatial distribution of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs in soil in urban areas

Soil which has been contaminated by Toxocara spp. eggs is considered as one of the main infection sources of Toxocariasis in animals and humans. The present study conducted a detailed investigation into the spatial patterns of Toxocara canis (T. canis) and Toxocara cati (T. cati) eggs in soil in urban area of northeastern Mainland China, and assessed the inter-relationships between meteorological factors, land use and the distribution of the Toxocara spp. eggs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the determination of T. canis and T. cati eggs contamination in soil samples. Between April 2014 and May 2015, 9420 soil samples were subjected to PCR examination and 7027 sheep (74.6%) were determined to be positive for T. canis and T. cati eggs. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of land use, and meteorological factors on the spatial distribution of T. canis and T. cati eggs based on a maximum entropy model. Jackknife analysis revealed that the area of residential land, wood and grass land and precipitation may influence the occurrence of T. canis and T. cati eggs in soil. Our findings indicate that land use and meteorological factors may be important variables affecting transmission of Toxocariasis and should be taken into account in the development of future surveillance programmes for Toxocariasis.

Ascarid infestation in captive Siberian tigers in China

The Siberian tiger is endangered and is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature; the captive environment is utilized to maintain Siberian tiger numbers. Little information regarding the prevalence of parasites in Siberian tigers is available. A total of 277 fecal samples of Siberian tigers were analyzed in this study. The microscopic analysis indicated the presence of ascarid eggs of Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati. The ascarid infection rate was 67.5% in Siberian tigers. The internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) phylogenetic analysis indicated that T. leonina belonged to Toxascaris and that Toxo. cati belonged to Toxocara. The infestation rate and intensity of T. leonina were higher than those of Toxo. cati. One-way analysis of variance showed that the presence of T. leonina was significantly associated with age (P<0.05). Temperature changes also influenced T. leonina and Toxo. cati infestation, and a rise in temperature caused an increase in the number of T. leonina and Toxo. cati eggs. This study provides a better understanding of ascarid infestation among the captive Siberian tigers and is helpful for the prevention of the spread of infectious parasitic diseases among other tigers in the zoo.