Eimeria Research Articles

Prevalence of calf coccidiosis in Mekelle, northern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to March 2016 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of coccidiosis, identifying the most known pathogenic coccidia species involved, and assessing the overall knowledge of dairy farm owners and workers on calve coccidiosis and adapted control methods in randomly selected 7 kebeles of Mekelle dairy farms. Two hundred thirty two fecal samples were randomly collected from calves belonging to seventy dairy farms and examined for the presence of oocysts of Eimeria by floatation technique using saturated salt solution. For positive samples, solution of 2.5% potassium dichromate was added to the feces containing the oocyst for sporulation and identification of the Eimeria species. The risk factors and the overall knowledge on calf coccidiosis and adapted control methods were assessed by two types of questionnaires and a prepared observational format. The overall prevalence of coccidiosis was 72.7% (169/232) and the identified Eimeria species were E. bovis and E. zuernii with the prevalence of 26.6% (45) and 11.2% (19); respectively. There was statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) among various age categories with the infection of Eimeria species. However, sex and body condition of animals were not significantly associated (p > 0.05) with Eimeria infection. Questioner survey result of animal health experts and owners showed 33 calves were suspected to be infected with pathogenic Eimeria spp. In conclusion, the study revealed that calf coccidiosis is prevalent in dairy farms of Mekelle. Hence, appropriate disease prevention and control program need to be undertaken to reduce its impact.Keywords: Calve; Coccidiosis; Eimeria; Mekelle; Prevalence; Risk factors

Comparative analysis of egg adapted vaccines and salinomycin against coccidiosis in chicks

Avian coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan parasitic disease of genus Eimeria. Wide use of anticoccidial drugs has resulted in development of drug resistant strains. Current study is based upon the development of egg adapted vaccines; gametocytes, formalin inactivated and formalin inactivated sonicated gametocytes against coccidiosis. Day old chicks (n = 90) were divided into six groups (A-F) with triplicate. On 5th day of age, three groups were orally given developed vaccines (0.2 ml) while on 21st day groups (A-E) were challenged orally with mixed Eimeria spp (60–70,000 oocysts/chick). The comparative effect of vaccines and drug salinomycin was evaluated on basis of different parameters. Blood, liver and caecal tissues were collected on 5th, 7th and 15th day post infection for indirect hemagglutination test, biochemical analysis and histopathology. Significantly higher body weight gain, feed consumption, mild bloody diarrhea with lowest oocyst count and survival rate of 100% was recorded for gametocytes vaccinated group (P < 0.05). Indirect hemagglutination test showed maximum antibodies titer (IgG) in gametocytes vaccinated group. Present investigation revealed that gametocyte vaccines was significantly effective in control of coccidiosis by inducing strong protection in immune chicks contained high level of antibodies that resisted heavy dose of challenge as compared to anticoccidial drug salinomycin.

PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF GAME BIRDS IN DHAKA CITY CORPORATION, BANGLADESH

Game birds are silent controller of maintaining ecological balance. To study the prevalence of intestinal parasites in game birds, a total of 60 birds (budgerigar, parrot, cockatoo, dove, turkey and teeter) were collected from several places of Dhaka Municipality area, during the period of June 2017 to November, 2017. Alongside the effects of age, sex, season and treatment on the prevalence of parasitic infection in game birds were studied. Coprologic analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 45%, of which 21.67% of Ascaridia galli, 10% for Balantidium coli and 13.33% for Eimeria spp. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli was 28.7%, t 22.22% and 16.6% in teeter, budgerigar and parrot respectively. Eimeria spp. (16.67%) in budgerigar. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli was highest (25%) followed by Eimeria spp (16.67%) in parrot. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli in cockatoo was 16.67%. In dove prevalence of Balantidium coli (44.44%) was highest followed by Ascaridia galli (22.22%). The prevalence of Eimeria spp. and Balantidium coli were highest (25%) followed by Ascaridia galli (12.50%) in turkey. The prevalence of Ascaridia galli was highest (28.57%) followed by Eimeria spp (14.23%) in teeter. Age of this game birds had significant (p&gt; 0.05) influence on the infections and odds ratio of Chick (&lt;6 month) vs young (&gt;6 month to 1 year), young vs adult (&gt;1 year) and chick vs adult were 1.28, 1.08 and 1.4 respectively. The sex of the game birds had significant (p&gt;0.05) influence on the infections with intestinal parasites and odds ratio of male vs female was 0.81. Game birds had significant (p&gt;0.05) on the infection in the seasons of the year and odds ratio of summer vs winter was 2.12. Game birds had significant (p&gt;0.05) on the infection in the treatment given and the odds ratio of treated vs non-treated was 0.89. It may be concluded that game birds, irrespective of age, sex, season, treatment, intestinal parasites are the serious threat to game birds in Dhaka Municipality area, Bangladesh.

Controlled efficacy trial confirming toltrazuril resistance in a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp.

BackgroundCoccidiosis due to Eimeria spp. infections in lambs causes increased mortality and substantial production losses, and anticoccidials are important for control of the infection. Anticoccidial resistance has been reported in poultry and swine, and we recently described reduced toltrazuril efficacy in ovine Eimeria spp. in some Norwegian sheep farms using a newly developed faecal oocyst count reduction test (FOCRT). The aim of the present study was to use a controlled efficacy trial to assess the efficacy of toltrazuril against a field isolate suspected of being resistant.MethodsTwenty lambs, 17–22 days old and raised protected against exposure to coccidia, were infected with a field isolate of 100,000 Eimeria spp. oocysts. This isolate was obtained from a farm with a previously calculated drug efficacy of 56% (95% confidence interval: -433.9 to 96.6%). At day 7 post-infection, 10 of the lambs were orally treated with 20 mg/kg toltrazuril (Baycox Sheep vet., Bayer Animal Health), while the other 10 lambs (controls) were given physiological saline. Clinical examinations were conducted, and weight gains recorded. Daily faecal samples were scored for diarrhoea on a scale from 1 to 5, and oocyst excretion was determined using a modified McMaster technique. Oocysts were morphologically identified to species level. At 17–24 days post-infection, the lambs were euthanized and necropsied.ResultsThe tested Eimeria isolate was resistant against toltrazuril, and resistance was seen in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. In addition, no significant differences in faecal score, growth, gross pathology or histological changes were identified between the two groups. The pathogenic E. ovinoidalis was the dominant species, and no significant difference in the individual prevalence of E. ovinoidalis post-treatment was found between treated (66.9%) and control lambs (61.9%). Other species identified included E. crandallis/weybridgensis, E. parva, E. marsica, E. faurei, E. pallida, E. ahsata and E. bakuensis.ConclusionsThis study confirms toltrazuril resistance in ovine Eimeria spp.; in addition, the data support the use of FOCRT as an appropriate tool for field evaluation of anticoccidial efficacy. Due to limited anticoccidial treatment alternatives, these findings may have important implications for the sheep industry, particularly in northern Europe.

HIGH PREVALENCE OF MYCOPLASMA AND EIMERIA SPECIES IN FREE-RANGING EASTERN WILD TURKEYS ( MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO SILVESTRIS) IN ONTARIO, CANADA.

Following extirpation from Ontario, Canada in the early 1900s, Eastern Wild Turkeys (EWTs; Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were successfully reintroduced to the province in 1984. Despite the subsequent establishment of robust populations and biannual hunting seasons, data on the circulation of potential pathogens in these birds are lacking. Similarly, the interface between EWTs and poultry is poorly understood and includes possible bidirectional pathogen transmission via direct or indirect contact. Mycoplasma and Eimeria spp. are potential pathogens in Galliformes, and our objective was to determine their prevalence and distribution in Ontario EWTs. During the 2015 spring hunting season (April and May), oropharyngeal swabs from 147 hunter-harvested and five opportunistically collected EWTs from southern Ontario were cultured for Mycoplasma spp. The intestinal or cloacal contents of 107 of these birds and an additional 24 opportunistically and biologist-collected EWTs were analyzed for Eimeria spp. using PCR or fecal flotation. At least one Mycoplasma spp. was isolated from 98.7% (150/152) of EWTs, with six species identified. Mycoplasma gallopavonis was identified most commonly in 96.7% (147/152), followed by Mycoplasma gallinaceum in 23.7% (36/152). Potential poultry pathogens ( Mycoplasma meleagridis, Mycoplasma iowae, and Mycoplasma synoviae) were isolated from swabs of five (3.3%) EWTs. Coinfections with up to three Mycoplasma spp. were detected in 36.8% (56/152) of EWTs. Most EWTs tested positive for Eimeria spp. oocysts (75.6%; 99/131). A subset of positive samples ( n=16) were characterized by PCR, which detected the following species: Eimeria meleagrimitis (93.8%), Eimeria adenoeides (93.8%), Eimeria gallopavonis (56.3%), and Eimeria meleagridis (12.5%). The majority (93.8%) of these samples were positive for more than one Eimeria spp. We showed that numerous, mostly nonpathogenic Mycoplasma and Eimeria spp. circulate in EWTs across southern Ontario, and this helped to establish baseline information for comparison with future surveillance and monitoring.

Antibodies and coinfection drive variation in nematode burdens in wild mice

Coinfections with parasitic helminths and microparasites are highly common in nature and can lead to complex within-host interactions between parasite species which can cause negative health outcomes for humans, and domestic and wild animals. Many of these negative health effects worsen with increasing parasite burdens. However, even though many studies have identified several key factors that determine worm burdens across various host systems, less is known about how the immune response interacts with these factors and what the consequences are for the outcome of within-host parasite interactions. We investigated two interacting gastrointestinal parasites of wild wood mice, Heligmosomoides polygyrus (nematode) and Eimeria spp. (coccidia), in order to investigate how host demographic factors, coinfection and the host’s immune response affected parasite burdens and infection probability, and to determine what factors predict parasite-specific and total antibody levels. We found that antibody levels were the only factors that significantly influenced variation in both H. polygyrus burden and infection probability, and Eimeria spp. infection probability. Total faecal IgA was negatively associated with H. polygyrus burden and Eimeria spp. infection, whereas H. polygyrus-specific IgG1 was positively associated with H. polygyrus infection. We further found that the presence of Eimeria spp. had a negative effect on both faecal IgA and H. polygyrus-specific IgG1. Our results show that even in the context of natural demographic and immunological variation amongst individuals, we were able to decipher a role for the host humoral immune response in shaping the within-host interaction between H. polygyrus and Eimeria spp.

Haematological Changes Caused by Coccidiosis in Experimentally Infected Broiler Chickens

Haematological alterations caused by coccidiosis in experimentally infected broiler chickens by Eimeria spp. The experimental animals (n=100) were randomly allocated into four equal groups, group one (G-I), group two (G-II), group three (G-III) and group four (G-IV) with 25 chickens in each group. The G-I, G-II, and G-III were treatments groups challenged by different Eimeria sporulated oocysts, while G-IV served as the control group. In this study, the infective dose of E. tenella (G-I), E. acervulina (G-II) and mixed Eimeria spp (G-III) was 2×104 sporulated Eimeria oocyst inoculated orally at three weeks of age in broiler chicken and subsequent alterations in different haematological constituents were evaluated at interval of 5, 7 and 9 day of post inoculation. Anaemia caused by Eimeria species was characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells and packed cell volume. Statistically highly significant decrease in the total erythrocyte count in all infected groups was recorded compared to control group. The mean value of total erythrocyte count of group one and group two recorded a highly significant decreased on 7 day of post infection. A highly significant increase in total leukocyte count in group one and group two Eimeria infected chickens. The statistical analysis of eosinophil and heterophils and lymphocyte showed highly significant increase in group one and group two in comparison to control group. The mean percentage of monocyte in group one, group two and group three revealed a highly significant increase on seven day of post infection.

Field evaluation of anticoccidial efficacy: A novel approach demonstrates reduced efficacy of toltrazuril against ovine Eimeria spp. in Norway

Ovine Eimeria spp. infections cause reduced welfare, increased mortality, and substantial economic losses, and anticoccidials are crucial for their control. Recent reports of toltrazuril resistance in pigs, and anecdotal reports of reduced anticoccidial efficacy in lambs, necessitate evaluation of anticoccidial efficacy. Due to the substantial lifecycle differences between nematodes and coccidia, current WAAVP methods for assessing anthelmintic efficacy are not suitable for such evaluations. Faecal samples were collected from 8 pairs of twin lambs from 36 Norwegian sheep farms 6–8 days after turnout. One twin of each pair was then treated with 20 mg/kg toltrazuril and a second faecal sample from all lambs was collected 7–11 days later. Oocyst excretion rate in all samples was determined using McMasters. Suitability of treatment timing was investigated by evaluating the increase in mean log oocyst excretion in untreated lambs. Based on comparisons between groups, a threshold of ≥0.75 (13 farms) was used to identify farms where drug efficacy could be assessed with confidence, drug efficacy on farms with increases of ≥0.5 but <0.75 (7 farms) were evaluated with caution, and drug efficacy on farms with increases of <0.5 (16 farms) was not estimated. Reduction in oocyst excretion between samples from treated lambs compared with controls from the 20 farms with a threshold of ≥0.5 were then analysed using a generalised linear mixed model. The results were classified based on 95% CI obtained using parametric bootstrapping. Among these 20 farms, two exhibited reduced drug efficacy (upper 95% CI < 95%), 13 had good efficacy (lower 95% CI > 90%), and for 5 the results were inconclusive. This is the first evidence-based report of reduced anticoccidial efficacy in ovine Eimeria spp. Additionally, we highlight the problem of sub-optimal timing of treatment (16/36 farms), which could potentially result in incorrect conclusions being reached regarding lack of drug efficacy.

Evaluation of three commercial rapid kits to detect Cryptosporidium parvum in diarrhoeic calf stool

The aim of this study was to evaluate three commercially available rapid immunochromatographic tests for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum antigens in faeces of naturally infected neonatal diarrhoeic calves. FASTest® CRYPTO strip, FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip and TETRASTRIPS® were compared for their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value using a cumulative positivity as gold standard. In addition, the agreement between each test and the gold standard was evaluated by Cohen’s Kappa (k) value. The highest infection rate was observed by FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip (65.15%), followed by FASTest® CRYPTO strip (63.64%) and TETRASTRIPS® (56.06%,). A very good diagnostic performance of all the three tests was observed. FASTest® CRYPTO strip (k = 0.935) and FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip (k = 0.968) had the highest sensitivity (100%) while TETRASTRIPS® (k = 0.875) had the highest specificity (100%). Eimeria spp oocysts were present in six samples but cross-reaction with this protozoan was not observed. These assays were not time-consuming and very easy to perform and to read. Based on our results, we recommend the use of FASTest® CRYPTO strip, FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip or/and TETRASTRIPS® for detection of C. parvum antigens in faeces of neonatal diarrhoeic calves.

Development of cross-protective Eimeria-vectored vaccines based on apical membrane antigens

Recently, the availability of protocols supporting genetic complementation of Eimeria has raised the prospect of generating transgenic parasite lines which can function as vaccine vectors, expressing and delivering heterologous proteins. Complementation with sequences encoding immunoprotective antigens from other Eimeria spp. offers an opportunity to reduce the complexity of species/strains in anticoccidial vaccines. Herein, we characterise and evaluate EtAMA1 and EtAMA2, two members of the apical membrane antigen (AMA) family of parasite surface proteins from Eimeria tenella. Both proteins are stage-regulated, and the sporozoite-specific EtAMA1 is effective at inducing partial protection against homologous challenge with E. tenella when used as a recombinant protein vaccine, whereas the merozoite-specific EtAMA2 is not. In order to test the ability of transgenic parasites to confer heterologous protection, E. tenella parasites were complemented with EmAMA1, the sporozoite-specific orthologue of EtAMA1 from E. maxima, coupled with different delivery signals to modify its trafficking and improve antigen exposure to the host immune system. Vaccination of chickens using these transgenic parasites conferred partial protection against E. maxima challenge, with levels of efficacy comparable to those obtained using recombinant protein or DNA vaccines. In the present work we provide evidence for the first known time of the ability of transgenic Eimeria to induce cross protection against different Eimeria spp. Genetically complemented Eimeria provide a powerful tool to streamline the complex multi-valent anticoccidial vaccine formulations that are currently available in the market by generating parasite lines expressing vaccine targets from multiple eimerian species.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of a Mix of Chestnut and Quebracho Tannins on Intestinal Morphology, Bacterial Load, Eimeria spp oocyst Excretion and Immune Response after Vaccination in Rabbits

Among plant products, tannins exhibited a strong antioxidant activity and their employment was studied as food or feed addictive with positive effects. Nevertheless, their health-enhancing properties remain to be completely clarified, particularly in rabbits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a mix of chestnut and quebracho tannins as supplementation in rabbit diet on intestinal morphology, as well as bacterial loads and Eimeria spp coccidial oocyst excretion and humoral immune response after vaccination. Rabbits were fed four different diets: basal diet (negative control, group CN), basal diet with anticoccidial supplementation (positive control, group CP) and basal diet with tannins mix 0.3% (group T0.3) or 0.6% (group T0.6). Samples of intestine, liver, spleen thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, kidney and heart were submitted to histopathologic investigations. Morphometric analyses were performed on portion of duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Intestinal contents were analyzed by flotation test for Eimeria spp. oocysts excretion and by microbiological assays for Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli. Rabbits belonging to the four experimental groups were vaccinated by means of a live attenuated myxomatosis virus and sera were collected individually at three time points to determine antibody response.The obtained results demonstratedthe absence of toxic effects of the tannin mix on examined organs, particularly on liver and kidney and any negative influence on the growth performance. A relevant anti-inflammatory effect on the intestinal tract, a reduction of Eimeria spp. oocysts excretion and a positive immunomodulatory and antibacterial effects were also observed. Diets supplemented with the tannins mix affected also the morphology of examined intestinal tracts, particularly duodenum and ileum.

Parasitic contamination of drinking water and its prevalence among handlers and sheep

The current study was designed to determine the infection rate of intestinal protozoa in sheep and their handlers, and in their drinking water, in Wasit province, so as to study the relationship between contamination of drinking water with protozoal pathogen and infection in sheep and handlers in the period from the beginning of September 2015 to the end of February 2016. Two hundred eighty fecal samples were collected: (180) samples from sheep and 100 samples from human (50 handlers and 50 from non handlers), 50 drinking water samples were collected (18 samples; human tap water and RO bottled water and 32 samples river water). All samples were examined by conventional methods (direct moist smears, flotation with saturated sugar solution and stained with Modified acid fast, Giemsa and lugol's iodine ) The total infection rate in sheep, handlers and drinking water samples were 83.33%, 72%, 84.37% and 33.33% respectively. The result showed that drinking water samples of sheep and handlers were contaminated with protozoal oocysts or cysts of Cryptosporidium spp. (65.62%) (27.77 %), Giardia lamblia (6.25%) (0), Entamoeba spp (68.75%) (0), Eimeria spp (25%) (5.55%) and Buxtonella sulcata (40.62%)(0).

Endoparasites of pet reptiles based on coprosopic methods

Due to the growing popularity of reptiles as a household animals and the development of numerous reptile farms, they have become a common sight in veterinary clinics. As parasitic infections represent a serious problem among pet reptiles obtained by captive breeding and from pet shops, the purpose of the present study was to determine the species composition of parasites present in reptiles bred privately or in Cracow Zoological Garden, and those obtained from pet shops. Fecal samples collected from 91 reptiles (30 turtles, 40 lizards, and 21 snakes) were examined using the quantitative McMaster method. Parasite eggs or protozoan oocysts were identified in 59.3% of samples. These included the eggs of the Pharyngodonidae, Ascarididae and Rhabditoidea (Nematoda), and Trematoda, as well as oocysts of Isospora and Eimeria. In addition, pseudoparasites belonging to the Mesostigmata, Demodecidae and Myobiidae were found.

Improving agricultural production of domestic rabbits in Serbia by follow-up study of their parasitic infections.

A study was made on the prevalence of some parasitic infections appearing in domestic rabbits obtained from individual breeders in Serbia in order to improve the agricultural production of these animals. Aside from economic reasons (meat production and reproduction) rabbits are bred for the research purposes, and races are kept as household pets. For these reasons, among others, it is important to gain knowledge of medical culprits including causes of parasitic diseases that compromise their health, well-being and cause economic losses. This parasitological research was conducted in the period from 2010 to 2015 in 8 epidemiological regions of Serbia, on 433 rabbits as representative samples of different races (154 individuals up to 1 years of age and 279 individuals older than 5). Out of the total number of examined rabbits parasitic infections were established in 82.68% of animals. We detected 3 species of endoparasites (Eimeria spp., Trichostrongylus spp., and Passalurus ambiguus) and 3 species of ectoparasites (Scabies from genera Sarcoptes, Psoroptes and Notoedres). In "kits" (small rabbits) coccidiosis was the most prevalent disease (50.65%), while in older animals trichostrongilidosis was common (39.07%). The most represented scabies infection was with the species Psoroptes cuniculi (12.01%). Aiming at better control on the health of rabbits, there is a growing need for continual monitoring of parasitic infections including appropriate diagnosis, application efficient therapeutic protocols and control measures.

Prevalence of endoparasites in captive snakes of Kerala, India

The objective of the study was to evaluate the status of parasitic infections in captive snakes of Kerala. Faecal samples were collected from captive snakes of State Museums and Zoos of Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram. Parasites were screened by direct smear, sedimentation, simple floatation and Shaether’s sugar floatation method. Fortynine snakes from 15 species were screened and 35 (71.4%) were found to be positive. While 80% of the snakes from Thrissur were found to be positive for parasitic infections, 70.6% of the samples from Thiruvananthapuram zoo were positive. Strongyloides sp. was the most prominent infection, accounting for 25.7% of all infections, followed by Capillaria sp. (22.8%) and Strongyles (20%). The preliminary investigation of captive Green Anaconda samples from Thiruvananthapuram zoo revealed mites, non-sporulated Coccidia of the genus Eimeria sp. and Cryptosporidium sp. It is understood that most of the infections of the captive snakes were acquired through the feeding and handling of the snakes, therefore periodical sampling is needed for both the snakes and their prey.

Studies on the gastrointestinal and lung parasite fauna of wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa L.) from Bulgaria

Eighty fecal samples from free living wild boars and internal organs from eleven hunted animals from Bulgaria were investigated during 2016–2017. The fecal samples were analyzed with the coproscopical methods of Fulleborn, Shterbovich and serial sedimentations, as well as the modified Baermann technique. Helminthological necropsies of the lungs and gastrointestinal tracts of the animals were carried out through the common technique. Ten helminth genera (Metastrongylus, Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum, Hyostrongylus, Globocephalus, Nematodirus, Ascaris, Ascarops, Trichuris, Macracanthorhynchus) and one protozoa (Eimeria) were established through coproscopical investigations. Helminths of the species Metastrongylus elongatus, M. pudendotectus, M. salmi, Globocephalus urosubulatus, Oesophagostomum dentatum, O. quadrispinulatum, Trichuris suis, Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, Ascaris suum, Ascarops strongylina and Physocephalus sexalatus were found during the necropsies. Metastrongylus, Globocephalus and Oesophagostomum were the genera with the highest prevalence of infection being respectively 28.75%, 13.75% and 12.5%. These were also the genera with the highest territorial incidence. Metastrongylids were found in eight of the eleven examined areas, while globocephalids and oesophagostomids were found in four of them. The infections of Metastrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp. and Ascarops spp. were with the highest intensity. This is the first study in which O. quadrispinulatum has been found in wild boar from Bulgaria.

Seasonal changes of faecal cortisol metabolite levels in Gracilinanus agilis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) and its association to life histories variables and parasite loads.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of environmental (dry versus wet season) and individual (sex, body mass and reproductive status) factors in the levels of faecal cortisol metabolites (FGCs) in Gracilinanus agilis faecal samples as an index of stress levels in this species; as well as its association with abundance of Eimeria spp, as an indicator of immunocompetence against parasites. Our study found that FGCFGCs are a reliable indicator of adrenal activity in G. agilis. We found that FGCFGCs increase considerably by environmental stressors like the dry season. Moreover, the observed positive association between FGCs and body mass is the result of the effect of season and reproduction in both variables. We also demonstrated that an increase in FGC levels among G. agilis during the dry season is associated with a rise in the probability of being infected by Eimeria spp. Hence, our finding supports the corticosteroid-fitness hypothesis, which predicts that increased glucocorticoids as a response to stressors usually results in decreased fitness of individuals, translated into low future survival and reproductive success, and higher parasite infection. To our knowledge, this is the first study that integrates environmental changes, hormone responses and parasite loads in a US marsupial in both empirical and experimental approaches.

Common Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Goats (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Capra aegagrus hircus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) from Mogadishu, Somalia

This study was conducted in two districts in Mogadishu, particularly smallholders to determine the Common gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites of Somali Goats. During the last two years, researchers meet many cases of goats having diarrhea, anemia and loss of body weight. That is the reason to conduct this study. The methodology of this study is explanation research with using lab technician for studied current prevalence cases of gastro-intestinal parasite of goat in Mogadishu Somalia. Study areas were two districts (Dayniile and Wadajir) located in Mogadishu Benadir region, Somali. Researcher has collected sample of feces from Somali goats in smallholders and transported the fecal containing box to the laboratory Room at University campus. Researchers made examination of fecal using Direct Smear Fecal Exam and then used Light microscope for identification of parasite eggs and oocytes, with 10× or 40× objective magnification. Data analysis was percentage and P value ≤ 0.005. Result: The result of this study revealed an overall prevalence of Gastro-intestinal parasites of Somali goats in the investigated area was 72.1% that means 62 samples were positive, and 24 samples were negative of gastro-intestinal parasites. Haemonchus spp (Nematodes) and Coccidia (Eimeria spp) were the most prevalent parasites recorded in all the 62 positive samples, having Haemonchus 23 (26.74%) and Eimeria spp 38 (44.19%); the second highest groups were all nematode with percentage Strongyloides 22 (25.58%), and Trichostrongylus 17 (19.77%). This study revealed statistically significant difference (P 0.05 that equals to P = 0.235. Recommendation: Researcher recommends making seasonal deworming to Somali goats in small holders which will reduce the prevalence and incidence of gastro-intestinal parasites in Somali goats.

Pre harvest and post-harvest assessment of geohelminth and protozoan parasites contamination of vegetables in Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria.

Consumption of fresh vegetables is one of the major routes of transmission of intestinal parasites of public health importance which have been incriminated as one of the main causes of foodborne outbreaks. In an attempt to bridge the knowledge gap associated with the pre-harvest and post-harvest parasitic contamination of vegetables in Nigeria, this study was conducted to assess geohelminths and protozoa contamination of vegetables in farms and markets in Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. Vegetable samples were screened using simple floatation and sedimentation methods for identification of geohelminths ova, larva and protozoan oocysts. Of the total 200 vegetable samples collected, 70 (35%) were positive for geohelminth and protozoan parasites. The results show that the highest level of contamination was detected in African spinach 20 (35.1%), followed by White jute 15 (45.5%), Waterleaf 14 (51.9%), Quill grass 12 (24.5%), Garden eggplant leaf 4 (57.1%), while the least number of contaminated samples was detected in Pepper 1 (%). However, Fluted pumpkin leaves and English Spinach had no parasitic contamination. Waterleaf 3 (11.11%), African spinach 2 (3.5%), Quill grass 2 (4.1%) and White jute 2 (6.1%) had mixed helminths and protozoa infections. Of the total intestinal parasites observed, Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest prevalence 67 (33.5%), followed by Entamoeba coli 27 (13.5%), Ascaris spp. 24 (12%), Trichuris spp. 10 (5%), Filiariform 9 (4.5%), Dicrocoelium spp. 9 (4.5%), Oesophagostomum dentatum 7 (3.5%), Fasciola spp 7 (3.5%), Entamoeba histolytica 6 (3%) while Eimeria spp 6 (3%) had the lowest prevalence. Most farmers 44 (80%) used stream and waste water as their source of irrigation while 11 (20%) of the farmers used well and stream. The relatively high rate of parasitic contamination observed in this study might be due to poor hygienic and sanitary handling of vegetables, poor transportation, packaging of vegetables and contaminated water used for irrigation and washing of vegetables in farms and markets. There is therefore a need for education of farmers and market women on proper handling and hygienic management of vegetables to safe guard the health of the populace.

Gastrointestinal parasites in calves in small and middle-sized farms of South-East Poland

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and invasion intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in calves from small and middle-sized farms, with a special focus on invasions of chosen protozoa. The analysis included 150 calves from 2 weeks to 5 months of age. The calves came from 30 individual farms with up to 50 cattle managed in a confined system or confined-pasture system. Three types of farms were established: I: up to 20 heads; II: up to 30 heads, and III: up to 50 heads. The feces samples for the analyses were collected directly from the rectum. Each sample was tested using macroscopic and microscopic methods (the McMaster technique, the standard flotation method and the sedimentation method according to Żarnowski and Josztowa). The numbers of oocysts/cysts/eggs per 1 gram of feces (OPG/CPG/EPG) were established. The feces of 94 calves no older than 8 weeks which exhibited traits of diarrhea were analyzed with Bio-X Cryptosporidium parvum Elisa Kit (Kit for antigenic diagnosis of Cryptosporidium parvum by Elisa in bovine feces). The results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The total prevalence of parasites in all groups was 35.33%. The dominating invasion (26%) was with protozoa belonging to Eimeria (most commonly E. bovis, E. zuerni and E. aubernensis). This was followed by Buxtonella sulcata (6.67%), Cryptosporidium parvum (7.45%; Elisa test), Strongyloides papillosus (4.67%) and gastrointestinal nematodes (2.67%). The fewest calves infected with parasites were in Group I, where only the invasions of protozoa were detected. The parasitic infection rates for group II and III were twice and thrice higher, respectively, than for group I. In Groups II and III, nematodes were found apart from protozoa. In all three groups the dominating invasion was Eimeria spp. (Group I: 20%, II: 24%, III: 34%). The prevalence for B. sulcata, S. papillosus, and gastrointestinal nematodes in the groups was as follows: Group I – 2; 0; 0%; Group II – 8; 8; 0%; Group III – 10; 6; 8%, respectively. In the calves aged up to eleven weeks of life, the dominating invasions were Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium parvum and S. papillosus, while in the calves of 4-5 months of age, B. sulcata and gastrointestinal nematodes prevailed. The average invasion intensities were as follows: Eimeria spp.: 24414 OPG, B. sulcata: 78 CPG, S. papillosus: 86 EPG, and gastrointestinal nematodes: 138 EPG. In the groups, the results were the following: Eimeria spp.: 94,512 (550-414,000); 271 (100-600); 222 (50-500) OPG., B. sulcata 50; 75 (50-100); 70 (50-100) CPG; S. papillosus 0; 75 (50-100); 90 (50-150) and gastrointestinal nematodes: 0; 0; 138 (50-250) EPG. In the calves from all groups, the dominating invasions were caused by parasites belonging to one taxon (genus), they constituted 90%, 80% and 89%, respectively. The statistical analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences between the management system and invasion intensity of Eimeria spp.