Endoparasitic Infection Research Articles

A study on prevalence of ecto- and endo-parasitic infection of cattle at Savar, Dhaka

A prevalence study was conducted to observe both ecto-and endo-parasitic (gastrointestinal) infection throughout one year surveillance. The study was conducted from July 2014 to June 2015 through Parasitology Laboratory, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka. The study considered age of cattle, season and type of parasitic infestation. In the study area total number of cattle population was 2000 in which 500 fecal and 200 ectoparasitic samples was collected considering three respective seasons like rainy, summer and winter. The fecal samples were examined by direct smear method followed by McMaster counting techniques and examine under microscope. After collection of samples within 24 hours all sample were tested by preserving at 40C temperature. In clinical observation, the overall prevalence of endoparasitic (gastrointestinal) infection was 68% and ectoparasitic infection was 60%. Prevalence of endoparasite was more frequent in rainy season (52.65%) followed by summer (27.05%) and winter season (20.29%) whereas prevalence of ectoparasite was more frequent in summer (39%) followed by rainy (13.5%) and winter (7.5%) season. The parasitic prevalence load was low in winter season. In endoparasitic infection, the higher prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. (20%) was found in rainy season whereas Haemonchus spp. (14%) and Toxocara spp. (12%) were higher in summer. In cattle, prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. (25.14%) and Haemonchus spp. (18.58%) was higher in adult cattle (above 6 months), whereas prevalence of Toxocara spp. (36.67%) and Coccidial oocyst (23.33%) was higher in calf (under 6 month) than adult animal (above 6 months) of age. The overall prevalence of ectoparasite was 60% and tick infestation was highest (22.5%) followed by lice (17.5%), mange (12.5%) and maggot fly (7.5%). High humidity (above 70%) and temperature provoke high endo- and ecto-parasite infection in the environment and infect cattle as well as other livestock species.
 Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 29-35, 2018

Infection analysis of Rhadinorhynchus bicircumspinis in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) from pond and floating net cage in Situbondo waters.

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) was known as highly demand of fisheries commodity and exported in many countries. Pond and floating net cage culture of barramundi have several problems that cause many mortality in fish, such as endoparasite infection. This study aims to determine and to count the prevalence and intensity of endoparasite Rhadinorhynchus bicircumspinis in barramundi (L. calcarifer) from pond and floating net cage in Situbondo waters. Sixty samples of barramundi with length 18.18 ± 1.41 cm were taken from ponds and floating net cages and examined for endoparasite from digestive track, liver, gonad and kidney. The result showed endoparasite R. bicircumspinis was found from digestive track with prevalence was 10% and 40% in pond and floating net cage, respectively. The intensity of endoparasite R. bicircumspinis was 1 and 2.5 in pond and net cage, respectively. Further studies were needed to examined the histopathological damage caused by R. bicircumspinis infection.

Endoparasites of household and shelter cats in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Endoparasitic infections are associated with morbidity in cats. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of endoparasites among cats of different life stages in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The samples were analyzed individually by macroscopic exploration for proglottids and centrifugal-flotation. Stool samples were obtained from household cats (n = 57) and shelter cats (n = 336). Endoparasites were detected in 50.64% of the samples. Among household and shelter cats, 21.05% and 55.66% were infected with endoparasites, respectively. In household cats, the most prevalent endoparasites were Ancylostoma spp. (in 25.0%) and Strongyloides spp. (in 25.0%), followed by Toxocara spp. (in 16.67%), Dipylidium caninum (in 16.67%), Cystoisospora spp. (in 8.33%), and Uncinaria spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 8.33%). In shelter cats, the most prevalent endoparasite was Ancylostoma spp. (in 29.41%), followed by Cystoisospora spp. (in 26.20%) and Toxocara spp. (in 16.58%), as well as Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 8.02%); Ancylostoma spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 11.76%); Cystoisospora spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.74%); Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.21%); and Dipylidium caninum + Ancylostoma spp. (in 0.53%). Endoparasitic infections in cats underscore the need for preventive veterinary care and routine coproparasitologic tests.

Prevalence and detail morphological identification of helminths of murine rodents in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

Rodents are common pests that transmit various deadly pathogens to humans. Here we have studied the helminth parasites of rodents from different ecological niches in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The gastrointestinal helminths were investigated from a total of 70 rodents, namely Bandicota bengalensis (20), Rattus rattus (15), Rattus norvegicus (25) and Mus musculus (10). The rodents were live-captured from houses in the slum areas (20), stationary shops (20), residential buildings (15) and rice fields (15). The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 71.43%. The highest prevalence was found in R. norvegicus (84%), followed by B. bengalensis (75%), R. rattus (66.66%) and M. musculus (40%). Among different areas of Dhaka city, the highest prevalence recorded in slum areas (85%). Out of 50 rodents, 36 (72%) had mixed endoparasitic infection whereas only 14 (28%) rodents had single infection. The prevalence of endoparasitic infection in male (66%) rodents was higher than that of female (34%). The parasites detected from the rodents were Heterakis spumosa (60%), Hymenolepis diminuta (47.14%), Moniliformis moniliformis (42.85%), Taenia taeniaeformis (35%) and Gongylonema neoplasticum (34.28%). To the best of our knowledge, G. neoplasticum is going to be reported for the first time from rodents in Bangladesh. Except H. spumosa, all the parasites recovered have public health significance. Therefore, proper attention needs to be paid for the prevention of rodent borne zoonosis through the control of rodents.

Keragaman dan Intensitas Infeksi Endoparasit Gastrointestinal pada Sapi Bali dengan Sistem Ekstensif di Kabupaten Kupang

Tanah Putih Village has the potential for the development of Bali cattle because it has extensive grazing land and the majority of farmers raise Bali cattle. The aim of the study was to obtain data on the diversity and intensity of gastrointestinal endoparasitic infection in Balinese cattle with an extensive breeding system in Tanah Putih Village, Kupang Timur District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Gastrointestinal endoparasitic diversity was identify using sedimentation and flotation methods while the intensity of endoparasitic infection was carried out using McMaster method, while data on the diversity and rates of gastrointestinal endoparasitic infection were analyzed descriptively. The results of the study on the diversity of gastrointestinal endoparasites found there are five types of nematode worm eggs namely Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, and Trichostrongylus axei. Factors that support the diversity of endoparasites are feed sources, livestock populations, and grazing rotation. The average number of worm eggs found based on the total eggs per gram of faeces for Haemonchus contortus as many as 100 eggs and the other four types of worm eggs amounted to 50 eggs. The average number of eggs indicates that endoparasitic infections in these animals fall into the mild intensity category, is influenced by season, feed source, and age of livestock. The five types of gastrointestinal endoparasites found namely Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, and Trichostrongylus axei.

Endoparasite infection hotspots in Estonian urban areas.

The human-animal bond is beneficial for human health, but companion animals also pose a potential threat as vectors of zoonotic parasites, especially in urban areas where both human and dog densities are high. However, the knowledge about parasitic spillover in the urban environment is relatively scarce. The aim of the present study was to reveal which factors determine parasitic contamination in Estonian towns and provide up-to-date information about intestinal parasites of the Estonian dog population. In total, 657 samples of dog excrement was collected over one year of investigation from five towns in Estonia. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate factors predicting infection risk in urban areas. In general, infection risk and intensity models predicted higher infection with endoparasites for small dogs in smaller towns, especially in apartment-house districts and in potential hazard zones. Helminth eggs and Giardia/Cystoisospora oocysts were detected in 64 samples, with an overall prevalence of 9.8%.

French national survey of dog and cat owners on the deworming behaviour and lifestyle of pets associated with the risk of endoparasites

BackgroundEndoparasites in dogs and cats are a concern related to pet health and zoonotic risks. Several determinants may affect the endoparasite transmission and infection of dogs and cats such as pet’s lifestyle or regional parasite distribution. Although different zoonotic endoparasites, such as Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus spp., have been identified in France, little information exists about the deworming behaviors of owners or the frequency of occurrence of risk factors associated with endoparasite infection or transmission. Deworming guidelines, such as those created by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), recommend a deworming frequency according to the risk of infection of every pet and the potential risk for zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were to explore how lifestyles of dogs and cats from France were related to a particular risk of endoparasites and assess whether deworming frequencies complied with ESCCAP recommendations.MethodsFrench data were extracted from a database created during a recent European pet owner survey regarding endoparasitic infection risk. Dogs and cats were grouped into risk categories based upon the ESCCAP guidelines. The compliance between the actual and recommended deworming frequencies were explored among the regions surveyed.ResultsThe majority of dogs and cats were older than 6 months, had outdoor access, had contact with children or elderly people, and lived in rural and town areas. Most of the dogs were in contact with other dogs, snails or prey (83%), and ate slugs, snails, grass or dug in the garden (68%). Likewise, most of the cats hunted outside (57%) and caught prey animals (52%). Consequently, most of the dogs (89%) and cats (53%) were considered to be in the highest-risk category (D). However, independent of the region, the average deworming compliance for dogs was poor (6%). While deworming compliance for cats in category A (low-risk) was excellent (94%), for cats in category D it was poor (6%).ConclusionsDeworming compliance is needed to enhance pet health and reduce zoonotic risks. Future studies are warranted to thoroughly investigate the compliance and effectiveness of deworming protocols, and the risk factors associated with endoparasites in France.

Geographical location influences the composition of the gut microbiota in wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) at a fine spatial scale.

The composition of the mammalian gut microbiota can be influenced by a multitude of environmental variables such as diet and infections. Studies investigating the effect of these variables on gut microbiota composition often sample across multiple separate populations and habitat types. In this study we explore how variation in the gut microbiota of the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) on the Isle of May, a small island off the east coast of Scotland, is associated with environmental and biological factors. Our study focuses on the effects of environmental variables, specifically trapping location and surrounding vegetation, as well as the host variables sex, age, body weight and endoparasite infection, on the gut microbiota composition across a fine spatial scale in a freely interbreeding population. We found that differences in gut microbiota composition were significantly associated with the trapping location of the host, even across this small spatial scale. Sex of the host showed a weak association with microbiota composition. Whilst sex and location could be identified as playing an important role in the compositional variation of the gut microbiota, 75% of the variation remains unexplained. Whereas other rodent studies have found associations between gut microbiota composition and age of the host or parasite infections, the present study could not clearly establish these associations. We conclude that fine spatial scales are important when considering gut microbiota composition and investigating differences among individuals.

Identification of Gastrointestinal Endoparasite in Bawean Deer (Axis kuhlii) and Spotted Deer (Axis axis) at Bratang Flora Park – Surabaya

The purpose of this study is to identify the endoparasites of Spotted Bawean Deer (Axis kuhlii) and Deer (Axis axis ) at Surabaya Flora Park. The research was conducted in December 2018 - January 2019 used total 60 specimen of sample faeces, consist of 30 sample of bawean deers faeces and 30 sample of spoted deers faeces, the samples analyzed at the Department of Parasitology Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. The results of the study found positive endoparasites on examination, samples of Bawean deer faeces (Axis kuhlii) and Spotted deer faeces(Axis axis) in Baratang Flora Park Surabaya found that 26 positive samples from 60 samples were obtained. Positive endoparasitic samples are protozoa at the stage of oocyst, namely Eimeria sp. 6 (10%) samples, worm eggs from the Nematoda class, Haemonchus sp. 20 (33.33%) and whereas endoparasites from other stages and classes were not found. The results of the analysis used Chi-Square test and showed no significantly differences degree of gastrointestinal endoparasite infection of Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii) and Spotted deer (Axis axis) (p>0.05).

Prevalence and determinants of gastrointestinal parasite infection in intensively managed pigs in Nsukka agricultural zone, Southeast, Nigeria.

Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infection in pigs constrains swine production and enhances dissemination of zoonotic parasites, especially in the tropics. Therefore, an epidemiological study to determine prevalence and risk factors of GIP infection in intensively managed pigs in Nsukka, was conducted. Faecal samples from 1400 pigs, randomly collected from 40 farms, were examined for GIP eggs following standard protocol. Data on involvement of pig farmers in risk practices that enhance endoparasitic infection in piggeries were obtained using structured questionnaire. Overall prevalence of 80% (32/40) and 28.6% (400/1400) were recorded at farm and individual pig levels, respectively. Prevalence of 25.3% (138/546), 30.7% (262/854), 30.4% (310/1020) and 23.7% (90/380) were obtained for male, female, young (< 1year) and adult (≥ 1year) pigs, respectively. Epidemiological factors (sex, age, season, farm location and flock size) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with worm infestations. Worm eggs identified and their prevalence were: Strongyles 25.7% (360/1400), Trichuris 11.4% (160/1400), Ascaris 0.7% (10/1400) and mixed infections (Strongyles and Trichuris) 9.3% (130/1400). Major risk factors found were feeding of self-compounded on-farm feed, non-disinfection of pen and equipment, rearing pigs of different ages together, infrequent removal of dungs, early weaning at less than 6weeks and non-availability of routine deworming programme. The overall prevalence at farm and individual pig levels were high; and involvement of farmers in the risk practices was massive. Therefore, cost-effective control of GIP infestations in pig in the study area is imperative; to boost pig production and minimize risk of transmission of zoonotic parasites.

Fish Endoparasites from Streams near Paddy Fields in Serian and Padawan, Western Sarawak

The fish health status and parasitic infection in paddy fields are understudied in Borneo. This study was done to compare the prevalence and abundance of parasites on freshwater fishes in the upstream and downstream rivers of paddy fields. Parasite study on freshwater fishes was done by collecting live fish samples using ten minnow traps with baits at each site in Serian and Padawan, Sarawak, from October 2017 until March 2018. A total of 120 freshwater fishes were examined during this study period. Cold anaesthesia was applied on live samples prior to ectoparasite and endoparasite microscopic screening, which involved scraping of outer body mucous and removal of fish intestines, respectively. No ectoparasites were recovered from the fish samples. A total of 19 (15.83%) fishes from Cyprinids were infected with endoparasites. From these, 58 individuals of endoparasites were recovered. Two groups of parasites, namely Nematoda (Cucullanus sp.) and Trematoda (unidentified), were recovered from the fish intestines. From this study, there was a significant difference between the upstream fishes and downstream fishes in their endoparasite infection at both Triboh Village (p = 0.035) and Annah Rais Village (p = 1.445 × 10-6) using two samples t-test. The endoparasite abundance in fish was higher in the streams where there was less human disturbance. This study may serve as a baseline study on the parasitic infections of freshwater fishes in streams near paddy fields or other agricultural area in Sarawak.

Comparison of internal parasitic fauna in dairy goats at conventional and organic farms in the Czech Republic

This study evaluated the burdens of parasitic protozoans and helminths in dairy goats in two types of farming system in the Czech Republic. We examined nearly 660 faecal samples collected at 14 conventional and 14 organic farms. All farms tested positive for Eimeria oocysts and strongyle-type eggs. The output of coccidial oocysts was highest (86 880 oocysts per gramme - OPG) at an conventional farm, whereas the shedding of nematode strongylid eggs was highest (7400 eggs per gramme - EPG) at an organic farm. The intensities of coccidial and strongylid infections, however, did not differ significantly between conventional and organic farms during our survey. Eimeria arloingi, E. alijevi, and E. ninakohlyakimovae were the most prevalent coccidial species. Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia sp. and Haemonchus contortus were the most prevalent gastrointestinal nematodes, and Muellerius capillaris was the most common lungworm at farms of both types. Eggs of the tapeworm Moniezia were also identified, with prevalences of 14% at conventional farms and 43% at farms applying alternative agricultural practices. Intensity of tapeworm infections was significantly higher (p = 0.02) at organic farms (maximum EPG of 1580) than conventional farms (maximum EPG of 60). Trematodes were not detected at any of the farms. The intensity of most prevalent endoparasitic infections did not differ significantly between the farm types probably due to their similar practices of grazing management and drenching frequency of antiparasitic drugs.

Survey of German pet owners quantifying endoparasitic infection risk and implications for deworming recommendations

BackgroundDogs and cats can transmit zoonotic helminths to humans, e.g. Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis. Strategic deworming may help minimize this risk. Studies in several European countries have shown that pets are dewormed less frequently against roundworms and tapeworms than recommended by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP). The objective of this study was to identify percentages of dogs and cats falling into the different risk categories defined by the German ESCCAP guidelines and to evaluate whether deworming frequency and parasite monitoring in Germany follows these guidelines.ResultsAccording to questionnaire results from 500 dog and 500 cat owners, deworming of dogs in Germany averages 2.07 times/year while for cats this average is 1.72 times/year. In contrast, evaluation of risk factors placed only 2% (10/500) of dogs in ESCCAP category A with a recommended deworming/examination frequency of 1–2 times per year, while 4.8% (24/500) were placed in category B (4 treatments/examinations per year recommended), 30.8% (154/500) in category C (12 treatments/examinations per year against tapeworms and 4 treatments/examinations per year against roundworms recommended) and 62.4% (312/500) in category D (12 treatments/examinations per year recommended). All cats were placed either in risk group A [52.8% (264/500)] or D [47.2% (236/500)]. Generalized linear models indicated that risk group D cats were treated significantly more often against helminths than risk group A cats. There were no significant differences in deworming frequency between risk groups in dogs. The most important factor influencing deworming frequency was the frequency of veterinary visits. Dogs and cats were treated significantly more often if owners visited their veterinarian more than once yearly.ConclusionsThe percentage distribution of risk groups considerably varied between dogs and cats. Nevertheless, 62% of dogs and 47% of cats were assigned to category D for which monthly treatments/examinations are recommended by the ESCCAP guidelines. Veterinarians play a key role in instructing pet owners with regard to helminthoses and their prevention, and should take the time for adequate risk assessments. The reported low deworming frequencies despite the high potential parasite infection risk suggests that pet owner advice through veterinarians needs to be improved.

Prevalence of endoparasitic fauna of various species of birds in North-Eastern region of India

ABSTRACT The prevalence of endoparasitic infections of birds in different zoological gardens in North-Eastern region of India was investigated from February 2018 to January 2019. Coprological examination included 1,275 faecal samples from 10 different species of captive birds in six zoo gardens. The prevalence of blood parasites was also carried out by examining a total of 175 blood samples. Faecal samples were examined by flotation method using saturated salt solution and also by conventional sedimentation method. The blood was examined after staining with Giemsa stain. The overall prevalence of helminths was 29.25%. We have found coccidian oocysts, eggs of Capillaria spp, Ascaridia spp, Heterakis spp, Raillietina tetragona, R. cesticillus, Echinostoma spp, Strongyloides avium, Dispharynx spp and eggs of unidentified trematode. Co-infections with more than one species were recorded from some Zoological gardens. Among all the blood samples examined 11.5% were found infected with Haemoproteus spp and 6.25% with Plasmodium spp. No mixed infection with blood parasite was observed in the present investigation. The results found can be implicated for healthcare protection of endangered bird species from this region of India.

The price of being bold? Relationship between personality and endoparasitic infection in a tree squirrel

Individual variation in behaviour can contribute to the heterogeneous distribution of parasites among hosts for example by affecting the probability of encountering infective stages (larvae). Here, we investigated the relationship between host boldness/exploration tendency and gastro-intestinal helminth infection in invasive Eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). We used direct helminth counts, data rarely available in host-parasite studies that often used less reliable indirect estimates of infection. We predicted that bolder animals with a strong exploration tendency will have higher parasite load than shy, less explorative hosts. We examined two parameters of parasite infection: infection status and intensity of infection. Individual personality of 207 grey squirrels was assessed by capture-mark-recapture (CMR), calculating the trappability and trap diversity indices as estimates of boldness and exploration, respectively. Since both indices were strongly correlated, we used PCA to derive a single score (first component) which had a high value for bold, exploring animals. At the end of the study, 77 individuals were euthanized and gastro-intestinal helminths were identified and counted. Overall 73% of grey squirrels were infected by Strongyloides robustus with the intensity of infection varying from 1 to 86 worms (mean ± SE = 10.7 ± 2.1 helminths per host). We found that bolder, more explorative animals were more likely to be infected by S. robustus. However, host personality was not related to parasite intensity, which was instead positively associated with host body mass. Our results confirm that differences in personality-related host behaviour can influence the distribution of infections within host populations and stimulate further questions on whether such personality-parasite relationships may affect the invasion process.

Aspidogastrea africanus Infections, comparative assessment of BTEX and heavy metals Bioaccumulation, and histopathological alterations as biomarker response in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacépède, 1803) of Lekki Lagoon, Nigeria

The study was carried out on 120 randomly selected fresh specimens of Chrysichthys ni- grodigitatus (males and females of different trophic levels) from Lekki lagoon, Lagos, Nige- ria. The aim was to investigate the heavy metals and endoparasitic infection in the fish. We compared the impacts of both stressors on the liver and intestine of C. nigrodigitatus. Water samples were tested for pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, electrical conductiv- ity, total dissolved solids using a multiprobe meter. Nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, ammonia, total suspended solids and colour were measured using VR 50 0 0 spectrophotometer. Alka- linity, acidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chloride were measured via Titrimetry method. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was measured via a closed reflux titration., and turbidity was measured via a VR 2010. Aspidogastrea africanus was the only parasitic in- fection detected in C. nigrodigitatus; though of low intensity. We also observed low heavy metal levels in the environmental media tested. However, the study showed that the liver and intestinal tissues of C. nigrodigitatus were slightly impacted by the stressors even at low levels. We therefore suspect synergy between Aspidogasrea infection and heavy met- als toxicity. We recommend a further biomonitoring of the aquatic environment in order to ascertain the actual causative factors contributing to tissue injuries in the fish. Findings will help mitigate future aggravation of the tissue toxicity. Low levels of Aspidogastrea in- fection is an early prognostic information against outbreak of the disease in the aquatic environment.

Endoparasitic Infections and the Associated Risk Factors in Trade Donkeys (Equus Asinus) in Ganawuri District Market, Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Endoparasitic Infections and the Associated Risk Factors in Trade Donkeys (Equus Asinus) in Ganawuri District Market, Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Influence of the flesh quality and body size on the auction price of parrotfishes (Scaridae) at tropical island, southern Japan: Implications for fisheries management

Bid price of fish at auction is dependent on the situation of the date (season and supply) and quality of the fish (species, size, and freshness). In this study, how bid prices for parrotfishes (Scaridae spp.) determined at auction were investigated in a tropical island, southern Japan (Yaeyama fish market, Okinawa) between April 2011 and March 2015. Six factors, i.e. month, supply, size of fish, fishing gear type, bruising on the body, and endo-parasitic infection were chosen as variables, and their effects on bid prices were investigated using a generalized linear model with a log-normal error distribution in six selected species (Chlorurus microrhinos, Hipposcarus longiceps, Scarus ghobban, S. rivulatus, S. rubroviolaceus, Bolbometopon muricatum). All variables significantly affected the prices. The effects of supply were thought to remain for up to seven days from the AIC (Akaike’s Information Criterion) comparison, and the supply affected prices more than month did. For all species, the prices increased with fish size for smaller size ranges, but inversely decreased for larger size ranges. Prices of medium sized species took the highest values at 1.0–2.0 kg in size. Scarid fishes were mainly caught by spearfishing at night, but spear bruising on the body, parasitic infection, and being caught by gillnet significantly reduced prices (ca. minus 200–300 yen/kg for each case). Results obtained here are useful to increase the catch of higher quality fish by regulation (size, season, site etc.), to help reduce risk of price collapse triggered by large catch (oversupply), and to enable discussion of appropriate fisheries management practices.

Intestinal parasites and lungworms in stray, shelter and privately owned cats of Switzerland

Endoparasitic infections represent relevant causes of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in cats. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of endoparasites in Swiss cats in order to evaluate the risk of onset of parasitic diseases and potential correlated zoonoses. Therefore 664 faecal samples from privately owned (n = 299), shelter (n = 197) and stray (n = 168) cats were investigated by sedimentation-flotation and 468 samples additionally by the Baermann technique. Overall, 77.4% (n = 130), 21.8% (n = 43) and 11.7% (n = 35) of stray, shelter and privately owned cats, respectively, were positive, with significant differences between the groups. Among infected cats, 58.7% (n = 122) harboured a single, 30.8% (n = 64) two and 10.6% (n = 22) more than two parasite species. Toxocara cati, with an infection rate of 18.5% (n = 123), was the most frequently detected parasite. The rates for other intestinal parasites were: Taenia sp. 11.1% (n = 74), Isospora sp. 8.1% (n = 54), Capillaria sp. 4.7% (n = 31), hookworms 1.1% (n = 7), Giardia duodenalis 0.8% (n = 5), Dipylidium caninum 0.6% (n = 4), Toxoplasma gondii 0.6% (n = 4), Hammondia hammondi 0.5% (n = 3), Sarcocystis sp. 0.2% (n = 1) and Diphyllobothrium latum 0.2% (n = 1). First-stage larvae of the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found in 2.3% (n = 15) of all samples. The morphological identification of Taenia sp., T. gondii, H. hammondi and A. abstrusus was confirmed by molecular techniques. Overall, cats younger than one year and intact animals were more frequently infected with parasites than older and neutered animals. The observed infection rates were comparable to those from other European studies, except for Taenia sp. showing a significantly higher occurrence. This implicates that there is a persistent risk of environmental contamination with parasitic stages especially by stray cats, and a risk of infection for cat owners with potential zoonotic pathogens, emphasizing the need for appropriate parasite control measures.

Ultrastructure of early stages of Rozella allomycis (Cryptomycota) infection of its host, Allomyces macrogynus (Blastocladiomycota)

This study reconstructs early stages of Rozella allomycis endoparasitic infection of its host, Allomyces macrogynus. Young thalli of A. macrogynus were inoculated with suspensions of R. allomycis zoospores and allowed to develop for 120 h. Infected thalli at intervals were fixed for electron microscopy and observed. Zoospores were attracted to host thalli, encysted on their surfaces, and penetrated their walls with an infection tube. The parasite cyst discharged its protoplast through an infection tube, which invaginated the host plasma membrane. The host plasma membrane then surrounded the parasite protoplast and formed a compartment confining it inside host cytoplasm. The earliest host-parasite interface within host cytoplasm consisted of two membranes, the outer layer the host plasma membrane and the inner layer the parasite plasma membrane. At first a wide space separated the two membranes and no material was observed within this space. Later, as the endoparasite thallus expanded within the compartment, the two membranes became closely appressed. As the endoparasite thallus continued to enlarge, the interface developed into three membrane layers. Thus, host plasma membrane surrounded the parasite protoplast initially without the parasite having to pierce the host plasma membrane for entry. Significantly, host-derived membrane was at the interface throughout development.