Eurytrema Coelomaticum Research Articles

Eurytrematosis: An emerging parasitosis in cattle from Northeast Argentina

This study was carried out in the northwest region of Misiones Province, Argentina, focusing on the clinical, pathological, epidemiological, and parasitological aspects of Eurytrema spp. in cattle. Clinical monitoring of five cattle cases exhibiting chronic weight loss revealed that affected animals had enlarged pancreases, with severe fibrosis and presence of Eurytrema coelomaticum in the pancreatic ducts. Histopathological analysis confirmed severe fibrosing periductal lymphoplasmacytic interstitial pancreatitis with intralesional trematodes. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted from June 2018 to May 2021, involving 44 farms and 718 fecal samples. Coproparasitological analysis revealed a within-farm prevalence of 70.7 %, with an animal-level prevalence of 37.5 %. A multivariable generalized linear model identified the abundance of snails, the limited availability of monthly veterinary assistance, and loss of body condition as significant risk factors for Eurytrema sp. prevalence. Spatial analysis detected three significant clusters with varying prevalence levels, highlighting areas of high and low parasite occurrence. This study represents the first detailed investigation of Eurytrema sp. in Argentina, confirming its endemic presence in the central-northern region of Misiones Province. The findings underscore the need for further research to evaluate the parasite's spread across the province and its potential impact on livestock production.

Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome and Phylogenetic Analyses of Eurytrema coelomaticum (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae).

Eurytrema coelomaticum, a pancreatic fluke, is recognized as a causative agent of substantial economic losses in ruminants. This infection, commonly referred to as eurytrematosis, is a significant concern due to its detrimental impact on livestock production. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the mitochondrial genome of E. coelomaticum. In this study, we performed the initial sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome of E. coelomaticum. Our findings unveiled that the mitochondrial genome of E. coelomaticum spans a length of 15,831 bp and consists of 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and two noncoding regions. The A+T content constituted 62.49% of the genome. Moreover, all 12 protein-coding genes of E. coelomaticum exhibit the same arrangement as those of E. pancreaticum and other published species belonging to the family Dicrocoeliidae. The presence of a short string of additional amino acids (approximately 20~23 aa) at the N-terminal of the cox1 protein in both E. coelomaticum and E. pancreaticum mitochondrial genomes has contributed to the elongation of the cox1 gene in genus Eurytrema, surpassing that of all previously sequenced Dicrocoeliidae. The phylogenetic analysis displayed a close relationship between E. coelomaticum and E. pancreaticum, along with a genus-level association between Eurytrema and Lyperosomum. These findings underscore the importance of mitochondrial genomic data for comparative studies of Dicrocoeliidae and even Digenea, offering valuable DNA markers for future investigations in the systematic, epidemiological, and population genetic studies of this parasite and other digenean trematodes.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Eurytrema spp. Looss, 1907 detected in domestic water buffaloes and cattle in northern Vietnam.

Eurytrema spp. are pancreatic flukes belonging to the Dicrocoeliidae family. They are the cause of neglected diseases in Vietnam and are responsible for economic losses in ruminant production, particularly in water buffaloes and cattle. Eurytrema spp. have been widely reported in several Asian countries. Recently, morphological and molecular analyses to discriminate Eurytrema spp. have been conducted in Brazil, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Indonesia; however, similar analyses have not been performed in Vietnam. In the present study, we identified Eurytrema flukes collected from water buffaloes and cattle in northern Vietnam based on their morphology. Morphometric analyses were conducted on 15 samples each of Eurytrema cladorchis and Eurytrema coelomaticum. Representative samples from both species were selected for molecular analyses, and the nucleotide sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were determined. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA sequences revealed that E. cladorchis from Vietnam belongs to the same clade as that from Bangladesh. Similarly, E. coelomaticum isolates from Vietnam and China belonged to the same clade. Both clades were isolated from E. pancreaticum. This is the first study to describe the coexistence of E. cladorchis and E. coelomaticum in Vietnam and the first report of the ITS2 nucleotide sequence for E. coelomaticum, which can be used for molecular species discrimination.

Atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro de nitazoxanida em comparação com praziquantel contra Eurytrema coelomaticum

ABSTRACT: Eurytrema coelomaticum are trematodes that parasitize cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and camelids, and, accidentally, humans and cats. The affected animal usually has a subclinical pancreatic disease, but the damage caused to health and animal production is underestimated. Currently, praziquantel is the unique drug proven effective against this parasite, but no formulations containing this drug are available for ruminants in Brazilian market. The objective of the present study was to separately evaluate in vitro anthelmintic activity of praziquantel (PZQ) and nitazoxanide (NTZ) against E. coelomaticum by assessing motility after 3, 12, and, 15 hours of incubation and subsequent histopathological examination of the parasites. E. coelomaticum specimens were obtained from the pancreas of naturally infected cattle, collected from animals slaughtered in the city of Concordia-SC, Brazil. The specimens were incubated in plates with a culture medium (n = 60 per group), with 80µg/ml of PZQ (positive control group), or 61,5µg/ml of NTZ (treated group), or UNT (untreated control). After 12 hours of incubation all parasites of the NTZ and PZQ groups were motionless or dead, while in the negative control group, 91.67% (55/60) presented normal motility after 15 hours of incubation (P < 0.001). Histopathological examination showed severe damage in vitellogenic gland, intestine, parenchyma, integument, and testicle in both treated and positive control groups. It was concluded that PZQ and NTZ showed in vitro anthelmintic action against the parasite Eurytrema coelomaticum, as they caused significant lesions in the evaluated organs and reduced the parasite’s motility.

Eurytrema coelomaticum

This datasheet on Eurytrema coelomaticum covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

Eurytrema coelomaticum infection: correlation between parasite burden and impairment of pancreatic exocrine enzyme secretion

ABSTRACT: Eurytrema coelomaticum is a trematode reported in the pancreatic ducts of ruminants. It is conjectured that may cause disorders in the pancreas, as well as digestive and metabolic processes dependent on them. This study, determined if there is an impairment of exocrine pancreatic function, and correlated it with parasite burden. Pancreas, blood, and fecal samples were collected from 119 bovines at a abattoir. Stool samples were subjected to the gelatin and x-ray film digestion tests (to detect the presence of trypsin in feces). Using blood samples, the following biochemical tests were performed: amylase, lipase, glucose, fructosamine, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, and globulins. Analyses were correlated with pancreatic parasite burden. Cattle with a high parasitic load presented higher incidence of negative tests in both gelatin digestion and x-ray film digestion tests (P < 0.001) when compared to non-parasitized animals and those with a low parasitic load. Changes in those tests only occurred if the parasitemia was moderate or severe. The activity of the amylase and lipase enzymes was significantly higher in animals with low parasitemia (P < 0.05), compared to non-parasitized animals and with a high parasitic burden. In this study, in cases of high parasitemia, negative results were observed in both gelatin and x-ray film in the feces digestion tests. However, the low infection of E. coelomaticum, higher levels of serum amylase and lipase that also indicated loss of pancreatic exocrine functions were reported.

Eurytrema coelomaticum natural infection in small ruminants: a neglected condition.

Pancreatic eurytrematosis (PE) is an under diagnosed and neglected parasitosis in goats and sheep in the Americas. Clinical and pathological features of PE are not well defined in small ruminants worldwide. Natural cases of PE in small ruminants were detected in the Federal District, Brazil. A survey of necropsy records, including epidemiological and clinicopathological data, in goats and sheep was conducted. Most cases of PE occurred during the rainy season in adult females, with an incidence of 12.9% in goats and 0.8% in sheep. Clinical signs varied from asymptomatic infections to anorexia, lethargy, weakness, marked weight loss and death in some goats. Overall, most cases of PE in goats and sheep were incidental necropsy findings with minor pancreatic lesions. Three goats, however, showed severe chronic pancreatitis, dilation of major pancreatic ducts with numerous trematodes present and marked abdominal fat necrosis. Morphological and molecular characterization of flukes detected Eurytrema coelomaticum. Our findings shed light on the prevalence of E. coelomaticum infections in small ruminants in the region and highlight the possibility of severe and lethal cases in goats. PE must be further investigated in small ruminant populations in relevant livestock production regions of the Americas.

Cattle naturally infected by Eurytrema coelomaticum: Relation between adenosine deaminase activity and zinc levels

The enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) is critical for modulating the immune system, and in the presence of zinc, its activity is catalyzed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ADA activity in pancreas of cattle naturally infected by Eurytrema coelomaticum in relation to the results of zinc levels, pathological findings and parasite load. For this study 51 slaughtered cattle were used. The animals were divided into two groups: Group A consisting of animals naturally infected by E. coelomaticum (n=33) and Group B of uninfected animals (n=18). Blood and pancreas were collected of each animal for analysis of zinc and ADA, respectively. Infected cattle showed a reduction on seric levels of zinc, and decreased ADA activity in the pancreas (P>0.05). A positive correlation between zinc levels and ADA activity was observed. Thus, high parasite load and severity of histopathologic lesions affect the ADA activity in pancreas, as well as the zinc levels in serum of infected animals (negative correlation between these variables). Therefore, we can conclude that cattle infected by E. coelomaticum have low ADA activity in pancreas, which can be directly related to zinc reduction, responsible for ADA activation and catalyzes.

NTPDase and 5'-nucleotidase as inflammatory markers in cattle naturally infected by Eurytrema coelomaticum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate seric NTPDase and 5'nucleotidase activities of cattle naturally infected by Eurytrema coelomanticum, as well as to correlate them to histopathological lesions in the pancreas and the degree of parasitism. Blood samples and pancreas of 51 bovines were collected on a slaughterhouse in Southern Brazil: 33 from cattle naturally infected by E. coelomanticum (the Group A), and 18 from uninfected animals (the Group B). Infected animals showed an average of 532 parasites per pancreas. In the pancreatic histology, ducts displayed hyperplasia, stenosis, proliferation of fibrous tissue, and interstitial inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes. The serum from infected animals showed an increase in NTPDase activity when ATP was used as substrate (P<0.001). For the ADP substrate, there was no difference between groups regarding NTPDase activity (P=0.37), as well as 5'-nucleotidase activity (P=0.27). Correlating NTPDase activity (ATP substrate) with the degree of histopathological lesions (rho=0.66, P<0.001) and the parasitic load on the pancreas (rho=0.65, P<0.001), a positive correlation was observed. Similar results were found between the degree of histopathological lesions and NTPDase activity (ADP substrate; rho=0.29, P=0.03), and 5'nucleotidase activity (rho=0.35, P=0.01). Based on the results of NTPDase and 5'nucleotidase enzymes in cattle naturally infected by E. coleomanticum, it is possible to suggest that these enzymes are involved in the modulation of inflammation, and they can act as markers of inflammatory response.

Oxidative stress associated with pathological changes in the pancreas of cattle naturally infected by Eurytrema coelomaticum

Although Eurytrema coelomaticum is considered a parasite with low pathogenicity, it may be associated with mortality and loss of productive performance in animals due to chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of oxidative stress caused by E. coelomaticum in naturally infected cattle, correlating the biochemical findings with the parasite load and histopathological changes. For this study, blood and pancreas samples from 51 cattle were collected, and levels of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were measured in the serum and pancreas, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured in total blood. Parasite burden was determined opening the pancreatic ducts, and then fragments of pancreas were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin and routinely processed for histopathology. From the 51 collected pancreas, 33 (63.5%) were parasitized. The average parasite burden per pancreas was 532 (12–2,578). TBARS and FRAP showed higher levels in serum and pancreas of infected animals (p<0.05), with a positive correlation between the histopathological changes and the number of parasites. SOD level in blood was 42% higher in parasitized group compared with control group (p<0.05), as well as AOPP in serum. Based on these results, we concluded that in natural infection by E. coelomaticum in cattle, oxidative stress occurs, characterized by the occurrence of protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and activation of antioxidant system.

Relationship Between Pathological Findings and Cholinesterase Activity and Nitric Oxide Levels in Cattle Infected Naturally by Eurytrema coelomaticum

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (in the serum and pancreas), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (in the whole blood and pancreas) and nitric oxide (NO) (in the serum and pancreas) in cattle infected naturally by Eurytrema coelomaticum. Fifty-one cattle were studied, including 33 infected by E. coelomaticum and 18 uninfected animals. Significantly greater AChE activity was found in the pancreas of infected animals (P<0.01); however, these cattle had lower AChE activity in whole blood. BChE activity was greater in the sera of infected animals (P=0.05), but was less in pancreatic samples. NO levels were significantly higher in the sera (P<0.05) and pancreas (P<0.001) of infected cattle compared with uninfected animals. A positive correlation was found between AChE activity in the pancreas and parasite load, but there was negative correlation between pancreatic BChE activity and parasitic load. Expression of AChE, BChE and NO is therefore linked to the inflammation caused by E. coelomaticum in cattle.

Additional study of the morphology of eggs and miracidia of Eurytrema coelomaticum (Trematoda)

Abstract The morphology of the eggs and miracidia of Eurytrema coelomaticum was analyzed. The eggshell presented different composition according to the maturation stage of the egg, as seen by distinct birefringence after polarized light microscopic analysis. Detailed morphology of the brownish eggs, measuring 44.97±3.83 (38.67 - 51.40) μm in length and 30.71±2.54 (25.79 -34.47) μm in width, and the different electrondensities of the inner, middle and outer layers of the eggs were determined using light (bright field and DIC) and electronic microscopy (scanning and transmission). The morphometry of the eggs is in accordance to those measures presented in previous studies. The miracidia were observed using light microscopy, inside and outside the egg. It was possible to observe the terebratorium at the anterior end of the body, the ciliated epidermal plates, placed according the formula E=2E1 + 2E2, and the interepidermal ridge, but eyespots were not observed. The excretory vesicle was laterally placed in the posterior middle of the body and the germ balls were observed. The miracidium inside the egg was observed by routine techniques, but the miracidium was not well preserved. Thus, the eggs were processed using high pressure-freeze substitution technique and reasonable preservation was achieved. The cilia covering the larval body, with a typical ciliary organization, the terebratorium with folds and the junction of the epidermal ciliated cell with the larval body were seen. For the first time detailed information on the eggs and miracidia of E. coelomaticum is given, which can be the basis for new studies.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Eurytrema cladorchis parasitizing cattle (Bos indicus) in Bangladesh.

There is always controversy regarding identification of different species in the genus Eurytrema. Identification has been based mainly on morphology, which can be misleading and subject to differing interpretation among the scientists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify Eurytrema flukes both by morphology and molecular properties on the basis of 18-subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene as well as internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) to clarify their phylogenetic status. Among six different agroecological areas of Bangladesh, 22 Eurytrema flukes were recovered from the bile ducts of 22 cattle in Bandarban, a hill district. The flukes were identified as Eurytrema cladorchis through morphometric and morphological studies. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted by neighbor-joining phylogram inferred from both 18S rRNA (1784 bp) gene and ITS2 (229 bp) sequences. A monophyletic clade was constructed by the E. cladorchis from Bangladesh; however, the clade was distinct from those formed by Eurytrema pancreaticum and Eurytrema coelomaticum. This study first described the existence of E. cladorchis from Bangladesh and may provide useful information for both morphological and molecular properties that may further help to clarify phylogenetic relationships within the genus Eurytrema and also for other digeneans.

Molecular characterization of Eurytrema coelomaticum in cattle from Paraná, Brazil.

This study investigated the occurrence of Eurytrema spp. in cattle by analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence. Trematodes from 44 bovine pancreas were collected and classified based on typical morphological features. PCR assay and sequence analyses of amplified products confirmed that the trematodes classified as Eurytrema coelomaticum were phylogenetically distinct from those identified as E. pancreaticum. The results of this study represent the first molecular characterization of E. coelomaticum within the Americas, and provide an efficient method to differentiate digenean trematodes of domestic animals.

Changes in the lipid profile of Bradybaena similaris (Férussac, 1821) (Gastropoda, Xanthonychidae) during the development of Eurytrema coelomaticum (Giard and Billet, 1892) (Digenea, Dicrocoeliidae)

The effect of experimental exposure of Bradybaena similaris by Eurytrema coelomaticum on the cholesterol and triglycerides total levels circulating in the hemolymph and the neutral lipids in the digestive gland–gonad (DGG) complex of the host snail were studied. In this study, snails were dissected after one, two, and three months of infection to collect the hemolymph and DGG to measure the cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in the hemolymph and neutral lipid fractions in the tissues. The results for the hemolymph showed that the infection by this trematode resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of triacylglycerol during all periods analyzed, as well as, increase in the levels of cholesterol observed after the second and third months of study. This decrease suggests the possible use of triacylglycerol by both parasite and host as alternative substrate in maintaining their energy metabolisms. In parallel, the increase in the contents of cholesterol results from a severe cellular disorganization in snail, especially DGG, as a consequence of the intense plastic processes showed by parasite. Additionally, changes in the neutral lipid profile in the DGG of the infected snails were observed, indicating the importance of these molecules for successful infection.

Pancreatite intersticial crônica em bovino causada por Eurytrema coelomaticum

Descrevem-se os achados clínicos e patológicos atribuídos à infecção maciça por trematódeos pancreáticos do gênero Eurytrema (Loos, 1907) em uma novilha da raça Jersey, procedente do município de Seara, região oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. O animal de dois anos de idade apresentava desenvolvimento insuficiente, emagrecimento crônico, caquexia, decúbito prolongado e anemia, sendo submetido à eutanásia in extremis. Na necropsia observou-se aumento de volume do pâncreas, que estava esbranquiçado, crepitante, com a superfície de corte irregular, onde foram visualizados inúmeros trematódeos emergindo ativamente do órgão. Histologicamente havia pancreatite intersticial crônica. O parasito foi identificado como Eurytrema coelomaticum (Giard &amp; Billet, 1882). Trata-se do primeiro registro de euritrematose clínica em bovino no estado de Santa Catarina.

New insight into the morphology of Eurytrema coelomaticum (Trematoda, Dicrocoeliidae) cercariae by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopies

Eurytrema coelomaticum is a digenetic trematode that parasitizes the pancreatic ducts of ruminants. In the present study, the morphology of the cercariae was analyzed using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopies. The size of the larvae was larger than that reported in the literature. An oral sucker with many papillae and an oral aperture in its center and a ventral sucker with few discrete papillae on the edge were observed. No stylet at the anterior end of the larval body and spines on the tegument of the end of the tail were observed. The cercariae had lateral penetration glands and (central) pre-acetabular glands, from which ducts lead to the anterior region and open into a small anterior pocket. The flame cells were located laterally and communicated with fine branches, converging to two lateral excretory collecting ducts that opened into an excretory bladder, centrally located at the posterior end of the body. The tegument presented an external layer loosely attached to the larval body, below which an amorphous syncytial outer layer with many mitochondrial profiles was observed. This region exhibited many secretions and released secretory granules, indicating intense secretory activity. The circular and longitudinal muscle layers were arranged in sequence below the outer layer. The outer layer was connected by cytoplasmic bridges crossing the muscular layers to the internal region of the tegument, where the cell body with nucleus was located. In the cercarial body, it was possible to observe a typical flame cell with the barrel region, where cilia and the internal and external ribbed regions were found. The somatic cells seem to have an active metabolism, with a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, secretory granules, and evident nuclei. The results are discussed in the light of the biology and taxonomy of this species.

Update on trematode infections in sheep

Trematode parasites live in the liver, fore stomachs or blood vessels of a wide range of animals and humans. Most of them have a special economic and veterinary significance. Liver fluke disease of sheep and other animal species is caused by the common liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. Hepatic fasciolosis occurs throughout the world, where climatic conditions are suitable for the survival of aquatic intermediate host snails. Also of importance for ruminants, in some parts of the world, are Fasciola gigantica and Fascioloides magna. Other trematodes infecting ruminants include Dicrocoelium dendriticum; Eurytrema pancreaticum and Eurytrema coelomaticum. Among the Paramphistomidae, some species can infect sheep and other ruminants. Finally, Schistosoma spp. are found in the blood vessels of ruminants and are of minor importance in temperate regions. The manuscript concentrates on trematode species of veterinary importance for domestic sheep.

Chronic interstitial pancreatitis and chronic wasting disease caused by Eurytrema coelomaticum in Nelore cow

A euritrematose bovina, causada por Eurytrema coelomaticum, tem sido relatada no Brasil. A doenca pode afetar animais domesticos, incluindo ruminantes. Estes parasitos geralmente vivem nos ductos pancreaticos e ocasionalmente nos ductos biliares. Este estudo relata um quadro de caquexia em um bovino parasitado por E. coelomaticum proveniente de um rebanho de gado de corte localizado no Estado de Minas Gerais. O animal acometido apresentou perda progressiva de peso, glicosuria e cetonuria. Na necropsia o pâncreas apresentava-se diminuido de tamanho, brancacento, intensa e difusamente firme (fibrose). Varios ductos apresentavam-se dilatados e repletos de Eurytrema. Microscopicamente foi observada destruicao extensa do parenquima pancreatico e fibrose, ovos e parasitas intralesionais, hiperplasia ductal e inflamacao multifocal cronica. Este relato descreve a perda progressiva de peso e pancreatite cronica associada a E. coelomaticum em bovino de corte no Estado de Minas Gerais.

Ultrastructure of the sporocysts of Eurytrema coelomaticum (Giard Et Billet, 1892) Looss, 1907

The digenetic trematode Eurytrema coelomaticum is a parasite of pancreatic ducts of ruminants. The ultrastructure of the mother and daughter sporocysts of E. coelomaticum was analyzed. The mother sporocyst was attached to the coelome of the intestine wall of intermediate snail host Bradybaena similaris, intimately adhered in some regions. It presents a highly folded tegument with granules and the body wall was composed by an outer syncitial layer, basal lamina, and circular and longitudinal muscle layer. Below was the cell body (cyton) with the nucleus. The daughter sporocysts obtained by dissection exhibited many granules and secretory vesicle in the outer layer indicating an intense secretory activity. The body wall presented the same layers of the mother sporocysts, but the outer syncitial layer invaginated and an amorphous layer was present between the syncitial and circular muscle layers. The protonephridial excretory system was viewed. The anterior and posterior end of the expelled sporocyst exhibit a degenerated structure, but biological activity still occurred in these regions. The swollen middle of the body was filled by a lamellar structure formed by degenerating membranes, but the excretory system was preserved. The endocyst wall was fibrilar and filled by cercariae and amorphous, membranous and secretory material inside it. These results were discussed.