Fecal Parasite Research Articles

Applicability of FLOTAC® technique in recovering equine strongyle larvae in the pasture: A comparison study

The FLOTAC® technique represents a highly sensitive method for the isolation of oocysts, eggs, and larvae of parasites in faeces. This assay could be used for detecting free-living stages of nematodes in the pasture but no attempt has been assessed so far. Therefore, the performance of FLOTAC® technique for isolating infective larvae of nematodes in the environment was investigated and compared with the spontaneous sedimentation (SST) and centrifugal sedimentation (CST) techniques. The study was conducted in a horse farm located in northeastern Brazil, where the occurrence of strongyle larvae had been previously reported. Pasture samplings were collected monthly from January to May 2016 in a 376 m2 crop area harvested with the Guinea grass Panicum cultivar Massai. The recovery of third-stage larvae (L3) was performed using the FLOTAC®, SST and CST techniques. Values of Cohen's kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of each technique were assessed. Although strongyle larvae were evenly detected, with the FLOTAC® technique yielded the highest number of positive samples (i.e., 41%, 41/100, p < .0001). The main parasites isolated belonged to the Cyathostominae and Strongylinae subfamilies. Based on these results, the FLOTAC® technique should be considered as practical and safe method for the isolation of nematode larvae in the pasture, thus opening a new potential use for this tool in the field.

Parasite control strategies used by equine owners in the United States: A national survey

The widespread occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites across the world has led to recommendations of fecal egg count-based parasite programs to reduce treatment intensity and thereby delay further development of resistance as much as possible. The most recent study describing equine parasite control in the United States was conducted 20 years ago, and little is known about current strategies employed. This study was part of the National Animal Health Monitoring Systems (NAHMS) Equine 2015 Study, and aimed to describe equine parasite control strategies in the U.S. and evaluate to which extent respondents were in compliance with current guidelines. The study was carried out in 28 states, representing 70.9% of all equine operations with at least five equids present. Two questionnaires were administered, either by mail or delivered in person by veterinary medical officers. Participants provided specific details of their operation and were asked questions about strategies for anthelmintic therapy and diagnostic testing. A total of 380 operations provided data regarding their parasite control practices. Most respondents dewormed 2–3 times a year with ivermectin being the most commonly used anthelmintic. About 22% of respondents used fecal egg counts (FEC) in some form, with less than 10% using them on a regular basis. Less than 5% made use of fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT). These results suggest little change since the last nationwide survey was conducted in 1998, as the majority of respondents did not report using FECs. This is in stark contrast to recent European surveys, where 50–60% of respondents were using FECs routinely. However, the anthelmintic treatment intensity appears to have been lowered compared to 1998. Taken together, these results suggest a continuing need for education and outreach regarding sustainable parasite control.

Distribution of Blastocystis subtypes isolated from humans from an urban community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

BackgroundBlastocystis is a cosmopolitan protist parasite found in the human gastrointestinal tract and is highly prevalent in developing countries. Recent molecular studies have revealed extensive genetic diversity, which has been classified into different subtypes (STs) based on sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Blastocystis is one of the most common fecal parasites in Brazil, but the diversity of subtypes remains unknown in the country. This study aimed to determine the distribution of Blastocystis STs in an urban community in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.MethodsA total of 64 stool samples positive for Blastocystis in Pavlova’s medium were subtyped by PCR and sequenced using primers targeting the small subunit rRNA gene, in addition to phylogenetic analysis and subtype-specific PCR using sequence-tagged-site (STS) primers.ResultsEndolimax nana (14%), Entamoeba complex (10.5%), Taenia sp. (0.6%), Trichuris trichiura (1.3%) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.3%) were detected in Blastocystis-positive samples. Of the 64 samples tested by PCR/DNA sequencing, 55 were identified as ST1 (42%), ST3 (49%), ST2 (7%) and ST4 (2%), and the presence of mixed ST (ST1 + ST3) infection was detected in nine samples (14%).ConclusionsDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Brazilian Blastocystis isolates identified four different subtypes. To our knowledge, this study provided the first genetic characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We also identified ST4 for the first time in Brazil. Further studies are necessary to determine the distribution of STs across human populations in Rio de Janeiro.

Gastrointestinal helminths of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

A study on the prevalence of fecal helminth parasites in adult WAD goats was carried out in five different areas of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of fecal helminth parasites of goats in some areas including Gbekuba, Adabeji, Adifase, Owode and Lade-Owo as well as the genera distribution of faecal helminth parasites of goats in the study area. A total of 22 faecal samples per area were collected summing up to 110 samples from 110 goats. Simple floatation technique was used to identify eggs of parasites in the faecal samples and the eggs examined under light microscope for typing. Out of the 110 fecal samples, 78 (70.91%) of them were positive for helminth endo-parasites including five genera of nematodes: Ascaris spp (56.36%), Strongyloides spp (2.73%), Trichuris spp (0.91%), Nematodirus spp (2.73%) and Trichostrongylus spp (1.82%) and a genus of trematode: Fasciola spp (6.36%). The results showed that Ascaris spp was the most prevalent followed by Fasciola spp, Trichuris spp, Nematodirus spp, Strongyloides spp and Trichostrongylus spp. It is therefore recommended that routine deworming should be embraced using broad spectrum anthelmintics particularly against nematodes and trematodes to bring to minimal or possibly stamp out endo-parasites from the study area.

Ocurrencia de Enteroparásitos en Poblaciones de Quiscalus lugubris (Aves: Passeriformes, Icteridae) del Semiárido Urbano del Estado Falcón, Venezuela

Los parásitos intestinales patógenos de aves paseriformes pueden potencialmente tener importancia zoonótica. Se realizó un estudio para determinar la ocurrencia de parásitos intestinales en heces de poblaciones de Quiscalus lugubris («torditos negros») (Aves, Passeriformes: Icteridae) en la ciudad de Coro, estado Falcón, Venezuela. El diagnóstico parasitológico de las muestras (n=156) se hizo mediante los métodos directo, flotación de Willis-Molloy y Faust, sedimentación en tubo y coloración de Kinyoun. Se detectaron hasta tres taxones de protozoarios, helmintos y acantocéfalos en 109 muestras (69.9%). Isospora spp (59.0%), Criptosporidium spp (37.8%) y el acantocéfalo Mediorhynchus spp (6.4%) fueron los enteroparásitos más frecuentes. Todos los parásitos encontrados representan nuevos registros para Q. lugubris en Venezuela.

Parasitos com potencial zoonótico nas fezes de cães, em locais públicos, na cidade de Barueri, SP, Brasil

Dogs are responsible for many zoonosis. This paper presents some zoonosis transmitted by fecal parasites. Twenty fecal pools were collected from four different sites (five pools per site) between June and August 2015. Soon after retrieval, samples were sent to the laboratory for parasite research by the modified Wisconsin sugar flotation method. 85% of the analyzed samples contained eggs of parasites. The most frequent were eggs of Ancylostoma sp (100% of samples), followed by Toxocara canis and Giardia sp (17.6) and Trichuris vulpis and taenids (5.9%). These results indicate the need for parasitic control of dogs in the region in order to reduce environmental contamination and the risk of zoonosis.

Changes in microbial pathogen dynamics during vermicomposting mixture of cow manure\u2013organic solid waste and cow manure\u2013sewage sludge

PurposeMicrobial pathogens can lead to health problems and disease transmission. Present study aimed to evaluate the microbial quality and quantity of vermicompost production and to compare to the current Iranian standards to protect public health and environmental concerns.MethodThis is a pilot-scale experimental study conducted in the Public Health laboratory of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. The samples included organic municipal solid waste, cow manure and wastewater treatment plant sludge which are used for vermicompost production. The samples are mixed as cow manure–organic waste and cow manure–sewage sludge in two reactors. Microbial tests such as fecal coliforms (FC) and parasite egg (Ascaris) were carried out during start, processing and curing time with duplication analysis in 56 days. Totally, a number of 128 samples was analyzed. Analyses were conducted according to standard methods. Data analysis was conducted through one-way ANOVA and Duncan tests.ResultsThe results showed a significant reduction in number of FCs in cow manure–organic waste so that the number of 350,000 MPN/g in the raw sample decreased to 800 MPN/g within 8-week period, also FC in the case of cow manure–sewage sludge was achieved to 2400 from 6,500,000 MPN/g. In two cocomposting cases, the parasite eggs were completely removed in the second week.ConclusionThe results showed vermicomposting as a feasible method to convert waste into fertilizer humus in agriculture which also enables to achieve Iranian class A compost standard.

Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis and other foodborne parasites in fox, cat and dog faeces collected in kitchen gardens in a highly endemic area for alveolar echinococcosis.

Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. are foodborne parasites whose eggs or oocysts are spread in the environment via canid or felid faeces. They can cause infections in humans following the raw consumption of contaminated fruit or vegetables. In this study, their occurrence was investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 254 carnivore faeces deposited in 94 kitchen gardens of northeastern France that were sampled between two and six times from October 2011 to April 2013. Less than 25% of the sampled kitchen gardens contained more than 75% of the collected faeces. Of the 219 faeces that could be attributed to an emitter, cat accounted for 58%, fox for 32% and dog for 10%. Echinococcus multilocularis was detected in 35%, 11% and 7% of fox, dog and cat faeces, respectively, and Toxocara spp. in 33%, 12% and 5.5% of cat, fox and dog faeces, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 2/125 cat faeces and 2/21 dog faeces. The 34 faeces that tested positive for E. multilocularis were found in only 19 out of the 94 sampled kitchen gardens, and the 40 faeces that tested positive for Toxocara spp. were found in 28 of them. Consequently, some kitchen gardens appeared particularly at risk of human exposure to foodborne parasites, including E. multilocularis responsible for alveolar echinococcosis (AE), which is a serious zoonosis. In endemic areas, kitchen garden owners should be informed about the zoonotic risk linked to carnivore faeces deposits and encouraged to set up preventive measures.

Fecal parasite identification by microscopy and PCR in scimitar-horned oryx, Oryx dammah, managed at two sites.

The scimitar-horned oryx, Oryx dammah, an endangered species extinct in the wild, is managed in various captive management programs and is the focus of reintroduction efforts. Management variability can contribute to substantial parasite load differences, which can affect deworming programs and potentially transfer parasites to different regions with translocations. Parasite studies in O. dammah are lacking. In this study, we determined fecal egg/oocyst counts of O. dammah in two captive herds, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (FRWC) and Kansas City Zoo (KCZ). Fecal egg counts (FEC) were performed on O. dammah feces collected seasonally using the modified McMaster method, and microscopy provided additional identification of parasite genera ova and oocysts. To identify parasites to species level, homogenized fecals provided DNA subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using genus specific primers. Microscopy and sequencing results indicated the presence of Strongylus (Strongylus vulgaris, Angiostrongylus cantonensis), Trichostrongylus (Haemonchus contortus, Camelostrongylus mentulatus), Trichuris (T. leporis, T. ovis, and T. discolor), Isospora (Isospora gryphoni) and Eimeria (E. zuernii and E. bovis), with Strongylus being the most common. Nematodirus was identified through microscopy at FRWC. Fecal egg counts were significantly higher in (FRWC) than in (KCZ) in all samplings (P = <0.001). No significant difference was seen between parasite load and seasons (P = 0.103), nor site and season (P = 0.51). Both study sites maintained most animals within commonly accepted FEC levels found in domestic livestock. Individuals with high numbers of EPG or OPG were subordinate males, pregnant females, or neonates. Several significant interactions were found between genera of parasites, age, sex, season, and pregnancy status in the FRWC herd. Sampling limitations prevented further analysis of the KCZ herd. Understanding interactions between parasite loads and physiological, environmental, and regional differences can help determine inter-specific transfer of parasites, and establish appropriate anthelmintic programs for O. dammah herds.

Assessing the sensitivity of foraging and vigilance to internal state and environmental variables in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris)

Both internal and environmental factors influence the trade-offs animals make between foraging and antipredator vigilance. However, few studies examine both internal and environmental factors simultaneously, preventing us from drawing inferences about their relative importance during foraging. We capitalized on a long-term study of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) to compare the relative importance of internal state-based factors versus external environmental factors in explaining variation in marmot foraging and vigilance behavior. Results indicate that while internal factors such as baseline fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, parasite infection, and body condition influence the time allocated to both foraging and vigilance, environmental factors such as group size and habitat characteristics only explain variation in the time allocated to vigilance. Thus, our findings reveal not only the importance of considering effects of both internal and environmental factors in explaining behavioral trade-offs but also the value in evaluating the subtle ways in which factors explaining vigilance and foraging differ. Studies on foraging and vigilance typically focus either on internal or environmental factors that influence behavior. This paper makes contributions to the field by integrating both internal factors, such as parasite infection, body condition, and fecal glucocorticoid hormone levels, and external factors, such as group size and habitat characteristics, in evaluation of behavioral trade-offs. We find that foraging and vigilance are affected differently by internal and external factors. This highlights the fact that even though foraging and vigilance are closely related, they are unique behaviors and there are opportunities in understanding how the factors that influence them differ.

Induction of protective immunity against experimental Eimeria tenella infection using serum exosomes

Avian coccidiosis is caused by Eimeria, a unicellular, apicomplexan protist which primarily infects intestinal epithelia resulting in nutrient malabsorption and reduced growth of commercial poultry. Vaccination of chickens with exosomes isolated from antigen presenting cells containing parasite antigens (Ags) represents a promising alternative strategy to control avian coccidiosis, but is restricted in its commercial application due to limitations on production scale-up for mass immunization programs. Here, we report the biochemical and physiologic characteristics of exosomes derived from serum of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens and their feasibility for inducing protective immunity to experimental coccidiosis. Exosomes isolated from the serum of E. tenella-infected chickens contained a subset of protein Ags found in the intact parasite. Serum-derived exosomes containing these E. tenella Ags localized to the intestine and spleen following intramuscular injection into naïve chickens. In vitro ELISPOT assays revealed increased numbers of IL-2-, IL-4-, IL-6-, and IFN-γ-secreting cells in the intestine and spleen of exosome-administered chickens, compared with vehicle controls. Pre-immunization of chickens with serum exosomes from E. tenella-infected chickens increased both body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency, and reduced both fecal parasite shedding and gut lesion scores following parasite infection, compared with vehicle controls. Finally, immunization with CD80+ serum exosomes stimulated greater numbers of cytokine-producing cells, and higher levels of protective immunity to E. tenella infection, compared with CD80− exosomes. These results suggest the possibility of producing an effective, parasite-free vaccine against avian coccidiosis under field conditions using serum-derived CD80+ exosomes containing parasite Ags.

Intestinal parasites in children and soil from Turbaco, Colombia and associated risk factors.

Objective To determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in children and soil from Turbaco- Colombia and associated risks factors. Methods Analytical study in which 390 children between 2 and 12 years old from 10 neighborhoods of Turbaco were included, whose legal representatives gave informed consent. Three serial samples of feces and 10 soil samples were processed. Risk factors were determined through an interview. Physicochemical and structural characteristics of soils were also evaluated. Results Parasites were found in 30.5 % of children. 162 parasites were observed; the most frequent protozoan was Endolimax nana (30.3 %) and in terms of helminthes, the most frequent was Ascaris lumbricoides (4.9 %). No statistical association between age or sex and intestinal parasites (p>0.05) or between risk factors and intestinal parasites (p>0.05) was found. Low frequencies of intestinal parasites were encountered in soil samples, being more common Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., and Ascaris lumbricoides. Neighborhoods of Turbaco had sandy dry soil with low content of ions, low conductivity and low organic matter. Conclusion This study showed a low frequency of intestinal parasites in feces and soils. Despite this, pathogenic parasites were found which can affect the health of the population. Besides this, a high percentage of intestinal parasites that are transmitted through feces were detected indicating fecal contamination and low level of hygiene.

Polymerase chain reaction testing for faecal parasites: risks and alternatives.

Polymerase chain reaction testing for faecal parasites: risks and alternatives.

Microbial Diversity and Parasitic Load in Tropical Fish of Different Environmental Conditions.

In this study we analysed fecal bacterial communities and parasites of three important Indonesian fish species, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, Epinephelus sexfasciatus and Atule mate. We then compared the biodiversity of bacterial communities and parasites of these three fish species collected in highly polluted Jakarta Bay with those collected in less polluted Indonesian areas of Cilacap (E. sexfasciatus, A. mate) and Thousand Islands (E. fuscoguttatus). In addition, E. fuscoguttatus from net cages in an open water mariculture facility was compared with free living E. fuscoguttatus from its surroundings. Both core and shared microbiomes were investigated. Our results reveal that, while the core microbiomes of all three fish species were composed of fairly the same classes of bacteria, the proportions of these bacterial classes strongly varied. The microbial composition of phylogenetically distant fish species, i.e. A. mate and E. sexfasciatus from Jakarta Bay and Cilacap were more closely related than the microbial composition of more phylogentically closer species, i.e. E. fuscoguttatus, E. sexfasciatus from Jakarta Bay, Cilacap and Thousand Islands. In addition, we detected a weak negative correlation between the load of selected bacterial pathogens, i.e. Vibrio sp. and Photobacterium sp. and the number of endoparasites. In the case of Flavobacterium sp. the opposite was observed, i.e. a weak positive correlation. Of the three recorded pathogenic bacterial genera, Vibrio sp. was commonly found in E. fuscoguttatus from mariculture, and lessly in the vicinity of the net cages and rarely in the fishes from the heavily polluted waters from Jakarta Bay. Flavobacterium sp. showed higher counts in mariculture fish and Photobacteria sp. was the most prominent in fish inside and close to the net cages.

Domestic wastewater disinfection by combined treatment using multi-soil-layering system and sand filters (MSL–SF): A laboratory pilot study

This study aims to present the removal of bacterial indicators of fecal contamination and parasites in a combined treatment using a multi-soil-layering system with sand filters (MSL–SF). This experiment was carried out in a laboratory scale. The MSL pilot (height 65cm, width 36cm, depth 30cm) was composed of soil mixture layers (SML) and gravel layers that are arranged in a brick-layer like pattern. The soil mixture layers are composed of local sandy soil mixed with sawdust, metal iron and charcoal at the ratio of 70, 10, 10 and 10%, respectively, on a dry weight basis. The applied hydraulic loading rate (HLR) was 200Lm−2day−1. The experimental sand filter included three parallel similar sand columns (inside diameter 12.5cm, height 120cm). Each column was filled with 80cm of fine sand and 10cm of gravel in the top and the bottom of the filter. Three sand columns HLRs (100, 200 and 400Lm−2day−1) were compared. The obtained results indicated that the conceptual model based on the combination of the MSL method and sand filter (MSL–SF) showed very high efficiency in organic matter, nutrients, bacteria and the reduction of parasites. The high performances were noted in the low HLR. The main removal percentage of SS, BOD5, COD, TN and TP were respectively 99.73, 97.78, 98.40, 92.93 and 96.21% for the HLR-100. In addition, the Log10 removal for total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci were 4.46, 4.47 and 4.13 Log unit respectively. MSL-SF is capable of removing 100% of helminthes eggs. The MSL system is an efficient method, especially for organic matter and nutrients (N, P) removal. Sand filters have experimentally been proved to be useful for fecal indicators and the removal of parasites. Good operational stability and high contaminants removal efficiency of the combined systems were observed. Therefore, the combination of the MSL system and sand filter offer a good alternative option for agricultural wastewater reuse.

Detection of the Carcinogenic Liver Fluke Opisthorchis viverrini Using a Mini Parasep SF Faecal Parasite Concentrator.

The Mini Parasep SF fecal parasite concentrator (MPSFC) is a new modification of the closed concentration system, which can easily be adopted in any routine clinical pathology laboratory. Here we describe our experience with the system in diagnosing Opisthorchis viverrini. A total of 199 fecal samples was submitted for routine examination in the clinical pathology laboratory of Suranaree University of Technology hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, during August to October 2015. Out of all samples examined, 10 (5.03%) were positive with intestinal parasites including O. viverrini (2.01%), followed by Strongyloided stercoralis (1.51%), Hookworm (0.5%), Taenia spp. (0.5%), and Entamoeba coli (0.5%). Regarding the distribution of intestinal parasites in relation to the methods used, and found that 4 samples (2.01%) were positive using the direct wet smear method while 10 (5.03%) were positive with the Mini Parasep SF method; the difference was statistically significant (X2-test = 116.506, p-value =0.001). Mean time for processing using the Parasep system was 6.03 min/ sample, the conventional direct wet smear method at 0.3 min/sample. Cost per test, conventional direct wet smear method costing less than the Parasep method at USD 0.74/sample versus USD 1.47/sample. This first report of O. viverrini detection using MPSFC indicates that Parasep concentration test is useful in the routine laboratory, increasing the yield of parasites as compared to direct microscopy, but with greater processing time and cost. Further comparisons between the Parasep concentration test and common methods for O. viverrini detection are required, particularly concerning use in epidemiological surveys.

Prevalence of potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in canine faeces in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Humans can get infected through direct or indirect contact with infective stages of zoonotic parasites shed to the environment through dog faeces. This study was designed to investigate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites present in dog faeces shed on the street of Ibadan metropolis, one of the largest cities in Africa. Twenty-three locations were randomly selected using grid-sampling method. A total of 203 faecal samples collected from the streets of selected areas were processed for detection of helminth eggs and protozoan oocysts using flotation technique. Eggs/oocysts per gram of faeces was counted using modified McMaster technique. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 43.3% (88/203). Single and multiple infections were 69 (78.4%) and 19 (21.6%) respectively. The parasites detected were Ancylostoma sp. 24.6% (50/88) Isospora sp. 14.2% (29/88), Toxocara sp. 9.8% (20/88), Uncinaria sp. 2.5% (5/88) and Strongyloides sp, 3.9% (8/88). Ancylostoma sp. (320 × 102 epg) and Uncinaria sp. (5 × 102 epg) had the highest and least intensity respectively. Streets within residential areas having markets had the highest number of positive samples. All the genera of parasites detected in this study have zoonotic potential. The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites detected in dog faeces from Ibadan metropolis showed that infected stray dogs roam the streets and constitute potential risk to human health. This study suggests the need for enforcement of laws restraining roaming or straying dogs and proper veterinary care of dogs. None declared.

Association between variation in faecal egg count for a natural mixed field-challenge of nematode parasites and TLR4 variation

Research has shown that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is important in immune responses to some helminth parasites. In sheep, variation in the PAMP region of TLR4 may result in structurally and thus functionally different TLR4 molecules, and this may consequently lead to variation in the TLR4 response to parasite infections. This study involved three separate, but related sheep breeds (Merino, Polwarth and Corriedale sheep) and a total of 885 lambs from five New Zealand farms that underwent a mixed field-challenge from gastro-intestinal parasites. Faecal samples were collected at approximately 4 and 9 months of age and faecal egg counts (FECs) for Nematodirus spp. and Strongyle species determined, along with the total number of eggs per gram (EPG). Analysis of the five farms collectively revealed an association (P=0.023) between the presence of TLR4 variant *02 (mean 24 EPG) and the absence of the variant (mean 32 EPG) at 9 months of age. Conversely the presence of *03 had a significantly (P=0.047) higher mean Nematodirus spp. FEC (mean 42 EPG) compared to the absence (mean 28 EPG) at 9 months of age. More associations were revealed when the data were split according to the dominant faecal parasite species. With a predominantly Trichostrongylus spp. FEC group of lambs at 9 months of age, the presence of TLR4 variant *02 was found to have significantly (P=0.003) lower Nematodirus spp. FEC (mean 4 EPG), and also significantly (P=0.033) lower total FEC (mean 312 EPG) when compared to sheep without the variant (mean 15 EPG and 449 EPG, respectively). The presence of TLR4 variant *03 and *04 were associated or tended to be associated (P=0.010 and P=0.088, respectively) with higher Nematodirus spp. FEC (mean 25 EPG and 22 EPG, respectively) when compared to lambs without the variant (mean 10 EPG and 11 EPG, respectively). These results suggest that TLR4 variation may be affecting the immune response to gastro-intestinal parasites in sheep, although principally to Nematodirus spp. infections and not Strongyle species infections.

Helmintos gastrointestinales zoonóticos de perros en parques públicos y su peligro para la salud pública

Zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths that parasitize the canine population represent a public health hazard. The principals parasites reported are Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum , generating infections with symptoms varied being the result of adaptation between the parasite and its host. In the world we have reported several studies on the presence of parasites in feces and floors on public places, which produce the clinical symptomatology in man, acquired by the accidental consumption instars that contaminate the soil. Taking into account the importance of this theme on public health and how these parasites can affect human and animal health, a systematic review was conducted in order to know the studies that have been conducted on the subject, identifying the associated factors the animal infection that can contribute to the design of control measures.

Study on the Prevalance of Gastrointestinal Helminthes Infection in Equines in and around Kombolcha

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 in and around Kombolcha town to estimate the prevalence of gastro intestinal tract helminthes infection and to identify the common GIT helminthes parasites of equines. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses, mules and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 73.2% (281 from 384) with 57.0% (73 from 128), 82.5% (160 from 194) and 77.4% (48 from 62) in horses, donkeys and mules respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp was 44.5%, 3.1%, 2.3%, and 3.1% respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 63.4%, 8.6%, 2.1% and 3.1% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in donkeys, respectively and the prevalence of GIT parasites was 48.4%, 12.9%, 3.2% and 6.5% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in mules respectively. There was statistically significant difference between species, age, and body condition and among different management systems in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites based on sex. In conclusion, the present study revealed higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines. Therefore, regular deworming, improvement of housing and feeding management were recommended.