Flotation Technique Research Articles

Tephra identification without pre‐separation in ashed peat

ABSTRACTCryptotephras in peat and sediment samples are traditionally separated for geochemical characterization using chemical or density floatation techniques following initial tephra identification and shard counting through analysis of ashed residue via light microscopy. However, these practices can be time consuming, subject to practitioner experience and material type, with a potential for sample loss. We present an alternative approach to identify cryptotephra in peat and sedimentary samples, where ashed material is mounted directly in epoxy resin and analysed through back‐scattered electron (BSE) imaging via scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX). Semi‐quantitative, unsupervised chemical maps of epoxy mounts are created within 120 min using ‘Feature Analysis’ on AZtec software by Oxford Instruments. These maps locate grains of higher atomic mass and categorize phases based on geochemistry. We create a tephra identification method using an ombrotrophic peat sample doped with bimodal Vedde Ash, where recovery of the known tephra proportion in wet peat is 96%. We also propose an automated alternative to optical shard counting, whereby tephra counts identified via Feature Analysis can be ratioed to total grain counts acquired through ImageJ software and extrapolated to the inorganic fraction in wet peat. We apply the method to a minerotrophic peat from Brackloon Wood, Mayo, Ireland, where the Laki ad 1783–84 cryptotephra is successfully identified.

In vitro Culture and Multilocus Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis Trophozoites Obtained from Human Fecal Samples in Southwest Iran.

The enteric protozoa, Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis), consists of eight distinct assemblages (A-H) with identical morphological characteristics and a direct life cycle. Successful axenic cultivation of this parasite is an important preliminary step for biological, drug resistance and phylogenetic studies. Moreover, G. duodenalis exhibits great genetic and biotypic diversity. The current study aimed to evaluate In vitro culture and multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis trophozoites obtained from human fecal samples in southwest Iran. Thirty human fecal specimens containing G. duodenalis cysts were collected from Ahvaz city (southwest of Iran). The purification of cysts was carried out by the sucrose flotation technique. The cysts were inoculated in a modified TYI-S-33 medium and was daily monitored for the development and viability of trophozoites. After extracting DNA, gdh, bg and tpi genes were evaluated using molecular techniques (the semi-nested PCR for gdh gene and the nested PCR for tpi and bg genes). Eventually, the amplified fragments were sequenced and then, the phylogenetic tree was drawn. Of 30, the trophozoites were encysted from five samples. All three genes were detected in two cases of five samples using molecular techniques. The multilocus phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all the two samples belonged to assemblage A and sub-assemblage AІІ. Our findings indicated the presence of different numbers of trophozoites with variable development and survival rates in modified TYI-S-33 medium. Furthermore, the multilocus genotyping showed that these trophozoites belonged to assemblage A and sub-assemblage AІІ.

Prevention of Ancylostomiasis Transmission in Livestock and Stockmen with Good Hygiene Behavior and Cage Sanitation

Introduction: Livestock farming is a vulnerable area for the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Good cage management affects the health of livestock and workers. Furthermore, clean and healthy farm conditions help to maintain the health of the people living around the farm. This study was centered on the early detection of worm infections in livestock. Methods: This exploratory study was conducted on a village farm containing 52 cows with 20 workers. Helminthiasis screening was performed with the saturated NaCl flotation technique via laboratory testing. Results: It was found that one cow was infected with hookworm, and all the workers were in healthy condition. Conclusion: Transmission of ancylostomiasis can be prevented by maintaining cage sanitation and worker hygiene behavior.

Separation of vivianite from digested sludge by flotation using oleic acid as a collector

The recovery of vivianite from anaerobically digested sludge has significant engineering implications for phosphorus recovery. Current phosphate recovery technology recovery technology has not yet reached a mature stage, and the complex process flow and equipment requirements make the investment and operating costs high. This study achieved the flotation separation of vivianite from digested sludge using collectors (oleic acid, surfactant, and sodium oleate) and an inhibitor (sodium silicate). The process involved investigating the adsorption of vivianite by the collectors and the inhibition of quartz in the sludge by the inhibitor. It has been found that the functional group of oleic acid can strongly adsorb onto the surface of vivianite, leading to an increase in its contact angle from 30.7° to 104.4° and significantly enhancing its hydrophobicity. This improvement facilitated the vivianite's attachment to foam, enabling effective separation from the sludge and quartz. Oleic acid exhibits the most significant shift towards a negative charge on the surface of vivianite and provides the best effect. Sodium silicate can effectively enhance the hydrophilicity of quartz in sludge, reducing the contact angle from 64.4° to 7.1°. This makes the quartz less likely to float and easier to separate from vivianite. Using 5 ml/L of oleic acid as the collector and 15 g/L of sodium silicate as the inhibitor, the recovery efficiency of vivianite can reach 67.8 %. This demonstrates that the flotation technique can effectively enrich vivianite in digested sludge.

Process for desulfurization and demineralization of low rank coal using oxidation assisted froth floatation technique

This study reports the desulfurization and deashing of Hangu coal by air oxidation assisted froth floatation technique applying performic acid (H2O2+HCOOH) as co-oxidant and Fe ions as catalysts in aqueous solution. This process led to the removal of up to 78.08% of total sulfur (TS) and 50.3% of ash at 60 °C, 30 min, a 2:2 ratio of H2O2+HCOOH (v/v), and 0.10% of Fe ions concentration. The sulfur and ash removal followed Fenton mechanism, wherein hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dissociated into hydroxyl ions (OH-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH.), facilitated by the dissociation of ferrous ions (Fe2+). The reaction of HCOOH with OH. resulted in the formation of performic acid or peroxyl radical, selectively oxidizing sulfur compounds to sulfone and sulfoxide. In the subsequent phase, coal froth floatation was employed with the addition of surfactant i.e. Triton X-100 (TX-100) and collector i.e. diesel oil (DO), resulting in the removal of up to 49.83% of TS and 43.79% of ash. This was achieved under optimized conditions, specifically with a concentration of 400 ppm solution of TX-100 in the solution and a volume of 0.2 mL for DO. The emulsion of TX-100 and DO for the floatation of coal is a suitable option because TX-100 established polar interactions and hydrogen bonding with the oxidized functionalities of coal, whereas the hydrocarbons of diesel oil get attached to the unoxidized coal matrix through hydrophobic interaction. Onwards, simultaneous oxidation assisted by froth floatation in a two-step batch process at pre-optimized parameters resulted in TS and ash removal of 88.8% and 82.6%, and 62.2% and 39.3% in the froth and tailings, respectively. SEM, FTIR and XRD analyses revealed structural and morphological changes, modifications in chemical functionalities and mineralogical changes in the coal sample. The process can be scaled up for the up-gradation of low grade coal for industrial and power generation purposes.

Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Oocytes in Soil Samples from Guilan Province, Northern Iran.

Soil is an appropriate substrate for the storage and transmission of oocytes of Toxoplasma gondii. Ingestion of soil contaminated with T. gondii oocysts is a major transmission route of human and animal toxoplasmosis. The present study was carried out to investigate soil contamination with T. gondii oocysts in urban and rural areas of Guilan Province, northern Iran. Overall, 208 soil samples were collected from 16 cities and villages in Guilan Province, northern Iran from Oct 2020 to Nov 2021. Soil samples were investigated using modified sucrose flotation technique. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect presence of T. gondii DNAs in the samples. Positive samples were further analyzed using nested polymerase chain reaction for GRA6 gene. Moreover, six selected positive samples were used for amplifying and sequencing of the GRA6 gene. Overall, 31 samples were positive for T. gondii with frequency of 14.9% and ranging from 10.9% in rural areas to 16.3% in urban areas. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the seasons (P=0.003). The phylogenetic analysis illustrated that our six sequences were similar and closely related to Type I strain of T. gondii. Results showed relatively high levels (14.9%) of T. gondii oocytes in soil samples of Guilan Province, northern Iran, which provided essential data for the effective prevention and control of toxoplasmosis in the region.

Parasite and bacterial co-infections with Leishmania spp. in dogs

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a major disease affecting dogs and is often associated with other illnesses. In this study, we investigated the distribution of helminths, ectoparasites and bacteria in dogs of an endemic urban area of CVL. A total of 71 dogs, uninfected or naturally infected with Leishmania spp. were studied. Splenic samples were cultured for Leishmania identification, and anti-Leishmania antibodies were measured in the serum. Helminths were diagnosed in the feces using flotation or spontaneous sedimentation techniques. Serum antibodies against six ectoparasite-transmitted pathogens were detected. Microbial growth from eyes, skin, urine, and blood samples were evaluated. To our knowledge, this is the first time that co-infections with Leishmania spp., parasites and bacteria together has been reported. Co-infections with Leishmania were observed in 89% of the animals with helminths and 95% with ectoparasites. Most of the dogs were positive for Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated organism. It is found that Leishmania positivity dogs from endemic area in Brazil have a higher rate of co-infections with helminths, ectoparasites and bacteria. Therefore, effective treatment and public measures are needed to contain the spread of canine leishmaniasis and other infections.

Dynamics of excretion of Eimeria spp oocysts in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) during peripartum

Infections of alpacas at very early ages suggest that the dams may act as asymptomatic carriers of some Eimeria species. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of Eimeria spp oocyst excretion in alpaca dams during the calving season at the "La Raya" Research and Production Centre, Puno, Peru. Faecal samples were taken from 50 clinically healthy alpacas of the Huacaya breed naturally infected with Eimeria spp in the two weeks prepartum, week of delivery and four weeks postpartum (period December 2018 - March 2019). Dams were categorized into three age groups [A: 3-4 (n=19), B: 5-8 (n=26) and C: 9-12 years (n=5)]. Sample analysis was carried out using Sheather solution flotation and McMaster techniques. The pregnant dams entered the calving season excreting E. punoensis [49/50 (98%)], E. alpacae [43/50 (86%)], E. lamae [5/50 (10%), and E. macusaniensis [3/50 (6%)] but not E. ivitaensis. The percentage of dams shedding oocysts of E. alpacae and E. punoensis increased after the second week postpartum, while it was found a minimal excretion load of E. macusaniensis and E. lamae before and after the calving season. There was a significant difference in opg between A and B, and between the two weeks prepartum and four weeks postpartum, in addition to a very low negative correlation (-0.0538) between the number of opg and age (p=0.0468). Animals infected with E. punoensis presented 6.5 times the prevalence of those parasitized with E. alpacae (p<0.001; 95% CI 2.33-18.13).

The Effect of Aloe Vera Bioreagent as a Frother and Collector in the Gold Ore Flotation Process on Increasing Grade and Recovery

One of the concentration processes in processing sulfide gold ore is the flotation technique which takes advantage of differences in mineral surface properties by adding chemical reagents. The addition of chemical reagents to the flotation process can cause environmental problems. Therefore, efforts are needed to replace chemical reagents with more environmentally friendly materials. In this research, an attempt was made to replace chemical reagents with a commonly found plant extract, namely aloe vera, as a bioreagent. Bioflotation experiments on a laboratory scale were carried out using a Denver flotation cell with an aloe vera reagent as a frother. This gold mineral bioflotation experiment was carried out on a 150 mesh size fraction. The results of increasing concentrate levels by flotation indicate that the aloe vera reagent as a frother is able to produce biosurfactants which replace chemical reagents as a more environmentally friendly biofrother and biocollector. This can be concluded based on flotation experiment data with bioreagent which has been tested showing an Au content value of 10.09 and a recovery of 96.15%, while flotation using chemical reagents shows an Au content value of 10.50 and a recovery of 95.96%. So the use of aloe vera as an environmentally friendly bioreagent in the flotation process releasing low sulfidation gold is more effective than the use of chemical reagents because it is indicated that there is a biosurfactant content in aloe vera.

Conventional methods used in the clinical laboratory for the identification of Ascaris lumbricoides

Soil transmitted helminths affect millions of people around the world, ascariasis can generate different symptoms in the patient, so clinical diagnosis requires an exhaustive study. To date, there is no gold technique for the identification of Ascaris lumbricoides. However, the standard detection method despite its low sensitivity is the thick Kato-Katz extension, which is often used for mapping national programs. This technique can be complemented with methods such as: formalin-ether concentration, Kato- Katz, McMaster, flotation techniques (such as FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC), aqueous biphasic system that may be complemented with indirect conventional techniques such as blood count and serological diagnosis (identification of antibodies), the usefulness of these methodologies is limited to evaluating the transmission of this helminth in endemic areas that point to possible elimination. Molecular diagnostics are a futuristic trend, sensitive and specific, but their high costs limit their use in these countries

Clinical laboratory diagnostic techniques used in the identification of the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides, a review of the literature

Ascariasis is a disease caused by the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides (intestinal worm), which infects an average of 819 million individuals. Approximately more than 60 000 people die worldwide each year from this parasite. It is classified as a neglected subtropical endemic disease and is frequently found in Africa, Latin America, and East Asia. Ascariasis is detected by conventional tests, which are based on the direct identification of A. lumbricoides by direct macroscopic examination, traditional microscopy, formaldehyde concentration method, Kato-Katz, McMaster, flotation techniques (such as FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC), with the aim of observing helminth eggs; all these are cost-effective tests, but of low or moderate sensitivity. Therefore, molecular biology methods such as conventional PCR and multiplex PCR are an option for the detection of this parasite due to their high sensitivity and specificity, but their low accessibility in endemic countries due to the high prices of reagents and equipment should be considered. Indirect methods based on serology have been used for the identification of A. lumbricoides, but they have generated cross reactions with infections by other helminths so there is no specific serological test for this parasite at present. Nowadays, new techniques have been designed with high sensitivity and specificity that allow the diagnosis of ascariasis, among which we can mention detection and identification of A. lumbricoides eggs through optical imaging and loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Effect of an Environment-Friendly Depressant on the Flotation of Bastnaesite and Fluorite

To overcome the difficulty of separating bastnaesite from fluorite through the flotation technique, the present study examined the suitability of sodium alginate (SA) as a depressant in the flotation process. The effect of SA on the flotation separation of bastnaesite and fluorite was evaluated using micro-flotation tests, zeta potential measurements, adsorption density measurements, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The micro-flotation results showed that SA exerted a strongly detrimental effect on fluorite flotation, while slightly affecting bastnaesite flotation. The surface chemistry results revealed that the -COO- and HO- functional groups in SA coordinated with Ca2+ on the fluorite surface, which induced hydrophilicity and hindered adsorption in the subsequent octylhydroxamic acid as a collector. However, the interaction of SA with the bastnaesite surface was marginal and did not affect the anchoring of the collector on the surface of bastnaesite. Based on these results, the present study proposes a possible model for the interaction of SA on the surfaces of the two minerals, laying a foundation for the flotation separation of bastnaesite from fluorite with SA as an environmentally benign depressant.

A cross-sectional study to quantify the prevalence of Toxocara canis in dogs in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Toxocara canis is a globally distributed zoonotic parasite. The parasite has recently become a concern for public health in Vietnam. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and quantify the risk factors associated with T. canis infection in dogs in Dak Lak province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The risk factors were identified using a mixed-effects logistic regression model and quantified using population attributable fractions. Examination of fecal samples collected from 1455 dogs using the sodium nitrate flotation technique showed 37.32% (95% CI: 34.83-39.86) of dogs infected with T. canis. The factors, including study location, multiple dogs living in a household, dog age, dog breed, and places keeping dogs were associated with a dog's likelihood of being T. canis infection. The household and individual dog levels contributed 17% and 82%, respectively, to the prevalence of T. canis in dogs. The adjusted population attributable fraction for confining dogs and raising an individual dog per household was 52% and 27%, respectively. The result of this study indicated that to minimize the burden of T. canis, intervention measures should target individual dogs and household levels.

Risk Factors Associated with Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Dog Feces That Contaminate Public Areas of Warsaw, Poland

A constant increase in dog numbers, especially in large towns, has been observed recently. The presence of dogs in urban spaces increases the risk of pollution by dogs’ feces, which may contain growth forms of parasites including canine, soil-transmitted helminths (cSTHs), most of which have a proven zoonotic potential. This study assessed the frequency of occurrence and estimated the potential risk associated with the presence of cSTHs in dogs’ feces left uncollected in urban areas. The study material consisted of 200 fecal samples obtained from city and dog parks situated in selected Warsaw districts. Each fecal sample was processed using the flotation technique. Eggs of cSTHs, including Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, and hookworms from the Ancylostomatidae family were found in 23 (11.5%) of the examined fecal samples. The most prevalent species were hookworms from the family Ancylostomatidae (8%). The presence of parasites was confirmed in 14 out of 20 studied locations (70%), including eight city parks (72.7%) and six dog parks (66.7%). City and dog parks did not differ significantly in the frequency of parasite occurrence. This study indicated that dogs’ feces, left uncollected, may cause environmental contamination with cSTHs. It also indicated that the presence of dogs’ feces in public areas and the associated presence of parasites is still a problem.

Phylogenetic analysis of Eimeria tenella isolates from chicken of sub-tropical mountains of Meghalaya, India.

Coccidiosis is the most common and pathogenic intestinal disease caused by different species of Eimeria is chicken. In this study, we describe the prevalence, molecular diagnosis and evolutionary insight of Eimeria tenella in chicken of Meghalaya's sub-tropical mountainous area. Faecal samples (337 no.) and dead chicks (298 no.) were collected every month from January to July' 2023 from poultry farms (4nos.) in and around Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya. The chicks were categorized into different age groups viz. < 3, 3-6 and > 6 weeks. Samples were examined by flotation techniques and post-mortem. The oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Eimeria tenella's 18S rRNA gene genomic DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced. Fecal sample and postmortem examinations revealed 24.04% and 33.22% infections of Eimeria sp., respectively. Oocyst per gram (OPG) was recorded highest and lowest in July (26,500) and February (9800), respectively. Amplification of the 18S rRNA small subunit gene (SSU) by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) revealed a 1790bp band size. The amplicon was sequenced and deposited in the NCBI database. BLAST analyses of the SSU rRNA gene of E. tenella, Umiam, Meghalaya isolate (OR458392.1) revealed sequence similarities of more than 99% with SSU rRNA gene sequences available in the NCBI database. Pair wise alignment exhibited nucleotide homology ranging from 71.59 to 100.0% with the maximum sequence homology (100.0%) shared with the E. tenella isolate from Turkey (HQ680474.1) and the lowest homology of 95.6% with UK (HG994972.1). Umiam isolate were found to have 97.08% and 100.0% nucleotide similarities with E. tenella from both the UK (AF026388.1) and the USA (U40264.1), respectively. However, nucleotide similarities of 98.24%, 85.33%, 84.75% and 81.35% were observed with E. tenella strain Bangalore (JX312808.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-1 (JX093898.1), E. tenella isolate Kerala-3 (JX093900.1) and E. tenella isolate Kerala-2 (JX093899.1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences of E. tenella Umiam, Meghalaya isolate with cognate sequences throughout the world revealed these sequences are distinct but at the same time share a close phylogenetic relationship with Indian isolates from Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh. Distant phylogenetic relationship was observed with cognate gene sequences of United States of America, Canada, China.

Application of a dual depressant system and microwave irradiation for flotation-based Separation of Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyvinyl Chloride, and Polystyrene Plastics

The absence of an effective technique for the individual separation of plastics within a plastic mixture remains a paramount concern in the domain of plastic waste management. Recently introduced, the floatation technique has emerged as a method for segregating specific plastics, such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), from mixed waste streams. This separation process involves the utilization of traditional dual depressants (chemical agents). The study investigated the impact of pre-microwave irradiation of plastic surfaces at varying microwave output powers (20-100%) on the floatation behavior of each plastic. Additionally, the influence of depressant concentration (200-1600 mg/L) on plastic floatation was examined. The results revealed that pre-microwave irradiation at different output powers and varying depressant concentrations significantly affected the sink-float behavior of the studied plastics, with the exception of PET. It was observed that the microwave irradiation altered the number and type of active sites on the plastics' surfaces. Notably, there was no discernible regular trend in the flotation of plastic with an increase in microwave output power. The outcomes were substantiated by conventional identification techniques, including contact angle (θ) measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectra analysis. Equations derived through the use of the design of experiment software (Design-Expert®) demonstrated a commendable alignment between the predicted and actual values of plastic flotation. This underscores the efficacy of the applied methodology in forecasting and validating the outcomes of the floatation process.

Physicochemical concentration of heavy minerals - a treatise on wet process media: gravity, centrifugal and flotation techniques

Physicochemical concentration of heavy minerals - a treatise on wet process media: gravity, centrifugal and flotation techniques

Prevalence And Associated Risk Factors With Entamoeba histolytica Infections In School Children

Entamoeba histolytica is medically important pathogenic parasitic protozoan of human in origin which causes amoebiasis that is common in children of devolving nations in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. A total of 100 children, comprising 45 boys and 55 girls, were screened to calculate the prevalence and risk factors of E.histolytica along with their socio-demographic characteristics among school children at Chkadara, Lower Dir, Pakistan. The stool samples were collected and transported to the Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology Separtment, Malakand University for parasitic investigation. Each of the stool samples were processed through floatation and sedimentation procedures and techniques and examined under the microscope first under low and then high power objectives. The protozoan cysts and the helminth eggs were have been investigated and identified through valid keys. The data was analysed through chi-square test via GraphPad version 5. The p vale was considered statistically significant if less than 0.05 at 95% CI. The results indicates that Entamoeba histolytica is a prominent pathogenic protozoan parasite in school children, with a total of 67 cases identified. Boys showed a slightly higher prevalence of this parasite, with 58.8% (n=30/51) cases compared to 58.7% (n=37/63) in boys. Ascaris lumbricoides, is another common intestinal parasite, was observed in a total of 35 cases, (30.7%) with an almost equal distribution among boys (17 cases) and girls (18 cases). Moreover, hookworm species was found in 11 children, with a somewhat higher prevalence in girls 11.1% (7 cases). Giardia spp, although less prevalent, still accounted for 4 cases, equally distributed among boys. E.histolytica was highest in prevalence as 58.7 %( 67/114) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 30.7 % (n=35/114), then hookworms 9.64 % (n=11/114) while Giardia spp was found in least prevalence 0.87 %( n=1/114). Pattern of infection reveal that most of the students were found to be infected with 2 species of parasites including one is E.histolytica (37%) followed by single infection 20% with E.histolytica while least number of participants were reported to be infected with 3 species of parasites 10%. The overall prevalence was reported as 67%. Age and types of stool were not significantly associated with the prevalence of E.histolytica P&gt;0.05, however all other factors sex, diarrheal status, parent education, parent employment status and economic conditions were significantly related to the prevalence of E.histolytica infection (P&lt;0.05).

Intestinal parasites in goats (Capra hircus Linnaeus, 1758) in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in goats of Suryabinayak Municipality, Bhaktapur, Nepal. A total of 300 faecal samples of goats were collected from the study area from July to August 2021 and subjected to direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation techniques for coprological examination. The study revealed that 86% of samples were positive for GI parasites with 15 genera, including six genera of protozoan, and nine genera of helminths. Age-dependent prevalence of helminth parasites was higher in adult goats (75%) than that young ones. Single infection was recorded 31.01%, double was 35.27%, and multiple was 33.72%. Training on goat rearing, proper management of goat farms, awareness on GI diseases, and their control can help the owners increase productivity.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths transmitted by cats in Jabodetabek, Indonesia

Background: Intestinal helminth infections in cats are often-neglected major zoonoses spread from pets to humans worldwide. Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence and identified risk factors associated with zoonotic gastrointestinal helminth infections in different cat populations in the most populous megapolitan areas of Indonesia: Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek). Methods: Fecal samples from the shelter (stray) and household (owned) cats were analyzed using sugar flotation techniques. Intestinal helminth eggs were detected microscopically based on structural and morphometric characteristics. Risk factors for the occurrence of helminth infection were identified through statistical analysis of cat ownership, breed, migrant status, management practices, caging, feed type, and deworming medications used. Human cases of worm larvae infestation identified during the interviews were reported. Results: Analysis of 354 fecal samples revealed that 37.9% (134/354) of examined cats were infected with Toxocara sp., 22.6% (80/354) with Ancylostoma sp., 25.4% (90/354) with Uncinaria sp., 3.1% (11/354) with Strongyloides sp., 2% (7/354) with Diphyllobothrium sp., and 0.6% (2/354) with Dipylidium sp. Infection with roundworms and hookworms was associated with a variety of factors, including introduction of new animals, management practices, cage cleanliness, feed type, use of deworming medication, routine deworming, and contact with other animals. A human case of cutaneous larva migrans was due to hookworm (Ancylostoma sp./Uncinaria sp.) infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of important zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodes (hookworms and roundworms) is high in cats in Jabodetabek, Indonesia. To reduce the risk of transmission to other animals or humans, adequate measures to control, manage, and prevent zoonotic helminth infections are required. This study presents important baseline information that provides a basis for future epidemiologic studies and development of strategies to manage zoonotic gastrointestinal helminth in cats in the region.