Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites Research Articles

Biotic interactions in soil and dung shape parasite transmission in temperate ruminant systems: An integrative framework.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites undergo part of their life cycle outside their host, such that developmental stages interact with the soil and dung fauna. These interactions are capable of affecting parasite transmission on pastures yet are generally ignored in current models, empirical studies and practical management. Dominant methods of parasite control, which rely on anthelmintic medications for livestock, are becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasite populations. Furthermore, consumer and regulatory pressure on decreased chemical use in agriculture and the consequential disruption of biological processes in the dung through nontarget effects exacerbates issues with anthelmintic reliance. This presents a need for the application and enhancement of nature-based solutions and biocontrol methods. However, successfully harnessing these options relies on advanced understanding of the ecological system and interacting effects among biotic factors and with immature parasite stages. Here, we develop a framework linking three key groups of dung and soil fauna-fungi, earthworms, and dung beetles-with each other and developmental stages of helminths parasitic in farmed cattle, sheep, and goats in temperate grazing systems. We populate this framework from existing published studies and highlight the interplay between faunal groups and documented ecological outcomes. Of 1756 papers addressing abiotic drivers of populations of these organisms and helminth parasites, only 112 considered interactions between taxa and 36 presented data on interactions between more than two taxonomic groups. Results suggest that fungi reduce parasite abundance and earthworms may enhance fungal communities, while competition between dung taxa may reduce their individual effect on parasite transmission. Dung beetles were found to impact fungal populations and parasite transmission variably, possibly tied to the prevailing climate within a specific ecological context. By exploring combinations of biotic factors, we consider how interactions between species may be fundamental to the ecological consequences of biocontrol strategies and nontarget impacts of anthelmintics on dung and soil fauna and how pasture management alterations to promote invertebrates might help limit parasite transmission. With further development and parameterization the framework could be applied quantitatively to guide, prioritize, and interpret hypothesis-driven experiments and integrate biotic factors into established models of parasite transmission dynamics.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites, Stomach Contents and Condition Factor of Bostrychus africanus (Sleeper gobies) and Periophthalmus papilio (Mudskipper) found in Ikpukulu-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: Bostrychus africanus and Periophthalmus papilio are important fisheries in parts of southern Nigeria. However, there is a dearth of information on the gastrointestinal helminths of these gobiids, especially from the Ikpukulu-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This research was, therefore, necessary to provide information on the parasites as well as stomach content analysis and condition factor of both fish species.
 Study Design: A total of 62 Bostrychus africanus and thirty-six (36) Periophthalmus papilio were caught for analysis using basket traps on the mudflats of the creek.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sampling was done at the Ikpukulu-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria in September, 2023.
 Methodology: In the laboratory, samples were identified using morphometric characteristics and identification keys and examined for parasites using standard diagnostic techniques.
 Results: Nematodes, Raphidascaroides africanus (16.1%), were examined from B. africanus, whereas acanthocephalans, Neoechinorhynchus sp. (2.8%), were observed from P. papilio. The result of this study suggests a parasite preference of B. africanus over P. papilio. Stomach content analysis showed the presence of crab parts and muddy sediments in B. africanus. Condition factor was better in B. africanus (1.1 to 1.8) than in P. papilio (0.7 to 1.1).
 Conclusion: There is a dearth of information on the stomach content of P. papilio and therefore, is suggested for future studies, and scientific reasons for the parasite preference of B. africanus over P. papilio should be elucidated.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infections in country chicken from Visakhapatnam district Andhra Pradesh India.

Birds in a free environment carry huge risk of helminth parasite infections affecting the health of poultry and thereby indirectly leading to great economic loss. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, intensity and species diversity of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIH) of country chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) from local chicken markets of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 300 gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples were examined from January to December 2021 and the collected parasites were separated, counted, identified and statistically analysed. The overall prevalence of infection was found to be 87% with an intensity of 139.29. The study showed high prevalence with mixed infections (66%), whereas the prevalence with individual groups i.e. cestodes, nematodes and trematodes was found to be 83.00%, 70.33%, and 0.67% respectively. Altogether 10 parasite species were identified viz. Raillietina echinobothrida being the most dominant with a prevalence of 72.67%, followed by Raillietina tetragona (62.00%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.33%), Ascaridia galli (45.33%), Davainea proglottina (43.00%), Amoebotaenia cuneata (42.67%), Raillietina cesticillus (38.33%), Hymenolepis sp. 1 (36.00%), Cotugnia spp. (29.67%) and the least was Hymenolepis sp. 2 (21.00%). In month-wise data, highest prevalence was recorded in July (100%), and the highest seasonal prevalence was recorded in summer (90%), followed by monsoon (87%) and winter (84%). No major significant difference in prevalence was noted between males (88.51%) and females (85.53%). Hosts with high body temperature and low GIT pH levels showed increased prevalence and parasite intensity.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites and differences of pathological markers in infected pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Aim: This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths and differences in pathological markers in infected domestic pigeons in Makurdi Metropolis. Methods: In a cross - sectional study, 310 pigeons were sampled between January to November, 2020. Prevalence of infection, hematology, serum biochemical parameters and pathological changes were investigated. Results: 275 (88.7%) pigeons were naturally infected with thirteen (13) species of helminths comprising of Cestodes namely; Raillietina echinobothrida 43.5% (135/310), R. tetragona 27.1% (84/310), R. cesticillus 6.4% (20/310), Amoebotaenia cuneata 3.9% (12/310), Choataenia infundibulum 2.6% (8/310), Hymenolepis cantaniana 5.8% (18/310) and Cotugnia proglottina 4.5% (14/310) and Nematodes namely; Ascaridia columbae 12.6% (39/310), Heterakis gallinarum 4.8% (15/310), Capillaria columbae 0.6% (2/310), Subulura brumpti 1% (3/310), Hartertia gallinarum 0.6% (2/310) and Amidostomum anseris 0.3% (1/310). The overall mean (± SD) total leucocyte counts, heterophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the helminths infected groups than non- infected pigeons. The overall mean (± SD) packed cell volume, total red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte counts and serum albumin showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences between non-infected, helminth-infected pigeons. Grossly, live helminths and parasitic nodules were observed in small intestine. Microscopically, there was necrosis of the intestinal epithelium and cypts, villi atrophy and leucocytes infiltration in sections from helminth-infected pigeons. Conclusion: Thus, gastrointestinal helminths are prevalent in pigeons and are capable of causing differences of Pathological markers in infected birds.

Comparison of the Automated OvaCyte Telenostic Faecal Analyser versus the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC Techniques in the Estimation of Helminth Faecal Egg Counts in Equine.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites continue to be a significant threat to the health of equine. OvaCyte Telenostic (OCT) (Telenostic Ltd., Kilkenny, Ireland) has developed an automated digital microscope utilising Artificial Intelligence to identify and count the clinically important helminth species in equine, bovine, and ovine host species. In this paper, the performance of the OCT analyser was evaluated for the detection and counting of equine helminth species parasites and its performance compared to the currently accepted benchmark methods of faecal egg counts being the McMaster and the Mini-FLOTAC techniques. A pairwise comparison of tests was assessed based on the correlation of egg counts and Cohen's kappa agreement statistics for dichotomized outcomes. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of all three techniques in the absence of a gold standard for four helminth parasites (strongyles, Anoplocephala spp., Parascaris spp. and Strongyloides westeri). Based on the analysis of 783 equine faecal samples, we found a high level (ρ ≥ 0.94) of correlation between each pairwise comparison of techniques for strongyle egg counts. Cohen's kappa agreement between techniques was high for strongyles and S. westeri, moderate for Parascaris spp., and low for Anoplocephala spp. All three techniques had a high sensitivity and specificity (>0.90) for strongyles. Across helminth parasites, the sensitivity of the OCT was the highest of the three techniques evaluated for strongyles (0.98 v 0.96 and 0.94), Anoplocephala spp. (0.86 v 0.44 and 0.46) and Parascaris spp. (0.96 v 0.83 and 0.96); but lowest for S. westeri (0.74 v 0.88 and 0.88), compared to McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC, respectively. In terms of specificity, OCT was the lowest in two species (Parascaris spp. 0.96, Anoplocephala spp. 0.95). In conclusion, OCT has a sensitivity and specificity statistically similar to both McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC, and had a higher correlation with Mini-FLOTAC. The OCT point of care faecal analyser offers improved workflow, test turn-around time and does not require trained laboratory personnel to operate or interpret the results.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in rhesus macaques and local residents in the central mid-hills of Nepal.

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are distributed across Nepal in close association with humans and with a high probability of sharing of soil-transmitted intestinal helminth parasites. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, richness and risk factors of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites among rhesus macaques and humans in the Daunne Forest area, a community managed forest in the central mid-hills of Nepal. A total of 190 fecal samples, including 120 samples from rhesus macaques residing around the Daunne Devi Temple and in the surrounding forest, and 70 from local people, were microscopically examined by direct wet mount, floatation and sedimentation methods. Seasonal and age-sex based variations in helminth parasite prevalence were analyzed. Among the rhesus macaques, the total parasite prevalence was 39.2 %. Strongyloides sp. accounted for the highest prevalence (19.17 %) followed by Ascaris sp. (13.33 %), hookworm (10.83 %) and Trichuris sp. (4.17 %). Among the humans, Ascaris lumbricoides (11.3 %) was the only parasite detected. The Sorenson's coefficient of similarity of GI parasites between the macaques and local people at the generic level was 0.4. Mean parasite richness for the macaques was 1.21 ± 0.41 (SD) per infected sample. Parasite prevalence in the summer season (41.4 %) was higher than in the winter season (36 %). Adult macaques (41.67 %) had higher GI parasite prevalence than the young (30.77 %) and infants (27.27 %). Among the adult macaques, the prevalence rate was significantly higher (P=0.005) in females (52.46 %) than in males (22.86 %). Our results indicate that the temple rhesus macaques have a high prevalence of GI helminth parasites and could pose a potential zoonotic risk. As such, the need for routine monitoring and an effective management strategy is essential.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Pseudotolithus species from Lagos Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

The gastrointestinal helminth parasitic fauna of Pseudotolithus specimens, an economically important group of fishes fromLagos Lagoon, was examined to describe the effects of gastrointestinal helminth parasites on the state of health ofPseudotolithusspecies at Lagos Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. Fish specimens obtained from Makoko Fish Market were sacrificedfrom October 2019 to March 2020, and gastrointestinal helminth parasites were isolated. Pseudotolithus typhus (n = 76),Pseudotolithus elongatus(n = 104) and Pseudotolithus senegalensis(n = 120) were among the 300 fish specimens that wereanalysed. In total, 186 out of 300 fish specimens (62.0%) were found to have gastrointestinal helminth parasites after sixmonths of sample collection. Pseudotolithus senegalensis had the highest prevalence of infection, 76 (63.3%), followed by P.elongatus, 68 (65.4%) and P. typhus, 42 (55.3%), which had the lowest prevalence of infection. Five species of parasites,Capillaria sp., Echinocephalus sp., Orneoascaris sp., Diphyllobothrium latum, and Neochinorhyncus sp., were isolated.Neochinorhyncus and Orneoascarissp. had the highest prevalence among all Pseudotolithusspecies. The overall prevalenceof infection, 77 (41.4%), was recorded in Capillaria sp., while the least prevalence, 08 (4.3%), was from Echinocephalussp.The total prevalence for the present study is 62.0%. There was no significant difference in infection levels (P>0.05) betweenthe two sexes, suggesting that neither sex was reliably affected by the parasite. Pseudotolithus species show a highprevalence of gastrointestinal helminths with a heavy parasitic burden, which may compromise the productivity,marketability, palatability, and or death of fish.

Comparative Study of the Parasitic Helminth Burden of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli In Fresh Water Reservoir (Zobe Dam) Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, Nigeria


 The incidence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was investigated in a research of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli from Zobe Dam, Dutsin-ma. The results showed a high prevalence of helminth parasites overall, with T. zilli recording 36% and C. gariepinus showing a rate of 68%. Cestodes, trematodes, and nematodes were the three types of parasites found in the fish's intestines. Notably, trematodes predominated in T. zilli (54.55%), whereas cestodes were more common in C. gariepinus (62.71%). Procamallanus leavionchus was the most notable nematode species found in C. gariepinus, followed by cestodes (Polyonchobothrium clarias) and trematodes (Diplostomum spathaceum). The nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes in T. zilli were represented by Cacullanus sp., Diphyllobothrium spp., and Hepsetidae fasciatus, respectively. Both species showed that males had more helminth parasites than females did. In C. gariepinus, statistical analysis showed no gender differences, however in T. zilli, a gender difference was seen at the P<0.05% level of significance. In addition, the study found a statistically significant correlation between fish length and body weight, and the frequency of helminth infections. These results highlight the significant load of helminth parasites in both Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli, highlighting the need for efficient control techniques to reduce the negative effects of parasitic illnesses on fish production.

Prevalence of Gastro-intestinal Helminthiasis in Cattle of Madi Valley, Chitwan

Cattle is one of the leading species of domestic livestock in Nepal. The helminthic diseases are common in livestock with varied occurrence. This study was carried out to find the prevalence and risk factor associated with gastro-intestinal helminth parasites in 304 fecal samples of cattle of Madi Valley, Chitwan, Nepal. Rectal sample were collected in zip lock plastic bag containing in 10% formalin and preserved in refrigerator before examination. Sedimentation and floatation techniques were used for the detection of helminth parasites. The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminth was found to be 51.32%. The parasitic infection of trematode was 39%, cestode 13% and nematode 48%. In the trematode group, Fasciola sp. 4.61%, Paramphistomum sp. 15.13%, Dicrocoelium sp. 1.64%, Schistosoma sp. 0.66% and Bilharzia sp. 0.99% were prevalent. Among cestode, only Moniezia sp. was observed with infection rate of 7.89%. Nematode included Strongyloides sp. 3.95%, Trichostrongylus sp. 7.24%, Toxocara sp. 3.95%, Oesophagostomum sp. 1.97%, Haemonchus sp. 4.28%, Cooperia sp. 1.97%, Bunostomum sp 0.66%, Nematodirus sp 0.99% and others 3.29%. Mixed infections were observed in 17% of positive samples. Sex and age group showed statistically significant difference. Male have higher prevalence than that of female (P<0.05). Potential risk factor like farmer’s group, water source, body condition score, grazing and rearing system, purpose of animal rearing and last date of drenching showed significant association on prevalence of parasite. Cattle of Madi valley, Chitwan had shown wide range of helminthiasis in cattle.

PENGONTROLAN PARASIT SALURAN PENCERNAAN KAMBING PERANAKAN ETAWA MELALUI PENGGUNAAN SUPLEMEN PAKAN DAN HERBAL

This study aims to control the gastrointestinal helminth parasite of Peranakan Etawa (PE) goats through the use of herb and feed supplements. A total of 20 PE goats with an average body weight of 19.74 ± 4.21 kg were divided into 4 groups. This study used a Completely Randomized Block Design consisting of 4 groups and 4 treatments. The treatment given to goats was P0: without Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) supplements and anthelmintic, P1: UMMB 100 g (1 day), P2: Albendazole (1 day), P3: UMMB 100 g + Curcuma xanthorrhiza (3 days), P4: UMMB 100 g + Curcuma xanthorrhiza (7 days). The data collected were prevalence, type of gastrointestinal parasites, and egg count per gram (EPG) of feces. Examination of EPG using the Floatation method. The results of the study obtained the prevalence of helminth parasites 100%. The types of helminth parasites found are Strongyloides, Haemonchus, Bunostomus, Dicrocoelium, Avitellina, and Oesophagustomum. The EPG reduction in UMMB and UMMB+Curcuma xanthorrhiza treatment (3 days) was the highest at around 64.88%. It was concluded that all goats were infested with helminth parasites with a mild level of infestation (epg < 100). The types of helminth parasites found are Strongyloides, Haemonchus, Bunostomus, Dicrocoelium, Avitellina, and Oesophagustomum. The use of feed supplements and herbs can reduce helminth parasites infections in PE goats

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Malapterurus electricus from Anambra River, Nigeria

Aim: One of the constraints of fish in the wild for sustainable productivity is parasitic infections. The study was carried out to determine the gastrointestinal helminth parasites associated with Malapterurus electricus and their prevalence in relation to sex and size.
 Study Design: The study was a survey done to establish the type of gastrointestinal helminth parasites found in M. electricus.
 Place and Duration of Study: The specimens were collected from Anambra River between August and December 2018.
 Methodology: A total of thirty-two (32) fishes were examined through dissection and observation of the alimentary canal under the objective lens of the microscope. The chi-square test was employed to determine the possible association between parasite prevalence, the sexes, and size. Results: The overall prevalence of parasites was 56.25%. The parasites recovered were, Electrotaenia malapteruri (50.00%) and Tenuisentis niloticus (6.25%). The male specimens (18) recorded a prevalence of 66.67% while the female (14) recorded a prevalence of 42.86%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among gender (P=0.178, P>0.05). The length group, 30 – 39cm had a 100% prevalence. Thus, a significant difference between the fish size and parasite prevalence was observed. The weight groups, 100 -199g, and 400 - 499g also had a 100% prevalence. However, no significant relationship was observed between fish weight and parasite prevalence. The intestine was infected with parasitic worms of the cestode and acanthocephalan species.
 Conclusion: This study showed that there is high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in M. electricus and this may possibly affect the fish quality.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasite among Dogs in Suryabinayak, Nepal.

Dogs are popular pets around the world and have always had a very close relationship with humans. Zoonotic gastrointestinal helminth parasites are a great threat to both stray and pet dogs. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in dogs. 400 samples were collected, including 200 from pet dogs and 200 from stray dogs. The samples from pet dogs were collected from the ground immediately after voiding with the help of the owner, whereas stray dogs were caught by using a dog catcher, and the samples were collected directly from the rectum by using a gloved index finger. All collected samples were examined under a microscope using sedimentation and flotation techniques. The overall prevalence of infection was found to be 59.50%, with a significantly higher prevalence in stray dogs (70%) than that in pet dogs (49%). Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Dipylidium caninum, and Taenia/Echinococcus spp. were six different species found in the current study. The study showed the highest prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. (49.16%) and the least prevalence of Capillaria spp. (0.84%). In the age-wise study, puppies had a significantly high infection rate (86.96%). Similarly, we recorded a significantly higher prevalence of intestinal helminths among nondewormed pet dogs (78.65%) than among dewormed pet dogs (25.23%). This study highlights the severe environmental contamination shed by dogs, causing a higher risk of zoonotic transmission. It indicates the urgent need to manage these parasites in dogs and educate the public on how to care for their pets and the parasites they shed.

Lungworms of Non-Ruminant Terrestrial Mammals and Humans in Iran.

With over 300 terrestrial and aquatic mammalian species, Iran is considered a country with an ample mastofauna. Although many studies have assessed the distribution of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in animals and humans in Iran, lungworms have not received adequate attention. Following a previous article in which we reviewed the diversity and prevalence of lungworm infections in pastoral and wild ruminants of Iran, this report compiles the available scientific information about the occurrence of lungworms in non-ruminant mammals and humans from 1980 to 2022 to provide insights into the epidemiology of these infections. International and national scientific databases were searched, and twenty-six articles in peer-reviewed journals, one conference paper, and one D.V.M. thesis were included in the study. In total, 10 species belonging to seven genera, including Dictyocaulus, Deraiophoronema, Protostrongylus, Crenosoma, Eucoleus, Aelurostrongylus, and Metastrongylus, were reported in the respiratory tract or feces of humans, domestic animals (i.e., camels, equids, dogs, and cats), and wildlife species (i.e., hedgehogs, wild boars, and hares). Most of the studies (22/28) were performed using post-mortem examinations. The overall prevalence of respiratory nematode infection varied according to animal species in camels (14.83%), equids (13.31%), dogs (5%), wild boars (45.66%), hedgehogs (42.57%), and hares (1.6%). In addition, pulmonary capillariasis caused by Eucoleus aerophilus was reported in a 9 year old child. The prevalence of lungworm species in domestic camels, equids, and dogs, combined with a lack of labeled anthelmintic products, supports the need to improve our understanding of these important nematode parasites and inform the development of sustainable control strategies. From a zoo and wildlife medicine point of view, there is a shortage of information about the presence and prevalence of lungworm infections in the majority of mammalian species, pending epidemiological studies that integrate classical parasitology and molecular methods.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of pets: Retrospective study at the veterinary teaching hospital, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.

Dogs and cats are popular pets that play integral roles in human societies worldwide. Unfortunately, they can carry potential zoonotic helminths that can be transmitted to humans. However, data on the gastrointestinal helminths affecting dogs and cats in Bogor, Indonesia, are currently lacking. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in pets from this area using a retrospective analysis. A retrospective study was conducted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of IPB University, Bogor. Cat and dog patients from January 2014 to April 2019 were tested for helminth infections and the results as well as their age, sex, and breed data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Among the dogs and cats examined for internal parasites, 61.11% (33/51) of the dogs and 53.80% (92/171) of the cats were infected by helminths. Among the dogs, hookworm (37.04%) and Toxocara spp. (24.07%) were detected, while in the cats, hookworm (11.11%), Toxocara spp. (38.01%), and Dipylidium caninum (4.68%) were detected. The prevalence of hookworm and D. caninum was higher in older pets, while Toxocara spp. infected younger cats and dogs (<1 year) more frequently. The prevalence of Toxocara spp. in the Indonesian local dog breed was higher when than other breeds. Sex did not significantly affect the prevalence of parasites in dogs or cats. The discovery of zoonotic helminth parasites in the cat and dog pets from Bogor raises concerns for the inhabitants. Initiatives will be required to inform pet owners about prevention strategies for these parasitic diseases.

Conservation of Host, Translocation of Parasites—Monitoring of Helminths during Population Reinforcement of the European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus)

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites can be transferred during conservation translocations and impact their outcome. The current study applied non-invasive coprological sampling to investigate the helminth infection rates and dynamics in translocated and resident European ground squirrels, during and after a population reinforcement. The FLOTAC method was calibrated and applied for the first time for the target species. In the studied coprological samples, helminth eggs belonging to Acanthocephala and Nematoda were found; the latter were morphologically identified as belonging to the families Capillariidae (Enoplida) and Trichostrongylidae (Strongylida) and superfamily Spiruroidea (Spirurida). The overall helminth prevalence and their diversity were higher in the donor colony compared to the resident one before the reinforcement. Pronounced seasonal dynamics in the parasite prevalence and diversity were observed, and their values were considerably lower in spring than in summer in both translocated and resident hosts. A year after the start of the translocation, the helminth prevalence and number of species detected in the reinforced colony had increased significantly. This is in accordance with epidemiological models and other empirical studies that predict a positive relationship between the population density of a host and the prevalence and species richness of parasites.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths of Dogs and Associated Factors in Hawassa City of Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Sidama region's Hawassa town from March 2021 to July 2021 with the aim of estimating the prevalence and associated factors of dog gastrointestinal helminths. A total of 384 dogs were randomly selected, and their feces were examined using a flotation technique. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were employed, and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Accordingly, 56% (n = 215; 95% CI, 49.26-62.66) of dogs had gastrointestinal helminth parasite infection, of which 42.2% (n = 162) had a single infection and 13.8% (n = 53) had a mixed infection. In this study, Strongyloides sp. was the most detected helminth (24.2%), followed by Ancylostoma sp. (15.37%), Trichuris vulpis (14.6%), Toxocara canis (5.73%), Echinococcus sp. (5.47%), and Dipylidium caninum (4.43%). Out of the total sampled dogs tested positive for one or more gastrointestinal helminths, 37.5% (n = 144) were males and 18.5% (n = 71) were females. The total prevalence of helminth infections did not change significantly (P > 0.05) by the gender, age, and breed of dogs. The present study's high prevalence of dog helminthiasis reflects a high occurrence of infection and a concern to the public's health. In light of this conclusion, it is advised that dog owners improve their standards of hygiene. In addition, they should regularly take their animals to veterinary care and frequently administer the appropriate anthelmintics available to their dogs.

Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminths In Cattle Reared In Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the presence of intestinal parasitic infection among cattle reared in Owo, Ondo state. Seventy two (72) fecal samples were randomly collected from cattle. Characteristics of each cattle such as sex, age and body condition scores were noted. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from the selected animals and were subjected to physiological normal saline, Iodine and formal ether concentration techniques. . The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 94.4%. Of the 72 cattle screened, 68 were infected, with 16.7% mixed infections and 77.6% single infection with high prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum (26.3%), Strongyloides papillosus (20.8%), Taenia saginata (12.5%), Cooperia spp (9.7%), Haemonchus contortus (8.3%) respectively. Common parasites in mixed infections are Toxocara vitulorum, Strongyloides papillosus, and Paramphistomum spp. Hence, in order to mitigate these issues, it is crucial to promote the implementation of suitable anthelminthic treatment plans and control measures. This includes advocating for comprehensive programs that address parasite control, effective management of pastures, and maintaining a clean environment for cattle. It is equally important to raise public health awareness and emphasize the significance of these measures. Additionally, there is a pressing requirement to monitor gastrointestinal parasites in cattle as a means to enhance animal production and safeguard public health in Nigeria.

The Study on Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths (Cestodes, Nematodes, and Trematodes) in Chickens, Dalomana District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Introduction: Gastrointestinal tract helminthiasis of poultry is a parasitic infection of gastrointestinal parts of poultry by macroparasite which is classified as a tapeworm (cestodes), roundworm (nematodes), and flukeworm (trematodes). Cestodes and nematodes are the common intestinal helminthic infections in local chickens leading to high nutritional and economic loss to the poor farmers of rural areas. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites and identify the parasite species that infect local breed chickens in the study area.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study on gastrointestinal helminths was conducted on 144 local breeds of chickens raised under a traditional management system in seven kebeles located around Dalomana town of Bale zone, Ethiopia.&#x0D; Results: Of these chickens, 131 (91%) were infected with one of the five different helminth parasites and 13 (9%) were free of helminth parasites. The results of the current study indicated that 131 (91%) and 107 (74.3%) of the examined chickens were invariably infected by diverse species of cestodes and nematodes species, respectively. The major cestode species recovered from chickens were Raillietina echinobothrida (75.5%), Raillietina tetragona (73.6%), Davainea proglottina (11.1%). The major nematode species encountered were Heterakis gallinarum (37.5%), Ascaridia galli (35.4%), Capillaria anatis (6.9%), Capillaria obsignata (5.6%), and Capillaria annulata (4.9%). Regarding the prevalence of these parasites in relation to age, sex, and kebele, no significant difference was indicated.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of the current study strongly suggested that helminthiasis is a very serious problem of backyard chickens in Dalomana district, Bale zone of Oromia, and appropriate control strategies need to be devised.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Livestock of Kavrepalanchok

The study was carried out in Mandandeupur Municipality, Kavrepalanchok from December 2018 to May 2019. A total of 131 fecal samples of livestock were collected and examined under a microscope by using direct smear and sedimentation technique. Overall, 65.65% of samples were found positive with various types of gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Samples were collected from cows, buffaloes, and goats. Among the samples collected, the highest prevalence (76.47%) was observed among the cows and the least was found among buffaloes (57.14%) but was found statistically insignificant (p&gt;0.05). The study revealed a prevalence of nematodes (74.47%), cestodes (7.70%) and trematodes (3.10%). The prevalence of Strongylus sp. was found highest (35.88%) and the prevalence of Cooperia sp., Hymenolepsis sp., Enterobius sp. and Fasciola sp. were found similar (0.8%). In sex wise study, both males and females of livestock were found about equally infected. In the same way, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was found about similar in both the winter and summer seasons. In age wise prevalence, the adult was more infected (68.27%) with gastrointestinal helminth parasites than the young (55.55%) which was statistically insignificant (p&gt;0.05). In the present study, single infection was found highest (47.29%) and multiple infections were found least (2.29%). The samples collected from non-dewormed livestock were found highly (71%) positive for gastrointestinal helminths. The relation between deworming and prevalence was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Only 37.25% of farmers maintain the cleanliness of the shed by removing feces from the animal shed every day and only 23.53% of farmers know about the mode of transmission of gastrointestinal helminths in livestock.

Excretory-secretory products from the brown stomach worm, Teladorsagia circumcincta, exert antimicrobial activity in in vitro growth assays

BackgroundOver the past decade, evidence has emerged of the ability of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites to alter the composition of the host gut microbiome; however, the mechanism(s) underpinning such interactions remain unclear. In the current study, we (i) undertake proteomic analyses of the excretory-secretory products (ESPs), including secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), of the ‘brown stomach worm’ Teladorsagia circumcincta, one of the major agents causing parasite gastroenteritis in temperate areas worldwide; (ii) conduct bioinformatic analyses to identify and characterise antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with putative antimicrobial activity; and (iii) assess the bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic properties of T. circumcincta EVs, and whole and EV-depleted ESPs, using bacterial growth inhibition assays.MethodsSize-exclusion chromatography was applied to the isolation of EVs from whole T. circumcincta ESPs, followed by EV characterisation via nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Proteomic analysis of EVs and EV-depleted ESPs was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and prediction of putative AMPs was performed using available online tools. The antimicrobial activities of T. circumcincta EVs and of whole and EV-depleted ESPs against Escherichia coli were evaluated using bacterial growth inhibition assays.ResultsSeveral molecules with putative antimicrobial activity were identified in both EVs and EV-depleted ESPs from adult T. circumcincta. Whilst exposure of E. coli to whole ESPs resulted in a significant reduction of colony-forming units over 3 h, bacterial growth was not reduced following exposure to worm EVs or EV-depleted ESPs.ConclusionsOur data points towards a bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic function of T. circumcincta ESPs, likely mediated by molecules with antimicrobial activity.Graphical