Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites Research Articles

Anthelmintic Efficacy of Strongyle Nematodes to Ivermectin and Fenbendazole on Working Donkeys (Equus asinus) in and around Hosaena Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Background Gastrointestinal helminth parasite infection is a major influencing factor against profitability of working equines all over the world. Objectives A study was conducted from October 2016 to May 2017 in and around Hosaena to determine the efficacy of benzimidazole (BZ) and avermectin (AVM) chemical groups against strongyle nematodes in working donkeys. Methods A total of 230 donkeys from Hosaena, Soro, Anlemo, and Gombora were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 46 donkeys in each group. All groups, except group 1 (control), were treated with ivermectin 1%, ivertong 10%, fenbendazole, and Fenacure 750 mg, respectively. Fecal samples were collected perrectally before treatment (day 0) and after treatment (day 14), and an egg per gram (EPG) value of >200 was used as a cutoff for inclusion to assess the efficacy of anthelmintics. Results Accordingly, the study revealed that AVM was effective against strongyle nematodes of donkeys with the mean fecal egg count reduction (FECR) of 100% in three study areas and 97.2% in one study area, respectively, whereas BZ resistance was suspected in the areas where the drug was tested, with the mean FECR of less than 94% in the three study areas. The study also revealed that 73% of the donkeys were affected with a severe degree of strongyle infection as determined by EPG, while 10.4% of donkeys were affected with a mild degree of Parascaris equorum infection. Conclusions The findings of the present study are expected to serve as baseline data for future investigations and control actions to design realistic control programs to minimize factors that favor emergence of anthelmintic resistance and improve the overall health of the donkeys. Thus, further detailed studies are needed to determine the factors that reduce anthelmintic efficacy and increase anthelmintic resistance in donkeys.

New records of helminths in Chelidae freshwater turtles (Testudines) in South America

Helminthological studies with Chelidae freshwater turtles in South America were conducted in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, where nematodes, digeneans and monogeneans were reported. In this context, the study aims to report new cases of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Acanthochelys spixii, Hydromedusa tectifera, and Phrynops hilarii. A total of 65 hosts from the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were examined. Seven taxa belonging to Nematoda, Digenea, and Monogenoidea have new cases on hosts Chelidae in South America, as well as a Nematoda and two Digenea have new host cases for Brazil. Thus, the study expands the knowledge about the diversity of helminths and the geographic distribution of taxa associated with Chelidae turtles.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of the red kangaroo, Osphranter rufus (Desmarest) (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) and their regional distribution

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal parasites of 106 red kangaroos, Osphranter rufus (Desmarest), are reported from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Previous studies have been restricted to New South Wales and Queensland. The current study increases the geographical range of studies of the parasites of O. rufus and presents evidence for regional differences in the parasite fauna. Two species of cestodes and 27 species of nematodes were encountered, with four species Cloacina hestia Beveridge, 1998, C. ixion Beveridge, 1998, Papillostrongylus barbatus Chilton, Huby-Chilton, Gasser and Beveridge, 2002 and Popovastrongylus pearsoni (Johnston & Mawson, 1940) being reported for the first time. Several species, Hypodontus macropi Mönnig, 1929, Progamotaenia festiva (Rudolphi, 1819), Labiosimplex longispicularis (Wood, 1929) , Pa. barbatus, Cloacina hydriformis Johnston & Mawson, 1938 and C. liebigi Johnston & Mawson, 1939 were widespread while others exhibited more regional distributions. Helminth communities in Queensland and New South Wales exhibited considerable similarity (89%) followed by South Australia (74%) and the south of Western Australia (71%) while the community in the north of Western Australia was the most distinctive (56% similarity).

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of trade cattle in Aguata and Orumba South Local Government Areas, Southeastern Nigeria.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of trade cattle were investigated in Aguata and Orumba South Local Government Areas (LGA), Southeastern Nigeria. Between February and May, 2017, 210 cattle were randomly sampled in Aguata (140) and Orumba South (70) LGAs. Characteristics of each trade cattle such as sex, breed and body condition scores were noted. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from the selected animals and were subjected to floatation and sedimentation techniques. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 57.6% (95% CI = 0.509-0.643). Of the 140 cattle screened at Aguata LGA, 74 (52.9%; 95% CI = 0.446-0.609) were positive for gastrointestinal helminth ova while 47 (67.1%; 95% CI = 0.555-0.77) were positive out of the 70 cattle screened at Orumba South LGA. A variety of gastrointestinal helminth ova were detected including strongyle, strongyloid, Toxocara, Fasciola, Schistosoma, Moniezia and Paramphistomum ova. Four helminth ova detected in the study area were zoonotic. Strongyle eggs were the most prevalent eggs detected in single infections followed by Fasciola eggs. Mixed infections were more common than single infection. Body condition score was significantly associated (p < 0.0001) with the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of cattle in the study area while sex and breed were not. It was therefore concluded that trade cattle in Aguata and Orumba South LGAs, Southeastern Nigeria were affected by variety of gastrointestinal helminth parasites including zoonotic helminthes. Thus, routine anthelmintic treatment, good management practices and public enlightenment on the zoonotic importance of helminth parasites is highly essential.

Infection with the sheep gastrointestinal nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta increases luminal pathobionts

BackgroundThe multifaceted interactions between gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites, host gut microbiota and immune system are emerging as a key area of research within the field of host-parasite relationships. In spite of the plethora of data available on the impact that GI helminths exert on the composition of the gut microflora, whether alterations of microbial profiles are caused by direct parasite-bacteria interactions or, indirectly, by alterations of the GI environment (e.g. mucosal immunity) remains to be determined. Furthermore, no data is thus far available on the downstream roles that qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbial composition play in the overall pathophysiology of parasite infection and disease.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the fluctuations in microbiota composition and local immune microenvironment of sheep vaccinated against, and experimentally infected with, the ‘brown stomach worm’ Teladorsagia circumcincta, a parasite of worldwide socio-economic significance. We compared the faecal microbial profiles of vaccinated and subsequently infected sheep with those obtained from groups of unvaccinated/infected and unvaccinated/uninfected animals. We show that alterations of gut microbial composition are associated mainly with parasite infection, and that this involves the expansion of populations of bacteria with known pro-inflammatory properties that may contribute to the immunopathology of helminth disease. Using novel quantitative approaches for the analysis of confocal microscopy-derived images, we also show that gastric tissue infiltration of T cells is driven by parasitic infection rather than anti-helminth vaccination.ConclusionsTeladorsagia circumcincta infection leads to an expansion of potentially pro-inflammatory gut microbial species and abomasal T cells. This data paves the way for future experiments aimed to determine the contribution of the gut flora to the pathophysiology of parasitic disease, with the ultimate aim to design and develop novel treatment/control strategies focused on preventing and/or restricting bacterial-mediated inflammation upon infection by GI helminths.DCvTgHLrMa4pPTvhPWGjhoVideo

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites among School Children Attending Two Community Schools in Auta Balefi, Karu, Nasarawa State

Aim: To determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites among school children attending two community schools in Auta-balefi, Karu. Nasarawa State.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between July and August, 2019 in two community schools in Auta-balefi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Microscopic examination of faecal sample from 288 pupils (143 males and 145 females) from ages 5 years and above was carried out using formol-ether concentration technique. Questionnaires were also administered and only pupils whose parents gave their consents were enrolled in the study.&#x0D; Results: This study recorded an overall prevalence of 45.1% gastrointestinal helminth infection. The study however, identified the following parasites in descending order: hookworm (30.76%), Ascaris lumbricoides (25.4%), Schistosoma mansoni (17.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (13.8%), Proglottids of tapeworm (10.78%), Fasciola hepatica (1.5%). Males (51.0%) were more infected as well as children between the ages 11-15 years with (48.3%). Risk factors such as: The educational status and occupation (higher education and unskilled job) of the parents, use of water closet and use of well water and contact with soil were found to contribute to the prevalence of intestinal helminths infection in the study. This is because of the significant association of present of parasites and the prevalence of the parasites (P &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths parasite at the end of the study was (45.1%) which is considered to be high compare to previous study carried on the related subject matter and also certain risk factors were considered to be the reason for such high observation. The prevalence in this study is one to be worried about considering the harm these parasites has on the health and livelihood of children who need to be healthy to carry out their everyday functions.

Nematode Parasites of Red Sokoto Goats (Capra hircus) Slaughtered at Trans-Amadi and Rumuokoro Abattoirs, Rivers State, Nigeria

Helminths are common parasitic fauna of goats. This study was aimed at identifying and quantifying the gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Red Sokoto goats slaughtered at Trans-Amadi and Rumuokoro abattoirs, Rivers State, Nigeria. Fifty intestinal tracts were examined at each location accounting for a total of 100 samples from both locations. Samples were weighed and dissected; direct microscopy was used to examine samples for adult helminths and test-tube floatation technique was used to examine organic matter from samples for parasite eggs. Nematodes were identified using keys and fixed in 70% alcohol. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection were computed; product moment correlation and Student t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Two nematode parasites were identified- Haemonchus contortus and Trichuris ovis. In Trans Amadi, prevalence and mean intensity of infection were 46.0% and 13 parasites/infected host, respectively for H. contortus, and 54.0% and 11 parasites/infected host for T. ovis. In Rumuokoro, prevalence of 38.0% and 52.0% were computed for H. contortus and T. ovis, respectively, while the mean intensity were 6 and 8 parasites/infected host, respectively for H. contortus and T. ovis. Single infection with Trichuris ovis was higher (30% Trans Amadi; 34% Rumuokoro) than either single infection with H. contortus or double infection with both parasites. There was a significant correlation between the parasite burden and intestinal mass at Trans-Amadi (r48=0.33, P0.05=0.279), but not at Rumuokoro (r48=0.10, P0.05=0.279). The total prevalence and prevalence of single and double infection at both locations did not differ significantly (t3=0.93, p=0.21). Agricultural extension and meat inspection services should be carried out regularly to educate farmers on the symptoms, impacts, treatment and management of helminth parasites.

Clinical crenosomosis in a black bear (Ursus americanus)

An orphaned black bear (Ursus americanus) cub, estimated to be 9months-of-age was presented to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in December of 2016. The cub was afebrile, under-weight (6.8kg) and had a cough condition. Centrifugal sugar fecal flotation examination failed to detect any gastrointestinal helminth or protozoan parasites, but revealed the presence of first-stage nematode larvae (L1). Large numbers of L1 (>8000L1/g) identified as Crenosoma sp. based on morphology were recovered using the Baermann technique. Three species (Crenosoma petrowi, Crenosoma potos, Crenosoma vulpis) have been reported from black bears. Based on larval length measurements (range=253-277μm; mean=263μm; n=8), the L1 were tentatively identified as C. petrowi. Further molecular characterization using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing of the small subunit (SSU) RNA gene and two regions of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene did not match any submissions in GenBank, but were most similar to Crenosoma mephiditis. There is a paucity of molecular data for members of the genus Crenosoma, with only information for Crenosoma vulpis (red fox), C. mephitidis (skunks), Crenosoma striatum (hedgehog) and Crenosoma sp. (red panda) in GenBank. Molecular analysis eliminates C. vulpis as a possibility in this case but due to the lack of submissions in GenBank, the identification of the L1 as C. petrowi based on length measurements could not be confirmed. Receiving in total, three separate courses of treatment with fenbendazole (50mg/kg, oral, once a day for 3days), fecal larval shedding ceased and clinical signs resolved. The black bear cub was released into the wild in June 2017. This is the first report of clinical chronic respiratory disease due to Crenosoma sp. infection in a black bear.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Sheep in Jember District (East Java – Indonesia)

Sheep is a ruminant livestock that has the most population in Indonesia and the highest distribution of maintenance in rural areas. Increasing livestock production, controlling factors and preventing diseases including parasites need attention, especially from the gastrointestinal parasite group. This study aims to identify the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in Jember district. This research was conducted by randomly collecting 175 sheep faecal samples from various regions in Jember district. Identification of gastrointestinal parasite diversity by examining worm eggs in sheep faecal samples using sedimentation methods carried out at BBVet Wates (Veterinary Center). Based on the results of sheep feces examination in Jember, 84 samples (48,0%) were examined were infected with one or more gastrointestinal helminth parasites and (52,0%) obtained negative results. Gastrointestinal helminth parasites were found from the Trematode class: Paramphistomum sp., Cestode class: Moniezia sp., and nematode class consisting of Ostertagia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Cooperia sp., Capillaria sp., Bunostomum sp., Strongyloides sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Trichuris sp., and Toxocara sp. with 56 samples were infected with at least one species and 28 samples were infected with two or more species of gastrointestinal helminth parasites which is useful information for future medication.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of the common wallaroo or euro, Osphranter robustus (Gould) (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) from Australia.

The gastrointestinal helminth parasites of 170 common wallaroos or euros, Osphranter robustus (Gould), collected from all mainland states in which the species occurs as well as the Northern Territory, are presented, including previously published data. A total of 65 species of helminths were encountered, including four species of anoplocephalid cestodes found in the bile ducts and small intestine, and 61 species of strongylid nematodes, all but two of which occurring in the stomach, and with the remainder occurring in the terminal ileum, caecum and colon. Among the mainland subspecies of O. robustus, 52 species of helminths were encountered in O. r. robustus, compared with 30 species in O. r. woodwardi and 35 species in O. r. erubescens. Of the parasite species encountered, only 17 were specific to O. robustus, the remaining being shared with sympatric host species. Host-specific species or species occurring in O. robustus at a high prevalence can be classified as follows: widely distributed; restricted to northern Australia; restricted to the northern wallaroo, O. r. woodwardi; found only in the euro, O. r. erubescens; found essentially along the eastern coast of Australia, primarily in O. r. robustus; and species with highly limited regional distributions. The data currently available suggest that the acquisition of a significant number of parasites is due to co-grazing with other macropodids, while subspeciation in wallaroos as well as climatic variables may have influenced the diversification of the parasite fauna.

Retrospective analysis on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in captive mammals and pheasants at padmaja naidu himalayan zoological park, Darjeeling

Retrospective analysis on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in captive mammals and pheasants at padmaja naidu himalayan zoological park, Darjeeling

Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites (ZGIHP) of Dogs Presented to the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State

Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites (ZGIHP) of Dogs Presented to the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State

Effect of co-infection with a small intestine-restricted helminth pathogen on oral prion disease pathogenesis in mice

The early replication of some orally-acquired prion strains upon stromal-derived follicular dendritic cells (FDC) within the small intestinal Peyer’s patches is essential to establish host infection, and for the disease to efficiently spread to the brain. Factors that influence the early accumulation of prions in Peyer’s patches can directly influence disease pathogenesis. The host’s immune response to a gastrointestinal helminth infection can alter susceptibility to co-infection with certain pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Here we used the natural mouse small intestine-restricted helminth pathogen Heligmosomoides polygyrus to test the hypothesis that pathology specifically within the small intestine caused by a helminth co-infection would influence oral prion disease pathogenesis. When mice were co-infected with prions on d 8 after H. polygyrus infection the early accumulation of prions within Peyer’s patches was reduced and survival times significantly extended. Natural prion susceptible hosts such as sheep, deer and cattle are regularly exposed to gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Our data suggest that co-infections with small intestine-restricted helminth pathogens may be important factors that influence oral prion disease pathogenesis.

The Notch signaling pathway promotes basophil responses during helminth-induced type 2 inflammation.

Type 2 inflammation drives the clearance of gastrointestinal helminth parasites, which infect over two billion people worldwide. Basophils are innate immune cells that support host-protective type 2 inflammation during murine infection with the helminth Trichuris muris However, the mechanisms required for basophil function and gene expression regulation in this context remain unclear. We show that during T. muris infection, basophils localized to the intestine and up-regulated Notch receptor expression, rendering them sensitive to Notch signals that rapidly regulate gene expression programs. In vitro, Notch inhibition limited basophil cytokine production in response to cytokine stimulation. Basophil-intrinsic Notch signaling was required for T. muris-elicited changes in genome-wide basophil transcriptional programs. Mice lacking basophil-intrinsic functional Notch signaling had impaired worm clearance, decreased intestinal type 2 inflammation, altered basophil localization in the intestine, and decreased CD4+ T helper 2 cell responses following infection. These findings demonstrate that Notch is required for basophil gene expression and effector function associated with helminth expulsion during type 2 inflammation.

Helminthic infection in three native rodent species from a semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem.

Helminth parasites are still not a well-known component of animal biodiversity. In this study, we describe and compare the endoparasite assemblages of three native rodent species from a semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem. A total of eight species of gastrointestinal helminth parasites were detected. The endoparasitic communities of the rodents Phyllotis darwini (5 species), Octodon degus (4 species), and Abrothrix olivaceus (3 species) were described in terms of their prevalence and mean abundance. In addition, endoparasite records by rodent species were submitted to rarefaction analyses to verify sampling robustness and used to compare richness and similarity among rodent species. O. degus presented the highest prevalence and parasitic load, but was of low diversity, while P. darwini presented the highest diversity, but had a low prevalence rate. Conversely, A. olivaceus presented the lowest prevalence and diversity. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of the endoparasitic fauna of rodent species from semiarid Mediterranean zones.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Chicken under Different Management System in Mekelle Town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

The poultry industry is an infant but fast growing sector in Ethiopia. However, it is largely dependent on local chicken managed under backyard production system. The sector is facing different challenges, mainly emanated from prevalence of infectious diseases such as helminth parasite species. Hence, this study came up with an aim to determine the infection rate and identify helminth parasite species in chickens managed under different production systems, in Mekelle, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was employed, from November 2015 to March 2016. Postmortem (N=138) and fecal (N=410) samples of chicken were considered for necropsy and coproscopic examination to see both adult and eggs of helminth parasites, respectively. Similar gastrointestinal helminth parasites infection rate of chicken was obtained from both examination approaches (necropsy, 90.60%; and coproscopy, 90.97%). The study attested high prevalence (87.7%) of mixed infection with helminth parasites of chicken. Heterakis gallinarum (72.5%) and Ascaridia galli (68.8%) were found as the most dominant species (necropsy). During coproscopic examination cestode (89%) infections showed a relatively higher prevalence than nematodes (84.4%), although no difference was observed during that of necropsy examination results. Chickens of local breed from backyard production system had shown more likelihood of getting helminth infection when compared with their corresponding relatives (coproscopy). However, the variation was not statistically significant during that of necropsy finding. Therefore, the higher prevalence of parasitism and mixed infection observed in the study area would warrant for an urgent intervention with regular deworming scheme, and strict attention should be given towards hygienic measures and other health related management activities.

Efficacy of closantel, fenbendazole and ivermectin against GI helminths of cattle in central Kashmir

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of closantel (@ 7.5mg/kg body weight, orally), fenbendazole (@ 7.5mg/kg body weight, orally) and ivermectin bolus (@ 0.2mg/kg body weight, orally) against gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites of cattle in central zone of Kashmir valley. Twenty cattle suffering from GI helminth infection were randomly selected and divided into two groups in each trial. In each trial, one group comprising of fifteen animals were treated with anthelmintic and second group comprising of five animals were kept as infected untreated control. To determine the therapeutic efficacy of different anthelmintic drugs against GI helminths, faecal samples were directly collected from rectum before treatment and on 7th, 14th and 28th day post treatment and eggs per gram of faeces was determined by using Stoll's method. Then the efficacy of different anthelmintics was calculated by employing Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test. On 14th day post treatment closantel was found to be 100 and 94.44% effective against Fasciola spp. and strongyle worms, respectively, however, it was not found effective against Trichuris spp. The efficacy of fenbendazole was 100% against Fasciola spp., paramphistomes, Moniezia spp., Trichuris spp. and strongyle worms on 14th day post treatment. Ivermectin was found to be 100% effective against Trichuris spp. and strongyle worms on 14th day post treatment, however, it was not effective against Fasciola spp. and paramphistomes.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal Helminths in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

A total of 66 (sixty-six) fresh fecal samples were collected during July 2017 to October 2018 from rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) residing in Bangladesh National Zoo, Dhaka. Samples were analyzed applying formol-ether concentration technique. All the rhesus macaques, irrespective of age and sex, were found to be infested with one or more species of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites. Ascaris spp. was noticed in all the fecal samples. Overall intensity of helminths was higher in male (38.53) that in female (31.04) comprising the maximum (58.08) in adult male (p &lt; 0.005). The highest intensity was of Ascaris spp. (3.33 ± 1.39) and found in adult male hosts. Young female rhesus macaques displayed the maximum intensity of Trichuris spp. (3.56 ± 0.73).&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Zool. 46(2): 231-237, 2018

Prevalence of parasites of some wild birds in a tropical rainforest zone of Edo State, Nigeria

The prevalence of ecto-, blood and gastrointestinal helminth parasitic infection was conducted among free-ranging wild birds in Benin City, Nigeria. Birds were collected by traps and cages, identified and the parasites were collected following standard procedures. A total of 224 wild birds comprising 24 species were used for this study (107 were examined for ecto- and gastrointestinal helminth parasites respectively while 117 were examined for blood parasites only). Ninety-nine (92.52%) were infected with ectoparasites which included mainly Columbicola columbae, Menopon gallinae, Chelopistes melagridis while 105 (98.13%) with gastrointestinal helminth parasites comprising majorly Ascaridia galli, Raillietina cesticillus, Heterakis gallinarum, however, it was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Thirty-eight birds (32.48%) of the 117 were infected with blood parasites out of which 34 (29.06%) were infected with Plasmodium species while 4 (3.42%) with Leucocytozoon sp. Columbicola columbae was the most abundant ectoparasite recorded and M. plegadis, Ixodes sp and Dermanyssus gallinae occurred with two individuals each. The most abundant gastrointestinal helminth parasite recorded was R. cesticillus while Choanotaenia infundibulum and A. galli occurred with intermediate abundances. The highest number (43, 35.83%) of ectoparasites was recorded in Ploceus cucullatus, Streptopelia roseogrisea was the most infected with gastrointestinal helminths (76, 69.72%). Some of the parasites recovered are of both economic and public health importance, thus they may affect the population and biodiversity of wild birds. These birds may therefore, serve as reservoirs of infection for man and his domestic animals.Keywords: Wild birds; prevalence; Columbicola columbae; Raillietina cesticillus; Plasmodium sp.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of dogs in rural areas of the north east of Algeria

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of dogs in rural areas of the north east of Algeria