Gastrointestinal Helminths Research Articles

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.

Gastrointestinal helminths of the Australasian harrier (Circus approximans Peale, 1848) in New Zealand, and description of a new species of nematode, Procyrnea fraseri n. sp. (Habronematidae).

The Australasian harrier Circus approximans, a native of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, is an opportunistic hunter of small prey, although a large part of its diet consists of carrion, mainly from roadkill. Besides a record of a single, unnamed species of capillariid nematode there have been no investigations into the parasites of Australasian harriers in New Zealand. In this study, a helminthological survey of sixty-five deceased harriers from southern New Zealand uncovered a gastrointestinal helminth fauna consisting of six parasite species. Porrocaecum circinum (Nematoda) was previously described only from fragmented females, and a redescription is presented here. Procyrnea fraseri n. sp. (Nematoda) is described, and distinguished from its congeners by its slender body shape and shorter spicules. Strigea falconis (Trematoda) is reported for the first time in New Zealand. Cladotaenia anomalis (Cestoda) and Polymorphus circi (Acanthocephala) were previously described as new species elsewhere. An unnamed species of capillariid appears to be mainly confined to North Island and is rare in South Island. Prevalence and intensity metrics are given, and DNA sequences provided to accompany new re/descriptions. Potential intermediate hosts are discussed, and the origins of the helminths and their potential for pathogenicity are considered.

Sharing without Caring: High Prevalence and Similarity of Potentially Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Helminths in Two Sympatric Nonhuman Primates in a Tropical Resource Reserve

Sharing without Caring: High Prevalence and Similarity of Potentially Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Helminths in Two Sympatric Nonhuman Primates in a Tropical Resource Reserve

Epidemiology and diversity of gastrointestinal tract helminths of wild ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa: a review.

This review summarises studies on distribution, diversity, and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in wild ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that109 gastrointestinal tract (GIT) helminth species or species complexes were recorded in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. South Africa reported the highest number of species because most studies were carried out in this country. Eighty-eight nematode species or species complexes were recorded from 30 wild ruminant species across eight countries. The genus Trichostrongylus recorded the highest number of species and utilised the highest number of wild ruminant species, and along with Haemonchus spp., was the most widely distributed geographically. Fifteen trematode species or species complexes were reported from seven countries. The genus Paramphistomum recorded the highest number of species, and Calicophoron calicophoron was the most commonly occurring species in sub-Saharan African countries and infected the highest number of hosts. Six cestode species or species complexes from one family were documented from 14 wild hosts in seven countries. Moniezia spp. were the most commonly distributed in terms of host range and geographically. Impala were infected by the highest number of nematodes, whilst Nyala were infected by the highest number of trematode species. Greater kudu and Impala harbored the largest number of cestodes. The prevalence amongst the three GIT helminths taxa ranged between 1.4% and 100% for nematodes, 0.8% and 100% for trematodes, and 1.4% and 50% for cestodes. There is still limited information on the distribution and diversity of GIT helminths in wild ruminants in most sub-Saharan African countries.

Helminth Control Practices in Sheep and Cattle in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Adea District, Central Ethiopia.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasitism is an important problem of livestock in many places of the globe. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023 in urban and peri-urban areas of the Ada'a District with the objective of estimating the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIHPs) in sheep and cattle and to assess the commercial anthelmintic utilization practices and associated risk factors in sheep and cattle. A total of 351 randomly selected fecal samples (192 cattle and 159 sheep) were collected from the rectum and examined using flotation and sedimentation. One hundred respondents were interviewed for questionnaire surveys on anthelmintic utilization practices. The overall prevalence of GIHPs (61.25%) was recorded during the study. Among the animals, 55.21% and 68.55% prevalence of the infection was observed in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection between the study animal species, breeds, body condition of the animals, and production systems. However, there were no significant differences in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection (P > 0.05) according to sex and age of the animals. A higher prevalence of strongyle (55.34%), fasciola (13.48%), and moniezia eggs (10.69%) was recorded. According to a questionnaire survey, ivermectin was found to be the most used anthelmintic drug. This study addresses the challenge of anthelmintic resistance (AR) against currently available anthelmintics; highly prevalent parasitic infections are causing tremendous economic losses to the animal industry.

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.

ANTHELMINTIC EFFECT OF HERBAL COMPOUNDS (BIO-DEWORMER) AGAINST GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAMELS

Parasitic infections particularly gastrointestinal helminths are the leading cause of production losses in all dairy animals and in camels as well. Synthetic anthelmintics have been used for many years for the control of helminths. However, helminths have developed resistance against most of these synthetic anthelmintic agents including Levamisole, Oxfendazole, Albendazole, Piprazine, and Triclabendazole. Ancient herbs still have excellent therapeutic effects. While facing emerging synthetic anthelminthic resistance, there is a need to focus on plant-based alternative medicines. Phytochemical findings revealed the presence of various biologically active compounds in plants or their extracts that may have anthelmintic effects. This research aimed to study the effect of herbal combinations on 20 mature camels in District Layyah. The 20 camels were split into four groups: C1, C2, C3, and C4, each group contained five camels. The research trial was continued for four weeks. The treatment was given in different concentrations from week 1 to week 4 (Group C1 350 mg/kg, Group C2 400 mg/kg, Group C3 450 mg/kg, and Group C4 as a control one). During research, Blood, serum, and fecal samples were collected to analyze their hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, and fecal egg count. The result revealed that herbal compound gives concentration-related responses, as groups C1, C2 and C3 showed 33.76, 46.60, and 70.23% fecal egg reduction, respectively. In the control group, C4 fecal egg count increased by 0.03%. HPLC analysis of a methanolic extract of an herbal compound showed that the levels of gallic acid, quercitin, and cinnamic acid were 2.37, 3.28, and 0.46 ppm, respectively. Likewise, serum biochemistry of all groups of camels showed no toxicity and adverse effects of herbal compounds. Hematological parameters showed very positive results of herbal compounds on RBCs, WBCs, PCV, and hemoglobin values.

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.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infection in Pet Cats in Wonogiri District, Central Java

Gastrointestinal helminth infection is the most common and the easiest infection to infect wild cats or pet cats but is often ignored by the cat owners because sometimes there are no symptoms or a lack of attention from the cat owner to their pet cat. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal helminth infection in pet cats in Wonogiri District, Central Java. A total of 100 cat samples were evaluated using a questionnaire, then fecal microscopic examination using simple native method, sedimentation, and floatation methods. Data obtained from this study were presented descriptively and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The result showed that 37 out of 100 fecal samples were found positive infected with gastrointestinal helminth including Toxocara cati and Dipylidium caninum or the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection can be calculated at 37%. The result of the analysis of significant risk factors were breed, number of pet cat owners, grooming, deworming, and vaccination.

Epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths among chickens (&lt;em&gt;Gallus domesticus&lt;/em&gt;) from Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria: prevalence, helminth burden and associated risk factors

The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths among local and exotic breeds of chickens in Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Fresh faecal samples (n=800) were collected from birds at live poultry markets (Maiduguri metropolis, Jere and Bama Local Government Areas) and Veterinary Hospitals. They were processed according to standard parasitological techniques. A total of 438 samples had one or more helminths, giving an overall prevalence of 54.8% (95%CI: 51.3 – 58.2). These included five nematodes, Ascaridia galli (14.6%), Heterakis gallinarum (9.8%), Capillaria spp. (5.5%), Strongyloides avium (4.1%), Subulura brumpti and three cestodes, Raillietina tetragona (6.6%), Raillietina echinobothrida (3.5%), Davainea proglottina (2.1%). Ascaridia galli were the most common helminths and Davainea proglottina were the least common. Epidemiological variables, such as sex (female), age (adults &gt; 5mo), season (rainy), health status (clinically sick birds), breed (local birds) and study location (Veterinary Hospitals) had a significantly high impact (p&lt;0.0001) on the prevalence of helminths. Single and mixed helminth infections were observed. Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum co-infection was frequently encountered, while Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Capillaria spp. infections were less common. In order to improve parasite control in poultry management systems and produce healthy chickens for human consumption, a long-term control plan for gastrointestinal helminth infections in the poultry production system is recommended.

Gastrointestinal helminths in tilapia (&lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt;) sold for human consumption in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A potential public health risk

Fish is an important and cheap protein source for human consumption in developing countries. It is the second most popular source of protein diet in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria. Fisheries resources contribute about 5.40% to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) through income generation, employment, food security, and foreign exchange earnings. Despite the significant contributions of fisheries to the Nigerian economy, the aquatic ecosystem is prone to pollution from human activities which increases the chances of transmission of parasitic infections, which are detrimental to aquatic and human life. The present study assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of tilapia fish from different market sources in the Maiduguri metropolitan council of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Samples of fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish (n= 125), comprising 50 juveniles and 75 adults, were screened for gastrointestinal helminths using standard parasitological methods. Twenty-nine (23.2%) harboured at least one helminth parasite. Of the 29 positive individual fish samples, 16% (n=20), 4% (n=5), 2.4% (n=3), and 0.8% (n=1) were infected by Acanthocephala, Cestode, Nematode, and Trematodes, respectively. The infection rate was higher in adults (26%) than juveniles (18%) and in females (23.5%) than males (22.8%). Fish samples from Baga markets showed higher infection rates than the other two market sources. Sex, age, and location were not significantly associated with parasite recovery rate (p&gt;0.05). The study concluded that Nile tilapia fish sold in Maiduguri metropolis were infected with different groups of helminths, underscoring public health risks to farmers, sellers, and consumers. Therefore, fish farmers should regularly consult veterinarians for advice on good fish management practices and observe proper hygienic handling of harvested fish at the farm level, during transportation to fish markets, and processing. The public should thoroughly clean and properly cook fish for human consumption.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths species in cattle raised at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Helminths are worm-like parasites that live in the gut of animals or humans that feed on the host to obtain nourishment and protection, sometimes causing morbidity and mortality if not treated. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths Species in Cattle at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Faecal sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. A total of 72 (100%) fecal samples consisting of 52 (72.2%) females and 20 (27.80%) males were examined. McMaster has an overall prevalence of 40(55.5%), and 2 (2.8%) Strongyloides and Monienzia sp. while sedimentation techniques show the prevalence of 38(52.8%) and 1(1.4%) Paramphistomium sp. Trichuris and Haemonchus sp. No significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the occurrence of parasitic helminths in the samples with respect to locations and techniques used. Fecal samples were examined among the sexes, females had 2(10.0%) and age group &gt;18 years with 2(3.2%) co-infected with helminths. Across the breed, white Fulani had 2(3.2%) mixed infections compared to other breeds. The study revealed that GIT parasitic helminths infections prevalence is common among white Fulani cattle probably due to open grazing and scavenging. There is a need to sensitize nomads on deworming to mitigate the GIT infections and improve animal health status.

HELMINTHIASIS IN DOMESTIC MALE CAT

Helminthiasis is also known as parasitic helminth infectious disease. Gastrointestinal helminth parasitic infection is a common disease diagnosed in cats. Some types are known to be zoonotic. The writing of this article aims to report cases of helminthiasis in cats based on history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, and supporting examinations. A four-year-old cat was examined at the Teaching Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University with complaints of anorexia and diarrhea like paste to yellowish liquid. In feces found the presence of two types of adult worms. Checking the status of the presens obtained Capillary Refill Time (CRT) of more than 2 seconds and an increase in breathing frequency. On physical examination, it was found that the abdomen of the case cat had a slight distention and there was residual feces attached to the anus. When the cat's abdomen is palpated, it shows signs of discomfort and sounds of borborygmus when occulted. Anemis oral mucosa, anus, and conjunctiva. The results of fecal examination with the native method found Toxocara cati worm eggs. The results of hematological examination showed that the case cat had hypochromic microcytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Case cats were diagnosed with helminthiasis with the discovery of eggs of Toxocara cati worms, and adult worms of nematodes and cestodes in feces. The prognosis of this case is fausta. Therapy is carried out by administering anthelmintic drugs containing fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoat, and praziquantel (1 tablet / 10 kg body weight, PO) twice with a repeat interval of 14 days and vitamin B complex (1 tablet, PO) for 7 days. Treatment with Caniverm tablets gave good results characterized by significant improvement in clinical condition, fecal intensity from grade 6 to grade 5, and no worm eggs were found on native examination and adult worms on macroscopic examination of feces. Regular deworming of cats is important, and make sure the cat is free of ectoparasites which are intermediate hosts of disease agents.

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&gt;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.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Eimeria Species and Gastrointestinal Helminths in Lambs and Sheeps in Erzurum Region

Bu çalışma 2009 yılının Şubat ve Mart aylarında Erzurum’un Pazaryolu, Pasinler ve Ilıca ilçelerinde yürütülmüştür. Yöresindeki 11 odakta bulunan 28 ağıldan yaşları 1 aylığa kadar değişen 461 kuzu (253 ishalli, 208 sağlıklı) ve 397 (9 ishalli, 388 sağlıklı) koyun dışkı örneği alınmıştır. Cryptosporidium spp. 858 dışkı örneğinin 397’sinde %46.3 yaygınlık tespit edildi. Eimeria spp. 858 örneğin 313’ünde ortalama %36.5 yaygınlık tespit edildi. 21 ‘inde ise (%2.4) gastrointestinal helmint yumurtalarına rastlanmıştır. Kuzu ve koyun dışkılarında on Eimeria türü tanımlandı; Eimeria ovinoidalis, E. parva, E. pallida, E. faurei, E. bakuensis, E. crandalis, E. ahsata, E.weybridgensis, E. intricata ve E. granulosa tespit edilmiştir. Bu dışkı örneklerinde Strongyloides papillosus, Nematodirus spp. ve Trichuris spp. yumurtalarına rastlanmıştır.

Severely Asthmatic Horses Residing in a Mediterranean Climate Shed a Significantly Lower Number of Parasite Eggs Compared to Healthy Farm Mates.

The relationship between helminth infection and allergic diseases has long intrigued the scientific community. This interaction was previously studied in a horse family with high incidence of severe equine asthma and in non-related severely asthmatic horses from equine hospital referrals in Switzerland. Our aim was to determine if this interaction would also be observed in a group of non-related client-owned severely asthmatic horses living in a Mediterranean climate and recruited through a first-opinion veterinarian group. Fecal samples from severe equine asthma-affected and healthy horses living in the same farms and subjected to identical environmental and deworming management were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Strongyle-type eggs and Cyathostomum sensu latum larvae were the most abundant parasites in the studied population of horses; no significant differences between the groups were observed regarding the types of egg and infective larvae. However, we observed significant differences in the number of eggs and infective larvae per gram of feces shed, as this number was significantly lower in the SEA group than in the healthy horses. This may indicate that severely asthmatic horses have an intrinsic resistance to gastrointestinal helminths. Further studies in a larger population of horses are required to ascertain the immunological mechanisms responsible for these findings.

Nematocidal Activity of Ethanol and Aqueous Extracts of Persea americana Seeds against Heligmosomoides polygyrus using the Worm Microtracker Method.

Infections with gastrointestinal helminths constitute a serious obstacle to the good health of the local population in most African Countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelminthic activity of Persea americana ethanol and aqueous extracts against Heligmosomoides polygyrus using the worm microtracker. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. americana were prepared. Different concentrations of the extracts were tested against the egg and larvae stages of H. polygyrus using an automated high-throughput method. Briefly, embryonated eggs and larvae of this parasite were obtained after the incubation of fresh eggs at 25°C for 24, 48, and 96 hours for embryonated eggs, L1 and L2 larvae, respectively. One hundred microliters of the plant extracts at various concentrations were put in contact in a 96-well microplate with a suspension of 100 embryonated eggs in a total volume of 200 μL and incubated in a worm microtracker where the motility of the worms was recorded every 30 minutes for the ovicidal activity. The final tested extract concentration was 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, and 0.3125 mg/mL, whereas ringer solution (0.95%) and 1.5% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used as negative controls and levamisole as positive control. The same method was used for larvicidal activities. The anthelmintic activity was determined using the average movement of the worms in the tested product compared with the negative control (1.5% DMSO and ringer solution). The egg hatching rates of H. polygyrus had IC50 of 0.49 mg/mL (95% confidence interval: 71.70-92.03) and 0.22 mg/mL (95% confidence interval: 74.28-86.18) for the ethanol and aqueous extract, respectively. These IC50 indicate that the aqueous extract is more active for the inhibition of hatching at a 95% confidence interval. The aqueous and ethanol extracts presented mean inhibitory hatching rates of 78.33 ± 1.67% and 75.67 ± 1.15% at 5 mg/mL, respectively, with no significant differences. The highest percentage of inhibition of L1 larva was observed at 5 mg/mL with 89 ± 2.3%and 85 ± 2.7% for the ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. The lowest percentage of inhibition was observed at 0.3125 mg/mL, with 54.67 ± 3.38% and 49 ± 2.64% for the ethanol and aqueous extract, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the two extracts at 5 mg/mL with an inhibitory percentage of 90.67 ± 3.05% (ethanol) and 89.33 ± 2.08% (aqueous). Extracts of P. americana seeds possess nematocidal activity, however, further in silico and in vivo investigations are necessary to confirm their anthelminthic activity.

Diversity and Composition of Gastrointestinal Helminths and Gram-Negative Bacteria of the West African Rainbow Lizard (Agama picticauda) in a Human-Modified Landscape: Implications for Conservation and Zoonosis

Emerging infectious diseases are negatively impacting herpetofaunal populations globally, posing a major conservation threat. Anthropogenic perturbations of natural habitats may influence wildlife disease dynamics and spillover events. Although viral and fungal diseases of vertebrates have received considerable studies, there is scant information on the enteric bacteria and helminths of herpetofauna. Here, we assessed the gastrointestinal helminths and Gram-negative bacteria of the West African rainbow lizard (Agama picticauda) in a human-dominated landscape in Accra, Ghana. We used the flotation method and standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods, for helminths and bacteria, respectively. Four helminth species, Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Pharyngodon spp., and Oxyurid spp., were identified, with overall high (71.9%) prevalence. Ascaris spp. (χ2 = 33.33, p &lt; 0.001 ) and Pharyngodon spp. (χ2 = 14.5, p &lt; 0.001 ) were more prevalent in suburban lizards during the wet season than dry season. The prevalence of Ascaris spp. and Enterobius spp. was significantly higher (χ2 = 12.34, p &lt; 0.001 ) in urban than suburban lizards, while Oxyurid spp. was more prevalent (χ2 = 4.75, p = 0.03 ) in the suburban lizards during the wet season. The gut bacteria identified (prevalence) were Escherichia spp. (86.5%), Enterobacter spp. (75.7%), Proteus spp. (67.6%), Shigella spp. (40.5%), Klebsiella spp. (21.6%), and Salmonella spp. (16.2%). The prevalence of Escherichia spp. and Proteus spp. was significantly higher (χ2 = 5.77–7.34, p = 0.01 – 0.02 ) in suburban lizards than urban lizards during the wet season. Some Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Escherichia spp., Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. are found in humans. Our data can serve as baseline information for long-term monitoring studies of reptile-parasites-environment interactions in the Accra plains of Ghana. Further studies using molecular techniques are needed to ascertain the zoonotic helminths and bacteria of A. picticauda.

Survey on the Prevalence and Burden of Gastrointestinal Helminths Infections of Cattle Slaughtered at Dutse Modern Abattoir, Jigawa State, Nigeria

An abattoir cross sectional survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic helminths in slaughtered cattle at Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of 288 fecal samples were tested. Gastrointestinal helminths’ eggs were detected in 219 samples tested giving an overall prevalence of 76.04%. The prevalent helminthes species identified were Cooperia sp., Fasciola sp, T. saginata, T r i c o s t r o n g y l u s s p , Ostertagia, and Paraphostimum sp. High prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in cattle slaughtered was observed during the wet season; with T. saginata 106(35.2%) having highest prevalence and the least prevalent species Paraphostimum sp. with 11(3.7). There is significant association of increasing parasitic infection with months of wet season p=0.001; χ 2 =80.36. However, there was no significant association was observed during dry season p= 0.35; χ2 =21.74. the distribution of gastrointestinal helminths according to age group of the animals were found to be 77.14% in Cattle less than 2 years, 76.27% in young and 70.59% in adults. These findings implied that the majority of cattle brought for slaughter in Dutse abattoir were highly infested with several internal helminthes parasites that may present a public health problem and an important epidemiological implication. Therefore, an effective chemotherapy, an appropriate meat inspection, and famers education of proper use of anthelminthic to prevent infestation of human and to enhance food sufficiency not only in quantity but also in quality.

Targeted drug delivery using beeswax-derived albendazole-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in Haemonchus contortus, an albendazole-tolerant nematode

Targeted delivery has not been achieved for anthelmintic treatment, resulting in the requirement of excess drug dose leading to side effects and therapeutic resistance. Gastrointestinal helminths take up lipid droplets from digestive fluid for energy production, egg development, and defense which inspired us to develop biocompatible and orally administrable albendazole-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-A) that were derived from beeswax and showed drug loading efficiency of 83.3 ± 6.5 mg/g and sustained-release properties with 84.8 ± 2.5% of drug released at pH 6.4 within 24 h at 37 °C. Rhodamine B-loaded SLN showed time-dependent release and distribution of dye in-vitro in Haemonchus contortus. The sustained-release property was shown by the particles that caused enhancement of albendazole potency up to 50 folds. Therefore, this formulation has immense potential as an anthelminthic drug delivery vehicle that will be able to reduce the dose and drug-induced side effects by enhancing the bioavailability of the drug.