Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Detection of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal strongyles of cattle in Thrissur district, Kerala

Gastro intestinal parasite (GIP) infection is an economically important disease that affects cattle population worldwide and contributes to decreased productivity and profitability in the livestock sector. An important obstacle to the management of helminth infections in cattle is the failure of therapy owing to anthelmintic resistance. The present study is aimed to identify the predominant gastrointestinal strongyles in cattle of Thrissur district, Kerala and to determine the incidence of benzimidazole resistance against these gastrointestinal strongyles in organised cattle farms and small holder farmers’ herd. Coproculture studies revealed that predominant strongyle was Mecistocirrus spp. (29.75 per cent) followed by Haemonchus spp. (21.5 per cent) and Oesophagostomum spp. (13 per cent). The in vivo method of benzimidazole resistance detection by faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) with albendazole was done in three organised cattle farms and three small holder farmers’ herd. The per cent FEC reduction in three organised farms were 38, 55 and 85 per cent and that of small holder farmers’ herd ranged between 75 - 100. This study forms the first report of anthelmintic resistance in cattle in south India and the results indicated that benzimidazole resistance was highly progressed in organised cattle farms and in a progression state in small holder farmers’ herd that necessitates the judicial utilisation of anthelmintics for the parasite control.

Infecções por parasitas gastrintestinais em caprinos e ovinos de acordo com a variação sazonal no município de São Luís, estado do Maranhão, Brasil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the seasonal variation of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in goats and sheep in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectal ampulla of the animals to count the eggs per gram in the feces at 30-day intervals over the 12-month study period. This study included 40 small ruminants, comprising 22 goats (14 sows, 6 kids, and 2 sires) and 18 sheep (13 sows, 4 lambs, and 1 sire). The study assessed the variation in the excretion of gastrointestinal nematode eggs during the dry and rainy seasons. Coproculture was performed to identify third-stage larvae. In the 12 months of research and monthly sample collections, 95.9% and 82.3% of the eggs detected were endoparasites in the fecal samples of the goats and sheep, respectively. Eimeria spp. oocysts were present in 50.6% and 30.4% of the goat and sheep fecal samples, respectively. The results indicated that the mean number of eggs per gram of feces was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season in both goats and sheep. The genera of gastrointestinal nematodes identified via monthly coproculture tests were Haemonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., and Oesophagostomum sp. Thus, gastrointestinal nematode parasitism was higher in goats and sheep during the rainy season than in the dry season, and the genera Haemonchus sp. and Trichostrongylus sp. were the most prevalent.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in bovines along the elevation gradients of Annapurna Landscape, Nepal

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is a great concern for livestock management in Nepal, which may vary with the age and sex of the animals, feeding practices, habitat types, and interaction with other domestic and wild animals. As a consequence of growing environmental changes, it is anticipated that temperature and precipitation variation in altitudinal gradients will influence parasite communities and their hosts with unpredictable impacts. In light of this, the current study aimed to explore the pattern of prevalence and factors affecting GI parasites in bovines along the altitudinal and environmental gradients of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape. A total of 600 faecal specimens of bovines were collected from six different blocks and examined microscopically in the Zoology laboratory of Birendra Multiple Campus, Bharatpur, Nepal in between 2019 to 2020. The presence of cysts, oocysts and eggs of parasites in faecal samples were detected morphometrically using standard qualitative and quantitative methods. Out of 600 faecal samples of cattle and buffaloes examined, 64.8% were found positive for one or more species of GI parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infection was significantly higher in cattle (68.8%) as compared to the buffaloes (62.7%, p=0.007). A total of 16 species (5 protozoans, 11 helminths) were reported. The prevalence of GI parasites was significantly lower with increasing annual rainfall, elevation, distance from the forest and water resources (p=0.0001) but significantly higher with increasing temperature (p=0.001). The calf (p=0.028) and sub-adults (p=0.028) were significantly infected than the adults. Despite the fact that a large number of the herders used veterinary drugs for deworming, GI parasites were still rampant in the cows and buffaloes. We conclude that GI parasites are serious problems in the cattle and buffaloes of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape. Hence, regular health checkups, deworming, cleanliness of the sheds, and water resources are suggested regularly.

Differences in gut microbes in captive pangolins and the effects of captive breeding.

Intestinal microorganisms are crucial for health and have a significant impact on biological processes, such as metabolism, immunity, and neural regulation. Although pangolin are protected animals in China and listed as critically endangered (CR) level by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population of wild pangolins has decreased sharply in recent decades. Captive breeding has been adopted to protect pangolins, but the survival is low due to gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. Studies on intestinal microbes in pangolins may reveal the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and health and assist protection. To explore the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and pangolin health, blood parameters and intestinal microorganisms of 10 pangolins (two Manis pentadactyla and eight Manis javanica) were studied at the Shenzhen Wildlife Rescue Center. There is difference among adult Sunda pangolins (M. javanica), adult Chinese pangolins (M. pentadactyla) and sub-adult Sunda pangolins (M. javanica) in intestinal microbial composition, diversity and phenotypic diversity, which suggested that adult Sunda pangolins occupied more diversity and proportion of microbial species to resist environmental pressure than the others. Due to the captive breeding serum cortisol of pangolins was increased, and the intestinal microbial structure changed, which may affect immunity. This study provides a scientific basis for the rescue of pangolins through artificial breeding.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in intensive dairy cattle breeding: Update on the epidemiology and associated risk factors in northern Italy.

Parasitic infections such as Strongylida and Eimeria still represent a major health problem of dairy cattle impacting their health, welfare, and productivity. In view of the scarcity of data on risk factors contributing to the spread of parasitic infections in cattle breeding, an epidemiological study in intensive dairy farms in northern Italy was planned. 495 animals (lactating and dry cows, heifers, and calves) from 19 farms were enrolled in the study. Individual fecal samples were analyzed by a quantitative copromicroscopic analysis to detect the number of Strongylida eggs or Eimeria oocysts per gram of faeces (EPG/OPG). Data concerning management, sanitary and biosecurity measures were collected using a questionnaire; a management measures score (MMS) was also calculated. The possible influence of risk factors on Strongylida and Eimeria was thus assessed by statistical analysis using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Eimeria spp. was the most frequently detected parasitic taxon (herd and individual prevalence: 89.5% and 46.2%, respectively), followed by Strongylida (herd and individual prevalence: 63.1% and 16.6%, respectively). The presence of Strongylida resulted associated to the productive category (p-value=0.028), with heifers and dry cows at higher risk of infection than lactating cows and calves, and to the MMS (p-value=0.007). Higher prevalence values were recorded in farms with intermediate or low MMS compared to those with optimal MMS. As regard Eimeria infection, a greater effect of MMS on OPG was recorded in calves when compared to those recorded in heifers (OR=0.228, p-value=0.003) and dry cows (OR=0.241, p-value=0.009). Gastrointestinal parasitic infections still remain an underestimated problem in intensive dairy cattle breeding. MMS may help in the choice of strategies aimed at minimizing the impact of parasites on animal health, thus improving the productivity of the entire herd.

Manifestation of endoparasitic helminths in Sumba Horse (Equus caballus) in Citra Pesona Ladangku Animal Park

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections can cause horses to experience diarrhea, weight loss, weakened physical condition and even death. This horse disease is a great danger that can reduce horse performance.The research on the description of gastrointestinal endoparasites in Sumba horses (Equus caballus) at Citra Pesona Ladangku animal park, Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. The aim of the study was to determine the type of endoparasites, prevalence and the intensity of parasite attacks. The sample testing was carried out at the Parasitology Laboratory, Medan Veterinary Center using the EPG Mc. Masters method. The results showed that from 18 Sumba horses examined, 6 types of endoparasites were found, namely Strongylus sp., Trichonema sp., Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, Strongyloides sp., Triodontophorus sp. and Ascaris sp. The prevalence of Strongylus sp. was 86% in the usual category and the intensity attack was 1.530 in the Super infection category, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi was 53% in the frequent category and the intensity attack was 1.161 in the Super infection category, Trichonema sp. was 38% in the common category, and the intensity attack 300 categorized in the very severe category, Strongyloides sp. was 22% in the often category and the intensity was 430 in the very severe category, Triodontophorus sp. was 16% in the often category and the intensity was 500 in the very severe category and Ascaris sp. had prevalence 14% in the often category and the intensity was 100 in the severe category. The gastrointestinal parasitic infections in Sumba horses need special attention.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in wild rats (muridae) in pilajau oil palm plantation of Sawit Kinabalu Group, Membakut Sabah Malaysia

Rats are pests and reservoirs for ectoparasites and endoparasites. This study was conducted at the Pilajau oil palm plantation to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection among wild rats. This study identified the rat species and sex based on its morphological characteristics. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified up to the genus level using formalin-ether concentration (FECT). Parasite eggs and oocysts were quantified with a modified McMaster method using Sheather's solution. The plantation rats included Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus. There were more captured males (60%) than females (40%) of R. norvegicus and R. rattus. This study also discovered a total of 11 parasite genera, and only one non-zoonotic genus, Eimeria spp. Most of the identified nematodes, cestodes and protozoa parasites were zoonotic. Additionally, the prevalence and mean intensity of parasite infection in wild rats were also calculated. Strongyloides spp. (100%) recorded the highest prevalence in wild rats, followed by Nippostrongylus spp. (86.67%), Ancylostoma spp. (76.67%), Blastocystis spp. (76.67%), Trichuris spp. (70%), Eimeria spp. (60%), Ascaris spp. (50%), Capillaria spp. (46.67%), Entamoeba spp. (33.33%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (26.67%). In terms of intensity, most readings obtained were below 500 EPG, which is suggestive of mild parasitic infection in wild rats. However, due to its zoonotic potential, workers and residents living near the plantation area are still exposed to zoonotic pathogens transmitted by wild rats

Prevalence and risk factors associated with donkey gastrointestinal parasites in Shashemane and Suburbs, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundGastrointestinal parasites are the cause of morbidity and mortality in working donkeys and reduce their working performance. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to July 2021 to assess gastrointestinal parasite infection in working donkeys in Shashemane and the surrounding district. A total of 395 donkeys were randomly sampled for the study, and an examination was conducted using faecal egg count and the Baermann technique. ResultsOut of the 395 sampled donkeys, different types of gastrointestinal parasites were identified. The parasites identified during the study were Strongyle spp. (100%), Oxyuris equi (10.1%), Parascaris equorum (23.8%), Fasciola spp. (0.3%), Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (4.6%), Strongyloides westeri (47.8%) and Anoplocephala perfoliata (0.5%). Identification of L3 larvae of GI parasites revealed that Cyathostomes spp. (96.2%), Strongylus vulgaris (92.9%), Trichostrongylus axei (90.4%), Strongylus edentatus (89.4%), and Dictyocaulus arnifieldi (49.6%) were the most prevalent. Infection with one species of helminth was more common (60.8%). ConclusionsThus, working donkeys in the present study area were infected with Strongyle spp. (100%), Strongyloides westeri (47.8%), Parascaris equorum (23.8%), Oxyuris equi (10.1%), Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (4.6%), Anoplocephala perfoliata (0.5%) and Fasciola spp. (0.3%) parasites. Hence, comprehensive donkey health, management, and implementation of appropriate parasite control strategies should be implemented to alleviate these problems.

First report of gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia parasites from free-range chickens in Mafeteng district, Lesotho.

Free-range chickens are an integral part of poultry production in many developing countries. In the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, the majority of the population own free-range chickens, which serve a variety of purposes including being a source of meat, eggs and use for cultural rituals amongst others. However, there is lack of scientific studies on occurrence of parasitic infections on free-range chickens in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to document common gastrointestinal parasites infecting free-range chickens in four villages of Mafeteng District in Lesotho. A total number of 462 pooled faecal samples were collected from various households in HaKubutu (n=114), HaMatjeka (n=120), HaMpalipali (n=120) and Thabang Villages (n=108) which were subjected to microscopic examination using McMaster technique. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was as follows: Eimeria tenella (12.8%), Ascaridia galli (10.4%) and Heterakis gallinarum (5%). The prevalence for H. gallinarum and Ascaridia galli were comparatively higher during the hot-wet season (7.1% and 2.8% respectively) than the cold-dry season (3.2% and 1.9% respectively) and varied significantly (P<0.05). For E. tenella, the oocysts per gram were slightly higher in the cold-dry season than the hot-wet season. Polymerase chain reaction only amplified DNA from six (29%) adult A. galli worms of which two amplicons were successfully sequenced. The obtained cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 partial gene sequences displayed 98-100% identity with South African A. galli isolates. This is the first scientific study on prevalence and molecular characterization of nematodes and coccidia species infecting free-range village chickens in Lesotho. The findings can be used to review management of gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoal parasites of free-range chickens in Lesotho.

Prevalence and resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in goats: A review.

Gastrointestinal parasitism, particularly nematode infection, is a major health issue affecting goats worldwide, resulting in clinical diseases and productivity loss. Prevalent gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) affecting goats in South Africa are the Strongyloides papillosus, Eimeria spp., and Strongyles, especially the Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. According to the issues discussed in this paper and by other authors, the prevalence and intensity of various GIPs vary with an animal's location, breed, age, sex, and season. Because GIPs easily develop resistance to chemical treatment, selecting and breeding genetically GIP-resistant animals would be a relatively simple and inexpensive strategy for reducing or eliminating the current reliance on chemotherapy. Potential phenotypic indicators for selecting GIP-resistant goats include parasitological, immunological, and pathological phenotypic markers. Synergistic use of these indicators should be encouraged for a more accurate simplified genotype selection of resistant animals. Genes with Mendelian inheritance, particularly those involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, have been identified in goats. Exploring this knowledge base to develop cost-effective molecular tools that facilitate enhanced genetic improvement programs is a current challenge. Future statistical and biological models should investigate genetic variations within genomic regions and different candidate genes involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, as well as the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms known to affect GIP infection levels.

Detection and Quantification of Gastrointestinal Parasites among Inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socio-economic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt

Background: Detection and quantification of gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GIPIs) causing public health problems among poorer layers of the society are still one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in developing countries.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of the study was to detect gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socioeconomic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out for the evaluation of all the 1500 participants for GIPs among residents of social welfare homes and low socioeconomic areas in Rivers State, Nigeria for a period of one year (July 2019- June 2020). Stool samples were collected from each participant for isolation of GIPs in stool sample. Formol-ether concentration methods and Modified Ziehl-Neelson Staining techniques was used for the isolation and identification of gastrointestinal parasites. Descriptive and Chi square statistical analysis was applied.&#x0D; Results: Out of 1500, 1,381 (92.1%) participants showed negative report, while 119(7.9%) participants were positive for GIPs. Females account for 839 (55.9%) while males were 661 (44.1%). Positivity in males accounted for 9.8% (65/661) and the females had 6.4% (54/839). Age group with high prevalence occurred among 11-15yrs (13.5%)/340. Both variables were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Seasonal distribution of GIPs was high during the wet season (p&lt;0.05). Overall, A. lumbricoides was the most predominant gastrointestinal parasites, accounting for 35.3% of the total identified. Others were as follows; T. Trichiura 26.1%, hookworm 21.9%, C. sinensis and S. mansoni 2.5%, tapeworm 1.7%, while H. nana and H. diminuta had 0.8% each. Co-infection of A. lumbricoides + hookworm and hookworm + T. Trichiura recorded 4.2% each. Protozoa species were not identified. Risk factor of the use of toilet papers was found to be statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) among others.&#x0D; Conclusion: We recommend that knowledge of epidemiology and transmission routes of C. sinensis and H. diminuta needs to be improved and effective health education on personal hygiene and mass treatment should be sustainable to control the spread of gastrointestinal parasites.

Long-term temporal trends in gastrointestinal parasite infection in wild Soay sheep.

Monitoring the prevalence and abundance of parasites over time is important for addressing their potential impact on host life histories, immunological profiles and their influence as a selective force. Only long-term ecological studies have the potential to shed light on both the temporal trends in infection prevalence and abundance and the drivers of such trends, because of their ability to dissect drivers that may be confounded over shorter time scales. Despite this, only a relatively small number of such studies exist. Here, we analysed changes in the prevalence and abundance of gastrointestinal parasites in the wild Soay sheep population of St. Kilda across 31 years. The host population density (PD) has increased across the study, and PD is known to increase parasite transmission, but we found that PD and year explained temporal variation in parasite prevalence and abundance independently. Prevalence of both strongyle nematodes and coccidian microparasites increased during the study, and this effect varied between lambs, yearlings and adults. Meanwhile, abundance of strongyles was more strongly linked to host PD than to temporal (yearly) dynamics, while abundance of coccidia showed a strong temporal trend without any influence of PD. Strikingly, coccidian abundance increased 3-fold across the course of the study in lambs, while increases in yearlings and adults were negligible. Our decades-long, intensive, individual-based study will enable the role of environmental change and selection pressures in driving these dynamics to be determined, potentially providing unparalleled insight into the drivers of temporal variation in parasite dynamics in the wild.

Upregulated Cxcl10 Gene Expression In Sars-Cov-2 Infected People Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections Of Goats Slaughtered In Abattoirs In Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

Goats are excellent meat producers for human consumptions and a rich source of protein as they in most part of the world, are kept mainly for meat, milk and leather. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are common in goats causing considerable economic losses as a consequence of mortality in infected animals, reduced productivity and reduced weight gain. This study investigated the prevalence of GI helminth infections of goats slaughtered in abattoirs in Ijebu-Ode. A total of 120 fecal samples were collected between the Months of February and April, 2022 from two selected abattoirs in Ijebu-ode and were examined by sedimentation technique. The result showed that Red Sokoto and the West African Dwarf (WAD) breeds of goats slaughtered in Ijebu Ode abattoirs were examined and it was discovered that Nematodes are the most prevalent helminth parasites among the goats examined followed by protozoa. The Cestodes are the least prevalent in the study. This study has revealed that gastrointestinal parasites are highly prevalent in the study area. Owing to the attendant economic consequences of these parasites, their control has become imperative. Routine treatment of parasitic diseases in symptomatic and non- symptomatic goats, improved orientation on goat diseases and proper sanitary and hygienic practice in the rearing of the goats would reduce the diseases incidence.

Commonness and Risk Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of Port Harcourt Children’s Home

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites are important health problems among most societies.&#x0D; Objectives: Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Port Harcourt children home.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective study was carried out in August and September 2019 at the Port Harcourt children home. Fecal samples were collected from 63 healthy looking inmates and examined macroscopically and microscopically (using normal saline and iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining) methods. Finally, data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X2) test.&#x0D; Results: Result showed that 74.6% (47/63) of the female and 25.4% (16/63) of the male tested positive for GIPs. Age group 11-15 years had prevalence of 17(44.8%). The common parasites identified were A. lumbricoides 10(15.9%), T. trichiura 7(11.1%) and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) 2(3.2%). The educational level prevalence of 10(52.6%) was observed among the primary level (p&lt;0.05). The risk factors such as: the use of drug in the last three months, hand washing with soap after using the toilet and washing of hands after contact with soil had significance of p&lt;0.05 while putting on foot wear outside the house p&gt;0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: The distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections is high among the children. Necessary treatment intervention safety measures should be routinely carried out to reduce the spread to zero tolerance.

Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Associated Risk Factors among HIV-Infected Patients Seeking Healthcare in a Rural Hospital in Ghana

Background Parasitic infections among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are common in various regions and populations across the world and have since remained a persistent public health challenge. Sub-Saharan Africa harbors the greatest burden of the infections due to sociodemographic and behavioral factors. However, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among HIV-infected persons has been poorly investigated in Ghana. Aim This study sought to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and associated factors in HIV-infected individuals attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic in St. Mary Theresa Hospital, Dodi Papase. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to September 2021 among three hundred and thirty-five HIV-infected individuals in the study area. Sociodemographic and behavioral factors were collected with the aid of a close-ended structured questionnaire. Furthermore, stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by microscopy using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen (Zn) techniques. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and Graphpad Prism version 8. Results The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 5.97%. Species-specific prevalence was found to be 2.99% for Giardia lamblia, 1.19% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 0.90% each for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Trichuris trichiura. There was a significant association between participants' educational level and intestinal parasitic infection. In addition, gastrointestinal parasitic infections were not found to be associated with age. Unemployed participants, those with a lower frequency of deworming, and those who do not use water closet toilet facilities were at a higher risk of getting infected. Conclusion The lower infection rate recorded in this study suggests that public health interventions put in place are yielding significant results. Even though the prevalence is low, routine screening of all HIV-infected patients for parasitic infection is recommended to ensure timely, effective treatment and comprehensive care.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Local Chicken Slaughtered at Jalingo Market, Taraba State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasites constitute a serious problem to poultry production in Africa. But often times they are usually ignored by the majority of farmers. Whereas, it is one of the major leading causes of ill-health and high mortality rates in the poultry industry. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of chicken slaughtered at the Jalingo market. A total of 500 gastrointestinal tracts of local chicken comprising of 250 from males and 250 from females were collected from the poultry slaughtering and dressing section of the Jalingo market, and screened for gastrointestinal helminths using the saturated sodium chloride floatation techniques. An overall prevalence of 28.6% (143/500) was recorded with a prevalence of 16.8% (84/500) in males and 11.8% (59/500) females. Nine different species parasites comprising five nematodes and four cestodes, were recorded. Nematodes were the most predominant intestinal parasite with a prevalence rate of 89 (62.2%). And Ascaridia galli 45 (50.5%) was found to be the most prevalent nematode. Other nematodes observed were Capillaria annulata 13.4% (12/89), Heterakis gallinarum 2.2% (2/89), Strongyloides avium 32.5% (29/89), and Syngamus trachea 1.1% (1/89) having the lowest prevalence. Railliatina tetragona 57.4% (31/143) was the most prevalent cestode recorded. Other Cestodes were Hymenolepis carioca 27.7% (15/54), Raillietina cesticellus 12.9% (7/54), and Davainea proglottina 1.8% (1/54). No trematode was recorded in this study. This study showed that nematodes and cestodes were the common helminth parasites in local chicken. There is therefore the need for educating the farmers on the impact of gastrointestinal parasite infection in chicken and the need to institute good management practices so as to reduce their effects on productivity. Sex of the chicken had no statistically significant difference (X2 = 6.12, df = 1; P &gt; 0.05) on the prevalence of helminths.&#x0D; Keywords: Prevalence, Domestic chicken, Gastrointestinal tract helminth, Jalingo, Nigeria

Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Pediatric Patients in a Metropolitan City of Bangladesh With Emphasis on Cryptosporidiosis.

IntroductionGastrointestinal parasitic infections are one of the global health concerns in developing countries like Bangladesh. Among them, Cryptosporidium spp. plays an essential role in causing diarrhea, malnutrition, and poor cognitive function, especially in children. This study was conducted to identify the frequency of Cryptosporidium cases and other parasitic agents. MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 219 hospitalized children with diarrhea. The conventional microscopic technique was applied for parasitic detection. Particular staining (modified Ziehl-Neelsen) procedure was performed to identify oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the SSU rRNA and gp60 gene of Cryptosporidium. ResultsCysts of Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%,), Trichuris trichiura (0.5%), and both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (0.9%) were identified in samples through wet mount preparation. The distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. as detected by the staining method and nested PCR was 1.4% and 4.1%, respectively. ConclusionFactors independently associated with Cryptosporidium infection are unsafe water, lack of regular hand washing, and insufficiency of exclusive breastfeeding. This study reports, presumably for the first time, the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in Chattogram metropolitan city of Bangladesh.

Prevalence, Severity and Predisposing Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in Polo Horses in Ibadan, Nigeria

Prevalence, Severity and Predisposing Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in Polo Horses in Ibadan, Nigeria

Vaccine-induced time- and age-dependent mucosal immunity to gastrointestinal parasite infection

Individuals vary broadly in their response to vaccination and subsequent challenge infection, with poor vaccine responders causing persistence of both infection and transmission in populations. Yet despite having substantial economic and societal impact, the immune mechanisms that underlie such variability, especially in infected tissues, remain poorly understood. Here, to characterise how antihelminthic immunity at the mucosal site of infection developed in vaccinated lambs, we inserted gastric cannulae into the abomasa of three-month- and six-month-old lambs and longitudinally analysed their local immune response during subsequent challenge infection. The vaccine induced broad changes in pre-challenge abomasal immune profiles and reduced parasite burden and egg output post-challenge, regardless of age. However, age affected how vaccinated lambs responded to infection across multiple immune pathways: adaptive immune pathways were typically age-dependent. Identification of age-dependent and age-independent protective immune pathways may help refine the formulation of vaccines, and indicate specificities of pathogen-specific immunity more generally.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of small ruminants subjected to traditional livestock management system in Gadau district, Bauchi state Nigeria

Globally, parasitic diseases are one of serious concerns in production and management of livestock. African climate and other environmental factors constitute a favorable condition for the growth of gastrointestinal parasites in animals. This research work was aimed at assessment of prevalence of parasites infesting gastrointestinal tracks of goats and sheep at Gadau District, Northern Nigeria. The results reveal the overall prevalence of 42.7% gastrointestinal parasites in both goats and sheep in the study area. It indicates that sheep were less infected with gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes than the goats. It also revealed that the degree of incidence of gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes infection varies among the age, sex and species of small ruminants in the study area, due to the management system for the small ruminants.