High Parasite Prevalence Research Articles

Awareness and control methods of gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep among farmers from different agro-ecological zones of Lesotho.

Background and Aim:Sheep production plays a crucial role in the economy of Lesotho by increasing economic state of the rural poor. However, gastrointestinal parasites infection is the most limiting factor in sheep productivity and has a highly detrimental effect on the sheep industry. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate farmers’ awareness and understanding of controlling gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep in four Lesotho agro-ecological zones.Materials and Methods:Data were collected using a simple random sampling of 106 farmers in the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20.00). Descriptive statistics were employed with cross-tabulations and tested with Chi-square and post hoc tests.Results:The majority of farmers (80%) were aware of the gastrointestinal parasites. Most farmers (70%) reported a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and associated it with lamb mortality in summer and autumn. Farmers use anthelmintics for treating gastrointestinal parasites in animals, and 93% of them reported the effectiveness of the drugs. However, more than 80% of farmers routinely use anthelmintics. The results revealed that 81.5%, 66.7%, 80%, and 66.7% of farmers from the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley, respectively, keep sheep in non-roofed enclosures cleaned only after rains to avoid mud. Communal grazing is used as the main source of animal feeding where different livestock species share the same rangelands. Most farmers (more than 70%) believed that grazing lands were the main source of gastrointestinal parasites transmission.Conclusion:Farmers in Lesotho are aware of gastrointestinal parasites and apply control methods to combat the gastrointestinal parasites in merino sheep. However, a need still exists for them to be empowered with skills for improving management systems and the knowledge on how the gastrointestinal parasites behave at different times of the year and in different agro-ecological zones. This will assist them in adhering to the dosing schedule designed by animal health experts.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Sarawak Borneo: Prevalence, risk factors, and farming practices.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in buffaloes from various areas of Sarawak, and to assess current management practices of GI parasites among farmers. Faecal samples were collected from 15 farms and 129 animals, as well as data on farm and animal-based characteristics. A total of 129 faecal samples were examined for GI parasites using a modified McMaster and sedimentation. Association between potential risk factors and the prevalence of GI parasites was investigated using Chi-square statistic. The prevalence of Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, and coccidia were 75.2% (95% CI±7.5), 52.7% (95% CI±8.6) and 48.1% (95% CI±8.6), respectively. Farms which had a grazing area less than 50 acres in size had significantly higher prevalence of strongyles (70.5%, χ2 = 8.34, P = 0.004) and paramphistomes (88.6%, χ2 = 6.46, P = 0.01) relative to farms with a larger grazing area (43.5% and 68.2%, respectively). Prevalence of strongyles was lower in farms that did not implement a cut- and-carry system (45.6%, χ2 = 4.17, P = 0.04) in comparison to those that did (64%). The prevalence of paramphistomes was higher on farms with more than 40 animals (80.6%, χ2 = 3.18, P = 0.05) relative to farms with fewer animals. The majority of farmers surveyed (67.9%) showed awareness of GI parasite infection and reported that they recognized the associated symptoms. Most farmers practised deworming, and ivermectin was the most commonly used anthelminthic (60.4%); only 1.9% of farmers used albendazole. Overall this study revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites in buffalo in Sarawak. Although farmers report they are aware of parasitic diseases, further education is still required. This could include how they can successfully implement on-farm changes to reduce the prevalence of GI parasites in their herds.

No detectable impact of parasite-infected commercial bumblebees on wild bees in areas adjacent to greenhouses despite diet overlap

Over two million commercial bumblebee colonies are used on an annual basis to pollinate around 20 crop types worldwide. Despite their use, especially with crops grown in greenhouses, there is mounting evidence that many individuals also forage outside of them. Hence, the use of commercial bumblebees poses a risk to wild pollinators, especially to those who share floral resources and pathogens. To date, however, there is little evidence about the impact of commercial bumblebees on pollinator communities in Europe. We surveyed the abundance of commercial Bombus terrestris and the prevalence of four of its parasites in natural areas at increasing distances from vegetable crops in Cabo de Gata-Níjar (Almería, SE Spain), the most extensive greenhouse cultivation area in the world. We also estimated resource niche overlap (i.e., shared plants used) between commercial bumblebees and the native pollinator community. Finally, we explored whether the abundance and diversity of pollinators in natural habitats were influenced by agricultural expansion (i.e., distance to greenhouses) and bumblebee abundance. We found a sharp reduction in commercial bumblebee densities at increasing distances from greenhouses, with most bumblebees (95%) foraging within a radius of less than 200 m from them. However, these commercial bumblebees had high parasite prevalence (41% of individuals infected) of trypanosomatids, microsporidians and neogregarines. Moreover, their diet particularly overlapped with honeybees and large wild bees. Yet, pollinator density and diversity were not related to the distance from greenhouses or to bumblebee abundance. Although our results suggest that commercial bumblebees do not significantly harm wild pollinators, actions like preventing their escape from greenhouses, monitoring their health and optimising their use should be considered so as to minimise future risks.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers of Iran: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Food handlers regardless of whether preparing or serving food, play key roles in the transmission of food‐borne infections. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in food handlers in Iran. In the present study, a comprehensive literature search was carried out in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran Medex and Iran Doc, to identify all the published studies from 2000 to 31st April 2019. A total of 25 articles from different regions of Iran were identified and fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Totally, 140,447 cases were examined and 1163 cases were infected with intestinal parasites. Of all cases, 19,516 were male and 5901 were female with 1163 and 652 infected cases, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was evaluated 14.0% [95% CI: 11.0‐17.0%]. It is revealed that protozoan, such as Giardia lamblia, with prevalence of 41.0% [95% CI: 25.0‐59.0%], Blastosystis hominis with 28.0% [95% CI: 15.0‐44.0%] and Entamoeba coli with 22.0% [95% CI: 16.0‐29.0%] had the highest prevalence while, Dientamoeba fragilis 5.0% [95% CI: 4.0‐7.0%], Iodamoeba bütschlii 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0‐8.0%], Chilomastix mesnili 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0‐9.0%] and Endolimax nana with 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0‐7.0%], were less prevalent. Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides7.0% [95% CI: 0.0‐29.0%] was more prevalent helminth followed with Enterobius vermicularis 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0‐5.0%], Hymenolepis nana 2.0% [95% CI: 1.0‐3.0%], Taenia spp. 2.0% [95% CI: 0.0‐7.0%] and Trichuris trichiura 1.0% [95% CI: 0.0‐1.0%]. The high prevalence of commensal parasites, such as Entamoeba coli, which does not need cure is indicating the importance of personal hygiene in food handlers.Our results revealed the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers in Iran. Monitoring programs to prevent and controlling of transmission to individuals are needed.

Copepod and monogenean infection of fish under sea surface temperature anomalies

The prevalence and median intensity of infection of Pacific sierra (Scomberomorus sierra) by parasitic copepods (Caligus fajerae, Caligus omissus, and Cybicola buccatus), and monogeneans (Thoracocotylidae) were examined over a six-year period (2015 to 2021) in the southeastern Gulf of California. This period included sea surface temperatures that were warmer and colder than average (SST anomalies). A regression model indicated that the prevalence of parasitic species was higher when conditions were warmer than average, although some of the relationships were non-significant. Prolonged periods of high temperature and heat pulses >2 °C above the average temperature negatively affected the prevalence of parasites. A moderate or high prevalence of parasites was observed during colder than average conditions. These results are in accordance with those of previous studies showing that fish ectoparasites are able to develop under a wide range of thermal conditions.

Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infestation of Naemorhedus goral in Tattakuti Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir

For assessing and managing risk of parasitic infection in threatened wildlife species, it is important to have a baseline information on this lesser studied aspect. The current study, a step to investigate the presence and prevalence of different gastrointestinal parasites in Himalayan goral ( Naemorhedus goral ) was initiated with systematic collection of 57freshfaecal samples from different areas of the Tattakuti Wildlife Sanctuary. The samples were processed by the standard sedimentation and floatation techniques. A total of eight parasite species including five nematodes, one cestode, one trematode and one protozoan were recorded. Most of the positive samples were infected with mixed infection of two or more parasites. The most prevalent parasite was Eimeria spp. (49.12%), followed by Haemonchus contortus (33.33%), Trichuris ovis (29.82%), Nematodirus spp. (29.82%), Strongyloides papillosus (28.07%), Trichostrongylus spp. (26.31%), Fasciola hepatica (19.29%), and Moniezia expensa (17.54%). The high parasite prevalence might have an adverse effect on the health of this near threatened goat species. The possibility of cross-transmission between livestock and wild ungulates of this sanctuary is under investigation as the sanctuary receives thousands of livestock during summer.

First Data on Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in the Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) in Italy

The Red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a Mediterranean Galliformes, recently classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, due to the constant and significant decline of its global population. While the gastrointestinal parasites of the species are well studied in some part of its range (Iberian peninsula), limited information is available for the Italian populations, that represent the eastern limit of the species range. This study was conducted to fill this gap of knowledge, determining the composition, richness, prevalence, intensity and abundance of A. rufa gastrointestinal parasite community in two populations in Italy. During the autumn seasons 2008–2009 and 2009–2010, necropsies were conducted on 18 Red-legged partridge from the southern part of Alessandria province (Piedmont, northwestern Italy) and 34 from the Parma province (Emilia Romagna, northern Italy). All the animals were examined for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Additionally, 229 fecal samples were collected from live animals in Alessandria province. Prevalence, abundance and intensity of infection were calculated for each parasite species, except for coccidia for which only the prevalence was determined. The following parasites were observed: Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia spp., Ascaridia columbae, Raillietina spp., Eimeria spp. The highest parasite prevalence was found in Alessandria province for Eimeria sp., infecting almost half of the sampled animals (P: 45%, CI95%: 39–51). Eimeria sp. was also the most prevalent parasite in Parma province but with much lower prevalence (P: 19%, CI95%: 5–32). Intestinal helminths prevalence ranged from 3% (CI95%: 0–9) for A. columbae and Raillietina spp. (Parma Province) to 9% for H. gallinarum in both Parma (CI95%: 0–19), and Alessandria province (CI95%: 0–22). To our knowledge, this is the first study providing information on the gastrointestinal parasites of the Red-legged partridge in Italy. Ascaridia columbae, a parasite typical of the domestic pigeon, was reported for the first time in A. rufa. The epidemiological descriptors reported herein could serve as a basis for future studies, allowing for epidemiological comparison across countries, locations, and time periods.

Avian haemosporidia in native and invasive sparrows at an Afrotropical region.

Bio-invasions are a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystems globally and may contribute to the proliferation of emerging infectious diseases. We examined the prevalence and phylogenetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites infecting the non-native house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and the native southern grey-headed sparrows (Passer diffusus). Blood samples from 104 sparrows (74 house sparrows and 30 southern grey-headed sparrows) mist-netted inside and around the Kruger National Park were used. Genomic DNA was extracted from each blood sample and subjected to nested PCR analyses, Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Overall, 35.57% (37/104) of the birds sampled were infected with at least one haemosporidian parasites. Southern grey-headed sparrows had a higher parasite prevalence (60%) than house sparrows (24.3%). A total of 16 parasite lineages were identified, of which eight were novel lineages. Whereas Haemoproteus spp. showed the highest lineage diversity, Leucocytozoon spp. were the most prevalent parasites, albeit with significant differences between sparrow species. A single Plasmodium sp. infection was recorded in a southern grey-headed sparrow. In support of the enemy release hypothesis, we found that prevalence on non-native house sparrows was lower than prevalence recorded in their region of origin and also that they were infected only by indigenous parasites lineages.

Parasitic fauna of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) in Sweden (1997\u20131998)

BackgroundThe parasitic fauna of beavers (Castor fiber and C. canadensis) has been well studied in many parts of their respective areas of distribution. In Scandinavia there have, however, been limited investigations conducted on the parasites of beavers in recent times. The present study is the first quantitative survey of parasites on beavers living in Sweden and elsewhere in Scandinavia. We investigated the parasitic fauna of the Eurasian beaver (C. fiber) in a North–South gradient in Sweden. The aim of the study was to investigate parasite distribution and prevalence in particular, related to average yearly air temperature and different age groups of beavers. A total of 30 beavers were sampled at eight localities, spanning a 720 km North–South gradient during the springs of 1997 and 1998.ResultsFive parasite taxa were identified. Four of these were present in all of the examined beavers, Stichorchis subtriquetrus (trematode), Travassosius rufus (nematode), Platypsyllus castoris (coleopteran), and Schizocarpus spp. (arachnid). A higher number of new infections of S. subtriquetrus, and more adults of T. rufus, were seen in beavers in southern Sweden where temperatures are higher. One-year old beavers had a higher infestation of S. subtriquetrus, but not of T. rufus, than older individuals.ConclusionsThe parasite fauna of Swedish beavers mirrored the impoverished parasite fauna of the original Norwegian population, and the high prevalence of parasites could be due to low major histocompatibility complex (MHC) polymorphism. Young beavers had a higher load of trematodes, probably depending on behavioural and ecological factors. Warmer temperatures in southern localities likely contributed to increased endoparasite loads.

Ecological Scenarios and Parasite Diversity in Anurans of West Africa: A Review

This paper is a survey of the parasite diversity, prevalence and infection intensity in anurans in diverse ecological settings in West Africa. The settings included natural habitats (rainforests, freshwater creeks, Guinea and Sudan savannas), monoculture plantations (cocoa, cotton and oil palm), urbanized and urbanizing rainforest biotopes and polluted environments due to oil industry activities. The natural habitats had higher amphibian species diversity, moderate parasite prevalence and low infection intensity, showing a balance in the host/parasite relationship. These habitats yielded most of the monogeneans, among which were new species. The freshwater creek biotope had low amphibian diversity, but hosts from this environment harbored several parasite taxa, a situation attributed to a prolonged wet season, high environmental humidity and persistent breeding pools for insect vectors in this area. The monoculture plantations were characterized by high parasite prevalence but lower infection intensity. For example, in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Bénin Republic, the Agricultural Zone (AZ) had higher parasite prevalence values, while the National Park (NP) and Buffer Zone (BZ) had higher infection intensities. Higher prevalence was attributed to the single or combined effects of vector population explosion, immune-suppression by agrochemicals, nutrient enrichment and eutrophication from fertilizer use. The lower infection intensity was attributed to the inhibitory effect of the pesticide-contaminated environment on the free-living larval stages of parasites. The adverse effect of pesticide contamination was also evident in the lower infection intensity recorded in the anurans from the cocoa plantations at Ugboke in comparison to those from the pesticide-free village settlement. Urbanization reduced host diversity and numbers and increased the vector population, resulting in unusually high parasite prevalence and infection intensities at Diobu and Port Harcourt and high prevalence recorded for Ophidascaris larvae in the anurans of Evbuabogun. Oil pollution in the mangrove community reduced both host and parasite diversity; infection intensity was also low due to the adverse conditions confronting free-living stages of parasites in their development milieu. The high prevalence values obtained for monogeneans (Polystoma spp.) in Ptychadena spp. from Ogoniland was presumed to have resulted from host tadpole sequestration and exposure to high oncomiracidia burden in the few hospitable ponds. Also reviewed is the phenomenon of amphibian paratenism, a strategy on which many helminth parasites rely on for their trophic transmission to their definitive hosts.

Host and parasite traits predict cross-species parasite acquisition by introduced mammals.

Species invasions and range shifts can lead to novel host-parasite communities, but we lack general rules on which new associations are likely to form. While many studies examine parasite sharing among host species, the directionality of transmission is typically overlooked, impeding our ability to derive principles of parasite acquisition. Consequently, we analysed parasite records from the non-native ranges of 11 carnivore and ungulate species. Using boosted regression trees, we modelled parasite acquisition within each zoogeographic realm of a focal host's non-native range, using a suite of predictors characterizing the parasites themselves and the host community in which they live. We found that higher parasite prevalence among established hosts increases the likelihood of acquisition, particularly for generalist parasites. Non-native host species are also more likely to acquire parasites from established host species to which they are closely related; however, the acquisition of several parasite groups is biased to phylogenetically specialist parasites, indicating potential costs of parasite generalism. Statistical models incorporating these features provide an accurate prediction of parasite acquisition, indicating that measurable host and parasite traits can be used to estimate the likelihood of new host-parasite associations forming. This work provides general rules to help anticipate novel host-parasite associations created by climate change and other anthropogenic influences.

How long does it take to know a species? Redescription, vocalization, and chigger mites infestation pattern in the centenary emBrachycephalus/em emgarbeanus/em (Anura: Brachycephalidae).

Although we celebrate the centennial of Brachycephalus garbeanus' discovery, little progress has been done on understanding this species' biology apart from a few morphological and ecological studies, which includes its redescription based on three specimens from the type-series, microhabitat use, sexual dimorphism in body size, and feeding habits. This species is endemic to the Serra dos Órgãos Mountain range, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Here we redescribe B. garbeanus based on a wide sampling, including its advertisement and aggressive calls, and also the chigger mites infestation pattern. The advertisement call is longer than 25.8 s with pulsed notes series emitted at an average rate of 2.3 notes/s and 14.1 pulses/s; long inter-note interval with 320 ms; notes with distinctly short pulses (1 to 16 ms); low dominant frequency for this genus (3.0-5.4 kHz) and presence of four harmonics. This species is often parasitized by chigger mites of Hannemania, with a prevalence of infection of 67%, mainly affecting the ventral body surface. Females had a higher prevalence of parasites than males and there was no correlation found between the size of specimens and the number of parasites. Our study, provides an important and overdue taxonomical contribution, including a large amount of novel information for B. garbeanus.

Managed bumble bees acquire parasites from their foraging environment: A case study on parasite spillback

The use of commercially reared bumble bees in agricultural environments has been recognized as a potential threat to wild pollinators due to competition, genetic contamination, and most notably, disease transmission. Higher parasite prevalence near greenhouses where managed bumble bees are used has been linked to parasite spillover from managed to wild bees. However, pathogen transmission is not unidirectional, and can also flow from wild to managed bees. These newly infected managed bees can subsequently re-infect (other) wild bees, in a process known as spillback, which is an alternative explanation for the increased parasite prevalence near greenhouses. Reducing parasite prevalence in managed bees is key to controlling host-parasite dynamics in cases of spillover; in spillback, producing managed bees that are resilient to infection is important. Here we establish that the managed bumble bee Bombus terrestris can acquire parasites from their foraging environment, which is the major infection route for Apicystis spp. and Crithidia spp., but not for Nosema spp.. Managed B. terrestris were found to have a higher prevalence of Crithidia and a higher load of Apicystis than local wild conspecifics, showing that for these parasites, spillback is a possible risk scenario.

Temporal evolution of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance genotypes and genetic diversity in response to a decade of increased interventions against Plasmodium falciparum in northern Ghana

BackgroundAnti-malarial drug resistance remains a key concern for the global fight against malaria. In Ghana sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is used for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy and combined with amodiaquine for Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) during the high malaria season. Thus, surveillance of molecular markers of SP resistance is important to guide decision-making for these interventions in Ghana.MethodsA total of 4469 samples from uncomplicated malaria patients collected from 2009 to 2018 was submitted to the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK for DNA sequencing using MiSeq. Genotypes were successfully translated into haplotypes in 2694 and 846 mono infections respectively for pfdhfr and pfdhps genes and the combined pfhdfr/pfdhps genes across all years.ResultsAt the pfdhfr locus, a consistently high (> 60%) prevalence of parasites carrying triple mutants (IRNI) were detected from 2009 to 2018. Two double mutant haplotypes (NRNI and ICNI) were found, with haplotype NRNI having a much higher prevalence (average 13.8%) than ICNI (average 3.2%) across all years. Six pfdhps haplotypes were detected. Of these, prevalence of five fluctuated in a downward trend over time from 2009 to 2018, except a pfdhps double mutant (AGKAA), which increased consistently from 2.5% in 2009 to 78.2% in 2018. Across both genes, pfdhfr/pfdhps combined triple (NRNI + AAKAA) mutants were only detected in 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2018, prevalence of which fluctuated between 3.5 and 5.5%. The combined quadruple (IRNI + AAKAA) genotype increased in prevalence from 19.3% in 2009 to 87.5% in 2011 before fluctuating downwards to 19.6% in 2018 with an average prevalence of 37.4% within the nine years. Prevalence of parasites carrying the quintuple (IRNI + AGKAA or SGEAA) mutant haplotypes, which are highly refractory to SP increased over time from 14.0% in 2009 to 89.0% in 2016 before decreasing to 78.9 and 76.6% in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Though quintuple mutants are rising in prevalence in both malaria seasons, together these combined genotypes vary significantly within season but not between seasons.ConclusionsDespite high prevalence of pfdhfr triple mutants and combined pfdhfr/pfdhps quadruple and quintuple mutants in this setting SP may still be efficacious. These findings are significant as they highlight the need to continuously monitor SP resistance, particularly using deep targeted sequencing to ascertain changing resistance patterns.

Intestinal protozoan infections shape fecal bacterial microbiota in children from Guinea-Bissau.

Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate parasite virulence and host response upon infection. The complex interplay between parasites and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, partly due to sampling difficulties in remote areas with high parasite burden. In a large study of children in Guinea-Bissau, we found high prevalence of intestinal parasites. By sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of fecal samples stored on filter paper from a total of 1,204 children, we demonstrate that the bacterial microbiota is not significantly altered by helminth infections, whereas it is shaped by the presence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic protozoa, including Entamoeba (E.) spp. and Giardia (G.) lamblia. Within-sample diversity remains largely unaffected, whereas overall community composition is significantly affected by infection with both nonpathogenic E. coli (R2 = 0.0131, P = 0.0001) and Endolimax nana (R2 = 0.00902, P = 0.0001), and by pathogenic E. histolytica (R2 = 0.0164, P = 0.0001) and G. lamblia (R2 = 0.00676, P = 0.0001). Infections with multiple parasite species induces more pronounced shifts in microbiota community than mild ones. A total of 31 bacterial genera across all four major bacterial phyla were differentially abundant in protozoan infection as compared to noninfected individuals, including increased abundance of Prevotella, Campylobacter and two Clostridium clades, and decreased abundance of Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Veillonella and one Clostridium clade. In the present study, we demonstrate that the fecal bacterial microbiota is shaped by intestinal parasitic infection, with most pronounced associations for protozoan species. Our results provide insights into the interplay between the microbiota and intestinal parasites, which are valuable to understand infection biology and design further studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.

Endoparasites of fresh water fishes from rivers in Edo State, Nigeria

Parasites of fish constitute one of the major problems to fish health. Parasites of fish have been a great concern since they often cause disease conditions in fishes. This study described the parasitic faunas of eight fresh water bodies in Edo state (Ikpoba river, Ogba river, Ujogba river, Niger river at Illushi, Obe river, Gelegele river, Niger river at Agenebode and Osomegbe river). The duration of fish sampling was from October, 2017 to November, 2017.The fish samples (whole catch sourced from fishermen) were collected for identification, morphometric analysis and examination for the presence of parasites. One-way ANOVA and Tukey Honest Test were used to compare the data among size classes at the level of p <0.05. Three orders (Lepidosirenformes, Siluriformes and Polyteriformes), eight families (Protopteridae, Clariddidae, Channiddae, Polypterididae, Melapteridae, Clarotidae, Cichlidae and Lorcariidae) and fourteen genera were examined. The study had an overall prevalence of 25.34%. The highest prevalence of fish parasitic infection was recorded in Niger river along Agenebode. Overall, parasite taxa recovered were nematodes (65.50%), trematodes (27.00%), cestodes (4.27%) and acanthcephalans (3.27%). The most infected fish species was Clarias gariepenus (13.77%). The helminth taxa (nematodes) had the highest prevalence of parasites (65.50%). The largest number of parasites isolated was Camallanus cotti (30.43%) and Procamallanus laevionchus (17.39%). This study showed river Niger at Agenebode with most parasitic prevalence, nematodes as the most prevalent parasitic taxa and Clarias gariepenus as the most infected fish species.
 Keywords: Edo state, Freshwater fishes, Fish parasites, Helminths, Parasite taxa, Nigeria

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: An institutional-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundIntestinal Parasitic Infections are the most prevalent diseases in the world, predominantly in developing countries. It is estimated that more than two billion people are affected globally, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa with a high prevalence of intestinal parasites. However, there is a limited study conducted in the study area. Hence, this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sanja Primary Hospital from January 1 to August 20, 2019. Stool samples were collected from 1240 study participants and analyzed by direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Furthermore, sociodemographic and explanatory variables were collected using a face-to-face interview. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.1 and transferred to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered to ascertain the significance of the association.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 52.9% (95% CI: 50.2%-55.5%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (21.5%) was the leading cause of intestinal parasitosis followed by Hookworm species (13.3%). Furthermore, the rate of double and triple parasitic infections was observed in 6.1% and 0.5% of study participants respectively. Being Illiterate (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.06–7.47, p = 0.038), swimming habits of more than 4 times a month (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.62–5.24, p< 0.001) and not washing hands before a meal (AOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.74–8.83, p = 0.001) were the key factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection.ConclusionsThe present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is high in the study area. Therefore, there is a need for an integrated control program, including improving personal, environmental sanitation and health education should be given to have a lasting impact on transmission.

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasites among food handlers in Medebay Zana District, north West Tigray, northern Ethiopia

IntroductionIntestinal parasites are amongst the major public health challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and its associated factors among food handlers in Medebay Zana District, Tigray, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 food handler individuals selected by systematic random sampling. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the possible association between the independent variable and outcome variables. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.ResultThe prevalence of intestinal parasites was 33.2% within this sample. The dominant parasite was Entamoeba coli 50(37.4%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 24(18%), Entamoeba hartmanni 18(13.5), Giardia lamblia 17(12.8%), Schistosoma mansoni 8(6%), Hymenolepis nana 7(5.3%), Entervious vermicularies 6(4.5%) and Taenia species 3(2.5%).ConclusionThis study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers for a range of intestinal parasites. The significant predictors were the source of water, washing hands before food preparation, washing hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet, shower installation at the workplace, washing the body regularly and eating raw vegetables and raw meat. Hence, local health planners should implement appropriate interventional measures for the novel risk factors to mitigate the problem.

Diversity, similarity, and host–parasite relationships in parasitic infracommunities of Hypostomus spp. from the Tietê-Batalha river basin, southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT We analyzed the distribution and ecological relationships in the parasitic infracommunities of four species of the genus Hypostomus: Hypostomus regani, Hypostomus strigaticeps, Hypostomus hermanni, and Hypostomus ancistroides, collected in the Batalha River, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Twenty-four parasite taxa were identified among myxozoans, monogeneans, digeneans, nematodes, and hirudineans occurring in the gills, body surface, eyes, brain, and intestine. Monogeneans presented the highest species richness. The highest parasite prevalence was observed for ectoparasites in the Hypostomus spp. analyzed. Except for Phanerothecium sp., all parasites presented an aggregate pattern of distribution. In relation to parasitic diversity, H. regani presented higher mean values of diversity indexes, while H. hermanni presented higher values for the specific richness; equitability values were the same in all fish species analyzed. Infracommunities were most differentiated from one another (p < 0.05) between H. reganni and H. ancistroides. Standard length, body mass, and sex of Hypostomus spp. were significantly correlated (positively or negatively) with at least one parasite species. This study emphasizes the importance of the Batalha River as a source of local and regional biodiversity expanding the knowledge of ecological interactions between the parasite–host relationships of Siluriformes fish.

Description of the life cycle of Dolops discoidalis (Bouvier, 1899) (Branchiura: Argulidae), a parasite of the fish species Rhytiodus argenteofuscus (Kner, 1858) from the Brazilian Amazon.

The genus Dolops (Audouin, 1837) is endemic among ectoparasites present in fish, with nine species described in Brazil, five of which are from the Amazon region. Among the genus, the species Dolops discoidalis (Bouvier, 1899) stands out due to its high prevalence of parasitism in Amazonian fish. The present study aims to characterize the development phases of D. discoidalis. The parasites were obtained from infected fish species Rhytiodus argenteofuscus from a natural environment, kept in polyethylene experimental boxes (500 liters). The physical-chemical parameters of the water (pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature) were monitored daily. A total of 30 egg layings were analyzed. After identification of the oviposition, the eggs were transferred to another container containing water (0.5 liters). The number of eggs was recorded, with observations made in stereomicroscopic and photographic records until hatching occurred. The egg layings exhibited differences in colour throughout their development. On the seventh day, the embryos exhibited visible ocelli and on the 17th day the hatching period began. Hatching occurred in batches, with around 5–10 hatches/day/laying. However, peak hatching was recorded on the 19th day of the cycle. Therefore, the cycle of D. discoidalis comprised a total period of 17–22 days at 28.C, with hatching in batches and pigmentation of the eggs observed close to hatching. Newly hatched parasites did not survive for more than 24 hours in the absence of the host. This study contributes to knowledge of the biology of D. discoidalis, and adds to information regarding possible studies into its control.