Higher EPG Research Articles

Examining the associations between microglia genetic capacity, early life exposures and white matter development at the level of the individual

There are inter-individual differences in susceptibility to the influence of early life experiences for which the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are poorly understood. Microglia play a role in environmental surveillance and may influence individual susceptibility to environmental factors. As an index of neurodevelopment, we estimated individual slopes of mean white matter fractional anisotropy (WM-FA) across three time-points (age 4.5, 6.0, and 7.5 years) for 351 participants. Individual variation in microglia reactivity was derived from an expression-based polygenic score(ePGS) comprised of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) functionally related to the expression of microglia-enriched genes.A higher ePGS denotes an increased genetic capacity for the expression of microglia-related genes, and thus may confer a greater capacity to respond to the early environment and to influence brain development. We hypothesized that this ePGS would associate with the WM-FA index of neurodevelopment and moderate the influence of early environmental factors.Our findings show sex dependency, where a significant association between WM-FA and microglia ePGS was only obtained for females.We then examined associations with perinatal factors known to decrease (optimal birth outcomes and familial conditions) or increase (systemic inflammation) the risk for later mental health problems.In females, individuals with high microglia ePGS showed a negative association between systemic inflammation and WM-FA and a positive association between more advantageous environmental conditions and WM-FA. The microglia ePGS in females thus accounted for variations in the influence of the quality of the early environment on WM-FA.Finally, WM-FA slopes mediated the association of microglia ePGS with interpersonal problems and social hostility in females. Our findings suggest the genetic capacity for microglia function as a potential factor underlying differential susceptibility to early life exposuresthrough influences on neurodevelopment.

Helminth Infections in Dairy Sheep Found in an Extensive Countrywide Study in Greece and Potential Predictors for Their Presence in Faecal Samples

The aims of the present study were: (a) to describe the prevalence of helminth infections from pooled faecal samples from sheep flocks across Greece and (b) to evaluate flock-related factors potentially associated with the presence of these infections in the flocks. An extensive countrywide study was performed on 325 sheep farms throughout Greece; faecal samples were collected from ewes and processed for the identification of helminth parasites. Helminths were detected in samples from 92.9% of flocks; these included Dicrocoelium dendriticum (16.7% of flocks), Fasciola hepatica (0.6%), Paramphistomum cervi (2.2%), Moniezia spp. (18.8%), Trichostrongylidae (85.5%), Nematodirus spp. (18.8%), Strongyloides papillosus (7.1%), Trichuris spp. (20.0%) and lungworms (17.8%). Mean Trichostrongylidae counts across all flocks in the study were 215 epg. Specifically, for Trichostrongylidae, there were differences between flocks that had or had not received anthelmintics during the two months prior to sampling, as well as between flocks located in various areas of the country. In multivariable analyses, for the outcome 'high (>300) epg counts in faecal samples', the month into the lactation period at sampling and the application of reproductive control practices on the farm emerged as significant factors; for the outcome 'high proportion (>63%) of Teladorsagia spp. in faecal samples', the availability of straw bedding emerged as a significant factor; and for the outcome 'high proportion (>63%) of Haemonchus contortus in faecal samples', the age of the farmer emerged as a significant factor. For the outcome 'presence of Trichuris spp. in faecal samples', the provision of finished feed (concentrate) to animals emerged as a significant factor, whilst, finally, for the outcomes 'presence of D. dendriticum in faecal samples' and 'presence of lungworms in faecal samples,' no significant factors emerged.

Prevalence, species composition, and associated risk factors of small ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes in South Omo zone, South-western Ethiopia.

Objective:This study was conducted to generate data on the prevalence, species composition, and factors associated with small ruminant nematode infection in the South Omo zone, in South-western Ethiopia.Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study through fecal nematode parasite examination was conducted. Simple floatation test and coproculture, followed by Baermann technique, were used for nematode egg and third-stage larvae (L3) separation and identification. The McMaster method was used to calculate the egg per gram of feces (EPG).Results:From a total of 242 sheep and goats examined, 72.34% were infested with single or mixed nematode parasites. District, “Kebele”, species, body condition score, and age were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with nematode infestation. Simple logistic regression analysis indicated that nematode infestation in Bena-Tsemay district (78.33%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by a factor of 0.54 (OR 95% CI: 0.30–0.96) than Hamer district (66.39%). Among the species, caprine (79.43%) was significantly (p < 0.05) infested than ovine (62.37%) by a factor of 0.45 (OR 95% CI: 0.25–0.81). Moreover, infestation on poor (79.12%) and medium (70.96%) body conditioned animals was higher by a factor of 2.94 (OR 95% CI: 1.41–6.26) and 1.76 (OR 95% CI: 0.88–3.53) than on good body conditioned animals (63.79%). Likewise, infestation in age groups of 1–3 years (78.66%) and >3 years (84.40%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by a factor of 4.83 (OR 95% CI: 2.31–10.46) and 8.23 (OR 95% CI: 3.98–17.75) than younger age groups (41.37%), respectively. A moderate parasitic burden was observed on 52.90% of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN)-infested animals with significantly (p < 0.05) higher EPG in females than males. Furthermore, mixed infestation of Trichostrongylus axei and Eimeria (6.19%), Haemonchus contortus and Eimeria (5.78%), and Trichostrongylus vitrines and Eimeria (5.78%) were dominantly identified. On the contrary, T. axei (15.70%), Eimeria (8.67%), H. contortus (7.43%), and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (7.02%) were dominant single infestations.Conclusion:The current study revealed the highest prevalence of GIN in the study area, which needs strategic control, needs to enhance community awareness toward GIN control and prevention, and to implement further investigation into anthelminthic efficacy to solve the problem.

Prevalence naturally infected gastrointestinal parasites and complete blood count condition on Wonosobo sheep at Wonosobo District, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Baihaqi ZA, Nurcahyo W, Widiyono I. 2020. Prevalence naturally infected gastrointestinal parasites and complete blood count condition on Wonosobo sheep at Wonosobo District, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 3057-3061. The aim of this study was to determine complete blood count of Wonosobo sheep infected with internal parasites on sheep farms in Wonosobo District, Central Java, Indonesia. Fecal and blood samples were taken from 130 female Wonosobo sheep. Fecal samples were individual and the numbers of worm eggs per gram of feces (eggs per gram, EPG) were counted. Complete blood count analyzed with a hematology analyzer machine and total protein were measured with a refractometer. The total average prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections in the Wonosobo sheep are 66.92%. The prevalences of low EPG and high EPG GI parasite infections in female Wonosobo sheep were 19.23% and 47.69%. The gastrointestinal worm species found infecting female Wonosobo sheep in this study were Haemonchus spp., Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Trichuris spp., Bunostomum spp., and Moniezia spp. The most prevalent GI parasites infections in Wonosobo sheep were caused by Haemonchus spp., and the last prevalent ones were caused by Trichuris spp. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hb (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hb Concentration (MCHC), White Blood Cell (WBC), neutrophil, eosinophil, and lymphocyte counts in female Wonosobo sheep with naturally occurring gastrointestinal worms that had EPG &gt; 600 were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) than those in sheep that had EPG &lt;600. Hb, Hematocrit (HCT), Red Blood Cell (RBC), and Total Protein (TP) were significantly lower (p &lt; 0.001) in sheep with EPG values &gt;600 than in sheep with EPG &lt;600. Monocyte and basophil values were not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05) between infected sheep with EPG &lt;600 and those with EPG &gt;600. This study shows that gastrointestinal worm infections naturally affect the hematology and blood chemistry of female Wonosobo sheep in Wonosobo district, Central Java, Indonesia.

Patterns of helminth infection in Kenyan elephant populations

BackgroundThe dynamics of helminth infection in African elephant populations are poorly known. We examined the effects of age, sex, social structure and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as primary drivers of infection patterns within and between elephant populations.MethodsCoprological methods were used to identify helminths and determine infection patterns in distinct elephant populations in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo East National Park, Amboseli National Park and Laikipia-Samburu Ecosystem. Gaussian finite mixture cluster analyses of egg dimensions were used to classify helminth eggs according to genera. Generalized linear models (GLM) and Chi-square analyses were used to test for variation in helminth infection patterns and to identify drivers in elephant populations.ResultsHelminth prevalence varied significantly between the studied populations. Nematode prevalence (96.3%) was over twice as high as that of trematodes (39.1%) in elephants. Trematode prevalence but not nematode prevalence varied between populations. Although we found no associations between helminth infection and elephant social groups (male vs family groups), the median helminth egg output (eggs per gram, epg) did vary between social groups: family groups had significantly higher median epg than solitary males or males in bachelor groups. Young males in mixed sex family groups had lower epg than females when controlling for population and age; these differences, however, were not statistically significant. The average NDVI over a three-month period varied between study locations. Cluster analyses based on egg measurements revealed the presence of Protofasciola sp., Brumptia sp., Murshidia sp., Quilonia sp. and Mammomonogamus sp. GLM analyses showed that the mean epg was positively influenced by a three-month cumulative mean NDVI and by social group; female social groups had higher epg than male groups. GLM analyses also revealed that epg varied between elephant populations: Samburu-Laikipia elephants had a higher and Tsavo elephants a lower epg than Amboseli elephants.ConclusionsElephants had infection patterns characterized by within- and between-population variation in prevalence and worm burden. Sociality and NDVI were the major drivers of epg but not of helminth prevalence. Gastrointestinal parasites can have a negative impact on the health of wild elephants, especially during resource scarcity. Thus, our results will be important when deciding intervention strategies.

Long spelling periods are required for pasture to become free of contamination by infective larvae of Haemonchus contortus in a humid subtropical climate of São Paulo state, Brazil

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the period of spelling necessary for a pasture to become free of contamination by infective larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of sheep, in different seasons of the year, as well as to determine when the greatest pasture contamination occurs and how long it lasts. An area was divided into four paddocks, one for each season (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). In order to contaminate the paddocks with free living stages of GIN, eight ewes, naturally infected, grazed on each paddock for 14 consecutive days, starting on the following dates: autumn, on April 4, 2017; winter, on July 4, 2017; spring, on September 26, 2017; summer, on January 2, 2019. At the beginning and end of the grazing period, faecal samples were taken directly from the rectums of the ewes to count eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and for faecal cultures. Every 14 days pasture samples were collected to assess the number of infective larvae (L3) per kilogram of dry matter. At the end of the 14 day ewe grazing period, 21 stakes were placed where there were faeces on the paddock. Subsequently, every 14 days, the faeces located at three of the stakes were collected and the L3 were recovered. After the exit of the ewes, monthly, two tracer lambs, free of helminth infection, were allocated into the paddock for 14 days. At the end of this period they were housed in covered stalls for 28 days. Faeces from the lambs were collected for individual EPG counting and faecal culture at 21 and 28 days after grazing. Infective larvae recuperation was observed from faeces and pasture in all seasons. In the autumn, spring, and summer, high EPG counts were observed in the first tracer lambs (8521, 4800, and 8064 EPG, respectively), while in winter, high infection (14132 EPG) of the animals was observed only from the second pair of tracer lambs. For a pasture to become “clean”, 322 days, 350 days, 294 days, and 182 days following contamination were necessary, respectively, in the autumn, winter, spring, and summer. In autumn, spring, and summer, massive contamination of the pasture with L3 occurred soon after an area had been grazed by infected sheep, while in winter this took a little longer. The contamination persisted, approximately, from a minimum of six months post contamination in summer to up to almost one year post contamination in winter.

Field evidence for association between increased gastrointestinal nematode burden and subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep

The objective of the present study was to study, under field conditions, potential associations between gastrointestinal nematode parasitism and subclinical mastitis in ewes during the lactation period. Faecal and milk samples were collected from 240 ewes in 16 farms, for parasitological and bacteriological plus cytological examination, respectively. In the population sampled, prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode infection was 63.0%; mean faecal count was 357.7 ± 32.4 eggs per gram (epg); Teladorsagia spp. larvae were identified more frequently in coprocultures (median proportion among farms: 53.0%). The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 22.6%; coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. were identified more frequently as causal agents (64.7% of isolates recovered from cases of the disease). There was clear evidence that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was higher among ewes with gastrointestinal nematode infection than among ewes without: 26.4% and 16.1% (P = 0.047), respectively. Further, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was higher in ewes with high faecal epg: 31.1% versus 18.6% in ewes with low faecal epg (P = 0.027). Mean epg counts in ewes with mastitis were significantly higher: 500 ± 84 (mean ± standard error of the mean), than epg counts in healthy ewes: 316 ± 36 (P = 0.024). The findings further underline the importance of concurrent parasitic and bacterial infections. Moreover, results also suggest further factors that can play a role in development of mastitis in ewes.

Influence of the physiological stage of Blackbelly sheep on immunological behaviour against gastrointestinal nematodes

The influence of the physiological stage of a Blackbelly flock against natural infection by gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes (GIN) was investigated. Data on serum and saliva IgA levels and peripheral cellular immune response were recorded in 51 sheep for 6 months. The flock was divided based on their physiological stage as follows: a) pregnant ewes, b) lactating ewes, c) non-pregnant ewes, d) pre-weaning lambs, e) growing lambs and f) replacement sheep. Additionally, sheep were classified based on the parasite infection as stabled or grazing management system as follows: g) non-infected stabled sheep, h) infected and stabled sheep and i) infected grazing sheep. Faeces and blood samples were collected every fifteen days. The percentage of packed cell volume (PCV), plasma protein, (PP) and leucocyte differential counts (LDC) were recorded. Likewise, serum and saliva IgA levels were measured by the indirect ELISA technique. The number of GIN eggs excreted per g of faeces (EPG) was also determined using the McMaster technique. Data were analysed using the SAS program to identify fixed effect of physiological stages, infection time and interactions. Results showed high EPG values in stabled lactating ewes (2764) and in growing lambs (2950–4550 EPG). Pregnant ewes had higher PCV values (27%) than lactating ewes (23.5%). Infected lambs showed low PCV values (28.5%) and high PP values (5.9 g/dL) compared with non-infected lambs (31% PCV and 5.6 g/dL PP). The two most abundant GIN species identified were Haemonchus contortus (91%) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (81%). Pregnant and non-pregnant ewes showed 29% and <20% of IgA values, respectively. High EPG, low IgA and eosinophils counts were observed until 180 days of age in infected lambs. In conclusion, the group of infected lactating ewes and lambs showed susceptibility to GIN than the other groups, including the pregnant ewes.

Ram sperm production estimates

The influence of the physiological stage of a Blackbelly flock against natural infection by gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes (GIN) was investigated. Data on serum and saliva IgA levels and peripheral cellular immune response were recorded in 51 sheep for 6 months. The flock was divided based on their physiological stage as follows: a) pregnant ewes, b) lactating ewes, c) non-pregnant ewes, d) pre-weaning lambs, e) growing lambs and f) replacement sheep. Additionally, sheep were classified based on the parasite infection as stabled or grazing management system as follows: g) non-infected stabled sheep, h) infected and stabled sheep and i) infected grazing sheep. Faeces and blood samples were collected every fifteen days. The percentage of packed cell volume (PCV), plasma protein, (PP) and leucocyte differential counts (LDC) were recorded. Likewise, serum and saliva IgA levels were measured by the indirect ELISA technique. The number of GIN eggs excreted per g of faeces (EPG) was also determined using the McMaster technique. Data were analysed using the SAS program to identify fixed effect of physiological stages, infection time and interactions. Results showed high EPG values in stabled lactating ewes (2764) and in growing lambs (2950–4550 EPG). Pregnant ewes had higher PCV values (27%) than lactating ewes (23.5%). Infected lambs showed low PCV values (28.5%) and high PP values (5.9 g/dL) compared with non-infected lambs (31% PCV and 5.6 g/dL PP). The two most abundant GIN species identified were Haemonchus contortus (91%) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (81%). Pregnant and non-pregnant ewes showed 29% and <20% of IgA values, respectively. High EPG, low IgA and eosinophils counts were observed until 180 days of age in infected lambs. In conclusion, the group of infected lactating ewes and lambs showed susceptibility to GIN than the other groups, including the pregnant ewes.

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Helminthosis in Santa Ines Sheep under Dry and Rainy Season

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoan from the genus Cryptosporidium with cosmopolitan distribution and zoonotic potential. The objective of this work was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and helminthosis in Santa Ines sheep herd during dry and rainy season. This work was developed at the sheep’s breeding sector from the Federal University of Piaui, located in Southern Piauí, Brazil. Fifty sheep kept in a semi-intensive system were used in the experiment using the method according Ritchie, Ziehl-Neelsen and Gordon and Whitlock. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 36% of the animals tested, with 20 males exhibiting a percentage of 50% (10 animals) protozoan in the feces and 50% (10 animals) exhibiting negative results. Among the 30 tested females, 8 (26.6%) were positive and 22 (73.4%) were negative. Concerning the age, 24 animals (48%) were of 0-12 months old, with prevalence of 11 (46%) positive animals showing protozoan in the feces, and 26 animals (52%) between 13-48 months old. The rainy season showed the highest counting of eggs per gram of feces (EPG), reaching a mean value of 2250 thus, a high occurrence of Cryptosporidium was evidenced, with a higher infection degree in young male sheep, predominantly during the rainy season, when a higher EPG was observed.

Quantification and expression studies of IL-13 gene in response to experimental infection with Haemonchus contortus in Garole and Sahabadi sheep.

To evaluate the role of IL-13 gene in Garole/Sahabadi sheep against resistant/susceptibility to Haemonchus contortus five Garole sheep (Group I) with consistently showing low egg per gram of faeces (EPG) (≤150) and another five Garole sheep (Group II) with high EPG (≥500) were selected and fed orally with active H. contortus third stage (L3) larvae at the dose rate of 500 larvae/kg body weight. Five Sahabadi sheep (Gr-III) known susceptible to H. contortus were also challenged with the same dose as the previous groups. Blood was collected from each group on day 0, 7 and 14days post infection (dpi). The serum level of IL-13 cytokine was evaluated by ELISA at different days of post infection. The ovine IL-13 was partially isolated and the RNAm level of IL-13 expression was studied by real-time PCR at different days post infection. In the resistant Garole sheep (Gr-I) the concentration of IL-13 cytokine increased significantly (P≤0.05) 14days PI compared to susceptible Garole (Gr-II)/Sahabadi (Group-III). In similar way the relative expression of IL-13 in group I (Gr-I) was found more than seven fold higher than Gr-II and Gr-III on 14 dpi. The Th2 type immune response to H. contortus characterized by higher serum level of IL-13 cytokine and IL-13 gene expression indicated that IL-13 gene plays a vital role for the reduced establishment and/or survival of established H. contortus in resistant Garole sheep.

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths in cattle at north Kashmir

Copro samples (1,126) of locally reared cattle at north Kashmir (Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora) were examined over a period of 1 year by qualitative and quantitative techniques. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths was 59.86% with trematodes, cestodes and nematodes in 11.63, 4.44 and 53.02% animals, respectively. Paramphistomes (7.10%) were the most prevalent trematodes followed by Fasciola spp. (4.53%) and Dicrocoelium spp. (0.27%). Prevalence of Moniezia spp. the only cestode found in the study was 4.44%. Among nematodes, the prevalence of strongyle worms was the highest (49.91%) followed by Trichuris spp. (3.64%) and Strongyloides spp. (2.04%). Seasonal variation revealed significantly highest prevalence of GI helminths during spring (68.21%) followed by autumn (67.50%), summer (55.59%) and winter (48.21%). Overall young cattle had significantly higher prevalence (68.13%) than adult animals (55.10%) but trematode infection was significantly higher in adults. Overall GI helminths were non-significantly higher in females (60.56%) as compared to males (58.24%) but the prevalence of paramphistomes was significantly higher in females. The prevalence of Dicrocoelium spp. and all the nematodes was nonsignificantly higher in males. EPG was ranging between 0 and 400 with an average EPG of 177.44±6.29. Highest EPG was recorded in spring (231.11±14.15) followed by summer (211.11±11.56), autumn (148.00±11.15) and winter (132.73±8.32). On coprocultural examination, Haemonchus spp. (65%) was found to be the most predominant strongyle worm followed by Bunostomum spp. (20%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (15%).

Efficacious and safe dose of praziquantel for the successful treatment of feline reservoir hosts with opisthorchiasis

Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major food-borne zoonosis in Greater Mekong sub-region. Even though campaigns discouraging the consumption of raw fish have been launched to public, the disease still remains highly endemic. The unsuccessful eradication of the disease is probably because of the persistence of the parasite in animal reservoir hosts, particularly felids. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for morbidity control of opisthorchiasis in humans and animals. However, there is no specific study on its dosage regimen for feline opisthorchiasis. Thus, the effective treatment dose of PZQ, as well as its adverse effects, was evaluated in O. viverrini infected cats. Twenty-eight infected male and female cats from the endemic area of Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham Provinces, Thailand were enrolled in this study. Physical, hematological, blood chemical and urine examinations were analyzed, as indicators of health status, on the day before and 30days after treatment. Intensity of the infections was determined by the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Cats were equally allotted into the low infection group of 14 cats with egg count per gram of feces (EPG) <300 and the high infection group of 14 cats with EPG higher than 300. Cats in each group were equally divided into two subgroups of 7 cats; thus, there were two low infection subgroups (L1 and L2 subgroups) and two high infection subgroups (H1 and H2 subgroups). A single dose of 25mg/kg PZQ was orally administered to each cat in the L1 and H1 subgroups and a single oral dose of 40mg/kg PZQ was administered to the L2 and H2 subgroups. Complete clearance of O. viverrini eggs was found in all cats in the L1, L2 and H2 subgroups; thus, the cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR) were 100%. However, partial clearance was observed in two cats with high EPG (1502 and 1518) in the H1 subgroup, which received 25mg/kg PZQ. Regards, CR and ERR for these two animals was 71.4 and 99.5%. No significant difference among the 4 subgroups was seen. Almost all hematological, blood chemical and urinalysis data were within normal ranges, except for the eosinophilia and an increase of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Hookworm infection seen in all cats would cause eosinophilia. As for drug safety, there was no side effect observed in any cats. In conclusion, this study suggested that 40mg/kg PZQ is a highly effective and safe dosage for the treatment of feline reservoir hosts of human opisthorchiasis.

Evaluation of different models to segregate Pelibuey and Katahdin ewes into resistant or susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes

This study evaluated four models based on the number of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) to segregate Pelibuey or Katahdin ewes during the lactation period into resistant or susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in tropical Mexico. Nine hundred and thirty EPG counts of Pelibuey ewes and 710 of Katahdin ewes were obtained during 10weeks of lactation. Ewes were segregated into resistant, intermediate and susceptible, using their individual EPG every week. Then, data of every ewe was used to provide a reference classification, which included all the EPG values of each animal. Then, four models were evaluated against such reference. Model 1 was based on the 10-week mean EPG count ± 2 SE. Models 2, 3 and 4 were based on the mean EPG count of 10, 5 and 2weeks of lactation. The cutoff points for the segregation of ewe in those three models were the quartiles ≤Q1 (low elimination) and ≥Q3 (high elimination). In all the models evaluated, the ewes classified as resistant had lower EPG than intermediates and susceptible (P < 0.001) while ewes classified as susceptible had higher EPG than intermediate and resistant (P < 0.001). According to J Youden test, models presented concordance with the reference group (>70%). Model 3 tended to show higher sensitivity and specificity with the reference data, but no difference was found with other models. The present study showed that the phenotypic marker EPG might serve to identify and segregate populations of adult ewes during the lactation period. All models used served to segregate Pelibuey and Katahdin ewes into resistant, intermediate and susceptible. The model 3 (mean of 5weeks) could be used because it required less sampling effort without losing sensitivity or specificity in the segregation of animals. However, model 2 (mean of 2weeks) was less labour-intensive.

Body development of five Thoroughbred foal generations naturally infected with cyathostomins

Most horse breeders are extremely concern about the impact of parasites on the healthiness of their animals. Although parasite control using systemic anthelmintics is very secure, drug resistance has been reportedworldwide (Canever et al. 2013; Peregrine et al. 2014). This study aimed to determine the development of Thoroughbred foals related to sex, month and year of birth and parasite faecal egg counts (EPG). Data of five generations (20082012)was handled from a horse farm located in the city of Sao Jose dos Pinhais, South of Brazil. The animals were from birth to 18 months old (n1⁄4119 foals: 60 males and 59 females). The farm technical teamprovidedmonthly data on height andweight of the individuals. The body weight was measured with a mechanical scale and the withers height was measured using a depth measuring tape. For the individual animal EPG records, reports from 2009 to 2012 were used. EPG was performed using a modifiedMcMaster technique (x25). During all the evaluationperiods it was observed that females were taller (p1⁄40.0065) and heavier (p1⁄40.0091) than males at birth. Males born in November were lighter than the other animals born in othermonths (p1⁄40,0002) at the age of sixmonths. At the age of 12months, females born in July and August were significantly heavier than females born in the othermonths, and those born inNovemberwere lighter compared to the others (p1⁄40.03). EPGwas divided in six categories: from0 to 25, 50 to 100, 125 to 225, 250 to 350, 375 to 500, 525 to 800 and above 800, and the average frequency was 21, 11, 10, 11, 8, 13 and 26%, respectively for all years. Therewas no correlation of EPG and the other variables, indicating that the presence of high or low EPGs did not interfere with body development. This was possible because of the excellent farming system, which included balanced concentrate food and a high quality alfalfa and pasture. Thus, if EPG values had no influence evidencing anybody development impediment in young horses, we suggest that other phenotypic and/or genotypic diagnostic shall be developed for parasite monitoring when animals are raised in ideal conditions.

Evaluatie van de mini-FLOTAC-methode voor de detectie van gastro-intestinale parasieten bij grote huisdieren

Voor de microscopische diagnose van gastro-intestinale parasieten bij grote huisdieren werd recent een nieuwe techniek ontwikkeld, de mini-FLOTAC. In deze vergelijkende studie van diagnostische technieken werd de mini-FLOTAC vergeleken met de standaard McMastertechniek op basis van de detectie (gevoeligheid) en kwantificatie (aantal oöcysten/eieren per gram mest (OPG/EPG)) van parasitaire infecties bij grote huisdieren en de tijd die nodig is om een diagnose te stellen. In totaal werden honderd meststalen (78 paarden, 11 runderen, 6 schapen en 5 geiten) onderzocht met beide technieken. Mini-FLOTAC was gevoeliger dan McMaster, maar er was een zeer hoge correlatie in eieren per gram (EPG) feces (correlatiecoëfficiënt = 0,90, p &amp;lt; 0,001). De benodigde tijdsduur voor het onderzoeken van stalen met de mini-FLOTAC-techniek (13 minuten) lag significant hoger (p &amp;lt; 0,05) dan de tijd die nodig was met de McMaster-techniek (6 minuten). Dit verschil in tijdsduur was eveneens afhankelijk van de bekomen EPG-waarde, waarbij het tijdsverschil tussen beide technieken nog sterk vergrootte voor hogere waarden. Er kan geconcludeerd worden dat de mini-FLOTAC-techniek het beste gebruikt kan worden wanneer een accurate diagnose van een lage besmettingsgraad nodig is, bijvoorbeeld voor de detectie van anthelminthicumresistentie. In andere gevallen kan de voorkeur worden gegeven aan de snellere McMaster-methode.

Changes in biochemical analytes in calves infected by nematode parasites in field conditions

Parasitic infections caused by nematodes are a major problem in bovines that resulting in losses in animal health and production. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in selected serum biochemical analytes in calves naturally infected with gastrointestinal (GI) and pulmonary nematodes without clinical signs. For this, samples of feces and blood of 86 calves were collected. Fecal egg counts (FEC) were determined using the modified McMaster technique with a sensitivity of 50 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Positive nematode FEC was processed for coproculture using pooled samples to identify Strongylidae infective larvae (L3). First stage-larvae (L1) of Dictyocaulus viviparous were identified by a modified Baermann method. The biochemical analytes determined were: acute phase proteins such as haptoglobin and paraoxonase type 1; the enzymes acetylcholinesterase; butyrylcholinesterase; the lipid profile (triglycerides and total, HDL, and LDL-cholesterol); serum iron profile (iron and unsaturated iron-binding capacity); total protein and albumin; pancreatic profile (amylase and lipase); and minerals (phosphorus and calcium). The calves were divided into four groups according to the results of EPG and the modified Baermann method. Group 1: healthy control animals (n=16); Group 2: calves with only GI parasites (n=51): This group was sub-divided into sub-groups according to the EPG threshold: 2a—GI parasites with low EPG (n=23), and 2b—GI parasites with high EPG (n=28). Group 3: animals with only lungworms (n=5), and Group 4: calves with lung+GI parasites (n=14). The more prevalent genera in all coprocultures were: Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. The nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the groups and Dunn's post-test was used for multiple comparisons as the data was not normally distributed (P<0.05). The haptoglobin concentration increased in calves with GI and pulmonary parasites. A significant increase in acetylcholinesterase was observed in calves infected with lungworms. Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL concentrations decreased but lipase concentration increased in calves with GI parasites. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the biochemical effects produced by nematode parasites in calves in field conditions. These findings in calves without any evident clinical signs of disease could provide an indication of GI parasites and lungworm infection, especially in an endemic area for these parasites.

A methodology for estimating rebound effects in non-residential public service buildings: Case study of four buildings in Germany

Non-residential buildings comprise a quarter of the European Union (EU) building stock and cause approximately one-third of this stock's energy consumption. The imperative to reduce their energy consumption is widely accepted in EU countries. It is now common to upgrade both residential and non-residential buildings to increase energy efficiency, but studies indicate a significant gap between energy performance and design. In the residential sector, this gap has been extensively investigated and quantified under the heading of the ‘rebound effect’, but there do not yet appear to be studies on rebound effects in non-residential buildings. This paper develops a methodology to fill this gap. Through technical measurements in four recently retrofitted German public service case study buildings, rebound effects were estimated under two definitions: the ‘elasticity’ rebound effect and the ‘energy performance gap’ (EPG). Cross-sectional data of actual and calculated consumption in 176 comparable buildings was used to estimate typical rebound effects which could be expected in such buildings. The case study results indicated comparatively low rebound effects but high EPGs. Semi-structured interviews with building occupants and operators identified credible determinants of energy consumption. The methodology proved effective and robust, and is offered for further use and development.

Susceptibility of hair sheep ewes to nematode parasitism during pregnancy and lactation in a selective anthelmintic treatment scheme under tropical conditions

The objective was to determine the influence of year, season and age of hair sheep ewes on their susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematodes during pregnancy and lactation and to record the number of treatments within a selective anthelmintic (AH) treatment programme. A trial was performed with 46 grazing ewes kept in hot humid tropical conditions. Data included: average daily weight gain (ADG, kg), packed cell volume (PCV, %) and nematode eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) obtained during 2 years (2009 and 2011–2012). Ewes reaching 1000 EPG were treated with AH. Irrespective of year, season and age, ewes were more susceptible to GIN during lactation (higher EPG, lower PCV and net weight loss) and less susceptible during gestation (lower EPG, higher PCV and net weight gain). As a result, 24.4% of the ewes were left untreated during lactation, while 63.0% of the ewes needed no AH treatment during pregnancy. Even under the hot humid tropical conditions of the farm, the individual EPG helped to maintain a considerable proportion of animals without an AH treatments within the flock.

Nematode infection among ruminants in monsoon climate (Ban-Lahanam, Lao PDR) and its role as food-borne zoonosis.

Trichostrongylids infection has gained significant public health importance since Trichostrongylus spp. infections have been reported in humans in Lao PDR. In this study, gastrointestinal nematodes were identified and the intensity of infections was determined in goats and cattle, which are animals greatly used for meat production in Lahanam Village, Lao PDR. The total number of goats and bovines was 23 and 29, respectively, pertaining to 32 households surveyed in the area. Feacal samples were randomly collected from 14 goats and 11 bovines. Ninety three percent (13/14) of goats and 36% (3/11) of cattle were infected, with an average of 1,728 and 86 eggs per gram of faeces (EPG), respectively. Coproculture showed Trichostrongylus spp. (goats 16%; bovines 48%), Haemonchus spp. (goats 69%; bovines 37%), Cooperia spp. (bovines 8%) and Oesophagostomum spp. (goats 15%; bovines 6%). After performing the necropsy on an adult goat, Trichuris spp. was also found. We confirmed the presence of Oesophagostomum spp., H. contortus and T. colubriformis by morphology and DNA sequencing analysis of the ITS region of rDNA. Due to interactions between humans and goats in Lahanam Village and high EPG results, the diagnosis of species and the intensity of gastrointestinal nematode infection in these animals are important public-health issues. Other ruminant parasites, such as Oesophagostomum and Haemonchus, found in caprines and bovines, are reported to be causes of zoonosis and their presence in humans should be investigated in future field surveys in this area.