Highest Mean Intensity Research Articles

Gastrointestinal parasitic helminths of bats from a cave in Luzon Island, Philippines.

Bats are often associated with several zoonotic diseases, including helminth infections. Despite their potential detrimental effects on both human and bat populations, information on helminth parasites of Philippine bats remains scarce. Here, we identify gastrointestinal helminths parasitizing bats collected from a cave complex in Cavinti, Laguna Province, Philippines, determine their prevalence (P) and mean intensity (MI), and investigate relationship of helminth prevalence and intensity with bat host characteristics including sex, diet, age, and roosting habit. We isolated 581 individuals of helminths representing six taxa (three trematodes, two nematodes, one cestode) from the gastrointestinal tract of sampled bats. Helminths were observed in 82 out of 172 bats captured (P = 47.67%), with Miniopteruspaululus having the highest infection rate (P = 91.3%) and highest MI (18 ± 4.5/infected bat). Helminths parasitizing endemic bat species from the Philippines, such as Rhinolophus rufus, Rhinolophus inops, Hipposideros pygmaeus, and Ptenochirus jagori were reported here for the first time. We provide new host records for other helminth species and report the presence of two parasites, Plagiorchis sp. and Toxocara sp., known for their zoonotic potential. These data will contribute to efforts in identifying parasites and diseases harbored by bats in the country and develop additional conservation measures for bats.

Season, size, and sex: factors influencing monogenean prevalence and intensity on Gambusia affinis in New Zealand

A number of studies have been conducted on monogenean seasonality, though primarily in continental regions with wide annual temperatures ranges. We investigated seasonal changes in the prevalence and intensity of Salsuginus seculus infesting sexually dimorphic western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) in New Zealand. This represents the first examination of seasonality for this species globally, and the first seasonal assessment of any monogenean population in New Zealand, a temperate country with a mild oceanic climate. Prevalence and intensity of S. seculus with respect to fish size and sex was also examined. Prevalence of S. seculus changed temporally, peaking in summer, and was strongly positively correlated with algal concentrations. This relationship may be associated with increasing food levels, leading to an increase in fish courting and mating, resulting in high numbers and close physical associations of G. affinis individuals, facilitating transmission of the monogeneans. Thus, biotic factors may be important in determining temporal changes in S. seculus prevalence in New Zealand. Female G. affinis had a significantly higher prevalence and mean intensity of S. seculus than males. Longer fish had a higher mean intensity and prevalence of S. seculus. Female G. affinis likely host disproportionately more monogeneans as they are larger than males. Alternatively, females may have a compromised immune response during reproductive periods. Overall, seasonal change was observed in S. seculus prevalence and intensity under New Zealand’s mild climatic conditions, and the larger female G. affinis in this dimorphic species supported a greater prevalence and intensity of infestation than males.

Historical Marine Cold Spells in the South China Sea: Characteristics and Trends

Marine cold spells (MCSs) are extreme ocean temperature events impacting marine organisms, yet their characteristics and trends in the South China Sea (SCS) historical period remain unclear. This study systematically analyzes sea surface temperature (SST) and MCSs in the SCS using satellite observation data (OISSTv2.1) from 1982 to 2022. The climatological mean SST ranges from 22 °C near the Taiwan Strait to 29 °C near the Nansha Islands, showing notable variations. Annual SST anomalies demonstrate a heterogeneous spatial trend of approximately 0.21 ± 0.16 °C/decade (p < 0.01) across the SCS, indicating an increase in SST over time. MCS analysis uncovers spatial non-uniformity in frequency, with higher values near the Beibu Gulf and Hainan Island, and longer durations in the northeastern coastal areas. Statistical analysis indicates normal distributions for frequency and duration trends but skewness for intensity and cumulative intensity, reflecting extreme values. Winter months exhibit larger MCS occurrence areas and higher mean intensities, illustrating seasonal variability. Anticipated changes will significantly impact the ecological structure and functioning of the SCS.

Characteristics and mechanism of winter marine heatwaves in the cold tongue region of the South China Sea

Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) are persistent anomalous sea surface temperature warming events that can affect the marine ecological environment and ecosystems. Here, we study the winter MHWs in the cold tongue region of the South China Sea (SCS) from 1982 to 2022. Our results show that the winter MHWs in the cold tongue region have the strongest cumulative intensity in the SCS, exceeding 45°C·day/time. These strong MHWs are due to their high mean intensity and long duration. Significant interannual variations are observed in these MHWs, with extreme MHW events occurring in the El Niño winters of 97/98 and 15/16. By employing a mixed layer heat budget analysis, we reveal that the extreme MHW event in the winter of 97/98 is caused primarily by the surface heat flux term, and secondarily by the vertical entrainment term. While the 15/16 extreme event is caused by a combination of the surface heat flux term, the vertical entrainment term and the horizontal advection term.

A SURVEY OF ENDO-PARASITE AND BLOOD PARASITE OF SYNODONTIS SCHALL (BLOCH & SCHNEIDER, 1801) FROM OTUOGORI RIVER IN OGBIA, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Fishes are a source of protein to human and also provide a means of occupation for the people. Fish parasites are of public health importance, reducing fish population and thereby, resulting in loss of protein source and jobs. This study aimed to reveal the presence of various endo-parasites and blood parasites in fish samples collected from Otuogori River using standard techniques. A total of 40 live fish, purchased weekly from a fisherwoman during early morning hours, from December 2022 to January 2023, contingent on availability, were transported immediately to the laboratory for parasitological examination with the sex noted and the standard length measured. Aliquot from teased internal organs and blood sample collected from caudal circulation of each fish were respectively smeared on clean slides and viewed under the microscope. The parasites detected were identified using an identification key. The study revealed that out of 40 Synodontis schall examined, 4 were infected with an overall prevalence of 10%. Females 3(14.29%) were more infected than males 1(5.26%) (p>0.05). Parasites recorded include Trypanosoma spp, Camallanus spp and Anisakid spp; with Trypanosoma spp. (50%) being the most prevalent. The study result also showed that those with body length range of 9.2cm-14.2cm were infected the most (25%) (p>0.05). Fish samples weighing 55g-105g and those with body length range of 9.2cm-14.2cm had the highest mean intensity. Weight did not significantly affect the prevalence of infestation of the fishes (p>0.05). Fish samples collected from Otuogori River should be properly cooked before eaten to avoid zoonotic infections.

Prevalence of Foodborne Trematodes in Small Indigenous Fish Species in Local Markets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and mean infection intensity of zoonotic foodborne trematodes (FBT) in small indigenous species (SIS) fish hosts. Materials and Methods: A total of 8630 specimens of unknown origin were collected from the markets in Phnom Penh City. Fish were identified, weighed, and separated into 20 g subsamples for each fish species, and were examined using the artificial digestion method. A total of 10 species of FBT were detected in 11 species of fish out of the 23 species of fish in the total sample. Results: All infected FBT species were intestinal flukes. No liver flukes were found. The overall prevalence of FBT infection was 29.3% ± 5.3%, and the mean intensity was 0.85 ± 1.89 metacercariae (Mc)/g. The highest FBT prevalence was observed for Isthmiophora hortensis (10.7%) and Centrocestus formosanus (7.9%). Other species identified were Diplostomum spp., Echinochasmus japonicus, Echinostoma revolutum, Echinostoma sudanense, Haplorchis taichui, Haplorchis pumilio Heterophyes spp., and Procerovum varium. The highest mean intensity was found for Diplostomum spp. (1.75 ± 3.03 Mc/g). Trichopsis vittata was one of the main species constituting the SIS in urban markets (31.72%) and showed the highest prevalence of FBT (75.0%). In addition, T. vittata had the highest diversity of intestinal flukes compared with other fish species. Amblypharyngodon chulabhornae showed the highest mean intensity. but low diversity (only two species) and low prevalence. Conclusions: T. vittata could be considered a potential indicator for targeted monitoring of FBT intestinal flukes, but A. chulabhornae could also be considered for quantitative studies considering its high mean intensity.

First record of monogenean fish parasites in the Upper Lufira River Basin (Democratic Republic of Congo): dactylogyrids and gyrodactylids infesting Oreochromis mweruensis, Coptodon rendalli and Serranochromis macrocephalus (Teleostei: Cichlidae)

BackgroundMonogenean parasites have never been formally reported on fishes from the Lufira River Basin. In this context, we decided to record the monogenean parasite fauna of three cichlid species found in the Upper Lufira River Basin for the first time by inventorizing their diversity (species composition) and analysing their infection parameters (prevalence, mean intensity and abundance).MethodsThe African cichlid fishes Oreochromis mweruensis, Coptodon rendalli and Serranochromis macrocephalus were selected for the study, given their economic value and their abundance in the Upper Lufira River Basin. Monogeneans were isolated from the gills and stomach, mounted on glass slides with either Hoyer’s medium or ammonium picrate-glycerin for identification under a stereomicroscope, based on morphological analysis of genital and haptoral hard parts. Indices of diversity and infections parameters were calculated.ResultsA total of 13 gill monogenean parasite species (Cichlidogyrus dossoui, C. halli, C. karibae, C. mbirizei, C. papernastrema, C. quaestio, C. sclerosus, C. tiberianus, C. tilapiae, C. zambezensis, Scutogyrus gravivaginus, S. cf. bailloni and Gyrodactylus nyanzae) and one stomach monogenean (Enterogyrus malmbergi) were identified. A species richness (S) of 10 for O. mweruensis, S = 6 for C. rendalli and S = 2 for S. macrocephalus was recorded. Five parasite species were reported to be common amongst O. mweruensis and C. rendalli. According to cichlid species, the most prevalent parasite species was C. halli (prevalence [P] = 80.9%) on O. mweruensis, C. dossoui (P = 92.9%) on C. rendalli and C. karibae and C. zambezensis (both P = 9.1%) on S. macrocephalus. The parasite species with the highest mean intensity (MI) were G. nyanzae (MI = 8.7) on O. mweruensis, C. papernastrema (MI = 17.1) on C. rendalli and C. karibae (MI = 15) on S. macrocephalus. The findings indicate new host ranges for five parasites species (C. quaestio, S. cf. bailloni, E. malmbergi on O. mweruensis, C. halli on C. rendalli and C. karibae on S. macrocephalus) as well as new geographical records for all of them as they are recorded for the first time in the Lufira River Basin.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the richness of monogenean communities in the Upper Lufira River Basin and is a starting point for future helminthological studies, such as on the use of fish parasites as indicators of anthropogenic impacts.Graphical

Monogenea on exotic Indian freshwater fish. 5. First report of pathogenic Gussevia asota (Platyhelminths) from Oscar Astronotus ocellatus (Agassiz 1831) (Perciformes: Cichlidae)

The neotropical Oscar Astronotus ocellatus has been translocated worldwide as an ornamental fish species with significant economic importance. Twelve adult individuals of A. ocellatus collected from aquaria shops in northern and eastern India were examined for monogenean parasites. Based on morphological methods, all fish samples were found to be infested with Gussevia asota, with a 100% prevalence and high mean intensity [30.16 ± 9.70 (18-48, n=12)]. Molecular analysis of the partial 28S rRNA gene sequence (675 bp), followed by phylogenetic analysis, confirmed the parasite's identity further. This is the first report of G. asota in India and highlights the need to update and strengthen the quarantine procedures concerning the import of ornamental fish.

Determination of Enteroparasites in Long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Barangay Sumile, Butuan City, Philippines

Macaca fascicularis are primates known to be reservoirs of enteroparasites. Due to anthropogenic activities, they are experiencing habitat loss, forcing them to move to human settlements, resulting in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. This study aims to identify the enteroparasites present in the three troops of long-tailed macaques of Brgy. Sumile, Butuan City, Philippines, and assess their prevalence and intensity. The formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT) was employed in examining fifty-one macaque fecal samples for enteroparasite detection. Identification was via morphological features, and all samples were positive for one or several species of enteroparasites. Of the six species identified, Eimeria sp. was the most prevalent (76.47%), followed by hookworm (66.67%), Strongyloides sp. (41.18%), Ascaris sp. (29.41%), Balantidium sp. (29.41%), and Fasciola sp. (21.15%), respectively. The highest mean intensity (MI) was recorded in Eimeria sp. (30.71±8.57), followed by hookworm (3.59±0.63), Strongyloides sp. (3.20±0.72), Balantidium sp. (1.86±0.63), Ascaris sp. (1.27±0.34), and Fasciola sp. (1.25±0.45). All three troops in the study area had a 100% prevalence of enteroparasites, with troop 3 having the highest MI (76.20±24.42), followed by troop 2 (28.60±12.52) and troop 1 (26.95±5.29). All parasites found are of medical importance, and the results confirm that long-tailed macaques harbor enteroparasites that may transmit to other animals and humans. The findings help strengthen macaques management to ensure this species’ safety, residents, and visitors.

POPULATION DIVERSITY OF CHEWING LICE (PHTHIRAPTERA) INFESTING DUCKS AND GEESE (FAMILY ANATIDAE) IN SOUTHEAST PARTS OF PAKISTAN


 The birds and chewing lice relationship depends on environmental conditions that cause morbidity by feeding on feathers, irritating them, hence affecting their economic importance. In the present work, the statistical taxonomical analysis of the chewing lice was done using the population distribution, prevalence and host-parasite interaction. The chewing lice (Phthiraptera) were planned to study the population burden and infestation rate in ducks and geese in local water bodies in Sindh. The study was conducted between September 2018 and August 2021. Total of 124 birds, including Anas acuta, A. crecca, A. platyrhynchos, A. querquedula, Aythya ferina, A. fuligula, A. nyroca, Anser albifrons, A. anser, Marmaronetta angustirostris and Spatula clypeata were used. Amongst 124 host birds, only 58 birds were found infested with 46.77% prevalence of chewing lice. A total of 405 chewing lice were collected among them 137 males, 178 females and 90 nymphs were recovered, including 8 species, Anaticola crassicornis (Scopoli, 1763), A. mergiserrati (de Geer, 1778), Anatoecous dentatus (Scopoli, 1763), A. icterodes (Nitzsch, 1818), Holomenopon fatemae (Naz and Rizvi, 2012), H. leucoxanthum (Burmeister, 1838), Trinoton anserinum (Fabricius, 1805) and T. qurequdulae (Linnaeus, 1758). The highest abundance and frequency (%) of chewing lice recorded for Anaticola crassicornis were 125 and 30.86% respectively, whereas the lowest for Anatoecus dentatus were 12 and 2.96% respectively. Among birds, the highest host-wise prevalence of lice infestation was found in A. ferina (58.33%), whereas the least prevalence was in A. albifrons (22.22%). Among lice species, the highest mean intensity was recorded by Anaticola crassicornis (13.89±3.33) and the least mean intensity was for Holomenopon fatemae mean intensity (2.6±0.4). It was also the first collective report on the chewing lice population burden on anatid birds in the Sindh region of Pakistan.

First Study of Pharingomyia picta and Cephanemyia auribarbis in Wild Populations of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Portugal.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to provide the first epidemiological data on nasopharyngeal myiasis in wild red deer from Portuguese territory. This parasitosis consists of the infestation of the host nasopharynx by Diptera larvae. In this study, the first scientific report in Portugal, a high level of prevalence (50.6%) and mean intensity of parasitism (11.38 larvae) were found. The following two larvae species were identified: Pharyngomyia picta and Cephenemyia auribarbis. The life cycle of this species can be summarised in the following series of stages: one adult stage, three larval stages, and one pupa stage. The larvae are the parasitic form, living and growing inside the host. With their spicules and hooks, they progress into the host’s nasal cavities causing sinusitis, sneezing, purulent mucous exudates, dyspnea, and swallowing. In addition, they can also cause neurologic symptomatology derived from erratic larvae migrations. Therefore, it would be important to develop further studies to estimate the sublethal effect of this parasitosis, for example, investigate whether it interferes with the roar and the reproductive performance, or if it leads to losses in carcass quality. For now, many doubts remain.Nasopharyngeal myiasis in red deer has never been studied in Portugal. For this reason, from December 2015 to February 2016 a study was derived on hunted red deer in Idanha-a-Nova county to evaluate the Diptera larvae presence. During the initial examination on the spot, the larvae was analysed at the nasopharynx. When present, larvae were collected for further species identification. The infestation prevalence was 50.6 ± 7.61% (CI 95%), and the mean parasitism intensity was 11.38 larvae per affected host. Two larvae species were found, Pharyngomyia picta and Cephenemyia auribarbis, both on single or concomitant infection, with the first species having a higher prevalence and mean infestation intensity than the second. The larvae’s prevalence was significantly higher (X2 = 4.35; p = 0.0370) in males (62.16 ± 11.05%) than in females (41.30 ± 10.06%). Within age groups, younger animals showed a higher prevalence. This study shows the presence of P. picta and C. auribarbis larvae in the wild red deer population in Portugal for the first time. The high parasitic prevalence and mean intensity highlight the importance of this parasitosis in this wild species. For this reason, more scientific research is required to accurately assess its prevalence in other geographic areas, and evaluate the risk factors as well effects of this parasitosis on the deer population.

Characteristics of Marine Heatwaves in the Japan/East Sea

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prolonged discrete events of anomalously warm seawater observed around the world. The occurrence of MHWs in the Japan/East Sea (JES), a middle latitude marginal sea with abundant aquatic resources, has severe impacts on marine ecosystems and human society. We used satellite remote sensing products spanning 1982–2020 to investigate the mean states and variations of JES MHWs. The results show that the JES MHWs occurred twice per year. More than 40% of the MHWs were shorter than the mean duration of 12.6 days and weaker than the mean intensity of 2.4 °C. Frequent MHWs were observed in August, while high mean intensities were observed in winter and spring in the western JES. In recent years, the area’s averaged yearly sum of MHW intensity in the JES has increased dramatically, with a positive trend of 29.62 °C days per decade—over twice the average global trend (12.37 °C days per decade), which is further confirmed by its first empirical orthogonal function mode. The strengthening trend in MHWs may be explained by oceanic dynamics rather than atmospheric forcing, and may result in increased surface latent heat flux from the ocean to the atmosphere.

Seasonal population dynamics of Lepeophtheirus spinifer and Neobenedenia sp. coinfecting snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) breeders in marine cages in the Philippines

Studies on the biology and ecology of sea lice are lacking in tropical regions such as in Southeast Asia where finfish cage farming has grown dramatically in the past decades. This study investigated the seasonal population dynamics of ectoparasites infecting captive snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) breeders in marine cages in the Philippines. The pompano breeders were found to be naturally coinfected with caligid copepod Lepeophtheirus spinifer and capsalid monogenean Neobenedenia sp. These breeders were monitored and examined bimonthly (n = 10 per sampling) from September 2017 to May 2018, covering the warm season and cold season in the Philippines. Our results clearly show that L. spinifer population maintain a 100 % prevalence throughout warm and cold seasons however, mean abundance and intensity increased only during the cold months (early November to early March) and displayed an oscillating trend during this period. Highest mean intensity was recorded in early January (221.4 ± 24.6; temperature = 27.5 ± 0.3 °C; salinity = 34.8 ± 0.3 ppt) while the lowest mean intensity was recorded during the warm months dipping to 12.5 ± 1.9 in early May (temperature = 30.5 ± 0.3 °C; salinity = 30.3 ± 0.3 ppt). The prevalence of adult and pre-adult was high throughout the monitoring period at 70–100 % except at the start of summer (late March to early May) for pre-adult (30–90 %). In comparison, the chalimus stages were only observed during the cold months specifically from early November to late January with prevalence of 40–80 %. The highest mean abundance (3.4 ± 0.7) and mean intensity (4.3 ± 0.6) was in early November which coincided with the first peak of the total L. spinifer population. Neobenedenia sp. occurred year-round with no significant changes in the population mean abundance and mean intensity between warm and cold seasons. This study presents comprehensive information on the seasonal population dynamics of L. spinifer and Neobenedenia sp. in the Philippines, providing valuable insights on the ecology of caligid sea louse which is fundamental in the formulation of control and management strategies of these economically significant ectoparasites.

Quantitative Assessment of Iodine Intensity of Different Types of Lesions in the Low-Energy (LE) Images of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM)

Purpose: To assess the iodine enhancement intensity of breast lesions in low energy (LE) images obtained in contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) with different tissue compositions. Materials and Methods: A 50 mm dedicated phantom with different lesion insert and iodine insert were used to assess the enhancement intensity quantitatively. The target slab of the phantom consists of three lesions + iodine inserts together and 100% adipose equivalent,100% glandular equivalent inserts alone to mimic the adipose and glandular lesion without contrast-enhancement. Each iodine inserts having a concentration of 0.5 mgI/cm3, 1.0 mgI/cm3, 2.0 mgI/cm3. The phantom was exposed under semiautomated function at 28 kV, 30 kV, and 32 kV with Mo/Rh target/filter combination. Iodine intensity was estimated for three types of lesions at three breast equivalent compositions. Results: Lesions with fatty tissue had high intensity while lesions with glandular tissues had the minimum intensity. Among fatty lesions, highest mean intensity value (0.972±0.003) observed with minimum iodine concentration (F + 0.5 mgI/cm3). The highest mean intensity value (0.882±0.001) was found related to the glandular lesion with maximum iodine concentration (G + 2.0 mgI/cm3). The one-way ANOVA statistical test confirmed that mean intensity values were significantly varied among different lesions (P < 0.05). Conclusion: LE images obtained in CESM can be used to identify the different types of lesions without performing the full field digital mammography (FFDM) as an additional examination prior to the CESM procedure.

Infestation and distribution of chigger mites on Chevrieri's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri) in Southwest China.

Based on a long-term field investigation on chigger mites in southwest China from 2001 to 2019, the present study analyzed the infestation and distribution of chigger mites on the Chevrieri's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri) in the region. A total of 12,516 individuals of chigger mites were collected from 1981 A. chevrieri mice, and 12,281 chiggers were identified as 107 species, 11 genera and 3 subfamilies in 2 families, which revealed a high species diversity of the mites on A. chevrieri mice. Of 1981 A. chevrieri mice, 633 ones were infested with chiggers with a relatively high overall prevalence (PM = 31.95%), mean abundance (MA = 6.32) and mean intensity (MI = 19.77). Of the 107 chigger species identified from A. chevrieri mice, three ones were the most dominant and they were Leptrombidium scutellare, L. densipunctatum and L. cricethrionis, which showed aggregated distribution among different individuals of the mice. A slightly positive association existed between every two dominant chigger species, which implied that the dominant chigger species tend to co-exist on A. chevrieri. The infestations of A. chevrieri with chiggers varied in different latitudes, altitudes and landscapes and they showed some heterogeneity along different environmental gradients. The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for chigger infestations on A. chevrieri were landscapes, ages and altitudes, which implied that the environmental factors and host ages could influence the infestations of the mice with the mites. A theoretical curve of the species abundance distribution of chigger mites on A. chevrieri was successfully fitted by Preston's lognormal model, suggesting that the species abundance distribution conforms to the lognormal distribution pattern. The expected total species of chigger mites on A. chevrieri was roughly estimated to be 136 species and about 29 rare chigger species were probably missed in the sampling field investigation.

Dactylogyrus Infestation in Farmed Common Carp Cyprinus carpio from Aquaculture Facilities in Macedonia

Abstract A total of 958 specimens of farmed common carp Cyprinus carpio from eight of the most significant and largest cyprinid aquaculture facilities in Macedonia (pond and cage culture systems) were examined for parasitological investigation for three years. The following parasite species of the genus Dactylogyrus were identified: Dactylogyrus extensus, Dactylogyrus minutus and Dactylogyrus anchoratus. The highest prevalence was determined for D. extensus (38.8%), followed by D. minutus (7.9%) and D. anchoratus (2.8%). The highest mean intensity was determined for D. extensus (6.2), followed by D. minutus (4.7) and D. anchoratus (3.8). By seasons, the highest prevalence (16.5%) was recorded for D. extensus in winter, while the lowest (0.6%) for D. minutus in autumn. The highest mean intensity (8.0) was also determined for D. extensus in winter, and the lowest (1.9) for D. minutus in spring.

Survey of the African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata), intermediate host of intestinal parasites in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State

BackgroundAfrican giant land snails (Archachatina marginata) are hermaphroditic pulmonate nocturnal gastropods of the Achatinidae family. The snail is one of West Africa's largest known terrestrial snails. The majority of land snails live in Nigeria's derived guinea savannah's forest litters, which range from deep tropical high forest to bordering riparian forests. Africa's giant land snails, which are noted for their ravenous feeding habits and extensive food range, are a major reservoir and intermediate host for parasites that can infect humans.ResultsSeventy snail samples were collected from the study site in total. The parasites found is a nematode rat lung worm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which have a fragile, narrow, and simple mouth with no lip or buccal cavity and belong to the order Strongylida. The parasite was found to be most prevalent in small snails (52.94%), followed by medium sized snails with a frequency of 29.41%, and the giant-sized snails with the lowest prevalence of infection. The mantle parasite has the largest prevalence (48.6%), while parasites retrieved from the stomach have the highest mean intensity (2.50 ± 0.25).ConclusionThe African giant land snail can serve as a vector for zoonotic diseases, transmitting parasites to humans through raw or undercooked snails, infested vegetation, and contact with contaminated water. As a result, effective control measures for human infection should be established.

DISTRIBUTION OF CESTODES IN FARMED COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO L., 1758) FROM CYPRINID AQUACULTURE IN MACEDONIA

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of parasites of the class Cestoda in farmed common carp from the cyprinid aquaculture facilities in Macedonia. The representatives of the class Cestoda occur most often during the winter (in 3.47% of examined fish), followed by spring (1.80%) and autumn (1.73%). They haven`t been identified during the summer. 20 fish out of 958 totally examined were infected with cestodes, with a mean intensity of 6.40, and a prevalence of 1.76%. In this study, the following parasite species were established: Caryophyllaeus fimbriceps, Bothriocephalus opsariichthydis and Ligula intestinalis (plerocercoid). Based on the total number of fish examined from cyprinid aquaculture facilities in Macedonia, the highest prevalence from the class Cestoda is determined by Bothriocephalus opsariichthydis (1.04%), followed by Caryophyllaeus fimbriceps and Ligula intestinalis with 0.55% each. The highest mean intensity with parasites of the class Cestoda is determined by Caryophyllaeus fimbriceps (9.40), followed by Bothriocephalus opsariichthydis (6.30) and Ligula intestinalis (3.60). The records of Caryophyllaeus fimbriceps in farmed common carp in the present study are considered as the first records for Macedonian aquaculture.

Habitat Characteristics as Potential Drivers of the Angiostrongylus daskalovi Infection in European Badger (Meles meles) Populations.

From 2016 to 2020, an investigation was carried out to identify the rate of Angiostrongylus spp. infections in European badgers in Hungary. During the study, the hearts and lungs of 50 animals were dissected in order to collect adult worms, the morphometrical characteristics of which were used for species identification. PCR amplification and an 18S rDNA-sequencing analysis were also carried out. Global and local spatial autocorrelation methods were used to detect high-rated and low-rated infected animal clusters. We conducted a binary logistic regression analysis along with hierarchical agglomerative clustering to determine the relation between selected biotic and abiotic variables, and the prevalence of an A. daskalovi infection. We found a high prevalence (72%) and moderate mean intensity (14.1) of Angiostrongylus sp. infection. Morphology and sequencing revealed that all animals were infected by A. daskalovi. The results of both spatial autocorrelations suggested that the spatial distribution of infected badgers was more spatially clustered than random. The results of an analysis of the correlation between habitat characteristics and infection showed that the infected animals could be associated with dry and open landscape habitats without extended and connected canopy. It is suggested that the territorial behaviour of badgers and the landscape-directed aggregation of potential intermediate hosts might be the drivers of an A. daskalovi infection.

Occurrence of Soil-transmitted Helminths from Selected Dumpsites and Farmlands in Calabar, Nigeria

Aims: The present study investigated the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth contamination in dumpsite and farmland soils in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: Soil samples were randomly collected from selected dumpsites and farmlands from July to December 2019. 200 soil samples (100 samples each from dumpsites and farmland) were collected. Soil samples were analysed using Zinc sulphate flotation technique whereas soil nematode extraction for hookworm and Strongyloides larvae was carried out using the modified Baermann technique.
 Results: Of the 200 soil samples examined, 131 (65.5%) were positive for ova/larvae of one or more parasites. Dumpsite soils were highly contaminated with ova/larvae of soil-transmitted helminths than farmland soils with a prevalence of 79% (n=79) and 52% (n=52) respectively (P=.02). Farmlands had the highest mean intensity (6.75±1.88) of contamination with ova/larvae of soil-transmitted helminths compared to dumpsite soils (1.68±0.14). Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the highest occurrence (35.5%) (P=.003) in soil samples examined. A. lumbricoides (40%) and Trichuris trichiura (6%) contamination was higher in dumpsite soils, while Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (34%) and hookworm (10%) contamination was higher in farmland soils. Dumpsite soils recorded the highest number of parasites (84%) in the wet season, while farmland soils recorded the highest number of parasites (92%) in the dry season (P=.11). Generally, parasitic ova/larvae were more prevalent in the dry season (91%) than in the wet season (73%) (P=.33). S. stercoralis (33%) was more prevalent in the wet season followed while A. lumbricoides (43%) recorded highest occurrence in the dry season.
 Conclusion: This study revealed the potential health risk of contracting soil-transmitted helminth parasites in soils around farmlands and dumpsites in Calabar, Nigeria. It is therefore important that a combination of sanitation and health education be put in place for effective control of soil-transmitted helminths.