Taenia Taeniaeformis Research Articles

On the Helminth Fauna of the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766)) in the Barnim District of Brandenburg State/Germany.

Simple SummaryThe knowledge of the parasite fauna in a given territory is the basis for a successful control. Publications in Germany and abroad showed that muskrats are suitable intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, a small tapeworm of red foxes and other carnivores with zoonotic potential. After the first detection of this tapeworm in the Brandenburg state of Germany, research started to investigate the distribution of this parasite in final hosts, but the question of identifying infections in intermediate hosts remained. Introduced more than 100 years ago from north America, muskrats were shown to be suitable intermediate hosts for this parasite. In own investigations, 130 muskrats were examined for internal parasites and eleven endoparasites were found. Examination showed that muskrats trapped in the Barnim district of Brandenburg are final hosts for seven intestinal trematodes and are intermediate hosts for four tapeworms of carnivores. The larval stage of E. multilocularis was not detected.The muskrat is a neozoon species that has occupied many countries of continental North Europe after its introduction from north America as fur animals. Due to its burrowing activity it damages river and canal banks and structures of flood control. For this reason, the eradication of this alien species is recommended. Muskrats are also of parasitological interest since they can act as suitable intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis. On the other hand, little is known on the other helminths that infect muskrats. A total of 130 muskrats of different age groups trapped in different habitats in the Barnim district of the Brandenburg state by a professional hunter were examined for parasites and seven trematodes (Echinostoma sp., Notocotylus noyeri, Plagiorchis elegans, Plagiorchis arvicolae, Psilosostoma simillimum, P. spiculigerum, Opisthorchis felineus and four larval cestode species (Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Taenia martis, Taenia polyacantha, Taenia crassiceps) were detected. Larval stages of E. multilocularis were not found. O. felineus was found for the first time in muskrats in Germany. All the named parasites were present in Europe prior to the introduction of muskrats. With a prevalence of 48.9%, Strobilocercus fasciolaris, the larval stage of the cat tapeworm, H. taeniaeformis, was the most frequent parasite found in adult muskrats.

A parasitological survey of zoonotic cestodes carried by house rats in Aswan, Egypt, reveals cryptic diversity at the molecular level.

Background and Aim:Some rat cestodes are zoonotic and are capable of parasitizing humans and animals, raising serious concerns regarding human and veterinary health. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for cestodes in Egyptian house rats and to characterize the cestodes molecularly.Materials and Methods:The current survey examined 115 house rats (Rattus rattus) in two cities (Edfu and Aswan) in Egypt’s Aswan Governorate for cestode infection using integrated molecular approaches (polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis) and morphological/morphometrical approaches.Results:The cestodes identified in this study exhibited the typical morphological characteristics of Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819), Hymenolepis nana (Siebold, 1852) (from rat intestine), and Hydatigera taeniaeformis (from rat liver). The species prevalence rates from these three studies were reported to be 8.7%, 10.4%, and 20.9%, respectively. The ribosomal DNA (ITS1, 18S, and complete ITS) sequences revealed that the hymenolepid sequences were highly distinct but were related to other sequences in the GenBank database, with some sequences showing high similarities to those of H. nana and H. diminuta. In addition, the H. taeniaeformis sequences (ITS2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 [mtCOX1]) obtained in this study were highly similar to some Taenia taeniaeformis GenBank sequences. The constructed phylogram revealed that the hymenolepidid tapeworms examined in this study were classified into four major branches (the majority of which were hybrids of the two species) and belonged to the genus Hymenolepis. In addition, the phylogram of H. taeniaeformis assigned this species to T. taeniaeformis.Conclusion:When typical hymenolepid morphology is combined with molecular and phylogenetic divergence, it may indicate the existence of possible cryptic species. In addition, on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, genetic diversity within T. taeniaeformis may exist as determined by comparing the metacestode mtCOX1 sequences. The current study presents the prevalence values of zoonotic cestodes and contributes to the body of knowledge, including identification keys and the use of molecular tools for species confirmation.

Isolation and Identification of different Intestinal Helminthes Groups from Stray Cats in Urban City of Kirkuk

In this study, 25 stray cats were caught from the urban city of Kirkuk hunted using specially designed traps. Cats were dissected and examined in order to investigate its infection with intestinal parasites. Our results indicate that all stray cats were infected with at least one type of helminthes. Three types of Trematodes were identified: Echinochasmus, Heterophyes and , Prohemistomum with infection rate of 4% for each type. Such species were identified for the first time in stray cats in the Iraq. Moreover, four types of cestodes were identified: Diplopylidium, Dipylidium caninum, Joyeuxiella and Taenia taeniaeformis with infection rate of 24% 48%, 16% and 12%, respectively. Nematodes of Physaloptera preputalis, Toxocara cati and Toxoascaris leonina were also found. The infection rate was 4% ,28% and 8% for each type, respectively. Keywords: intestinal helminthes, stray cats, Trematodes.

Hydatigera taeniaeformis in urban rats (Rattus rattus) in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Hydatigera taeniaeformis formerly referred to as Taenia taeniaeformis is a cestode of cats (definitive hosts) and rodents (intermediate hosts). The prevalence of the metacestode larval stage has been reported in rodents in many parts of the world even though the genetic polymorphisms or intraspecies variation is still understudied. Here, we report a prevalence of 22.09% (38/172) from an urban rodent population in Pakistan and a nucleotide diversity (cox1) of 0.00463 among the population. Infection was higher in male (27.85%) and adult (32.29%) rats than female and sub-adult/young rats. Interestingly, The median-joining network and phylogenetic construction comprising isolates from China, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, and countries in Europe demonstrated that Pakistani H. taeniaeformis are closer to Asian and African population than those of European origin. The results of the study will add-in preliminary data for H. taeniaeformis and will also contribute to understand the global molecular epidemiology and population structure of H. taeniaeformis.

Endoparasite prevalence and infection risk factors among cats in an animal shelter in Estonia.

Cats are important hosts for different zoonotic parasites that can be hazardous to human health. To date, few studies have attempted to identify the factors affecting parasitic infections in shelter animals. This study aims to analyse the presence of endoparasites in shelter cats in Tartu, Estonia, and identify factors affecting endoparasite prevalence and intensity. The risk factors considered were age, location (urban vs rural cats) and time spent in shelter. In total, 290 faecal samples were collected from cats at an animal shelter in 2015-2016 and investigated for endoparasites using the concentration flotation technique. In total, 138 shelter cats (47.6%) were infected with endoparasites and their overall prevalence was: Toxocara cati (36.6%), Cystoisospora spp. (12.4%), Taeniidae gen. sp. (4.1%), Toxoplasma gondii/Hammondia hammondi (3.4%), Eucoleus aerophilus (2.1%), Cryptosporidium spp. (2.1%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.7%) and Giardia sp. (0.7%). Coinfections occurred in 38 cats (13.1%) most frequently of T. cati and Cystoisospora spp. (4.5%), Cystoisospora spp. and T. gondii/H. hammondi (2.1%). Where species identification of cestode and nematode samples was not possible according to morphology, genetic analysis of the mitochondrial cox1 gene was carried out. DNA was successfully analysed for 6 out of 13 samples that required genetic identification, revealing Ancylostoma tubaeforme in one nematode sample and Hydatigera taeniaeformis in five cestode samples. Cats from rural areas had significantly higher endoparasite prevalence than cats from urban areas. Helminth prevalence decreased to some extent due to anthelmintic treatment in cats available for adoption (held ≥15 days in the shelter), whereas the prevalence of infection with protists increased significantly in these animals. It is important to note that the analysis revealed lower infection intensity for quarantine cats (held 1-14 days in the shelter) compared with cats available for adoption. The relatively high prevalence of endoparasites (including zoonotic) in shelter cats ready for adoption suggests that current anthelminthic procedures require improvements.

Gastrointestinal Helminthic Parasites of Stray Cats (Felis catus) in Northwest Iran.

Background:Stray cats are considered an important source of various human and animal diseases, particularly diseases of parasitic helminths. We aimed to investigate the distribution of zoonotic species of gastrointestinal helminths in stray cats in Meshkin-Shahr district in Ardabil Province in the northwest of Iran.Methods:The gastrointestinal tract of 104 stray cats from villages of Meshkin-Shahr district were provided during 2014–2015. Each gastrointestinal tract was cut into distinct sections, including esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, and each section was examined separately for detection of helminths. Helminths were collected and then identified at the species level after clearing and staining.Results:Overall, 88 out of 104 cats (84.6%) were found to be infected with at least one gastrointestinal helminth. The rate of infection for each species was as follows: Toxocara mystax (syn. cati) (49%), Taenia taeniaeformis (44.2%), Joyexiella pasqualei (32.7%), Dipylidium caninum (23.1%), Rictularia cahirensis (4.8%), and Physaloptera praeputialis (4.8%). Among these parasites, only Ph. praeputialis was collected from the stomach, all other helminths were collected from the small intestine.Conclusion:The results demonstrate a high infection rate of stray cats with zoonotic helminths. The presence of zoonotic species in stray cats, particularly T. mystax, has public health importance.

ДИНАМИКА ЗАРАЖЕННОСТИ ДОМАШНИХ КОШЕК В Г. ПЕРМИ

A comparative analysis of the long-term dynamics of domestic cats’ infestation on the territory of Perm with intestinal helminths and protozoa, as well as establishing the relationship between the extent of prevalence of individual pathogens were performed. The prevalence of intestinal parasites is 17.97%. The significant dominant species are Toxocara cati Schrank, 1788 (7.42%), Hydatigera taeniaeformis Batsch, 1786 (1.38%), Isospora felis Last M.J., Powell E.C., 1978 (3.85%) и Isospora rivolta Grassi, 1879 (1.10%). Also potentially dangerous parasites for humans were find: Lamblia spp. (syn. Giar-dia) Künstler, 1882, Cryptosporidium spp. Tyzzer, 1907, Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle & Manceaux, 1908, Spirometra erinacei-eurоpaei Rudolphi, 1819, Dipylidium caninum Linnaeus, 1758; Railliet, 1892, Dibothriocephalus latus (syn. Diphyllobothrium latum) Linnaeus, 1758, Opisthorchis felineus (Rivolta, 1884) Blanchard, 1895. The year’s dynamics of dominant infections are not clearly expressed, however, the correlation between the most common helminths and protozoa is really positive (р < 0.05), that confirms a presence of natural sites of specified parasites and a primary role of rodents in domestic cats infestation.

Scanning electron microscopy of Cysticercus fasciolaris (larval Taenia taeniaeformis Batsch, 1786) from the wild rat, Rattus rattus Linnaeus, 1758, morpho-physiology and risk to human health.

Autopsy of Rattus rattus (n=65) revealed 1-7 creamish to white cysts, 2-7 mm in diameter embedded in the liver parenchyma of 12 rats. Dissection yielded 45-65 mm×5 mm sized segmented strobilocercii of Cysticercus fasciolaris (larval Taenia taeniaeformis) coiled inside. Light microscopy indicated large scolices, the rostellum armed with four suckers and one row of taenoid type hooks having long blunt handle with sharp pointed blade, other row of hooks was in the developing stage. The strobila lacked genital organs and ended in a tail-bulb suggesting it was juvenile. SEM showed anterior crown of 19 hooks and poorly developed posterior crown. A collar (66.0-86.0 μm in width) armed with papillae (30.2-35.4 μm base and 12.5-14.5 μm tip) and pores (17.0-22.4 μm in diameter) surrounded the hooks. The body segments were 125-145 μm in diameter, at the tail bud, 380-410 μm in diameter. The segments were armed with pores, 11.5-14.5 μm in diameter. Netted (2.5-4.5 μm wide and of varying lengths) body segments provide flexibility to the worm during attachment. The tail bud was 2.4-2.7 mm in length and 1.5-1.71 mm in width. The SEM data presents a significant advancement over light microscopy and the morphological features generated herein can safely be utilized to correlate with the parasite's physiological functions. This is the first report of R. rattus as a natural intermediate host of T. taeniaeformis, and may pose serious risk to human health in urban areas of Bareilly, India and merits attention.

Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Two Mitochondrial Gene Sequences of Strobilocercus Fasciolaris in the Livers of Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Heilongjiang Province in Northeastern China.

Rodents constitute the largest and most successful group of mammals worldwide. Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are one of the most common rodent species, and they serve as intermediate hosts of Hydatigera taeniaeformis. Although there have been a few studies reporting on the presence of the larval form of H. taeniaeformis (strobilocercus fasciolaris) in brown rats worldwide, little information is available on the genetic characterization of this parasite, with no molecular data from China. Therefore, from April 2014 to March 2016, this study was carried out to understand the prevalence and genetic characters of strobilocercus fasciolaris in brown rats captured in Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China. The livers of brown rats were collected and examined for the presence of cysts. Each cyst was identified based on morphological observation: the larvae with the naked eye and the scolexes under a microscope. The results were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad4) genes. At the investigated sites, 11.8% (13/110) of the brown rats were infected with strobilocercus fasciolaris. Based on sequence analysis, there were 10 and six haplotypes regarding the cox1 and the nad4 loci, with 24 and 42 polymorphic sites, respectively (degree of intraspecific variation: 0.3%–4.4% and 0.6%–4.7%, respectively). Twelve nucleotide sequences (six of the 10 at the cox1 locus and all six at the nad4 locus) have not previously been described. Base differences in three of the six novel cox1 gene sequences and five of the six novel nad4 gene sequences caused amino acid changes. Phylogenetic analyses of the cox1 and nad4 gene sequences based on neighbor-joining and Bayesian inference trees indicated that all the strobilocercus fasciolaris isolates belonged to Hydatigera taeniaeformis sensu stricto (s.s.). This is the first report on the genetic characterization of strobilocercus fasciolaris in brown rats in China. The findings of novel cox1 and nad4 nucleotide and amino acid sequences may reflect the region-specific genetic characterization of the parasite. The data will be useful to explore the biological and epidemiological significance of the intraspecific variation within H. taeniaeformis s.s.

Proteomics Analysis of Hydatigera taeniaeformis Metacestode Stage.

Hydatigera taeniaeformis (H. taeniaeformis) is one of the most robust of tapeworm parasites that is widely distributed around the world. Information of proteins of H. taeniaeformis has not previously been reported. Using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis, the proteome of H. taeniaeformis metacestode was profiled and a total of 408 proteins were identified. Of these, 26.5% (108/408) were annotated to be associated with metabolic pathways. Consistently, Gene Ontology analysis showed that those identified proteins were mainly classified into metabolic process of the biological processes. A set of metabolic enzymes, including Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, enolase, Glucan phosphorylase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, were abundant in H. taeniaeformis metacestodes. In addition, some rare but interesting proteins like antigens (such as tegument protein and Antigen B) were identified. The two recombinant proteins of tegument protein and Antigen B were well-recognized by the sera from the H. taeniaeformis-infected mice. The H. taeniaeformis metacestode proteome might help to find new candidates for the immunodiagnosis and vaccine development and provide valuable information on H. taeniaeformis biology.

A Sensitive, One-Way Sequential Sieving Method to Isolate Helminths' Eggs and Protozoal Oocysts from Lettuce for Genetic Identification.

Different helminths and protozoa are transmitted to humans by oral uptake of environmentally resistant parasite stages after hand-to-mouth contact or by contaminated food and water. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for the simultaneous detection of parasite stages from fresh produce (lettuce) by a one-way isolation test kit followed by genetic identification (PCR, sequencing). Three sentinel zoonotic agents (eggs of Toxocara canis, Echinococcus multilocularis and oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii) were used to investigate the practicability and sensitivity of the method. The detection limits (100% positive results) in the recovery experiments were four Toxocara eggs, two E. multilocularis eggs and 18 T. gondii oocysts (in 4/5 replicates). In a field study, helminth DNA was detected in 14 of 157 lettuce samples including Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Syn. Taenia taeniaeformis) (four samples), T. polyacantha (three), T. martis (one), E. multilocularis (two) and Toxocara cati (four). Toxoplasma gondii was detected in six of 100 samples. In vivo testing in mice resulted in metacestode growth in all animals injected with 40–60 E. multilocularis eggs, while infection rates were 20–40% with 2–20 eggs. The developed diagnostic strategy is highly sensitive for the isolation and genetic characterisation of a broad range of parasite stages from lettuce, whereas the sensitivity of the viability tests needs further improvement.

Diversity of Taenia and Hydatigera (Cestoda: Taeniidae) in domestic dogs in Kenya.

Taenia species of domestic dogs can cause cysticercosis and coenurosis in a wide range of intermediate hosts including humans. Most taeniids of dogs are globally distributed, but some wildlife-transmitted species can be specific for certain regions. Generally, little information exists on the species composition and frequency in most regions of the world, which impairs risk assessment and control strategies. This study determined the range of taeniid species in dogs in four widely spaced areas of Kenya by genetic identification of eggs in faeces collected from the environment. Individual taeniid eggs were characterised by nested polymerase chain reaction of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 and cytochrome C oxidase 1 genes, restriction fragment length polymorphism and partial sequencing. Overall 79/1621 (4.9%) faecal samples contained eggs of Taenia or Hydatigera (8.0% in Turkana, 4.8% in Isiolo, 3.8% in Maasai Mara and 1.3% in Meru). Taenia hydatigena and T. multiceps were the most frequent, found in 36 and 15 samples, respectively. Other eggs found in the faeces belonged to T. serialis (sensu lato), T. madoquae (the first record in domestic dogs), T. ovis, T. saginata and Hydatigera taeniaeformis. Polymorphism of nad1 sequences revealed 22 and 8 haplotypes of T. hydatigena and T. multiceps, respectively. The results show the involvement of dogs in both domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles. In addition to the species range, this study provides data on the intraspecific diversity of T. hydatigena and T. multiceps in Kenya, which will serve as baseline information for further studies into cysticercosis and coenurosis in livestock and humans in the region.

Prevalence and detail morphological identification of helminths of murine rodents in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

Rodents are common pests that transmit various deadly pathogens to humans. Here we have studied the helminth parasites of rodents from different ecological niches in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The gastrointestinal helminths were investigated from a total of 70 rodents, namely Bandicota bengalensis (20), Rattus rattus (15), Rattus norvegicus (25) and Mus musculus (10). The rodents were live-captured from houses in the slum areas (20), stationary shops (20), residential buildings (15) and rice fields (15). The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 71.43%. The highest prevalence was found in R. norvegicus (84%), followed by B. bengalensis (75%), R. rattus (66.66%) and M. musculus (40%). Among different areas of Dhaka city, the highest prevalence recorded in slum areas (85%). Out of 50 rodents, 36 (72%) had mixed endoparasitic infection whereas only 14 (28%) rodents had single infection. The prevalence of endoparasitic infection in male (66%) rodents was higher than that of female (34%). The parasites detected from the rodents were Heterakis spumosa (60%), Hymenolepis diminuta (47.14%), Moniliformis moniliformis (42.85%), Taenia taeniaeformis (35%) and Gongylonema neoplasticum (34.28%). To the best of our knowledge, G. neoplasticum is going to be reported for the first time from rodents in Bangladesh. Except H. spumosa, all the parasites recovered have public health significance. Therefore, proper attention needs to be paid for the prevention of rodent borne zoonosis through the control of rodents.

РОЛЬ МЕЛКИХ ДОМАШНИХ ЖИВОТНЫХ В РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИИ ЗООНОЗНЫХ ЦЕСТОДОЗОВ В ГОРОДЕ ПЕРМИ

In this article the results of comparative statistical analysis of longtime (from 2005 to 2019) domestic dogs and cats intestinal cestodoses infestation dynamics are represented. The role of infections commons to human and animals to the distribution amount population is determinate. Fecal samples conserved in Turdyev solution were analyzed by combine and sedimentation methods. The prevalence in domestic dogs’ is 26,54% as a one in domestic cats is 18,56%. The level of infection with Cestoda is established in 1,18% of dogs and 1,90% of cats, including Dibothriocephalus sp. Linnaeus, 1758, Spirometra erinacei-eurоpaei Rudolphi, 1819, Taeniidae like eggs, Hydatigera taeniaeformis Batsch, 1786; Lamarck, 1816, Dipylidium caninum Linnaeus, 1758; Railliet, 1892, Mesocestoides lineatus Goeze, 1782; Railliet, 1893 and Hymenolepis nana Siebold,1852. In general, domestic carnivorous from owners, apparently, don’t play significant role in the wide spread of zoonotic Cestoda infections in the Perm population. However, a special attention of medical specialists should be paid to mesocestoidiasis, sparganosis and Hydatigera / strobilocercus infection in connection with their potential danger to human’s health.

Evidence for densovirus integrations into tapeworm genomes

BackgroundTapeworms lack a canonical piRNA-pathway, raising the question of how they can silence existing mobile genetic elements (MGE). Investigation towards the underlying mechanisms requires information on tapeworm transposons which is, however, presently scarce.MethodsThe presence of densovirus-related sequences in tapeworm genomes was studied by bioinformatic approaches. Available RNA-Seq datasets were mapped against the Echinococcus multilocularis genome to calculate expression levels of densovirus-related genes. Transcription of densovirus loci was further analyzed by sequencing and RT-qPCR.ResultsWe herein provide evidence for the presence of densovirus-related elements in a variety of tapeworm genomes. In the high-quality genome of E. multilocularis we identified more than 20 individual densovirus integration loci which contain the information for non-structural and structural virus proteins. The majority of densovirus loci are present as head-to-tail concatemers in isolated repeat containing regions of the genome. In some cases, unique densovirus loci have integrated close to histone gene clusters. We show that some of the densovirus loci of E. multilocularis are actively transcribed, whereas the majority are transcriptionally silent. RT-qPCR data further indicate that densovirus expression mainly occurs in the E. multilocularis stem cell population, which probably forms the germline of this organism. Sequences similar to the non-structural densovirus genes present in E. multilocularis were also identified in the genomes of E. canadensis, E. granulosus, Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis microstoma, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia asiatica, Taenia multiceps, Taenia saginata and Taenia solium.ConclusionsOur data indicate that densovirus integration has occurred in many tapeworm species. This is the first report on widespread integration of DNA viruses into cestode genomes. Since only few densovirus integration sites were transcriptionally active in E. multilocularis, our data are relevant for future studies into gene silencing mechanisms in tapeworms. Furthermore, they indicate that densovirus-based vectors might be suitable tools for genetic manipulation of cestodes.

Intestinal helminth infestation in Rattus rattus: effect of habitat, sex, weight and season

The occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths was investigated in 50 house rats (Rattus rattus) trapped from two habitats; domestic area and paddy field area of Dhaka, Bangladesh during May 2014 to April 2015. The prevalence of helminths was 88% (44/50) and intensity was 34.73 (1528 parasites from 44 hosts). The study revealed that the rodents were infected with eight species of parasites (one trematode, four cestodes and three nematodes) which were collected from gastrointestinal tract and liver of the hosts. Of the helminths, the dominant parasites were Echinostoma cinetorchis (36.52%) followed by Heterakis spumosa (31.74%), Hymenolepis nana (7.26%), Syphacia obvelata (7.13%), Hydatigera taeniaeformis (6.68%), Oesophagostomum eurycephalum (5.04%), Hymenolepis diminuta (3.01%) and Hymenolepis sp. (2.62%). Domestic rats showed the highest prevalence of infestation (90%) compared to paddy field rats (85%), whereas the intensity was lower (30.30 ± 10.53) in domestic rats than in the paddy field rats (41.77 ± 12.79). Peak prevalence was observed in males but intensity was found higher in female host. Occurrence of double infection was higher in domestic rats (53.33%). Intestine was the favorite niche compared to other organs. The highest prevalence was observed in winter and spring and the intensity was the highest in autumn in domestic rat, whereas in paddy field rat, the highest prevalence was observed in autumn and spring, the intensity was also the highest in spring. In both the hosts, intermediate length groups and highest weight groups were more vulnerable to infection.
 Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2019, 4 (2), 74-79

Prevalence of endoparasites in northern Mississippi shelter cats.

Parasitism of domestic cats impacts feline health and public health, when zoonotic parasites are present. Our objective was to evaluate endoparasite prevalence in cats from northern Mississippi animal shelters. Feline cadavers (n = 56) were collected from seven shelters from August 2017 to January 2018. Data included shelter, sex, reproductive status, intake date, originating source, and treatment records. Cadavers were processed to isolate stomach, and small and large intestines. Contents were strained and examined using stereomicroscopes for helminth collection and identification. Centrifugal flotation using Sheather's solution was performed on feces; urine sediments were also examined. Descriptive statistics in SAS was performed using the Frequency procedure. Kappa agreement statistics were obtained to determine agreement between fecal flotation and necropsy results. Separate logistic regression models were developed to test effects of risk factors on the probability for cats to test positive for outcomes of interest. Helminths were recovered in 82% of cats (46/56); specifically, Ancylostoma spp. (52%), Toxocara cati (43%), Taenia taeniaeformis (36%), Dipylidium caninum (29%), and Spirometra spp. (4%) were identified. Thirty-seven of 56 cats (66%) had parasite eggs or oocysts on fecal examination, including T. cati (39%), Ancylostoma spp. (34%), Cystoisospora spp. (23%), Spirometra spp. (9%), T. taeniaeformis (9%), and capillarid-type eggs (5%). Feline originating source was associated with presence of T. cati eggs in feces and presence of D. caninum in the gastrointestinal tract. Feral cats were more likely to have T. cati eggs in feces than owner surrender cats (OR 28; 95% CI: 1.9, 423), or stray cats (OR 8, 95% CI: 1.1, 57.0). Owner surrender cats were more likely to have D. caninum helminths in the gastrointestinal tract than stray cats (OR = 19.5; 95% CI: 2.0, 190). Toxocara cati exhibited strong agreement (κ = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.89), Ancylostoma spp. exhibited moderate agreement (κ = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.65), and cestodes exhibited poor agreement (κ = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.12, 0.15) between presence of eggs and gross helminths. Capillarid eggs (Pearsonema feliscati) were recovered in urine sediment of 6% (3/48) of cats. Overall, our study demonstrates a high level of parasitism in cats that entered Mississippi animal shelters. Parasites with zoonotic potential, such as Alaria spp., Ancylostoma spp., D. caninum, Physaloptera spp., T. taeniaeformis, T. cati, and Spirometra spp. were identified. Our results support the need for effective antiparasitic treatment of cats entering animal shelters in order to improve feline health and prevent environmental contamination with zoonotic parasites.

Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in Cats in Daegu, Republic of Korea, and Efficacy of Treatment Using Topical Emodepside/Praziquantel Formulation

The purpose of this study was 2-fold: 1) to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in cats reared in Daegu, Republic of Korea and 2) to assess the efficacy and safety of a topical emodepside/praziquantel formulation for cats with parasitic infections. The gastrointestinal parasite infections were examined microscopically using the flotation method. Of 407 cats, 162 (39.8%) were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite, including Toxocara cati (63.0%), Toxascaris leonina (31.5%), Taenia taeniaeformis (3.7%), and Cystoisospora felis (1.9%). None of the infected animals had multiple infections. When the data were analyzed according to sex, age, and type of cat, stray cats showed statistically higher prevalence than companion cats (P<0.05). On the 5th day after treatment, no parasitic eggs were detected using microscopic examination. In addition, no adverse effects, such as abnormal behaviors and clinical symptoms, were observed in the cats treated with the drug. These results quantify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats in Daegu, Republic of Korea, and show that topical emodepside/praziquantel is a safe and effective choice for treating the parasitic infections in cats.

INTESTINAL NEMATODES IN DOGS AND CATS IN BANJA LUKA, REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

Some intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats show zoonotic potential, and therefore theyare of public-health significance. In the territory of the city of Banja Luka, 149 samples wereexamined (131 of dogs and 18 cats), with 40 samples of dog feces collected from two public areasin the city. Parasitological examination (saturated zinc sulfate floatation and determination of larvaeand adult parasites in feces) resulted in the following data: Toxocara canis (9.16%),Ancylostomatidae (5.34%), Trichuris vulpis (7.63%), Toxascaris leonina (1.52%), Toxocara cati(33.3%), Trichuris spp. (5.5%) and Hydatigera taeniaeformis (5.5%). On the basis of the obtainedresults we can conclude that the intestinal nematodes are more widespread than is generallyassumed and therefore represent a health problem for dogs and cats in the territory of Banja Luka.

Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Cestoda: Taeniidae) in the Yucatán squirrel Sciurus yucatanensis (Rodentia: Sciuridae), México

The present study reports for the first time the occurrence of Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Cestoda: Taeniidae) in the Yucatan squirrel Sciurus yucatanensis (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Yucatan, Mexico. Thirty larval stages of cestodes were collected in the liver and mesenteries of an adult male squirrel. This study increases to 11 the total number of helminth taxa known from squirrels in Mexico.