Mesocestoides Lineatus Research Articles

Squamata reptiles as a potential source of helminth infections when preyed on by companion animals

BackgroundSquamate reptiles cohabiting with companion animals may represent a source of helminth infections, especially through predation by dogs and cats with an outdoor lifestyle.MethodsIn order to assess the role of reptiles as intermediate/paratenic hosts of trophically transmitted helminths, synanthropic reptiles (n = 245) captured from different ecological settings (i.e., households, dog shelters, urban, peri-urban and rural areas or natural parks) of southern Italy were examined for endoparasites. Parasitic cysts (i.e., larval forms of acanthocephalans, cestodes and nematodes) and free helminths (i.e., adult nematodes and digeneans) were morphologically and molecularly identified, and statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the correlations between reptiles, infections, and ecological settings.ResultsOverall, 31% of reptiles were positive for at least one helminth, with Podarcis siculus (18.7%) and Tarentola mauritanica (8.1%) being the most frequently infected species. Among the parasites of medical interest, Joyeuxiella echinorhyncoides showed the highest prevalence (19.7%), followed by Diplopylidium acanthotetra (10.5%), Joyeuxiella pasqualei, Mesocestoides lineatus (5.6%) and Physaloptera sp. (3.9%). Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus was detected once. Podarcis siculus and T. mauritanica were associated with cestode infections.ConclusionsThe wide range of helminths detected here in reptiles living in sympatry with pets and the fact that many of these helminth species are parasitic and may infect companion animals (e.g., J. pasqualei, J. echinorhyncoides, D. acanthotetra, Physaloptera sp.) and humans (i.e., Macracanthorhynchushirudinaceus, Mesocestoideslineatus) indicate the potential health risk associated with pets preying on these small vertebrates. Our results indicate the need for complementary investigations of trophically transmitted parasites in dogs and cats living in sympatry with reptiles.Graphical

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Dog Faecal Samples from Public Environments in Qinghai Province, China

Dogs are popular companions in our daily lives for company, hunting, protection or shepherding, but they also serve as reservoirs for zoonotic parasites. We analysed faecal samples from urban and rural environments in Qinghai Province on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites. A total of 682 faecal samples were collected from four urban and two rural environments from October 2019 to December 2020. The samples were analysed for common intestinal parasites using a species-specific PCR approach. The total number of samples with parasites was 40 (5.87%): 23 (3.37%) were positive for helminths, and 17 (2.49%) were positive for protozoa. The following parasites were identified, and their respective prevalence rates were calculated: Cryptosporidium canis (1.32%), Giardia duodenalis (1.17%, assemblages D (n = 6) and C (n = 2)), Taenia hydatigena (1.03%), Taenia multiceps (0.59%), Toxocara canis (0.59%), Echinococcus shiquicus (0.29%), Dipylidium caninum (0.29%), Taenia pisiformis (0.15%), Mesocestoides lineatus (0.15%), Trichuris vulpis (0.15%), and Ancylostoma spp. (0.15%). The overall prevalence was significantly higher in dog faecal samples from rural environments than in those from urban environments (16.19% vs. 3.99%). E. shiquicus, T. pisiformis, M. lineatus, T. vulpis, and Ancylostoma spp. were only found in dog faecal samples from rural environments. The results of the present study indicate that intestinal parasite-positive dogs are important sources of environmental contamination, suggesting a significant zoonotic infection risk in humans and other animals. This has implications for the ongoing control of intestinal parasite infections in dogs in Qinghai Province, China.

Copro-Molecular Identification of Tapeworms in Introduced Invasive Carnivores in Poland

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were introduced to Europe and, in the past decades, their populations have increased and adapted to synanthropic environments across Europe. In view of their possible further spread in Europe, the invasive species should be examined as potential reservoirs for helminths, including tapeworms. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and diversity of tapeworms in introduced wild carnivores in Poland by identifying cestode species based on copro-DNA analysis. A total of 214 individual fecal samples from non-native invasive carnivores, i.e., raccoons and raccoon dogs, and additionally 47 samples from native carnivores, i.e., European badgers (Meles meles), were analyzed for the presence of cestodes. PCR analysis of fecal samples targeting a fragment of mitochondrial (mt) 12S rRNA gene revealed the presence of cestode DNA in 19 of 103 (18.4%) raccoons, in 13 of 111 (11.7%) raccoon dogs and in 23 of 47 (48.9%) badgers. Sequence analysis demonstrated the presence of Mesocestoides litteratus in raccoons and raccoon dogs, while Mesocestoides lineatus was identified only in two samples derived from raccoon dogs. Moreover, in this study, Atriotaenia incisa was for the first time molecularly characterized by using fragments of mt 12S rRNA gene, and the DNA of this cestode species was detected in the fecal samples of all the examined host species.

Intestinal helminths of dogs in Samarkand and the Samarkand region and their epidemiological significance

BACKGROUND: Dogs can be a source of various diseases for humans. The study of the helminth fauna of domestic and neglected dogs allows us to assess their danger to humans as a source of infection.
 AIMS: To study the intestinal helminth fauna of domestic and neglected dogs living in the city of Samarkand and adjacent areas of the Samarkand region and to assess their epidemiological significance.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: 112 dogs of different ages from Samarkand and the surrounding area were examined. 45 animals were examined by the method of incomplete helminthological autopsy; diagnostic deworming was performed in 12 priotarny dogs; in 55 dogs, feces were examined once by the Fulleborn method.
 RESULTS: In the examined dogs, 4 types of cestodes and 4 types of nematodes were found in the intestines. The most common type was dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum). The extent of invasion (EI) is 73.7%, the intensity of invasion (AI) is 556 copies. Taenia hydatigena tapeworm was detected during preventive deworming in 5 animals out of 12 (41.7%), and at autopsy in 18 dogs out of 45 (40%), AI 14 copies. The tapeworm of Echinicoccus granulosus was found in the autopsy of one dog out of 45 (EI 4.4%, AI-more than 350 copies). Mesocestoides lineatus cestodes were observed in the autopsy of 3 dogs (EI 6.7%, AI 12 copies). Trichuris (Trichocephalus) vulpis lived in the caecum of 20 dissected animals (EI 88%, AI 523 copies). During coproscopy of feces of 55 dogs, whipworm eggs were found in 25 animals (45.5%). Males and females of Toxocara canis were found in the intestines during autopsy of 5 animals (EI 22%, AI 24 copies). Eggs Toxocara coproscopy found in the feces of dogs 9 out of 55 (16.4 percent). The EI of the nematode Toxascaris leonina averaged 14.0%. AI 13 copies. The nematode Pterygodermatites (Rictularia) affinis was found in the singular (male) in the duodenum of one dissected dog.
 CONCLUSIONS: In domestic and neglected dogs living in the territory of Samarkand and the Samarkand region, it was possible to establish the presence of 8 species of intestinal helminths, of which three species are dangerous to humans and have important epidemiological significance: E. granulosus, D. caninum and T. canis.

Establishment and preliminary application of a recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay-based multiplex nucleic acid assay for detection of three Echinococcus species

To establish a multiplex nucleic acid assay for rapid detection of Echinococcus multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus based on the recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay (RAA) and to preliminarily assess its diagnostic efficiency. The mitochondrial genomic sequences of E. multilocularis (GenBank accession number: NC_000928), E. granulosus (GenBank accession number: NC_044548) and E. shiquicus (GenBank accession number: NC_009460) were used as target sequences, and three pairs of primers were designed based on the RAA primer design principle and synthesized for the subsequent multiple RAA amplification. The genomic DNA of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus at different concentrations and the recombinant plasmids containing the target gene at various concentrations were amplified to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of the multiplex RAA assay, and the genomic DNA of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus, E. shiquicus, Taenia multiceps, T. saginata, T. asiatica, Dipylidium caninum, T. hydatigena, Toxocara canis, Fasciola hepatica, T. pisiformis, Mesocestoides lineatus and Cryptosporidiumn canis was detected using the multiplex RAA assay to evaluate its specificity. In addition, the reaction condition of the multiplex RAA assay was optimized, and was then employed to detect the tissues with echinococcosis lesions, simulated canine fecal samples and field captured fox fecal samples to examine its application values. The multiplex RAA assay was effective to specifically amplify the mitochondrial gene fragments of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus within 40 min at 39 °C, with sequence lengths of 540, 430 bp and 200 bp, respectively. This multiplex RAA assay showed the minimum detection limits of 2.0, 2.5 pg/μL and 3.1 pg/μL for detection of the genomic DNA of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus, and presented the minimum detection limit of 200 copies/μL for detection of the recombinant plasmids containing E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus target genes. This multiplex RAA assay was effective to simultaneously detect single and multiple infections with E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus, but failed to amplify the genomic DNA of T. multiceps, T. saginata, T. asiatica, D. caninum, T. hydatigena, T. canis, F. hepatica, T. pisiformis, M. lineatus and C. canis. In addition, the optimized multiplex RAA assay was effective to detect all positive samples from the tissue samples with echinococcosis lesions, simulated canine fecal samples and field captured fox fecal samples, which was fully consistent with the detection of the single PCR assay. A sensitive and specific multiplex nucleic acid assay for rapid detection of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus has been successfully established.

Dissemination and clinical and hematological manifestations in cat cestodes

The materials of the presented research cover the issues of the spread of cestodes of cats in the Solomyansky district of Kyiv (according to the veterinary clinic Vet Alliance). After analyzing the relevant scientific literature, the epizootic situation of dipilidiosis and mesocestoidosis of cats in the metropolis was analyzed. Studies have shown that more than 50 % of parasitic diseases in cats occur in associated forms, among which the most common are toxocariasis, dipilidiosis, mesocestoidosis, ktenocephalidosis (flea infestation) and otodectosis. The monoform of invasions occurred only in 14.7 % of registered cases. The spread of diplidiosis and mesocestoidosis was characterized by seasonality – the peak of the lesion cats were observed in September-October. The most susceptible to infection Dipylidium caninum and Mesocestoides lineatus were kittens under the age of six months. The clinical condition and hematological parameters of kittens with dipilidiosis were also studied. Depression, anemia of the conjunctiva and mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, indigestion, dry cough were found. All cats had dull fur, and numerous dark brown spots and live fleas were observed on the skin, especially in the lumbar region. These data indicate a violation of erythropoiesis in feline dipilidiosis, which was characterized by erythrocytopenia and leukocytosis. Significant eosinophilia, an increase in the number of rod-shaped, and a decrease in segmental neutrophils were also found compared with clinically healthy animals. The results of biochemical blood tests of sick cats were important to clarify the features of the pathogenesis of dipilidiosis. Changes in blood biochemical parameters were characterized by a probably reduced content of hemoglobin, total protein and albumin. This indicates not only a violation of erythropoiesis, but also a violation of the protein-synthesizing function of the liver, because the pathological process involves various organs and systems of the body. Key words: feline dipilidiosis, feline mesocestoidosis, prevalence, clinical condition, hematological parameters, pulse rate, mucosal anemia, indigestion.

Monitoring Campaign over an Edible Dormouse Population (Glis glis; Rodentia: Gliridae) in Sicily: First Report of Mesocestodiasis.

Simple SummaryIn Nebrodi Park (Sicily, Italy), live many wild mammal species that move closer to human beings every day. The edible dormouse (Glis glis), in 2017 and 2018, was responsible for nut crop damage in the area. For this reason, a sanitary monitoring campaign involving 30 dormice was carried out by collecting rectal and conjunctival swabs and fur and nest content, which were then processed for laboratory examinations. A large presence of fleas belonging to Monopsyllus sciurorum was found. Necropsy of a dead dormouse revealed an infection of Mesocestoides lineatus, whose cysts were found in the abdomen cavity and on the liver; this is the first report of this in this species. Further studies are necessary to identify their role in the environment, considering the limited knowledge of this species in Italy.This study reports on the health status of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) living in Nebrodi Park (Sicily, Italy), responsible for nut crop damage in the area. In the frame of a monitoring campaign for potential zoonotic risk involving 30 dormice, rectal and conjunctival swabs and fur and nest content were collected for bacteriological and parasitological examinations, respectively. A large presence of fleas belonging to Monopsyllus sciurorum was found. Necropsy of a dead dormouse revealed an infection of Mesocestoides lineatus, whose cysts were found in the abdomen cavity and on the liver; this is the first report of this in this species. Further studies are necessary to identify their role in the environment, considering the limited knowledge of this species in Italy.

Zoonotic Endoparasites in Dogs from the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract More than 30 dog parasite species have been identified in Bosnia and Herzegovina so far, and half of these are zoonotic. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of parasitic infections in dogs from Bosnian-podrinje canton with a focus on zoonotic parasites. The study included 212 dogs (107 owned and 105 stray). One or more of the twenty parasite species were found in 82.55% of tested samples. Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Class Trematoda) was found in 0.94% of dogs. Dipylidium caninum and Mesocestoides lineatus (Class Cestoda) were found in 7.55% and 0.94% of dogs, respectively. Taenia spp. and Echinococcus spp. (Family Taeniidae) were found in 0.47% and 0.94% of samples, respectively. In the family of Nematoda, the following parasite species were identified with corresponding percent among tested dogs: Toxocara canis (25.94%), Toxascaris leonine (8.96%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.47%), Ancylostoma caninum (3.77%), Uncinaria stenocephala (52.36%), Trichuris vulpis (22.17%), Eucoleus aerophilus (1.42%), Dirofilaria immitis (1.89%) and Dirofilaria repens (1.42%). In the kingdom of Protozoa, the following parasite species were identified with corresponding percent among tested dogs: Cystoisospora canis (8.49%), C. ohioensis (2.36%), Cryptosporidium spp. (4.72%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.47%), Babesia spp. (5.19%), and Giardia duodenalis (15.57%). Leishmania infantum was not identified in tested samples. The results showed a high level of parasitic infestation in the dog population in the Bosnian-Podrinje canton, with a high occurrence of zoonotic parasites. Significant differences were found between owned and stray dogs for all classes of detected parasites with exception of the class Trematoda, disregarding specific parasite species.

Seasonal assessment of invasion of yard dogs socially dangerous helminths in region of the North Caucasus

Authors studied the seasonal invasion of yard dogs by socially dangerous bio- and geohelminths on the territory of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. In the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, during all seasons of the year, domestic dogs are the source of 9 zoonotic species of helminths, such as Metorchis bilis, Echinococcus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum, Mesocestoides lineatus, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria imitis и Trichinella spiralis for a person. Quantitative indicators of the extent of invasion caused by socially dangerous helminths of the species Metorchis bilis, Echinococcus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum, Mesocestoides lineatus, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria imitis и Trichinella spiralis ranging from 13.33% to 60.00%. In autumn, in domestic dogs, socially dangerous helminths of the species Metorchis bilis, Echinococcus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum, Mesocestoides lineatus, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria imitis и Trichinella spiralis were recorded with large amounts ranging from 6.67% to 40.00%. It was established that in populations of yard dogs, the most frequently recorded species of socially dangerous helminths of zoonotic etiology in all seasons were Echinococcus granulosus, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum.

CANIDAE CESTODES IN THE NATURAL TERRITORIES OF THE CENTRAL BLACK SOIL

Predators (Carnivora) have a large and diverse fauna of helminths, including higher cestodes (Cyclophyllidea). Among predators, the most representative group are canids (Canidae), which are of great importance in the circulation of these cestodes. Under the natural conditions of the Central Black Soil Region (Voronezh Reserve and adjacent territories), studies have been carried out to study the fauna and ecology of canine cestodes. According to the results of these studies, 10 species of higher cestodes were recorded in wild and domestic carnivores: Taenia hydatigena, T. pisiformis, T. crassiceps, T. krabbei, Hydatigera taeniaformis, Tetratirotaenia polyacantha, Mesocestoides lineatus, Dypilidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, E. multilocularis. The maximum number of cestode species was found in the fox – 9 species. Significantly less in other species of predators: in the wolf – 3 species, in the raccoon dog – 2 species, domestic dog – 2 species. The fox plays a leading role in the formation of the fauna of canine cestodes. Taenia (T. hydatigena and T. crassiceps) dominate in the composition of the cestodes fauna, they have the prevalence of infection and index of abundance, as well as M. lineatus. The fox has an actual zoonotic species E. multilocularis.

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.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminth Infections in Dogs and Two Species of Wild Animals from Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasitic infections and associated risk factors for the human infection among the people of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Infection status of helminths including Echinococcus granulosus was surveyed in domestic and wild animals from 4 sites in the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan during 2015–2018. Fecal samples of each animal were examined with the formalin-ether sedimentation technique and the recovery of intestinal helminths was performed with naked eyes and a stereomicroscope in total 1,761 animals (1,755 dogs, 1 golden jackal, and 5 Corsac foxes). Total 658 adult worms of E. granulosus were detected in 28 (1.6%) dogs and 1 (100%) golden jackal. More than 6 species of helminths, i.e., Taenia hydatigena, Dipylidium caninum, Diplopylidium nolleri, Mesocestoides lineatus, Toxocara canis, and Trichuris vulpis, were found from 18 (1.0%) dogs. Six (T. hydatigena, Toxascaris leonina, Alaria alata, Uncinaria stenocephala, D. caninum, and M. lineatus) and 2 (D. nolleri and M. lineatus) species of helminths were also detected from 5 Corsac foxes and 1 golden jackal, respectively. Taeniid eggs were found in 2 (20%) out of 10 soil samples. In the present study, it was confirmed that the prevalences of helminths including E. granulosus are not so high in domestic and wild animals. Nevertheless, the awareness on the zoonotic helminth infections should be continuously maintained in Uzbekistan for the prevention of human infection.

Global patterns in helminth host specificity: phylogenetic and functional diversity of regional host species pools matter

Host specificity has a major influence on a parasite's ability to shift between human and animal host species. Yet there is a dearth of quantitative approaches to explore variation in host specificity across biogeographical scales, particularly in response to the varying community compositions of potential hosts. We built a global dataset of intermediate host associations for nine of the world's most widespread helminth parasites (all of which infect humans). Using hierarchical models, we asked if realised parasite host specificity varied in response to regional variation in the phylogenetic and functional diversities of potential host species. Parasites were recorded in 4–10 zoogeographical regions, with some showing considerable geographical variation in observed versus expected host specificity. Parasites generally exhibited the lowest phylogenetic host specificity in regions with the greatest variation in prospective host phylogenetic diversity, namely the Neotropical, Saharo‐Arabian and Australian regions. Globally, we uncovered notable variation in parasite host shifting potential. Observed host assemblages for Hydatigera taeniaeformis and Hymenolepis diminuta were less phylogenetically diverse than expected, suggesting limited potential to spillover into unrelated hosts. Host assemblages for Echinococcus granulosus, Mesocestoides lineatus and Trichinella spiralis were less functionally diverse than expected, suggesting limited potential to shift across host ecological niches. By contrast, Hyd. taeniaeformis infected a higher functional diversity of hosts than expected, indicating strong potential to shift across hosts with different ecological niches. We show that the realised phylogenetic and functional diversities of infected hosts are determined by biogeographical gradients in prospective host species pools. These findings emphasise the need to account for underlying species diversity when assessing parasite host specificity. Our framework to identify variation in realised host specificity is broadly applicable to other host–parasite systems and will provide key insights into parasite invasion potential at regional and global scales.

Update of the helminth fauna in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Poland

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a strictly protected species of large carnivore in Poland. It inhabits forest complexes in north-eastern Poland and the Carpathian region in southern Poland. The status of the lynx within Poland requires special attention because its range decreased between 1980 and 2001 and has not yet recovered. One of the factors negatively affecting lynx populations is diseases, particularly parasites. The helminth fauna of the Eurasian lynx is not fully known in Poland. Previous coprological studies revealed that Polish lynx have been infected with seven species of nematodes, three species of cestodes, and one species of trematode. In this study, we present new data based on examination of opportunistically collected lynx carcasses. The aim of the study was to complement data on the helminth fauna of Eurasian lynx inhabiting Poland based on morphological and molecular analysis of parasites. Four species of cestodes—Taenia lynciscapreoli, Mesocestoides lineatus, Spirometra sp., and Taenia krabbei—were found for the first time in Eurasian lynx from Poland and three previously reported species of nematodes—Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Toxascaris leonina, and Toxocara cati—were confirmed. Larvae of Trichinella britovi were also detected in Eurasian lynx in Poland for the first time.

Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran.

Aim:Parasitic infections, especially of the zoonotic-parasitic type, are the most important health, economic, and social problems in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to review systematically the available data on gastrointestinal parasites of carnivores in Iran and their ability to infect humans.Materials and Methods:Studies reporting intestinal parasites of carnivores were systematically collected from nine electronic English and Persian databases and Proceedings of Iranian parasitology and veterinary congresses published between 1997 and 2015. A total of 26 studies issued from 1997 to 2015 met the eligibility criteria.Results:The pooled proportion of intestinal parasites of carnivores was estimated as 80.4% (95% confidence interval=70.2-88.8%). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats, foxes, and jackals were 57.89%, 90.62%, 89.17%, and 97.32%, respectively. Dipylidium caninum (20.45%), Toxocara spp. (18.81%), Taenia hydatigena (15.28%), Mesocestoides lineatus (11.83%), Echinococcus granulosus (10%), and Toxascaris leonina (8.69%) were the most frequently observed parasites.Conclusion:High prevalence rates of zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores particularly Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. increase the risk of acquiring zoonotic infections such as cystic hydatid, alveolar cysts, and visceral or ocular larva migrants in Iranian people. Therefore, it is essential for public health centers to develop more effective control strategies to decrease infections rates in carnivores’ populations.

Mesocestoidosis and multivisceral tetrathyridiosis in a European cat

This report describes the clinical, parasitological and pathological findings in a 6-year-old intact female European cat with thoracic and peritoneal tetrathyridiosis, characterized by genital involvement. Physical examination and X-ray evaluation revealed laboured breathing and several pulmonary nodules suggestive of cancer. However, necropsy demonstrated a parasitic aetiology of the disease. Histologically, multifocal granulomas were detected in the lungs, uterus and ovary. Parasitological examination permitted identification of the intestinal parasites as Mesocestoides lineatus, which was later confirmed by molecular examination. The larval forms in the peritoneal and chest cavity were identified as the second stage of the Mesocestoides sp. cestode named Tetrathyridia spp. The chronic injuries observed and the rapid course of the disease from the onset of the symptoms until death suggested a long period without clinical signs and indicate that overt disease can potentially be triggered by a failure of the immune system. The observed oophoritis and metritis identify tetrathyridiosis as a possible differential diagnosis in genital dysfunction.

Intestinal helminths of stray dogs from Tunisia with special reference to zoonotic infections

Abstract Sixteen intestinal helminth species were recovered from 271 necropsied stray dogs during a survey undertaken in Raoued and Soukra, two northeastern rural regions of Tunisia. Recorded parasites included trematodes (Brachylaemus sp., Phagicola italica, Heterophyes heterophyes), cestodes (Echinococcus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum, Diplopylidium noelleri, Mesocestoides lineatus, Mesocestoides litteratus, Taenia hydatigena, Taenia pisiformis, Taenia multiceps), nematodes (Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Trichuris vulpis) and one acanthocephalan Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. This is the first record of Brachylaemus sp., P. italica, H. heterophyes, D. noelleri and M. hirudinaceus in dogs from Tunisia. Echinococcus granulosus was found in 5·16% of dogs with a higher intensity of infection recorded in younger animals (303 worms/infected dog). Molecular analysis confirmed E. granulosus sensu stricto as the cause of canine echinococcosis. This epidemiological study investigating the status of intestinal helminths of dogs recorded a prevalence of 98·89% and a mean intensity of 87·62 worms per infected dog and confirmed the infection of 95·14% of dogs with helminths of potential zoonotic concern. Results of this study emphasize the need to interrupt parasite transmission using preventive approaches in zoonoses control programmes mainly against cystic echinococcosis, as well as reducing transmission to other animals by regular dog dosing treatments and proper management of dog populations.

The level of family dogs infestation from intestinal parasites, indicator of biological pollution impact in public areas

Faeces of 240 stry dogs and 240 family dogs that frequent the same public area in Tirana City they gathered and analyzed during the two years. We used the coproscopic method to identify intestinal parasites of which could be infested. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the environment biopollution at public areas from exogenous stage of intestinal parsites by stray dogs using two indicators: a) the prevalence of infestation and b) number of species of which are infested dogs. It showed that the prevalence of infestation of stray dogs was 77.5% and 20% of family dogs. Regardless of the season or in which environment were collected samples, in both two groups of dogs were identified the same representatives of intestinal parsites, and specifically identified: Echinococcus granulosus , Dipylidium caninum , Taenia spp, Mesocestoides lineatus, Ancylostoma spp, Uncinaria spp , Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris spp, Giardia spp and Coccidia spp. The high prevalence of infestation at the stry dogs is a result of their lifestyle. To ensure the food they attend household waste, territory around the slaughterhouses, etc. In these areas they take food both with the invasive stages of intestinal helminths (3,8,18). At the same time they fed with wreck and alive rodent, with different arthropods and annelids worms, who as we know serve as paratenic hosts for many of the representatives of invasive helminthes of dogs (3,6,7,16,19, 21). Moving in search of food they come into contact with other public environments contaminated by their counterparts. Thus homogenized and increased parasite loads that they carry with which contaminate even more moving and living environments where. Family dogs infested by intestinal fauna when representatives will hike in public environments that are contaminated by stray dogs. Between the infestation prevalence of stray dogs and the infestation prevalence of family dogs from intestinal parasitic fauna has a positive correlation ( r = 0.736 for p = 0.0275), therefore can ignore the level of family dogs infestation from invasive intestinal fauna is an expression of the impact of polluted environment from stray dogs on the health conditions of family dogs.

A survey study on gastrointestinal parasites of stray cats in Azarshahr, (East Azerbaijan province, Iran).

Gastrointestinal parasites are among the most common parasitic infections found in stray cats, which might act potential helminthic parasites to domestic cats. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in stray cats in the city of Azarshahr, which is located in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 necropsied stray cats, trapped and collected from different geographic regions of Azarshahr. From a total 50 stray cats examined, 15 (30%) were female and 35 (70%) were male. Overall 47 cats (94%) were identified as infected with at least one of the endoparasites. The prevalence of parasites found were: Taenia taeniaeformis (60%), Dipylidium caninum (58%), Taenia hydatigera (24%), Mesocestoides lineatus (78%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (14%), Toxascaris leonina (30%), Toxocara cati (78%), Physaloptera praeputialis (10%), and Syphacia obvelata (10%). Contamination rate for zoonotic parasites of cat was greater than expected in AzarShahr region. Therefore, appropriate control measures should be taken and preventive methods should be applied.

The monitoring of the infection of the rodents by helminthes in the delta of the Volga

Perennial data about the infection of the rodents by helminthes in the delta of the Volga have been received. The indexes of the dynamics of the animals’ infection by the trematodes Alaria alata, Conodiplostostomum spathula, Plagiorchis arvicolae, by the cestode Mesocestoides lineatus and by the nematode Syphacia obvelata have been adduced. There have been found out, that changes of the infection of the rodents by helminthes are from the natural and anthropogenic factors. These factors are the introduction of the animals, the instability of the hydrologic mode in the Volga delta, the number and the allocation of the intervening hosts.