Mixed Infestations Research Articles

Efficacy of Acriflavine for controlling parasitic diseases in farmed Nile tilapia with emphasis on fish health, gene expression analysis, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations

Parasites often cause serious outbreaks of disease in farmed fish. The present study is the first to describe the antiparasitic efficacy of Acriflavine on Oreochromis niloticus parasitized with Centrocestus formosanus metacercariae and Trichodina centrostrigeata protozoa. A total of 550 O. niloticus suffering from respiratory distress were collected from a fish farm. Clinical and parasitological examinations of 150 fish revealed a mixed infestation with Centrocestus formosanus and Trichodina centrostrigeata. The median lethal dose (LC50) of Acriflavine (5, 10, 25, 50, & 100 mg/L) was calculated against 160 healthy O. niloticus. Results revealed that the 12 h and 96 h LC50 of Acriflavine was 114.61 and 35.196 mg/L. Further, an experimental design consisting of three fish groups was used to assess the efficacy of Acriflavine (10 mg/L, long-term bath) against Centrocestus formosanus- and Trichodina centrostrigeata-infested fish; the first group was treated with Acriflavine (treated fish), the second group was not treated (nontreated fish) and the third group was healthy fish (negative control). Acriflavine was effective against Centrocestus formosanus and Trichodina centrostrigeata, reducing the mean intensity of parasites by 91.1% and 95.6%, respectively, compared with infested fish (nontreated). Moreover, treated fish exhibited restoration of normal gill histoarchitecture and normal central cartilaginous support after treatment. Treated O. niloticus also showed significant downregulation of inflammatory-related enzyme (Cox-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1ß) genes compared with infested fish, as well as a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Acriflavine provides a safe and efficient treatment for controlling Centrocestus formosanus metacercariae and Trichodina centrostrigeata protozoans, improving the health, productivity and welfare of Oreochromis niloticus.

Soil Disinfestation Efficacy against Soil Fungal Pathogens in Strawberry Crops in Spain: An Overview

(1) Background: Strawberry cultivation is highly dependent on soil disinfestation for proper development. Since the definitive methyl bromide phase-out, other chemicals have been used as alternatives. This research provides an overview on the efficacies of soil disinfestation methods on controlling soil fungal diseases of strawberry. (2) Methods: The efficacy of several soil disinfestation methods on soil fungal pathogens (SFP: Fusarium spp. and Macrophominaphaseolina) was analyzed in experimental field trials during eleven growing seasons. (3) Results: Average efficiencies in reducing soil pathogen inocula for soil disinfestation techniques are given. Soil disinfestations with chloropicrin, allyl isothiocyanate, dazomet, 1,3-dichloropropene:chloropicrin, methyl iodide:chloropicrin, and dimethyl disulfide reduced Fusarium spp. and M. phaseolina soil inocula by more than 90%. Combination of solarization with organic manures (biosolarization) reduced Fusarium spp. soil populations by 80% and M. phaseolina by 79%. Reductions in plant mortality and increases in fruit yields over the untreated controls did not differ between chemically fumigated and biosolarized plots. (4) Conclusions: Soil fungal pathogens are effectively controlled by chemical fumigation of soils in intensive strawberry crops in Spain. In the case of mixed infestations of SFP with nematodes, the most efficient treatment in suppressing soil-borne diseases was soil fumigation with 1,3-dichloropropene:chloropicrin, but other alternative chemicals, such as allyl isothiocyanate, dazomet, and dimethyl disulfide, provided high efficacies in reducing the SFP inocula. Soil biosolarization is proposed as an effective alternative to chemical soil fumigation for strawberry cultivation in Southern Spain when SFP inocula is not remarkably high.

Prevalence, Intensity and Identification of Gastro Intestinal Nematodes of Urban Goats in Arbaminch, Southern Ethiopia

The cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to May, 2020 in Arbaminch city with the aim of estimation of the prevalence of GIT nematode infection and assesses the level of infection in goats at Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia. Totally 384 pellets were taken from goats, and coprological examination by fecal floatation technique and McMaster egg counting was done. From the total examined goats, 226 (58.9%) of them found positive for one or more GIT nematode infection. Based on the morphology of the nematode eggs the following GIT nematodes were identified: <i>Strongyle </i>type (77.876%), <i>Trichuris </i>spp. (7.08%) and <i>Nematodirus</i> spp. (3.982%) whereas 11.1% mixed infestation. Furthermore, the overall mean EPG was 662.2. The mean EPG and proportion of light, moderate and heavy infection level was 294.4 (51.3%), 926.7 (32.3%) and 1293.2 (16.4%), respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of GIT nematode infection among age group and sex (p >0.05), but there was statistical difference in body condition (p <0.05). The prevalence of GIT nematodes infection in goat was significantly greater in poor body condition and medium body condition than good body condition of goats. The result of this study revealed higher prevalence of GIT nematode infection, and presence of various genera in the study area. Hence, more study is necessary to identify the species of nematodes dominant in the area, and strategic deworming of goats with broad spectrum anthelmintic is recommended to reduce the prevalence the parasites.<sub>

Epidemiological Study of Camel Ectoparasites in Different Districts of Afar Region, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April, 2017 to October 2018 to investigate the occurrence of major camel ectoparasites and associated risk factors in selected districts of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Out of the total camels (N=813) examined for ectoparasite infestation, about 629 of camels were infested with one or more species of parasites and the overall prevalence was 77.4%. About 17.44%, 10.57%, 1.97%, and 0.24% were accounted for single and mixed infestation with two, three and four parasites respectively. The study indicated that there were statistically significant variation (<I>P</I>< 0.05) in the prevalence of ectoparasites among sex, age group and body condition; However, there was no significant variation (P>0.05) in infestation rate in relation to areas. In this study four of genera ticks and one genera of mite were identified. The identified genera were Hyalomma (28.30%), Amblyomma (24.48%), Rhipicephalus (17.17%) and Boophilus (0.32%). The infestation of a single mite showed that; Sarcoptes scabiei var cameli (8.90%). Infestations in seven districts in the region ranged (70.06%) of Yallo 82.6% in Elidar district to but higher prevalence was found (80.5%) at Megale and (82.6%) Elidar district. In conclusion, the prevalence of ectoparasites in the present study was high in camel population in the study areas of the Afar region; therefore it is important to reduce parasitic infestation and its load through applying ectoparasitic drugs and externally applied chemicals.

Effect of parasitic infestation on carpal synovial constituents in donkeys (Equus asinus)

The present study was carried out to examine the physical, microscopical and biochemical parameters of the synovial fluid from the carpal joints of donkeys suffering from Strongylus spp. and Parascaris equorum infestation. Forty-five donkeys were selected out from a total of sixty animals based on faecal analysis. Animals were divided into 3 groups, which included Strongylus spp. (n=23), mixed infestation (n=17, Strongylus spp. and Parascaris equorum) and control (n=5) groups. The aspirated synovial fluid from all animals (n=45) was examined physically and microscopically. Then, the total protein, albumin, globulins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, glucose levels, and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were measured in the serum and synovial fluid of all animals. The results revealed no changes of the physical and microscopical features of the synovial fluid of the infested and control animals but there were significant decreases in total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and magnesium levels in the serum of Strongylus and mixed infection groups. The synovial fluid analysis exhibited an increase of calcium and phosphorus levels, and ALP activity, and decreased levels of total protein, glucose and GGT in Strongylus and mixed groups. The results of this study suggested significant changes in some biochemical parameters in both serum and synovial fluids in donkeys suffering from parasitic infestation.

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

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

First report of Linognathus africanus (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) on goats in Bulgaria

The current study was conducted in 28 farms from 11 administrative districts in Bulgaria and included 4132 goats from six breeds, naturally infested with ectoparasitic insects. The visit to the farms was paid after the owners alarmed for signs of strong discomfort and itching among the animals. From the 28 studied herds, 14 (50%) turned out to be infested with the African sucking louse of goats: Linognathus africanus (Kellog &amp; Paine, 1911) belonging to the family Linognathidae, suborder Anoplura, order Phthiraptera. All documented cases were of mixed infestation with other ectoparasitic species. The ectoparasites were collected and preserved in 70o ethanol for laboratory identification, morphological observation and for preparing photographic material. The full morphological description of the species showed that the total body length (TBL) of the male individuals varied between 0.912-1.556 mm, and that of the females: from 1.159 to 1.784 mm. A morphological identificationof the phylogenetically close species Linognathus africanus (Kellog &amp; Paine, 1911) and Linognathus stenopsis (Burmeister, 1838) was conducted in laboratory conditions. The population structure of the species was presented through the sex identification of Linognathus africanus which demonstrated a numerical ratio of F:M = 2.2:1.

Ovitrap Surveillance of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Dengue Endemic Areas in Keramat and Shah Alam, Selangor in 2016

Introduction: Entomological surveillance is crucial to determine the abundance of dengue vector and to evaluate breeding areas of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The objective of this study is to determine the distribution and breeding preference for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in dengue endemic areas. Materials and Methods: Ovitraps surveillance was conducted in two dengue endemic areas; AU2, Keramat and Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, Selangor. A minimum number of 100 ovitraps were deployed for 5 days in the study sites. Samples collected were brought back to the lab and all larvae recovered were identified to species level. Results: The ovitap index (OI) in both localities exceeded the transmission threshold of 10% with the OI recorded ranged from 42.3-79.8% in AU2, Keramat and 16.7-42.9% in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam. Ae. albopictus was the dominant species in AU2 Keramat with the highest ratio Ae. aegypti to Ae. albopictus recorded was 1.00:22.79. Nonetheless, in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam the difference in Ae. aegypti to Ae. albopictus ratio is not really prominent with 1.00:3.61 for ovitraps deployed outdoor and 3.40:1.00 for ovitraps set indoor. It was determined that single infestation of either Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus is more frequent for ovitraps deployed indoor and/or outdoor, respectively. It was also determined that mixed infestations were found in this study indicating that both species can oviposit in the same container. Conclusion: This study indicates that OI is still above transmission threshold in both study sites. While Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus remain as a dominant indoor and outdoor breeder, respectively, mixed breeding of Aedes species in a same container was also observed.

Intestinal helminthiasis in pregnancy

Background: Pregnant women are vulnerable to the negative effects of intestinal helminthiasis, due to increased nutritional demands during pregnancy and in severe cases may contribute to anaemia in pregnancy. Aim: The study was conducted to ascertain the pattern of intestinal nematodes among pregnant women in Delta State and the likely effect on their packed cell volume (PCV). Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study, involving 300 eligible, consenting antenatal women at the booking clinic of Eku Baptist Government Hospital in Delta State, between 1 January 2019 and 31 March 2019. Stool and blood samples were collected from every participant for analysis and evaluation, respectively, for helminthic pattern and PCV. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to capture relevant data. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 24. Results: Three-quarter of the women were below the age of 34 years. Over 80% (238/282) of the women were parous. Fifty-six per cent (158/282) of the women had secondary education. More than Fifty percent of respondents (154/282), were traders. Seventy-two (25.5%) women had a helminthic infestation. Ascaris lumbricoides accounted for the highest (62.5%) type of worm, followed by Necator americanus (23.6%). Pregnant women who had their toilet within their houses had a statistically significantly fewer helminthic infestation (P &lt; 0.001). Hand washing was associated with a statistically significant reduction in helminthic infestation among the women (P &lt; 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in helminthic infestation across the trimesters (P = 0.224). Women with helminthic infestation had statistically significantly lower PCV (P &lt; 0.001). Women with hookworm and mixed infestations had statistically significantly lower mean PCV (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: A high prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookwoom infestation among pregnant women was found in this study. Helminthiasis was associated with reduced PCV. The routine antihelminthics for pregnant women attending Eku Baptist Government Hospital, is recommended by these findings.

Ectoparasites Ctenocephalides (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) in the Composition of Mixed Infestations in Domestic Dogs from Poltava, Ukraine

Abstract One of the most common ectoparasites on domestic carnivores are fleas from the genus Ctenocephalides. This group of blood sucking insects are one of the most important in medical and veterinary terms, as they can serve as carriers of dangerous infectious and may cause other invasive diseases. Research studies have established a variety of fleas and other contagions parasitizing domestic dogs in Poltava, Ukraine. Certain peculiarities of these ectoparasitic studies, as a part of mixed infestations of dogs, have recently been determined. The results of the studies have shown that the species composition of the fleas was represented by two main species. The dominant species was Ct. felis, and their prevalence was 36.05 %. Another species (Ct. canis) was diagnosed less often and had a prevalence of 27.94 %. It was found that in 31.18 % of the dogs, the blood-sucking insects were mostly parasitizing in the form of an associations with: nematoda (Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala), Cestoda (Dipylidium caninum), protozoa (Cystoisospora canis), and another ectoparasite (Trichodectes canis). Overall, 33 types of mixed infestations were detected. Moreover, the number of different parasitic species in each dog ranged from one to seven. Fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides (in the composition of two species of parasites) were registered the most often (14.60 %). The infestation of dogs with other forms of mixed infestations was 0.69—8.01 %. The most frequent co-members for Ct. felis were Cestoda [D. caninum (13.47 %)], for Ct. canis—Cestoda [D. caninum (11.23 %)] and Nematoda [T. vulpis (8.29 %)].

Survey on Some Ectoparasitosis in Moolgarda seheli from Suez Canal area, Egypt

This survey study has been applied to a total number of 200 Moolgarda seheli that collected randomly and seasonally from different areas of the Suez Canal at Ismailia Governorate. Infected fish showed no obvious clinical abnormalities except in case of heavy infestation with the ectoparasites, where some infested fishes revealed respiratory manifestation and surface swimming. Other fishes showed hemorrhagic areas on the gill cover, abdomen, and fins. The results of this survey revealed 2 phyla of economically important fish parasites which were three copepods (Lernanthropus species, Caligus lichiae, and Lepeophtheirus lichiae) isolated from the gills and one monogenean (Benedenia sekii ) isolated from the gill and the buccal cavity of all examined fish. The total prevalence of infestation was 31% where Lernanthropus, Caligus species and monogenea were 24.5%, 5% and13%; respectively while the mixed infestation between crustaceans with monogenea was 7%. The seasonal prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation was the highest in winter (67.5%) followed by spring then autumn and the lowest was summer (10%). The highest infestation ofLernanthropus species was recorded in the winter (50%) and the lowest in summer (10%). On other hand, the highest infestation of Caligus was highest in the spring (33.33%) and disappeared in the other seasons. The seasonal prevalence of monogenean infestation was the highest in the spring (43.33%) and disappeared in the autumn and summer. Molecular identification of Benedenia species using PCR analysis of the 28SrRNA(mix of C1/D2 pairs) generated larger sequence fragments which were amplicons at approx. 800 bp. The partial sequencing and phylogenetics of the positive sample revealed that our sample was closer related to Benedenia sekii followed by Benedenia sciaenae from Australia which were 97.9% and 97.2%; respectively. The histopathological changes of infested fish with ectoparasite revealed severe atrophy of the gill lamellae along with mechanical destruction, other fish revealed focal infiltrations with leukocytes, in addition to congestion of the gill arch.

Demodex spp. (Acari: Demodicidae) infection in healthy young adults in Poland – occurrence and risk factors

Introduction: Demodex mites are associated with various symptoms pertaining to facial and eyelid skin in humans. Demodicosis is often reported in elderly people, above 50 years of age. In young adults, the Demodex spp. infection is less common and is asymptomatic or the symptoms are mild. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the occurrence of Demodex spp. in healthy young adults in Poland and analyze the associations between the presence of mites, participants gender and skin type, with regards to hygienic practices and symptoms. Material and methods: The content of facial sebaceous glands and eyelash follicles was examined in a group of 94 people, aged 18–32 years. Metric data and information about face and eyelid skin symptom occurrence, skin type and hygienic practices were collected by diagnostic survey. Results and discussion: Demodex spp. was identified in 21.3% of subjects. In 45% and 30% of carriers Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis occurred, respectively. A mixed infestation in 25% of subjects was detected. Demodex infestation was slightly higher in people with oily and mixed skin (23.5%), compared to those with dry and normal skin (18.6%). No significant influence of shared hygienic accessories on the level of Demodex spp. infection were observed. The skin symptoms of the face and eyelids were reported at 75% for subjects positive for Demodex. Conclusions: Demodex mites are often prevalent in healthy young adults in Poland in both the sebaceous glands of the face and hair follicles. While diagnosing face and eyelid skin diseases in young people, Demodex spp. infection should be considered.

Pruritic dermatitis in two stray pups due to mixed Demodex and Sarcoptes mite infestations

Two stray pups in the Jabalpur were having the history of severe itching, hyperkeratotic skin lesions, alopecia involving face, head, ears, dorsal parts of body and on the leg region. Skin scrapping examination from the infested parts revealed mixed infestation of Demodex spp. and Sarcoptes spp. mites. The animals were treated with injectable ivermectin, multivitamins and topically amitraz. Marked clinical improvement was observed after fourteen day post treatment and complete healing with disappearance of crusts and scabs leading to normal skin was recorded on 28th day post treatment.

Studies on the ontogenic radio-sensitivity in Callosobruchus species complex to establish a generic dose of phytosanitary irradiation as a post harvest quarantine treatment for disinfestation of pulses

The effects of gamma radiation were observed on the metamorphosis and reproduction as key target features to be intercepted for disinfestation of the three major pest bruchid species, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius), C. analis (Fabricius) and C. chinensis (Linnaeus) irradiated in the various ontogenic stages. The present study was aimed to determine an efficacious generic dose of phytosanitary irradiation (PI) for bruchid disinfestation in pulses.Callosobruchus chinensis was the most radio-resistant species among the present tested species, and male bruchids were more radio-resistant than the females in this species complex.In this complex of tested bruchid species, the gamma dose required to cause 100% metamorphic disruption in the most radio-resistant pre-imaginal stage (pharate adult) was 20–46% higher than the dose required to induce complete sterility in the most radio-resistant imaginal stage (4–5 day old). The effective dose inducing 99.9% impact (ED99.9) was 105 Gy for sterility induction but ~181 Gy to induce metamorphic disruption in the most radio-resistant pre-imaginal pharate adult in C. chinensis, whereas the most radio-resistant imaginal stage (4–5 day old adult) of this species required 124 Gy for complete sterilization.Based on these results, 160–200 Gy as phytosanitary irradiation dose range was evaluated on a semi-large scale testing on the pigeonpea pulse seeds having mixed infestation of Callosobruchus species complex, which indicated that 200 Gy might be considered as a feasible generic dose of phytosanitary irradiation for bruchid disinfestation in pulses.

ПАРАЗИТОЦЕНОЗЫ СВИНЕЙ И БОРЬБА С НИМИ

ПАРАЗИТОЦЕНОЗЫ СВИНЕЙ И БОРЬБА С НИМИ Parasitocenosis of pigs and parasite control. Vodyanitskaya S.N. Evdokimov V.V. FGBOU VO "Belgorod agrarian Univer-sity named after V. Gorin" Infectious and invasive diseases cause huge economic damage to pig farming, among which a large proportion is occupied by diseases caused by protozoa and hel-minths. These infestations can lead not only to death and forced slaughter, but also to a significant slowdown in the growth and de-velopment of animals. Eimeriosis and iso-sporosis of pigs are widespread diseases characterized by lesions of the small and large intestine. The pathogens of the disease are up to 15 species of Eimeria and 3 species of isospores. The most susceptible to the disease are pigs from ten days of age to two months of age. Older pigs also get sick, but in a mild form. The most severe diseases occur when combined infestations of proto-zoa and intestinal nematodes. A total of 1,330 pigs (suckling pigs, weaning pigs, rearing pigs, gestating and suckling sows) were examined in different seasons of the year. Coproscopy of Eimeria oocysts and nematode eggs was performed using the double centrifugation method, and balantidia were detected in a native smear. The extent of infestation (EI) was deter-mined by detecting parasites in 30 fecal sam-ples, and the intensity of infestation (AI) was determined by counting them in 20 fields of view of the microscope. The species of coc-cidia was determined by the determinant of parasitic protozoa, and helminth eggs were determined by an improved method of dou-ble centrifugation. The article presents study data of mixed intestinal infestations of pigs. It was found that most often animals become infected with eimeria, isospores, balantidium and roundworms. These parasites are found in groups of pigs of different ages, both sin-gly and in combination. The season, age and their place of detention affect the extent of the invasion. The timely implementation of therapeutic and preventive measures on pig farms leads to a decrease in the manifesta-tion of associative animals’ diseases. A se-lective ovoscopic examination of pigs of all age groups once a season helps to prevent the spread of invasion on the farm.

Monitoring of vector-borne diseases in the west part of Ukraine

During recent years, infectious and invasive animal diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa and transmitted by ticks have been a new problem in medical and veterinary practice. Many of these diseases are zoonoses and lead to the disability and mortality of humans and animals. Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus are species of ticks that are commonly attack animals and humans in Europe. These ticks are spread throughout the EU and are involved in the transmission of a large number of vector-borne diseases. To date, relatively limited data on the circulation of tick-borne diseases and their transmission in western Ukraine are presented. The purpose of this study was to monitor the types of ixodid ticks, as well as to identify pathogens in ticks collected from the environment in urban parks and from dogs and cats. A total of 215 ticks (22 Ixodes ricinus and 193 Dermacentor reticulatus) collected in two regions of Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk were investigated. Pathogens, namely, Rikettsia spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Bartonella spp., were detected in 64.0% of the I. ricinus ticks. Overall, 18.2% of I. ricinus ticks were positive for Rikettsia spp., 54.5% for Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, 9.1% for A. phagocytophilum and Bartonella spp. confirmed in 4.5% of the studied ticks. Mixed infestations were found in 5 samples of I. ricinus DNA, representing 22.7%. In addition, 74.6% of D. reticulatus ticks were infested with these pathogens. Overall, 30.0% of D. reticulatus ticks were positive for Rikettsia spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis was confirmed in 54.9%, A. phagocytophilum in 1.6%, and Bartonella spp. in 6.2% of the studied ticks. Mixed infestations were found in 35 D. reticulatus DNA samples, representing 18.1%. The prevalence of Rikettsia spp. in two regions of Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk, among the studied ticks was 28.8%, Bartonella spp. – 6.0%, A. phagocytophilum – 2.3%, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis – 54.9%. Our data indicate the presence of pathogens in urban populations of ticks of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus in west part of Ukraine. Monitoring of tick-borne diseases is an important tool in the prevention and control of infections transmitted to humans and animals.

Effect of mixed infestations on plant-mediated host location in the parasitoid Microplitis croceipes

Effect of mixed infestations on plant-mediated host location in the parasitoid Microplitis croceipes

The determination of acute toxicity parameters of “Imkar-120”

Vector-Borne Diseases are a variety of infectious and invasive diseases of animals and humans, the agents of which extend from one to another susceptible subject with the participation of hemopoiesis (ticks, insects, etc.). For the purpose of treatment of blood parasitic transmissive diseases, domestic and foreign researchers tested a significant number of drugs of different chemical composition. In connection with the insufficient on the domestic market of drugs on the basis of imidokarb dipropionate for the treatment of blood-parasitic diseases in animals, the Scientific-Production-Technical Enterprise “Brovapharma” established and conducted the state registration of the drug “Imcar-120”, which blocks the synthesis of polyamine; it also has significantly less toxicity than dimeters of aceturates. It provides a broad spectrum of antiprotozoal effects on pathogens of pyroplasmiosis of the genus Babesia (Babesia bovis, B. ovis, B. bigemina, B. colchica, B. equi, B. divergens, B. canis, B. caballi, B. gibsonii i Francaiella colchica); Teilerian species (Theileria annulata, T. sergenti, T. mutans, T. orientalis, T. ovis, T. recondita, T. tarandirangiferis); Nuttallia equi and the genus of Anaplasma (Anaplasma marginale, A. ovis, Ehrlichia canis) with their mono- or mixed infestation. Pre-clinical research “Determination of toxicological properties of the drug Imcar-120” was carried out on the basis of vivarium of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Sumy NAU. Study of parameters of acute toxicity of the study drug was performed on 50 clinically healthy white mice in males and females. Before the experiment, the individual weight of the body of animals selected for the experiment was 18–22 g, the age was 8–9 weeks. In the first stage, preliminary experimental studies were conducted to determine the variation of dose limits before the main stage of the studies. At the same time the drug was administered intragastrically in doses: 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500, 6500, 7500 mg/kg. Each dose was given to three animals. After the introduction of the drug for monitoring animals, the experiment was carried out 14 days, the first day – every hour. For the expanded stage of the experiment, four experimental groups (n = 8) of animal analogues were formed, in which the study drug was injected under the same conditions as in the previous stage of the experiment at a rate of 3800, 4300, 4800 and 5300 mg/kg of body weight. In the course of studies to determine the parameters of acute toxicity of the drug Imkar-120 it was determined half-lettable dose of the drug. According to R. Kerber's method, DL50 was 4456.25 mg/kg, therefore according to the classification of GOST 12.1.007-76 the preparation Imkar-120 should be classified as hazard class III by injection into the stomach – substances are moderately dangerous.

Major helminth parasites of Camelus dromedarius in afar pastoral area of Ethiopia

Camel internal parasites are among important camel health problems which are often affecting camel production and productivity. A cross-sectional study was carried out in camels to study the major helminth parasites in selected districts of Afar regional state of Ethiopia. Coprological examination and key informants interview were done to collect the required data in the study areas. Fecal sample was collected from a total of 384 camels and about 76.04% (292) were found to harbor at least one helminth parasite. According to the flotation and sedimentation techniques, Trichostrongyle egg (71.6%) was found with higher prevalence followed by coccidia (69.9%). In the mixed infestation, occurrence of two parasites together (31.9%) was with higher prevalence and occurrence of five parasites together (4.4%) was the lowest one. According to the key informants, the occurrence and transmission of these parasites is higher in the study areas due to aggregation of camels in the cross-border salt trade and mixing of camel herds at watering and feeding points. Furthermore, there was no adequate seasonal and programmed treatment due to drug shortage. Therefore, collaborative parasitic control and prevention measure and public education on modern camel husbandry should be delivered.

Identification and prevalence of the ectoparasite Octolasmis in sand lobster (Panulirus homarus) and bamboo lobster (Panulirus versicolor) in Floating Net Cages in Sape, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

The problems that are often faced by fishermen include decreased durability and stress during handling caused by pathogenic organisms known as ectoparasites on the gills that disrupt the respiratory tract of the lobster during transportation. An ectoparasite that often infests the gills of lobsters includes Octolasmis, which is suspected to be a factor that triggers stress and causes death with a high level of infestation. This study aims to identify the species and to determine the prevalence of the ectoparasite Octolasmis that infests sand lobster (P.homarus) and bamboo lobster (P.versicolor) in the floating net cages in Sape, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. This study used the survey method and the data analysis was descriptive. The results showed that the species that infested the sand lobster (P.homarus) and bamboo lobster (P.versicolor) were Octolasmis lowei and Octolasmis angulata. The prevalence in sand lobster (P. homarus) was 70%, which consisted of a single infestation of 55% (infested O.angulata) and the mixed infestation was 15% (O.angulata and O.lowei). The prevalence in the bamboo lobster (P. versicolor) was 100%, which consisted of a single infestation of 84% (infested O. angulata) and the mixed infestation was 16% (O.angulata and O.lowei).