Moniezia Expansa Research Articles

Molecular taxonomy and subgeneric classification of tapeworms of the genus Moniezia Blanchard, 1891 (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) in northern cervids (Alces and Rangifer)

Phylogenetic relationships of tapeworms of the genus Moniezia Blanchard, 1891 (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) parasitizing the Eurasian elk Alces alces, the moose A. americanus and the reindeer/caribou Rangifer tarandus (Cervidae) were studied using DNA sequences of two mitochondrial genes (cox1 and nad1). Several isolates from domestic ruminants, representing Moniezia expansa (Rudolphi, 1810) sensu lato and M. benedeni (Moniez, 1879) sensu lato, and one unidentified isolate from an African antelope, were also included in the analysis.Both genes identified the same six species of Moniezia, but interspecific phylogenetic relationships were better resolved by the nad1 data. The six species of Moniezia comprised two main clades: clade 1 that originates in bovids, with subsequent colonization of northern cervids in Eurasia, and clade 2 that originates in northern cervids, with subsequent specific divergence within these hosts. Clade 2 has a Holarctic distribution.None of the Moniezia specimens in Alces and Rangifer was conspecific with the species in domestic ruminants, suggesting that the custom of identifying Moniezia spp. in northern cervids either as M. expansa or M. benedeni is incorrect. At least two of the species parasitizing Alces and Rangifer have not been previously recognized. These findings challenge the results of all previous studies concerning the diversity and ecology of Moniezia spp. in northern cervids.The traditional classification into three subgenera (Moniezia Blanchard, 1891, Blanchariezia Skrjabin & Schultz, 1937 and Baeriezia Skrjabin & Schultz, 1937), based on the presence and type of interproglottidal glands, conflicts with the currently observed molecular phylogenetic relationships within the genus Moniezia.

The efficacy of the supramolecular complexes of niclosamide obtained by mechanochemical technology and targeted delivery against cestode infection of animals

Niclosamide is an anthelmintic that is widely used to treat cestode infection of animals. The efficacy of the supramolecular complexes of niclosamide obtained by mechanochemical technology and targeted delivery was studied in hymenolepiosis of mice and monieziosis of sheep. The efficacy of new substances of niclosamide with polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer in different ratios (1:10; 1:5; 1:2) was determined by the results of helminthological necropsy of the small intestine of sheep and mice. Pre-treatment eggs per gram (EPG) were not significantly different (P>0.1) among groups. The controlled test was used to evaluate the efficacy. A high efficacy (>95% efficacy) of the supramolecular complexes of niclosamide with PVP (SCoNwPVP) was shown in different ratios (1:10; 1:5 and 1:2) at a dose of 20mg/kg of body weight at oral administration against Hymenolepis nana in mice and Moniezia expansa in sheep. Whereas the basic drug − substance of niclosamide was effective at a dose of 100mg/kg of b/w. No adverse effects of the drugs on animal health were detected during the study.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in Indian Gaddi (goat) breed bucks: clinical, hemato-biochemical, parasitological and chemotherapeutic studies.

The present study was envisaged with an aim to evaluate gastrointestinal parasitic infections in a herd of conserved Gaddi (goat) breed bucks (6-9months of age) kept on semi-intensive feeding management. The individuals (n=20) representing the herd were selected and divided into two groups; group I (n=10), clinically ill and group II (n=10), sub clinically infected individuals. The clinical examination revealed anemia, emaciation and rise in body temperature of the individuals of group I as compared to group II. The detailed copro-parasitological examination and copro-culture revealed the presence of eggs of Moniezia expansa and larvae of Haemonchus species, respectively in the fecal samples of both clinically and sub clinically infected individuals. The hemato-biochemical parameters proved vital indicators of the health of group I individuals and exhibited decline in the values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count as compared to group II. Significant (P<0.05) hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia and increased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were observed in infected individuals as compared to treated ones. The detailed parasitological, hemato-biochemical observations and clinical findings elucidated and supported the presence of concurrent gastrointestinal parasitism in the herd. The significant improvement was observed in the health status of the herd after 1month of the therapeutic management, which was carried out using a combination of fenbendazole and praziquantel in both clinically and sub clinically infected individuals.

Frequency of gastrointestinal and pulmonary helminth infections in wild deer from western Romania.

A survey was carried out to assess the prevalence and the intensity of helminth infections in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from 16 hunting areas in western Romania. Overall, 122 deer shot during the hunting season 2013-2015 were examined. Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus filicollis, Oesophagostomum venulosum and Dictyocalus spp. were found in all the deer species. Trichuris spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were found in the roe deer and red deer and Moniezia expansa in roe deer, only. Overall, the prevalences (<35%) and the mean intensities (<20) were quite low in the abomasums and intestine, but H. contortus in fallow deer (>50%). No >2 or 3 helminth species were found in the abomasum, small and large intestine. Lung helminthes in the roe deer and follow deer accounted for 57.1% and 71.4%, respectively. The only specie with a prevalence >50% was in the red deer. D. dendriticum was found in the liver of roe deer and fallow deer.

Prevalence and risk factor analysis of gastrointestinal parasites in relation to environmental conditions in different agro-Climatic zones of Rajasthan (India)

An epidemiological survey in relation to environmental conditions covering all most the entire agro-climatic zones of Rajasthan (India) was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in crossbred and local cattle. A total of 733 faecal samples (464 cattle and 269 buffaloes) were collected and screened from dairy animals by sedimentation and floatation technique. The overall prevalence of was 22.5%, with Semi-arid Eastern plain zone at higher infection risk (48.25%); followed by Arid Western zone (30.43%). Lowest infection was recorded from Transitional plain of Luni Basin zone (4.11%). Regarding different species of parasite, highest infection was recorded of Balatidium coli (10.10%) followed by Strongyle eggs (5.46%) and lowest was of Toxocara vitulorum and Moniezia expansa (0.82%). In relation to various risk factors Indigenous animal displayed higher risk of infection as compare to cross-bred cattle (OR = 4.36, 95% CI = 29.60–63.84). Older animals have higher risk of infection as compared to young one (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 13.59–30.44). Female are more prone to significant infection as compared to their male counterpart (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 11.38–33.42). Samples screened during monsoon season depicted highest level of infection (OR = 45.99, 95% CI = 39.00–53.14). Farms having other companion animal have more incidence of infection (23.45%) as compared to other farms (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 8.07–18.66).

Internal parasites in roe deer of the Lubartów Forest Division in postmortem studies

The aim of the study was to analyze endoparasitic fauna in roe deer of a selected area of south-western Poland using coproscopic studies and postmortem studies of internal organs (lungs, livers and digestive tracts). Microscopic methods included flotation and the McMaster method. In May and June 2015, 53 culled male roe deer were examined. Parasites were found in 96.2% (n=51, SD=19.2) of the studied animals, but the invasion intensity was diversified. From 1 to 7 different taxa (families or genera) of parasites were found in each studied animal. Oocysts of Eimeria (3 species (E. capreoli, E. panda, E. rotunda) were found with the following invasion prevalence: 45.28%, low OPG level, in the range of 350-700. In three samples, the OPG amounted to 2800–4500. Cysts of Buxtonella sulcata 9.4% (CPG in the range of 300–100). Fasciola hepatica (prevalence 3.77%), intensity: 2–3 specimens, Dicrocoelium dendriticum (5.66%), intensity: 2–5 specimens. Moniezia expansa (7.54%), intensity: 3–8 tapeworms. Nematodes from the family Trichostrongylidae (58.49%, genera: Ostertagia, Spiculopteragia, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Nematodiurus from the family Molineidae), low invasion intensity (8–55 nematodes), only in 7 deer intensities of 346–140 nematodes). Capillaria bovis (7.54%) intensity ranging from 2 to 14 nematodes. Oesophagostomum venulosum (15.09 %) invasion intensity: 7–23 nematodes, Trichuris globulosa (9.43%), invasion intensity 2–4 nematodes. Dictyocaulus eckerti (11.32%), invasion intensity ranging from 6 to 34 nematodes. Setaria tundra (5.66%) invasion intensity ranging from 1 to 3 nematodes.

Moniezia benedeni and Moniezia expansa are distinct cestode species based on complete mitochondrial genomes

Moniezia spp. parasitize the intestines of ruminants, causing monieziasis. In this study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of M. benedeni and M. expansa have been determined, characterized and employed to test the hypothesis that M. benedeni and M. expansa are distinct species by phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated amino acid sequences derived from 12 protein-coding genes, inferred with Bayesian and Maximum-likelihood methods. The complete mt genomes of M. benedeni and M. expansa were 13,958bp and 13,934bp in size, respectively. Nucleotide sequence identity between the two mt genomes was 83.4%. Each of the two circular mt genomes encodes 36 genes including two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 12 protein-coding genes, which are transcribed from the same direction. The gene orders of the two mt genomes are identical to those of Anoplocephala spp. (Anoplocephalidae), Hymenolepis spp. (Hymenolepididae) and Dipylidium caninum (Dipylidiidae), but distinct from the species of the Taeniidae family. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that M. benedeni and M. expansa are taxonomically valid species and have a sister relationship, regardless of the analytical method employed. Furthermore, comparing the cox1 gene sequences of Moniezia spp. from the NCBI deposited sequences and the ones obtained in the present study revealed that the nucleotide sequence differences were 12.5% for M. benedeni and 6.2% for M. expansa, respectively, suggesting the existence of cryptic species in these parasites. The complete mt genome sequences reported herein will be valuable in further studies of diagnoses, molecular ecology and population genetics of Moniezia spp. of socio-economic importance.

Oribatid mites as vectors of invasive diseases

Research on mites as intermediate hosts of the tapeworms of the Anoplocephalidae family was encouraged by Stunkard (1937), who discovered that mites are intermediate hosts and vectors for Moniezia expansa tapeworms. This discovery stimulated other researchers to look for other mite hosts. In his review written in 1993, Denegri gathered data available up to 1991 associated with mites acting as intermediate hosts. We extended his list by adding information concerning Oribatida, which participate in the life-cycle of tapeworms of the Anoplocephalidae and Mesocestoididae families. We gathered the Oribatida species that were found to be intermediate hosts by Denegri after 1991 and those that were available but not found in his review. This may be due to the difficulty in obtaining certain articles at that time. We gathered data concerning factors that influence the distribution of oribatid mites, development of cysticercoids in their bodies, and factors that limit the Oribatida species as intermediate hosts.

Influence of Massive and Long Distance Migration on Parasite Epidemiology: Lessons from the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Very little is known about the influence of massive and long distance migration on parasite epidemiology. Migration can simultaneously minimize exposure to common parasites in their habitats and increase exposure to novel pathogens from new environments and habitats encountered during migration, while physiological stress during long distance movement can lead to immune suppression, which makes migrants vulnerable to parasites. In this paper, we investigated the diversity, prevalence, parasite load, co-infection patterns and predilection sites of adult gastrointestinal helminths in 130 migrating wildebeests and tested for their relation with animal age, sex and migration time (which also could indicate different migration routes), and compared them with the non-migratory wildebeest. Surprisingly, only four parasite species were found, Oesophagostomum columbianum, Haemonchus placei, Calicophoron raja and Moniezia expansa, which were lower than in non-migratory wildebeest reported in the literature. These parasites were generalists, infecting livestock, and suggests that wildebeest and livestock, because of their interaction during migration, have a cross-infection risk. There was a negative relation between parasites diversity, prevalence and intensity of infection, and host age, which suggests that wildebeests acquire protective immunity against these parasites as they get older. Prevalence and intensity of infection were higher among wildebeest crossing the Mara Bridge (early migrants) compared to those crossing the Serena (late migrants), which suggests that early migrants (or migrants originating from different areas) have varying infection intensities. The prevalence and intensity of infection were higher in males compared to females and may be due to ecological, behavioural, or physiological differences between males and females. Our findings compared to those of previous studies suggest that migration may provide a mechanism to minimize exposure of hosts to common parasites through migratory escape, but this result awaits examination of helminths epidemiology of non-migratory wildebeests from areas of migrant origins. The potential parasitic cross-infection between wildebeests and livestock is a real risk to be taken into account in the management of wildebeest migration corridors.

Sensitivity and efficiency of selected coproscopical methods-sedimentation, combined zinc sulfate sedimentation-flotation, and McMaster method.

Coproscopical methods used in veterinary-parasitological diagnostics were validated according to their sensitivity (Se) and egg recovery rate [efficiency (Ef)]. Validation of the combined sedimentation-flotation method and the modified McMaster method was performed by using feces spiked with eggs of Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Cooperia oncophora, cyathostomins, Ascaris suum, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Moniezia expansa, and Anoplocephala perfoliata. For validation of the sedimentation method, Fasciola hepatica eggs were used. With the combined sedimentation-flotation method using ZnSO4 as flotation medium [specific gravity (SG) 1.30], 5g fecal samples of all tested parasite species (concentration levels 1, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80epg) were reproducibly detected "positive" (100% Se) as of 80epg. The Ef of the combined sedimentation-flotation method, defined as percentage of rediscovered eggs, revealed clear differences between parasites and showed the highest value for cyathostomins and the lowest for U. stenocephala and T. leonina eggs. The average Ef for all parasite species at 80epg was 1.50%. With the McMaster method (concentration levels 1, 30, 50, 80, 100, 500, and 1000epg), all tested parasite species were detected reliably positive as of 500epg with a mean Ef of 46.4%. When evaluating the sedimentation method (concentration levels 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30epg), F. hepatica eggs were reproducibly found in 5g fecal samples as of 20epg with 20.0% Ef. The result that the combined zinc sulfate sedimentation-flotation method (SG 1.30) as flotation medium provides diagnostic certainty only as of 80epg has to be considered at preventing zoonoses. If pet owners wish to prevent any zoonotic infection ("zero tolerance"), a monthly anthelminthic treatment should be advised instead of monthly fecal examinations.

The influence of the extent of infestation by helminths upon changes in body weight of sheep in Ukraine

Among the following breeds of sheep, Merino, Bleu du Maine, Bluefaced Leicester, Dorper, Clan Forest, Suffolk, Texel and Beltex, helminths of two classes (Nematoda and Cestoda) have been registered in Ukraine (Dnipropetrovsk oblast). Among the nematodes there were: parasites of the digestive system Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803), Strongyloides papillosus (Wedl, 1856), Nematodirus sp., Trichuris sp. and parasites of the respiratory system Muellerius capillaris (Muller, 1889). In the excrements of small ruminants, eggs of Moniezia expansa (Rudolphi, 1805) (Cestoda) – helminths of the small intestine, were found. Among all studied animals we found S. papillosus. 58.2% of sheep were infested with H. contortus. The lowest indicators of invasion extensivity were registered for parasitism of Trichuris sp. and M. capillaries. Extensivity of Nematodirus invasion did not exceed 16.3%. This indicator for cestodiasis, specifically monieziasis, among sheep was 25,5%. The range of fluctuation in intensivity of nematode invasion was within 7 to 860 eggs/g of excrement. This indicator for Cestoda invasion did not exceed 350 eggs/g. The highest indicators of average invasion were registered for parasitism by S. papillosus and H. contortus. The lowest average indicators of intensity were found for Trichuris. For Nematoda and Muellerius they were 25.0 and 88.9 individuals/g of feces correspondingly. The greatest influence on changes of body weight in sheep was caused by nematodes of the digestive tract Trichuris sp. and of the respiratory organs M. capillaris. The indicators of Trichuris infection level are the lowest in comparison with other registered helminthiases.

Prevalence of pasture-associated metazoal endoparasites in Bavarian dairy goat herds and farmers' approaches to parasite control.

The majority of dairy goat farms in Bavaria operate pasture-based systems. Endoparasites are therefore a common problem affecting health and productivity of these herds. Pooled faecal samples from 37 commercial dairy goat farms in Bavaria were examined by modified McMaster, flotation, sedimentation and Baermann funnel techniques. In addition, a questionnaire was used to gather information on farmers' perceptions and parasite management efforts. The average trichostrongyle faecal egg count across the 37 farms was 620 epg, with a median of 450 epg (1st quartile: 135 epg; 3rd quartile: 930 epg; range: < 30 to 3090 epg). Fasciola hepatica eggs were detected on four farms, Moniezia expansa eggs on one, Muellerius capillaris larvae on 13 and Dicrocoelium dendriticum eggs in none of the samples. Following coproculture third stage larvae of trichostrongyle species were identified morphologically. Sufficient larval numbers were obtained from samples from 23 farms. Haemonchus spp. was the most abundant larval genus and accounted for 30.4% of all larvae examined (n = 4868), followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (27.5%), Teladorsagia spp. (21.8%) and Oesophagostomum spp./Chabertia spp. (19.0%; these two genera were not differentiated). Further nematodes were identified according to their egg morphology: Nematodirus spp were present on nine farms, Skrjabinema spp. on nine, Trichuris spp. on five and Strongyloides spp. were not detected in any of the samples. The questionnaire results indicated a widespread lack of farmer awareness of appropriate parasite management and treatment measures. Farmer and veterinary education is therefore important to avoid future resistance problems caused by under-dosing or inappropriate treatments.

Prevalence and Scanning Electron Microscopic Identification of Anoplocephalid Cestodes among Small Ruminants in Senegal.

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of anoplocephalid cestodes in sheep and goats in Senegal. Intestines of 462 sheep and 48 goats were examined; 47.4% of sheep and 6.2% of goats were infected. The species identified and their prevalence were, among sheep, Avitellina centripunctata 38.7%, Moniezia expansa 15.4%, Stilesia globipunctata 16.7%, and Thysaniezia ovilla 0.4%. Among goats, they were M. expansa 6.2% and T. ovilla 2.1%. The prevalence of all species was not statistically different between dry and rainy seasons. The infections were single or multiple. Indeed, 56.2% of sheep were infected by a single species, 37.4% by two species, and 6.4% by three species. For goats, 66.7% were infected by M. expansa and 33.3% by both M. expansa and T. ovilla. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations of tapeworms show the general diagnosis characters of these species.

Staining of Platyhelminthes by herbal dyes: An eco-friendly technique for the taxonomist.

Aim:An environment compatible technique to stain Platyhelminthes, Fasciola gigantica, Gastrothylax crumenifer, Taenia solium, and Moniezia expansa using aqueous and alcoholic extract of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and red rose (Rosa hybrida) were described to minimized the deleterious effects of the synthetic dyes.Materials and Methods:Aqueous/ethanolic extracts of roses were extracted from the flowers while red beet was extracted from the roots.Results:Stained helminthes acquired a comparable level of pigmentation with the distinction of their internal structure in these natural dyes. The flukes (liver and rumen) internal structure, oral and ventral/posterior sucker, cirrus sac, gravid uterus, testes, ovary, and vitallaria were appeared pink color in aqueous and alcoholic extract of either China or red rose and yellow to brown color in sugar beet stain. The interior of the proglottid of T. solium and M. expansa took yellow to brown color with good contrast in sugar beet stain and of pink to pink-red in China and red rose stain.Conclusion:The extract of roses (red rose followed by China rose) followed by red beet possess the potential to replace the conventional stains in the taxonomic study of Platyhelminthes parasites.

Helmintofauna of sheep and goats in Dnipropetrovsk region

Wormsof classes Nematoda Rudolphi, 1808, Trematoda Rudolphi, 1808 and Cestoda Rudolphi, 1808 were registered in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in Dnipropetrovsk region. Identified nematodes belongto Strongylata Railliet et Henry, 1913, Rhabditata Chitwood, 1933 and Trichurata Skrjabin, 1915. Among the trematodes, representatives of Fasciolata (Skrjabin et Schulz, 1935) were identified. Cestodes were represented by Anoplocephalata (Skrjabin, 1933). Among the specific types of nematodes,representatives of the Strongylata suborder were found: Muellerius sp., Protostrongylus sp., Haemonchus contortus Rundolphi, 1802, Nematodirus sp. Among the helminths Rhabditata we identified Strongyloides papillosus Wedl, 1856, Trichurata –Trichuris sp., Fasciolata –Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 andDicrocelium lanceatum Stiles et Hassall, 1896, Anoplocephalata –Moniezia expansa (Rudolphi, 1810) andM. benedeni (Moniez, 1879). The dominant species among worms in ungulates was defined as nematode H. contortus. The smallest share in the group was taken by trematode species F. hepatica and nematodesTrichuris sp. The highest biodiversity indices are recorded in samples of material selected from ungulates consuming pasture herbage from May to September (ten species of worms belonging to three classes:Muellerius sp., Protostrongylus sp., H. contortus, Nematodirus sp., S. papillosus, Trichuris sp., F. hepatica, D. lanceatum, M. expansa, M. benedeni were registered). In animals not pastured throughout the year three types of worms of the class Nematoda: S. papillosus, H. contortus and Nematodirus sp. were defined.

Helminths of saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica L.) in the “Askania Nova” Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine

Abstract Analysis of the species composition and community structure of helminths in saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) was performed using multi-year (1979-2013) data collected from the “Askania Nova” Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine. During this period, 31 saiga antelopes of different ages (7 calves, 24 adults) were examined; totally, more then 63,900 helminth specimens were collected and identified by morphological criteria. Levels of saiga infection by nematodes were from 39 to 671 EPG (207±132 SD); seasonal fluctuations in saiga infections were insignificant (Mann-Whitney test; p&gt;0.05). Nineteen helminth species were found in saigas in the “Askania Nova”: 3 species of Cestoda (Avitellina centripunctata, Moniezia expansa and Taenia hydatigena) and 16 species of Nematoda (Chabertia ovina, Haemonchus contortus, Marshallagia marshalli, Cooperia oncophora, Camelostrongylus mentulatus, Aonchotheca bovis, Skrjabinema ovis, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. probolorus, Ostertagia ostertagi, O. circumcincta, O. trifurcata, Nematodirus spp., Trichurus ovis). From 2 to 13 species per one host were observed. Nematodes dominated within the parasite community and composed more then 99 % of the total helminths found. Significant differences were found in helminth diversity between young and adult saigas (p&lt;0.05). Prevalence- frequency distribution revealed multimodal structure of helminth community with dominant, subdominant, background and rare species. The highest number of helminthes (14 species and 50 % of the total amount) inhabited the small intestine; 11 species (45 %) were found in the abomasum and 9 species (5 %) in the large intestine. The Bray-Curtis cluster analysis revealed significant differences within the helminth communities in saigas from the “Askania Nova” Biosphere Reserve and saigas from Kazakhstan, Dagestan and Kalmykia.

Management of Nguni goats to control gastrointestinal parasites and anthelmintic resistance at KwaMthethwa and Owen Sitole College of Agriculture area

Management techniques that can assist in treating only parasite infested animals can reduce anthelmintic resistance arousing from frequent dosing of all animals. This study aimed to investigate the application of FAMACHA© with no formal training of resource-poor farmers to identify anaemic or helminthes infested animals. Two sites (KwaMthethwa (KM) village and Owen Sitole College of Agriculture (OSCA) farm) with 40 animals each of mixed sex were used in this study. The animals grazed on natural pasture during the day and housed in Kraal at night. FAMACHA© chart scored animals on eye colour; 1 (Red, non-anaemic and acceptable), 2 (red-pink, non-anaemic and border line), 3 (pink, mildly anaemic and dangerous), 4 (pink-white, anaemic and fatal) or 5 (porcelain white, severely)). Eye scoring was over four seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer) alongside faecal egg count (FEC) as a positive control to FAMACHA© diagnosis method. Anaemic animals varied (P<0.05) between the sites, 76.72, 40.34 and 49.37% for KM, OSCA and KM+OSCA, respectively. Comparison of FAMACHA© with FEC showed that only 61.53, 33.5 and 40.12% of the animals were anaemic at KM, OSCA and KM+OSCA, respectively, due to false positive results. Spring, autumn and summer were identified as seasons for frequent monitoring due to higher (P<0.05) gastrointestinal parasite especially Trichostrongylus axei and Moniezia expansa. Approximately 80% of all anaemic animals were identified by no skilled resource-poor farmers using FAMACHA©. This reinforces the economic (cheap) importance and reliability of FAMACHA© chart in parasite resistance management but emphasized on formal training as 20% false negative anemic animals is a lot for a resource-poor farmers. Key words: FAMACHA©, Anthelmintic, resistance, faecal egg count, Nguni goat.

Genetic characterization of Moniezia species in Senegal and Ethiopia

Genetic diversity of Moniezia spp. from domestic ruminants in Senegal and Ethiopia was investigated based on the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA). A total of 64 adult tapeworms were collected from sheep, goat and cattle, and the tapeworms from cattle were all morphologically identified as Moniezia benedeni. On the other hand, the tapeworms obtained from sheep and goat were identified as Moniezia expansa or could not be identified because of the lack of diagnostic morphologic character, i.e. interproglottidal glands (IPGs). Phylogenetic analysis based on cox1 gene sequences revealed that the worms from sheep/goat and cattle formed distinct clades, and three mitochondrial lineages were confirmed within the sheep/goat tapeworms. The maximum pairwise divergences among the three mitochondrial linages were about 3% in cox1 and 0.1% in SSU rDNA, while that between the worms from sheep/goat and cattle reached 13% in cox1 and 2.7% in SSU rDNA. All of the three mitochondrial lineages contained tapeworms morphologically identified as M. expansa, and the tapeworms without IPGs were confirmed in one of the three lineages, indicating the tapeworms without IPGs were also M. expansa.

DISTRIBUTION OF ANOPLOSEFALYATS (FAUNA, TAXONOMY AND BIOLOGY) IN DOMESTIC RUMINANTS ANIMALS OF AZERBAIJAN AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL-GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Anoplotsefalyats (Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, M.autumnalia, Avitellina centripunctata, Thyzaniezia giardi) are common in farm ruminants of Azerbaijan. There are no strict zoning in their distribution and no specificity for the hosts. It was established that in Azerbaijan there are 27 species of oribatid mites that are involved in the life cycle of monieziozis out of which 20 species recorded to be new to our fauna, as their intermediate hosts. Infection of the final (sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo) and intermediate hosts (oribatid mites) happens all the year round. Maximum infection occurs in early spring and late autumn.

Biotransformation of anthelmintics and the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the tapeworm Moniezia expansa.

The sheep tapeworm Moniezia expansa is very common parasite, which affects ruminants such as sheep, goats as well as other species. The benzimidazole anthelmintics albendazole (ABZ), flubendazole (FLU) and mebendazole (MBZ) are often used to treat the infection. The drug-metabolizing enzymes of helminths may alter the potency of anthelmintic treatment. The aim of our study was to assess the activity of the main drug-metabolizing enzymes and evaluate the metabolism of selected anthelmintics (ABZ, MBZ and FLU) in M. expansa. Activities of biotransformation enzymes were determined in subcellular fractions. Metabolites of the anthelmintics were detected and identified using high performance liquid chromatography/ultra-violet/VIS/fluorescence or ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Reduction of MBZ, FLU and oxidation of ABZ were proved as well as activities of various metabolizing enzymes. Despite the fact that the conjugation enzymes glutathione S-transferase, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase and UDP-glucosyl transferase were active in vitro, no conjugated metabolites of anthelmintics were identified either ex vivo or in vitro. The obtained results indicate that sheep tapeworm is able to deactivate the administered anthelmintics, and thus protects itself against their action.