Occurrence Of Gastrointestinal Parasites Research Articles

Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from three provinces of China

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants, especially goats and sheep, have caused significant socio-economic and public health challenges worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in goats and sheep in Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Hunan provinces of China, and to assess whether the age of animals, sampling season and feeding mode influence the distribution and infection of GI parasites. A total of 1,081 fecal samples collected from goats (n = 835) and sheep (n = 246) were detected by saturated saline flotation technique and nylon sifter elutriation and sieving method for eggs/oocysts, respectively. Based on the morphological observation of eggs and oocysts, one tapeworm, five nematodes, three trematodes and nineteen coccidia were identified, of which seven helminths belong to zoonotic parasites. The infection rate of parasites was 83.4% (902/1081) in total samples, 91.6% (765/835) in goats, and 55.7% (137/246) in sheep. The infection rate of coccidia was 71.0% (767/1081), and that of helminths was 56.2% (607/1081). The dominant species was E. alijeri (67.3%, 562/835) in goats, E. parva (30.1%, 74/246) in sheep. The highest prevalent helminths were Trichostrongylidae spp. in goats (58.3%, 487/835), and Moniezia spp. in sheep (22.76%, 56/246). Of 902 positive samples, 825 (91.5%, 825/902) contained multiple (2–10) parasites. The feeding mode, sampling season and regions were relevant risk factors which have significant influence on the occurrence of GI parasites in goats and sheep. The risk coefficient of parasite infection in autumn was 2.49 times higher than spring (Odds ratio = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.51–4.09, p < 0.001). Compared to raising on the high beds, the goats and sheep raising on the ground had the higher risk of parasite infection (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 2.07–7.40, p < 0.001). The risk coefficient of parasite infection in Shaanxi and Hunan was 3.78 and 1.25 times higher than that in Jiangsu (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 2.01–7.12, p < 0.001; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.21–1.29, p < 0.001). These data are significant for the development of prevention strategies to minimise economic losses from small ruminant production and to reduce the risk of water and food infecting humans as vectors of zoonotic parasitic diseases.

Tratamento de isosporose em felinos com ponazuril: Relato de caso

The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats is reported with great frequency, especially when it comes to animals with outdoor access, or living in overcrowded environments, such as catteries and shelters. Infection byIsospora spp in cats begins with the ingestion of sporulated oocysts in the environment or tissues from other infected intermediate vertebrate hosts. Diagnosis is based on the detection of oocysts in cat feces and clinical signs. The recommended treatment for coccidiosis in cats is sulfonamides. Other drugs have been studied as secondary lines of treatment, which is the case of ponazuril and toltrazuril, which have been used in animals to treat isosporosis, toxoplasmosis, neosporosis and equine protozoal meningoencephalitis. There are anecdotal reports of the use of ponazuril in treating Isospora spp. In this study, 21 cats were treated with ponazuril, which proved effective in controlling the disease, since 100% of the cats treated were negative in the coproparasitological examination after the three days of treatment with a dose of 50 mg/kg SID. Furthermore, the animals had considerable improvement in stool consistency after the dosing period.

Gastrointestinal parasites in ancient South American camelid feces from the Atacama Desert (Pampa del Tamarugal, Tarapacá, northern Chile)

AbstractFaunal remains from archeological sites worldwide, especially feces and regurgitated pellets, are usually subjected to paleoparasitological examination, allowing the identification of past animal parasites. In this study, we analyzed 10 samples of South American camelid dung, which played an important role for the ancient human groups in the South‐Central Andes, dated between 341 and 1635 calCE, from the Iluga Túmulos site (Pampa del Tamarugal, Tarapacá region, Atacama Desert, Chile). Microscopy examination revealed parasite remains in seven samples, in which oocysts of Eimeria macusaniensis and eggs of Lamanema chavezi/Nematodirus lamae, Trichuris sp., Moniezia sp., capillariids, strongylids, and unidentified nematodes were found. Although some of these species pose a potential health risk to camelids, most are not considered to be of major zoonotic importance, which could explain the absence of these parasites on human coprolites from this site analyzed previously. This first paleoparasitological study on camelid fecal remains from northern Chile sheds light on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and its relationship with Andean ancient human populations and the environment.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Synanthropic Neozoan Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca, Linnaeus 1766) in Germany

Various studies have shown that the transmission and passage of alien and native pathogens play a critical role in the establishment process of an invasive species and its further spread. Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca) are neozotic birds on various continents. They live not only in the countryside near fresh water bodies but also in urban habitats in Central Europe with close contact to humans and their pets. Although their rapid distribution in Europe is widely debated, scientific studies on the anthropozoonotic risks of the population and studies on the present endoparasites in Egyptian geese are rare worldwide. In the present study, 114 shot Egyptian geese and 148 non-invasively collected faecal samples of wild Egyptian geese from 11 different Federal States in Germany were examined. A total of 13 metazoan endoparasite species in 12 different genera were identified. The main endoparasites found were Hystrichis tricolor, Polymorphus minutus, and, in lesser abundance, Cloacotaenia sp. and Echinuria uncinata. Adult stages of Echinostoma revolutum, an anthropozoonotic heteroxenic trematode, were found in 7.9% of the animals examined postmortem. This species was additionally identified by molecular analysis. Although Egyptian geese live in communities with native waterfowl, it appears that they have a lower parasitic load in general. The acquisition of generalistic parasites in an alien species and the associated increased risk of infection for native species is known as “spill-back” and raises the question of impacts on native waterfowl. Differences between animals from rural populations and urban populations were observed. The present study represents the first large-scale survey on gastrointestinal parasites of free-ranging Egyptian geese.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites among Patients Attending Designated Tuberculosis Clinics in Rivers State, Nigeria

Diseases of gastrointestinal parasites remain a major public health concern. This study was aimed at determining the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites among patients attending designated tuberculosis clinics in Rivers State, Nigeria. The clinics included Chest clinic, Rumuigbo, General hospital, Ahoada and Meridian hospital. The study was conducted between July 2020 and August 2021. Stool and blood samples were collected from 1288 participants and examined for the presence of ova, cysts, oocyst and trophozoites of gastrointestinal parasites using formol-ether concentration and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. ELISA was used to examine the blood samples for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia lamblia. Out of the 1288 patients examined, 580 (45%) were infected and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). Gastrointestinal parasites identified included Ancyclostoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Cryptosporidium spp, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia. Cryptosporidium spp. was the most prevalent (p<0.05). Females had a higher prevalence (55.9%) than males (44.1%), and the age group 11-20 years were most infected. The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was higher in the wet season (p<0.05). Sources of drinking water and housing types were risk factors that had a significant influence on the infection (p<0.05). The gastrointestinal parasite was not influenced by the occupation, as well as the educational levels of the participants. The study showed that tuberculosis patients were more infected than non-tuberculosis patients, and occurrence was higher in rural areas than in urban areas; both were significant (p<0.05). Detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium using non-ELISA and ELISA techniques were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The study showed a higher prevalence of infection; therefore, there is a need to enhance health education on the mode of transmission of gastrointestinal parasites and improve on personal and environmental hygiene of tuberculosis patients and the population as a whole; to reduce the occurrence of infection

Ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais em cães de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso

Gastrointestinal parasitism by helminths and protozoa poses risks to animal and human health owing to clinical changes and transmission of potentially zoonotic agents. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil, using coproparasitological tests. From June 2021 to April 2022, faecal samples were collected from domestic dogs at the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Protection Shelters in the Cuiabá municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the owners and those responsible for the shelters to analyse the factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitism. A total of 353 faecal samples were collected and subjected to parasitological flotation and sedimentation techniques. Data were analysed using the chi-squared test and exploratory factorial analysis. The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism was 22.66% and the parasites found alone or in mixed infections were Ancylostoma spp., Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Cystoisospora spp., Giardia duodenalis, and coccidia. It was concluded that the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs is frequent, and the variables associated with these infections were source origin, breed, age, coexistence with other animals, and dull fur.

Gastrointestinal parasites of wild carnivores from conservation institutions in the Cerrado of Goiás, Brazil.

Increased interaction between wild and urban environments owing to human population growth, increased anthropization of biomes, and habitat loss for wild animals increases the spread of infectious and parasitic agents. The present study reports on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in carnivorous mammals at two conservation institutions in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Fecal samples from 39 adult carnivores were collected after spontaneous defecation and analyzed by flotation and sedimentation. The structure and management data of each institution were recorded. Parasitism prevalence, binomial confidence intervals (CI) at 95%, variables associated with the presence of contact animals, size of the enclosure and type of food were recorded. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the samples analyzed was 71.8% (CI 55.1-83.0; 28/39). Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Strongyloides spp., Calodium hepaticum, and Trematoda eggs, and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were detected. Environmental conditions were not correlated with parasitism prevalence; however, the parasites found could be managed, considering their biology, such as controlling synanthropic and domestic animals in captivity, feeding with healthy feed.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cattle Slaughtered at Central Abattoir in Katsina Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cattle Slaughtered at Central Abattoir in Katsina Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

Preliminary assessment of gastrointestinal parasites of the sun-tailed monkey (Allochrocebus solatus) in a semi-free-ranging colony.

The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in the sun-tailed monkey (Allochrocebus solatus) at the CIRMF primatology center is unknown. We, therefore, assessed the presence and richness (number of different parasite taxa) of gastrointestinal parasites in a semi-free-ranging colony of A. solatus. A total of 46 fecal samples were screened using a modified McMaster technique for fecal egg counts. In the 46 samples collected, seven taxa of gastrointestinal parasites, including protozoa and nematodes were identified. The most prevalent parasite was strongyles parasites (98%), followed by Trichuris spp. (72%), Strongyloides spp. (67%) and Entamoeba coli (65%). Balantioides coli (33%), Endolimax nana (25%), and Spirurid eggs (26%) were only found in a minority of the animals. This study contributes new host records of gastrointestinal parasites in semi-free-ranging A. solatus and highlights the need to investigate the health of this species and implement proper precautions in the management of this colony.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild animals from two Brazilian Zoological Gardens

Keeping animals in zoos is important for the preservation of endangered species. However, captive animals can also be affected by different species of parasites. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in wild and exotic animals from two zoos in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples were obtained by spontaneous defecation of 287 specimens, grouped into mammals (n = 101), birds (n = 99), and reptiles (n = 87). The samples were assessed using two techniques, Mini-FLOTAC and Ziehl-Neelsen, to identify helminths and protozoa, respectively. In total, 60.2% (173/287) of the animals evaluated were positive for some type of gastrointestinal parasite. Among the classes evaluated, mammals (81.1%; 82/101; p-value <0.0001) were mostly affected, followed by birds (56.6%; 56/99) and reptiles (40.2%; 35/87). Furthermore, our findings showed that the parasites Ancylostomatidae and coccidian oocysts were the most abundant among the species. It is important to highlight the first record of some parasites in species in the South America, such as: Ancylostomatidae in Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) and Brown Bear (Ursus arctos); Toxascaris leonina in Leo (Panthera leo); and Trichostrongyloidea and Ascarididae in Equus quagga burchellii and Lama glama. Taken together, our data showed a high occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive animals, including zoonotic species, which may pose a risk to animal and human public health.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites among pigeons in Kerala

Pigeon rearing is comparatively easy and profitable when compared to rearing of otherexotic birds such as canaries and parrots. As the bird population is on the rise, there is a steadyupsurge in the occurrence of diseases too. Parasitic infestation among pigeons can be mild tofatal and thus a major cause of concern. A study was conducted to find out the occurrence ofgastrointestinal parasites among pigeons in Kerala. Out of 91 pigeons tested, 79were foundpositive for ova of gastrointestinal parasites with a prevalence of 86.8 per cent.Ascaridia spp.(59.3per cent) and Capillaria spp.(19.7 per cent) were the most common nematodes observed.Oocysts of Eimeria spp. was observed in 39.5 per cent of pigeons screened. Mixed infections were also noticed in 35.1 per cent of birds. This study depicts a very high occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites among pigeons of Kerala which in turn requires intervening measures to reduce the incidence.

Communal sheep farmer’s knowledge and attitudes on the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) negatively impact small ruminant production and productivity nationwide, particularly in tropical and sub-tropic regions. Amongst other nematodes, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Teladorsagia circumcincta are the most common species in small ruminants animals. Thus, this study aimed to investigate communal sheep farmer's knowledge and attitudes toward GIPs in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September and November 2018 from three agro-ecological zones, namely, arid region, semi-humid, and humid. All data from this study were analysed with the Statistical Analysis System. Of the total of 107 farmers who participated in the study, 69% were males, and 38% were females. Most livestock owners (85%) were aged >46 years old across all the study areas. The majority of farmers (83%) perceived that their animals are susceptible to wireworm (H. contortus) during the hot-wet season, followed by the hot-dry season (14%), with relatively low during the cold season (2%). Most farmers (85%) interviewed revealed that lambs are more exposed to parasitic infection, than mature sheep (15%) across all agro-eco-logical zones. An insignificant number of farmers (8%) with knowledge about GIPs life cycle and its biology (92%) across all agro-ecological zones. This study reveals a significant increase in the occurrence of GIPs over the past few years across all agro-ecological, with largely (67%) attributed to the resistance of the strain to deworming remedies and changes in climatic weather patterns (33%). The farming experience was strongly (p < 0.05) associated with the farmer's gender and age. Helminths were reported significantly higher (p < 0.05) in humid zones than in other agro-ecological zones. This study concludes that most farmers perceived lambs as more susceptible to GIPs than old sheep. Therefore, farmers should be enlightened about the infection and transmission dynamics of the GIPs to develop appropriate control measures against worm infection to boost sheep production in the study area. It was also suggested that farmers should adhere to remedial instruction and adopt rotational deworming programs to avoid anthelmintic resistance.

Factors affecting the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and lungworm in dogs and assessment of antiparasitic drug use patterns

Dogs are hosts of parasites with different pathogenicities and zoonotic risks. The aim of our study was to assess factors that could affect the occurrence of endoparasitic infections in dogs using questionnaires for owners and examining canine faeces. Based on the responses of dog owners, we evaluated ways of the preventive and therapeutic use of antiparasitic drugs. One faecal sample was obtained from each dog (391 samples total), and then examined by flotation, larvoscopic, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. We focused on zoonotic tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Taenia crassiceps. The answers in the dog owners’ questionnaires showed that owners most often dewormed their dogs irregularly (96.4%), namely, twice a year (24.3%). In coprological examinations the following parasites were detected: Giardia spp., Cystoisospora ohioensis complex, Neospora caninum/Hammondia heydorni, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp., Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Ancylostoma spp. and Taenia spp. A total of 4 out of 391 PCR investigated samples of faeces were positive for DNA of Taenia species. Sequences were obtained for 3 of them, confirming 100% identity with T. crassiceps. The zoonotic helminths Toxocara canis were the more prevalent species (9.3%, 4.3%, 1.9% group A, B, C). We consider the presence of T. crassiceps in 3 dog faecal samples to be serious due to its zoonotic potential. Data collected within this study showed that the prevention against endoparasites carried out at the breeders’ discretion is insufficient to ensure the health of their dogs or to cover the risk of zoonotic transmission.

Occurrence of GI parasites in ruminants of Kashmir and Ladakh.

The study was conducted in Kashmir and Ladakh Divisions of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir to work out the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants. The qualitative faecal examination of 476 samples revealed an overall prevalence of GI parasites to the tune of 80.04% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 96.70% in sheep and 66.27% in goats. In Kashmir overall prevalence of GI parasites was 88.33% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 98.41% in sheep and 100% in goats. Highest prevalence was observed for strongyles (84.00%) followed by Eimeria spp. (31.67%), Moniezia spp. (20.00%), Ascaris spp. (5.33%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.67%). Mixed infection was observed in 37.67% samples. In cattle, the parasites observed were strongyles (68.37%) and Eimeria spp. (13.27%) with mixed infection in 1.02% samples. In sheep highest prevalence was observed for strongylid eggs (97.88%) followed by Eimeria spp. (43.38%), Moniezia spp. (31.74%), Ascaris spp. (8.47%) and Strongyloides spp. (2.64%) with mixed infection in 59.26% samples. Amongst goats, only strongylid eggs (100%) were observed. In Ladakh region overall prevalence of GI parasites was 65.91% with 82.61% in sheep and 63.40% in pashmina goats. Highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (63.64%) followed by strongyles (9.09%) Moniezia spp. (5.11%) and Thysanosoma spp. (1.14%). Mixed infection was observed in 13.07% samples. In sheep, highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (73.91%) followed by strongyles (17.39%) and Thysanosoma spp. (8.70%) with mixed infection in 17.39% samples. In pashmina goats, the prevalence of Eimeria spp. (62.09%) was observed highest followed by strongylid eggs (7.84%) and Moniezia spp. (5.88%) with mixed infection in 12.42% samples.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Indonesia

Gastrointestinal nematode parasites play an important role in cattle farming in Indonesia. The majority of parasite infection cases cause weight loss and decreases in appetite, productivity, milk production and farmers’ economic income. This study aimed at finding out the incidence of gastrointestinal nematode parasite disease in cattle at several regions in Indonesia. It was conducted in the period of March 6th to October 2020. There were totally 335 samples randomly drawn from various regions in 15 provinces of 34 provinces in Indonesia. Stool was examined using Whitlock and flotation methods. The results showed that the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes Strongyle, Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., and Ascaris sp. amounted to 24.2%. The highest prevalence of the Strongyle nematodes was found in West Nusa Tenggara (52%), Central Kalimantan (50.8%) and Southeast Sulawesi (40%). The prevalence of the Trichuris sp. in East Java was 15%, while it was 10% in Central Kalimantan. The prevalence of the Capillaria sp. in North Kalimantan was 21.1%, in West Sumatra 18.8% and in East Java 6.7%. The prevalence of the Ascaris sp. worms in East Java was 16.7%. The results of the characterization based on age, sex and cattle management showed that 4.6% of the Strongyle worms were found in bulls, 2.74% in females, 4.38% in intensive maintenance and 2.47% in semi-intensive maintenance, while 5.48% of the worms were found in adult cattle and 1.37% in young cattle. The same pattern was observed in Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp. and Ascarids sp. infections. The results indicated the need for the eradication of the gastrointestinal nematodes through deworming and good management system.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants in the Central Part of Myanmar.

Gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants remains one of the major economic losses caused by reduced productivity. A total of 380 faecal samples were taken from 280 sheeps in Magway and Pwintbyu Townships and 100 goats in Natmauk Township, Myanmar. Faecal flotation and sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. The overall occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants was 98.4% (374/380). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep (99.3%) was higher than that in goats (96%). The highest occurrence was found in Eimeria spp. (96%), followed by Trichostrongyle (77.1%), Trichuris spp. (35%), and Moniezia expansa (14%). The mixed infection rate was 84.8% (317/374), while a single infection was 15.2% (57/374). The mean eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces were ranged from 50 to 600 and 50 to 29,800, respectively. Among the 4 nucleotide sequences isolated, one sequence was 94.10-94.47% similarity with Trichostrongylus colubriformis, reported from Laos, and three sequences showed 96.64-99.46% identity with Haemonchus contortus from Laos, China, India, and Mongolia. As gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants was relatively high in the study area, the development of appropriate treatment and control measures should be provided to reduce production losses.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Camels in the Tianshan Mountains Pastoral Area in China.

IntroductionGastrointestinal parasites are some of the most common pathogens which are seriously harmful to the camel’s health. The infection status of gastrointestinal parasites in camels (Camelus bactrianus) in the Tianshan Mountains pastoral area in China is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the species and infection intensity of gastrointestinal tract parasites in local camels.Material and MethodsA total of 362 fresh faecal samples were collected and examined for parasite eggs using the saturated saline floating and natural sedimentation method. The parasite eggs were subjected to morphological and molecular examination and identification, and the infection rate and mean intensity of the parasites were analysed.ResultsA total of 15 gastrointestinal tract parasite species’ eggs were identified, with a detection rate of 100%. Ostertagia spp. (100%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (98.1%) were dominant. Camels were often coinfected by 5–14 species. The average number of eggs per gram of faeces was higher for Ostertagia spp. (298), Haemonchus contortus (176) and Nematodirus spp. (138). The number of species of parasites infecting young camels was significantly lower than that of adult camels, but the infection intensity in young camels was significantly higher.ConclusionGastrointestinal parasites were highly prevalent in camels from the Tianshan Mountains pastoral area in China. This finding provides important epidemiological data for the prevention and control of associated infections in camels.

Giardia duodenalis associated with other gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in the North of the Brazilian state of Parana

The sheep industry, a very important economic activity in Paraná State, can be affected by gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep raised in the north region of Paraná State. Fecal samples were collected from 69 animals and processed by flotation and sedimentation techniques. Parasites were observed in 63 (91.3%) animals. The most frequent parasites were strongylid eggs (81.2%), followed by Eimeria sp (42%) and Giardia duodenalis (10.1%). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Giardia duodenalis in sheep raised in Parana State. These results indicate that sanitary management must be improved in order to control infections by these parasites and increase the productivity.

Study on Gastrointestinal Parasitism of Wild Animals in Captivity at the Zoological Garden of Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Captivity of wild animals and restriction of their movement can lead to stress, resulting in suppressed immune response and reduced disease resistance ability. Wild animals in zoological gardens can predominately affected by various gastro-intestinal parasites. This study was therefore, conducted to determine occurrence, identify types and assess seasonal variation of gastrointestinal parasites in captive animals at the Zoological garden of Haramaya University. The study involved a retrospective investigation of zoo records and fecal examinations. Twenty two fecal samples were collected in December, 2013 from all the animals in the garden and examined using concentration and fecal culture techniques. Sampling was repeated after four months in April, 2014 to assess seasonal variations of the parasites. The result from the retrospective study showed death of 21 animals in the last five years. Fecal examination confirmed presence of gastrointestinal parasites with an overall mean prevalence rate of 73.8%. A total of 9 parasite taxa were identified of which 6 (66.67%) and 4 (33.33%) were helminths and protozoa respectively. No Cestode and Trematode species were recovered. Trichuris spp., Toxocara spp., Strongyloides spp., Toxascaris leonine, Passalurus ambiguous and Ascaridia spp. were the helminth parasites observed in the garden. Entamoeba spp., Isospora spp. and Eimeria spp. were the protozoan parasites encountered. No remarkable seasonal variation in parasitic infection was noticed in the garden. The study revealed occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in the zoological garden, most of which are zoonotic and hence future studies are needed to determine risks of cross-transmission.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Mammals from Germany.

An increase in zoonotic infections in humans in recent years has led to a high level of public interest. However, the extent of infestation of free-living small mammals with pathogens and especially parasites is not well understood. This pilot study was carried out within the framework of the "Rodent-borne pathogens" network to identify zoonotic parasites in small mammals in Germany. From 2008 to 2009, 111 small mammals of 8 rodent and 5 insectivore species were collected. Feces and intestine samples from every mammal were examined microscopically for the presence of intestinal parasites by using Telemann concentration for worm eggs, Kinyoun staining for coccidia, and Heidenhain staining for other protozoa. Adult helminths were additionally stained with carmine acid for species determination. Eleven different helminth species, five coccidians, and three other protozoa species were detected. Simultaneous infection of one host by different helminths was common. Hymenolepis spp. (20.7%) were the most common zoonotic helminths in the investigated hosts. Coccidia, including Eimeria spp. (30.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (17.1%), and Sarcocystis spp. (17.1%), were present in 40.5% of the feces samples of small mammals. Protozoa, such as Giardia spp. and amoebae, were rarely detected, most likely because of the repeated freeze-thawing of the samples during preparation. The zoonotic pathogens detected in this pilot study may be potentially transmitted to humans by drinking water, smear infection, and airborne transmission.