Ovine Fascioliasis Research Articles

Serological Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis at Two Slaughterhouse in the Province of Djelfa in Algeria

The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence and some associated risk factors of Fasciola hepatica in sheep in the Algerian agro-pastoral region, Djelfa. For this, a total of 217 blood samples were taken from sheep (100 females and 117 males) aged on average ten months in two slaughterhouses in an Algerian agro-pastoral region, Djelfa during the period from January to October 2021 and analyzed by the ELISA method (BIOK 211-Monoscreen AbELISA Fasciola hepatica test) at the regional veterinary laboratory of Laghouat. The collected sera were numbered and stored at -20°C until analysis. Technical sheets were filled out with each sampled animal, including information on age, sex, locality and season. The results showed that the rate of positive seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica was 0.46% in sheep. This positivity rate was found in April in a 2-year-old female. At the same time, two doubtful cases (0.92%) were identified, one in a five-year-old female during the month of August and the other in a six-month-old male during the month of September. These results indicate the possibility of fasciolosis infestation in sheep farms in the Djelfa region and the zoonotic risk that this represents, as well as the economic losses that result from it.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Ovine Fasciolosis in Ejere District, West Shewa, Ethiopia

Fasciolosis is one of the most prevalent trematode helminth infections of ruminants in different parts of the world. It causes significant morbidity and mortality. The presence of fasciolosis due to F.hepatica and F.gigantica in Ethiopia has long been known, and its prevalence and economic significance have been reported by several researchers. However, the disease is insufficiently investigated, and information relating to its magnitude, distribution, and risk factors is scant Ejere district, West Shewa Oromia region of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to June 2022 in the Ejere district with the objective of estimating the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis and assessing the various risk factors associated with it. A total of 196 fecal samples from sheep were collected by using simple random technique and examined. The data was analyzed using SPSS software. Among a total of 196 examined sheep, 41 were found positive for Fasciola, with an overall prevalence of 20.92%. The prevalence of fasciolosis recorded in the six kebeles was 5.45%, 14.29%, 7.14%, 16.22%, 5.45%, and 11.94% in Ejere Sokile, Baso, Kimmoyye, Ilu Aga, Kusaye, and Gaba Jimata, respectively. In this study, ovine fasciolosis showed a statistically significant difference in sex, management system, body condition, and history of deworming (p<0.05). The difference in age was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The current study indicates that fasciolosis is a common and prevalent disease in sheep in the study area. Strategic anthelmintic treatment with appropriate drugs and a reduction in the risk of infection should be upgraded in society.

Epizootiology of Fasciolosis in Sheep (Ovis aries) Raising in Geoclimatic Setting of Poonch District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Fasciolosis is wide spread parasitic disease of herbivores outcomes in the form of financial losses in livestock looking in the form of deaths, infected livers, reduced growth, milk, meat and wool production. The presentinvestigation was intended to find out prevalence of ovine Fasciolosis in (Poonch) Rawalakot Azad Kashmir. For said determination, 300 sheep belong todifferent age groups and genders were randomly selected. Out of these, 101(33.6%) animals were found positive for Fasciolosis through coprological examination. The results demonstrated that 34.6% prevalence of Fasciolosis in female sheep and 30.6%in male sheep. There was insignificant variance in prevalence of Fasciolosis based on gender of sheep. Significant difference infrequencyof fasciolosis (P < 0.05) was found amongst sheep of different age groups. It was concluded that Fasciolosis is prevalent is sheep in and around Rawalakot Azad Jammu & Kashmir and is continuous threat to the health and production of sheep.

Prevalence of ovine fasciolosis and its associated risk factors: The case of in and around Bedele Town, Bunno Bedele Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: Ethiopia is rich in sheep and goats, accounting for 63% of the income from financial production and 23% of the cost of food. However, this immense wealth potential has not been well exploited for the support of farmers and their contribution to the economy as a whole due to various factors such as diseases. Among these, fascioliasis is one of the most economically important parasitic diseases of farm animals, especially in sheep. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with ovine fasciolosis in the study area. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with ovine fasciolosis in four randomly selected peasant associations in and around Bedele town by using standard fecal sedimentation techniques. Results: Out of a total of 384 sheep faecal samples processed and examined, 85 (22.1%) were positive for fasciolosis. Risk factors such as origin, age, sex, and body condition were also assessed for the occurrence of the disease. Accordingly; Shebe (26.4%) had a higher sheep fasciolosis, followed by Yabella (22.5%), Dabena Daru (20.8%), and Bedele 02 (17.5%) with no significant differences in peasant associations (p > 0.05). The prevalence rate under different body condition scores was recorded as poor (38.6%) compared to medium (22.3%), followed by good (16.3%). Similarly, infection was found to be among female (23%) and male (21%) sex groups; but had a statistically significant association (p < 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendations: Current research suggests that fasciolosis affecting sheep was a common parasitic disease in the study area, so control strategies should be developed to reduce the spread of infection.

A REVIEW ON OVINE FASCIOLOLSIS

Fascioliasis is a common disease of sheep and other ruminants caused by F. hepatica and F. gigantica. The disease is worldwide in distribution and is liable for causing extensive economic losses to the livestock industry encompassing reductions in weight gain, wool production and fertility. It is caused by two members of genus Fasciola; Fasciola (F.) gigantica and F. hepatica. Fasciolosis is also known as, fasciolasis, distomatosis and liver rot. It occasionally affects humans, hence considered as a zoonotic disease. The life cycle of these trematodes involves snail as an intermediate host (IH). The epidemiology of fascioliasis is strictly linked to the geographical and environmental characteristics of the area where transmission occurs. The disease mostly diagnosed by prior knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease in a given environment; observation of clinical signs, information on grazing history, seasonal occurrence and standard examination of feces in the laboratory. The affected sheep should be effectively treated with oral administration of a narrow spectrum anthelmintic such as Triclabendazole in addition to reducing the population of the intermediate host to control the disease. Now a days, fasciolosis is recognized as emerging human disease over the world even if only few case reports of human fascioliasis are available in Ethiopia, as the disease mostly affects animals in the country. It causes several economic losses. The losses may be direct or indirect. Treatment of infected animals will largely depend on the correct use of appropriate and registered anthelmintics. Ovine fasciolosis may be controlled by reducing the populations of the intermediate snail hosts and by appropriate anthelmintic treatment. Key words: Anthelmintic, Ethiopia, Fasciola, Ovine

Study of triclabendazole effects on Fasciola hepatica’s life-supporting organs, spines and suckers responsible for stable position of the parasite in the host

The purpose of the research is to study triclabendazole effects on the Fasciola’s life-supporting organs, spines and suckers which are responsible for stable position of the parasite in the host.Materials and methods. The study material was trematodes Fasciola hepatica (Linneus 1758, family Fasciolidae Railliet 1895), which were collected after the action of triclabendazole (fasinex) (chemically 5-chloro-6-(2,3-dichlorophenoxy)-2-methylthiobenzimidazole)on the 7th day after the drug administered at a single dose of 10 mg/kg for the Active Substance in the treatment of ovine fasciolosis. F. hepatica from untreated animals served as control. Mature F. hepatica collected after treatment with triclabendazole, and marita from the control groups were dehydrated in ascending alcohol series for 1–2 days after fixation; then passed through a mixture of chloroform and absolute alcohol (in a ratio of 1:1), and through pure chloroform in two portions for 10–15 minutes. The material was then soaked in a mushy mixture of chloroform and paraffin in a thermostat at 37 °C for 12–18 hours, and in paraffin in a thermostat at 56 °C for 30–45 minutes; and then embedded in paraffin with added wax. The resulting paraffin blocks were broken down into serial sections of 5–7 μm thick, then stained and examined under a light microscope.Results and discussion. Pathomicromorphological analysis of F. hepatica’s spines and suckers, organs that come into adhesive contact with the host organism revealed destructive changes in them after the action of triclabendazole. After the action of triclabendazole on fascioles, the spines look enlarged and swollen, and have a more rounded shape and some changes in color, absorbing eosin in greater concentration. The muscle fibers of the fascioles’ oral and abdominal suckers also look swollen after the action of triclabendazole. Although the musculature of the F. hepatica’s pharynx retained its structure, it has changes. It thickened sharply, which is clearly visible on the transverse and longitudinal sections of the helminths; neurosecretory cells are destroyed, and voids are observed in their place.

Protective and antioxidant effects of silymarin in sheep with fasciolosis treated by clorsulon

Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease that causes economic losses. ‎In the present study, the protective effects of silymarin alone and in ‎combination with clorsulon were investigated in sheep naturally infected with ‎Fasciola hepatica. For this purpose, 40 Sangsari breed sheep ‎were used, which were divided into five groups, including 1- healthy sheep without treatment 2- ‎fasciolosis affected sheep without treatment 3- fasciolosis affected sheep treated with silymarin 4- fasciolosis affected sheep treated with ‎Clorsulon, and 5- fasciolosis affected sheep treated with silymarin ‎and clorsulon. Biochemical parameters including triglyceride, total bilirubin, total protein, cholesterol, and albumin, were ‎measured. The serum level of malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and ‎hematological parameters were determined and compared among groups. Additionally, histopathological changes ‎were ‎‎‎investigated using light microscopy. Biochemical analysis showed significant ‎improvement in bilirubin levels, total protein, cholesterol, and albumin in sheep treated with silymarin ‎and clorsulon (p<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity increased in group treated with silymarin (p<0.05) compared to group 2, and the amount of oxidative stress decreased (p<0.01). Silymarin also improved hematologic factors and prevented a decrease in red blood cells (p<0.05).‎ Liver inflammation, ‎fibrosis, necrosis, and hyperplasia of the ‎bile ‎duct decreased significantly with the silymarin and ‎clorsulon group compared to the other groups ‎‎(p<0.0001). These findings ‎showed that using ‎silymarin in combination with clorsulon ‎improved their ‎therapeutic effects in treatment of ovine fasciolosis through enhancement of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationship.

Coprological Examination of Ovine Fasciolosis in Horro District Community Based Sheep Breeding Program, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to March 2018 to determine the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in the Community Based Horro Sheep Breeding site at Horro district, Horro Guduru Wollega zone, Ethiopia. Coprological examination was performed on a total of 390 sheep at the study area. Age, sex, body condition score and peasant association were taken into consideration as rik factors. An overall prevalence of fasciolosis 45.4% 95% CI (40.41 50.36 was found on the basis of coprological examinations. The prevalence of fasciolosis findings according to PAs were (41.5%) in Laku Ingu and (48.2%) in Gitilo Dole. Statistical analysis of the prevalence among study site (PAs) showed insignificant difference P=0.102 (P&gt;0.05), but significant difference (P&lt;0.05) was observed between animal age groups (P=0.032, with a prevalence of 37.2% in young and 49.8% in adult) and body condition scores (P=0.001, with a prevalence of 57.9%, 43.5% and 29.9% in sheep with poor, medium and good body condition score, respectively. There was insignificance difference (P&gt;0.05) in sex group of study animals in which the prevalence was 47.6% in female and 38.8% in male. Therefore further studies on the epidemiology, seasonal dynamic of the disease, the snail intermediate host and impacts of the infection in animal production with implementations of strategic intervention is necessary.

Ovine fascioliasis: environmental epidemiology and meta-analysis of the prevalence, Agro-ecological and economic factors in five provinces of the Nile Delta region of Egypt

Ovine fascioliasis: environmental epidemiology and meta-analysis of the prevalence, Agro-ecological and economic factors in five provinces of the Nile Delta region of Egypt

Study on Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Kutaber Woreda, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Study on Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Kutaber Woreda, South Wollo, Ethiopia

The failure of a DNA prime/protein boost regime and CTLA-4 mediated targeting to improve the potency of a DNA vaccine encoding Fasciola hepatica phosphoglycerate kinase in sheep

DNA vaccination in large animals has often been associated with poor immunogenicity, consequently several approaches have been evaluated to enhance its efficacy. Here, we tested a cDNA encoding a phosphoglycerate kinase from Fasciola hepatica (cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV) as a vaccine against ovine fasciolosis and investigated whether a DNA prime/protein boost regime or CTLA-4 (cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen 4) mediated targeting improved DNA vaccine efficacy. No statistically significant differences in the cellular responses were seen in either vaccine trial when compared with the respective control groups. However, specific antibody responses were considerably enhanced in DNA primed/protein boosted sheep, but not among CTLA-4 targeted cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV vaccinated animals. Nevertheless, increased titers of specific IgG1 did not contribute to protection against infection, with no differences in liver fluke recoveries reported. If DNA vaccines against fasciolosis in target species are to reach the market one day, more research in this area is needed.

Study on Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Kutaber Woreda, South Wollo, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Kindu Wondmnew*, Wossen Temesgen, Mohammed Hussien and Yeshiwork Arega Author Affiliations Kutaber Woreda Livestock Resource Development Office, Ethiopia Received: August 29, 2019 | Published: September 09, 2019 Corresponding author: Kindu Wondmnew, DVM, Kutaber Woreda Livestock Resource Development Office, Ethiopia DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.21.003568

Fasciola hepatica Infection in Cattle: Analyzing Responses of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) Using a Transcriptomics Approach.

The parasitic helminth Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) causes economic loss to the livestock industry globally and also causes zoonotic disease. New control strategies such as vaccines are urgently needed, due to the rise of drug resistance in parasite populations. Vaccine development requires a comprehensive understanding of the immunological events during infection. Previous in vivo studies by our group have investigated global differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to both acute and chronic F. hepatica infection. This work demonstrated that pathways involved in the pathogenesis of ovine fasciolosis included fibrosis, inhibition of macrophage nitric oxide production, and antibody isotype switching, among others. Transcriptomic changes in PBMC populations following F. hepatica infection in cattle, in which the disease phenotype is quite different, have not yet been examined. Using RNA sequencing we investigated gene expression changes in PBMC isolated from 9 non-infected and 11 F. hepatica-experimentally-infected calves immediately before infection, at 1 and at 14 weeks post-infection. Longitudinal time-course comparisons between groups revealed 21 and 1,624 DEGs driven exclusively by F. hepatica infection in cattle at acute and chronic stages, respectively. These results show that fewer DEGs at the acute stage of infection can be identified in cattle, as compared with sheep. In addition, the log2 fold-changes of these DEGs were relatively low (−1 to 3) reflecting the different clinical presentation of F. hepatica infection in cattle. Gene pathways for hepatic fibrosis and hepatic cholestasis along with apoptosis of antigen-presenting cells were enriched at chronic stages. Our results reflect the major differences in the disease phenotype between cattle and sheep and may indicate pathways to target in vaccine development.

Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center (DBARC) to estimate the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis, and to assess the associated risk factors for the disease. Sedimentation technique was employed to detect fasciola eggs during the study period. A total of 121 faecal samples were examined, in which 85(70.2%) were found to be positive for fasciolosis. Breed wise study was conducted and 57.6%, 35.3%, and 7.1% prevalence’s were recorded for Local, Cross and Exotic sheep breeds, respectively. The difference in the prevalence of the disease among breeds was statistically significant (X2=32.277; df=2; p=0.000).

A Study on Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Busa Town, Dawo Woreda, South West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region

A Study on Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Busa Town, Dawo Woreda, South West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region

The Prevalence of Bovine and Ovine Fasciolosis and the Associated Economic Loss Due to Liver Condemnation in and around Debire Birhan, Ethiopia

CA cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2013 up to March 2014 to assess the prevalence, risk factors and direct economic loss of bovine and ovine fasciolosis in and around Debire Birhan, a town of North shoa Amhara Regional state. In the present study coprology, postmortem examination, questionnaire survey and an abattoir retrospective data were retrieved and analyzed. Seven Kebeles were purposively selected for coprological examination by considering the number of cattle and sheep population of the area and proximity to parasitological laboratories. Coprological examination of fecal samples randomly collected from 300 cattle and 280 sheep revealed an overall prevalence of 62.3% in cattle and 60.7% in sheep whereas 450 (300 cattle and 150 sheep) animals were randomly selected from Debire Birhan Municipal Abattoir for post mortem examination and revealed a total prevalence of 58.6% and 56.0% in cattle and sheep, respectively. This study shows that risk factors such as locality, species and age didn’t show significant effect on the prevalence of infections in both cattle and sheep (P&gt;0.05). However, season, sex, and body condition revealed significant difference (P&lt; 0.05) as higher degree of infections were detected in Autumn, female and in poor body conditioned, respectively. Species identification revealed that F. hepatica was highly abundant (43.8%) as compared to Fasciola gigantica (10.2%) in cattle. Likewise sheep livers also harbored F. hepatica (44.0%) and F.gigantica (15.5%). Certain proportion of mixed and unidentified immature fluke infection also common in both species. The economic loss incurred due to condemned liver as a result of bovine and ovine fasciolosis was estimated to be 59,387ETB (2969USD) per annum. In conclusion, fasciolosis was proved to be widely distributed disease with higher prevalence and great impact on the economy. Therefore integrated vector and parasite control approaches should be involved so as to reduce the snail burn and infection rate. Key words: Abattoir, Bovine, Ovine, Coprology, Economic significance, Fasciolosis, Prevalence. Debire Birhan.

Comparison of recombinant cathepsins L1, L2, and L5 as ELISA targets for serodiagnosis of bovine and ovine fascioliasis.

Infections caused by Fasciola hepatica are of great importance in the veterinary field, as they cause important economic losses to livestock producers. Serodiagnostic methods, typically ELISA (with either native or recombinant antigens), are often used for early diagnosis. The use of native antigens, as in the MM3-SERO ELISA (commercialized as BIO K 211, BIO-X Diagnostics), continues to be beneficial in terms of sensitivity and specificity; however, there is interest in developing ELISA tests based on recombinant antigens to avoid the need to culture parasites. Of the antigens secreted by adult flukes, recombinant procathepsin L1 (rFhpCL1) is the most commonly tested in ELISA to date. However, although adult flukes produce three different clades of CLs (FhCL1, FhCL2, and FhCL5), to our knowledge, the diagnostic value of recombinant FhCL2 and FhCL5 has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we developed and tested three indirect ELISAs using rFhpCL1, rFhpCL2, and rFhpCL5 and evaluated their recognition by sera from sheep and cattle naturally infected with F. hepatica. Although the overall antibody response to these three rFhpCLs was similar, some animals displayed preferential recognition for particular rFhpCLs. Moreover, for cattle sera, the highest sensitivity was obtained using rFhpCL2 (97%), being equal for both rFhpCL1 and rFhpCL5 (87.9%), after adjusting cut-offs for maximum specificity. By contrast, for sheep sera, the sensitivity was 100% for the three rFhpCLs. Finally, the presence of truncated and/or partially unfolded molecules in antigen preparations is postulated as a possible source of cross-reactivity.

Vaccination of sheep with Quil-A® adjuvant expands the antibody repertoire to the Fasciola MF6p/FhHDM-1 antigen and administered together impair the growth and antigen release of flukes

Fasciolosis continues to be a major cause of economic losses in the livestock industry and a growing threat to humans. The limited spectrum of effective anthelmintics and the appearance of resistances urge the need for developing an effective vaccine. Most studies have been focused on the use of TH1-polarizing adjuvants and the use of recombinant Fasciola critical molecules and, despite the efforts, no reproducible protections have been achieved. The F. hepatica MF6p/FhHDM-1 protein is a heme-binding protein also reported to have immunomodulatory properties, constituting a promising target for vaccination and/or as target for the development of new flukicides. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effects of the TH1-polarizing adjuvant Quil A® on sheep immune response to MF6p/FhHDM-1, and the vaccine potential of both native and synthetic forms of this protein against ovine fasciolosis. Subcutaneous injection of Quil A® alone, i.e., without co-injecting any antigen, expands the antibody repertoire to MF6p/FhHDM-1 triggered by a subsequent primoinfection with metacercariae. This effect was not observed with aluminum hydroxide, the most frequently adjuvant used in commercial vaccines. On the other hand, vaccination with synthetic MF6p/FhHDM-1 in Quil A® prompted a 2–4-week delay in the antibody response induced in sheep by a challenge experimental infection. Moreover, fluke populations stablished showed stunted growth and low antigen release probably due to reduced metabolic activity. These observations suggest that primary circulating antibodies induced by the immunization had harmful effects on fluke development. Such effects could not be demonstrated to be associated to TH1 immune response linked events (production of IgG2 isotype antibodies and IFN-γ).

Study on the Prevalence of Ovine Fasciolosis in Wadla Woreda, North Wollo, Ethiopia

A cross - sectional study on the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was conducted in Wadla district from October 2016 to June 2017. A total of 384 fecal samples were randomly collected directly from the rectum of individual animals. Parasitological investigation was performed using sedimentation technique. From a total of 384 copro - logical ly examined samples 130 sheep were found positive for fasciolosis with an overall prevalence of 33.85%. From the study peasant association Kone, Dorera, Betehar, Beteyohannis and Gashena were accounted for 34.61%, 32.47%, 32.89%, 35.06% and 34.21 % respect ively. The difference in the prevalence in the five peasant associations was not statistically significant (p&gt; 0.05). The prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was computed for the different age, sex and body condition categories. The prevalence rate of fasciolo sis in young sheep 32.43% was less than 34.75% and the difference were not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). The prevalence of fasciolosis in sex groups in the present study was 34.69%, 32.98% in female and male respectively. On the other hand in the pre sent study area the prevalence of fasciolosis was found to be higher in sheep with poor body condition than those with medium and good body conditions with prevalence of 36.5%, 33.88% and 27.03% respectively. There is no statistically difference (p&gt;0.05) b etween three types of body condition scores. It was concluded that ovine fasciolosis was prevalent, thus causing major economic lass in the study area. Hence, control strategies targeted on the parasite and the intermediate hosts as well as implementation of appropriate grazing management in the study area are warranted.

Prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in selected Kebeles of Wogera District, North Gondar zone, Ethiopia

Prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in selected Kebeles of Wogera District, North Gondar zone, Ethiopia