Parasite Counts Research Articles

Genome Wide Association (GWAS) Analysis and genomic heritability for parasite resistance and growth in European seabass

There is an increasing demand for the breeding programs to focus on resistance against diseases since the treatments or vaccinations increase production costs and, in some cases, they are not available at all. Most of the studies focus on virus and bacterial diseases, but limited information is available for parasitic diseases in European seabass. A sample of infected fish (985) with Lernanthropus kroyeri and their parents were genotyped using the recently developed MedFISH SNP array. The sample was selected (selective genotyping) in order to capture the genetic variation of the resistance against the Lernanthropus kroyeri. Body weight was recorded at different growth stages in the population. The genetic parameters were estimated for body weight and parasite count, using Restricted Estimation Maximum Likelihood (REML) methods utilizing a Genomic Relationship Matrix (GRM). Additionally, univariate GWAS, multitrait GWAS and Regional Heritability Mapping (RHM) were performed in order to identify genomic areas related to host resistance and growth. A moderate genomic heritability was detected for growth at sea cage (0.39) and for weight at 2, 4, 6 months after the fish were transferred to the sea cage (0.46–0.41). A moderate to low genomic correlation between growth (body weight/growth at the sea cage) and parasites was observed (0.36–0.21). GWAS results indicated two putative QTL affecting host resistance to Lernanthropus kroyeri count, each one of them explaining approximately 2% of the phenotypic variation.

Haemosporidian infections in wild populations of Podarcis muralis from the Italian Peninsula.

Parasites can significantly influence the ecology, behaviour and physiology of their hosts sometimes with remarkable effects on their survivorship. However, endemic parasites or those not associated with obvious clinical disease have been partly neglected in the past decades comparatively to the most pathogenic ones. Apicomplexa are an important example of blood parasites that have been broadly investigated, although it can be difficult to determine the effects of infections at the population level, especially in widespread species. Such is the case of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis). We investigated 61 populations across Italy between 2008 and 2017 and recorded snout–vent length, latitude, date of collection and took blood samples for parasite count. We modelled parasite prevalence and load in a Bayesian framework. Parasites were present in all populations but 1 and in 13 of them all individuals were parasitized. We recorded almost identical responses for probability of infection and parasite load in both sexes, directly proportional to body size and inversely proportional to latitude, with a peak in cooler months. Therefore, haemosporidians can be very common in P. muralis, although their presence can vary significantly. Moreover, such a high prevalence makes it necessary to investigate to what extent haemosporidians affect hosts' survivorship, taking into consideration abiotic and biotic factors such as temperature, hormone levels and immune response.

Intrinsic traits, social context, and local environment shape home range size and fidelity of sleepy lizards

AbstractHome ranges (HRs), the regions within which animals interact with their environment, constitute a fundamental aspect of their ecology. HR sizes and locations commonly reflect costs and benefits associated with diverse social, biotic, and abiotic factors. Less is known, however, about how these factors affect intraspecific variation in HR size or fidelity (the individual's tendency to maintain the same HR location over time) or whether variation in these features emerge from consistent differences among individuals or among the sites they occupy. To address this knowledge gap, we used an extensive GPS‐tracking data set of a long‐lived lizard, the sleepy lizard (Tiliqua rugosa), which included repeated observations of multiple individuals across years. We tested how three categories of predictors—(1) lizard characteristics (sex, aggressiveness, and parasitic tick counts), (2) environmental characteristics (precipitation, food, and refuge quality), and (3) social conditions (conspecific overlap and number of neighbors)—affected HR size and fidelity. We found that individuals differed consistently in the size and fidelity of annual HRs (with a repeatability of 0.58 and 0.33, respectively), and that all three categories of predictors affected both HR size and fidelity. For example, HRs were smaller in areas with more food, and males had larger HRs than females. In addition, more aggressive lizards tended to have larger HRs. Conspecific overlap and number of individuals that a lizard interacted with (social network degree) had an interactive effect on HR size where individuals whose HRs overlapped more with neighbors had larger HRs, and this effect was particularly strong for individuals that interacted with more neighbors. HR fidelity declined over time (HR locations drifted from year to year), but individuals differed consistently in this rate of drift. The fact that HR size was consistent despite drifting locations suggests that lizard HRs reflect individual traits (e.g., habitat choice criteria that differ among individuals), rather than simple heterogeneity among sites. Overall, these findings demonstrate (1) both strong, long‐term, within‐individual consistency and between‐individual differences in space use and (2) combined effects of individual traits, social conditions, and environmental characteristics on animal HRs, with implications for diverse ecological processes.

Exploring the Antiparasitic Activity of Tris-1,3,4-Thiadiazoles against Toxoplasma gondii-Infected Mice.

Nitrogen-containing atoms in their core structures have been exclusive building blocks in drug discovery and development. One of the most significant and well-known heterocycles is the 1,3,4-thidiazole nucleus, which is found in a wide range of natural products and therapeutic agents. In the present work, certain tris-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives (6, 7) were synthesized through a multi-step synthesis approach. All synthesized compounds were characterized using different spectroscopic tools. Previously, thiadiazole compounds as anti-Toxoplasma gondii agents have been conducted and reported in vitro. However, this is the first study to test the anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of manufactured molecular hybrids thiadiazole in an infected mouse model with the acute RH strain of T. gondii. All the observed results demonstrated compound (7)’s powerful activity, with a considerable reduction in the parasite count reaching 82.6% in brain tissues, followed by liver and spleen tissues (65.35 and 64.81%, respectively). Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines assessments proved that Compound 7 possesses potent antiparasitic effect. Furthermore, docking tests against TgCDPK1 and ROP18 kinase (two major enzymes involved in parasite invasion and egression) demonstrated compound 7’s higher potency compared to compound 6 and megazol. According to the mentioned results, tris-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives under test can be employed as potent antiparasitic agents against the acute RH strain of T. gondii.

PLACENTAL MALARIA IN SOME PARTS OF ANAMBRA SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

In the study conducted to determine the prevalence of placental malaria burden in Anambra State, Nigeria, venous and placenta blood samples were collected from 254 pregnant women screened in a cross-sectional hospital – based survey. Malaria parasitaemia was diagnosed by microscopy while anaemia was defined as haemoglobin concentration <12g/l. Malaria species were typed using thin film parasite morphology and count. Of the 254 placental blood sample tested 131 (51.6%) samples were positive for malaria parasite. Age was significantly associated with malaria infection (P=0.0001). The intensity of the malaria infection showed a very strong association with marital status, educational level, fever and anaemia (P=0.0001, respectively). Age, educational status, fever and anaemia were significantly associated with placental malaria. Advocacy and pubic enlightenment on control measures and adequate coverage into hinter land on expectant mother to ensure adherence, acceptance and compliance to control measure.

A note on the relationship between fecal larval excretion and Protostrongylus rufescens lungworm burden in sheep.

The examination of feces for stages of parasitic helminths is the most widely used methodology for the intravital diagnosis in domestic animals of patent endoparasitism including pulmonary nematode infections. Although there is only little information on the relationship of lungworm larval excretion and corresponding parasite burdens, fecal larval counts are used as indirect measure ("biomarker") for the intensity of infection, for instance in anthelmintic efficacy studies. To assess the relationship between fecal larval and Protostrongylus rufescens parasite counts in sheep, log-transformed data of 14 naturally infected animals were analyzed. The larval excretion of the sheep was monitored in approximately weekly intervals over 6weeks before lungworm recovery. Analyses were performed on the larval counts (at a single time point or counts averaged over several consecutive time points) relating to parasite counts. Fecal larval counts and the P. rufescens nematode burden (range, 17 to 406) were significantly and strongly correlated (p < 0.05 for all analyses; Spearman's r > 0.6) with the number of larvae excreted increasing with increasing lungworm burden. Subsequently performed regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant strong linear relationship between P. rufescens worm and fecal larval counts (p < 0.01 for all analyses; R2, range 0.5094 to 0.8150). Analyses based on larval counts averaged over two or more consecutive time points resulted in higher Spearman's r and R2 compared with analyses based on single time point larval counts. Despite of some variability, the analyses indicate that fecal larval counts can be regarded as a useful measure of the P. rufescens burden in sheep.

Sexual Dimorphism of the Neuroimmunoendocrine Response in the Spleen during a Helminth Infection: A New Role for an Old Player?

The interaction of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems is crucial in maintaining homeostasis in vertebrates, and vital in mammals. The spleen is a key organ that regulates the neuroimmunoendocrine system. The Taenia crassiceps mouse system is an excellent experimental model to study the complex host–parasite relationship, particularly sex-associated susceptibility to infection. The present study aimed to determine the changes in neurotransmitters, cytokines, sex steroids, and sex-steroid receptors in the spleen of cysticercus-infected male and female mice and whole parasite counts. We found that parasite load was higher in females in comparison to male mice. The levels of the neurotransmitter epinephrine were significantly decreased in infected male animals. The expression of IL-2 and IL-4 in the spleen was markedly increased in infected mice; however, the expression of Interleukin (IL)-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ decreased. We also observed sex-associated differences between non-infected and infected mice. Interestingly, the data show that estradiol levels increased in infected males but decreased in females. Our studies provide evidence that infection leads to changes in neuroimmunoendocrine molecules in the spleen, and these changes are dimorphic and impact the establishment, growth, and reproduction of T. crassiceps. Our findings support the critical role of the neuroimmunoendocrine network in determining sex-associated susceptibility to the helminth parasite.

Immunochromatographic and microscopic detection of Plasmodium falciparum in recipients of P. falciparum-infected donor blood.

Blood transfusion practice is an essential medical intervention; however, it poses problems of transmissibility of infectious diseases including malaria. This study was designed to determine the potential of transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) by detecting malaria antigens and parasites in recipients of infected donor blood. After successful blood transfusion, remnants of transfused blood were screened for Plasmodium falciparum HRP2 antigen and parasitemia using CareStart malaria RDT and 10% Giemsa stain microscopy respectively according to established protocols. Recipients of microscopy detectable P. falciparum in infected blood who tested negative for malaria by both microscopy and mRDT prior to receiving infected donor blood were followed up weekly for 35 days. Donor P. falciparum antigenemia and parasitemia were 12.1% and 8.4%, respectively, while the prevalence of blood recipient parasitemia was 3.2%. Blood stored for 2–5 days recorded mean parasitemia higher than those stored for a day and after 5 days. Additionally, parasitemia was observed in all follow-up days with marginally high frequencies in days 7, 14, and 35. There was no association between the attributes (storage days, blood group, and parasite count range) of the infected donor blood units and the characteristics of blood recipients with post-transfusion parasitemia. This study provides baseline data on TTM in Ghana. However, further studies should establish the genetic relatedness of the implicated parasites since new infections and/or recrudescence of previous infections could account for this observation.

Antiparasitic Action of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 and Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM Strains in CD-1 Mice Experimentally Infected with Trichinella britovi.

Nematodes of the genus Trichinella are among the most widespread parasites of domestic and wild omnivores and predatory animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiparasitic effect of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 (original) and L. paracasei CNCM in CD-1 mice experimentally infected with Trichinella britovi. Four groups of 20 mice (10 females and 10 males/group) were used, with two control (C) groups and two experimental (E) groups, in which each animal received a daily oral dose of 100 µL of 105 CFU/mL probiotics in Ringer’s solution. On day 7, all mice (except the negative control group) were infected orally with Trichinella (100 larvae/animal) as well as the two probiotics. On day 9 post-infection (p.i.), 10 mice/group were euthanized, and the presence of adult parasites in the intestinal content and wall was tested. On day 32 p.i., 10 mice/group were euthanized, then trichinoscopy and artificial digestion were performed to assess the muscle infection with T. britovi. On day 9 p.i., the experimental group pretreated with L. casei ATCC 393 (6.3 ± 3.03) showed a significantly lower number of adult parasites in the intestinal wall compared with the positive control group (24.6 ± 4.78). Additionally, a significantly lower adult parasite count in the intestinal wall was registered in female mice pretreated with L. paracasei CNCM (7.4 ± 4.71) compared to female mice from the positive control (29.0 ± 5.17). No statistically relevant results were obtained concerning the male mice or the data obtained at 32 days p.i., irrespective of mice gender.

Effect of Grape Marc Added Diet on Live Weight Gain, Blood Parameters, Nitrogen Excretion, and Behaviour of Sheep.

Simple SummaryThis experiment explored how feeding grape wine production waste product grape marc impacts on sheep production. Forty merino sheep were divided into two groups; one group received a sheep industry standard diet (control), and one group received a treatment diet which had 20% of the control diet replaced by grape marc. The results showed that the grape marc diet led to a higher intake and faecal nitrogen/urinary nitrogen ratio, but no difference in sheep live weight gain, behaviour, and parasitic egg count compared with control diet-fed sheep. Overall, the results showed that feeding grape wine production waste product grape marc as a cheap feed, to replace 20% of the control ration, can maintain sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability.A 39-day field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of grape marc (GM) feeding on sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability. Forty merino sheep were divided into two dietary groups, each having five replications (n = 4 sheep/replication). Experimental diet consisted of: (i) control: 55% lucerne hay + 40% wheat grain + 5% faba bean; (ii) GM treatment: control diet with 20% replaced by GM on a dry matter (DM) basis. The GM treatment contained 2–10% higher phytochemical contents than the control. The DMI from the GM treatment was 15% higher than the control (p < 0.001). No difference was found in sheep live weight gain, behaviour, and quality between groups (p > 0.05). No difference was found in total faecal production, faecal organic matter, and nitrogen contents (p > 0.05) and parasitic egg count. The GM treatment led to higher nitrogen intake (23.1 vs. 27.2 g/d) and faecal nitrogen excretion (6.3 vs. 8.7 g/d) compared to the control. Urinary creatinine, allantoin, and purine derivatives were lower in the GM treatment than control (p < 0.05). However, both groups had similar purine derivatives/DMI (i.e., indicator of rumen microbial protein synthesis efficiency; p > 0.05). Overall, the results showed that GM can replace 20% of the control ration to maintain sheep productivity, health, and environmental sustainability.

Salivary, serum, and abomasal mucus IgA as an immune correlate of protection against Haemonchus contortus infection in naturally infected lambs

This study aimed to evaluate salivary, serum, and abomasal mucus IgA levels in lambs naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Thirty-seven crossbred lambs (½ Texel or ½ Ile de France) with an average age of 193 days were evaluated for 56 days after grazing on a contaminated pasture. Fecal samples were collected every 7 days to evaluate the EPG. Blood and saliva samples were collected for IgA measurement every 14 days. On D56, 29 animals were killed for parasite counting and IgA quantification in the abomasal mucus. Salivary, serum, and abomasal mucus IgA were measured by ELISA using third-stage larvae antigens. Salivary and mucus IgA were not correlated, but D14 salivary IgA correlated with EPG on D28 (r = −0.37) and D56 (r = −0.36); D28 salivary IgA correlated with D49 (r = −0.40) and D56 EPG (r = −0.44). Abomasal mucus IgA negatively correlated with EPG from D28 to D56 (r varied from _0.51 to −0.62) and with the counts of all parasitic stages (−0.60 to −0.67). The lambs were classified as susceptible (S) or resistant (R) according to EPG (D56 EPG and cumulative EPG) or IgA (salivary, serum, and mucus IgA). Based on D56 EPG and cumulative EPG, resistant lambs had higher D14 salivary IgA, mucus IgA, and total worm counts. For evaluations based on IgA levels, the EPG of S and R animals differed, indicating that IgA was an immune correlate of protection against natural infection with Haemonchus sp., mainly in the saliva sample of D14.

Occurrence and clinical features of HIV and malaria in co-infected individuals in Osun State, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria infections are among the major public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, where they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The study was conducted to assess the occurrence and clinical features of HIV and malaria in co-infected individuals in Osun State, Nigeria. The study was cross-sectional, which involved 422 participants who were administered structured questionnaires for socio-demographic and clinical data. Venous blood was collected for malaria parasite detection and count from One hundred and seventy-four HIV seropositive individuals. They were re-examined clinically for HIV diagnosis, CD4 + T cell counts, and packed cell volume (PCV). The mean age of the participants was 28.48 ± 15.38 while the overall predominance of malaria among the HIV-positive patients was 11.5% (20/174). The malaria prevalence was significantly higher in female patients (P = 0.0088) and occupational status among students (P = 0.0001). Malaria/HIV co-infected patients had a significantly lower mean value of PCV (P = 0.0001), CD4 + cell count (0.0001), and temperature (0.0001) compared to HIV-infected patients having no malaria. The study showed that females had relatively higher malaria infection compared to their male counterparts. To achieve better management of HIV patients against malaria infection, proper preventive measures, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and chemoprophylaxis are a useful strategy to put in place. Also, the monitoring of CD4 + cell count, viral load, and some hematology indices on a regular basis is crucial.

Multicenter randomized, and blinded European field study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Felpreva®, a novel spot-on formulation containing emodepside, praziquantel and tigolaner, in treating cats naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks

The present field study evaluated the safety and 3-month preventive efficacy of a novel spot-on endectocide containing emodepside 2.04% w/v, praziquantel 8.14% w/v and tigolaner 9.79% w/v (Felpreva®, Vetoquinol) when administered at the intended commercial dose of 0.15 ml/kg body weight to privately owned cats infested by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and/or ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes hexagonus, Rhipicephalus spp.). The efficacy of Felpreva® to reduce the clinical signs associated with flea allergy dermatitis was also evaluated. A total of 326 cats, i.e. 120 and 206 infested by ticks and fleas respectively, from 16 different sites located in Hungary and Portugal were included on Day 0 and allocated in two Groups at a ratio of 2:1 (T1:T2). Cats of T1 were treated with Felpreva®, while cats of T2 were dosed with a commercial Control Product (Bravecto®, MSD Animal Health) licensed for the same indications. Of the 120 tick-infested cats, 79 and 41 were treated with Felpreva® and Bravecto® respectively, while of the 206 flea-infested cats, 139 were treated with Felpreva® and 67 with Bravecto®. Cats were physically examined on Days 7, 28, 56, 75 and 90; when present, fleas and ticks were counted and collected. Efficacy evaluation was based on the mean percent reduction of live parasite counts for each of five visits versus the pre-treatment count. Percent reductions of live flea and tick counts over all post-baseline periods were 99.74% (T1) versus 98.56% (T2) and 97.50% (T1) versus 98.65% (T2), respectively. Non-inferiority for the Felpreva® compared with the Bravecto® treated group was statistically demonstrated for both fleas and ticks. Three adverse events were observed and considered unlikely related to the treatment. These results show that the new topical combination product Felpreva® is safe and highly efficacious in treating flea and tick infections in cats for at least three months (90 days) with a single administration. In 16 cats that were identified with flea allergy dermatitis, the clinical signs of flea allergy dermatitis improved following treatment in both groups.

A comparison of Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster techniques, overdispersion and prevalence of parasites in naturally infected North American bison (Bison bison) in the USA

Several quantitative diagnostic techniques are available to estimate gastrointestinal parasite counts in the feces of ruminants. Comparing egg and oocyst magnitudes in naturally infected samples has been a recommended approach to rank fecal techniques. In this study, we compared the Mini-FLOTAC (sensitivity of 5 eggs per gram (EPG)/oocysts per gram (OPG)) and different averaged replicates of the modified McMaster techniques (sensitivity of 33.33 EPG/OPG) in 387 fecal samples from 10 herds of naturally infected North American bison in the Central Great Plains region of the USA. Both techniques were performed with fecal slurries homogenized in a fill-FLOTAC device. In the study population, prevalence of strongyle eggs, Eimeria spp. oocysts, Moniezia spp. eggs and Trichuris spp. eggs was 81.4%, 73.9%, 7.5%, and 3.1%, respectively. Counts of strongyle eggs and Eimeria spp. oocysts obtained from 1 to 3 averaged technical replicates of the modified McMaster technique were compared to a single replicate of the Mini-FLOTAC. Correlation between the two techniques increased with an increase in the number of averaged technical replicates of the modified McMaster technique used to calculate EGP/OPG. The correlation for Moniezia spp. EPG when averaged triplicates of the modified McMaster technique were compared to a single replicate of the Mini-FLOTAC count was high; however, the correlation for Trichuris spp. eggs was low. Additionally, we used averaged counts from both techniques to show the overdispersion of parasites in bison herds.

ASCVac-1, a Multi-Peptide Chimeric Vaccine, Protects Mice Against Ascaris suum Infection

Control of human ascariasis, the most prevalent neglected tropical disease globally affecting 450 million people, mostly relies on mass drug administration of anthelmintics. However, chemotherapy alone is not efficient due to the high re-infection rate for people who live in the endemic area. The development of a vaccine that reduces the intensity of infection and maintains lower morbidity should be the primary target for infection control. Previously, our group demonstrated that immunization with crude Ascaris antigens in mice induced an IgG-mediated protective response with significant worm reduction. Here, we aimed to develop a multipeptide chimera vaccine based on conserved B-cell epitopes predicted from 17 common helminth proteomes using a bioinformatics algorithm. More than 480 B-cell epitopes were identified that are conserved in all 17 helminths. The Ascaris-specific epitopes were selected based on their reactivity to the pooled sera of mice immunized with Ascaris crude antigens or infected three times with A. suum infective eggs. The top 35 peptides with the strongest reactivity to Ascaris immune serum were selected to construct a chimeric antigen connected in sequence based on conformation. This chimera, called ASCVac-1, was produced as a soluble recombinant protein in an Escherichia coli expression system and, formulated with MPLA, was used to immunize mice. Mice immunized with ASCVac-1/MPLA showed around 50% reduced larvae production in the lungs after being challenged with A. suum infective eggs, along with significantly reduced inflammation and lung tissue/function damage. The reduced parasite count and pathology in infected lungs were associated with strong Th2 immune responses characterized by the high titers of antigen-specific IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3) in the sera and significantly increased IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 levels in lung tissues. The reduced IL-33 titers and stimulated eosinophils were also observed in lung tissues and may also contribute to the ASCVac-1-induced protection. Taken together, the preclinical trial with ASCVac-1 chimera in a mouse model demonstrated its significant vaccine efficacy associated with strong IgG-based Th2 responses, without IgE induction, thus reducing the risk of an allergic response. All results suggest that the multiepitope-based ASCVac-1 chimera is a promising vaccine candidate against Ascaris sp. infections.

Evaluation of Paromomycin Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles and Oxidative Stress Activities against Entamoeba Histolytica

This investigation was carried out to estimate the antiparasitic potential of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with paromomycin against Entamoeba histolytica infected. After rats inoculated orally in a dose 103 viable cysts for acute infection; then treated with paromomycin, chitosan nanoparticles as a single or combined therapy given for seven days. Stool examination revealed a significant decrease in the number of Entamoeba histolytica cysts in all treated infected rats compared with infected non-treated. Combined treatment provided better results than single treatment. The best effect was observed in the group of rats treated with chitosan nanoparticles loaded with paromomycin. Also, the oxidative stress markers Glutathione (GSH) and Lipid Peroxide (Malondialdehyde) (MDA) were assessed in liver tissue homogenate. The current work is the first time of using chitosan nanoparticles loaded with paromomycin as therapeutic agents against experimental amoebiasis. It was shown that the highest degree of effectiveness attained by the synergistic action of paromomycin and chitosan nanoparticles as was indicated by lower parasite count and GSH, MDA concentration.

Can orange essential oil reduce the severity of parasitic infection in sheep?

In this study, a three-step experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of orange essential oil (OEO) to reduce the severity of parasitic infection in lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites. In the first and second stages of the experiment, the lambs were distributed in groups (n=10): without treatment (control), treated with levamisole (7.5mg/kg), and treated either with 200, 300 or 400mg/kg OEO in the first stage and with two doses of 300 or 350mg/kg each of OEO with a six-hour interval in the second stage. In the third stage of the experiment, 20 lambs were distributed into control and treated groups (two doses of 350mg/kg OEO) and slaughtered for determining the parasite count in the abomasum and small intestine. Evaluations were performed on D0, D3, D7, D10, and D14 by determining the egg count per gram of feces (EPG), and the percentage of EPG reduction was calculated in comparison to D0. Coproculture was performed on days D0 and D14 of the first and second stages of the study. In the first stage, the EPG increased by 20.90 and 100.99% and decreased by 5.54% on D14 in the groups treated with 200, 300, or 400mg/kg OEO, respectively. At the second stage, the EPG of the OEO groups decreased by more than 96% on D3, but on D14 was decreased by 0.82% and 77.07% in the 2×300 and 2×350mg/kg groups, respectively. Haemonchus sp. was the highest percentage of collected larvae in all coproculture tests, ranging from 90 to 100%. In the third stage, there was no difference (P>0.05) in the mean number of parasites between the OEO groups and the control. Although the decrease in EPG of more than 96% on D3 did not persist in the other evaluations, and immature forms and adult parasites were collected at slaughter, the EPG reduction of 77.07% on D14 with the dose of 700mg/kg (OEO2×350) suggests that OEO can help to reduce the severity of parasitic infection and, consequently, to diminish pastures contamination, when used together with other methods to control gastrointestinal parasites in sheep.

PREVALENCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF GARDIASIS AND MALARIA AMONGST PUPILS OF PAEDIATRIC AGE (0-15) IN OWERRI WEST IMO STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the prevalence and haematological parameters of gardiasis and malaria amongst pupils of paediatric age (0-15)in 20 randomly selected primary schools was carried out in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Observations were made of the age, sex, socio-economic status of parents and the schools locations to determine the secondary outcomes measures to these two diseases. Both blood and faecal samples were collected from each of the pupils between the hours of 8.00 am and 11.00 am using 19cc needle guage and 10 ml syringes into EDTA bottles for the blood and sterile applicator sticks employed for the faeces, into wide-mouthed screwed, non-greasy universal bottles. Exclusion procedures were also carried out to eliminate other possible protozoal parasites including administration of combantrin tablets to the 150 volunteers for deworming. Blood parasitaemia due to malaria parasites was determined using the giemsa stained thick and thin smears, while giardiasis was determined using the faecal wet preparation technique involving the Lugols iodine faecal smears for the presence of trophozoites, cysts or casts. Determinations of other haematological parameters were carried out using histochemical techniques. Results showed out of 150 samples, 78(52.0%) were infected with either giardiasis, 20(25.64%) or other malaria parasite forms 30(38.46%), while 28(35.89%) had mixed infections of both malaria and giardiasis. A total parasite count for both infections was 1958 represented as 37% and 62.92% for giardiasis and malaria respectively. Forty-two (42) samples were discarded due to indeterminate results. RBC counts (X1012/L) for control: scarification (5.6±2.0), unscarification (2.7±0.3) and for test (infected): malaria (4.1±3.2), giardiasis (2.9±1.3), and malaria+giardiasis (1.4±0.02) showed marked significant difference (t=3.7, p&lt;0.002) and similarly between both infection categories (t=1.8, p&lt;0.007). Recorded values for PCV showed control: scarification (42.5±3.3), unscarification (26.2±2.2) and for test (infected): malaria (30.4±4.2), giardiasis (28.4±1.0) are indirectly proportional to intensity of infection establishing significant correlation between parasite count (PC) and PCV (r=0.45, p&lt;0.002), PC and RBC (r=0.36, p&lt;0.002), PC and reticulocyte (r=0.08, p&lt;0.02). MCV values did not show clear correlation pattern with PC (r= -0.07, p&gt;0.02). Mean proteins from the test (infected) groups: total protein (malaria, 6.13±0.01 &amp; giardiasis, 4.50±0.10) albumin – (malaria, 5.52±0.30 &amp; giardiasis, 7.41±2.2) globulin- (malaria, 6.40±0.15 &amp; giardiasis, 8.15±0.22) reduced significantly (p&lt;0.01) compared with each of the control groups and showed significant correlation (r=0.01, p&lt;0.003) with PC: malaria (104.4±3.3x105), and giardiasis (76.2±5.8x105).Giardia lamblia and malaria parasite species are naturally prevalent protozoan parasites. Notable significant difference in prevalence of these protozoan parasites infestations among children abound.

Homeopathic diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Kenya

Homeopathic diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Kenya

Strategic control of cattle co-parasitized by tick, fly and gastrointestinal nematodes: Is it better to use ecto + endoparasiticide or just endectocide formulations?

Ticks, flies, and gastrointestinal helminths (GINs) significantly affect cattle productivity; thus, ectoparasiticide, endoparasiticide, and endectocide drugs have commonly been used for their control. The study aimed to compare the technical (parasites counts), productive, and financial effects of a treatment protocol comprising ecto- + endoparasiticides formulations (T01: fluazuron 2.5 mg/kg + fipronil 1.25 mg/kg and fenbendazole 5 mg/kg; n = 15) to a treatment with one formulation of endectocide (T02: ivermectin 450 μg/kg + abamectin 250 μg/kg; n = 15) over 308 days under field conditions in crossbred cattle co-parasitized by Rhipicephalus microplus, Haematobia irritans, and GINs. Bovine weight gain and return on investment (ROI) were also evaluated. Bovines from T01 received four treatments against the cattle tick and two against two GINs. For T02, four treatments were performed. Animals from T01 gained 15.4 kg more than T02 and provided a comparative ROI of 15.8. In cattle co-parasitized with R. microplus, H. irritans, and GINs, the treatment protocol used in this study with ecto- + endoparasiticidal action formulations showed better technical results regarding parasite counts and productive and financial data than the strategic treatment protocol using only an endectocide formulation.