Prevalence Of Parasites Research Articles

Prevalence and diversity of avian malaria parasites in illegally traded white‐winged parakeets in Peruvian Amazonas

AbstractIllegal or poorly regulated wildlife trade may enhance parasite spread worldwide, leading to pathogen outbreaks and the emergence of diseases affecting native wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The order Psittaciformes has the largest proportion of endangered species among all birds worldwide and is one of the most trafficked taxa in the pet trade. However, despite the large number of parrot species commercialized worldwide, the influence of illegally traded wild birds on the introduction of exotic pathogens is still poorly investigated. Here we molecularly examined the prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites in illegally traded white‐winged parakeets (Brotogeris versicolurus), one of the most trafficked parrots in South America. We found that 18.5% of parakeets harboured Plasmodium relictum GRW04, a highly invasive malaria parasite provoking population decline and even extinctions in native avifauna when established outside its natural range. We also showed that malaria infected birds have lower body condition than uninfected parakeets, revealing the negative effects of malaria on their avian hosts. These outcomes highlight the risk of malaria spill over and disease outbreak in illegally traded wildlife. Our results also reveal epidemiological key concepts in disease transmission, such as the role of poorly studied parrot species as natural reservoir hosts of haemosporidians. These findings stress the importance of enforcing health control regulations and trade policies to fight wildlife trafficking effectively.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths species in cattle raised at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Helminths are worm-like parasites that live in the gut of animals or humans that feed on the host to obtain nourishment and protection, sometimes causing morbidity and mortality if not treated. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths Species in Cattle at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Faecal sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. A total of 72 (100%) fecal samples consisting of 52 (72.2%) females and 20 (27.80%) males were examined. McMaster has an overall prevalence of 40(55.5%), and 2 (2.8%) Strongyloides and Monienzia sp. while sedimentation techniques show the prevalence of 38(52.8%) and 1(1.4%) Paramphistomium sp. Trichuris and Haemonchus sp. No significant differences (p < 0.05) in the occurrence of parasitic helminths in the samples with respect to locations and techniques used. Fecal samples were examined among the sexes, females had 2(10.0%) and age group >18 years with 2(3.2%) co-infected with helminths. Across the breed, white Fulani had 2(3.2%) mixed infections compared to other breeds. The study revealed that GIT parasitic helminths infections prevalence is common among white Fulani cattle probably due to open grazing and scavenging. There is a need to sensitize nomads on deworming to mitigate the GIT infections and improve animal health status.

EXPLORING A PLANT-DIVERSITY HYPOTHESIS TO EXPLAIN HELMINTH PREVALENCE IN NORTHERN BOBWHITE (COLINUS VIRGINIANUS) IN TEXAS, USA.

Helminths, in particular eyeworms (Oxyspirura petrowi) and cecal worms (Aulonocephalus pennula), may be a factor influencing northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations in Texas. Previous research has shown a discrepancy in helminth infections between the Rolling Plains and Rio Grande Plains of Texas, US, potentially caused by differences in intermediate host distribution and abundance. We explored an alternative hypothesis centered on plant diversity, given that many plants possess phytochemicals with anthelmintic properties. We predicted that plant diversity would be greater and bobwhite diet more diverse in the Rio Grande Plains than the Rolling Plains, which in turn would potentially expose bobwhites to more plants with anthelmintic properties and therefore result in lower parasite prevalence and intensity. We conducted a literature review of plant diversity, anthelmintic plants, and bobwhite diet in Texas to explore this hypothesis. We also quantified the relationship between helminth prevalence in bobwhites and latitude. We documented trends for higher plant species richness, greater number of anthelmintic plants, and more diverse bobwhite diet in the Rio Grande Plains compared to the Rolling Plains. In addition, we documented a trend for increasing helminth prevalence with latitude for eyeworms but not cecal worms. Our study provides circumstantial evidence supporting the plant-diversity hypothesis and warrants experimental testing.

Lack of host specialization despite selective host use in brood parasitic cuckoo catfish.

Host-parasite dynamics involve coevolutionary arms races, which may lead to host specialization and ensuing diversification. Our general understanding of the evolution of host specialization in brood parasites is compromised by a restricted focus on bird and insect lineages. The cuckoo catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus) is an obligate parasite of parental care of mouthbrooding cichlids in Lake Tanganyika. Given the ecological and taxonomic diversity of mouthbrooding cichlids in the lake, we hypothesized the existence of sympatric host-specific lineages in the cuckoo catfish. In a sample of 779 broods from 20 cichlid species, we found four species parasitized by cuckoo catfish (with prevalence of parasitism of 2%-18%). All parasitized cichlids were from the tribe Tropheini, maternal mouthbrooders that spawn over a substrate (rather than in open water). Phylogenetic analysis based on genomic (ddRAD sequencing) and mitochondrial (Dloop) data from cuckoo catfish embryos showed an absence of host-specific lineages. This was corroborated by analyses of genetic structure and co-ancestry matrix. Within host species, parasitism was not associated with any individual characteristic we recorded (parent size, water depth), but was costly as parasitized parents carried smaller clutches of their own offspring. We conclude that the cuckoo catfish is an intermediate generalist and discuss costs, benefits and constraints of host specialization in this species and brood parasites in general.

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN ATTENDING KIBOGORA LEVEL TWO TEACHING HOSPITAL, RWANDA

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Specific objectives were: to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda, to identify the source of water and their utilization in intestinal parasitic occurrence among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda; and to identify the risk factors associated with intestinal parasites occurrence among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional study design with quantitative approaches at Nyamasheke in June 2022. The study includes a target population of 772 children and a sample size of 263. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on hygiene, sanitation, socio-demographic and economic characteristics (risk factors), and secondary data from 2019-2022 were used. Results: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 102(38.7%). In this study the prevalence of Ascaris 56(21.3%) was the highest followed by amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) 24(9.1%), Giardia lamblia 8(3.0%), Trichomonas intestinalis 7(2.6%) and Ankilostoma duodenale 7(2.6%). Other intestinal parasites detected such as Necator americanus and Trichiuris trichiura were identified at less than one percent prevalence. A chi-squared test was used to establish a relationship between different variables. The chi-squared shows that there is no statistically significant association between the marital status category of the children and having latrines at home with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and a p-value 0.183 of there was no statistically significant association. utensils drying site with a chi-squared value of 5.422 and p-value of .000 there was a statistically significant association. Drinking boiled water with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of .97. Washing hands before a meal with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of 98. Washing hands after defecation with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and p-value of .193, there is no statistical significance. Finally, the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in under-five children warrants strict control measures for microbial reduction through the utensils-drying site, improved hygiene and sanitation, and treatment of drinking water should be considered.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0015/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Agricultural practices and intestinal parasites: A study of socio-environmental risk factors associated with leafy vegetable production in La Plata horticultural area, Argentina

Foodborne diseases now represent one of the most important public health problems. The objectives were to analyze the leafy vegetables and crop soil to detect parasitic species and evaluate the factors that increase the risk of parasitic contamination in the productive units in La Plata horticultural area. The study included 261 leafy vegetable and 87 crop soil samples that were processed using washing, sedimentation, and flotation techniques. Socio-environmental characteristics and agricultural practices were surveyed, and a generalized linear model was used to assess the change in parasitic prevalence with different predictor variable. The 58.6% of leafy vegetable and 31.0% of crop soil samples contained parasitic species, the most prevalent being Blastocystis sp. and oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Risk factors were the limited access to health, dirt roads, children and dogs circulating in crops, field cultivation, furrow irrigation and lettuce cultivation. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites in the vegetable crops was mainly associated with the conditions of structural precariousness in the production units. These results elaborated with the participation of the population, provide valuable knowledge for the planning of epidemiological programs that include environmental health as a fundamental nexus in health campaigns.

Survey on the gastrointestinal parasites in Passeriformes and Psittaciformes with a focus on zoonotic parasites

Considering the increase in the keeping of pet birds and the importance of gastrointestinal parasitic infection, especially zoonotic parasites, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in different species of Passeriformes and Psittaciformes. In this study, one hundred and twenty fresh fecal samples were collected from different species of captive pet birds in Ahvaz from Apr 2021 to Aug 2021. The collected samples were analyzed using Clayton-Lane methods, Modified Ziehl–Neelsen, and Trichrome staining. Light microscopic morphometry was used for the identification of helminth eggs and oocysts. The results of this study showed that 37 samples (30.83%) were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. Among the helminthic parasites, three samples (2.5%) were infected with Hymenolepis spp.. Among protozoan parasites, 24 samples (20%) were infected with Eimeria spp., three samples (2.5%) were infected with Isospora spp., two samples (1.66%) were infected with Cryptosporidium spp., and five samples (4.16%) were infected with Giardia spp.. The results of the present study showed that the highest rate of gastrointestinal parasitic infection was in Passeriformes kept in pet shops and the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection was higher in the zebra finch, common mynah, and canary compared to other pet birds. But the highest rate of zoonotic parasitic infection was in Psittaciformes. According to the results, zoonotic parasites are present in pet birds in the Ahvaz area and should be considered by the owners of these pet birds, breeders, veterinarians, and public health organizations.

Hospederos y patrones de prevalencia de parásitos aviares Philornis (Diptera: muscidae) en la costa de Ecuador

ABSTRACT Most of the species of the genus Philornis are obligate parasites of birds’ nests, especially affecting small populations. However, research on factors influencing its distribution is scarce. This study focuses on analyzing some elements that facilitate the parasitism of this genus on several species of birds in continental Ecuador. From a sample obtained over two years (2019-2020) in five different locations on the country’s coast, 693 nests of land birds and raptors were analyzed. Of these, 13% were parasitized. Two Philornis species already reported for Ecuador (Philornis downsi, P. niger) and two morphotypes not previously registered in the country were recorded, preliminarily classified as P. sp. nr. bellus and P. sp. nr. falsificus. The species with the highest proportion was P. downsi, both in terms of nest prevalence and intensity. Each species of the parasite showed an affinity for one or more families of birds and it was evidenced that the shape of the nest facilitates the prevalence of Philornis. The prevalence of Philornis decreases in higher places in the dry coastal forests. The probability of infection was also influenced by habitat alteration: nests from disturbed sites have a higher prevalence of parasites than nests with natural forest (P = 0.002). The present study strengthens the existing knowledge about different environmental factors that influence Philornis parasitism birds of continental Ecuador.

Implication of agricultural practices in the micro-geographic heterogeneity of malaria transmission in Bouna, Côte d’Ivoire

BackgroundWetlands and irrigated agricultural crops create potential breeding sites for Anopheles mosquitoes, leading to a heterogeneity in malaria transmission. In agricultural areas, heterogeneity of malaria transmission is often associated with the presence of hotspots consisting of localized clusters of higher transmission intensity. This study aims to identify micro-geographic hotspots of malaria transmission in an agricultural setting using a multidisciplinary approach.MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted at the end of the dry season and at the peak of the rainy season in rural and urban sites in Bouna, northeastern Côte d'Ivoire. A total of 296 individuals from 148 farming households were randomly selected and sociological, geographical, entomological, and clinical data as well as blood samples were collected during each visit. Parasitological data and Anopheles exposure (measured using entomological and immunological methods) were compared with demographic, agricultural, and geographic data to identify drivers of malaria transmission. Heat maps combining these data were used to identify households with ongoing malaria transmission throughout the year.ResultsIn rural areas, Plasmodium prevalence was consistent between the dry and the rainy seasons, with roughly half of the population infected. In urban areas, malaria transmission indicators were lower, with a parasite prevalence of less than 20%, which remained comparable between the dry and the rainy season. The presence of irrigated crops and proximity to wetlands were associated with increased Anopheles exposure. By mapping Plasmodium infection and Anopheles exposure, two different types of hotspots of malaria transmission were identified: micro-geographical scale and local scale hotspots.ConclusionsThe presence of wetlands in urban areas and irrigated agriculture in rural areas resulted in heterogeneity in malaria transmission on a micro-geographical scale. These specific households present particular risk of malaria transmission and could fuel malaria transmission in surrounding households. The identification of micro-geographical areas using heat maps combining several epidemiological parameters can help to identify hotspots of malaria transmission. The implementation of malaria control measures, such as seasonal chemoprophylaxis or vector control, in these areas could help to reduce the incidence of malaria and facilitate its elimination.

Gastro-intestinal parasites of urban rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Intestinal parasitic infections such as amoebiasis, ascariasis, hookworm infection, and trichuriasis are the most common infections among non-human primates (NHPs). There are always the possibilities of transmission these parasites between humans and NHPs. Multiple groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) live in the urban area of Kathmandu Valley near human settlements, however the gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections in those macaques are understudied. This study aimed to explore the GI parasites in free-ranging macaques from Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Tripureshwor, Nilbarahi temples and a group of captive rhesus macaques in the Central Zoo, Kathmandu. Fecal samples were collected from the macaques between October 2021 to September 2022 and assessed for parasites by the both wet mount method and concentration technique. There is high prevalence of GI parasite infection; out of 121 fecal samples examined, 87.6% of samples were positive. Six species of protozoans and eight species of helminths were identified from the fecal samples including the first report of Iodamoeba butschlii in monkeys of Nepal. Among the protozoan parasites, Entamoeba coli (54.71%) showed the highest prevalence followed by Balantioides coli (44.33%), E. histolytica (19.81%), and Iodamoeba butschlii (10%). Among the helminths, Trichuris spp. (31.13%) and Strongyloides spp. (31.13%) showed the highest prevalence followed by Hookworm (24.52%), and Strongyle spp. (23.58%). The likelihood ratio test suggested that the prevalence differed significantly with the seasons for Iodamoeba butschlii, Giardia spp., Strongyles spp., Hookworm, and Trichostrongylus spp. The prevalence of E. histolytica, E. coli, Iodamoeba. butschlii, Trichuris spp., Trichostrongylus spp., and Unknown spp.1 differed with sampling localities. The high prevalence of GI parasites found in the macaques living in the densely urbanized Kathmandu presents a potential threat to humans and warrants further study as well as increased education of the public and management of the human-macaque interface in the urban landscape of the Valley.

Prevalence and diversity of ascarid and strongylid nematodes in Australian Thoroughbred horses using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic tools

The study presents the results of a cross-sectional survey to describe the epidemiology of ascarid and strongylid nematodes in horses, the impact of diverse climatic conditions on parasite diversity and the levels of faecal egg shedding in different age groups of managed Thoroughbred horses. Individual faecal samples (n = 1377) collected from 62 Thoroughbred farms across four climatic zones in Australia were analysed using the modified McMaster technique for faecal egg counts (FECs) and strongylid nematodes were identified utilising PCR-directed next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the second internal transcribed spacer of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS-2). Across all age groups, the prevalence of ascarid and strongylid nematodes was 12% (95% confidence interval 10–14%) and 72% (70–74%), respectively. Based on strongylid FECs, yearlings had the highest prevalence (89%) followed by weanlings (83%), foals (79%), wet mares (61%), dry mares (59%) and stallions (54%). However, for Parascaris spp., foals had the highest prevalence (46%) followed by weanlings (32%) and yearlings (13%). The highest mean FECs for Parascaris spp. were observed in foals (418 eggs per gram [EPG] of faeces) while those for strongylids were in yearlings (1002 EPG). Of the adult horses (mares and stallions), 67% (489 of 729) and 11% (77 of 729) were low (i.e., ≤250 EPG) and moderate (i.e., 251–500 EPG) strongylid egg-shedders, respectively. Strongylid egg shedding varied across climatic zones, with the highest mean FECs in the summer rainfall (723 EPG) followed by non-seasonal rainfall (629 EPG), winter rainfall (613 EPG), and Mediterranean (606 EPG) rainfall zones. Twenty-three nematode species were detected using NGS, with Cylicostephanus longibursatus (28%), Cylicocyclus nassatus (23%) and Coronocyclus coronatus (23%), being the most abundant species. Three species of Strongylus (i.e., S. vulgaris, S. equinus and S. edentatus) were also detected. The nemabiome composition, species richness and relative abundance varied within horse age and between climatic zones. These empirical findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of parasites within horse populations and the multifaceted factors that influence their occurrence, thereby allowing for the formulation of tailored strategies aimed at parasite control in domestic horses.

The Influence of Inadequate Handling Conditions on the Prevalence of Parasites in Commonly Consumed Fluted Pumpkin Leaves (<i>Telfairia occidentalis</i>) in Delta State, Nigeria

Vegetables are crucial for a healthy diet; however, when not washed properly, they can act as carriers of protozoa cysts and helminth eggs/larvae, posing a risk of transmission. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic contamination of fluted pumpkin promoted by inadequate handling conditions in Delta State, Nigeria. Samples of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin vegetables) were collected from Effurun town and Otokutu local markets in washed and unwashed conditions and examined for parasitic contamination. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-economic factors associated with parasitic contaminations on vegetables. The vegetable samples were examined using the simple sedimentation concentration method. The educational status of the vendors was ascertained, and 75% of the vendors had secondary school education, while 25% had primary school education. Four hundred seventyeight parasitic contaminants were recovered from the 48 vegetables samples. The species and stages of parasites detected were Trichuris spp, Moniezia spp, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides spp, Hookworm eggs, Strongyle eggs Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, Schistostoma spp, Platynosomum fastosum and Eimeria spp. Fifty per cent (50%) of the produce was not washed, while 50% of the produce was washed before displaying by the retailers. The result from the paired t-test revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in total parasitic contamination between washed and unwashed vegetable samples from both Effurun and Otokutu markets. This study showed that handling conditions of washing and the environment where vegetables are sold can influence the amount of parasitic load. Therefore, adequate washing and proper handling of raw edible vegetables before consumption are recommended. The government must create awareness and educate vegetable vendors about the importance of proper handling and hygiene, as they can play a major role in mitigating public health issues.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Humans and Dogs in Amazah District of Jos-North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Breeding of dogs in houses is a common practice in Amazah District which results in very close contact between humans and dogs. With the sharing of space, and sometimes even food, the conditions for the transmission of different zoonoses are created. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of humans and dogs for treatment, control and prevention purposes in Amazah District, Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200) stool samples of dogs and humans were collected from five (5) wards. Two diagnostic techniques namely, formol-ether concentration and flotation were used to analyse 100 each of the stool samples of dogs and humans. An overall prevalence of 41% and 52% were obtained from human and dog samples respectively. The variations observed between the prevalence in dog and man was found not to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.750). By gender, high prevalence of parasite eggs was recorded in males of humans and dogs compared to the females. However, the variations observed was not significant (p>0.05). In terms of age, the young humans (1-8 years) and dogs (<1-4 months) recorded higher prevalence of parasite eggs compared to the older age group (9-12 years) and >4 months respectively; the variation observed between the age groups of both human (p>0.05) and dog (p>0.05) was not found to be significant. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in both humans and dogs is high in this study. Males of both humans and dogs harbour more parasites compared to their female counterpart. It is therefore, recommended that public enlightenment be carried out in Amazah District to inform early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal parasitic infections both in humans and pets.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among Rural Areas in Duhok Province

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections in humans are considered a significant global issue, particularly in rural areas. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and their associated factors in rural areas in Duhok province-Kurdistan Region-Iraq.
 Methods: A total of 620 stool samples were collected from individuals of various ages residing in rural villages within districts of Duhok province and were subjected to microscopic examination techniques.
 Results: Among the participants, 62.26% were found to be infected with at least one or two species of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in males (68.65%) compared to females (31.35%). The highest prevalence rate (34.46%) was observed in the age group between 6 and 12 years. The infection were three protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica (73.83%), Giardia lamblia (16.84%), and Blastocystis hominis (8.81%). only one helminths was detected: Taenia spp. (0.52%). Protozoan infection was higher than helminths infections (99.48% and 0.52%, respectively). Abdominal pain and diarrhea were reported with high rates (33.16% and 32.12%, respectively). Participants who consumed water from wells exhibited the highest rate of intestinal parasitic infections (62.44%). Those who did not wash their hands before meals (70.47%), consumed raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits (61.66%), and had contact with animals (80.57%) showed significantly higher prevalence rates of intestinal parasitic infections (P < 0.05).
 Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among rural populations was high in Kurdistan Region and it was associated with unhygienic conditions.

Preliminary study on prevalence of hemoprotozoan parasites harbored by Stomoxys (Diptera: Muscidae) and tabanid flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in horse farms in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand.

Stomoxys and tabanid flies are of medical and veterinary importance because they play crucial roles in disease transmission as mechanical vectors of various hemopathogens. However, its role as a hemoprotozoan parasite vector in horse farms has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of hemoprotozoan parasites belonging to the genera Babesia, Theileria, and Trypanosoma in Stomoxys and tabanid flies using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. All samples (Stomoxys and tabanid flies) were collected using an Nzi trap for three consecutive days each month from November 2022 to March 2023. The flies were morphologically identified to the species level and separated according to sex. Individual (for tabanid flies) or pooled samples (consisting of three specimens of Stomoxys flies of the same species and sex collected from the same site) were used for DNA extraction. Conventional PCR was used to screen for hemoprotozoan parasite DNA, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify the species. In total, 189 biting flies were collected, including four species of Stomoxys (Stomoxys bengalensis, Stomoxys calcitrans, Stomoxys indicus, and Stomoxys sitiens) and five species of tabanids (Atylotus cryptotaxis, Chrysops dispar, Tabanus megalops, Tabanus mesogaeus, and Tabanus rubidus). Stomoxys calcitrans was the most prevalent species, accounting for 58.7% (n = 111) of the collected flies. Ten (12.4%) of the 81 samples (individuals and pools) analyzed by PCR were positive for the 18S rRNA gene of the Theileria/Babesia species. Trypanosoma DNA was not detected in any sample. After performing Basic Local Alignment Search Tool searches and a phylogenetic analysis, only six samples (7.4%), including S. calcitrans (n = 2), S. sitiens (n = 2), T. megalops (n = 1), and A. cryptotaxis (n = 1), were found to be infected with Theileria sinensis. Furthermore, apicomplexan parasites, namely, Mattesia spp. and Colpodella spp., were found on S. indicus, the fungus Meira spp. was found on S. calcitrans, and the pathogenic green alga Helicosporidium spp. was found on A. cryptotaxis. This study is the first to report a variety of Stomoxys and tabanid flies collected from horse farms in Thailand, which were found to be infected with Theileria and Colpodella species that affect mammals, suggesting that Stomoxys and tabanid flies can be used to confirm the presence of hemoprotozoan parasites in the study area. Understanding the presence of hemoprotozoa in flies could help design vector control programs and manage various diseases in the study area.

Study of demographic pattern and prevalence of trematode parasite of digenia in Channa punctatus (Fresh Water Fish) of the Rohilkhand Region

Fish in a important article of food. It serves as a host to a number of pathogens. Most of the Fishes produce commercially most important by products. Fishes have ectoparasitic & end parasitic diseases. Parasite produces an important role in growth of fishes and other animals. No systematic work has been done on trematodes and fish diversity of Rohilkhand region. So there is no record on impact evaluation of demographic parameter of parasite of fish community

Neither sulfoxaflor, Crithidia bombi, nor their combination impact bumble bee colony development or field bean pollination

Many pollinators, including bumble bees, are in decline. Such declines are known to be driven by a number of interacting factors. Decreases in bee populations may also negatively impact the key ecosystem service, pollination, that they provide. Pesticides and parasites are often cited as two of the drivers of bee declines, particularly as they have previously been found to interact with one another to the detriment of bee health. Here we test the effects of an insecticide, sulfoxaflor, and a highly prevalent bumble bee parasite, Crithidia bombi, on the bumble bee Bombus terrestris. After exposing colonies to realistic doses of either sulfoxaflor and/or Crithidia bombi in a fully crossed experiment, colonies were allowed to forage on field beans in outdoor exclusion cages. Foraging performance was monitored, and the impacts on fruit set were recorded. We found no effect of either stressor, or their interaction, on the pollination services they provide to field beans, either at an individual level or a whole colony level. Further, there was no impact of any treatment, in any metric, on colony development. Our results contrast with prior findings that similar insecticides (neonicotinoids) impact pollination services, and that sulfoxaflor impacts colony development, potentially suggesting that sulfoxaflor is a less harmful compound to bee health than neonicotinoids insecticides.

Gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites in captive mammals at Rabat zoo, with the first record of Capillaria spp. in the Fennec fox (Vulpes zerda).

The aim of the present study was to broaden the understanding of parasitism in captive wild mammals in Morocco. For this purpose, an investigation on gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites in African mammals from Rabat Zoo was carried out. A total of 47 fecal samples were collected from 30 species from November 2021 to March 2022 and examined macroscopically and microscopically. Parasites were detected in 21 species at a prevalence of 70%, with a parasite positivity rate of 89% in artiodactyls, 50% in perissodactyls, 67% in both carnivores and primates. No parasitic infection was detected in proboscideans. The most frequent infection was by nematodes with a percentage of 50%, followed by both protozoa and mixed infection with a prevalence of 10%. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that parasite prevalence remains high, even in enclosed spaces like zoos. Therefore, in order to ensure animal welfare and staff safety, sanitary measures should be implemented in such facilities, including routine diagnostic tests followed by appropriate treatment.

A Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in School Children from South India

Background and Aim: According to the World Health Organization, close to 21% of India’s population may be affected by intestinal parasites, accounting for 39 million disability-adjusted life years, which may likely be due to substandard sanitation practices and insufficient personal hygiene standards. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of helminthic infections among school-aged children in the South Canara district of India. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving school children from nursery to the 8th Grade in the South Canara district of Karnataka, India. The presence of various intestinal parasites in different age groups was determined by performing routine stool microscopy. Modified acid-fast staining was performed for stool samples collected from children <5 years of age for the detection of intestinal coccidian parasites. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyze age-related trends in relation to the prevalence of commonly detected intestinal parasites. Results: Intestinal parasites were identified in 10 of the 253 students (3.9%), with the highest incidence observed in the age group of 7–10 years (1.9%). The most prevalent parasite identified was the cysts of Giardia lamblia, with a prevalence of 7.54%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm, each having a prevalence of 5.66%. Of the 253 students, 92.2% practiced handwashing with soap after defecation, while 7.8% did not use soap. The handwashing practices did not significantly vary across different age groups. Clinically, pallor was observed in 64.2% of the individuals. Conclusion: Giardiasis was the most common parasitic infection, followed by soil-transmitted helminths such as Ascariasis and hookworm. The level of hygiene practices among children exceeded the prevailing national and state standards.

Intestinal microbiota analysis of different Blastocystis subtypes and Blastocystis-negative individuals in Taiwan

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are the most common infectious diseases among Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan, especially for infections with Blastocystis hominis. However, little is known about the impact of Blastocystis subtypes (STs) on the gut microbiota. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a teaching hospital in Northern Taiwan in the period of 2015–2019. Blastocystis-positive stool specimens were collected for ST analysis by polymerase chain reaction in 2020. Intestinal microbiota analyses of different Blastocystis STs and Blastocystis-free individuals were conducted by 16S rRNA sequencing. ResultsA total of 13,859 subjects were analyzed, of which 1802 cases (13%) were diagnosed with intestinal parasitic infections. B. hominis infections were the most prevalent (n = 1546, 85.7%). ST analysis of Blastocystis-positive samples (n = 150) indicated that ST1 was the most common type, followed by ST3, ST4, ST2, ST7, and ST5. Different Blastocystis STs (ST1, ST3, and ST4) were associated with distinct richness and diversity of the microbiota. Taxonomic profiles revealed that Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly enriched for all analyzed Blastocystis STs, whereas Holdemanella biformis was more abundant in the Blastocystis-free group. Additionally, Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens and Coprococcus eutactus were specifically more abundant in ST3 carriers than in non-infected individuals. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that A. muciniphila is positively associated with all Blastocystis STs, while H. biformis was negatively associated with them. Several bacteria were enriched in specific STs, highlighting the need for further microbiota analysis at the ST level to elucidate the pathogenicity of Blastocystis.