Parasite Research Articles

Bovine cryptosporidiosis in calves : A Review

One of the culprits during this tough spring was a parasite called Cryptosporidium. It is an important zoonotic pathogen transmitted primarily through water.Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of diarrhoea in young calves. It is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium,family Crptosporididae,order Eucoccidiorida,class Coccidian and phylum Apicomplexa.The parasite infects epithelial cells in the microvillus border of the gastrointestinal tract of all class of vertebrates7.and causes severe chronic and even fatal diarrhea with malabsorption and dehydration 19 Currently,there are 16 recognized species and nearly triple this number of unnamedNeonatal calves becomes infected within the first few days after birth.Feces containing eggs are a major source of infection, but calves may also spread the parasite through direct contact. Since the egg survive well in the environment, calves can also pick up infections from water,feed and soil.In addition to calves, cryptosporidiosis affects other young animals including piglets,lamb,kid,oats,foals and fawn (farmed deer). Stressors such as inadequate milk consumption,cold weather and wind may also play an important role in determining how severe the infection will be and how long it will last.

Monogenoidea parasites of Cichla monoculus and Cichla pinima (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae), sympatric fish in lower Tapajós River, Northern Brazil

The study investigated the monogenoids infracommunity from the gills of Cichla monoculus and C. pinima living sympatrically in the lower Tapajós River, State of Pará (Brazil). A total of 561 monogenoids were collected of C. monoculus, which was host to seven species of these parasites, and 672 monogenoids were collected of C. pinima, which was host to eight species of these parasites. The monogenoids infracommunities of C. monoculus and C. pinima had a high qualitative similarity (88.0%), and quantitative (87%), and were composed by Gussevia arilla, G. longihaptor, G. tucunarense, G. undulata, Sciadicleithrum ergensi, S. umbilicum and S. uncinatum. There was a predominance of G. arilla and a low level of infection by Tucunarella cichlae. The prevalence, intensity and abundance of monogenoids were similar for C. monoculus and C. pinima, except for the intensity of G. undulata that was higher in C. monoculus. Parasite species displayed an aggregated dispersion, but G. longihaptor and S. ergensi exhibited random dispersion. This was the first study of monogenoids for C. pinima, and the first record of G. arilla, G. tucunarense, S. ergensi, S. umbilicum and S. uncinatum for C. monoculus. This study therefore extended the geographic distribution of these parasites to the lower Tapajós River in eastern Amazon.

The first record of Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa (Digenea: Heterophyidae) metacercariae as the fish-borne zoonotic trematode in Chelon auratus and Chelon saliens (Pisces: Mugilidae) around the cage culture in the Caspian Sea, Iran

As a matter of fact, there has not been any reportage of the parasite of Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa Ransom, 1920 from the Caspian Sea, Iran. During two years, April 2017 until 2018, 158 specimens of mullet fish, Chelon auratus and Chelon saliens (Risso, 1810) were collected and carefully examined considering the standard parasitological methods. Interestingly, the metacercaria was found in the stomach and intestine of the mullets. Morphological and morphometric analyses indicated that this parasite species belongs to Ascoctyle (Phagicola) longa. Overall infection mean intensity (52.1±128.3), mean abundance (14.8±71.9) and prevalence (28.5%) were calculated in mullets. Differences in the infection level of Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa in relation to fish species, location and sampling years are determined and discussed. So that the mean intensity of this parasite is significantly different in the two locations of Anzali and Kiashahr (X2=13.35, df=1, p=0.00<0.05) and the mean intensity between mullet species (X2=5.49, df=1, p=0.019<0.05) is significantly different. In fact, A. (Phagicola) longa is a widespread and rife fishborne zoonotic parasite and also one of the most notable agents of human heterophyosis observed in the Caspian Sea.

Intestinal parasitoses and schistosome infections among students with special reference to praziquantel efficacy in patients with schistosomosis in Hajjah governorate, Yemen

The majority of the population in Yemen lives in rural areas and suffers from parasitic infections. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitoses and schistosome infections among the students enrolled in the primary schools in Hajjah governorate – north of Yemen, along with an assessment of praziquantel (PZQ) in the treatment of microscopy-confirmed cases of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium. For this purpose, 780 samples (320 stool and 460 urine) were examined microscopically. The present study revealed an overall infection rate of 75.3% (241/320) with intestinal parasites and Schistosoma mansoni. The detected parasite species included Entamoeba histolytica (27.8%), Hymenolepis nana (12.2%), Giardia lamblia (9.7%), Entamoeba coli (9.4%), S. mansoni (9.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6.9%), Trichuris trichiura (3.1%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.8%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (2.2%). Schistosoma haematobium was prevalent among 1.7% (8/460) of the investigated students. On the other hand, PZQ yielded a cure rate of 75.7% of Schistosoma-infected students when administered at 40 mg/kg body weight. However, a 100% cure rate was achieved when administered at 60 mg/kg body weight. Therefore, the findings of the present study highlight the importance of monitoring PZQ efficacy through large-scale studies in different settings endemic for schistosomosis in the country.

Diagnosis Laboratorium Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of malaria is integral to the appropriate treatment of affected individuals and in preventing the further spread of infection in the community. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. Clinical diagnosis is based on the patient’s symptoms and on physical findings at examination. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Clinical findings should always be confirmed by a laboratory test for malaria. Microscopic examination remains the “gold standard” for laboratory confirmation of malaria. Species determination is made based on morphological characteristics of the four species of human malaria parasites and the infected red blood cells. However, many simian species are largely indistinguishable from the four human species by microscopy. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microsatellite testing can assist in definitive species determination. An alternate way of establishing the diagnosis of malaria infection are by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test and enzyme immunoassays (EIA).

Characterization of Clinostomum metacercariae using microscopic and molecular approaches

One of the fundamental aspects in understanding the biology, diversity and epidemiology of a parasite lies in its proper identification. In the present study, morphological and molecular characterization of Clinostomum metacercariae recovered from an ornamental fish, Trichogaster fasciata, was carried out in order to ascertain its identity. To serve the purpose, scanning electron micrographs and gene sequences for two commonly used molecular markers, i.e., nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (rDNA-ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCO1) were obtained. The sequences were further used for generating similarity index matrix as well as inferring phylogenies. Light and electron microscopic observations on metacercariae of the parasite revealed that it belongs to the genus Clinostomum. Identification of the same up to the level of species was made possible through sequence and phylogenetic analyses. The ITS2 sequence analyses of our species (KX758630) showed similarity to unidentified Clinostomum sp. reported from Nigeria (KY865625) and China (KP110579), and C. tilapiae recorded from South Africa (KX034048) and Nigeria (KY649353). However, the CO1 gene analyses suggested it to be highly identical to C. philippinense and the same was also corroborated in the phylogenetic analysis. Thus, morphological and molecular characterization revealed that the recovered metacercariae belong to the species C. philippinense. Additionally, a brief description of secondary structures of ITS2 of various species of Clinostomum has also been discussed.

Histopathological study of Corydoras micracanthus (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) parasitized by the nematode Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pintoi (Camallanidae) from Lesser River, northwestern Argentina, South America

The nematode parasites can cause mechanical injuries such as irritation or atrophy of tissue and occlusions of the digestive tract, blood vessels or other ducts in their hosts. Some species belonging to the family Camallanidae have been the focus of histopathological studies because they lacerate the host´s intestinal wall with their buccal capsule. In this study, we describe the histopathological effects produced by Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pintoi in the small fish Corydoras micracanthus from Lesser River, in the northwest of Argentina, South America. The samples were processed with routine histology techniques. At light microscopy, specimens of P. (S.) pintoi were observed occupying the lumen of the gut. The histopathological sections revealed damage to the host intestine with the total destruction of the mucosa and submucosa, observed mainly in the region which is surrounding the buccal capsule of parasites. Moreover, an inflammatory reaction was observed with lymphatic accumulations in the affected tissue. This kind of degenerative and necrotic changes in the mucosa could affect negatively the absorption function of the host intestine, which may have adverse effects of the health status of fish. The present study provides the firs data about the histopathological effects of P. (S.) pintoi in C. micracanthus.

Giardia spp., ten years of parasitological data in the biggest zoo of Latin America

Giardia spp. (Diplomonadida: Hexamitidae) is an important and widely studied protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution. Nowadays have six described species, and the most important probably is Giardia duodenalis due to the zoonotical potential that some assemblages have. Many studies analysing samples from wild animals have detected Giardia in captive environment, including the zoonotic type. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia sp. in wild captive animals at São Paulo Zoo, using conventional parasitological techniques (direct smear, passive flotation with saturated sodium chloride solution and simple gravity sedimentation), from 2006 to 2016. In total, 7066 coprological exams were performed during this period with samples from mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The prevalence of Giardia infections was of 1.5% (103/7066). Mammals had the higher prevalence of infections with 2% (77/3872), followed by birds with 1.1% (25/2186) and reptiles with only one positive sample (1/894). All samples from amphibians were negative. Representatives of thirteen families presented positive results for this parasite: Dromaidae, Phasianidae, Ramphastidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae, Canidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Myrmecophagidae, Callithrichidae, Cebidae, Hylobatidae and Dipsadidae. This study presents the first report of Giardia sp. in Pavo muticus and Brachyteles arachnoides. Infections were prevalent in Cebidae and Ramphastidae species. The findings of this study highlight the importance of identifying which Giardia assemblage are involved in the infections and if they may have a zoonotic potential.

In vivo antimalarial activity, toxicity, and phytochemical composition of total extracts from securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (polygalaceae)

Introduction: Alternative antimalarial drugs are urgently required. Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (Polygalaceae) is a medicinal plant with a long history of use in African ethnomedicine to treat malaria and other illnesses. The efficacy, safety, and chemical composition of chloroform: methanol (1:1) and aqueous total extracts from the leaves, stem, and roots of S. longepedunculata were investigated. Methods: Adult Swiss female mice were infected with 107 erythrocytes parasitized with Plasmodium berghei (strain ANKA) on day 0 as a model of malaria. Effects of crude extracts at a dosage rate of 100 mg/kg of body weight on parasitemia were measured over a 4-day period. To evaluate acute toxicity, the mice were administered crude extracts by oral gavage at 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg of body weight and observed over a 24-h period. Cytotoxic effects of crude extracts were measured using human epithelial-2 cells in a 96-well microtiter plate over a 24-h period. Results: Chloroform: methanol (1:1) and aqueous root extracts demonstrated significant chemosuppressive activities of 91.46% and 87.64%, respectively (P 2000 mg/kg body weight. Crude extracts contained alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, and triterpenoids. Conclusion: The findings from the current study validate ethnopharmacological use of the plant, while demonstrating its potential as a possible source of new lead molecules against malaria.

Design of Broadband Microstrip Antenna for 2.5GHz with Inverted Parasite Patch and the Proximity Stub

Design of Broadband Microstrip Antenna for 2.5GHz with Inverted Parasite Patch and the Proximity Stub

Helminth parasites of the white-spotted wall gecko, Tarentola annularis (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Shendi area, Sudan

This is the first report on helminths parasitize the white-spotted wall gecko, Tarentola annularis from Shendi area in Sudan. A total of 32 geckos were collected between January and May 2018, and examined for helminth infections. Three nematode species of the family Pharyngodonidae were identified: Pharyngodon mamillatus, Spauligodon brevibursata and Parapharyngodon sp. The most prevalent nematode found was P. mamillatus followed by S. brevibursata. The overall prevalence and intensity of infections was 81.3% and 6.8 nematodes per one infected gecko, respectively. The prevalence and intensity of infections were observed to be more in adult male geckos compared to adult females. On the other hand, the prevalence and intensity of infections were significantly higher in adult geckos compared to the juveniles.

The urban ponds as a potential risk in the transmission of parasites

Abstract We studied freshwater snails inhabiting an urban pond in an enclosed private community from the northern Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina for a year and monitored individuals in order to observe parasite emergence. Specimens of the predominant snail species were measured and analyzed histologically to examine possible larval effects on the gonadal tissue causing alterations in the developmental stages of the gonads and the degree of parasite prevalence per age, sex, and host size calculated. Four species were registered: Pomacea canaliculata , Physa acuta , Biomphalaria peregrina and Heleobia parchappii. The last of these was the most abundant, whose breeding season was in the spring. The parasitized snails exhibited a shorter average length than those free of parasites. The larval prevalence increased with host length, becoming the highest in postreproductive-stage individuals, but was not different between the sexes. Among the emerged cercariae, we noted a marked predominance of the family Notocotylidae. Resumen Las lagunas urbanas como un riesgo potencial en la transmision de parasitos Se estudiaron durante un ano los gasteropodos de agua dulce que habitan en una laguna artificial urbana en un barrio privado del nordeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se monitorearon individuos para observar la emergencia de parasitos. Los individuos de las especies de caracoles predominantes se midieron y se analizaron histologicamente para examinar los posibles efectos de larvas en el tejido gonadal, el grado de prevalencia de parasitos por tamano y sexo. Se registraron cuatro especies de gasteropodos: Pomacea canaliculata, Physa acuta, Biomphalaria peregrina y Heleobia parchappii. La ultima de estas especie fue la mas abundante, registrando eventos reproductivos en primavera. Los caracoles parasitados exhibieron una longitud promedio mas baja que aquellos libres de parasitos. La prevalencia de larvas aumento con la longitud del hospedador, llegando a ser la mas alta en individuos en etapa postreproductiva, pero no fue diferente entre los sexos. Entre las cercarias emergentes, notamos un marcado predominio de la familia Notocotylidae

Taxonomic structure of cestodofauna of two species of diving ducks Aythya fuligula and A. marila (Anseriformes: Aythyini) in north-western Poland

Diving ducks Aythyini Delacour et Mayr, 1945 are an interesting object of the parasitological studies because due to living in two environments (aquatic and terrestrial) and migrating over long distances, they can come into contact with many potential hosts for parasites. In the recent years, a decrease in the population of diving ducks has been observed, especially of the tufted duck and the scaup. Both of them remain the most common species found in the region of West Pomerania, so the presented research is limited to the parasitological studies of these two species of ducks. The aim of this study was to determine the taxonomic structure of the cestodofauna of two species of diving ducks, the tufted duck and the scaup, wintering in north-west Poland. The research material consisted of 14,734 tapeworms collected from digestive tracts of 256 birds, 174 tufted ducks Aythya fuligula (Linnaeus, 1758) and 82 scaups A. marila (Linnaeus, 1761). All identified tapeworms obtained from digestive tracts of the hosts belonged to the Hymenolepididae family (order Cyclophyllidea). A total of 25 species of 9 genera were identified in the cestodofauna of the tufted duck, while in the cestodofauna of the scaup: 12 species of 7 genera. During 10 years of studies out of all of the 26 recorded species, 6 have been found in Poland for the first time. Moreover, 13 new, unlisted parasite-host relationships have been identified: 7 in the digestive tract of the tufted duck and 6 in the scaup.

Helminths infecting the black false boa Pseudoboa nigra (Squamata: Dipsadidae) in northeastern Brazil

Knowledge about endoparasites of snakes is essential to understand the ecology of both parasites and hosts. Herein, we present information on helminths parasitizing the black false boa Pseudoboa nigra in northeastern Brazil. We examined 32 specimens from five Brazilian states (Ceara, Piaui, Pernambuco, Maranhao and Rio Grande do Norte). We found six helminths taxa: two acanthocephalans ( Acanthocephalus sp. and Oligacanthorhychus sp.), three nematodes ( Hexametra boddaertii, Physaloptera sp. and Physalopteroides venancioi ), and one cestode ( Ophiotaenia sp . ). All parasites are reported for the first time infecting P. nigra , providing relevant information on infection patterns in this snake.

Authority of the Worm: Examining Parasitism Within Inside and Upstream Colour

Authority of the Worm: Examining Parasitism Within Inside and Upstream Colour

Of Parasites and Their Hosts

Of Parasites and Their Hosts

New Physical Approaches combined with nanoparticles in Leishmania major Treatment

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a mutual parasitic disease, which is endemic in some countries of the world. The use of common drugs has been restricted because of confirmed side effects and drug resistance. There are still serious challenges in the treatment of CL. Developing new therapeutic methods for leishmaniasis, besides obtaining a prompt treatment response that prevents lesions' progression and scarring, is a significant success in the treatment of the disease. Novel approaches such as nanotechnology have been applied as a therapeutic modality. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of three physical approaches combined with nanoparticles on promastigotes, amastigotes, and lesion-induced parasites. Materials and Methods: Leishmania promastigotes were treated with gold nanoparticles combined with different duration of the microwave with 2450 MHz frequency. So, the promastigotes treated with electroporation and ultraviolet irradiation in presence of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles respectively. Leishmania amastigotes were preserved by GNP and SNP with different conditions exposure of Microwave irradiation and electroporation. Ultraviolet irradiation in presence of silver nanoparticles used to reduce the size of lesion-induced parasites. Results: Promastigotes survival rate induced a significant decline in different conditions of all three approaches in the presence of nanoparticles in comparison to similar samples without there. The least survival of amastigotes was also recorded in the groups containing nanoparticles received the microwave and electroporation. In addition, the findings on parasite burden and size of lesions showed a significant difference between the treatment groups with SNPs and UV irradiation and control group. Conclusion: The finding emphasized to the utility of new approaches by nanotechnology could be useful for the treatment of cutaneous disease such as leishmaniasis. For validation of this statement need to more research and some studies have been planned for this aim.

Hookworms in Emergency Department: The ＂Vampire＂ Within.

Hookworms infection is a soil-transmitted helminthic disease particularly endemic in developing counties of tropical regions. It is attributed mainly to two human pathogens nematodes namely Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Although the disease has been characterized as "neglected" is very diffi cult to be eliminated and the economic consequences are great. Worms are fed with blood of hosts in small intestine and cause typically iron deficiency anemia with relevant symptoms as well as eosinophilia. Patients admitted in emergency department claim often diffuse general symptoms, whereas cases with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding can be seen. Within this brief review, after introducing some basic elements of hookworms' epidemiology, taxonomy and socioeconomic problem is emphasized, pathogenesis, and life cycle of parasite are concisely explained. Furthermore, clinical manifestations often or rarely seen in emergency department are described. Therapeutic options are also enclosed. Awareness of the problem and critical thinking of patients coming from endemic regions could result to identifying more hookworm cases and their therapy will efficiently alleviate not only the patients per se but health system and societies as well.

The first report of an alien parasitic nematode, Camallanus cotti isolated from the wild Giant danio fish, Devario aequipinnatus, (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern part of Western Ghats, India

Introduction of alien parasitic nematodes to the wild fish species might result in a severe threat to native species biodiversity including native fish species and native parasitic fauna. In the present study, the invasive Asian nematode, C amallanus cotti (Nematoda: Camallanidae), has been reported for the first time in Giant Danio ( Devario aequipinnatus ) in the Cauvery river systems of Southern part of Western Ghats, India. The occurrence of this parasite in both aquarium-cultured fish as well as from the natural aquatic bodies dwelling fish is evident of the introduction of the alien organisms due to insufficient prophylactic measures during the transmission of non-native hosts between countries and also the spread of them by the anthropogenic introduction to natural systems.

The potential of host-specific volatiles from Tribolium confusum larval faeces for luring the ectoparasitoid Holepyris sylvanidis : Presentation

The ectoparasitoid Holepyris sylvanidis (Bethylidae) attacks larvae of different stored product pest beetles. Previous studies on the olfactory host search of H. sylvanidis revealed that female parasitoids are strongly attracted to volatiles released from Tribolium confusum larval faeces, in particular to (E)-2-nonenal and 1-pentadecene. We suggested that these host-specific key compounds may serve the parasitoid as long-range attractants for host location. In this context, we propose that the attractive volatile blend could be used to establish a new approach within the biological control of stored product pests by guiding the parasitoid to its host and thus, increasing the host finding success. We investigated the potential of the identified host-indicating volatile cues to attract H. sylvanidis from a distance by offering the two key compounds to female parasitoids. Their walking behaviour and the covered distance were analysed on a Kramer sphere. Moreover, in semi-field trials both attractive volatiles were loaded onto rubber septa which were placed next to 4th instars of T. confusum at 1.5 m distance from the parasitoids. We studied the host finding success of H. sylvanidis by (i) measuring the mean time to locate and parasitise T. confusum larvae and (ii) counting the number of parasitised and unparasitised host larvae as well as the number of newly hatched parasitoids compared to the control without additional olfactory cues. First results showed that H. sylvanids females can locate the provided host larvae from a distance. Parasitistion of host larvae started four days after the release of parasitoids. No effect of the additionally offered hostspecific key volatiles ((E)-2-nonenal and 1-pentadecene) on the parasitoid´s host finding success was observed at the given conditions and used amounts of compounds. Further studies are required to determine the right odour blend and concentrations for attraction of parasitoids over a distance and finally to show that the addition of host-derived kairomones may support the host finding success of H. sylvanidis.