Parasite Eggs Research Articles

Patterns of stress response to foreign eggs by a rejecter host of an obligate avian brood parasite.

One of the most effective defenses of avian hosts against obligate brood parasites is the ejection of parasitic eggs from the nests. Despite the clear fitness benefits of this behavior, individuals within so-called "egg-rejecter" host species still show substantial variation in their propensity to eliminate foreign eggs from the nest. We argue that this variation can be further understood by studying the physiological mechanisms of host responses to brood parasitic egg stimuli: independent lines of research increasingly support the hypothesis that stress-related physiological response to parasitic eggs may trigger egg rejection. The "stress-mediated egg rejection" hypothesis requires that hosts activate the stress-response when responding to parasitic egg stimuli. We tested this prediction by asking whether hosts showed differential stress response when exposed to host-like (mimetic) or parasite-like (non-mimetic) eggs. We experimentally parasitized incubating American robins Turdus migratorius, a robust egg-rejecter host to obligate brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds Molothrus ater, with mimetic or non-mimetic model eggs. To assess the stress response, we measured the heart rate in incubating females immediately after experimental parasitism. We also measured plasma corticosterone and, in a subset of birds, used RNA-sequencing to analyze the expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), a precursor of adrenocorticotropic hormone, 2 h after experimental parasitism. We found that egg type had no effect on heart rate. Two hours following experimental parasitism, plasma corticosterone did not differ between the differently-colored model egg treatments or between rejecter and accepter females within the non-mimetic treatment. However, females exposed to non-mimetic eggs showed an upregulation of POMC gene expression (before FDR correction) in the pituitary compared with females treated with mimetic eggs. Our findings suggest that in an egg-rejecter host species, non-mimetic parasitic eggs may increase the activity of the stress-related hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis compared with mimetic eggs, although the temporaldynamics of this response are not yet understood.

ГЕЛЬМИНТООВОСКОПИЯ ПРИ ДИАГНОСТИКЕ И ЛЕЧЕНИИ АНОПЛОЦЕФАЛИДОЗА ЛОШАДЕЙ

The effective management of the modern horse breeding industry is hampered by many reasons, among which parasitic diseases play an important role, which are an urgent problem in horse breeding in our country. Scientific studies of the prevalence of intestinal parasitocenoses in horses show that invasion by intestinal strongylates, parascarids, oxyurises and anoplocephals in the form of mono- and polyinvasions has a wide and intensive distribution. Anoplocephalidosis occurs in horses annually, affects up to 60 % of the livestock or more, while the intensity of invasion is high. To date, there are a large number of drugs for the treatment and prevention of this disease, but despite this, anoplocephalidosis is widespread in horses. The aim of the study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of various methods of treating equine anoplocephalidosis. In production experiments, 12 horses with clinical signs of anoplocephalidosis were used, which were divided into 2 groups according to the principle of analogues, 6 animals each. Animals of the first group were treated with the anthelmintic agent Alvet 20 % granulate and the probiotic Vetom-1. The horses of the second group were treated for parasites with a solution of Albendazole 10 % granulate and were given the probiotic Vetom1. After treatment, the first group completely got rid of parasite eggs by the 3rd day, and in animals of the second group, single parasite eggs were found in two of the seven heads. As a result of the analysis of data obtained in the study of anaplocephalidosis, it was found that the degree of invasion was 20 %, the population index was 2.7, and the intensity of invasion was 13.3.

Deep Learning-Based Parasitic Egg Identification From a Slender-Billed Gull’s Nest

Intraspecific nest parasitism is a phenomenon that attracts the attention of biologists since it helps in saving the endangered species such as Slender Billed Gull. The problem comes from the fact that a parasite female lays its eggs in the nest of another female (host) of the same species which causes the abandon of the nest by the host. This behavior causes a significant reduction in future birds number and leads to the expansion of this specie. Thus, there has been an urgent necessity to clean the nest from parasitic eggs. So, our aim is to built an automatic parasitic egg identification system based on egg visual features information. Our system uses deep learning models which have proven their success for image classification. Indeed, our system conduct an egg image’s pre-processing phase followed by Fast Beta Wavelet Network (FBWN) to extract the most efficient descriptors (shape, texture, and color). Then, these features will be inputted to the Stacked AutoEncoder for egg classification. Our proposed system, has been evaluated on 91-egg dataset collected from 31 clutches of eggs in Sfax region, Tunisia. Our model has given a parasitic egg identification accuracy of 89.9% which has outperformed the state of the art method and shows the efficiency and the robustness of our system.

Pelvic Cystic Echinococcosus Causing Acute Renal Failure With Ureteral Compression: Case Report

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis that is endemic in Turkey and is caused by the contamination of eggs of the Echinococcus granulosus parasite. The liver is the most common organ affected up to 70-80%. On the other hand, pelvic CE is very rare and can often be confused with gynecological malignancies. It is more difficult to diagnose in older women. In this study, we aimed to present a 72-year-old female patient who was previously operated for the diagnosis of CE that is located in segment 6 of the right lobe of the liver. In the radiological examination of the patient, a lesion compatible with recurrent intra-abdominal CE or ovarian cystic mass was observed. The patient developed acute renal failure because of the compression of the ureter by the cystic mass in the pelvis. The patient underwent total cystectomy and hysterectomy by laparotomy. The patient was discharged on the 4th post-operative day with albendazole treatment. CE should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of intraabdominal cystic masses.

Egg recognition and nestling discrimination in the Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus): Size matters

Most studies exploring abilities of hosts to detect brood parasitism are based on detecting colour and/or pattern differences among parasitic and host eggs or nestlings, while only few were focused on size differences. True recognition and recognition by discordancy are used to explain cognitive mechanisms of host egg recognition; however, only a few studies have found that hosts use recognition by discordancy. This study investigated: 1) whether egg and nestling recognitions in the Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus) are based on size cues; 2) whether the egg cognitive mechanism is recognition by discordancy based on size cues; and 3) whether the longer the experiment time, the higher the egg recognition rate. Our results showed that the Crested Myna uses egg or nestling size as a recognition cue while the egg and nestling colour and patterning are not associated with egg or nestling rejection, thus the cognitive mechanism of egg recognition in the Crested Myna is recognition by discordancy based on egg size cues. Furthermore, there is a rejection delay in time of egg rejection behaviour of the Crested Myna. Therefore, we suggest that the periodicity of egg rejection experiments could be appropriately extended, especially for species with relatively low egg recognition ability.

РАСПРОСТРАНЕННОСТЬ ОКСИУРОЗА У ТЕРРАРИУМНЫХ РЕПТИЛИЙ

Recently, more and more pets are reptiles, which can be carriers of a wide range of internal parasites: protozoa, nematodes, cestodes, trematodes. In private zoo collections and zoos, the mortality rate from helminthiasis is about 12%. The most common helminths of reptiles are oxyura. The article presents the results of studies of helminth infestation of terrarium reptiles from private zoo collections. The research was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of "Morphology, Pathology of Animals and Biology" of the Saratov State Agrarian University named after N.I. Vavilov. Coprological samples from 49 different reptiles were selected for diagnosis. In the work, fecal samples were studied by the flotation method and the native smear method to identify parasite eggs in the most common species of terrarium reptiles. The intensity (AI) and the extensiveness of the invasion (EI) were determined. Also, the animals were subjected to a daily clinical examination: the appetite of the animals, water consumption, and the regularity of defecation were evaluated. Before microscopic studies, organoleptic parameters were determined: quantity, color, shape, consistency, odor, presence of impurities (undigested food residues, mucus, blood, etc. leftovers). As a result of the study, it was revealed that all individuals of the examined green iguanas and the patterned runner were infected with oxyuras (EI was 100%), which indicates that there are favorable conditions for the development of pathogens of oxyuratosis in the external environment and high susceptibility of animals of this species. As a result of the study, eggs of Oxyurida sp. were found in 23 individuals out of 49 examined. The intensity of oxyuratous invasion varied from 1 to 69.4 eggs of nematodes in the field of view of the microscope, the extent of invasion was 46.9%.

Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of Black Bengal goats in Natore, Bangladesh.

The objective of this work was to estimate the diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite species, their prevalence, and risk factors in Black Bengal goats (BBGs) of Natore, Bangladesh. Fecal samples from randomly selected 260 BBGs were processed through Stoll's ova counting method, floatation, and simple sedimentation method. Microscopy-based identification of parasitic eggs, cysts, or oocysts was made. A semi-structured questionnaire-based data on host and management practices were collected from the owner. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The overall prevalence of GI parasites in BBGs was 65.4%, with an individual prevalence of 8.5% for Fasciola gigantica, 21.5% for Paramphistomum spp., 20% for Haemonchus spp., 34.2% for Strongyloides spp., 8.5% for Trichuris spp., and 9.2% for Eimeria spp. No significant effect of host age, gender, body condition, animal rearing system, or housing floor type was observed on parasitism. Animals of young age, female, poorly body-conditioned, living in a free-range system, and housed on a muddy floor had a relatively higher susceptibility to infection. Deworming had a significant impact on reducing the frequency of caprine GI parasitism. Despite the significant effect of anthelmintic, the elevated prevalence of GI parasites in BBGs suggests a critical need for developing effective strategies to prevent caprine parasitoses.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans as a frequent problem in travellers.

Dermatological disorders are among the most common complaints of patients seeking medical assistance after returning from trips to tropical countries. Among exotic dermatoses, one of the frequently encountered diagnoses is Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM), primarily caused by the nematodes Ancylostoma braziliense and A. caninum. Cats and dogs, which serve as the definitive hosts for these nematodes, excrete with their stool parasite eggs into the environment, where they transform into larvae. Human infection occurs through the invasive form of the larvae, which penetrate the skin, causing itching and the characteristic serpiginous, slightly raised, and enlarging lesion at the site of invasion. Diagnosis is made based on the highly characteristic clinical presentation, although in non-endemic countries, diagnostic errors and delays in initiating effective causal treatment are relatively common. Effective therapy includes oral albendazole and ivermectin. Prevention of CLM involves avoiding skin contact with potentially contaminated soil by wearing shoes and using towels and mats on the beach. Due to the high interest in travel and the risk of importing exotic diseases, it is important to promote knowledge of tropical medicine among healthcare professionals as well as the travellers.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in bovines along the elevation gradients of Annapurna Landscape, Nepal

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is a great concern for livestock management in Nepal, which may vary with the age and sex of the animals, feeding practices, habitat types, and interaction with other domestic and wild animals. As a consequence of growing environmental changes, it is anticipated that temperature and precipitation variation in altitudinal gradients will influence parasite communities and their hosts with unpredictable impacts. In light of this, the current study aimed to explore the pattern of prevalence and factors affecting GI parasites in bovines along the altitudinal and environmental gradients of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape. A total of 600 faecal specimens of bovines were collected from six different blocks and examined microscopically in the Zoology laboratory of Birendra Multiple Campus, Bharatpur, Nepal in between 2019 to 2020. The presence of cysts, oocysts and eggs of parasites in faecal samples were detected morphometrically using standard qualitative and quantitative methods. Out of 600 faecal samples of cattle and buffaloes examined, 64.8% were found positive for one or more species of GI parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infection was significantly higher in cattle (68.8%) as compared to the buffaloes (62.7%, p=0.007). A total of 16 species (5 protozoans, 11 helminths) were reported. The prevalence of GI parasites was significantly lower with increasing annual rainfall, elevation, distance from the forest and water resources (p=0.0001) but significantly higher with increasing temperature (p=0.001). The calf (p=0.028) and sub-adults (p=0.028) were significantly infected than the adults. Despite the fact that a large number of the herders used veterinary drugs for deworming, GI parasites were still rampant in the cows and buffaloes. We conclude that GI parasites are serious problems in the cattle and buffaloes of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape. Hence, regular health checkups, deworming, cleanliness of the sheds, and water resources are suggested regularly.

Serological Evaluation of Human Toxocariasis in Patients With Hypereosinophilia Referred to Tabriz Hospitals in Iran

Introduction: Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection that causes eosinophilia in humans. Infection in humans is created by swallowing parasite eggs through contaminated soil or hands. Then, the larvae exit from eggs in the small intestine and enter the bloodstream through the perforation of the intestine, and from there, they migrate to all various organs, leading to the creation of visceral larva migrans syndrome and ocular larva migrans syndrome. Methods: In this case study, a prospective study was performed on 100 patients who referred to these centers from February 2017 to January 2018 in different hospitals in Tabriz, in Iran. After the diagnosis of 50 hypereosinophilic patients (more than 10% eosinophilia) without a history of allergic disease as a case group and 50 patients without eosinophilia as a control group, we collected blood samples from these individuals and isolated their serum or plasma. Then, anti-Toxocara antibodies were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in these patients. The data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies was observed in 20% (10 patients) and 2% (1 patient) of hyperosinophils and controls, respectively. The mean age of the case and control groups was 22–75 years and 17–79 years, respectively, and 57% and 43% of the subjects were males and females. Conclusion: Seroepidemiological studies in Iran have shown a seroprevalence of the disease between 2% and 25.6%. Due to the fact that toxocariasis is caused by worm larvae, this disease can be diagnosed only by serological methods. Therefore, it is necessary to suspect toxocariasis in people with unspecified hypereosinophilia and perform an immunoserological test by the ELISA method. The findings demonstrated that this infection exists in the city of Tabriz.

Identification Of Soil Transmitted Helminth Using Formol Ether Sedimentation And ZnSO4 Solution Flotation Methods

Soil transmitted helminths are parasitic groups of worms that live in countries with subtropical or tropical climates. In humans, when exposed to parasitic eggs or larvae, they can cause infection. Stool examination is divided into qualitative and quantitative examination. Qualitative are direct examination, flotation, tape, deposition, and thick preparations. Kato-Katz and Stoll are quantitative. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of STH identification using the Formol Ether Sedimentation Method and ZnSO4 Solution Flotation with a total sample of 30 samples using purposive sampling. Data analysis with percentage tables and the Chi Square statistical correlation test The results of the analysis prove that the number of samples infected with soil transmitted Helminth with the Formol Ether Sedimentation Method and ZnSO4 solution flotation is the same. With p value = 0.850, which means there is no significant difference between Formol Ether Sedimentation and ZnSO4 solution flotation.

Imported parasitosis as a diagnostic challenge in Primary Healthcare Clinic in the non-endemic region — a case study of schistosomiasis in English Division student

Schistosomiasis is a parasitosis, most commonly caused by Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium, eventually by other species from the genus Schistosoma (blood flukes). This study presents a case of schistosomiasis in an African-origin student cured in the Primary Healthcare Clinic (PHC) in Lublin, Poland. The young adult male patient from Zimbabwe, studying in Poland, presented to the PHC, due to pain in the left down quadrant of the abdomen, bloody stools, and a single episode of drooling with a blood-stained jelly-like mass, without fever. In blood tests, there was neutropenia, lymphocytosis and eosinophilia. In a colonoscopy, numerous lymphoid nodules were observed with small regions of mucosal erythema, faded vascular drawing, and delayed small contact bleeding. The patient had an elevated level of IgE (329,5 IU/mL; N < 158) and minor abnormalities in the proteinogram. Abdominal CT showed calcification of intestinal walls, suggesting infection of flukes from the Schistosoma genus. The result of histopathological examination confirmed the presence of structures interpreted as parasite eggs in intestinal crypts, lamina propria and the lumen of mesenteric vessels. It is of great importance, that general medicine physicians working in schistosomiasis non-endemic regions are aware and pay attention to various risks as well as provide referrals to advanced imaging and endoscopic procedures in patients with unusual health problems. Keeping in mind, that early signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis, and results of blood tests may remain unspecific in contrast to a more complex gastrointestinal diagnostic approach, a chance of early diagnosis and successful therapeutic intervention may be facilitated.

PREVALENCE OF CAPILLARIA NEMATODES OF PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA) IN DISTRICT NAROWAL, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Pigeons are omnipresent birds which belong to the order, Columbiformes and cover a large part of every town and city, worldwide. Among the parasites of pigeons, Capillaria is found to be more prevalent in them after Eimeria. These worms penetrate deeply in the intestinal mucosa leading to haemorrhages and epithelial necrosis thereby presenting clinical disease and death occurs if left untreated. The major purpose of this study was to determine the burden of Capillaria spp. in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) of district Narowal. Total 210 fecal samples from pigeon flocks were processed qualitatively through direct microscopy and floatation method while quantitatively through McMaster technique. The parasitic eggs were diagnosed using standard keys. In this study, 154 (73.33%) out of the 210 samples were found infected with Capillaria spp. The quantitative examination presented the lowest eggs per gram (EPG) of 300 in the Narowal tehsil and highest EPG of 800 in Shakargarh tehsil among the study areas. This study will be helpful in raising awareness to pigeon owners to improve pigeons health status through better control of capillariasis.

Epidemiological factors associated with helminths and coccidia in zebu calves under pastoralism in Isiolo County Kenya

In Kenya, helminthosis and coccidia infections in cattle, are the second highest cause of death in zebu calves up to 12 months old, estimated at 12% mortality rate. The aim of our study was to investigate the factors associated with helminth and coccidia infection among zebu beef calves in Isiolo County Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December on 2020 in Isiolo North and South Constituencies. Garbatulla and Burat wards in Isiolo North and Kinna in Isiolo South were purposively selected due to high number of large cattle herds compared to other areas. A total of 411 calves from 34 herds aged between 3 weeks and 12 months were randomly selected for the study. Calf level and management and environmental data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, observations and physically. Faecal samples were obtained from the rectum or immediately after defaecation for laboratory analysis located in Kinna Ward in Isiolo South Constituency. In the laboratory, faecal egg counts were estimated using the McMaster faecal floatation technique. Descriptive, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out with outcome as parasites eggs or oocysts per gram of faecal sample. The factors associated with coccidia infections in the final multivariable logistic regression analysis for coccidia were: Location (Constituencies), availability of drinking water, lush pasture, floor condition, availability of extension services and herd size. In the multivariable logistic regression final model for strongyle infection, age of the calf, herd size, co-infestation with other parasites, and availability of extension services were significant. The results of this study indicated that prevalence of helminth and coccidia infections in calves is high and the calf, environmental and management factors were associated with such infections.

Intestinal roundworm infection in organic and alternative swine farms in the USA

Swine parasites are a challenge for organic and alternative pig farmers and represent suboptimal animal health because use of chemical prophylaxis is not recommended. There is no comprehensive study of how prevalent gastrointestinal parasites are in organic or alternative pig farms across the USA. This study investigates prevalence, abundance, and intensity measures for three intestinal roundworm parasites (Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp. and Trichuris suis) on organic and alternative swine farms by quantifying their eggs in pig feces, pastured soil, and bedding. Nine farms raising pigs in bedded facilities across four states (Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) were sampled, and analysis of parasite egg counts from feces indicate that 88.9%, 55.5%, and 44.4% of farms were infected with A. suum, Oesophagostomum spp. and T. suis, respectively. Prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of eggs per gram (EPG) in feces for A. suum and T. suis were higher in growing and finishing pigs, whereas they were higher for Oesophagostomum spp. in finishing pigs and sows. Prevalence and abundance with A. suum eggs in feces were higher in organic certified farms, whereas abundance of Oesophagostomum spp. and T. suis was lower than those in alternative farms. Fewer eggs were recovered from soils than bedding samples, but their presence in both substrates confirmed that dispersal stages occur in farms. Overall, our results indicate that intestinal parasite infection across organic and alternative swine farms in the USA is common, and not surprising given that few options to control infection within organic regulations are available.

Copromicroscopic study of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals at Central Zoo, Lalitpur, Nepal.

Zoological gardens (Zoo) provide abode to various threatened animals or trafficked animals seized by the authorities, and injured and orphaned animals. Captive animals are more susceptible to infection as they are under significant stress due to diet and space which further dwindle their resistance to parasitic infections. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals housed at Central Zoo. Fresh faecal samples from three orders of mammals including carnivora (n = 24), rodentia (n = 28) and artiodactyla (n = 35) were examined by direct smear, faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques, and the McMaster technique was applied to quantify parasite eggs per gram (EPG)/oocysts per gram (OPG) of a faecal sample. One or more parasite taxa were detected in 19.54% of the examined samples and five types of GIPs including one protozoon (Eimeria spp.) and four helminths (Strongyloides spp., Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. and hookworm) were recorded. The protozoan prevalence (6.89 %) was lower than helminths (12.64%). The Eimeria spp. was the most prevalent parasite (6.89%) with the highest OPG (427.77 ± 25.45SD) in spotted deer (Axis axis), and the highest prevalence was noticed among artiodactyla (34.28%) followed by carnivora (12.5%) and rodentia (7.14%). Artiodactyla had both single infection (25.71%) and double (8.57%) infection. The percentage of single infection (16.09%) was found to be higher than double infection (3.44%) among the captive mammals. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) had the highest EPG of 383.33 ± 76.37SD (Strongyloides spp.), while the spotted deer had the lowest EPG of 216.66 ± 76.37SD (hookworm). Despite careful management practices, the parasitic infection may be attributed to the narrow enclosure, group housing and environmental contamination. The present finding provides baseline information on the parasitic infection in captive mammals, and can be used by zoo managers for the better life of captive animals.

Study on household micro-mesh anerobic digester followed by vegetable garden fertilization for resources oriented sanitation of toilet and kitchen

The household three chamber anaerobic digester(3CAD)with its final products being used as fertilizers is the main way for harmless and resourceful treatment of traditional toilet liquids in rural China. When the residents changed their waterless toilets into water-flush toilets, the design volume of the existing 3CADs is far from meeting the requirements of the national mandatory standards regarding the hydraulic retention time (HRT). In this study, a multiple-step micro-mesh anaerobic digester (MMAD) was advanced, aiming to greatly shorten the HRT requirement of the anaerobic digestion. Based on health risk assessment and phytotoxicity assessment of the effluent, the feasibility of MMAD method was verified. According to the results of the comprehensive evaluations, the optimization of the setting parameters of the multi-step micro-meshes and the HRT of the digester were also obtained. Setting four-step micro-meshes with apertures of 150 μm,75 μm,50 μm and 5 μm along the water flow direction, the effluent quality obtained when the HRT is 10 days is as follows: the SS5 (>5 μm) was less than 0.5 mg L−1, representing that the effluent index of parasite eggs was qualified; the fecal coliform value of the effluent was greater than 10−4; the removal efficiency of SS and COD were 82.28% and 67.27%, which were much better than those of the 3CADs. After continuous operation for 236 days, the reactor showed no sign of clogging. The system with MMAD + vegetable garden fertilization can not only meet the needs of modern sanitation in rural areas at low cost, but also help to achieve the goal of carbon peak and neutrality, which are in line with the concept of sustainable development.

Detection of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in Environmental Samples from Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria.

Environmental contamination with parasite eggs poses a serious risk to public health. This study aimed to assess the presence of taeniid eggs and, in particular, E. granulosus s.l., in environmental samples in the city of Ibadan, South West Nigeria. To this purpose, soil (n = 200), fecal (n = 200) and water samples (n = 50) were examined by microscopic observation and the multiplex PCR method. The influence of specific environmental factors on E. granulosus s.l. egg dispersion was also evaluated. Taeniid eggs were microscopically found in 11.5%, 25.5% and 8.0% of soil, fecal and water samples, respectively. PCR analyses evidenced the presence of E. granulosus s.l. in 8.0%, 24.0% and 2.0% of soil, fecal and water samples, respectively. The proximity to slaughterhouses, the level of urbanisation and the local government area of belonging did not seem to affect E. granulosus s.l. egg dissemination patterns. Our results have clearly demonstrated that both urban and semi-urban areas of the city of Ibadan in Nigeria are highly contaminated by taeniid eggs and we recommend the adoption of appropriate measures to control E. granulosus s.l.

Blood Flukes and Arterial Damage: A Review of Aneurysm Cases in Patients with Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis, caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma, has organ-specific morbidity due to host's inflammatory response to the oviposition of parasite eggs in vessels and organs. Damage to the cardiovascular system, including aneurysms, has been described in patients. Aims and Methods. Aims of the review of case reports and series published in literature were to describe the occurrence of aneurysm in patients with schistosomiasis. Investigation Outcomes. A total of 13 cases (seven males and six females) with a mean age of 41.3 ± 14.9 years were included. Aneurysm occurred in patients with active or previous infection. In more than half of the cases, an intestinal or hepato-splenic involvement was reported, followed by pulmonary schistosomiasis and urinary or testicular involvement. The most frequently involved arterial district was the pulmonary artery. Immunomodulation and thrombophilia were featuring challenging surgery. More studies are needed to shed light on the vascular complications of schistosomiasis, to ascertain the true burden of aneurysms in patients with schistosomiasis, to establish the pathophysiology of vessel damage and aneurysm formation, and to assess if there is an association between schistosomiasis and aneurysm formation in line with WHO 2021-2030 NTD Roadmap.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in wild rats (muridae) in pilajau oil palm plantation of Sawit Kinabalu Group, Membakut Sabah Malaysia

Rats are pests and reservoirs for ectoparasites and endoparasites. This study was conducted at the Pilajau oil palm plantation to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection among wild rats. This study identified the rat species and sex based on its morphological characteristics. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified up to the genus level using formalin-ether concentration (FECT). Parasite eggs and oocysts were quantified with a modified McMaster method using Sheather's solution. The plantation rats included Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus. There were more captured males (60%) than females (40%) of R. norvegicus and R. rattus. This study also discovered a total of 11 parasite genera, and only one non-zoonotic genus, Eimeria spp. Most of the identified nematodes, cestodes and protozoa parasites were zoonotic. Additionally, the prevalence and mean intensity of parasite infection in wild rats were also calculated. Strongyloides spp. (100%) recorded the highest prevalence in wild rats, followed by Nippostrongylus spp. (86.67%), Ancylostoma spp. (76.67%), Blastocystis spp. (76.67%), Trichuris spp. (70%), Eimeria spp. (60%), Ascaris spp. (50%), Capillaria spp. (46.67%), Entamoeba spp. (33.33%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (26.67%). In terms of intensity, most readings obtained were below 500 EPG, which is suggestive of mild parasitic infection in wild rats. However, due to its zoonotic potential, workers and residents living near the plantation area are still exposed to zoonotic pathogens transmitted by wild rats