Parasitic Gastroenteritis Research Articles

Summer scour syndrome in weaned dairy calves: case series

BackgroundSummer scour syndrome (SSS) is a recently identified pathological condition affecting weaned dairy and dairy-beef calves during their first grazing season in Ireland. The syndrome is characterised by diarrhoea, weight loss, weakness, and can ultimately lead to death in some calves. Oral and oesophageal ulcerations are present in some cases. This study aimed to characterise a series of SSS cases in weaned dairy-bred calves on Irish commercial farms.ResultsFive farms with calves having unexplained diarrhoea at grass were referred by private veterinary practitioners (PVP) following preliminary testing to exclude coccidiosis and parasitic gastroenteritis. Farms were visited within 2 to 5 days following PVP’s referrals, or 2 days to 3 weeks relative to the onset of clinical signs. Farm management data, grass and concentrate samples, and biological samples from 46 calves (8 to 10 calves/farm) displaying clinical signs were collected. Two farms were subsequently found positive for coccidiosis and/or had chronic pneumonia problems after a thorough herd investigation and were designated as non-case farms (NCF). The remaining three farms were deemed typical SSS outbreaks (case farms; CF). Mean rumen fluid pH per farm ranged from 6.67 to 7.09 on CF, and 6.43–6.88 on NCF. Mean rumen fluid ammonia concentrations ranged from 17.6 to 29.6 mg/L and 17.2–45.0 mg/L on CF and NCF, respectively. Corresponding blood ammonia concentrations ranged from 129 to 223 µmol/L and 22–25 µmol/L. Mean blood copper and molybdenum concentrations were within normal range on all farms. Grass crude protein concentrations on the paddocks where the calves had grazed, and were currently grazing on the day of visit ranged from 137 to 148 g/kg DM and 106–177 g/kg DM, respectively on CF, and 160–200 g/kg DM and 151–186 g/kg DM, respectively on NCF. On CF, inorganic nitrogen fertiliser was applied 1 to 3 weeks pre-grazing, whereas on the two NCF, inorganic nitrogen fertiliser was applied 2 to 3 weeks pre-grazing on one farm and no fertiliser was applied on the other.ConclusionThese findings suggest that copper or molybdenum toxicity, and ruminal acidosis are not the primary causes of SSS. High blood ammonia concentrations and the timing and level of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application to paddocks pre-grazing, warrant further investigation.

Impact of extreme weather events on the occurrence of infectious diseases in Belgium from 2011 to 2021.

The role of meteorological factors, such as rainfall or temperature, as key players in the transmission and survival of infectious agents is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to compare meteorological surveillance data with epidemiological surveillance data in Belgium and to investigate the association between intense weather events and the occurrence of infectious diseases. Meteorological data were aggregated per Belgian province to obtain weekly average temperatures and rainfall per province and categorized according to the distribution of the variables. Epidemiological data included weekly cases of reported pathogens responsible for gastroenteritis, respiratory, vector-borne and invasive infections normalized per 100 000 population. The association between extreme weather events and infectious events was determined by comparing the mean weekly incidence of the considered infectious diseases after each weather event that occurred after a given number of weeks. Very low temperatures were associated with higher incidences of influenza and parainfluenza viruses, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, rotavirus and invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes infections, whereas very high temperatures were associated with higher incidences of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., parasitic gastroenteritis and Borrelia burgdorferi infections. Very heavy rainfall was associated with a higher incidence of respiratory syncytial virus, whereas very low rainfall was associated with a lower incidence of adenovirus gastroenteritis. This work highlights not only the relationship between temperature or rainfall and infectious diseases but also the most extreme weather events that have an individual influence on their incidence. These findings could be used to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the IFNG rs1861494 Gene among a Subset of Iraqi Pediatric Patients with Gastroenteritis Co-infected with Cryptosporidium and Adenovirus

Background: Research identifies enteric adenoviruses as the third most common cause of infantile gastroenteritis, while Cryptosporidium causes parasitic gastroenteritis. Many studies have revealed the role of IFN-γ in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Objective: To investigate the IFNG rs1861494 gene polymorphism among Iraqi pediatric patients with gastroenteritis co-infected with cryptosporidium and adenovirus. Method: This case-control study enrolled 75 pediatric patients with severe gastroenteritis, whose ages ranged from 3–120 months and had a mean age of 30.64 months. The apparently healthy control (AHC) in this study included 25 pediatric individuals with a mean age of 27.64 months. We extracted DNA from stool specimens to further extract total genomic DNA, extract the human adenovirus (HADV) viral genome via PCR, and detect the IFNG rs1861494 polymorphism using the ARMS PCR technique. Results: The male gender percentage in patients and AHC groups was 54%, while the female counterpart was 46%. The positive PCR result for HADV7 was 28%, whereas the positive result for Cryptosporidium was 6%. In the studied groups, the GG genotype increased at a rate OR=2.67 as compared to the AG and AA genotypes. HADV7 and Cryptosporidium showed a strong correlation with the SNP IFNG rs1861494 results in gastroenteritis (r=0.968, p=0.007 and r=0.984, p=0.008). Conclusions: The identified enteric co-infection of Cryptosporidium and HADV-7, as well as the IFNG rs1861494 polymorphism, may shed light on possible pathogenic roles in gastroenteritis.

Molecular appraisal of Giardia intestinalis from Western India: A prospective observational study.

Giardia intestinalis is an intestinal protozoan which commonly causes parasitic gastroenteritis globally. It is a species complex consisting of at least eight assemblages (genotypes). In India, Giardia is mostly underreported and missed in asymptomatic cases. The aim of this study was to genotype the G. intestinalis isolates from stool samples of patients at a tertiary care center in Rajasthan, India, and to clinically correlate it. This prospective pilot cross-sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in a tertiary care center in western India. Patients who were microscopically positive for giardiasis were enrolled. DNA was extracted from their stool samples and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 4E1-HP as the target sequence. Anthropometric measurements and analysis were done for children by using Anthrocal application. A total of 50 patients were enrolled. Diarrhea was present in 18 patients (36%). Among these, 6 were immunocompromised and had different comorbidities. Among the children <12 years of age, 55.17% (n = 16/29) were stunted (<-2 S.D.), and among <5 years, 44.4% (n = 4/9) showed wasting (<-2 S.D.). A PCR product corresponding to assemblage B of G. intestinalis was amplified in 47 stool specimens. Only three stool samples were negative for both assemblages A and B and posed an interesting enigma. In this study, a predominance of assemblage B of G. intestinalis was detected in 94% of the isolates. Furthermore, the possibility of zoonotic transmission could not be ruled out.

A Case of Enterococcus Infective Endocarditis Following Parasitic Gastroenteritis in a Previously Healthy 20-Year-Old Male

A Case of Enterococcus Infective Endocarditis Following Parasitic Gastroenteritis in a Previously Healthy 20-Year-Old Male

Parasite control in regenerative livestock farming

Advocates of regenerative livestock farming claim a multitude of benefits following adoption of practices based on high intensity, short duration, long rest rotational grazing, amongst which is a reduction in parasitism and the use of anthelmintics. There are limited scientific data to support such claims and much of what little evidence there is emanates from North America and South Africa, so it would be useful if the observations and experiences of UK adoptees could be backed up with some well-controlled field studies. In their absence, considerations of some aspects of known parasite biology, such as the larval ecology of parasitic nematodes, can shed light on likely outcomes of various types of pasture, grazing and animal management. Minimising the use of anthelmintics in regenerative systems requires effective monitoring to ensure that animal performance and health do not suffer as a result of parasitism; for youngstock, growth rate is the most reliable marker for subclinical parasitic gastroenteritis. Consideration should also be given to other parasites that can affect grazing livestock, such as lungworm, fluke, ticks and flies, in order to determine the influence of regenerative management on the parasite fauna and their collective impact on sheep and cattle.

Distribution of bacterial, viral and parasitic gastroenteritis agents in children under 18 years of age in Erzurum, Turkey, 2010-2020.

Diarrheal diseases have existed since antiquity, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among children in developing countries. To eradicate these diseases, it is crucial to identify the pathogens that cause them and immediately initiate appropriate treatment. This retrospective study aims to investigate the incidence of childhood gastroenteritis and the epidemiological features of its causative agents. During an 11-year period (2010-2020), as many as 51159 stool samples were obtained from children aged 0-17 years. These samples were examined for the presence of parasitic, bacterial, and/or viral gastroenteritis agents and evaluated retrospectively. The records obtained from the "ENLIL Hospital Information Management System Modules" were used to collect patient-related information. The most frequently observed pathogens were rotavirus (22.4%), adenovirus (2.2), Giardia lamblia (1.6%), and Campylobacter spp. (3.0%), considering the number of samples examined for each organism. The total incidence of viruses was about 25%, parasites 5% and the rate of pathogenic bacteria was 2%. In one-way ANOVA analysis, pathogen positivity was found to be significantly higher in children aged 3-5 years compared to those aged 15-17 and 0-2 [F (5, 51153, 17,588, p<0.001)]. The highest demand for the investigation of GE factors from stool samples was made in August, September and July. According to the number of samples examined, the highest pathogen positivity was in February, October, May, December and March, respectively. The most common pathogens involved in coinfections, occurring in 0.04% of the studied cases, were rotavirus and Giardia lamblia. Parasitic, viral, and bacterial gastroenteritis maintain their current status with a high prevalence in children under 18 years of age, especially in children aged 0-4 years in Erzurum, Turkey.

ASYMPTOMATIC EOSINOPHILIA WITH REACTIVE HYPERGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA

<h3>Introduction</h3> Eosinophilia is commonly reactive (secondary eosinophilia) involving polyclonal expansion of eosinophils due to infection, atopic disease, drug allergy, or autoimmune conditions. More rarely, primary eosinophilia occurs from clonal expansion of eosinophils from underlying hematologic malignancies or idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. <h3>Case Description</h3> A 72 year old male who emigrated from Ghana 19 years prior was referred to allergy clinic for allergy testing for eosinophilia of at least 2 weeks (AEC 1900 eosinophils/μL) detected on routine blood work. He was asymptomatic. Physical exam was normal. Initial workup revealed improving eosinophilia (AEC 790), lymphocytosis, and hypergammaglobulinemia (IgG 2064 g/L, IgE 1894 g/L, IgA 461 g/L). SPEP showed polyclonal gammopathy. Immunophenotyping showed normal B/T cell populations. RAST testing, tryptase, Vitamin B12, HIV, HTLV, ANCA, MPO, Strongyloides Ab, and CRP were negative. Further history revealed a diarrheal illness in Ghana a few months prior. Stool O&P from his initial primary care appointment was positive for few <i>Blastocystis hominis</i>. Repeat testing 3 months later showed continued improvement of eosinophilia (AEC 670) and persistent though improving hypergammaglobulinemia. <h3>Discussion</h3> Eosinophilia may be detected in asymptomatic patients and requires a broad differential diagnosis for underlying cause. Careful history, physical examination, and directed workup is key. Travel history is particularly important in travelers and immigrants. While the pathogenicity of <i>Blastocystic hominis</i> is controversial, the patient's reported diarrheal illness without other symptoms and otherwise negative work up makes parasitic gastroenteritis with reactive hypergammaglobulinemia the most likely etiology of this patient's asymptomatic eosinophilia.

Mortality inequalities measured by socioeconomic indicators in Brazil: a scoping review.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE Summarize the literature on the relationship between composite socioeconomic indicators and mortality in different geographical areas of Brazil.METHODS This scoping review included articles published between January 1, 2000, and August 31, 2020, retrieved by means of a bibliographic search carried out in the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases. Studies reporting on the association between composite socioeconomic indicators and all-cause, or specific cause of death in any age group in different geographical areas were selected. The review summarized the measures constructed, their associations with the outcomes, and potential study limitations.RESULTS Of the 77 full texts that met the inclusion criteria, the study reviewed 24. The area level of composite socioeconomic indicators analyzed comprised municipalities (n = 6), districts (n = 5), census tracts (n = 4), state (n = 2), country (n = 2), and other areas (n = 5). Six studies used composite socioeconomic indicators such as the Human Development Index, Gross Domestic Product, and the Gini Index; the remaining 18 papers created their own socioeconomic measures based on sociodemographic and health indicators. Socioeconomic status was inversely associated with higher rates of all-cause mortality, external cause mortality, suicide, homicide, fetal and infant mortality, respiratory and circulatory diseases, stroke, infectious and parasitic diseases, malnutrition, gastroenteritis, and oropharyngeal cancer. Higher mortality rates due to colorectal cancer, leukemia, a general group of neoplasms, traffic accident, and suicide, in turn, were observed in less deprived areas and/or those with more significant socioeconomic development. Underreporting of death and differences in mortality coverage in Brazilian areas were cited as the main limitation.CONCLUSIONS Studies analyzed mortality inequalities in different geographical areas by means of composite socioeconomic indicators, showing that the association directions vary according to the mortality outcome. But studies on all-cause mortality and at the census tract level remain scarce. The results may guide the development of new composite socioeconomic indicators for use in mortality inequality analysis.

MULTIPLE ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE AMONG DORPER SHEEP DETECTED WITH PHENOTYPIC MARKERS AGAINST PARASITIC GASTROENTERITIS

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) is a significant disease that affects small ruminant production. PGE is controlled exclusively by chemical anthelmintics but restricted by anthelmintic resistance. Hence, dependence on anthelmintics needs to be reduced. This study aimed to investigate the anthelmintic resistance status of a Dorper sheep farm while determining the phenotypic markers of resistance to PGE. Sheep that met the criteria of the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) were divided into a control and four treatment groups of 11 to 13 animals per group. Faecal and blood samples at pre- and post-treatments were subjected to faecal egg counts (FEC), faecal culture, packed cell volume (PCV) and peripheral eosinophil counts (PEC). The data were analysed by Spearman rank correlation and two-way ANOVA. FECRT showed resistance towards albendazole, levamisole, fenbendazole and ivermectin which was predominated by Haemonchus contortus. Significant negative correlations were observed between FEC and PCV in control (r=-0.88, p&lt;0.01), fenbendazole (r=-0.58, p&lt;0.01) and ivermectin (r=-0.69, p&lt;0.01) groups. Significant positive correlations were detected between FEC and PEC in control (r=0.95, p&lt;0.01) and levamisole (r=0.56, p&lt;0.01) groups. This study shows multiple anthelmintic resistance with promising resistant characteristics against PGE among sheep.

Associations between Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection Burden and Lying Behaviour as Measured by Accelerometers in Periparturient Ewes.

Simple SummaryNovel sensor technologies have great potential to improve animal health and welfare on farms by identifying disease early in livestock. These technologies are yet to be widely applied in sheep flocks despite their great potential to aid control of costly disease such as those caused by parasitic infection. In this study, leg-attached accelerometer sensors recorded the behaviour of 54 ewes in late pregnancy, with the aim of discovering if gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection levels were associated with behavioural variation. It was found that ewes laid down more often on average when infected with increasing numbers of GIN. Each lying bout was also shorter in length on average in ewes infected with higher levels of GIN. The results demonstrate that ewe behaviour can be an indication of parasite infection levels, and thus automated monitoring of sheep behaviour could allow animals to be treated efficiently against GIN in the future, maximising animal health and minimising production losses.The application of precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies will underpin new strategies to support the control of livestock disease. However, PLF technology is underexploited within the sheep industry compared to other livestock sectors, and research is essential to identify opportunities for PLF applications. These opportunities include the control of endemic sheep disease such as parasitic gastroenteritis, caused by gastrointestinal nematode infections, which is estimated to cost the European sheep industry EUR 120 million annually. In this study, tri-axial accelerometers recorded the behaviour of 54 periparturient Welsh Mule ewes to discover if gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection burden, as measured by faecal egg count (FEC), was associated with behavioural variation. Linear mixed models identified that increasing FECs in periparturient ewes were significantly associated with a greater number of lying bouts per day and lower bout durations (p = 0.013 and p = 0.010, respectively). The results demonstrate that FECs of housed periparturient ewes are associated with detectable variations in ewe behaviour, and as such, with further investigation there is potential to develop future targeted selective treatment protocols against GIN in sheep based on behaviour as measured by PLF technologies.

Parasite control and Saint Swithin's Day

Mid-summer provides a useful check point for assessing the dynamics of parasite populations, their potential impact and the need for control measures. In young cattle, measuring growth rates and faecal egg counts at this time can provide valuable prognostic information on the likely effects of parasitic gastroenteritis over the second half of the grazing season. Faecal sampling can also be used to monitor fluke infections, but may be of less value in assessing the risk of lungworm. Local weather patterns leading up to and including mid-summer can be used in conjunction with sampling and management data to generate an overall picture of the epidemiology and risk of the various protozoal, helminth and arthropod parasites that can affect cattle at grass; these in turn can be used to guide pasture management and treatment options appropriate to individual farms and farmers.

Anthelmintic activity of pomegranate peel extract (Punica granatum) and synthetic anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalos: in vivo study.

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) is one of the most important parasitic diseases that causes economic losses and health problems in ruminants. PGE causes a drop in milk, meat, and wool production in addition to decreasing animal fertility and sometimes leading to animal death. Conventional anthelmintics used for animal treatment are expensive, especially for farmers in developing countries. Moreover, the concern of anthelmintic resistance to these synthetic drugs is rising. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of plant extract pomegranate (Punica granatum L) peel extract (PPE) against PGE infestations among ruminants. A total of 120 ruminants of different species (20 cattle, 12 buffalos, 68 sheep, and 20 goats) were examined for PGE eggs in their fecal samples. The animals under experiment were divided into four groups: the first group (negative control) was not given any drugs, the second group was given ivermectin (0.5ml/25kg bwt) (positive control 1), the third group was given albendazole (2.5mg active principle/kg bwt) (positive control 2), and the fourth group was given PPE (200mg/kg bwt). Fecal egg count (FEC) was performed on day 0 prior to the 1st dose of treatment. On day 15, an additional treatment (with the same doses) was administered and FEC was performed on days 7 and 21. Our results showed that on the 7th day of the experiment, there was an increase in FEC in the negative control group by 5%, while in the second, third, and fourth groups, there was a decrease in FEC with 95%, 90%, and 85% respectively. On the 21st day (7days from the second dose), there was an increase in FEC in the control group by a 10% and 100% reduction in FEC in both the second and third groups. While in the fourth group, there was a decrease in FEC by 97%. In conclusion, PPE could be used as a safe, cheap, and effective natural anthelmintic against PGE.

Effect of antihelminths with contrasting efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes on the live-weight gain of young Nellore cattle.

We estimated the losses caused by gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in young Nellore cattle born in three consecutive calving seasons (Cycles I, II and III). Three groups of animals: Group 1 - free from GIN using 2.5mg/kg of albendazole sulfoxide; Group II - free from Oesophagosomum radiatum using 0.2mg/kg of ivermectin but infected with ivermectin-resistant Haemonchus placei and Cooperia spp.; and Group III - non-treated experimental control animals, infected with all GIN, were observed over a period of 12months. Male and female calves were evaluated starting before weaning when the animals were an average of approximately four months of age. In Cycle I, only females were evaluated. All the animals continued to graze on pastures of Urochloa spp. (= Brachiaria). All the groups showed median faecal egg counts of fewer than 250 eggs per gram (EPG), and no clinical signs of parasitic gastroenteritis were observed. The blood variables were within the normal ranges, and no calf presented anaemia. In most of the samplings, the median EPGs were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the group treated with albendazole. Throughout the experiment, the most prevalent parasite observed in the control group was Cooperia spp., followed in decreasing order by Haemonchus spp., O. radiatum and Trichostrongylus spp. All the groups of calves exhibited weight gain throughout the trials with control group displaying the lowest body weight gain. Body weight variables between the albendazole- and ivermectin-treated groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). After weaning, females animals in albendazole and ivermectin treated groups exhibited higher body weights, 20.4% and 22.7%, respectively, than those of the control group. Likewise, males treated with albendazole and ivermectin exhibited 27.6% and 25.8%, respectively, more body weight gain than animals under control group. Because the main difference between the ivermectin and the control groups was the O. radiatum parasitism, most of the losses in the control group were possibly due to this nematode species. Nevertheless, the other nematodes species that occurred in relatively high intensities in control group could also have an additive effect in such losses.

Main parasitic gastroenteritis in the neonatal phase of dogs and cats: review

The neonatal period within veterinary medicine is considered one of the main obstacles in health care. Therefore, pediatric care and support should be involved throughout the neonatal phase, from birth to the first 30 days of age. There are several important differences between neonate puppies and adult dogs and cats, such as anatomy and physiology, those differences play a vital role in the maintenance of animal well-beingand provide theman appropriate therapy with low toxicity. Parasitic diseases are one of the leading disorders that make up the mortality rate of neonates, which is mainly due to immunological immaturity, thereby making them unable to fight pathogens. Hencethis study aims to elucidate the main parasitic gastroenteritis that affects newborns,to reduce the mortality rate caused by protozoa, nematodes, and cestodes. The diagnosis and correct treatment of these worms reduce the risk of contracting worms in puppies and spreading them into the environment. However, there may be situations where the diagnosis of these worms is not always possible, an example of this would be rescued newborns, since these worms can reside from an infected mother to the puppies, thus deworming protocols are recommended.

Ruminant behaviour in subclinical parasitic gastroenteritis

Behavioural changes in cattle and sheep are used in clinical diagnosis to detect abnormalities and to help determine the aetiology. In many parasitic diseases, infections can be subclinical, but their impact on performance can still be of importance in a farming setting. A common feature of helminth infections is a reduction in feed intake, which can account for lower growth rates and milk yields, yet inappetence is difficult to detect in free-ranging, grazing livestock. Remote-sensing technology can facilitate data collection and is useful not only in research, but is a feasible option now on commercial farms. If inappetence in grazing sheep and cattle as a result of parasitic gastroenteritis can be easily monitored and assessed, then early interventions may be possible and these can ensure that animal performance is kept on target. Application of such approaches is consistent with the principles of responsible use of anthelmintics and targeted selective treatments, which can be further integrated into complementary elements of parasite control, including grazing management.

Anthelmintic activity of seaweed extract of Padina boergesenii and Padina tetrastromatica acute subacute level in naturally infected sheep

Background: Seaweeds have showed a broad range of biological activities such as antiviral, cardiovascular, autoimmune diseases, antineoplastic antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activities. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to assess capability of Padina boergesenii and Padina tetrastromatica extract for anthelmintic activity in sheep agonized with clinical parasitic gastroenteritis in different concentrations and compared it against the standard drug albendazole using natural acute/subacute parasitic gastroenteritis due primarily to mixed nematode species. Materials and Methods: The anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of seaweed of P. boergesenii was studied in sheep with natural acute/subacute parasitic gastroenteritis due primarily to mixed nematode species. Graded doses of the extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, p.o for 5 consecutive days) significantly reduced fecal egg counts in infected animals. The percentage reduction (96.1%) by 300 mg/kg of the extract was comparable to that of 5 mg/kg of albendazole (94.3%). Results: The administration of the extract resulted in improved hemoglobin and leukocytosis values in worm infected sheep. Conclusion: The current study evidence that the anthelmintic activity of the ethanolic extract of seaweed of P. boergesenii and P. tetrastromatica has promising anthelmintic activity against strongyle, Strongyloides papillosus, and Taenia ovis. However, the anthelmintic activity of P. boergesenii was superior to P. tetrastromatica.

Eosinophilic cholecystitis, a rare case report with a review of the literature

The clinical presentation of eosinophilic cholecystitis (EC) is similar to that of typical cholecystitis, and its common symptoms are right upper quadrant (RUQ) tenderness and Murphy’s sign. In the literature, some reported cases have been associated with the hyper-eosinophilic syndrome(HES), infections, drugs, and parasitosis; however, its etiology has often been unknown. We report a 32-year-old woman presented with two-day RUQ pains and radiation to the right shoulder. A clinical picture of severe acute cholecystitis was recorded, and the patient underwent open cholecystectomy. Microscopically, we observed an edematous wall with occasional acute and chronic inflammatory cells and predominantly eosinophils. Due to peripheral eosinophilia, we recommended the patient to be examined for the hyper-eosinophilic syndrome, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and parasitosis. In follow up, parasitic gastroenteritis was diagnosed, and the patent underwent proper treatment. Since the EC signs are similar to those of typical cholecystitis, it should not be considered a separate entity. The significance of the EC diagnosis is that it can be associated with other diseases, and this should be considered when it is diagnosed.

Combined Molecular and Lectin Binding Assays to Identify Different Trichostrongyle Eggs in Feces of Sheep and Goats from Egypt

Trichostrongyles are common causes of parasitic gastroenteritis in sheep and goats worldwide. Accurate identification of these nematodes to the genus and/or species level is important for therapy selection and control strategies. In the present study, molecular and egg-lectin binding approaches were employed to identify the most economically important trichostrongyles circulating in sheep and goat herds from six districts in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Fecal samples from 653 and 205 goats reared within 17 herds were collected and tested for the trichostrongyle eggs using the modified Wisconsin sucrose flotation method. For identification of the trichostrongyle(s) present, eggs from 75 (63 sheep and 12 goats) samples which had high egg count (EPG) and pooled eggs (n = 19 pools, 15 sheep and 4 goats) from samples with moderate or low EPGs were examined. Molecular examination was conducted amplifying the ITS2 region of the rDNA for six different trichostrongyles in individual PCR reactions. For egg-lectin bindings, 4 fluorescently-labeled specific lectins were used; peanut agglutinin (PNA) for Haemonchus contortus, Aleuria aurantia agglutinin (AAL) for Trichostrongylus species, Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) for Teladorsagia circumcnicta and Lotus tetragonolobus lectin (LTL) for Cooperia species. Fourteen (82.3%) herds were found infected, of which trichostrongyle eggs were detected in fecal samples of 26.5% (173/653) of sheep and 10.2% (21/205) of goats. Results of the PCR and lectin bindings were compatible and 4 trichostrongyles were detected: H. contortus, T. circumcincta, Trichostrongylus axei and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Haemonchus contortus eggs were found in all the infected herds, and as the single species in 21 and 5 of sheep and goat samples, respectively. Lectin stained smears demonstrated the dominance of H. contortus eggs over eggs of the other detected trichostrongyles. Eleven herds were found infected with T. axei as the second most prevalent trichostrongyle; however, few AAL-stained eggs were noticed in the positive samples. Mixed infections were frequently detected as H. contortus-T. axei combination. Infections with T. circumcincta were noted in sheep samples from two herds, but not in any sample from the goats. No Ostertagia leptospicularis, Cooperia curticei or Nematodirus species were noted among the tested samples. This is the first molecular and lectin binding survey to determine the species composition of trichostrongyles infecting sheep and goats from Egypt. Haemonchus contortus plays the principal role in small ruminant trichostrongylosis in Egypt. Egg-lectin staining shows promise for future for its application in routine diagnosis as a rapid and simple technique. Findings of the earlier reports from Egypt are tabulated and reviewed.

Deaths of weaned lambs with visceral Listeria ivanovii infections

Listeriosis in humans and ruminants is most frequently associated with Listeria monocytogenes, with Listeria ivanovii only occasionally identified, mostly causing abortion in sheep. Between September 2018 and January 2019, visceral...