Helminth Parasites Research Articles

Comprehensive review on parasitic infections reported in the common fish found in UT of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir rely heavily on fish as a source of nutritional protein. Fishes also contribute significantly to the local economy of this area. However, several infectious disorders, some of which are brought on by helminth parasites, constitute a persistent threat to fish. The primary goal of the present review is to find out the parasites in common fishes found in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the impact of parasites on fishes and sickness on human health. Like other animals, fishes are susceptible to several diseases, many of which are external in origin while others are internal in origin. Fishes are known to be susceptible to parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other external agents that can cause disease, and they also commonly experience organic and degenerative problems internally. Fish parasites have significant impact on both fish and human health. These diverse organisms, including protozoa, helminths, and crustaceans, can infest various fish tissues, leading to detrimental effects. Infested fish often experience reduced growth, weakened immune system, behavioral changes, physical damage, and even mortality. Economically, fish parasites can diminish the value of fish in markets and increase production costs in fisheries and aquaculture. Moreover, fish parasites pose potential human health risks. Consumers who ingest raw or undercooked fish containing certain parasites, like Anisakis spp., may develop gastrointestinal discomfort or anisakiasis. Proper cooking and freezing can mitigate this risk. While fish parasites are primarily harmful, they also play ecological roles, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem stability by controlling fish populations. Understanding the complex interactions between parasites, fish, and their environment is vital for effective fisheries management, aquaculture practices, and public health measures. Striking a balance between controlling parasite infestation and maintaining ecological integrity is crucial for sustaining both fish populations and human well-being.

The impact of climate change upon intestinal parasites in central Europe during the 4th millennium BCE

The Neolithic period in Europe was subject to marked climatic variations during the fourth millennium BCE in the Alpine arc, marking the transition between the recent Atlantic and the Subboreal. This phase is characterized by falling temperatures and rising humidity in the Northern Hemisphere. Within this phase, between 3700 and 3250 BCE, a more intense phase takes place, known as Rootmoos 2 or Piora 2. This phase is characterized by a significant drop in lake water levels. This climatic change had repercussions on lakeside dwellers, notably through the modification and adaptation of their diet and subsistence modes. Intestinal parasites (helminths), found by human and animals via parasitic markers, seem to respond over time to these climatic variations. At first sight, low lake level phases are characterized by significant proportions of Trichuris at the expense of Diphyllobothrium, as well as an increase in Fasciola. These phases therefore seem to favour parasites indicative of agropastoral activities. During periods of high lake levels, Diphyllobothrium increase in number, pointing to a higher frequency of fishing practices. In sum, during periods of cooler/wetter climate, Neolithic lakeside populations seem to focus more on fishing produce, which may be a response to a destabilization of previously established agropastoral systems, marking a return to more opportunistic behaviour with the exploitation of products from the direct environment. This pilot study tends to evaluate if the evolution of parasitic communities in the 4th millennium BCE could therefore be used to complete our understanding of the effects of climatic variations on societies, both as a direct consequence of environmental destabilization (effect on the hosts) and the result of the behavioural adaptation of the inhabitants, even if it is still difficult to determine the importance of the influence of each factor on these variations. Despite some remaining challenges in the current study, the integration of paleoparasitic data into broader paleoenvironmental models appears promising. Future research can continue to develop along this path.

Prevalence, molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of hydatid cysts and cysticercus tenuicollis isolates and first report of E. canadensis (G6/G7) in wild boars in Bingol province, Türkiye

Wild boars can directly or indirectly transmit numerous zoonotic helminths to humans in rural communities as they serve as reservoir hosts. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and molecular characterisation of cystic metacestode forms of helminth parasites in wild boar and to identify haplotypes. To this end, 23 wild boar carcasses shot by hunters during the 2023 hunting season were necropsied and all internal organs were examined. Cysticercus tenuicollis (n = 07) and hydatid cyst (n = 10) isolates were obtained from the examined boars. Species identification of Cysticercus and hydatid cyst isolates was performed by amplification of partial fragments of the cox1 gene. According to BLAST search, all sequences of C. tenuicollis isolates were identified as Taenia hydatigena. Out of the hydatid cyst isolates, seven were classified as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1/G3) and one sample was identified as Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7). All isolates of E. granulosus s.s. (G1/G3) were re-amplified with the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) in order to distinguish between G1 and G3 genotypes. Based on the sequence analysis, it was found that five of the E. granulosus s.s. isolates were classified as G1, while two were classified as G3. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the G1 genotype is the most prevalent genetic variant among wild boar populations in Bingol province, Türkiye. In this study, a total of five novel haplotypes were identified. A previously unidentified haplotype was revealed through the haplotype analysis of E. canadensis (G6/G7). All isolates in the haplotype network of T. hydatigena were shown to exhibit distinct and geographically specific haplotypes. According to the findings of the study, wild boars include a substantial amount of genetic variety in E. granulosus s.s. And T. hydatigena.

Antihistamines H1 as Potential Anthelmintic Agents against the Zoonotic Parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Infections caused by parasitic helminths pose significant health concerns for both humans and animals. The limited efficacy of existing drugs underscores the urgent need for novel anthelmintic agents. Given the reported potential of antihistamines against various parasites, including worms, this study conducted a screening of clinically available antihistamines against Angiostrongylus cantonensis-a nematode with widespread implications for vertebrate hosts, including humans. Twenty-one anti-H1 antihistamines were screened against first-stage larvae (L1) of A. cantonensis obtained from the feces of infected rats. Standard anthelmintic drugs ivermectin and albendazole were employed for comparative analysis. The findings revealed four active compounds (promethazine, cinnarizine, desloratadine, and rupatadine), with promethazine demonstrating the highest potency (EC50 = 31.6 μM). Additionally, morphological analysis showed that antihistamines induced significant changes in larvae. To understand the mechanism of action, antimuscarinic activities were reported based on average pK i values for human muscarinic receptor (mAChR) subtypes of the evaluated compounds. Furthermore, an analysis of the physicochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of antihistamines revealed that their anthelmintic activity does not correlate with their activity at H1 receptors. This study marks the first documentation of antihistamines' activity against A. cantonensis, offering a valuable contribution to the quest for novel agents effective against zoonotic helminths.

PREVALENCE OF ECTO AND ENDO PARASITES OF WHITE CATFISH (AMEIURUS CATUS) IN UKE RIVER, KARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

In Uke River, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, a six-month research was carried out between January and June 2023 to examine the gills and intestinal helminth and protozoan parasites of White Catfish (Ameiurus catus). A total of 100 fresh Ameiurus catus fish samples of both sexes, were obtained from the fishermen and conveyed to the Zoology laboratory of Nasarawa State University for examination. The fishes were processed and examined using gills, oesophagus, intestine and rectum. Twenty-two (22) out of 100 fishes were found to be infected with helminth and protozoan parasites and a total of 31 parasites were isolated belonging to protozoa (Eimeria spp, Hexamita spp, Protoopalina spp), nematode (Procamallanus spp), trematode (Dactylogyrus spp), Cestode (Diphyllobothrium latum, Bothriocephalus claviceps) taxonomic groups. The findings indicated that Ameiurus catus intestine contained a greater quantity of fish parasites (96%). A nematode (Procamallanus spp.) was found to have the highest prevalence of 45.16%. Although the Chi square results showed no significant difference (p>0.05), the prevalence in Ameiurus catus was greater in female samples (63.64%) compared to male samples (36.36%). Fish weighing between 151-200 g (46.14%) and measuring between 21-30 cm (28.57%) had the highest percentage of parasite infection. Going forward, it is imperative to properly cook Ameiurus catus from the Uke River to prevent the spread of parasites to consumers. Additionally, it is advisable to steer clear of any potential actions that could contribute to the parasite predominance near the water body.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of cattle in Kugiya Market, Bukuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal helminth infection in cattle caused by trematodes (flukes), cestodes (tapeworms), and nematodes (roundworms) causes significant diseases which may result to growth retardation and significant economic damage. An investigation of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle sold at Kugiya market Bukuru, Jos South LGA was carried out between January and April 2016. Faecal samples of 232 cattle were examined using floatation method (Saturated Salt Solution). All the samples had gastrointestinal parasites. Nineteen 19(100%) species of gastrointestinal parasites were encountered, 2(3.88%) of which are protozoans, while the remaining 17(96.12%) were helminths as follows: 5(17.67%) trematodes (including 1 amphistome), 1(12.07%) cestode and 11(17.67%) nematodes species. The most frequently encountered were nematodes with a prevalence of 66.38% (in 154 samples), followed by the trematodes in 41 samples with a prevalence of 17.67%, cestodes in 28(12.07%) and the least protozoa in 9(3.88%). The parasites encountered are Dicrocoelium dendrititcum 8(3.45%), Taenia saginata 28(12.07%), Ostertagia ostertagi 16(6.89%), Trichuris trichuiria 13(5.60%), Oesophagustomum radiatum 16(6.89%), Bunostomum phlebotomum 22(9.84%), Amphiostomes species 15(6.47%), Haemonchus contortus 16(6.89%), Cooperia pectinata 19(8.19%), Trichostrongylus axei 11(4.74%), Dicrocoelium hospes 5(2.16%), Strongyloides papillosus 11(4.74%), Fasciola hepatica 7(3.02%), Fasciola gigantica 6(2.59%), Oesophagustomum species 12 (5.17%), Dictyocaulus viviparous 7 (3.02%), Ascaris vitulorum 11(4.74%), Eimeria bovis 3(1.29%) and Eimeria zuernii 6 (2.59%). The cestode, T. saginata had the highest prevalence of 12.07% while the protozoa, E. bovis had the lowest 1.29%. Sex and age-related infection were not significantly different at P > 0.05. Likewise, the source, breed and stool consistency related infection were not significantly different.

Helminth parasites of impalas, Aepyceros melampus, in eastern southern Africa, collected during 1973 to 2007.

This paper summarises published and unpublished data on helminths collected systematically from 424 impalas at 11 localities in eastern southern Africa, from St. Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to the Tuli Block in north-eastern Botswana. It includes data on collections in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in the drought of 1982, and in 1992/93 following the 1991/92 drought. Thirty-three species of nematodes, plus six taxa identified only to the generic level, three taxa of trematodes, and three species of cestodes were collected. Helminth species richness was highest in the southern KNP and lowest in the Tuli Block. The prevalence and intensity of infection of several helminths also declined from KZN and the southern KNP to the drier areas in the north and west. With the exception of St. Lucia and Nylsvley, > 80% of the helminths collected at each locality were collected in the southern KNP. St. Lucia was the most dissimilar locality; of the 20 helminths collected, five were unique. Ten of 33 species of nematodes, the paramphistomines (Trematoda) and the cestode Stilesia hepatica were collected at seven or more localities. Six of the most common nematodes, Cooperia hungi, Cooperioides hamiltoni, Impalaia tuberculata, Longistrongylus sabie, Strongyloides papillosus and Trichostrongylus deflexus are primarily parasites of impalas in the southern KNP, whereas many of the helminths collected at only one or two localities are parasites of other hosts. Nematode burdens were increased in the drought affected impalas in 1982, but helminth burdens decreased in 1992/93 following a dry cycle.

Structural Insights on Cross-Reactivity of Mite Allergens with Helminth Proteins

Updated notions about the so-called hygiene hypothesis consider now that helminths may have influence in the training of the immune system during childhood. Considering the similar type of immune response between helminth infections and allergic illnesses, the objective of this study was to evaluate how structural and functional conservation between house-dust mite allergens and their helminth orthologs might contribute to the cross-induction of IgE responses in allergies and helminthiasis. Amino acid sequences from group-1, -2, -5, -9, -10, -18, -21, and -23 allergens of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were retrieved from curated databases, and orthologs were identified in other mite species and different helminth parasites. We also assessed structural, conservational, functional, and immunologic relationships between these major mite allergens and their helminth counterparts. De novo 3D-modelling, B-cell epitopes prediction, structural conservation, and docking analyses were analyzed by Robetta platform, ElliPro and CBTope, RaptorX, and Z-Dock, respectively. Our results extend previous findings on structural conservations between major allergens and parasite proteins and show that these conservations go beyond the well-known conservations and may account for the observed immunological cross-reactions. This understanding can contribute in the near future to the development of more specific serological testing for mite-induced allergies and helminthiasis.

Structural basis for IL-33 recognition and its antagonism by the helminth effector protein HpARI2

IL-33 plays a significant role in inflammation, allergy, and host defence against parasitic helminths. The model gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri secretes the Alarmin Release Inhibitor HpARI2, an effector protein that suppresses protective immune responses and asthma in its host by inhibiting IL-33 signalling. Here we reveal the structure of HpARI2 bound to mouse IL-33. HpARI2 contains three CCP-like domains, and we show that it contacts IL-33 primarily through the second and third of these. A large loop which emerges from CCP3 directly contacts IL-33 and structural comparison shows that this overlaps with the binding site on IL-33 for its receptor, ST2, preventing formation of a signalling complex. Truncations of HpARI2 which lack the large loop from CCP3 are not able to block IL-33-mediated signalling in a cell-based assay and in an in vivo female mouse model of asthma. This shows that direct competition between HpARI2 and ST2 is responsible for suppression of IL-33-dependent responses.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitoses among residents of Ekemkpon and Idim Ita of Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infections in the world, with the most prevalent burden occurring in poverty-stricken areas. Intestinal parasitic infections are endemic in certain parts of Nigeria as a result of poor hygiene practices and pollution, which result in contamination of food and water. In semi-urban and rural communities where the dwellers are generally poor and uneducated and lack basic amenities like potable water supply and good sanitary facilities, intestinal parasitic infections cause major health problems. This study was to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic factors in the transmission of intestinal parasitoses among the residents of Ekemkpon and Idim Ita Communities of Cross River State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: this was a cross-sectional survey between April 2019 and August 2019. Samples were obtained from 359 participants in the study areas and examined for stool analysis using direct microscopy and brine floatation technique. Socio-demographic data of the study subjects were obtained using questionnaires. Results: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in Ekemkpon (41.0%) than in Idim Ita (14.9%). Participants with mixed infections in Ekemkpon were 7.9%, while those in Idim Ita were 2.2%. The study has shown that level of education had an influence on the transmission of intestinal parasites in Ekemkpon (p<0.05). Open defecation played a major role as a source of contamination of domestic water and farm products in the Ekemkpon community. The overall helminthic infections in the two study areas were higher than the protozoan infections observed in this study. The only intestinal protozoa in Ekemkpon was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar while hookworm species were the commonest helminthic parasites in Ekemkpon. Balantidium coli (4.4%) was the most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasites in Idim Ita while hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.8%) were the most occurring helminthic parasites in Idim Ita. Conclusions: it is recommended that strategies aimed at health education, diagnosing and treating those positive for intestinal parasite infections, and improving the general well-being of the masses be encouraged.

New records of helminth infections in Bothrops atrox Linnaeus, 1758 from Marajó Island-Brazil and a literature review with a check list of helminths infecting Bothrops species (Squamata, Viperidae) in the neotropical region

Snakes of the genus Bothrops inhabit tropical forests in Central and South America and are important for the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries because of the chemical properties of their venom. They serve as either definitive or intermediate hosts for many parasitic helminths. The Marajó Island (Brazil) is the natural habitat of venomous snakes, Bothrops atrox and Bothrops marajoensis, which are often found around rural and peri-urban areas and are known to bite humans. Samples of helminths parasitizing the oral cavity, subcutaneous tissues, coelomic cavity, and intestine of four B. atrox from Marajó Island (Pará-Brazil) were collected. The specimens studied were taxonomically classified as trematodes of the species Stycholecitha serpentis, nematodes of the genera Eustrongylides and Camallanus and cystacanths of an acanthocephalan of the genus Centrorhynchus. The aims of the present study were: to record helminths found in B. atrox from the Marajó Island; to discuss their role as definitive, intermediate, or paratenic hosts; and to compile a list of helminths that have been recorded in snakes of the genus Bothrops of the Neotropical region.

Preliminary studies on the effect of excretory secretory (ES) Ascaris lumbricoides antigens on colorectal cell line viability.

Helminth parasites are a group of complex metazoans from various taxonomic families. Excretory secretory (ES) by-products, secreted by living parasites from the surface, appeared to modulate the host immunological response towards helminth infection. This study aims to investigate the effect of ES antigen from helminth parasite on colorectal cell viability. Worm were cultured in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS x1) at 37°C for 24 hours after being rinsed in sterile PBS. Using a mortar and pestle, the worm was crushed vigorously using PBS. The obtained excretory secretory (ES) antigens were extracted and filtered using a 0.22 µM filter and stored at -20°C for further assay. For LCMS, 100 µl of the extract was analysed using Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 Rapid Resolution HT. The extraction of ES antigen (10 µg/ml and 20 µg/ml) was used for cell viability studies using CRC cell line HCT 116. Cell viability and MTT assay were conducted as per the protocol mentioned in the MTT kit. The liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LCMS) data indicated that the ES antigen contained metabolic compounds, namely fatty acid, amino alcohol, indoles, sterols, glycosides, and sphingoids. For the Ascaris lumbricoides LCMS analyses, around 405 metabolic peaks were detected. Out of which, 58 were detected via the database were identified, while several compounds detected have anticancer properties. The MTT assay indicated that after 24 hours and 48 hours of exposure, all treated cells showed a decrease in cell viability compared to the control group. The preliminary studies demonstrated that the ES antigen from Ascaris lumbricoides has some ability to decrease the cell viability of the HCT116 CRC cell line. Further studies are needed to examine the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis effect of the ES antigen towards the CRC cell line.

Gastrointestinal parasitic helminths of bats from a cave in Luzon Island, Philippines.

Bats are often associated with several zoonotic diseases, including helminth infections. Despite their potential detrimental effects on both human and bat populations, information on helminth parasites of Philippine bats remains scarce. Here, we identify gastrointestinal helminths parasitizing bats collected from a cave complex in Cavinti, Laguna Province, Philippines, determine their prevalence (P) and mean intensity (MI), and investigate relationship of helminth prevalence and intensity with bat host characteristics including sex, diet, age, and roosting habit. We isolated 581 individuals of helminths representing six taxa (three trematodes, two nematodes, one cestode) from the gastrointestinal tract of sampled bats. Helminths were observed in 82 out of 172 bats captured (P = 47.67%), with Miniopteruspaululus having the highest infection rate (P = 91.3%) and highest MI (18 ± 4.5/infected bat). Helminths parasitizing endemic bat species from the Philippines, such as Rhinolophus rufus, Rhinolophus inops, Hipposideros pygmaeus, and Ptenochirus jagori were reported here for the first time. We provide new host records for other helminth species and report the presence of two parasites, Plagiorchis sp. and Toxocara sp., known for their zoonotic potential. These data will contribute to efforts in identifying parasites and diseases harbored by bats in the country and develop additional conservation measures for bats.

The Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites from Beef Cattle on Sumedang Regency, Indonesia

Abstract Gastrointestinal parasites are common parasitic agents of cattle across the world, causing both clinical and subclinical parasitism that causes massive financial losses. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in cattle in Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Between October and November 2022, 105 cattle had been chosen at random. The sex, breed, age, frequent deworming, cleaning frequency, and management system of each beef cattle were recorded. Fecal samples were obtained through rectum from the selected animals and submitted to flotation and sedimentation procedures. Overall, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 47.62% (95% CI = 0.3791−0.5733). Strongyle-type eggs (STE), Strongyloides spp., Trichuris sp., Moniezia spp., Fasciola sp., and Paramphistomum sp. ova were found. 38.09% of the total samples were positive for Strongyle eggs infection and commonly seen in single infections, followed by Eimeria spp. infection. Mixed infections were found in 25 cattle, with double to multiple parasite infections. As a result, it was determined that beef cattle in Sumedang Regency in Indonesia were infected with a variety of gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Thus, frequent anthelmintic treatment, excellent management techniques, and public education about helminth parasites are critical.

The effect of β-Glucan induced intestinal trained immunity against Trichinella spiralis infection

Parasitic helminth Trichinella spiralis (Ts) induce mixed Th1/Th2 response with predominant type 2 immune responses, with protective immunity mediated by interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. β-Glucan (BG) has been shown to have the ability to induce trained immunity, confers non-specific protection from secondary infections. However, whether BG-induced trained immunity played a role in protective type 2 immunity against Ts infection is unclear. In this study, BG was administered five days before Ts infection to induce trained immunity. Our findings demonstrate that BG pretreatment effectively reduced the number of T. spiralis adults and muscle larvae, whereas inhibition of trained immunity abolished the effect of BG. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in goblet cells and mucus production as evidenced by Alcian blue periodic acid-Schiff staining. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 expression in response to BG. Conversely, the inhibitor of trained immunity reversed these effects, suggesting that BG-induced trained immunity confers strong protection against Ts infection. In conclusion, these findings suggest that BG-induced trained immunity may play a role in protection against infections caused by other helminths.

A systematic review on products derived from nematophagous fungi in the biological control of parasitic helminths of animals.

Nematophagous fungi have been widely evaluated in the biological control of parasitic helminths in animals, both through their direct use and the use of their derived products. Fungal bioproducts can include extracellular enzymes, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as well as secondary metabolites. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review covering the evaluation of products derived from nematophagous fungi in the biological control of parasitic helminths in animals. In total, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The majority of the studies were conducted in Brazil (72.7%, 24/33), and bioproducts derived from the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans were the most commonly evaluated (36.3%, 12/33). The studies involved the production of extracellular enzymes (48.4%, 16/33), followed by crude enzymatic extract (27.2%, 9/33), secondary metabolites (15.1%, 5/33) and biosynthesis of AgNPs (9.1%, 3/33). The most researched extracellular enzymes were serine proteases (37.5%, 6/16), with efficacies ranging from 23.9 to 85%; proteases (31.2%, 5/16), with efficacies from 41.4 to 95.4%; proteases + chitinases (18.7%, 3/16), with efficacies from 20.5 to 43.4%; and chitinases (12.5%, 2/16), with efficacies ranging from 12 to 100%. In conclusion, extracellular enzymes are the most investigated derivatives of nematophagous fungi, with proteases being promising strategies in the biological control of animal helminths. Further studies under in vivo and field conditions are needed to explore the applicability of these bioproducts as tools for biological control.

Health Impact of Co-Infestation with Gastrointestinal Helminthes Parasites in Cattle in Bangangté Subdivision, West Cameroon

There is growing interest in the scientific community about co-infestations and the determinism of their synergistic action against their hosts, in a prospect of improving animal survival rates and production. A big number of parasitic associations have been tested, most of which include parasites belonging to radically different systematic groups. This study measures the impact of gastro-intestinal parasitic associations in bovines on two health parameters: the PCV and the body condition score. To this end, we conducted a survey in the district of Bangangte from May to July 2022. Six (06) cattle farms (Bos taurus) were selected for a total of 300 animals. Blood, Fecal matter collection and careful visual observation for Body score condition recording took place on each animal part of the study. Lab analysis of fecal matters revealed eggs of 11 parasitic helminths species and their respective prevalences was calculated. The species whose eggs were discovered are: Haemonchus contortus (from 44,67 % of animals), Fasciola gigantica (38,33%), Trichostrongylus axei (13,33%), Nematodirus battus (8,33%), Ostertagia ostertagi (7,67 %), Cooperia spp. (6,00%), Strongyloïdes papillosus (4,00%), Paramphistomum cervi (3,67%), Moniezia benedeni (1,33%), Toxocara vitulorum (0,67 %) and Trichuris spp (0,33%). We found that 70,6% of animals was infested with at least one parasite, while 42% presented at least two parasites. The combinations of parasites having the most negative effect on the hematocrit level were composed of: O. ostertagi, Cooperia spp and Strongyloides papillosus. The one reducing the body condition score the most was the association of Ostertagia ostertagi and Strongyloides papillosus. More studies in a controlled environment, with artificial infestations, are required to confirm the adverse effects of parasitic associations delighted in this study.

Helminths parasites of heteromyds rodents from semiarid regions of México

Helminths parasites of heteromyds rodents from semiarid regions of México

Evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of ethanolic leaf extract of Juglans regia L. on Ascaridia galli: a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study.

Anthelmintic resistance in livestock animals has been spreading across the world in prevalence and severity. As a result, researchers are exploring alternative strategies to combat this issue, and one promising avenue is the utilization of medicinal plants. This study aims to investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) derived from the leaves of Juglans regia against one of the most detrimental nematode parasites affecting poultry, namely Ascaridia galli (A. galli). For the in vitro studies, adult A. galli worms were collected from the naturally infected chickens and the efficacy of CEE was measured at the concentration of 25, 50, and 100mg/ml using adult worm motility inhibition (WMI) assay. In addition, levamisole (0.55mg/ml) was used as the positive control. Likewise, Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as the negative control. For the in vivo studies, CEE of J.regia at the doses of 500, 1000, and 2000mg/kg were evaluated in chickens experimentally infected with A. galli. The anthelmintic efficacy was monitored using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and worm count reduction (WCR) assays. In vitro studies revealed significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects of CEE of J.regia on the motility of A. galli worms at different hours post-exposure. At the concentration of 100mg/ml, CEE resulted in 96.5% inhibition of worm motility at 24h post-exposure. While the synthetic anthelmintic drug, levamisole caused the highest inhibition of worm motility (100%) at the same time period. The in vivo anthelmintic activity of CEE of J. regia demonstrated a maximum effect on day 14 post-treatment by inducing 67.28% FECR and 65.03% WCR. We observed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in worm counts between the negative control group and the chickens treated with CEE at the dosage of 500mg/kg. Together, the results of the present study suggest that CEE of J. regia leaves possess anthelmintic properties and could be a potential source of novel anthelmintic compounds for controlling helminth parasites.

Intestinal Helminth Infections among Primary School Aged Pupils in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis in primary school children in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 172 faecal samples were collected and analyzed using Kato-Katz technique. Other pieces of information concerning demography were obtained through structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and P˂0.05 were considered significant. Overall, 45 (26.16 %) of the samples were infected while 127 (73.84 %) were negative. Among the schools sampled, Community Primary School, Amowere recorded the highest infection prevalence of 58.18% while no infection was recorded in Umuoji Primary School, Ebenebe (0.00 %). In relation to class, pupils in class four were the most infected 12 (31.58 %) while class one children had the least prevalence 5 (12.19 %). Gender-wise, males recorded the highest prevalence of 28.43 % with female children having a lower prevalence of 22.86 %. In terms of age, children between the age bracket of 7–9 years were most infected 31 (30.09 %) with the least prevalence occurring in the 4–6 years age group. In total, four helminth parasites were found in the stool samples of the children, A. lumbricoides 35 (20.59 %), Hookworm 7 (4.16 %), and T. trichiura 5 (2.19 %). Among the predisposing factors studied, school and type of parasite were found to be statistically significant (P˂0.05). Mass deworming of primary school children should be undertaken regularly by health officers as well as enlightenment programs of pupils on proper hygiene practices and sanitation.