Parasitological Studies Research Articles

Oasis Malaria, Northern Mauritania1.

A malaria survey was conducted in Atar, the northernmost oasis city in Mauritania, during 2015–2016. All febrile patients in whom malaria was suspected were screened for malaria by using rapid diagnostic testing and microscopic examination of blood smears and later confirmed by PCR. Of 453 suspected malaria cases, 108 (23.8%) were positive by rapid diagnostic testing, 154 (34.0%) by microscopic examination, and 162 (35.7%) by PCR. Malaria cases were observed throughout the year and among all age groups. Plasmodium vivax was present in 120/162 (74.1%) cases, P. falciparum in 4/162 (2.4%), and mixed P. falciparum–P. vivax in 38/162 (23.4%). Malaria is endemic in northern Mauritania and could be spreading farther north in the Sahara, possibly because of human-driven environmental changes. Further entomologic and parasitologic studies and monitoring are needed to relate these findings to major Anopheles mosquito vectors and to design and implement strategies for malaria prevention and control.

Evaluation of Anthelmintics Resistance Against Gastrointestinal Parasites Infection in Awassi Sheep in Jordan and The use of Alternative Herbal Anthelmentics

This study aimed to uncover the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in ovine gastrointestinal nematodes in middle and north Jordan and to check the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of apple cider vinegar drench and ginger powder. For this purpose a parasitological study was designed, which used fecal egg count reduction test Two hundred seventy ewes were enrolled in this study, twenty sheep farms were enrolled in this study, which had concerns about anthelmintic efficacy. On each farm, 10 sheep were randomly allocated to one of six treatment groups and five for an untreated control group. Fecal samples were collected on day 0 and days 10-14 for worm egg counts and larval differentiation at 6:00 am at the time of milking. Based on the morphometric identification of larvae, Trichostrongylous 85% was the predominant species, Oestertagia 10% and Haemonchous 5%. There was resistant against all species in the used anthelmintic drug, the highest reduction was noticed in the Ivermectin group and the lowest reduction rate was noticed in albendazole groups. There was low resistance against ginger powder and apple cider vinegar which means that they have a strong anthelmintic effect against gastrointestinal parasites.

Hortaliças orgânicas: alimentos saudáveis ou um risco à saúde?

As hortaliças orgânicas são caracterizadas por um cultivo sem agrotóxicos e fertilizantes sintéticos. No entanto, o modo como esses vegetais são cultivados, com esterco bovino como adubo, aumenta a possibilidade de tornarem-se vias de transmissão de enteroparasitoses. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo detectar a ocorrência de estruturas parasitárias em hortaliças orgânicas comercializadas em feira livre no Município do Crato (CE). As hortaliças orgânicas foram coletadas na feira agroecológica Associação Cristã de Base – ACB. Uma amostra de cada hortaliça (coentro, cebolinha e alface) foi coletada por banca (oito bancas, no total), e processadas utilizando a técnica Lutz, ou de Hoffmann, Pons e Janer ou método de sedimentação espontânea, com adaptações para estudo parasitológico em vegetais. Para cada amostra foram preparadas três lâminas e analisadas em microscópio óptico nas objetivas de 10X e 40X. Do total de amostras de hortaliças orgânicas analisadas 31,40% encontravam-se contaminadas pelas seguintes estruturas parasitárias: cistos de Giardia duodenalis, Balantidium coli, Entamoeba histolytica, E. coli, Iodamoeba butschlii, Endolimax nana; ovos de ancilostomídeos, Taenia sp. e Hymenolepis diminuta, larvas de ancilostomídeos e de Strongyloides stercoralis. O coentro foi a hortaliça mais contaminada, e o S. stercoralis foi o parasito mais frequente nas amostras de hortaliças, portanto, prevaleceram os helmintos. A contaminação encontrada nesse estudo sugere formas inadequadas de cultivo, higienização e manipulação das hortaliças, sendo inadequadas para o consumo segundo legislação em vigor. São necessárias campanhas eficazes de incentivo à higienização dos alimentos, mesmos os orgânicos, dito como “saudáveis”, mas, que podem ser vias de transmissão de parasitos de enteroparasitoses./

Parasites gastro-intestinaux chez les chiens à Lubumbashi

Une étude parasitologique a été menée en 2015 sur des chiens de sexe, âge et race différents, vivant en liberté dans la ville de Lubumbashi, République démocratique du Congo. Des échantillons de fèces ont été prélevés et analysés par coproscopie selon une méthode de flottation. Sur les 120 chiens examinés, 78 (65 %) étaient infestés, parmi lesquels 74 (61,7 %) avaient des helminthes gastro-intestinaux et 4 (3,3 %) avaient des coccidies. Les coproscopies ont révélé la présence de cinq espèces de parasites : Ankylostoma spp. (41 chiens), Toxocara canis (22), Toxascaris leonina (8), Isospora canis (4) et Dipylidium caninum (3). I. canis n’a été retrouvé que chez les chiots. Le dépistage fréquent d’ankylostomes et de T. canis suggère qu’il existe à Lubumbashi un risque de contamination de l’homme par ces parasites zoonotiques.

Diaphorocleidus machacae n. sp. (Monogenea) Infecting the Gill Lamellae of Brycon guatemalensis (Characiformes: Bryconidae) from the Rio Lacantún Basin in Chiapas, Mexico.

There are currently nine known gill monogenean species of Diaphorocleidus Jogunoori et al. (Systematic Parasitology 58:115-124, 2004) (Dactylogyridae) which are dispersed within and/or among five fish families in the Neotropical Characiformes: Bryconidae, Acestrorhynchidae, Characidae, Iguanodectidae, and Hemiodontidae. During a fish parasitological study carried out in the Rio Lacantún from Chiapas, Mexico, a new species of Diaphorocleidus on the gill lamellae of Brycon guatemalensis Regan, 1908, was discovered. Our objective was to morphologically describe the new parasite species by comparing it with previously described species of Diaphorocleidus and other known dactylogyrids on Characiformes. Worms were fixed with 4-5% formalin solution, observed and measured as temporary or permanent mounts stained with Gomori's trichrome, and mounted in Canada balsam. In addition, some specimens were mounted on slides using a mixture of lactic acid (LA) and glycerin-ammonium picrate (GAP) and then remounted in Canada balsam to obtain measurements of the haptoral structures and copulatory complex. Drawings were made with the aid of a drawing tube using a Leica microscope DM2500 with Nomarski interference contrast. The new species differs from previously described congeneric species in having comparatively biggest body size [i.e., 800-1200 µm vs. 222-340 µm in Diaphorocleidus armillatus Jogunoori et al. (Systematic Parasitology 58:115-124, 2004) (type species of the genus)]; two prostatic reservoirs; rod-shaped accessory piece; a sucker-like structure associated with the genital pore; vaginal duct looping left intestinal cecum and opening on the dextro-dorsal margin of body; anchors with conspicuous basal folds on the deep roots weakly developed. Consistently with the previous phylogenetic hypotheses about the origin of bryconids (20 mya late Oligocene-early Miocene) in Central America, that morphological differentiation in D. machacae n. sp. in Mexico may somewhat reflect the insights of an early dispersal of a common ancestor of Diaphorocleidus to the area in comparison with that of a late invasion of their congeners [i.e., according to the origin of B. petrosus (10 mya) 10 mya] in Central America. The present finding brings to ten, the number of known species of Diaphorocleidus, and represents the second described species of this genus occurring in a freshwater native host in Mexico.

Análise do perfil socioeconômico e da prevalência de enteroparasitoses em crianças com idade escolar em um município de Minas Gerais

As enteroparasitoses são causas relevantes de agravo à saúde, sendo frequentes principalmente em crianças com idade escolar. Saneamento básico, higiene e nível socioeconômico são fatores determinantes para a transmissão de parasitoses intestinais. O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência das parasitoses intestinais em crianças em idade escolar, caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico e de moradia da população e analisar o perfil das parasitoses no município de Rio Preto/MG. O estudo descritivo e transversal analisou amostras de fezes de 79 crianças de 4 a 7 anos em uma escola municipal. A coleta das amostras fecais foi realizada pelo sistema parasitológico Paratest® Formalina 5 para pesquisa de ovos e larvas de helmintos e cistos de protozoários. O material foi avaliado conforme suas características morfológicas através da análise microscópica do sedimento, por quatro observadores. A média de idade foi de 5,6 anos (± 1,1), sendo 51,9% crianças do gênero feminino. A prevalência de parasitoses foi de 11,4% e os protozoários prevalentes foram Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana e Entamoeba coli. Verificou-se que 69,6% das casas possuíam abastecimento de água tratada; 65,8% possuíam rede de esgoto; 85,0% consumiam água filtrada, mineral ou clorada em casa; e 92,5% declararam lavar as mãos antes das refeições e após usar o banheiro. A prevalência de parasitoses nas crianças participantes do estudo foi considerada baixa e os protozoários encontrados foram Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana e Entamoeba coli. Apesar da baixa prevalência encontrada, estudos parasitológicos são considerados de extrema importância para o conhecimento das condições de saúde da população, visando a implementação de ações de educação, orientação em saúde e prevenção.

Elimination within reach: A cross-sectional study highlighting the factors that contribute to persistent lymphatic filariasis in eight communities in rural Ghana.

BackgroundDespite the progress achieved in scaling-up mass drug administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Ghana, communities with persistent LF still exist even after 10 years of community treatment. To understand the reasons for persistence, we conducted a study to assess the status of disease elimination and understand the adherence to interventions including MDA and insecticide treated nets.Methodology and principal findingsWe conducted a parasitological and epidemiological cross-sectional study in adults from eight villages still under MDA in the Northern Region savannah and the coastal Western Region of the country. Prevalence of filarial antigen ranged 0 to 32.4% and in five villages the prevalence of night blood microfilaria (mf) was above 1%, ranging from 0 to 5.7%. Median mf density was 67 mf/ml (range: 10–3,560). LF antigen positivity was positively associated with male sex but negatively associated with participating in MDA the previous year. Male sex was also associated with a decreased probability of participating in MDA. A stochastic model (TRANSFIL) was used to assess the expected microfilaria prevalence under different MDA coverage scenarios using historical data on one community in the Western Region. In this example, the model simulations suggested that the slow decline in mf prevalence is what we would expect given high baseline prevalence and a high correlation between MDA adherence from year to year, despite high MDA coverage.ConclusionsThere is a need for an integrated quantitative and qualitative research approach to identify the variations in prevalence, associated risk factors and intervention coverage and use levels between and within regions and districts. Such knowledge will help target resources and enhance surveillance to the communities most at risk and to reach the 2020 LF elimination goals in Ghana.

Визначення раціонального обсягу вибірки в паразитологічних дослідженнях бутстреп-методом

Sampling of field material in parasitological studies is a highly time consuming procedure, which successful implementation also requires substantial financial and human resources. Therefore it is important to determine the rational sample size as a balance between the informative of the data from the small samples and the excess costs for collecting the unnecessary data. Due to aggregated distribution of parasites in populations of hosts it is difficult to calculate the confidence intervals of the statistical characteristics using the methods of classical statistics. In such situations it is need to use the non-parametric methods and resampling. The study offers practical recommendations to determine the rational sample size for calculation the interval estimates of the statistical parameters and the precision using the Bag of Little Bootstraps. The precision is defined as a confidence interval such that the estimate of the mean should be within some value of the true mean. The approach is illustrated on the example of monogenean parasites of Ligophorus llewellyni and L. pilengas from the so-iuy mullet. The initial data set included 224 elements for each parasite species. The results showed that the level of precision and parameter of aggregation are strongly affected by the sample size. It was found that the width of the confidence interval was equal or less of the empirical mean for samples more than 45 elements. The mean abundance is systematically underestimated for samples with 20–35 individuals. The small samples (n=10) have led to the unreliable estimates. The similar results were obtained in studies of Marques and Cabral. The proposed here approach will relief the sampling plan design and will help researchers to define the rational sample size and the precision level for the estimated mean abundance in parasitological studies.

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

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

Ефективність комплексного лікування при асоціативному перебігу дерматитів у собак

Currently, skin pathology in dogs is often recorded and is approximately 32,5-55,2 %. Associated dermatitis in dogs has a multicomponent structure of the etiological factors associated with active action on the skin of acaro-fungal agents. Clinical manifestation of the disease is characterized by the presence of significant areas of alopecia, lichenization, vesicles, pustules, erosions, ulcers, scabs on the skin in the areas of the muzzle, ears, petioles of the extremities, severe skin itching and prolonged treatment and remission. The purpose of the work is to develop a modern strategy for the treatment of associative dermatitis in dogs caused by the causative agent of demodicosis and trichophytes. The research was carried out on dogs with skin diseases that belonged to the inhabitants of Kharkiv during the period 2018-2019. At the first stage of the research, anamnestic data was collected, taking into account age, breed, conditions of keeping animals, the type of diet, planned antiparasitic treatments. The second stage of the study included general clinical studies and special diagnostic criteria (parasitological and mycological tests). According to the results of parasitological and mycological studies, 35.3% have associated associative etiology dermatitis caused by the causative agents of Demodex canis and dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The disease was most commonly registered in dogs under the age of 7-9 months and 2-6 years old. Acaricidal therapy included the use of the drug Simparika (active ingredient sarolaner (Zoetis, USA) and avertsectinum ointment. Antifungal therapy consisted of the use of the drug Intraconazole and external treatments with Imaverol (active ingredient - enilconazole, ELANCO, Austria). Antibacterial therapy was presented by «Sinulox RTU» (Zoetis, USA) (acting substance amoxicillin and clavulanic acid). To facilitate the penetration of the drug through the skin, pretreatment of animals was performed using the keratolytic zooshampun «VetExpert» (Poland). For the correction of the immune condition, the drug «PDE» - denatured placenta emulsified, Pharmax, Ukraine) was used. For normalization of the liver function, the drug «Gepavikel» (manufacturer KELA (Belgium) was injected). Control over the course of the disease was carried out on the basis of a study of skin scrapers every 3-4 weeks. The scissors were taken from the same sites that were examined prior to treatment, and further investigated new areas with lesions. Treatment was performed for 2 months until 2 negative scratches of the skin were obtained. After recovery, control was performed at 3-month intervals for 1 year.

A serological and parasitological study of Toxoplasma gondii infection in stray cats of Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi province, Iran.

The aim of the present study was to determine seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in stray cats and correlation with oocyst shedding and IFN-γ concentration. From April to August 2016, one hundred fifty-nine stray cats were captured from various localities in Mashhad area. The blood and fecal samples were collected from each cat. The serum samples were examined to detect antibodies against T. gondii infection by ELISA assay and the fecal samples were microscopically examined for T. gondii oocyst detection. The concentration changes of IFN-γ in serum samples of seropositive and seronegative cats were measured using ELISA kit. The results showed that 59.12% (94/159) of cats had antibodies against T. gondii infection. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in the adult cats above three years olds was higher than other groups. Regarding gender, month and region factors, the difference of seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was not significant. In this study, the Toxoplasma/Hammondia like oocyst (THLO) were detected in 2.56% (4/156) in fecal samples of one seropositive and three seronegative cats. Results also showed that the mean value for IFN-γ concentration in the seropositive cats was significantly higher than that of the seronegative cats. Based on the results, the high percentages of stray cats were infected with T. gondii in this area. The IFN-γ concentration of seropositive cats was higher than that of the seronegative cats.

Symbiont Fauna of Freshwater Zooplankton in Several Water Bodies of the Dnipro River Basin

Abstract In several water bodies of the Dnipro river Basin, parasitological studies of the representatives of main taxonomic groups of freshwater zooplankton (Rotifera, Copepoda and Cladocera) were conducted. Altogether 22 species of different taxonomic groups (bacteria, flagellates, algae, fungi, ciliates, etc.) of symbionts of zooplankters were found. The dataon the symbiofauna of zooplankters and on the aspects of biology of certain epibiotic and parasitic species were summarized. The study showed the peculiarities of symbionts distribution by host species in different taxonomic groups of zooplankton. The number of symbiotic species increased in following order: Rotifera → Cladocera → Copepoda. Copepoda had high species richness of epibiotic ciliates and the highest rates of colonization by epibiotic algae.

On-going transmission of human onchocerciasis in the Massangam health district in the West Region of Cameroon: Better understanding transmission dynamics to inform changes in programmatic interventions.

BackgroundMassangam health district (HD), in the West Region of Cameroon, has received ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) for 20 years, however there is evidence of continued high transmission of Onchocerca volvulus. In order to better understand the transmission dynamics in the HD and inform intervention strategies there is a need to delineate the boundaries of the suspected area of high transmission within the wider transmission zone.Methodology/Principal findingsParasitological and entomological surveys were conducted to map out the breeding sites of Simulium damnosum and evaluate the prevalence of onchocerciasis in neighbouring communities, including Makouopsap sentinel community. Potential rapids were prospected for identification of S. damnosum larvae and black flies collected to determine infectivity rates. Adults were assessed for the presence of O. volvulus microfilariae through a skin snip biopsy and examined for the presence of nodules. Anti Ov-16 antibodies were tested for in children. Four perennial breeding sites were identified on the Rivers Mbam and Nja. Large number of flies were collected along the River Mbam, especially in the rainy season, with up to 955 flies per day, suggesting this river is a perennial source of black flies. A total of 0.8% of parous flies were infective across the study area. Parasitological studies provided evidence of high rates of infection in the sentinel community and three neighbouring communities, with 37.1% of adults microfilariae positive in Makouopsap. High Ov-16 seropositivity in children also provided evidence of recent on-going transmission. In comparison, communities sampled further away from the sentinel community and neighbouring breeding sites were much closer to reaching onchocerciasis elimination targets.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study provides evidence of a particular geographic area of high transmission in an approximate 12 km range around the sentinel community of Makouopsap and the neighbouring breeding sites on the River Nja. To eliminate onchocerciasis by 2025, there is a need to explore alternative intervention strategies in this area of high transmission.

Molecular Screening of Trypanosoma spp. in Glossina, Stomoxys and Tabanids in the Moukalaba Doudou National Park (South-West, Gabon)

Studies on the knowledge of the pathogens responsible for trypanosomosis remain insufficient in Gabon, particularly in protected areas, such as the Moukalaba Doudou National Park (MDNP). In order to uphold ecotourism in the Moukalaba Doudou National Park (MDNP), an entomological and parasitological study was carried out during the rainy season, from February to March 2017, to identify the trypanosome species harbored by tsetse, stable fly and tabanid vectors in this protected area. Fly collection was carried out using Vavoua and Nzi traps. Trypanosome infections in the flies were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In total, seven species of tabanids, five species of tsetse flies and two species of stable flies were collected. These vectors harboured six species of trypanosomes, namely Trypanosoma simiae Tsavo (48%), T. theileri (17%), T. simiae (14%), T. brucei s.l. (10%), T. congolense (9%) and T. vivax (2%). The trypanosome infection rate (IR) varied somewhat among sites. It was 82% in the forest, 92% in settled areas and 95% in the savanna. The high prevalence of trypanosomes in this area raises the possibility of some trypanosomosis transmission risk to humans and animals, but the risk appears to be very low given the low frequency of T. brucei s.l. Studies on the blood meals typing could be done to identify sources and estimate the real risk of infection.

Paeoniflorin in experimental BALB/c mansoniasis: A novel anti-angiogenic therapy

Chronic hepatic schistosomiasis causes portal hypertension, fibrosis and lethal hepatosplenic complications. Previous studies focused mainly on schistosomicidal drugs and neglected the therapeutic approaches against the vascular complications after portal hypertension. Investigating a novel anti-angiogenic therapy is an urgent. The current study is to evaluate the performance of Paeoniflorin (PAE) as an anti-angiogenic therapy, being a powerful anti-fibrotic, compared to artemether (ART) and praziqantel (PZQ) in schistosomiasis mansoni BALB/c mice. Thirty two laboratory bred male BALB/c Swiss albino mice. The mice were classified into four groups (8 mice each), control infected (CI), PZQ (300 mg/kg/12 h), ART (0.1 ml/mg/d) and PAE (50 mg/kg/d) treated groups for one month. All mice groups were sacrificed 15 weeks post infection for assessment of the drugs' efficacy by parasitological, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Our results in PAE group showed marked reduction in the mean egg count/gram stool, worm burden, egg count/gram liver tissue, granuloma diameter and pro-angiogenic factors as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and CD34; conversely, there was an augmentation of the tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) as an anti-angiogenic expression that was exceeded ART and PZQ treated groups compared to CI group (p˂0.001). Conclusively, PAE has an anti-angiogenic impact with no vascular proliferative activity or recanalization, no micro-vessel density (MVD) changes, granuloma resolution and fibrosis regression. PAE is predicted to be a potential therapy for chronic hepatic diseases associated with fibrosis and angiogenesis, hopeful in protecting from advanced serious complications; cancer and metastasis.

Parasites of amberjacks from the archipelago of Madeira, Eastern Atlantic.

Amberjacks, Seriola spp., are a group of carangid fishes of economic importance for fisheries and aquaculture worldwide. A survey of the parasites of greater amberjack S. dumerili and almaco jack or longfin yellowtail S. rivoliana from the Madeira archipelago (including the Madeira and Selvagens Islands) was carried out. This work is the first parasitological study of these 2 species in the Eastern Atlantic. A total of 14 parasite taxa were detected in the 47 fish analysed: Allencotyla mcintoshi, Stephanostomum petimba, Rhadinorhynchus sp. and Caligus aesopus (in both Seriola spp.); Dionchus agassizi, Zeuxapta seriolae, Tormopsolus orientalis, Didymocystis sp. and Anisakis sp. (in S. rivoliana); Tetrochetus coryphaenae, Stephanostomum sp., S. ditrematis, Oncophora melanocephala and Hysterothylacium seriolae (in Seriola dumerili). The monogenean Dionchus agassizi and the nematode O. melanocephala constitute new host records for the genus Seriola, and the species Allencotyla mcintoshi, Z. seriolae, Tormopsolus orientalis, H. seriolae, and C. aesopus are reported in the region of Madeira for the first time. Some of the parasites detected, in particular Z. seriolae and C. aesopus, could constitute a threat to amberjack aquaculture, and measures should be taken to prevent their introduction into sea cages.

First report of Posthodiplostomum minimum metacercariae and resulting histopathological changes in Bagrus bajad from Lake Nasser, Egypt.

Parasitological studies of 100 Bagrus bajad fish were collected from Lake Nasser, Aswan, Egypt. Out of them 75 were infected with metacercariae in two forms; encysted in most visceral organs and free only in air bladder. These were identified morphologically as Posthodiplostomum minimum metacercariae (Strigeidida: Diplostomidae). The intensity of white grub in B. bajad was high in the intestine (30 encysted metacercariae/g). The highest prevalence season observed in summer and the lowest in winter. The histopathological examination revealed encysted metacercariae of different sizes within the intestinal musculature accompanied with granular infiltration with eosinophilia. Degenerative changes were observed in liver and kidney cells, as well as congestion of hepatic sinusoids. Spleen showed both lymphoid and melanomacrophages cells depletion.

Helminthofauna of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax dentex) at the northern coast of the Okhotsk Sea

Results of parasitological studies of rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax dentex Steindachner et Kner, 1870 at the northern coast of the Okhotsk Sea are presented. Its helminth fauna includes 21 species: Cestoda — 8, Trematoda — 7, Nematoda — 4, and Acanthocephala — 2. Almost all these species (19) were detected in the Shelikhov Bay, with the highest species diversity among 4 investigated sites in the secondary Perevolochny Bay (14 species). Six species of helminthes from the smelt dwelling in the northern Okhotsk Sea are known as dangerous for human or other mammals: Nybelinia surmenicola, Diphyllobothrium dendriticum, Hysterothy­lacium aduncum, Anisakis simplex, Pseudoterranova decipiens , and Corynosoma strumosum . The species diversity of helminthes at the northern coast is comparable with the number of species at the coasts of Kamchatka (16 species: Cestoda — 4, Trematoda — 5, Nematoda — 4, Acanthocephala — 3) and Sakhalin (19 species: Cestoda — 5, Trematoda — 8, Nematoda — 3, Acanthocephala — 3); totally 33 species of helminthes are detected in these three areas. The cestodes Diplocotile olrikii, Bothriocephalus spp., trematodes Bucephaloides iskaensis, Po­docotyle atomom, and P. reflexa and nematodes Ascorophis pacificus infect rainbow smelt at the northern coast of the Okhotsk Sea only. The most epidemically significant species Anisakis simplex is widely distributed in all three areas.

Molecular surveillance and phylogenetic traits of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis in cattle (Bos taurus) and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Colombia

BackgroundBabesia bigemina and B. bovis are two economically important hemoparasites affecting both cattle and buffaloes involved in dairy and beef production. In Colombia, although some parasitological and serological studies suggest an endemicity of these pathogens in areas under 1000 m, little is known about its molecular prevalence in different host. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and molecular traits of these parasites in cattle and buffaloes from two Colombian regions.MethodsBetween 2014 and 2016, a three-point longitudinal survey was designed in farms from Caribbean and Orinoquia regions to evaluate the molecular prevalence of B. bigemina and B. bovis using a nested PCR (n-PCR) targeting hypothetical protein (hyp) and rhoptry-associated protein (RAP-1) genes, respectively. A total of 1432 cattle, 152 buffalo and 1439 Rhipicephalus microplus samples were analyzed. Moreover, phylogenetic relationship of isolates was analyzed using the 18S rRNA gene.ResultsA molecular prevalence of 31.6% (24.2% for B. bigemina and 14.4% for B. bovis), 23.6% (6.5% for B. bigemina and 17.7% for B. bovis) and 4.3% (3.5% for B. bigemina and 1.0% for B. bovis) was observed in cattle, buffaloes and Rhipicephalus microplus, respectively. Higher values of infection were observed during the wet season and late wet season; nevertheless, other variables such as age, production type, sex, breed and babesiosis control were also significantly associated with infection. Prevalence analysis showed that B. bovis infection was higher in cattle that coexist with buffaloes, when compared to those which did not. For each species, phylogenetic analyses revealed a high genetic diversity of isolates without clusters related to the isolation source.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal survey that evaluates through molecular methods, the infection of B. bigemina and B. bovis in two important livestock regions from Colombia. This study reveals that the prevalence of infection by Babesia spp., in cattle and buffaloes are modulated by seasonal variations, host factors and vector traits. Our results provide new insights on the epidemiological aspects of infection of Babesia spp., in cattle and buffaloes, which must be taken into consideration when babesiosis control programs are implemented in the study area.

Fungal and Bacterial Co-Infection of Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Linnaeus 1758) in a Recirculating Aquaculture System: Saprolegnia parasitica and Aeromonas hydrophila

<div><!--block-->Aeromonas hydrophila causes symptoms of hemorrhagic septicemia in acute cases and can cause death in freshwater fish, whereas Saprolegnia parasitica is the cause of ulcers complicated by fungal mycelia located on skin that has lost its scales for various reasons. Both pathogens co-infect recirculating aquaculture systems at the İzmir Katip Çelebi University Fisheries Research and Training Center. Clinical, bacteriological, parasitological, and mycological studies were carried out on 25 fish samples during the infestation. Sabouraud glucose agar and malt extract agar were used to isolate the fungus, and the bacterial isolates were streaked on tryptic soy agar (Oxoid) with 5% defibrinated sheep blood. Gray-white cotton-like patches, erosions on the skin, and hemorrhaging were detected on the infected fish samples. The analytical profile index test and molecular identification showed that the bacterial agent was A. hydrophila and a fungal examination and amplification by polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the mycotic agent was S. parasitica.</div>