Parasitological Techniques Research Articles

First Morphological and Molecular (28S rDNA) Characterization of Eudiplozoon nipponicum (Monogenea, Diplozoidae) parasitizing Cyprinus carpio, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The present study is the first morphological and molecular characterization of a monogenean Eudiplozoon nipponicum (Goto, 1891) parasitizing gill filaments of common carps (Cyprinus carpio) obtained from the Lesser Zab River in northeastern Iraq in the subdistrict of Altun-Kopru from July to October 2022 and transported to the Laboratory of Zoology Research, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq. Most previous studies regarding the considered parasite have targeted morphological data analysis. However, DNA sequence outline is typically supportive in systematics, since it contains aspects that are absent from morphological research. The main goal was to molecularly identify E. nipponicum utilizing the nuclear 28S rDNA region by PCR and nucleotide sequencing approach. The sequences were obtained and compared to the accessible GenBank sequences. The results justify the validation of E. nipponicum in Iraq using traditional (morphology-based) and modern (molecular-based) parasitological techniques. The latter one showed 99.11% (identity percentage) of E. nipponicum in comparison to the registered sequences of NCBI. Additionally, this was considered the first wide-ranging morphological and molecular study in the studied region. The phylogenetic relationship was concluded using Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. It was concluded that besides of the morphological characterization of E. nipponicum, PCR sequencing was considered a suitable molecular method for recognizing monogenean diplozoid species on the fishes.

Toward automating the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in cats and dogs

Diagnosing gastrointestinal parasites by microscopy slide examination often leads to human interpretation errors, which may occur due to fatigue, lack of training and infrastructure, presence of artifacts (e.g., various types of cells, algae, yeasts), and other reasons. We have investigated the stages in automating the process to cope with the interpretation errors. This work presents advances in two stages focused on gastrointestinal parasites of cats and dogs: a new parasitological processing technique, named TF-Test VetPet, and a microscopy image analysis pipeline based on deep learning methods. TF-Test VetPet improves image quality by reducing cluttering (i.e., eliminating artifacts), which favors automated image analysis. The proposed pipeline can identify three species of parasites in cats and five in dogs, distinguishing them from fecal impurities with an average accuracy of 98,6%. We also make available the two datasets with images of parasites of dogs and cats, which were obtained by processing fecal smears with temporary staining using TF-Test VetPet.

Parasitological, Bacteriological and Virological Research of Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in a Case in Hirfanlı Dam Lake in Türkiye

The aim of the present study was shedding light on the disease factors underlying mortality event among common carps inhabiting Hirfanlı Dam Lake in Türkiye in spring of the year 2021. For this purpose various parasitological, bacteriological and virological research techniques were employed. Five parasite genera, Dactylogyrus spp., Myxobolus spp., Eimeria spp., Trichodina spp., Diplostomum spp. were isolated from 13 common carps. The opportunistic bacterial pathogen of fresh water fishes Aeromonas hydrophila was also isolated from wounded fish. No viruses were detected. Fungal infections were encountered in the skin lesions of carps. The source of the encountered morbidity and mortality picture among the studied carps points to the combined action of parasitic, bacterial and fungal agents in these fish. Further investigations on seasonal variations of parasitofauna on the lake are needed for better understanding the dynamics in the ecology of the parasites which are hosted by carps in the Hirfanlı Dam Lake.

Application of Mathematical Model-Latent Class Model in Methodological Evaluation of Diagnostic Algorithms and Imperfect Reference Standard of Selected Index Test Techniques in Parasitology

INTRODUCTION Intestinal parasites are even today major contributors to the global burden of disease burden, affecting especially the population living in regions, in the developing countries according to the report of Alum and colleagues (Alum et al., 2010) [1]. Neglected tropical diseases have gained global attention despite the fact that it is a major problem of the developing nations thus, lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminths like Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm and Trichuristrichiura have contributed to increased disease burden of unimaginable proportion (Harhay et al., 2011) [2]. Furthermore, in recent time; zoonotic helminths have been increasingly reported as a cause of spurious infection in human beings (Gonçalves et al., 2012) [3]. Nevertheless, general public health safe practices cum personal hygiene among other factors like potable water availability, socio-economic conditions, education, temperature, humidity and the survival of the environmental different stages of the parasites are some of the factors that determine and promote the transmission of intestinal parasites (Alum et al., 2010) [1].

Foresight in the diagnosis of trematodiasis: innovations versus routine methods

Aim. To analyze modern methods for the diagnosis of trematodiasis in experimental and epidemiological studies.Trematodiasis is a group of common parasitic diseases that are a socially sensitive health problem worldwide. According to World Health Organization, more than 250 million people are affected by trematode infections globally. The most common types of human trematode infections are diseases caused by Schistosoma, Fasciola, Clonorchis, and Opisthorchis pathogens. Diagnosis of trematodiasis is often multistage and includes identification of disease symptoms, analysis of medical history, and use of various laboratory tests. Clinical presentation of parasitic infections often varies, making a definitive diagnosis difficult. Various tools are used to diagnose trematode infections: epidemiological criteria, laboratory tests (complete blood count and blood biochemistry, serological methods), instrumental methods (abdominal X-ray and ultrasound), and parasitological techniques, which often have insufficient sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, development of modern and effective non-invasive methods for detection of trematode infections with high sensitivity and specificity, including screening in endemic regions, is relevant.The present review analyzes the results of 90 clinical trials and experimental studies on the diagnosis of trematode infections using the PubMed search engine and the eLibrary database. The review analyzes original articles published from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021.Most studies confirm that the absence of a standard diagnostic approach highlights obvious convenience of utilizing a combined approach to reliable diagnosis of trematodiasis. An adequate combination of different diagnostic tests makes it possible to diagnose the disease correctly, devise a correct treatment and follow-up strategy, and organize preventive measures.

Potential Spatial Diversity of Pathogenic Intestinal Parasites in Dog’s Faecal Matter in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta: A Huge Source of Environmental Contamination Risk Outcome

Dogs have become a huge part of some homes where they serve as pets or for security. Humans who have them as pets are drawn to them and when these dogs die, their owners are emotionally down. However, in some cases, little or no attention is paid to the health of these dogs as when infected, thus, they could serve as potent reservoirs and vectors of human parasites as they continue to litter their faeces on our environment unabated. This study investigated the presence of intestinal parasites in the faecal matter of domestic dogs and will also highlight the public health implications of poor faecal matter waste handling in our environment. A total of 80 pet dogs that had their owners' consent were randomly recruited, through a cross-sectional research design. Their stool samples were collected aseptically and assayed for gastrointestinal parasites using standard parasitological techniques. The result revealed that the prevalence of parasites using the diethyl ether sedimentation method was 25.1% and the presence of Ancylostoma caninium (21.3%) and Toxocara canis (3.75%) was recorded after microscopy. Female dogs were most infected making up 15% of the total prevalence while male dogs made up 10%. Dogs aged 2-4 years recorded the highest prevalence with 37.5% while 13.8% of those greater than 4 years were infected. Also, the English Bulldog recorded a higher prevalence of 8.75% in comparison to other species sampled. The presence of these parasites in pets poses a public health risk to their owners and the community at large. Proper hygiene and management of these pets and their faecal matter will reduce the risks of parasitic infections, even as our environment would be safe from the heavy burden of environmental contamination of biological waste of Dogs faecal matter

Assessment of bovine fasciolosis and the analytical test evaluation at Yirgalem municipal abattoir, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 to estimate the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis, assess the risk factors, and estimate the direct financial loss due to liver condemnation in cattle slaughtered at Yirgalem municipal abattoir. Furthermore, the comparison of the diagnostic efficiency of fecal and postmortem examination was evaluated. The study was based on both postmortem inspection of the liver for liver fluke infection and coprological examination using the sedimentation technique. Thus, a total of 400 cattle were sampled using systemic random sampling techniques and the prevalence was 27.0% (108/400) and 20.8% (83/400), by postmortem and coprological examination, respectively. The prevalence of F. hepatica, F. gigantica, mixed infections, and unidentified species were 56.5%, 19.4%, 16.7%, and 7.4%, respectively. The difference between age groups was statically significant (p<0.05). Coprological examination revealed the highest prevalence was recorded in the age group of > 7 years old (34%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=4.2) followed by 4-6 years old adults (26.8%, AOR=4.2) and in young cattle of <3 years old (6.7%). Prevalence by postmortem examination was 43.0% (AOR=4 0), 27.8% (AOR= 2.4), and 8.3%, for age groups > 7 years old, 4-6 years old adults and in young cattle of <3 years old, respectively. The body condition score result revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) as a greater magnitude of infections were detected in poor body condition animals (AOR=7.7) than in medium and good body condition (p<0.05). Considering the liver examination as a gold standard for diagnosis of fasciolosis, the sensitivity of the sedimentation technique was 76.8%, and the specificity of 100% with a very good agreement (kappa = 0.94) between the two methods. The total financial loss per annum due to the condemnation of infected liver was 945, 999 ETB (18,192.288 USD). Therefore, strategic control and prevention of the snail intermediate host should be implemented. Furthermore, upon diagnosis of fasciolosis, epidemiological information about the disease with suggestive clinical examination should be considered even in the absence of Fasciola eggs during coprological examinations and also other parasitological techniques such as the FLOTAC and FLUKE FINDER methods with high sensitivity and specificity should be employed.

A One-Year Retrospective Analysis of Viral and Parasitological Agents in Wildlife Animals Admitted to a First Aid Hospital.

This study aimed to provide information on the presence and frequency of viral and parasitic agents in wildlife presented to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2020-2021. Serum and faecal samples were collected from 50 rescued animals (roe deer, fallow deer, foxes, badgers, pine martens, and porcupines) and examined by serological, molecular, and parasitological techniques. Transtracheal wash (TTW) was also collected post-mortem from roe deer. Overall, the results of the different techniques showed infections with the following viral and parasitic agents: Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus, Small Ruminant Lentiviruses, Kobuvirus, Astrovirus, Canine Adenovirus 1, Bopivirus, gastrointestinal strongyles, Capillaria, Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Hymenolepis, Strongyloides, Eimeria, Isospora, Dictyocaulus, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma, Dirofilaria immitis, Neospora caninum, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium. Sequencing (Tpi locus) identified G. duodenalis sub-assemblages AI and BIV in one roe deer and one porcupine, respectively. Adult lungworms collected from the TTW were identified as Dictyocaulus capreolus (COX1 gene). This is the first molecular identification of G. duodenalis sub-assemblage AI and D. capreolus in roe deer in Italy. These results show a wide presence of pathogens in wild populations and provide an overview of environmental health surveillance.

Preliminary Study on Hard Ticks ( Acari: Ixodidae) of Sheep in Some Areas of Thamar Governorate, Yemen

The objective of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of tick species infesting sheep in some areas of Thamar governorate, Yemen. A total of 392 indigenous sheep breeds of either sex and different age were randomly selected and examined for presence of ticks using standard parasitological techniques from December, 2010 to May, 2011. The results revealed that the overall prevalence of tick infestations on sheep was 43.37 %. Of total 875 ticks collected, Seven species of ixodid ticks were identified. The species on hierarchy of overall prevalence abundance were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (13.01%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (9.69%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (5.87 %), Hyalomma marginatum (4.59 %), Amblyomma variegatum (4.34%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (3.06%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (2.04%). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus species is recorded for first time in Thamar governorate and Yemen as well as. Statistically, there was significance difference (P

Faecal metabarcoding provides improved detection and taxonomic resolution for non-invasive monitoring of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in wild moose populations

BackgroundAlthough wild ungulate populations are heavily monitored throughout Europe, we understand little of how parasites affect population dynamics, and there is no systematic, long-term monitoring of parasite diversity and parasite loads. Such monitoring is in part hampered by a lack of time- and cost-effective assay methodologies with high sensitivity and good taxonomic resolution. DNA metabarcoding has been successfully used to characterize the parasitic nemabiome with high taxonomic resolution in a variety of wild and domestic hosts. However, in order to implement this technique in large-scale, potentially non-invasive monitoring of gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes (GIN), protocol optimization is required to maximize biodiversity detection, whilst maintaining time- and cost-effectiveness.MethodsFaecal samples were collected from a wild moose population and GIN communities were characterized and quantified using both parasitological techniques (egg and larva counting) and DNA metabarcoding of the ITS2 region of rDNA. Three different isolation methods were compared that differed in the volume of starting material and cell lysis method.ResultsSimilar nematode faunas were recovered from all samples using both parasitological and metabarcoding methods, and the approaches were largely congruent. However, metabarcoding assays showed better taxonomic resolution and slightly higher sensitivity than egg and larvae counts. The metabarcoding was not strictly quantitative, but the proportion of target nematode sequences recovered was correlated with the parasitologically determined parasite load. Species detection rates in the metabarcoding assays were maximized using a DNA isolation method that included mechanical cell disruption and maximized the starting material volume.ConclusionsDNA metabarcoding is a promising technique for the non-invasive, large-scale monitoring of parasitic GINs in wild ungulate populations, owing to its high taxonomic resolution, increased assay sensitivity, and time- and cost-effectiveness. Although metabarcoding is not a strictly quantitative method, it may nonetheless be possible to create a management- and conservation-relevant index for the host parasite load from this data. To optimize the detection rates and time- and cost-effectiveness of metabarcoding assays, we recommend choosing a DNA isolation method that involves mechanical cell disruption and maximizes the starting material volume.Graphical

Giardíase em crianças e cães, e o primeiro relato de infecção por assemblage E em cães do nordeste brasileiro

Diagnosis is crucial for controlling giardiasis. We determined the prevalence and genetically characterize isolates of Giardia duodenalis of children and dogs from rural communities in northeastern Brazil. G. duodenalis cysts were concentrated by centrifugal flotation/sedimentation. Molecular characterization was carried out using the loci ssu-rRNA, bg, tpi, and gdh. By parasitological techniques, Giardia spp. infection was detected in 72/192 children (37.5%; 95% CI: 30.6%-44.7%) and 24/139 dogs (17.3%; 95% CI: 11.4%-24.6%). By molecular analysis, infection was detected in 60/141 children (42.5%; 95% CI: 34.3%-51.2%) and 26/92 dogs (28.3%; 95% CI: 19.4%-38.6%). The total prevalence of giardiasis was 54.9% in children (106/193; 95% CI: 47.1%-61.6%) and 32.9% in dogs (47/143; 95% CI: 25.2%-41.2%). Zoonotic assemblages A and B of G. duodenalis were detected in children, and assemblage E of G. duodenalis was detected in one child and two dogs. Parallel use of parasitological and molecular techniques proved to be a more effective strategy for detecting giardiasis in children and dogs from endemic areas.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Four Enteric Protozoa in Dromedary Camels (Camelus Dromedarius)

Enteric protozoa are major causes of economic losses in dromedary camels due to clinical and subclinical diseases. The study investigated the prevalence of enteric protozoal parasites in dromedary camels using parasitological and molecular techniques. Besides, the molecular characterization of selected enteric protozoa was performed by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. One hundred and twenty-one fecal samples were collected from dis-eased (49) and apparently healthy (72) dromedary camels during December 2020 - November 2021. Overall, 57.02% of the fecal samples were positive for enteric protozoa with the B. coli, Eimeria spp., Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 32.23%, 8.26%, 2.48%,3.30% fecal samples, respectively, while 10.74% samples had mixed infection. While the PCR technique revealed the overall prevalence of 69.56%, 13.04% and 10.14% for the B. coli, Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively in the study areas. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial nucleotide sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA, B beta giardin (bg) and Cryptosporidium parvum precursor of oocyst wall protein (COWP) genes of B. coli, Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively revealed that the enteric proto-zoa from camels had high genetic similarities with strains detected from other animals and humans in Egypt and different parts of the world. This study suggests that the camels may act a potential source of infection of the studied enteric protozoa for other livestock and humans.

Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and other gastrointestinal parasites in free-roaming cats from the Rio de Janeiro zoo.

This communication aimed to determine the frequency of infection by T. gondii and other gastrointestinal parasites in free-living cats captured in BioParque do Rio (Fundação RioZoo), Brazil. To this end, 58 blood and 51 fecal samples were collected from 68 cats from July 2019 to September 2020. The serum obtained was analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody test for anti-T. gondii IgG. Fecal samples were examined by microscopic parasitological techniques. Of the total, 10.3% of the animals presented anti-T. gondii IgG. Parasitic structures were observed in 39.2% of the fecal samples. Hookworms were the most detected parasites (19.6%) followed by Cystoisospora sp. (11.7%), Dipylidium caninum (7.8%) and Toxocara cati (3.9%). These results indicated the exposure of this population of stray cats to potentially zoonotic parasites, which in addition to causing possible damage to domestic and wild animal health, also pose risks to public health.

Protozoa and Nematodes Infecting Odontophrynus occidentalis (Anura, Odontophrynidae) from the Monte Desert of Argentina

The parasitofauna of amphibians from the province of San Juan has been studied very little. In particular, only one helminthological study has been reported on Odontophrynus occidentalis (Berg, 1896). The aim of the present study was to describe the endoparasites of O. occidentalis, including protozoa and nematodes. Twenty-one adults (13 males and 8 females) of O. occidentalis were analysed for parasites. Collected parasites were examined using standard parasitological techniques. Parasitological descriptors such as prevalence and mean intensity were calculated. Specimens belonging to the phyla Ciliophora and Nematoda were found in the intestinal tract. Protozoa of the genus Nyctotheroides and two nematode species, Aplectana hylambatis and Falcaustra sanjuanensis, were identified. This study provides new information on the new parasitic infection of amphibians for the province of San Juan. We emphasize the need to increase the knowledge of the amphibian parasitofauna, mainly related to protozoa in these vertebrates, since the literature presents few reports.

Sero-epidemilogical survey of dourine T. Equiperdum in Chencha district of southern region

The study was conducted in Gamo highland, chencha district with an objective to determine the prevalence rate and associated risk factors of the disease. For this study, four villages were selected with high potential of equine. On clinical examination, there were cases with clinical signs of dourine (oedema on the lower abdomen and swelling of testicles and vagina). 32 horses of adult age were examined. Both parasitological (buffer coat technique) and serological tests were conducted. Out of examined horses, there were no findings for parasitological technique, whereas, 5 were sero-posetive for trypanosome antibodies). The study showed a prevalence rate of 15.6% of the disease in the study area. Major constraints that hampered equine production in the study area other than the diseases were feed shortage and poor veterinary service. A disease with clinical sign of dourine was an outstanding disease affecting equine production and productivity in the study area. Therefore, an awareness creation has to be done for development agents and farmers on clinical signs and means of transmission and options of control and prevention of the disease to control further transmission to equine population.

Prevalence of Pathogenic Intestinal Parasites and Enteropathogenic Bacteria in Faecal Samples Obtained from Abattoirs in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria in fecal effluents from abattoir. A total of 162 samples were examined out of which 70 faecal samples were collected from cow, 35 from pig, 35 from goat and 22 from sheep. These samples were processed using standard parasitological techniques ( macroscopy, microscopy; the Formol-ether concentration technique and zinc sulphate floatation technique) and bacteriological (culture, Gram reaction and biochemical characterization). Data was analyzed using Chi-square test. One hundred and eleven (111) samples were found positive with one or more parasites giving an overall prevalence of 68.5%. Pigs recorded the highest prevalence of 77.1% for intestinal parasites, followed by goat and cow with prevalence of 68.6% and 65.7% respectively and the least prevalence was observed in sheep, 63.6%. The prevalence of different parasites encountered include Fasciolopsis buski (8.6%), Hookworm (8.0%), Ascaris suum (7.4%), Balantidium coli (7.4%), Fasciola hepatica (7.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (7.4%), Taenia species (6.2%), Fasciola gigantica (4.3%) and Toxocara species (1.2%). Mixed infections of Balantidium coli+Entamoeba histolytica has the highest frequency of 4(2.5%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica+Hookworm and Toxocara species+Balantidium coli with the frequency of 3(1.9%) each, Ascaris suum+Taenia species, Ascaris suum+Taenia species+Hookworm and Balantidium coli+Fasciola hepatica with a frequency of 2(1.2%) each and Toxocara species+Balantidium coli recorded the lowest frequency of 1(0.6%). Also the prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and yeast cells encountered include Bacillus species (29.6%), Escherichia coli (23.5%), Campylobacter species (17.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.5%), Yeast cells (4.9%) and Staphylococcus species (3.1%). This study shows high degrees of fecal contamination of intestinal parasites and bacterial agents. As a result of this sanitary measures and Government policy should be strictly employed as this will go a long way to help check environmental contamination and reduce potential risks posed by these pathogens.

Extending TF-Test to the diagnosis of gastrintestinal parasites of humans and animals.

Parasitic species inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and they can cause damages whose severity depends on several factors related to the parasite and the host. Immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop severe forms of parasitic infestation. The gastrointestinal parasites diagnosis is performed mainly by the parasitological examination of feces, which consists of the visualization and identification of the parasitic structures eliminated along with the feces. These exams have low sensitivity and a large number of impurities, which can impair the result of the diagnosis. In order to improve the diagnosis quality, a new parasitological technique called Three Fecal Test (TF‑Test) was developed. Thus, we have approached in this study new techniques to diagnose gastrointestinal parasites from human and animal fecal samples. These techniques originate from adaptations and improvements of the TF‑Test technique protocol. From these operational changes it has been possible to carry out the diagnosis of several human and animal parasites, with satisfactory results.

A simple parasitological technique to increase detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in Bolivian primary health care system

BackgroundStrongyloides stercoralis is widespread; however, there is limited information on its prevalence owing to laboratory underestimation and low clinical manifestations. The Baermann method and agar culture stand out among the parasitological techniques. Strongyloides stercoralis is present in Bolivia, but its prevalence in children remains unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the applicability of simple parasitological techniques to increase the detection of this parasite in children living in the tropics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in a tropical village in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Participants were 304 children aged 5 – 12 years who provided stool samples for different parasitological analyses (direct examination, Ritchie, Baermann, and Dancescu techniques), and their parents provided informed consent.ResultsUp to 64.8% of pathogenic parasites were detected using the modified Ritchie method. The Baermann technique identified 17.8% of Strongyloides stercoralis cases, and a high sensitivity with respect to the Baermann technique was only for the Dancescu technique (75.9%) that is also specific for Strongyloides stercoralis, followed by 66.7% for the modified Ritchie technique, which is used in second-line care.DiscussionThe Baermann technique is the best parasitological option for improving Strongyloides stercoralis diagnosis in the first-line care of the Primary Health Care System. A particular cycle of reinfection, combined with the environment and some other risk factors are related with persistence. Control is difficult without a proper diagnosis, and the Baermann technique is an approach to the solution. We conclude that with a high suspicion of the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, the use of the Baermann technique is strongly recommended as support for direct examination in primary health care systems especially in tropical areas.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Associated Factors among Adama Science and Technology University Student Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

Introduction: University students who live together in campuses and share different materials for their day-to-day activities may expose them to intestinal parasitic infections. As far as our knowledge is concerned, there is insufficient information on the magnitude of parasitic infections among students at Adama Science and Technology University Objectives: To determine Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and associated factors among Adama University Student Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 483 students attending higher health center at Adama University Student by using systematic random sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential associated factors for Intestinal parasitic infection was collected by structured interviewer administered questionnaire. One-gram stool samples for direct saline microscopy was collected and processed in accordance to the standard parasitological techniques and procedures at Adama Science and Technology University Higher Health Center Laboratory. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0.Chi- square test and multiple logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Association between variables were considered statistically significant only if a two-sided P-value <0.05 at 95% confidence level. Results: This study demonstrates the overall prevalence of intestinal parasite among student accounts 20.1% (95%CI; 16.8, 23.8). Two protozoa and three helminthes spp were detected from total stool sample examined. The predominate parasite isolated were E.histolotica 63(13.0%) followed by G.lamblia 27(5.6%), Taenia spp 3(0.6%), Hookworm 2(0.4%) and H.nana 2(0.4%) respectively. being rural residence[AOR]: 2.69, 95% CI: (1.22,5.9)], lower parental educational status(illiterate [AOR]: 5.5, 95% CI: (1.99,15.5)] and primary[AOR]: 3.75, 95% CI: (1.5,9.34)], food source from private cafeterias[AOR]: 2.46, 95% CI: (1.15,5.2)], not hand washing before food and after defecation[AOR]: 4.9, 95% CI: (1.96,12.3)], Habit of eating raw vegetables and fruit[AOR]: 4.8, 95% CI:(2.28,10.1)], walking with bare foot[AOR]: 13.2, 95% CI: (5.4,32.4)], not trimming finger nail [AOR]: 6.85, 95% CI: (3.2,14.6)] and not using soap [AOR]: 7.53, 95% CI: (3.2,17.8)]were significantly associated with parasitic infection. Conclusions and Recommendations: The present study demonstrated the frequencies of intestinal parasitic infections among students were found to be high. Residence, educational status of parents, hand washing before meal and after defection, eating raw vegetables and fruit, walking with bare foot was significant predictors of parasitic infection: Hence all students should wash their hand before meal and after defecation, consume cooked vegetables, avoid walking with barefoot and trim their fingernail and university should improve and sustain inspection and food handler screening of private cafeterias.

Helminth infections of captive animals and management practices at the University of Ilorin Zoo, North-Central, Nigeria

This study investigated the helminth parasites of animals and management practices at the University of Ilorin Zoological garden. Faecal samples were collected and analysed according to standard parasitological techniques while information on management practices was obtained using a structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of helminths was 20.7%. Three parasites namely, Ascaris spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Enterobius spp. were identified. Of the 92 animal faecal samples examined, common jackal (21.1%), crested porcupine (42.1%), Lioness (15.8%), and mongoose (21.1%) were positive (p<0.05). Only mammals were positive for intestinal helminth while Aves were not infected (p>0.05). Animals fed three times a week had higher helminth infection (57.9%) when compared with animals fed daily (42.1%). Cages cleaned daily had more helminth parasite contamination (78.9%) compared to those cleaned weekly (21.1%, p<0.05). Also, animals dewormed on monthly basis harboured fewer intestinal helminths (5.3%), compared to those dewormed every three months (78.9%, p>0.05). Surprisingly, animals in enclosures with cemented floors had the highest helminth infection (78.9%) compared to those living in enclosures with uncemented floor (p<0.05). The overall prevalence of helminths is low in this study; therefore, zoo workers should take more cognizance of the routes of parasite transmission, since the faecal-oral route is the primary means through which animals acquired infection. There is a need for improved management practices to curb the spread of helminth infection. This will invariably ensure the sustainability of zoological gardens.