Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites Research Articles

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infections in country chicken from Visakhapatnam district Andhra Pradesh India.

Birds in a free environment carry huge risk of helminth parasite infections affecting the health of poultry and thereby indirectly leading to great economic loss. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, intensity and species diversity of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIH) of country chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) from local chicken markets of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 300 gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples were examined from January to December 2021 and the collected parasites were separated, counted, identified and statistically analysed. The overall prevalence of infection was found to be 87% with an intensity of 139.29. The study showed high prevalence with mixed infections (66%), whereas the prevalence with individual groups i.e. cestodes, nematodes and trematodes was found to be 83.00%, 70.33%, and 0.67% respectively. Altogether 10 parasite species were identified viz. Raillietina echinobothrida being the most dominant with a prevalence of 72.67%, followed by Raillietina tetragona (62.00%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.33%), Ascaridia galli (45.33%), Davainea proglottina (43.00%), Amoebotaenia cuneata (42.67%), Raillietina cesticillus (38.33%), Hymenolepis sp. 1 (36.00%), Cotugnia spp. (29.67%) and the least was Hymenolepis sp. 2 (21.00%). In month-wise data, highest prevalence was recorded in July (100%), and the highest seasonal prevalence was recorded in summer (90%), followed by monsoon (87%) and winter (84%). No major significant difference in prevalence was noted between males (88.51%) and females (85.53%). Hosts with high body temperature and low GIT pH levels showed increased prevalence and parasite intensity.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites and differences of pathological markers in infected pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Aim: This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths and differences in pathological markers in infected domestic pigeons in Makurdi Metropolis. Methods: In a cross - sectional study, 310 pigeons were sampled between January to November, 2020. Prevalence of infection, hematology, serum biochemical parameters and pathological changes were investigated. Results: 275 (88.7%) pigeons were naturally infected with thirteen (13) species of helminths comprising of Cestodes namely; Raillietina echinobothrida 43.5% (135/310), R. tetragona 27.1% (84/310), R. cesticillus 6.4% (20/310), Amoebotaenia cuneata 3.9% (12/310), Choataenia infundibulum 2.6% (8/310), Hymenolepis cantaniana 5.8% (18/310) and Cotugnia proglottina 4.5% (14/310) and Nematodes namely; Ascaridia columbae 12.6% (39/310), Heterakis gallinarum 4.8% (15/310), Capillaria columbae 0.6% (2/310), Subulura brumpti 1% (3/310), Hartertia gallinarum 0.6% (2/310) and Amidostomum anseris 0.3% (1/310). The overall mean (± SD) total leucocyte counts, heterophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the helminths infected groups than non- infected pigeons. The overall mean (± SD) packed cell volume, total red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte counts and serum albumin showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences between non-infected, helminth-infected pigeons. Grossly, live helminths and parasitic nodules were observed in small intestine. Microscopically, there was necrosis of the intestinal epithelium and cypts, villi atrophy and leucocytes infiltration in sections from helminth-infected pigeons. Conclusion: Thus, gastrointestinal helminths are prevalent in pigeons and are capable of causing differences of Pathological markers in infected birds.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in rhesus macaques and local residents in the central mid-hills of Nepal.

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are distributed across Nepal in close association with humans and with a high probability of sharing of soil-transmitted intestinal helminth parasites. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, richness and risk factors of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites among rhesus macaques and humans in the Daunne Forest area, a community managed forest in the central mid-hills of Nepal. A total of 190 fecal samples, including 120 samples from rhesus macaques residing around the Daunne Devi Temple and in the surrounding forest, and 70 from local people, were microscopically examined by direct wet mount, floatation and sedimentation methods. Seasonal and age-sex based variations in helminth parasite prevalence were analyzed. Among the rhesus macaques, the total parasite prevalence was 39.2 %. Strongyloides sp. accounted for the highest prevalence (19.17 %) followed by Ascaris sp. (13.33 %), hookworm (10.83 %) and Trichuris sp. (4.17 %). Among the humans, Ascaris lumbricoides (11.3 %) was the only parasite detected. The Sorenson's coefficient of similarity of GI parasites between the macaques and local people at the generic level was 0.4. Mean parasite richness for the macaques was 1.21 ± 0.41 (SD) per infected sample. Parasite prevalence in the summer season (41.4 %) was higher than in the winter season (36 %). Adult macaques (41.67 %) had higher GI parasite prevalence than the young (30.77 %) and infants (27.27 %). Among the adult macaques, the prevalence rate was significantly higher (P=0.005) in females (52.46 %) than in males (22.86 %). Our results indicate that the temple rhesus macaques have a high prevalence of GI helminth parasites and could pose a potential zoonotic risk. As such, the need for routine monitoring and an effective management strategy is essential.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Malapterurus electricus from Anambra River, Nigeria

Aim: One of the constraints of fish in the wild for sustainable productivity is parasitic infections. The study was carried out to determine the gastrointestinal helminth parasites associated with Malapterurus electricus and their prevalence in relation to sex and size.
 Study Design: The study was a survey done to establish the type of gastrointestinal helminth parasites found in M. electricus.
 Place and Duration of Study: The specimens were collected from Anambra River between August and December 2018.
 Methodology: A total of thirty-two (32) fishes were examined through dissection and observation of the alimentary canal under the objective lens of the microscope. The chi-square test was employed to determine the possible association between parasite prevalence, the sexes, and size. Results: The overall prevalence of parasites was 56.25%. The parasites recovered were, Electrotaenia malapteruri (50.00%) and Tenuisentis niloticus (6.25%). The male specimens (18) recorded a prevalence of 66.67% while the female (14) recorded a prevalence of 42.86%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among gender (P=0.178, P>0.05). The length group, 30 – 39cm had a 100% prevalence. Thus, a significant difference between the fish size and parasite prevalence was observed. The weight groups, 100 -199g, and 400 - 499g also had a 100% prevalence. However, no significant relationship was observed between fish weight and parasite prevalence. The intestine was infected with parasitic worms of the cestode and acanthocephalan species.
 Conclusion: This study showed that there is high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in M. electricus and this may possibly affect the fish quality.

Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminths In Cattle Reared In Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the presence of intestinal parasitic infection among cattle reared in Owo, Ondo state. Seventy two (72) fecal samples were randomly collected from cattle. Characteristics of each cattle such as sex, age and body condition scores were noted. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from the selected animals and were subjected to physiological normal saline, Iodine and formal ether concentration techniques. . The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 94.4%. Of the 72 cattle screened, 68 were infected, with 16.7% mixed infections and 77.6% single infection with high prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum (26.3%), Strongyloides papillosus (20.8%), Taenia saginata (12.5%), Cooperia spp (9.7%), Haemonchus contortus (8.3%) respectively. Common parasites in mixed infections are Toxocara vitulorum, Strongyloides papillosus, and Paramphistomum spp. Hence, in order to mitigate these issues, it is crucial to promote the implementation of suitable anthelminthic treatment plans and control measures. This includes advocating for comprehensive programs that address parasite control, effective management of pastures, and maintaining a clean environment for cattle. It is equally important to raise public health awareness and emphasize the significance of these measures. Additionally, there is a pressing requirement to monitor gastrointestinal parasites in cattle as a means to enhance animal production and safeguard public health in Nigeria.

The Study on Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths (Cestodes, Nematodes, and Trematodes) in Chickens, Dalomana District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Introduction: Gastrointestinal tract helminthiasis of poultry is a parasitic infection of gastrointestinal parts of poultry by macroparasite which is classified as a tapeworm (cestodes), roundworm (nematodes), and flukeworm (trematodes). Cestodes and nematodes are the common intestinal helminthic infections in local chickens leading to high nutritional and economic loss to the poor farmers of rural areas. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites and identify the parasite species that infect local breed chickens in the study area.
 Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study on gastrointestinal helminths was conducted on 144 local breeds of chickens raised under a traditional management system in seven kebeles located around Dalomana town of Bale zone, Ethiopia.
 Results: Of these chickens, 131 (91%) were infected with one of the five different helminth parasites and 13 (9%) were free of helminth parasites. The results of the current study indicated that 131 (91%) and 107 (74.3%) of the examined chickens were invariably infected by diverse species of cestodes and nematodes species, respectively. The major cestode species recovered from chickens were Raillietina echinobothrida (75.5%), Raillietina tetragona (73.6%), Davainea proglottina (11.1%). The major nematode species encountered were Heterakis gallinarum (37.5%), Ascaridia galli (35.4%), Capillaria anatis (6.9%), Capillaria obsignata (5.6%), and Capillaria annulata (4.9%). Regarding the prevalence of these parasites in relation to age, sex, and kebele, no significant difference was indicated.
 Conclusion: The findings of the current study strongly suggested that helminthiasis is a very serious problem of backyard chickens in Dalomana district, Bale zone of Oromia, and appropriate control strategies need to be devised.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Livestock of Kavrepalanchok

The study was carried out in Mandandeupur Municipality, Kavrepalanchok from December 2018 to May 2019. A total of 131 fecal samples of livestock were collected and examined under a microscope by using direct smear and sedimentation technique. Overall, 65.65% of samples were found positive with various types of gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Samples were collected from cows, buffaloes, and goats. Among the samples collected, the highest prevalence (76.47%) was observed among the cows and the least was found among buffaloes (57.14%) but was found statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The study revealed a prevalence of nematodes (74.47%), cestodes (7.70%) and trematodes (3.10%). The prevalence of Strongylus sp. was found highest (35.88%) and the prevalence of Cooperia sp., Hymenolepsis sp., Enterobius sp. and Fasciola sp. were found similar (0.8%). In sex wise study, both males and females of livestock were found about equally infected. In the same way, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was found about similar in both the winter and summer seasons. In age wise prevalence, the adult was more infected (68.27%) with gastrointestinal helminth parasites than the young (55.55%) which was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). In the present study, single infection was found highest (47.29%) and multiple infections were found least (2.29%). The samples collected from non-dewormed livestock were found highly (71%) positive for gastrointestinal helminths. The relation between deworming and prevalence was statistically significant (p<0.05). Only 37.25% of farmers maintain the cleanliness of the shed by removing feces from the animal shed every day and only 23.53% of farmers know about the mode of transmission of gastrointestinal helminths in livestock.

Epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal helminths affecting cattle in Bogoro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, North-east Nigeria

Cattle are Nigeria's most abundant type of livestock, accounting for 5.2 percent of the country's GDP. Feed shortage, limited knowledge of farmers in livestock production, nutrition, breeding, and parasitic disease are the various factors that decrease cattle production. Most of these parasitic infections are zoonotic, putting people's health at risk. This research aims to provide epidemiological data on the prevalence of cattle gastrointestinal parasites in the study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to November 2021 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites affecting cattle in Bogoro LGA. A standard coprological method was used to analyze 200 faecal samples from cattle for the presence of gastrointestinal helminth eggs. All collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. A chi-square and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. A total of 58 (29.0%) of the cattle sampled tested positive for one or more gastrointestinal helminth infections. Trichostrongylus spp. (10.0%) and Oesophagostumum spp. (3.0%) were most prevalent among the nematodes, while Fasciola spp (4.5%) and Schistosoma spp. (3.5%) were the most prevalent among the trematode. Moniezia spp. (1.0%) was the only cestode detected. The differences in the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections to sex, age, and breed do not vary significantly. There is a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in the class of helminth parasites (χ2 =31.29, df = 2, p = 0.001). The binary logistic regression analysis shows that the cattle are more likely to be infected with nematodes than cestodes [COR (95% CI): 21.00 (4.98-88.62)]. Considering the high percentage of gastrointestinal helminth infections, there is a need for proper control and preventative methods, such as strategic deworming of cattle and sound management practices, are required to reduce the parasitic burden and increase productivity.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Local Chicken Slaughtered at Jalingo Market, Taraba State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasites constitute a serious problem to poultry production in Africa. But often times they are usually ignored by the majority of farmers. Whereas, it is one of the major leading causes of ill-health and high mortality rates in the poultry industry. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of chicken slaughtered at the Jalingo market. A total of 500 gastrointestinal tracts of local chicken comprising of 250 from males and 250 from females were collected from the poultry slaughtering and dressing section of the Jalingo market, and screened for gastrointestinal helminths using the saturated sodium chloride floatation techniques. An overall prevalence of 28.6% (143/500) was recorded with a prevalence of 16.8% (84/500) in males and 11.8% (59/500) females. Nine different species parasites comprising five nematodes and four cestodes, were recorded. Nematodes were the most predominant intestinal parasite with a prevalence rate of 89 (62.2%). And Ascaridia galli 45 (50.5%) was found to be the most prevalent nematode. Other nematodes observed were Capillaria annulata 13.4% (12/89), Heterakis gallinarum 2.2% (2/89), Strongyloides avium 32.5% (29/89), and Syngamus trachea 1.1% (1/89) having the lowest prevalence. Railliatina tetragona 57.4% (31/143) was the most prevalent cestode recorded. Other Cestodes were Hymenolepis carioca 27.7% (15/54), Raillietina cesticellus 12.9% (7/54), and Davainea proglottina 1.8% (1/54). No trematode was recorded in this study. This study showed that nematodes and cestodes were the common helminth parasites in local chicken. There is therefore the need for educating the farmers on the impact of gastrointestinal parasite infection in chicken and the need to institute good management practices so as to reduce their effects on productivity. Sex of the chicken had no statistically significant difference (X2 = 6.12, df = 1; P > 0.05) on the prevalence of helminths.
 Keywords: Prevalence, Domestic chicken, Gastrointestinal tract helminth, Jalingo, Nigeria

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) in Kazinag National Park, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Background: Natural populations of ungulates are threatened by pathogens and parasites with gastrointestinal parasites being the most widespread. Parasitic infestation is one of the major problems in the management and a growing concern for the conservation of threatened wild animal species. The current study was undertaken to evaluate prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) in Kazinag National Park (KNP) of Kashmir.Methods: From May 2018 to June 2020, a total of 463 fresh faecal samples of Himalayan goral were collected from Kazinag National Park. The samples were processed by the standard sedimentation and floatation techniques.Result: Out of 463 faecal samples examined, 236 were found infected with GIT helminthes. In the present study five helminth species were found including, four nematodes [Haemonchus contortus (35.70%), Trichuris ovis (23.40%), Strongyloides spp. (20.80%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (12.30%)] and one cestode [Moneizia expansa (8.00%)]. Based on the severity of infection, 80.6% of goral positive samples were severely infected (epg greater than 1,500), 9.4% heavily infected (epg = 1,100-1,500), 3.3% moderately infected (epg = 800-1,000) and 6.8% mildly infected (epg = 500). Epidemiological prevalence of GIT helminthes in goral was profoundly influenced by different seasons. The maximum helminth infection was observed in summer season and minimum in winter (p = 0.03). Mixed infection was observed in 206 fecal samples with a prevalence of 47.24%.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in domestic ruminants from Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Coprological studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth (GI) parasites in domestic ruminants from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, India, were carried out for a period of one year from January 2019 to December 2019. Fecal examination was done using direct smear, sedimentation and floatation methods. Altogether 3527 fecal samples were examined including 595 from cows, 485 from buffaloes, 1342 from sheep and 1105 from goat. Out of 3527 fecal samples examined, 1084 were found to be positive with three groups of gastrointestinal parasites (GI) showing an overall prevalence of 30.7%. Maximum infection was noted with nematodes (39.1%) and trematodes (37.3%), least infection was noted with cestodes (3.5%) and mixed infections were found to be moderate (20.01%). Host wise prevalence of parasitic infection has shown highest in the case of cattle recording 43.03%, followed by 40.8% in buffaloes, 29.4% in sheep, and 21.4% in goats. Total six varieties of parasites were recorded, the predominant being Haemonchus (Strongyle group) (29.25%), followed by Paramphistomum (25.5%), Fasciola (11.9%), Strongyloides (7.6%), Moniezia (3.5%) and Trichuris (2.2%). Season wise data on prevalence showed, high rate of infection in summer season (32.0%) when compared to winter (30.2%) and rainy (29.9%) seasons. Further studies are needed to design a rational for sustainable management of GI parasite infections in domestic animals of local regions.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Gallus gallus domesticus in Lucknow, U. P, India

Poultry industry occupies an important position in the provision of animal protein and plays a vital role in the national economy. Helminthiasis caused by helminth parasites is one of the most common infections affecting health of poultry and indirectly leading to great economic loss among small livestock holders. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Gallus gallus domesticus was studied from January 2017 to December 2019 in the parasitology laboratory of Zoology Department, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India. In this study, a total of 557 domestic fowls were examined to identify the different types of gastrointestinal helminth infections. During regular examination of helminth parasites, the highest prevalence was observed for Ascaridia galli (41.7%), followed by Cotugnia diagnopora (17.6%), Raillietina tetragona (11%), Heterakis gallinarum (7.4%) and Raillietina cesticillus (6.64%). In the monsoon season, prevalence was found to be higher than the summer and winter. Females were found to be more infected than the males. There was no trematode infection detected during the study period. The gross pathological lesions were observed in case of Heterakis gallinarum infection. The results of this study suggest that both nematodes and cestodes are prevalent in domestic fowls in the studied area.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of trade cattle in Aguata and Orumba South Local Government Areas, Southeastern Nigeria.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of trade cattle were investigated in Aguata and Orumba South Local Government Areas (LGA), Southeastern Nigeria. Between February and May, 2017, 210 cattle were randomly sampled in Aguata (140) and Orumba South (70) LGAs. Characteristics of each trade cattle such as sex, breed and body condition scores were noted. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from the selected animals and were subjected to floatation and sedimentation techniques. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 57.6% (95% CI = 0.509-0.643). Of the 140 cattle screened at Aguata LGA, 74 (52.9%; 95% CI = 0.446-0.609) were positive for gastrointestinal helminth ova while 47 (67.1%; 95% CI = 0.555-0.77) were positive out of the 70 cattle screened at Orumba South LGA. A variety of gastrointestinal helminth ova were detected including strongyle, strongyloid, Toxocara, Fasciola, Schistosoma, Moniezia and Paramphistomum ova. Four helminth ova detected in the study area were zoonotic. Strongyle eggs were the most prevalent eggs detected in single infections followed by Fasciola eggs. Mixed infections were more common than single infection. Body condition score was significantly associated (p < 0.0001) with the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of cattle in the study area while sex and breed were not. It was therefore concluded that trade cattle in Aguata and Orumba South LGAs, Southeastern Nigeria were affected by variety of gastrointestinal helminth parasites including zoonotic helminthes. Thus, routine anthelmintic treatment, good management practices and public enlightenment on the zoonotic importance of helminth parasites is highly essential.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites among School Children Attending Two Community Schools in Auta Balefi, Karu, Nasarawa State

Aim: To determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites among school children attending two community schools in Auta-balefi, Karu. Nasarawa State.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between July and August, 2019 in two community schools in Auta-balefi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Microscopic examination of faecal sample from 288 pupils (143 males and 145 females) from ages 5 years and above was carried out using formol-ether concentration technique. Questionnaires were also administered and only pupils whose parents gave their consents were enrolled in the study.&#x0D; Results: This study recorded an overall prevalence of 45.1% gastrointestinal helminth infection. The study however, identified the following parasites in descending order: hookworm (30.76%), Ascaris lumbricoides (25.4%), Schistosoma mansoni (17.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (13.8%), Proglottids of tapeworm (10.78%), Fasciola hepatica (1.5%). Males (51.0%) were more infected as well as children between the ages 11-15 years with (48.3%). Risk factors such as: The educational status and occupation (higher education and unskilled job) of the parents, use of water closet and use of well water and contact with soil were found to contribute to the prevalence of intestinal helminths infection in the study. This is because of the significant association of present of parasites and the prevalence of the parasites (P &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths parasite at the end of the study was (45.1%) which is considered to be high compare to previous study carried on the related subject matter and also certain risk factors were considered to be the reason for such high observation. The prevalence in this study is one to be worried about considering the harm these parasites has on the health and livelihood of children who need to be healthy to carry out their everyday functions.

Retrospective analysis on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in captive mammals and pheasants at padmaja naidu himalayan zoological park, Darjeeling

Retrospective analysis on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in captive mammals and pheasants at padmaja naidu himalayan zoological park, Darjeeling

Cross-sectional prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in cattle in Lira District, Uganda.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infections and associated risk factors was studied in traditionally reared East African short-horned zebu cattle in Lira District, Uganda. Fecal samples were collected from 205 cattle and coprologically examined for the presence of helminth parasites using the simple salt flotation method complemented with the sedimentation method. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GITPs) in cattle in Adekokwok, Lira District, was 32.2%. Of these, 12 (18.18%) were cases of mixed infections mainly of Amphistomes and other GITPs. Paramphistomum was the most prevalent parasite contributing up to 45.5% of infections, followed by Fasciola, Toxocara, strongyles, Trichuris, and Nematodirus, in descending order of abundance. GITP infections were not influenced by the sex of cattle, while infection with Toxocara was associated with cattle age. The mean body condition score (BCS) for all animals studied was 2.37 ± 0.07. A low BCS was associated with gastrointestinal helminth infections. Nevertheless, other factors such as nutritional stress are likely to augment the effects of parasites in the traditional agro-pastoral system particularly in the dry season and should therefore be considered when using the cattle body condition as an indicator of parasitism.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of &lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus&lt;/i&gt; in Abuja, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Clarias gariepinus with the view of quantifying its helminthic burden in Abuja. The study was carried out in three area Councils of Abuja, Nigeria, between the months of April and August 2015. A total of 83 live fishes (Clarias gariepinus) which includes 28 males and 55 females were randomly purchased from local fishermen and were subjected to examination for gastrointestinal helminth parasites. The lengths and weights of the fishes were measured prior to dissection and the parasites recovered were identified. Results indicated that 56 of the examined fishes were infected with various species of helminth parasites, giving a prevalence of 67.5%. Parasites were identified as Procamallanus laevionchus (32.5%), Rhabdochona congolensis (18.1%), Polyonchobothrium clariae (10.8%), Allocraedium species . (3.6%) and Heterophyid flukes (2.4%). The highest prevalence was recorded for nematodes (50.6%) followed by cestodes (10.8%) and trematodes (6.0%). Worthy of note, was the recovery of Heterophid flukes in this study which have not been previously reported in Nigeria and pose a great zoonotic threat. It was observed that fishes of standard length range of 20- 30cm (82.4%) were more infected than those of 30-40cm (65.0%) and 40-50cm (61.5%). The highest prevalence of infection (78.6%) was recorded in fishes with body weight of 500-600g while the lowest (58.8%) was recorded in fishes with body weight of 600-700g. The males had higher percentage prevalence (67.9%) than the females (67.3%). The result of the study indicated that the association (P˂0.05) between the prevalence of infection, sex, length and weight of the host was not statistically significant (χ2= 0.00289, 2.24 and 1.55; degree of freedom= 1, 2 and 5 respectively). The helminths recovered were found to parasitize the stomach and intestinal lumen, the latter being more affected. Keywords : Clarias gariepinus , Gastrointestinal helminths, Length, Prevalence, Sex, Weight, Zoonotic threat

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of zoonotic significance in dogs and cats in lower Northern Thailand.

Gastrointestinal zoonotic helminths of dogs and cats have a public health concern worldwide. We investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of zoonotic significance in dogs and cats in lower Northern Thailand and utilized molecular tools for species identification of hookworms and Opisthorchis viverrini. Fecal samples of 197 dogs and 180 cats were collected. Overall prevalence of infection using microscopy was 40.1% in dogs and 33.9% in cats. Helminth infection found in both dogs and cats included hookworms, Spirometra spp., Taenia spp., Toxocara spp., O. viverrini, Strongyloides spp. and Trichuris spp. Hookworms were the most common helminth in dogs, while Spirometra spp. were the most prevalent in cats. Among hookworm infection in dogs and cats, Ancylostoma ceylanicum was the most prevalent hookworm, being 82.1% in hookworm infected dogs and 95.8% in hookworm infected cats. Mixed-infection due to hookworms and Spirometra spp. was the most dominant in both dogs and cats. Our finding showed that zoonotic helminth infection is highly prevalent in dogs and cats in the lower Northern area of Thailand.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of dogs and associated risk factors in Adama Town, Central Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence ofhelminth parasites of dogs and associated risk factors in Adama. Standard fecal flotation and sedimentation techniques were used to identify parasite ova. Accordingly the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of dogs was found to be 82.03% (95% CI, 77.8-85. 7). Helminth species identified were Ancylostoma spp , Dipylidium caninum , Toxocara canis , Strongyloides stercolaris , Echinococcus granulosus , Trichuris uulpis , Taenia spp and Toxoascaris leonina . Ancylostoma spp were the most frequent and T. leonina was the least abundant parasite observed with prevalence of 40.1 % and 0.26%, respectively. The prevalence of helminth parasites was significantly higher (p>0.05) in young (91.4%) than adult (76.6%) dogs. Thin dogs had significantly higher (p>0.05) overall prevalence (92.8%) than fat dogs (67. 7%). Non-confined dogs had higher prevalence (92.5%) than partially confined (83.1 %) and fully confined (64.5%) dogs, the difference being statistically significant between the non-confined and fully confined categories (p 0.05). The presence of these parasites with the observed abundance and subsequent contamination of the environment by parasite ova and larvae is of public health importance. Strategic treatment of young dogs at the earliest possible age and responsible dog ownership with proper housing management were forwarded as recommendation. Keywords: Adama, Ancylostoma spp, Helminth parasites, Risk factors, Toxocara canis , Zoonoses

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of local chickens from selected communities in Nsukka region of south eastern Nigeria.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of local chickens in Nsukka region of Southeastern Nigeria was studied using 125 free range local birds purchased from four communities in Nsukka zone namely, Obollo-afor, Orba, Nsukka urban and Owerre Eze-orba. The birds were sacrificed humanely and their oesophagus, crop, proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine and caecum examined for the presence of gastrointestinal helminths. Worms when present were isolated and identified using standard parasitological procedures. The study identified four species of cestodes namely Raillietina echinobothridia, R. tetragona, R. cesticillus and Choanotaenia infundibulum and two species of nematodes namely, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum. Results obtained showed 96.8% prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in the birds with cestodes being the more prevalent class (70.4%). Raillietina spp was the most prevalent cestode encountered and A. galli the most prevalent nematode. Prevalence rates of infections recorded 14.4% for nematode species, 26.4% for cestodes and 56% for mixed infections of nematodes and cestodes. It was concluded that local chickens are common in the area and could serve as a potential source of helminth infections to intensively managed birds in the study area.