Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections Research Articles

Gastrointestinal helminths infection of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in Southeast Iran.

Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population. From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.

Epidemiology and diversity of gastrointestinal tract helminths of wild ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa: a review.

This review summarises studies on distribution, diversity, and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in wild ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that109 gastrointestinal tract (GIT) helminth species or species complexes were recorded in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. South Africa reported the highest number of species because most studies were carried out in this country. Eighty-eight nematode species or species complexes were recorded from 30 wild ruminant species across eight countries. The genus Trichostrongylus recorded the highest number of species and utilised the highest number of wild ruminant species, and along with Haemonchus spp., was the most widely distributed geographically. Fifteen trematode species or species complexes were reported from seven countries. The genus Paramphistomum recorded the highest number of species, and Calicophoron calicophoron was the most commonly occurring species in sub-Saharan African countries and infected the highest number of hosts. Six cestode species or species complexes from one family were documented from 14 wild hosts in seven countries. Moniezia spp. were the most commonly distributed in terms of host range and geographically. Impala were infected by the highest number of nematodes, whilst Nyala were infected by the highest number of trematode species. Greater kudu and Impala harbored the largest number of cestodes. The prevalence amongst the three GIT helminths taxa ranged between 1.4% and 100% for nematodes, 0.8% and 100% for trematodes, and 1.4% and 50% for cestodes. There is still limited information on the distribution and diversity of GIT helminths in wild ruminants in most sub-Saharan African countries.

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.

Upregulated Cxcl10 Gene Expression In Sars-Cov-2 Infected People Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections Of Goats Slaughtered In Abattoirs In Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

Goats are excellent meat producers for human consumptions and a rich source of protein as they in most part of the world, are kept mainly for meat, milk and leather. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are common in goats causing considerable economic losses as a consequence of mortality in infected animals, reduced productivity and reduced weight gain. This study investigated the prevalence of GI helminth infections of goats slaughtered in abattoirs in Ijebu-Ode. A total of 120 fecal samples were collected between the Months of February and April, 2022 from two selected abattoirs in Ijebu-ode and were examined by sedimentation technique. The result showed that Red Sokoto and the West African Dwarf (WAD) breeds of goats slaughtered in Ijebu Ode abattoirs were examined and it was discovered that Nematodes are the most prevalent helminth parasites among the goats examined followed by protozoa. The Cestodes are the least prevalent in the study. This study has revealed that gastrointestinal parasites are highly prevalent in the study area. Owing to the attendant economic consequences of these parasites, their control has become imperative. Routine treatment of parasitic diseases in symptomatic and non- symptomatic goats, improved orientation on goat diseases and proper sanitary and hygienic practice in the rearing of the goats would reduce the diseases incidence.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminthic Infections in Black Bucks (Antilope cervicapra) of Tal Chhapar Sanctuary of Rajasthan

Background: Blackbuck is the most elegant member of the antelope family has long been associated with Indian culture. Wildlife parasitic diseases represent an important field of investigation as they may have a significant impact on wild animal health and are responsible for one-third of total losses due to all animal diseases. Adequate information on epidemiology of helminthic infections is a crucial requirement for the sustainable control of GIH in black bucks in near future.Methods: A total of 632 faecal samples were collected from Tal-Chhapar Sanctuary of Rajasthan during summer, rainy and winter season from November 2018 to September 2019 and examined qualitatively by faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques for helminth eggs and quantitatively by modified McMaster egg counting technique.Result: Coprological examination of samples revealed an overall prevalence of 72.46% for gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) with a mixed infection of 38.92%. Among different helminths recorded with their respective prevalences (%) were, Strongyle (56.80%), Strongyloides sp. (40.98%), Trichuris sp. (8.22%), Marshallagia sp. (6.64%) and Ascaris sp. (5.22%). Quantitative analysis revealed egg per gram of faeces ranging from 200-1200 and 200-900 with an average of 561.11 ± 67.74 and 469.23 ± 62.50 for strongyle and Strongyloides sp., respectively. Statistical analysis using multivariate binary logistic regression model revealed highly significant difference (P less than 0.01) in the prevalence of GIH infection among different seasons. The coproculture study revealed Bunostomum sp. (42%) as the major contributor of strongyle nematode population, followed by Haemonchus sp. (31%), Trichostrongylus sp. (26%) and Strongyloides sp. (1%).

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in chickens of selected areas of Darbhanga region of north Bihar India

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in chickens of selected areas of Darbhanga region of north Bihar India

Prevalence and Associated Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Helminths in Intensively Managed Pigs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Summary Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) helminths infection is a major limiting factor of pig production, which poses a public health challenge and increases cost of production. There are also problems in the diagnosis and effective health management of pigs in Nigeria. Method: A cross sectional study of 10 different pig farms was carried out in Ibadan to determine the prevalence of GI helminths infection and the associated factors. The breed, age, sex and body condition score of each screened pig were documented. Faecal sample was collected directly from the rectum and processed with MiniFLOTAC method, using zinc sulphate floatation solution. Result: Two hundred and seventy-five (275) pigs were screened and 73 (26.5%) were positive for GI helminths, namely: Strongyles spp, Strongyloides ransomi, Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis. Statistical significance taking p-value to be 0.05) related to breed, sex and body condition score. Conclusion: The prevalence of GI helminths in pigs obtained in this study provides an updated information on the status of GI helminths in pigs raised in Ibadan. It is therefore necessary that concerted and focused effort on the part of the farmers and the government be made to completely stamp out GI helminths disease completely in pigs.

The effect of water sources, nutritional qualities and management systems on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in ruminants in Benue State, Nigeria

Parasitic helminth infections are a frequent burden to livestock farmers. In this study, some domestic ruminants were examined for gastrointestinal helminth infections at some locations in Benue State Nigeria. Six hundred faecal samples were collected per rectum from cattle, goat and sheep in Makurdi, Guma and Gboko. The faeces were analysed using Concentration Method, and direct microscopic examination of helminth parasites. Data were also obtained on the source of drinking water, feeding, and the management system used to keep the ruminants. The results showed that 43.7% of all animals were infected. The species of helminth parasites identified were Strongyloides spp. 74.8% Haemonchus spp., 11.8% while Monieza spp., Trichuris spp., Taenia spp., Fasciola spp., Ascaris spp., and Toxocara spp., constituted 13.4%. Helminths infection was associated with the type of animal (p = 0.01), the source of drinking water (p < 0.001), food, and the management system (p<0.001), but not the sampled locations (p = 0.98). It was concluded that improved management practices, provision of good quality food and clean drinking water significantly reduced the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infection in ruminants in Benue State, Nigeria. Keywords: gastrointestinal helminths, parasites, ruminants, livestock

Gastrointestinal helminths of backyard chickens in selected areas of West Shoa Zone Central, Ethiopia

Gastrointestinal parasites of chickens are prevalent in many parts of the world including Ethiopia. This study was conducted with backyard chickens in Ambo, Holeta and, Dire Inchini in the West Shoa zone with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections, identifying the species present and determining associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 252 chickens purchased from local markets. Chickens were killed humanely and gastrointestinal tracts were examined for adult helminths. Identification of the helminths was performed using morphology and microscopy. The overall prevalence of helminth parasites in chickens was 92.1% (232/252) [95% confidence interval (CI): 88.0% - 95.1%]. 80.2% (204/252) [95% CI: 75.3% - 86.9%] and 77.8% (196/252) [95% CI: 72.1% - 82.8%] of chickens were infected with diverse nematode and cestode species, respectively. Parasitological examination revealed the presence of three nematode and five cestode species. Ascaridia galli (69.8%) and Heterakis gallinarum (13.5%) were the dominant nematode species and Railletina tetragona (54.0%) and Railletina echinobothrida (46.8%) were the most prevalent species of cestodes identified. A significant difference (p < .05) was observed between the prevalence of nematode parasites and sex, age, and origin of the chicken. Similarly, sex and origin of the chickens were significantly different with the prevalence of cestode infections. Higher prevalence was observed in male versus female chickens, in young versus adult chickens and in chickens from Holeta and Direinchin compared to Ambo. In contrast, weight, health status, diarrhea status, and age (for cestodes) were not significantly associated with nematode and cestode infection. In conclusion, the present study detected a high prevalence of diverse types of gastrointestinal helminths in backyard chickens, which could result in poor health and reduce productivity. Therefore, the present study strongly suggests appropriate and strategic control of helminthiasis to improve the health and output of backyard chickens in the study areas.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions

ABSTRACT1. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2015 to July 2016 in South Tyrol, Northern Italy to examine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions.2. A total of 280 laying hens from 14 free-range mountain farms (4 organic, 10 conventional) were randomly collected at the end of the laying period. Faecal samples were taken to analyse faecal egg counts (FEC) and faecal oocyst counts (FOC). The gastrointestinal tracts were removed post mortem and examined for the presence of helminths.3. In faeces, FEC values averaged 258 eggs per g of faeces, which were dominated by Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum. Mean FOC was 80 oocysts/g. In the gastrointestinal tract, at least one nematode species was found in 99.3% of the examined hens. H. gallinarum was the most prevalent nematode (95.7%), followed by Capillaria spp. (66.8%) and A. galli (63.6%). Thirty per cent of the chickens were infected with cestodes (tapeworms). Correlation coefficients between worm counts of H. gallinarum, Capillaria spp. and A. galli ranged from 0.41 to 0.51.5. The helminth prevalence did not differ between conventional and organic farms, whereas total worm burden was higher in organic compared with conventional farms (318.9 vs. 112.0). Prevalence and infection intensity did not differ between farms that used anthelmintic treatments and those that did not.6. In conclusion, free-range laying hens under the studied mountain farming conditions are at high risk of nematode infection, especially in organic systems. The vast majority of hens are subclinical infected with at least one helminth species.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of dog in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of dog in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria was studied retrospectively and prospectively. In the retrospective study, records of all diagnosed helminth infections of dogs brought to the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nsukka from January, 2006 to September 2013 were collated and analyzed. The prospective study was carried out between October 2013 and July 2014 by examination of 263 faecal samples collected per rectum from dogs presented to a purposively selected Veterinary Clinics in Enugu metropolis and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The results of the 8 year retrospective prevalence study gave an overall prevalence of 56.1% and Ancylostoma species as the most prevalent helminth in the study area (33.2%). Mixed infections with more than one helminth parasite species were recorded in 8.6% of the cases. Annual breakdown of the prevalence data showed that the highest prevalence was recorded in 2009. Breed and age of the dogs were found to significantly influence the prevalence. In the prospective study, an overall prevalence of 51.7% was obtained. Ancylostoma spp. was also found most often in the study area, with a prevalence rate of 33.6%. Mixed infections with more than one helminth parasite species were found in 16.3% of the cases. A strong association was obtained between prevalence and breed of the dogs and also between prevalence and season. Due to the zoonotic nature of most of the encountered parasites and the close association between children and dogs, routine deworming, proper management of dogs and adequate personal hygiene is therefore recommended.

Epidemiological Study on Equine Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Mekelle, North Ethiopia

A cross-sectional examination of 384 fecal samples was conducted from July 2016 up to November 2016 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of equines in Mekelle, North Ethiopia. Out of total fecal samples examined 196 fecal samples were taken from horses, 164 from Donkeys and the rest 24 from Mules. The prevalence of gastro intestinal helminths was 41.6% as detected by coprological examination. Coprological examination revealed that the prevalence in horses was 33.7%, in donkeys 51.8% and in mules 37.5%. There is significant difference (p 0.05) in prevalence of GIT helminth was noticed between sexes. However, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was noticed between the age groups, between different body conditions, feeding status, history of colic and frequency of deworming. The study revealed that Equines in the study area are infected with a range of heminths, which are representatives of the important equine pathogenic parasites found in Ethiopia.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in ovine population of Kashmir Valley.

Aim:Gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasitism is one of the major constraints for profitable sheep production. Due to variations in the prevalence of GI helminths from region to region, it becomes important to map out accurately the parasitic fauna of a particular region for development of suitable control measures.Materials and Methods:An extensive study of GI helminths was carried out in Budgam district of Kashmir Valley over a period of 1 year. A total of 1200 fresh ovine faecal samples from both sexes of young ones and adults were collected in sterilized plastic bags and examined by standard sedimentation and floatation techniques. Positive faecal samples (15-20%) in each season were examined by Stoll’s dilution method to determine the parasitic load. A total of 120 faecal samples (30 samples in each season) positive for strongyle eggs were subjected to coproculture using Petridish method and the third stage larvae were harvested to find out prevalence of different genera of strongyle worms.Results:The overall prevalence of GI helminths was found to be 77% with platyhelminths and nemathelminthes in 26.58 and 60.92% animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of mixed GI helminths was found to be 8.67%. Eggs of various helminths encountered in the present study were those of Fasciola spp. (3.58%), Dicrocoelium spp. (11.58%), paramphistomes (4.83%), Moniezia spp. (7.92%), strongyle worms including Nematodirus spp. (57.75%), Strongyloides spp. (1.67%), and Trichuris spp. (1.5%). On coprocultural examination Haemonchus spp. (55%) was found to be most predominant strongyle worm followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (17.5%), Ostertagia spp. (11.67%), Oesophagostomum spp. (9.17%), and Chabertia spp. (6.67%). On seasonal basis, highest prevalence of GI helminths was recorded in summer (83.00%) followed by spring (78.67%), winter (76.33%), and autumn (70.00%), the difference being statistically non-significant (p>0.05). The prevalence of platyhelminths (Fasciola spp., Dicrocoelium spp. and Moniezia spp.) was found to be non-significantly higher in winter, but paramphistomes showed the highest prevalence in the summer season. Nemathelminth infection was found highest in summer season and lowest during the winter season. Eggs per gram (EPG) ranged from 0 to 1800, and an average EPG count was found to be 454.35±27.85. EPG was found to be highest in summer (684.00±69.83) and lowest in winter (202.38±18.82). The overall prevalence of GI helminths was found more in adult sheep (83.00%) compared to young ones (53.11%), the difference being statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of helminths was found to be higher in females (78.32%) as compared to males (72.97%), the variation being statistically non-significant (p>0.05).Conclusion:Seasonal variation plays an important role in the prevalence of GI helminths in addition to age and sex of the animal.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in Banaraja fowls reared in semi-intensive system of management in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

Aim:Studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infection in Banaraja fowls of three blocks (Chandua, Shamakhunta and Bangriposi) of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha with respect to semi-intensive system of rearing.Materials and Methods:A total of 160 Banaraja birds (30 males and 130 females) belonging to two age groups (below 1 month age and above 1 month) were examined for the presence of different species of gastrointestinal helminth infection over a period of 1-year. The method of investigation included collection of fecal sample and gastrointestinal tracts, examination of fecal sample of birds, collection of parasites from different part of gastrointestinal tract, counting of parasites, and examination of the collected parasites by standard parasitological techniques followed by morphological identification as far as possible up to the species level.Results:Overall, 58.75% birds were found infected with various gastrointestinal helminths. Total five species of parasites were detected that included Ascaridia galli (25.63%), Heterakis gallinarum (33.75%), Raillietina tetragona (46.25%), Raillietina echinobothrida (11.87%), and Echinostoma revolutum (1.87%). Both single (19.15%) as well as mixed (80.85%) infection were observed. Highest incidence of infection was observed during rainy season (68.88%) followed by winter (66.66%) and least in summer season (41.81%). Sex-wise incidence revealed slightly higher occurrence among females (59.23%) than males (56.67%). Age-wise prevalence revealed that chicks were more susceptible (77.77%) than adults (51.30%) to gastrointestinal helminths infection.Conclusions:Present study revealed that mixed infection with gastrointestinal helminths of different species was more common than infection with single species and season-wise prevalence was higher in rainy season followed by winter and summer. Chicks were found to be more prone to this parasitic infection and a slight higher prevalence among female birds was observed.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in a Ruminant Livestock Farm in Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria

Aim: This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in ruminant livestock at DUFARMS holding of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place of Study: The study was conducted in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria between November 2013 and August 2014. Methodology: Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of 170 ruminant livestock and processed using ether-concentration method before examination for gastrointestinal helminth ova under the microscope. Data obtained were analyzed descriptively using SPSS 20.0 software and results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Indigenous Chickens of Selected Areas of Barisal District, Bangladesh

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections and the gross pathological lesions produced by them were studied from February 2012 to January 2013 in the Department of Pharmacology of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. In this study, a total of 320 indigenous chickens aged ranging from 2 to 4 months were examined to identify the different types of gastrointestinal helminth infections in indigenous chickens. During routine examination, six species of helminth parasites were recorded, of which five species of nematodes such as Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria spp, Acuaria hamulosa and Dispharynx spiralis; and one species was cestode called Raillietina tetragona. The highest prevalence was observed for Ascaridia galli (41.56%) followed in descending order by Raillietina tetragona (19.68%), Heterakis gallinarum (15.62%), Acuaria hamulosa (8.75%), Capillaria spp. (4.68% ) and Disopharinx spiralis (1.56%). The gross pathological lesions were observed in case of Acuaria hamulosa and Heterakis gallinarum infection. In case of Acuaria hamulosa infection keratinization of gizzard mucosa and cross section of adult Acuaria hamulosa were seen along with marked infiltration of neutrophils. The results of this study suggest that both nematodes and cestodes are highly prevalent in indigenous chickens in the studied area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21275 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 135-139

Evaluation of gastrointestinal helminths in canine population of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India: a public health appraisal

Aim: To evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal helminthic parasites in clinically apparent canines of Bhubaneswar, Odisha and to determine the risk of zoonotic infection to dog owners through questionnaire survey. Materials and Methods: A total of 154 dogs, with clinical signs of gastroenteritis were examined for the presence of helminthic ova and /or larvae in their faecal sample by direct smear and/ or floatation and centrifugation method. Prevalence was determined by sex wise, age wise, and breed wise. A structured questionnaire on 50 dog owners was designed to gather information on dog ownership, management and related risks on public health. Results: In the present investigation, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infection was 41.46%. The infection rate was highest for mixed parasitic infection (26.57%) followed by (23.44%), Toxocara canis (20.31%) and lowest for Taenia spp. (3.13%). In relation to different groups, the prevalence was higher in male than female, highest in younger animals and it was shown a decreasing trend as age increased. It was also higher in non-descriptive breeds than pure and exotic breeds. Very few dog owners (10%) were conscious about that canine parasite could be transmitted to humans but none of them could provide correct information on the mode of transmission. Only 12 % dog owners had maintained standard deworming schedule. Conclusion: The findings showed that the high levels of ignorance among dog owners about canine helminthic parasites and transmission coupled with significant infection rates among the dogs in the community warrants immediate action needs to be taken to decrease infection rate in dogs and to raise awareness among the community about zoonotic diseases.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in slaughtered chickens reared in the Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in slaughtered chickens reared in the Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Anthelmintic utilisation practices and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in sheep kept in the urban and peri-urban areas of Bishoftu Town

Assessment of the anthelmintic (AH) utilisation practices and estimation of the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in sheep were carried out from November 2010 to April 2011 in urban and peri-urban areas of Bishoftu Town, central Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was employed to assess the AH utilisation practices in sheep of 310 owners/households, while floatation and sedimentation techniques were used to study the prevalence of helminth infections. Faecal examinations revealed that 53.9 % of sheep harboured gastrointestinal helminth infections with a high frequency due to strongyles (77.3 %). The questionnaire survey revealed that sources of AH for sheep were government and private veterinary clinics for 98.5 % of urban and 65.4 % peri-urban respondents. In peri-urban areas, AH were also purchased from open markets and illegal dealers. Albendazole was the most common (75.5 %) drug used in sheep followed by ivermectin (18.7 %) and tetramisole (5.8 %). The criteria for selecting AH were: prescription by veterinarians (51.6 %), efficacy (31.9 %), price (12.3 %) and arbitrary reasons (4.2 %). Treatment frequency was minimal with 51.3, 32.3 and 15.8 % of the owners treating their sheep once, twice and less than once per year, respectively. Treatments mainly depended on manifestations of general (45.8 %) and digestive (23.3 %) symptoms. Irrespective of the body weight of the sheep, albendazole was the only drug reported to be given at half bolus/sheep (14.1 %). Owing to this practice, albendazole faces the risk of reduced efficacy or AH resistance due to its wide spread utilisation, handling by untrained personnel and suspected underdosage, which altogether support the perception of sheep owners on its lower effect on the performance of treated sheep.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in rodents of Tarai region of Uttarakhand

The present work was aimed to investigate helminth biodiversity among rodents in order to evaluate the threat for helminth transmission to humans since they act as a potential source of parasitic zoonoses. In this study, faeces of 43 black rats (Rattus rattus) and 35 house mice (Mus musculus) were collected from various habitats viz. domestic places and agricultural fields of different parts of tarai region of Uttarakhand. These faecal samples were examined for the presence of parasitic eggs, adult and segments of the worms. The study revealed that the rodents were infected with 5 genera of helminth parasites, i.e. Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, Syphacia muris, Capillaria hepatica, Trichuris muris and other strongyle eggs (2 species of cestodes and 4 species of nematodes). Adult Syphacia muris and segments of Hymenolepis nana were also recovered from faecal droppings. Of the 43 samples of black rat, all (100%) and of the 35 samples of mice 9 (25.71%) were found positive for one or more than one species of parasitic infections. Greater infection of H. diminuta 19 (44.18%) followed by H. nana 17 (39.53%) was seen in rat whereas mice were mostly infected with H. nana. The diversity and prevalence of various parasites reported here within domestic habitats may suggest that these can pose a high risk of helminth transmission to human population and are thus of considerable public health importance.