Prevalence Of Helminth Parasites Research Articles

Prevalence of helminth parasites in some commercially important fish species of River Anambra, Nigeria

The demand for fish as a source of protein is on the increase. However, sustainable productivity by fish farmers is constrained by parasitic infections. Thus, an investigation was conducted on the prevalence of helminth parasites in some commercially important fish species of River Anambra, Nigeria. A total of 521 fishes belonging to 6 families (Claroteidae, Synodontidae, Mormyridae, Osteoglossidae, Bagridae, and Clariidae) and 20 species caught with hooks, nets, and local traps were examined using standard parasitological techniques. The overall prevalence was 23.80%. Fish samples belonging to 6 families had the following prevalence of infection: Bagridae (0.00%), Clariidae (2.11 %), Claroteidae (1.53%), Mormyridae (0.0%), Osteoglossidae (14.97%) and Synodontidae (5.18%). Helminth parasites recovered were: Weyonia species (4.65%), Weyonia youdeowii (15.97%), Weyonia synodontis (3.33%), Sandonella sandoni (37.41%), Polyonchobothrium clarias (17.98 %), Plerocercoid larva (13.33%) and unidentified cestode (35.47%) (Cestoda); Emoleptalea species (4.65%) (Trematoda); Procamallanus laeviconchus (2.72%), Dujardinascaris species (1.36%), Spirocamallanus species (3.99%) (Nematoda); Neoechinorhynchus species (24.61%), Tenuisentis niloticus (34.62%) and unidentified acanthocephalan (6.25%) (Acanthocephala). Weyonia species, Weyonia youdeoweii, and W. synodontis were recovered from synodontids only. Acanthocephalan, cestodes, nematodes and trematodes were found in decreasing order of abundance. The presence of trematode Emoleptalea sp in Clarias gariepinus is a new host record of the parasite for the geographical area.

Prevalence of Helminth Parasites in Commercially Marketed Fruits and Vegetables in Selected Markets in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria

Fruits and vegetables are commonly consumed foods that are rich sources of essential vitamins, fibres, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Most of these vegetables and fruits are eaten raw without much processing and can serve as vehicles for the transmission of parasites and microorganisms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of helminths in commercially marketed fruits and vegetables in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. One-hundred and eight (108) fruits and vegetables were sampled from three (3) different markets within Lokoja and examined for parasite contamination using wet mount and microscopy. A total of 27 (25%) fruits and vegetables were positive for parasite contamination while 81 (75%) were negative. Of the 27 parasite-contaminated fruits and vegetables, cabbage (29.63%) was the most contaminated, followed by lettuce (22.22%), mango (18.52%), guava (14.81%), cucumber (11.11%), and apple (3.70%). Twelve (44.44%) of the contaminated fruits and vegetables were purchased from Natako market, 10 (37.04%) were purchased from Kpata market, and 5 (18.52) were purchased from Lokongoma market. Although the frequency of fruits and vegetables contaminated with parasites was significantly lower than the number without parasite contamination (p<0.05), there was no significant difference in the prevalence of parasites contaminating different vegetables and fruits (p>0.05). A total of 4 helminths were isolated as contaminants of fruits and vegetables in Lokoja metropolis. Of these, Strongyloides stercoralis (40.74%) was the most prevalent, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (25.93%), Trichuris trichiura (18.52%), and Hookworm (14.81%). Hence, fruits and vegetables should be properly washed with clean water before consumption.

47 Effect of Summer Heat Stress on Internal Parasite Populations in Lebanese Baladi Goats

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections affecting ruminants pose serious problems whenever management systems are deficient with inappropriate nutrition and sanitation. The Lebanese Baladi goat, reared under very challenging transhumant conditions, is recently being challenged with nutrient availability due to the recent economic crisis. Therefore, prevalence of helminth parasites was studied in 90 Baladi does raised under three different management systems (Man) of intensive/managed (M), extensive/pastoral (P) or semi-intensive/agro-pastoral (AP). A 5-point score assessment of fat and muscle covering using Body Condition Score (BCS), anemic state revealed by conjunctivae mucosal color using FAMACHA, nostril discharge, stool character and bottle jaw edema were recorded twice for each system at two predetermined summer periods of heat stress (HS) with THI of 20 and 24 respectively, and fecal samples collected. Fecal nematode eggs (FEC) and protozoan oocyst count (FOC) were analyzed using a modified McMaster method. Results showed that BCS were not altered (P > 0.05) between heat stress periods, but decreased in M. FAMACHA did not differ (P > 0.05) between M, P and AP. All fecal samples tested showed strongyles nematodes, while 98% showed Eimeria spp. with occasional occurrence of Scrjabinema and Moniezia. Parasitic burden of GIN was low at 17%, while Eimeria was high at 98 %. Further, there was a significant (P < 0.001) Man x HS for HOTC, with 5-fold (P < 0.05) greater in AP but not M or P in late summer, indicating a contaminated and overgrazed agro-pastoral land. Though summer heat stress effect was not obvious on endoparasite prevalence in Lebanese Baladi goats, the confounding effects of resilience to GIN, nutritional and heat stress in these locally resilient goats require further investigation. This study reports, for the first time in Lebanon, the prevalence of GIN using the McMaster method and 5-point score in Local Baladi goats, and therefore these methods require further validation for on-farm use.

Helminths of the Black-Legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) and the Brünnich’s Guillemot (Uria lomvia Linnaeus, 1758) in Russkaya Gavan Bay, Severny Island, Novaya Zemlya Archipelago

This article provides results of a helminthological study of two seabird species, the Black-Legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) and the Brunnich’s Guillemot (Uria lomvia Linnaeus, 1758), from Russkaya Gavan Bay, Severny Island, Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. A total of five species of helminth parasites were identified in kittiwakes and six species in guillemots. The cestode Tetrabothrius erostris and the nematode Stegophorus stellaepolaris proved to be common helminth parasites for both seabird species. Two species, T. erostris and the acanthocephalan Corynosoma strumosum, were found for the first time in seabirds from Novaya Zemlya. Brunnich’s guillemot was recorded as a new definitive host for C. strumosum in the Barents Sea region. The main characteristic feature of the helminth infestation in birds from northern Novaya Zemlya is the absence of trematodes, endemic and highly specific parasite species, as well as helminths with freshwater life cycles. The prevalence of helminth parasites in kittiwakes and guillemots from different parts of the Barents Sea is analyzed. It has been established that the nematode S. stellaepolaris exerts the most pronounced negative impact on the physiological condition of Brunnich’s guillemots.

Helminth Parasites of Anurans from Zaria, Northern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Helminth parasitc infections were investigated in 150 Anurans collected in parts of the Northern Guinea Savannah during thedry and wet seasons of 2016. The Anurans that were investigated included Amietophrynus regularis, Kassina senegalensis,Afrixalus vittiger, Xenopus tropicalis, Xenopus fischbergi, Pyxiecephalus cf. edulis, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, Amniranagalamensis and Ptychadena pumilio. Overall prevalence of helminth parasites was 64% (94/150). Seven species ofhelminths belonging to three taxonomic classes were recovered: Monogenea 4%, Trematoda 19.33% and Nematoda 40.67%were identified. Eupolystoma alluaudi (30%) was the only monogenean recorded from the bladder of S. regularis. Tematodesfound were Diplodischus fishthalicus (53.49%) and Haematoloechus micrurus (67.45%) from the rectum and lungs of H.occipitalis, respectively. Nematodes included Camallanus microcephalus from the oesophagus and small intestine of X.fischbergi ( 62.96%) and X. tropicalis (100 %), respectively, Camallanus dimitrovi (25.58%) from the small intestine andrectum of H. occipitalis, an unidentified nematode from the oesophagus and small intestine of X. fischbergi (1.85%) and X.tropicalis (33.33%), and an Aplectana (85.00%%) species from the small intestine and rectum of S. regularis. Except forEupolystoma alluaudi, the infestation level was generally low. Parasite prevalence was higher during the wet (39.33%) thandry (24.67%) season and the difference was not significant (p = 0.17). The prevalence and infection intensity were lower thanthose reported from anurans in southern biotopes of Nigeria. The occurrence of Camallanus macrocephalus is a new recordfor Nigeria, while X. fischbergi and X. tropicalis are new host records for C. macrocephalus.
 Keywords: Anurans, helminth, prevalence, Northern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Helminth infection of layer and dual-purpose chickens kept under small scale intensive production system, Ethiopia

Losses due to reduced productivity caused by helminthiasis are economically important to the poultry industry. There are a few research reports in the prevalence of helminth-parasites in the different poultry production systems. A cross sectional study was conducted with the aim of estimating the prevalence of helminth infections in exotic layer and dual-purpose chickens, kept under small scale intensive farms of selected towns, Ethiopia: Addis Ababa (Highlands) and Debre Zeit, Haramaya, Hawassa and Kombolcha (Midlands) climatic zones. Towns and farms were purposively identified while chickens from each farm were randomly selected for fecal sample collection and necropsy examination. A total of 1009 fresh fecal samples and thirty-three chickens were collected from chickens of different breeds. Helminth egg and adult parasite identification was processed through coproscopic and necropsy examination methods, respectively. The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 66(%). A statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of helminthiasis among study sites (P 0.05) among age groups. Three species of nematodes as Ascaridia galli (52%), Heterakis gallinarum (57%) and Capillaria species (1%) and one species of cestode: Raillietina species (3%) were identified. Regular check up for helminth infection and application of appropriate prevention and control measures are important. Key words : Chicken; Exotic; Intensive; Helminth-infection; Small-scale

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.

Preliminary study on small ruminant GIT helminthiasis in select arid and semi-arid pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Afar region, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identification of GIT parasites of sheep and goats in two selected districts of Afar from December 2014 to February 2016. Totally 590 faecal samples were collected from small ruminants (332 goat and 258 sheep) managed in pastoral and agro-pastoral production. Out of the total examined small ruminant 87.8% (518) were found to harbor one or more genera of helminth parasites. The result of the study revealed that 92.2% (306) of the goats and 82.2% (212) of the sheep were found positive for GIT parasites. Helminth parasites identified in small ruminant of the study area were Strongyles, Fasciola, Strongyloides, Paramphistomum, Trichuris, Ascaris and Monezia. The risk of infection with GIT helminth parasites in goats were 4.009 times higher than sheep (OR=4.009, p=0.011). Age and sex related difference was not observed in the prevalence of helminth parasites in sheep and goats. Significantly (OR=0.119, p=0.000) higher prevalence of overall helminth parasites in poor body condition sheep and goats than good body condition was observed. Likewise significant variation in overall parasite prevalence was observed between the study districts (OR=0.169, p=0.000). In this study, species of the animals, origin, and body condition score are important risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in the study area. In the study area nutrition is generally poor, low productivity in small ruminants is likely to be aggravated by a high prevalence of polyparasitism.

Preliminary study on Small Ruminant GIT Helminthiasis in Select Arid and Semi-arid Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Areas of Afar Region, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identification of GIT parasites of sheep and goats in two selected districts of Afar from December 2014 to February 2016. Totally 590 faecal samples were collected from small ruminants (332 goat and 258 sheep) managed in pastoral and agro-pastoral production. Out of the total examined small ruminant 87.8% (518) were found to harbor one or more genera of helminth parasites. The result of the study revealed that 92.2% (306) of the goats and 82.2% (212) of the sheep were found positive for GIT parasites. Helminth parasites identified in small ruminant of the study area were Strongyles, Fasciola, Strongyloides, Paramphistomum, Trichuris, Ascaris and Monezia. The risk of infection with GIT helminth parasites in goats were 4.009 times higher than sheep (OR=4.009, p=0.011). Age and sex related difference was not observed in the prevalence of helminth parasites in sheep and goats. Significantly (OR=0.119, p=0.000) higher prevalence of overall helminth parasites in poor body condition sheep and goats than good body condition was observed. Likewise significant variation in overall parasite prevalence was observed between the study districts (OR=0.169, p=0.000). In this study, species of the animals, origin, and body condition score are important risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in the study area. In the study area nutrition is generally poor, low productivity in small ruminants is likely to be aggravated by a high prevalence of polyparasitism.

Population- and growth-related differences in helminthic fauna of finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) in five Japanese populations.

A survey of helminths and ectoparasites, including epizoits, was conducted in narrow-ridged finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) from Japanese five populations using dead stranded or incidentally caught animals. In total, 13 helminth species were found (6 nematodes, 4 trematodes, 2 cestodes and 1 acanthocephalan) in 137 porpoises. A new location record of Stenurus nanjingensis and a new host record of Tetrabothrius sp. were obtained. Eight species of helminth were considered common in the Japanese populations of the finless porpoise: Pharurus sunameri, Pharurus asiaeorientalis, Nasitrema spathulatum, Nasitrema sunameri, Halocercus pingi, Halocercus sunameri, Campula oblonga and Synthesium elongatum. No anisakid nematodes were found. N. spathulatum was found only in the western waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Low prevalence of C. oblonga in the Omura Bay was demonstrated. H. pingi was mostly found in very young porpoises before starting to eat prey, indicating prenatal or transmammary infection. However, a congeneric species, H. sunameri, mainly infected weaned porpoises, indicating that these two species possess different transmission pathways. This study provides information on the geographical distribution and prevalence of helminth parasites in finless porpoises off the Japanese coast.

Intensity and Prevalence of Helminth Parasites in Caranx leptolepisfrom Karangantu and Labuan

Helminth parasites cause ecologically, biologically and economically losses. Parasitic infections not only deadly for fish, but also decreased levels of fecundity and influenced fry development. The main commodities from Karangantu and Labuan fishing port are yellowstripe scad (Caranx leptolepis). The research aims to identifies the intensity and prevalence of helminth parasites in yellowstripe scad from Karangantu and Labuan fishing port. The experiment was conducted from May until June 2015. Measurement of fish biology and identification of species of helminth parasites carried out in the Laboratory of Aquaculture Department of Fisheries Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa. The method used in this research is descriptive and sampling by collecting various data of the sample studied. The results showed that Lechitocladium angustiovum and Lecitochirium sp. infected the yellowstripe scad (32% at gastric).

Trophic ecology shapes gastrointestinal helminth communities of two sympatric mesopredatory sharks in the Adriatic Sea

AbstractWe investigated and compared the structure of parasite communities in two sympatric, commercially exploited sharks. We analysed 188 gastrointestinal tracts from a crustacean feeder Mustelus punctulatus and 157 gastrointestinal tracts from a piscivorous Squalus acanthias. The overall prevalence of helminth parasites was very high (84.0%) for M. punctulatus with nematode Cucullanus micropapillatus as the most abundant species (mean abundance 13.96) and Anisakis spp. larvae as the most prevalent taxa (47.9%). In contrast, only 21.7% of S. acanthias specimens were infected, showing Anisakis spp. larvae as the most prevalent (17.8%) and abundant taxa (mean abundance 0.39). The subsample of Anisakis spp. larvae, isolated from both hosts, was molecularly identified at ITS locus as A. pegreffii. Significant variations among size classes were recorded for M. punctulatus, mainly as a consequence of higher C. micropapillatus loads in larger sharks. Seasonal patterns in prevalence and abundance of C. micropapillatus were recorded for M. punctulatus, with peaks in autumn, whereas Anisakis spp. larvae prevailed during spring, for both sharks. Sex contributed little to the observed parasite abundances, although female spiny dogfish were more prone to infections than males, and higher helminth diversity was recorded in females in both shark species. The differences in infection parameters between the two shark species likely reflect the variations in foraging strategies and availability of intermediate hosts. Our findings suggest that crustacean feeder M. punctulatus is more susceptible to helminth infections in the Adriatic Sea, which may affect the health status of local shark populations.

Morphology and Prevalence of Some Helminth Parasites in Gallus domesticus from Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India

The present study was aimed to study the distribution, diversity, and prevalence of helminth parasites in domestic fowl from this valley of Gurez. A total of 137 domestic fowl were examined for helminth parasites from May 2013 to April 2015. A high rate of helminth infection (40.14%) was observed. One cestode Raillitina tetragona and two nematodes, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum were encountered during the present study. The collected parasites were identified according to the keys and description given by Soulsby (1982) and Yamaguti (1958). High prevalence of infection was observed during summer (41.86%) followed by autumn (34.21%), spring (33.33%) and winter (30.76%). Males (36.96%) were more infected than females (34.37%). The young ones were more infected than adults. Thus, seasonal dynamics and sex of the hosts significantly influenced the prevalence of GIH infection in domestic fowl. Nematodes were more prevalent than cestodes.

Prevalence of helminth parasites in Gallus domesticus from Gurez valley

During the study period of two years the prevalence of helminth parasites in domestic fowl from Gurez valley were analysed. A total of 137 domestic fowl were examined for helminth parasites from May 2013 to April 2015. A high rate of helminth infection (40.14%) was observed. One cestode Raillitina tetragona and two nematodes, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum were encountered during the study period. High prevalence of infection was observed during summer (41.86%) followed by autumn (34.21%), spring (33.33%) and winter (30.76%). Males (36.96%) were more infected than females (34.37%). The young ones were more infected than adults. Nematodes were more prevalent than cestodes.

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

English

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of endoparasites of donkeys in and around Haramaya district, East Hararghe zone of Oromia regional state. Coprological examination was carried out on fecal samples collected from 384 donkeys. Simple flotation, sedimentation and fecal culture techniques were used for the detection of eggs and larvae of helminth parasites. The overall prevalence of endoparasitic infection was 93.75% (n=360). Four species of helminths: Parascaris equorum (20.5%), Fasciola species (15.36%), Oxyuris equi (15.36%) and Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (21.88%) and two genera (Strongylus and Trichonema), were encountered. Identification of L3 of nematodes from coprocultured faeces of donkeys showed the predominance of strongyles species (65%), Dictyocaulus Arnfieldi (25%), and Oxyuris equi (10%). The high prevalence of helminth parasites noted in this study calls for regular monitoring and intervention measures such as strategic deworming of donkeys. Key words: Endoparasitic helminths, Haramaya district, prevalence.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism of cattle in Gedebano Gutazer Wolene district, Ethiopia

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and monthly distribution of helminth parasites of cattle in Gedebano Gutazer Wolene district, Southern Ethiopia, from November 2008 to May 2009. A total of 406 faecal samples were collected and subjected to qualitative and quantitative coprologic parasitological examination. From the cattle examined an overall prevalence of 39.6% (n=161) was recorded. The study revealed an overall prevalence of 37.9% Strongyle, 22.4% Toxocara species, 16.1% Fasciola species, 13.7% Trichuris species and 9.9% Paramphistomum species, Strongyle and Toxocara species were the most prevalent parasites encountered in the study area. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the prevalence of helminthosis between season and different age groups of cattle was noted. The prevalence of helminth parasites during wet season was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the dry season. Out of 61 Strongyle egg type positive cattle, 14 (22.95%) were massively, 29 (47.55%) moderately and 18 (29.50%) were lightly affected. Intensity of Strongyle infection in terms of egg per gram (EPG) showed no variations when different age group and sex are compared. The current study indicated that season and age of animals are important factors associated with helminth parasites of cattle of the study area. The study identified high prevalence of parasitism demanded due attention to enhance the productivity of cattle. Therefore, strategic control approach by using effective broad spectrum anthelmintics at the beginning of rainy season is recommended and awareness creation to the farmers should be instituted in the study area. Key words: Ethiopia, cattle, gastrointestinal parasitism, prevalence.

Prevalence of helminth parasites in sheep (Ovis aries) in Tangail district, Bangladesh

Prevalence of helminths of sheep in relation to age, sex, nutritional status, management system and flock size was studied at Tangail district, Bangladesh from July to December 2010 by fecal examination. A total of 190 sheep were examined of which 154 (81.1%) were positive for one or more species of helminth parasites. Seven species of helminths were identified, of them three species were trematodes, namely, Fasciola gigantica (8.4%), Paramphistomum spp. (44.2%) and Schistosoma indicum (3.7%); four species were nematodes, namely, Bunostomum sp (19.0%), Trichuris spp. (2.1%), Strongyles (62.6%) and Strongyloides spp. (9.5%). No cestodes were identified. Prevalence of helminths was significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher in young sheep aged &gt;1-2 year (92.7%) than adult aged &gt; 2 years (83.3%) and lamb aged ? 1 year (63.6%). Higher prevalence was recorded in female than in male sheep. In relation to nutritional status and flock size, prevalence of helminths were significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher in poor health and large flock sized animals. It is suggested that helminth infection is widely prevalent in sheep in Tangail district of Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14913 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 235-244, 2012

Communal evaluation of Intestinal Helminthes in some Guineaworm- Controlled Communities in Ogun State, Nigeria

he public health concern for intestinal helminthes emphasizes the need for assessment to reduce the burden of diseases. The study which was conducted from July 2008 to February 2009 evaluates the impact of health education on the prevalence of intestinal helminthes. Stool samples from 93 males and 125 females (5 years of age and above) were collected asepticallyfrom respondents in guinea worm-controlled communities of Abata, Ikija, Kooku, Ogboye and Agbugburu in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State. Stools were examined using Kato-Katz technique, and structured questionnaires used to elicit knowledge and perception of the parasites. Results revealed that 34 (15.6%) of the 218 persons examined were infected with intestinal helminths. Ascaris lumbricoides was observed to be more prevalent with 21 out of 218 persons examined were infected (9.63%), followed by hookworm which was found in 9 out of 218 (4.13%) and Trichuris trichiura which was found in 4 out of 218 people examined (1.84%); though with no significant differences (p>0.05) in the prevalence of helminth parasites. Females (10.4%) were more infected than males (8.6%), but no significant difference in infection status with respect to sex (p>0.05). Infections were high in age group 5-19 years, but decreased with increasing age level with no significant differences in the prevalence at p>0.05. Evaluation of respondents’ knowledge revealed that most (90.4%) are aware of intestinal parasites. Results also showed that previous health education had significant effect on the prevalence level of helminthes observed. There is the need for more health measures that will be directed at the community level in terms of free health periodical/ drug administration against parasitic diseases. Key words: Health education, impact, intestinal helminthes, Ogun State.

Prevalence of Helminth Parasites in Indigenous Fowls of Zoba Anseba of Eritrea, North-East Africa

The prevalence of helminth parasites in indigenous fowls was investigated in Zoba Anseba, Eritrea. The rate of infection was as high as 52.43% in rectal swab examination and 63.00% in the slaughtered fowls. The helminth parasites recorded were: Ascaridia galli (70.58%), Subulura sp. (5.88%), Heterakis sp. (52.94%), Tetrameres sp. (11.76%), Cheilospirura sp. (5.88%), Raillietina sp. (82.35%) and Amoebotaenia sp. (11.76%). The infection rate between nematodes and cestodes was 92.59% and 59.25%, respectively. Mixed infection with two to three species was common. Cloacal swabs of 82 fowls collected were found positive with different types of ova. Out of which 22 were positive for Ascaridia (51.16%), 14 for Heterakis sp. (32.55%), 6 for Tetrameres sp. (13.95%) and 30 were positive for Raillietina sp. (69.76%).