Prevalence Of Nematode Infection Research Articles

Gastrointestinal parasites of wild Bornean orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus) in a habitat affected by wildfire smoke

Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and severe in the tropical peatlands of Southern Borneo, with major consequences for both wildlife and people that inhabit them. Burning peat releases vast amounts of toxic smoke that, when inhaled, can cause a plethora of health-related issues. With some of the largest remaining populations of Bornean orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus) being found in peatland forests, wildfires are becoming one of the greatest threats to this Critically Endangered ape, yet the effects of the toxic smoke on their health are unknown. Wildfire has long been known to influence wildlife disease by reducing populations of free-living parasites in the environment (thus altering host exposure), and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that smoke may affect host susceptibility to such parasites by diminishing physiological condition and immune function. In this study, we investigated parasitic nematode infections in wild Bornean orang-utans inhabiting a drained peatland forest prone to fire and smoke. We identified four gastrointestinal nematode taxa that varied significantly in their prevalence and intensity. Overall prevalence of nematode infection was high, but intensity was relatively low. We present some evidence for an increase the prevalence and intensity of certain nematode taxa after the wildfire smoke event. Namely, an increase in the prevalence of Enterobius spp. and Trichuris spp., and an increase in the intensity of hookworm infections, after the smoke period. We identify the need for multi-year, multi-fire event research to increase sample sizes, along with measuring endocrinological markers of physiological condition, in tandem with parasitological monitoring, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts of environmental changes on orang-utan health.

Prevalence of Nematode Infection Among School Children of District Malakand, Pakistan

Prevalence of Nematode Infection Among School Children of District Malakand, Pakistan

Epidemiological Studies on Nematode Parasites of Domestic Geese (Anser anser f. domesticus) and First Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Heterakis dispar (Schrank, 1790) in Egypt.

Gastrointestinal nematodes are one of the most important constraints of poor geese health and productivity, in addition to being involved in great economic losses for various poultry sectors. This study primarily aimed at determining the epidemiological profile and risk factors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematode parasites in geese in Egypt. The phylogenetic relationships between heterakids were the second aim. For achieving these aims, a total 180 of intestinal samples were screened for the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes over a period of one year from December 2018 to November 2019. Furthermore, A PCR-based DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit1 gene (nad1) was conducted for characterization of adult Heterakis dispar. The current search revealed that the overall prevalence was 33.33% (60/180). Five species of nematode species was encountered in this study, namely Capillaria spp., Heterakis gallinarum (Schrank, 1788), Ascaridia galli (Schrank, 1788), Subulura brumpti (Lopez-Neyra, 1922) and Heterakis dispar (Schrank, 1790). A positive relationship was found between the prevalence of nematode infection and age of tested geese revealing that the high prevalence was found in adults rather than young birds (P = 0.03). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of nematode infection between male and female geese (P > 0.05). Also, there was strong significant seasonal trends in the prevalence of the recovered helminths with the maximum infection was observed in summer season and lowest in winter (P = 0.002). The BLAST analysis of H. dispar nad1 sequence showed a 96.4% similarity with the sequences of H. dispar Heilongjiang. It also showed a lower similarity to the mitochondrial gene sequences of H. gallinarum (84.4%). This is the first molecular identification and report of genetic diversity of Heterakis dispar in geese from Egypt. The current finding initially provides a concise account of knowledge about the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes infecting geese and are considered as a starting point for the implementation of appropriate control and prophylactic schemes for GIT nematodiasis. It also confirms the potential uses of genetic techniques for taxonomic studies of different parasites.

Nematode infections of Clariid and Claroteid catfish species in River Galma, Zaria, Nigeria

Two clariids, Heterobranchus bidorsalis (65) and Heterobranchus longifilis (15), and two claroteids, Auchenoglanis occidentalis (31), and Chrysichthys auratus (19) from River Galma were examined for gastrointestinal nematodes from May 2016 to February 2017. Overall, five species of nematodes were recovered from the clariids and claroteids. The nematodes were distributed as follows: in Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Procamallanus laevionchus (12.31%), Paracamallanus cyathopharynx (9.23%) and Rhabdochona sp. (1.54%); in Heterobranchus longifilis; Paracamallanus cyathopharynx (6.67%); in Auchenoglanis occidentalis: Procamallanus laevionchus (25.81%); in Chrysichthys auratus: Procamallanus laevionchus (5.26%), Contracaecum sp. (5.26%) and Spirocamallanus spiralis (15.79%). Nematode prevalence in C. auratus was higher in the wet than in the dry season; however, prevalence of infection in A. occidentalis, H. longifilis and H. bidorsalis was higher in the dry than in the wet season. Prevalence of nematode infection was also higher in male than in female H. longifilis while it was higher in female A. occidentalis, C. auratus and H. bidorsalis than males of the same species. Nematode prevalence was higher in larger (24.0-31.9cm) Heterobranchus bidorsalis and Auchenoglanis occidentalis. Prevalence of infection was higher in smaller (8.0- 15.9cm) Chrysichthys auratus. It is recommended that a larger sample size of especially Heterobranchus longifilis and Chrysichthys auratus, of which only 15 and 19 specimens respectively, were examined during the period of this study, be examined, to have a clearer picture of their infection by nematodes in River Galma.
 Keywords: Nematode; catfish; clariid; claroteid; infection; prevalence.

Intensity of Nematode Infection in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years Living in Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slum Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya.

Background The burden of nematode infections is high mostly in children below 5 years old, with clinical manifestations ranging from mild to painful symptoms due to severe infections that end up suppressing the immune system of the infected children. The occurrence of these infections is highest in areas of extreme poverty. This study evaluated the intensity of nematode infections and assessed the status of deworming in children aged 3 to 5 years living in Mukuru slum settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology. A total of 172 children aged between 3 and 5 years were sampled across the 5 major villages of Mukuru Slum settlement: Kwa Njenga, Vietnum, Wapewape, Kwa Reuben, and Motomoto. Community health workers administered questionnaires on the deworming history of children. Stool samples were collected, macroscopically examined, and microscopically analysed using Kato-Katz technique to assess the intensity of infection. The intensities of nematode infections were expressed as eggs per gram (epg) of faeces. Results The point prevalence of nematode infection among the 98 children in the 1st sampling was 25.5% with a mean infection intensity of 5424 epg, whereas among the 74 children sampled in 2nd sampling, 47.3% had nematode infection with a mean infection intensity of 12384 epg. The average nematode infection for the 172 participants was 34.9% with a mean intensity of 17808 epg. The highest number of children infected with nematodes was in the village of Wapewape where 34 participants were examined and 36.3% were infected with a mean intensity of 3216 epg. Kwa Reuben and Vietnum villages had the same prevalence values of 32.4% where 34 participants in each village had a mean intensity of 3624 epg and 4512 epg, respectively. In both samplings, more than 80% of children had been dewormed more than 6 months prior to the study. Ascaris lumbricoides was the only species of intestinal nematodes identified to be present in the stool samples of children in this study, whereas Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were found to be absent. The intensity of infection was not dependent on age or gender.

A Study of Uncinariasis in Northern Fur Seal Pups, Callorhinus ursinus, on the Rookeries of Bering Island, 2011–2012

Carcasses of northern fur seal pups, Callorhinus ursinus, collected from the rookeries of Bering Island (n = 133), were examined for hookworms Uncinaria spp. The parasite was found in 90% of the pups from the Severo-Zapadnoe rookery and in 45% of the pups from the Severnoe rookery. This difference in prevalence of nematode infection between the rookeries is associated with the type of substrate, as well as with the pattern of distribution of the seal reproductive groups on each of the rookeries.

Prevalence of Nematodes in Bali Cattle in Tamarunang Village, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi

The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of the types of worms found in cow feces in the village of Tamarunang, Gowa Regency, the sampling time was taken from May to October 2017. The sampling technique used a plastic spoon, the sample was put into a plastic label, then the sample is taken to the laboratory to be examined. The results of the research conducted on 150 stool samples from 5 cows, there were 3 types of worms including Oesophagostomum sp (43.45%), Strongyloides sp (20.05%), and Bunostomum sp (36.39%). It showed that the prevalence of nematode infections in Bali cattles found in the Tamarunang village, Gowa Regency would not have a negative impact on the health of livestock, but it should be more attention for livestock managers to better maintain the cleanliness of the location

Helminths of the Mallard, Anas Platyrhynchos (Aves, Anatidae), in Ukraine: Analysis of the Diversity in Mixed Forest Zone and the Black Sea Region

Abstract Thirty-eight Mallards were collected on the territory of Ukrainian Polissia to study the fauna of their gastro-intestinal helminths. Materials were collected in 1998-2000, 2014 and 2016 on the territory of Volyn and Chernihiv Regions. In total, 33 species of helminths were found. Th e prevalence of cestode infection was 78.9 %. We found 18 cestode species: Aploparaksis furcigera, Cloacotaenia megalops, Dicranotaenia coronula, Diorchis acuminatus, D. stefanskii, Fimbriaria fasciolaris, F. teresae, Microsomacanthus compressa, M. spiralibursata, M. paracompressa, M. paramicrosoma, M. parvula, M. hopkinsi, Platyscolex ciliata, Retinometra venusta, Sobolevicanthus aculeostyleticus, S. gracilis, S. stolli. Th e prevalence of trematode infection was 73.7 %. Th ere were 10 trematode species: Bilharziella polonica, Apatemon gracilis, Echinoparyphium aconitum, E. cinctum, Echinostoma revolutum group, Hypoderaeum conoideum, Notocotylus attenuatus, Parastrigea robusta, Prosthogonimus ovatus, P. cuneatus.Th e prevalence of nematode infection was 7.9 %. Th ere were four nematode species: Capillaria anatis, Capillariidae gen. sp., Eucoleus contorta, Tetrameres fi ssispina. Th e prevalence of an acanthocephalan Filicollis anatis was 18.4 %. Th e most common species of helminths were A. furcigera, B. polonica, A. gracilis, Echinostoma revolutum group, F. fasciolaris, H. conoideum. Th e helminth faunas of Mallards from the territory of Ukrainian Polissia and from the Black Sea Region of Ukraine were compared. Th e results of comparison demonstrated a high level of their qualitative similarity.

New and known zoonotic nematode larvae within selected fish species from Queensland waters in Australia

Zoonotic fish-borne nematodes are a significant and growing global health concern. However, in Australia their occurrence and geographical distribution are not well known. Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia, is a popular tourist destination for domestic and international visitors where seafood is a popular food item. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of zoonotic nematodes within four commercially significant teleost fish species from Moreton Bay; Surf Bream, Sea Mullet, Yellow-Fin Tripod fish and Gold-Lined Sea Bream. Overall, 34.03% of fish examined (n = 144) were found to be a host to at least one parasitic nematode. The seasonal dynamics and prevalence of nematode infection was tested by statistical means. Results indicated a significant difference in seasonal infection for Surf Bream (p < 0.005) only. Several potentially zoonotic larval morphotypes were found, including Contracaecum types I and II, and Terranova type II (Family Anisakidae), and Hysterothylacium types VI and XIV and a new Hysterothylacium larval type herein assigned as type XVII (Family Raphidascarididae). ITS sequence data showed that some Contracaecum type II and Hysterothylacium types VI found in the present study are genetically distinct from those previously reported. The new genotypes were assigned to Contracaecum type II Genotype B and Hysterothylacium type VI, Genotypes B and C. This study provides essential information for future research on specific identification and differentiation of infective stages of zoonotic nematoda in edible fish.

Prevalence of nematode infection and faecal egg counts in free-range laying hens: relations to housing and husbandry

1. Faecal samples from 19 commercial, 65 week old free-range egg laying flocks were examined to assess the prevalence and number of parasitic nematode eggs. Data were collected to characterise the housing, husbandry, behaviour and welfare of the flocks to examine possible relationships with the egg counts. 2. Eggs of at least one genus of nematode were present in the faeces of all 19 flocks. Heterakis eggs were detected in 17 (89%) flocks, Ascaridia in 16 (84%), Trichostrongylus in 9 (47%), and Syngamus in 6 (32%). Faecal egg counts (FEC) were greatest for Ascaridia and Heterakis. 3. For each nematode genus, there was no significant difference in FEC between organic (N = 9) and non-organic (N = 10) flocks, or between static (N = 8) and mobile (N = 11) flocks. 4. FEC were correlated with a range of housing, husbandry and management practices which varied between the nematode genus and included depth of the litter, percentage of hens using the range, and number of dead hens. Statistical analysis indicated relationships with FEC that included light intensity above the feeder, indoor and outdoor stocking density, fearfulness in the shed and on the range, distance to the nearest shelter, and swollen toes. 5. None of the FEC for any of the genera was correlated with weekly egg production or cumulative mortality. 6. Although nematode FEC were highly prevalent among the flocks, the overall lack of relation to other welfare and production measures suggests that these infections were not severe.

Enteric Infections by Trematodes and Nematodes in Olrog's Gull, Larus atlanticus

Trematodes and nematodes can be pathogenic helminths of birds. Every year during the breeding season, there is variable mortality among chicks from the largest Olrog's gull (Larus atlanticus) colony in Argentina. During two consecutive breeding seasons of Olrog's gull, we studied epidemiological and pathological aspects of infections by digeneans (Microphallidae) and nematodes (Acuariidae) in Olrog's gull chicks. Prevalence of nematode infection was 80.3% in 2005 and 89.2% in 2006, and mean intensity was 23.7 in 2005 and 50.8 in 2006. The risk for infection rose 34.3% and the intensity of infection 6.7% for every increase of 1 mm in head-beak length. The nematodes occupied the proventricular glands and caused disruption of their structure and mild inflammatory proventriculitis. Prevalence of digenean infection was 97.0% in 2005 and 97.3% in 2006. In 10-day-old live chicks, prevalence was 98.0% in 2006 and 95.3% in 2007. Infection was associated with severe catarrhal enteritis, lymphocyte/eosinophil-rich inflammatory responses, extensive fibroblast proliferation around the parasites, and disruption of the architecture of the adjacent crypts.

Gastrointestinal nematodes in Quebec dairy cattle

A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken in Qu‚bec dairy herds to evaluate regional and provincial prevalences of herds with gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in lactating cows, and to determine risk factors associated with level of herd infection. The 5 most recently calved first-lactation cows from each of 208 randomly selected farms in 7 pre-defined regions of Qu‚bec were sampled for faeces collection in July to August 1995. On the same occasion, a bulk tank milk sample was collected. A questionnaire on replacement and grazing practices was filled out for each farm. Faecal samples were examined and faecal egg counts were determined for trichostrongylids, Capillaria, Nematodirus, Trichuris, Strongyloides, and total GIN eggs. Weighted provincial estimates for prevalence of herds with positive coprologies to these parasites ranged from 4 to 93%. Median faecal egg count per herd was low (17 eggs per 5 g of faeces). Milk samples were submitted for an indirect ELISA test to detect antibodies against Ostertagia and Cooperia. Level of herd infection, as estimated by Ostertagia and Cooperia bulk tank milk ELISA titres (BTTs), varied (P&lt;0.05) among regions. Questionnaire-derived risk factors most significantly associated with an increased bulk tank Ostertagia titre were exposure of lactating cows to pasture, intensive grazing of heifers on farm, contamination history of heifers' pasture, and incomplete pasture rotation for heifers. Very high stocking rates for cows and heifers and mechanical mowing during the grazing season of heifer pastures were associated with decreased ELISA titres. The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of nematode infections in first-lactation cows is very high in Qu‚bec herds, with trichostrongylid infections being the most frequently observed. The association between bulk tank milk ELISA titres for Ostertagia and herd-level management practices capable of having an impact on exposure of cows to parasites suggest that BTTs could be a valuable indicator of herd infection level. Proper knowledge of regional prevalences, differences among mean regional titres, and the association between titres and of herd-level risk factors can help veterinarians with their decisions regarding parasite prevention and treatment.

Effet de traitement par injection de moxidectine sur la prévalence et la production d’oeufs de strongles chez des bovins dans un système de pâturage communal en Ouganda

L’effet de la moxidectine sur la prévalence des infections par les nématodes chez les bovins, ainsi que sur la production d’oeufs des fèces et la contamination sur des pâturages collectifs a été évalué dans le district de Tororo en Ouganda. Dans le premier essai, un groupe traité et un autre non traité de 40 bovins chacun ont été suivis pendant une période de 12 semaines, alors que dans le deuxième essai un groupe traité et un autre non traité de 30 bovins chacun ont été suivis pendant sept mois. Dans le premier essai, la prévalence d’infection par les nématodes ainsi que le nombre moyen d’oeufs des fèces du groupe traité sont restés significativement (p &lt; 0,05) moins importants que ceux du groupe non traité du 7e au 84e jour. Dans le deuxième essai, les traitements stratégiques ont d’abord entraîné une réduction du nombre d’oeufs de 100 p. 100 chez les bovins traités, alors que cette réduction a été de 82 p. 100 chez les bovins non traités. Par la suite, le nombre moyen d’oeufs des fèces du groupe traité est resté en dessous de 60 pendant six mois, alors que celui du groupe non traité a fluctué en fonction de la pluviométrie entre 63 et 400. De plus, la contamination au pâturage par des larves infestantes des bovins traités a été significativement (p &lt; 0,05) plus faible que celle du groupe non traité pendant la saison humide. Les infestations au pâturage par Haemonchus spp., Bunostomum spp., Oesophagostomum spp. et Trichostrongylus spp. ont été respectivement trois fois, cinq fois, quatre fois et deux fois moins importantes chez les bovins traités que chez les bovins non traités. La moxidectine pourrait être utilisée dans la lutte stratégique contre les parasites dans les conditions de gestion communale des pâturages en Afrique tropicale par le traitement sélectif des groupes d’âges de bovins les plus affectés à la mi- et à la fin de la saison des pluies pour réduire la contamination au pâturage.

A survey of gastro-intestinal parasites of wild animals in captivity in the V.O.C. Park and Mini Zoo, Coimbatore

Indian zoo animals are exposed to and susceptible to many parasitic diseases, a fact of much concern albeit few data from cursory examination and postmortem studies. A typical mini zoo in Coimbatore was surveyed for gastro-intestinal parasites of wild animals by examining 60 fecal samples. The examination revealed a high percentage (58%) of captive animals were positive specifically for helminth parasitic infections and some (6%) were positive for protozoan infections. Strongyle, Trichuris, Strongyloides as well as Coccidia were present in case of herbivores and Toxocara, Ancylostoma as well as Artyfechinostomum in case of carnivores. with solution containing 5% formalin and 2% potassium dichromate. Then the samples were brought to the laboratory, processed using the concentration method of centrifugatio n- cum-sedimentation technique and examined for parasitic infections. The results are presented in Table 1. Results and Discussion The results of host-wise examination of the faecal samples are incorporated in Table 1. Out of the 60 animals examined 35 (58%) were found to be positive for parasitic infections, of which all 35 animals had helminth infection and three (6%) animals also had intestinal protozoan infection. Among helminthic infections, the prevalence of nematode infections was higher when compared to those of cestode and trematode infections. Among the infected animals, herbivores showed multiple infections with more than one helminth parasite. Strongyle and Trichuris were the most commonly found parasite ova in the herbivores. Other infections observed in herbivores were ascarid, Moniezia, spirurid, Strongyloides, Coccidia and Balantidium. Among carnivores, Toxocara and Ancylostoma were the significant infections specifically present. Other infections such as spirurid, Strongyloides and Artyfechinostomum were also observed in carnivores. The existing infections can be controlled by adopting suitable antihelmintic therapy and managemental procedures, but the possibility of recurrence is always there due to stress and also due to the closer proximity animals in a very small area. The possibility of transmission of zoonotic infections among the animals and the keepers also exist and requires investigation.

Nematode infections in dog breeding kennels in the Netherlands, with special reference to Toxocara

Summary Faecal samples from 286 adult dogs and 159 pups and dust and soil samples from 32 dog breeding kennels in the Netherlands were examined for nematode eggs. Dogs that shed nematode eggs were found in 41% of the kennels. The kennel prevalence of nematode infection of adult dogs was 33%. The kennel prevalence for infection of adult dogs and pups with nematode species was 21% and 48% for Toxocara canis, respectively, 29% and 0% for Trichuris vulpis, and 20% and 0% for Toxascaris leonina. Kennels with more than two litters per year and with regular import of new animals had a significantly higher prevalence of T. canis (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively). T. vulpis infections in adult dogs occurred significantly more often in kennels that used deworming products other than benzimidazoles (p<0.05). Embryonated T. canis ova were recovered from 20% of the house and kennel dust samples and from 50% of the soil samples. This survey shows that the nematode infection rate in dog breeding kennels is high. Better deworming strategies should be used to improve the health status of the dogs and to reduce the risk of zoonotic infection in humans.

Milk production of grazing dairy cattle after a single anthelmintic treatment.

The prevalence of nematode infections in lactating dairy cattle was determined by faecal egg counts and cultures from over 350 cows selected at random from twelve herds. The mean egg count was 3 eggs per gram (epg) and 43% of the cows sampled were passing detectable concentrations of eggs (greater than 6 eggs) in their faeces. In June 1976 171 cows in 10 herds were treated with 7.5 mg/kg fenbendazole and their milk production compared over the following 2 months with that of 164 untreated cows in the same herds. Anthelmintic treatment had no significant influence on milk production in any of the herds. The contrasting results of this study and recent studies in the United States of America are discussed.