Prevalence Of Zoonotic Parasites Research Articles

Zoonotic nematode parasites infecting selected edible fish in New South Wales, Australia

Despite increases in the annual consumption of seafood in Australia, studies on the occurrence and prevalence of zoonotic parasites in fish and the risk they may pose to human health are limited. The present study was aimed at determining the occurrence of zoonotic nematodes in commonly consumed fish in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state. Three species of fish, including the Australian pilchard, Australian anchovy, and eastern school whiting, were purchased from a fish market and examined for the presence of nematode parasites. All Australian pilchards examined in this study were infected (100%; n = 19), followed by the eastern school whiting (70%; n = 20) and Australian anchovy (56%; n = 70). Nematodes were in the larval stage and, therefore, classified by morphotype, followed by specific identification through sequencing of their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Seven different larval types with zoonotic potential, belonging to the families Anisakidae (Contracaecum type II and Terranova type II) and Raphidascarididae (Hysterothylacium types IV [genotypes A and B], VIII, XIV and a novel Hysterothylacium larval type, herein assigned as type XVIII), were found. The new larval type was identified as Hysterothylacium thalassini, based on ITS sequence data. The presence of the infective stage of a range of zoonotic parasites in fish commonly consumed in New South Wales is important, particularly as, in some dishes, these fish are used whole, raw or undercooked. This study provides the basis for future research on other aspects of these parasites, in regards to public health.

Prevalence of zoonotic helminths in Italian house dogs.

Dogs may act as potential sources of zoonotic parasites, e.g. intestinal helminths like Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Echinococcus spp. In particular circumstances, the environment contaminated by parasitic elements represents a source of infection for people and animals. The present study has evaluated the presence of zoonotic helminths in house dogs from central and north-eastern Italy. Stool samples from 493 dogs were examined by a qualitative copromicroscopic technique and differences in prevalence of zoonotic parasites were statistically examined in relation to canine individual data. 48/493 (9.7%) were positive for at least one parasite. Helminths recovered were Trichuris vulpis (5.5%), Toxocara canis (4.3%), Ancylostoma spp. (0.6%) and Eucoleus aerophilus (0.4%), while no cestodes were detected. Age and living with other dogs resulted risk factors for T. canis infection. The health risk associated with the occurrence of parasitic nematodes in privately owned dogs, along with the current anthelmintic treatment plans, are discussed.

Endoparasites of Small Mammals in Edo State, Nigeria: Public Health Implications

Some small mammals occur as household pests and harbour a number of parasites that could be of public health importance. This study profiled the helminth and protozoan parasites in trapped small mammals within and around human dwelling places (houses) located across 4 major towns (Auchi, Benin, Ekpoma, and Uromi) and environs in Edo state, Nigeria. Six genera (Apodemus sp., Crocidura sp., Mastomys natalensis, Mus musculus, Rattus sp., and Sorex sp.) were identified from 502 trapped small mammals. Overall, M. musculus (71.9%) and Rattus rattus (20.1%) were the most frequently trapped. In total, on examination of blood, gastrointestinal contents, and brain tissues, 12 helminth taxa (Angiostrongylus sp., Aspicularis sp., Capillaria sp., Gongylonema sp., Heterakis spumosa, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Mastophorus muris, Moniliformis moniliformis, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides sp., Trichosomoides sp., and Trichuris sp.), and 6 protozoan parasites (Babesia sp., Trypanosoma lewisi, Plasmodium sp., Eimeria sp., Isospora sp., and Toxoplasma gondii) were isolated. Most prevalent helminths with relatively heavy mean intensity were Strongyloides sp. and Heterakis spumosa, while Plasmodium, Eimeria, and Isospora were the most prevalent protozoan parasites. Generally, intrinsic factors like sex and age had marginal influence on the rate and burden of infection in M. musculus and R. rattus. Although the infection rate and prevalence of zoonotic parasites were low, they were largely recovered in rodents from Ekpoma. This study elucidates the public health implication of the presence of zoonotic parasites in these small mammals.

Dog-associated husbandry practices favouring the spread of zoonotic pathogens with reference to helminth and arthropod parasites in Yaounde, Cameroon

Dogs are the most common animal species kept around households and are also known to be source of diseases of importance to human health. The aim of this study was to determine some characteristics of dog population and husbandry practices that favour the spread of zoonotic parasites in Yaounde, Cameroon. Three hundred and twenty-two households owning at least one dog were recruited into the study. Information on dog and household characteristics as well as potential risk factors for the transmission of dog-related zoonotic parasites was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Over three-quarters of the households (76%) owned one dog each while 62% (200/322) kept dogs strictly for security reasons. Eighty four per cent (270/322) of the dogs owned were of local breed type and dominated by male dogs (64%). Twenty five per cent (80/320) of households left their dogs permanently free while 84% (240/320) declared negligence in disposing dog’s faeces. Dogs in 35.5% (114/320) of the households rarely or have never been consulted by a veterinarian. Although 242 (75%) respondents were aware of zoonotic diseases, only 51 (21%) of these knew parasites from dogs may infect human beings. The provision of a defecation site for dogs and access to living quarters were associated with household head’s level of education and care taker category, respectively. The current dog husbandry practices in Yaounde are likely to favour the spread of dog-related zoonotic diseases. Further investigations to determine the prevalence of zoonotic parasites, educational intervention as well as routine veterinary care are necessary to reduce the risk exposures to zoonotic parasites from dogs.

Parasitic zoonoses in India: an overview

Parasitic zoonotic diseases are prevalent throughout India at varying rates. First reports of zoonotic parasites and new emerging diseases have been recorded in both the human and animal populations in recent decades. The prevalence of zoonotic parasites is likely to be an underestimate, owing to the lack of proper surveillance and the shortage of information about the existence of asymptomatic animal carriers. Emergence of diseases such as human echinococcosis/hydatidosis, neurocysticercosis, cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis in those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, together with the re-emergence of cutaneous leishmaniosis, poses a serious threat in India and the prevention and control of these parasitic zoonoses, and others, is a great challenge.

Survey for Fishborne Zoonotic Metacercariae in Farmed Grouper in Vietnam

Because of the common and growing practice of consuming raw grouper in Vietnam, the potential for transmission of zoonotic parasites is unclear. An investigation of the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in cage-reared grouper (Epinephelus coioides and Epinephelus bleekeri) from marine waters of Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong city, Northern Vietnam, revealed the presence of two zoonotic trematode metacercariae species, Procerovum varium and Heterophysopsis continua. The identity of the metacercariae was confirmed from adult flukes recovered from mice experimentally inoculated with metacercariae. The prevalence of zoonotic parasites in 40 E. coioides was 10.0% and 1.2% in 172 E. bleekeri. Since little is known of their ecology and epidemiology, further investigation of these zoonotic parasites is needed to develop prevention guidelines.