Protozoan Oocysts Research Articles

Prevalence and Diversity of Zoonotic Protozoa in Dogs in Lokoja, North ‎Central, Nigeria

The risk of zoonotic protozoan diseases has increased in recent times through the unregulated breeding of dogs in the neighbourhood of human dwellings. Dogs (341) brought into the seven major (Based on full employment of at least one veterinarian) veterinary clinics in Lokoja, North Central Nigeria (October 2021 to August, 2022) for medical evaluations were enlisted in this study to determine the prevalence and diversity of zoonotic protozoa in the dogs. Faecal and blood samples were screened using modified Ziehl – Neelsen and direct microscopy techniques for the presence of intestinal and blood protozoan oocysts. Out of the faecal and blood samples collected from each of the 341 dogs enlisted in the study, 207 (60.7%) were positive for protozoa. Faecal protozoa had a higher frequency of occurrence; 50.4% (172/341) compared to blood protozoan; 10.3% (35/341).Eimeria histolytica was the most frequently occurring protozoa; 14.4% (49/341), followed by Giardia; 12.0% (41/341) and the least was Babesia; 3.8% (13/341). There was however no significant difference in the prevalence of protozoa and the type of parasite (P = 0.702). Age-specific, prevalence showed that puppies under 1 year had a higher prevalence of protozoa; 84.1% (174/207) compared to the adults; 16.0% (33/207). The relationship was not significant (χ2=3.816; P = 0.702). Local breed of dogs had the highest prevalence of protozoa; 68.2% (137/201), followed by exotic; 60.47% (26/43) and the least was the cross breed, 45.4% (44/97). There is a significant difference in the prevalence of protozoa in local and cross breeds of dogs (P = 0.001). The female dogs had a higher prevalence; 77.0% (117/152) compared to males; 45.5% (86/189). There was an association between prevalence of protozoa and sex of dogs (χ2 = 16.77; P = 0.010).

Kırıkkale’de Yetiştirilen Taklacı Güvercinlerde Bağırsak Parazitlerinin Yaygınlığı

It was aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in tumbler pigeons reared in Kırıkkale. One hundred and five stool samples were obtained as one sample from each cage reached. The fresh stool samples collected were taken separately in containers with caps and delivered to laboratory within approximately 2 hours. Stool samples were analyzed by Carbolfuchsin, Native-Lugol staining and Fulleborn flotation techniques. Eimeria spp. oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate and the species were identified. Parasite species were found in 82.9% of the examined pigeon stool. In the study, Heterakis spp., Ascaridia spp., Capillaria spp., Strongyle type eggs and Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected. The number of feces infected with one parasite (32.4%) species was higher than the number of feces infected with two (22.9%), three (19.0%) and four species (8.6%). While helminth+protozoan mixed infections were detected in 40.9%, helminth parasite eggs in 13.3% and protozoan oocysts were found alone in 28.6% of the stools examined. All of the sporulated Eimeria oocysts were identified as E. labbeana. In this study, intestinal parasites were detected at a high rate in pigeons fed for hobby purposes. It has been revealed that animal owners should be informed about the issue, attention should be paid to the cleanliness and hygiene of pigeon cages, and more importance should be given to the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites in these animals in order to reduce the prevalence of parasitic infections in pigeons in the region.

Prevalence and molecular analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. collected from surface water.

Cryptosporidium is an obligate intracellular parasite reported from all over the world. This protozoan infects a wide range of animals as well as humans. Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis are the most prevalent infecting species with mild and self-limiting infection in healthy people. The protozoan oocyst is resistant to common water purifiers. Based on emerging evidence, Cryptosporidium is one of waterborne parasites considered a major public health problem in developing and developed countries. In this study, 42 samples were collected from 14 rivers in the catchment area of Lake Urmia in northwest of Iran. Moreover, amplification of SSU rRNA gene was performed, and polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced. The results of sequencing and comparing the sequences with those in the GenBank revealed that all the 17 positive samples were C. parvum, a zoonotic species and one of the most frequent human-infecting species. Considering these data, it is highly important to inhibit the spread of this protozoan by treating livestock and preventing human and animal effluents from entering the water.

Protozoal infections of young turkeys in the conditions of industrial farms

The article presents the results of monitoring of parasitic protozoa of young turkeys in industrial-type farms of the Central region of Russia. Fecal samples, scrapings from the floor and passages, and the contents of the gastrointestinal tract during slaughter were systematically examined in birds of different ages. The age and seasonal dynamics of their infection with eimeria, as well as contamination of environmental objects by protozoan oocysts, were established. At the same time, the following species were identified in turkeys: Eimeria meleagrimitis (80%), E. meleagridis (15%), E. adenoids (5%). The prevalence in males of 35-49 days old, and in females of 35-49-63 days old was the maximum and amounted to 30–45 and 5–30%, respectively. The obtained results should be used in the organization of therapeutic and preventive measures against parasitic protozoa of young turkeys.

Parasites of five vagrant Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) swimming to Iceland during 2008 to 2016

During 2008 to 2016, five polar bears (Ursus maritimus) swam from the East Greenland population to Iceland and were shot soon after walking ashore. Each bear was dissected. Ectoparasites were searched for in their ears and fur, helminths in the gastrointestinal tract and Trichinella larvae in muscles. Protozoan cysts, oocysts and helminth eggs were also searched for in faecal samples. No ectoparasites were detected. Two bears (40%) hosted fourth stage larvae of the nematode Contracaecum osculatum (strain B) in the stomach. Characteristic scars, noted as craters in the rectum wall, indicated previous acanthocephalan infection in one bear. Three polar bears were infected by the nematode Trichinella nativa. No protozoan parasites were detected in faecal samples, but cysts of the heterokontophyte Blastocystis sp. were found in faeces of two bears (40%). This is the first report of C. osculatum, Blastocystis sp. and an acanthocephalan infection in free-living polar bears. Keywords: Iceland, parasites, Ursus maritimus, polar bear, vagrant, new host records

Endoparasites of Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora, Felidae) rescued in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Wild cats play an important role as top predators in the food chain and act as ecosystem regulators. However, in recent decades, many studies have demonstrated the potential effects of parasitic diseases on wild carnivore populations, including cats. This study reports on the endoparasites found in an injured and rescued specimen of Leopardus pardalis in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Fecal samples were collected and processed using five coproparasitological techniques: a simple flotation centrifugation, a zinc sulfate flotation centrifugation, a formalin-ether sedimentation centrifugation, a conical centrifuge tube technique, and a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique for fecal smears. Helminth eggs belonging to the families Trichuridae and Diphyllobothriidae and the genus Toxocara were found in both sedimentation flotation techniques. Protozoan oocysts belonging to the genus Cryptosporidium were identified by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. These findings show that ocelots can harbor potentially zoonotic and pathogenic endoparasites. Further studies on the helminths and protofauna of these animals are necessary.

Endoparasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of endoparasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) in the city of Sousa, state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. A total of 207 samples of fresh feces were randomly collected from domestic and semi-domiciled cats. The samples were analyzed by simple centrifugation and centrifuge-flotation in sucrose solution for the diagnosis of helminth eggs and enteric protozoan oocysts and cysts. Epidemiological information was obtained to determine risk factors related to infections. Among the samples collected, 81.6% (169/207; 95% CI: 77.4-83.8) were positive for at least one parasite genus. Ancylostoma spp. was the most prevalent, at 67.1% (139/207), followed by Taenia spp. at 28.5% (59/207), and Spirometra spp. and Platynosomum sp., both at 17.3% (36/207). The variables associated with helminth infection were a historic lack of deworming (Odds ratio = 12.25) and the presence of dry fur (Odds ratio = 2.15). No risk factors were observed for enteric protozoa infection. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of endoparasites in domestic cats in the city of Sousa, state of Paraíba, and associated risk factors, thus establishing an overview of the main helminths and protozoa that affect cats in this region.

Parasites Infection OF Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) In East Sumba Regency

<p><strong>Swamp buffalo (</strong><em><strong>Bubalus bubalis</strong></em><strong>) play an important role in supporting the economy and social life of the community in the East Sumba Regency. The prevalence and intensity One of the diseases still a health problem in livestock, including buffalo, is parasite infection. Research on cases of parasite infection in buffaloes in the East Sumba Regency has not been widely reported. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the parasites that infect the buffalo as well as to measure the prevalence and infection rates. The coprological examination of 105 samples of swamp buffalo feces from the East Sumba Regency was conducted in this study. The simple flotation and the modified McMaster method were used to identify and measure the degree of infection of Nematode, Cestode, and protozoan oocyst, while the modified Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory (DBL) method was used to detect the presence of Trematodes. The results showed that 67 out of 105 buffaloes (63.81%) had parasite infections, which were caused by a single (44.76%) and mix infection (19.05%). The prevalence of infection with Nematodes, Trematodes, and Protozoan oocysts in males (73.33%) was much higher than in female (60.00%) buffalo; nevertheless, the chi-square test results showed that sex was not associated with the prevalence of parasites infection cases (p>0.05). Age was a risk factor that had a significant effect (p<0.05), with the young age group having the highest odds ratio (OR) value (5.80), followed by the age group of the calf (3.10), and pre-weaned calf (2.98). The highest to lowest infection rates were observed in Cestodes (547.03 EPG), followed by Protozoa (220.70 PG), Nematodes (84.75 EPG), and Trematodes (2.18 EPG). The present study shows that buffalo in East Sumba Regency are infected with several parasites, so control must be made to prevent losses due to the infection.</strong></p><p><em><strong>Keywords</strong></em> - <em>Bubalus bubalis, East Sumba, fecal examination, gastrointestinal parasites, the prevalence</em></p>

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.

Pesquisa de anticorpos anti - Toxoplasma gondii em patos (Cairina moschata) em vida livre do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis determined by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii with wide geographic distribution, which affects homeothermic animals, with felids being their definitive hosts and other mammals and birds being their intermediate hosts. Regarding the Latin American bird species Cairina moschata, there are few reports in Brazil of the exposure of these animals to this protozoan. Based on the above, this study aimed to report for the first time the exposure of C. moschata to infection by this parasite in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, determining the serological frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in birds of this species. Sixty-seven specimens of C. moschata were captured in the vicinity of the Rio de Janeiro Zoo, and these animals at the time of capture were sorted by gender and type of feather. Blood samples from these animals were obtained by venipuncture to obtain the serum. The serum samples were subjected to IFAT for anti-T. gondii IgG. In general, the frequency of positive results was 58.21% (n=39), with a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between the animals with adult plumage and seropositivity. The exposure of ducks to T. gondii in the vicinity of the Zoo may indicate contamination of this area with protozoan oocysts.

Global prevalence of intestinal protozoan contamination in vegetables and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Environmental contamination of vegetables and fruits with intestinal protozoan trophozoites, cysts and oocysts is a means of transmitting parasitic agents of public health importance. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasite contamination in vegetables and fruits. Several databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar) were searched for literature published up to August 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 90,404 publications, 189 articles (202 datasets) met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 183 investigations documented protozoan contamination in vegetables and 20 in fruits. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 20% (16%–24%) for vegetables and 13% (7%–21%) for fruits. The highest pooled prevalence was found in South-East Asian WHO region 37% (6%–76%). The most prevalent protozoan parasite in vegetables was Cryptosporidium spp. (11%, 7%–15%). As well, Entamoeba histolytica was the most common agent found in fruits (9%, 4%–14%). Furthermore, the unwashed samples had the highest pooled prevalence of contamination (22%, 3%–49%). Our data suggest a possible risk of protozoan infection in humans via unwashed vegetables and fruits. Accidental ingestion of protozoa occurs through consumption of contaminated vegetables and fruits that have been improperly washed and prepared under poor sanitation. Using sanitary irrigation water, consuming properly cleaned and cooked vegetables, and practicing good hygiene can all assist to reduce the risk of protozoa infection.

Detection of enteroparasites in foliar vegetables commercialized in street- and supermarkets in Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

Foliar vegetables contaminated with fecal residues are an important route of transmission of intestinal parasites to humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic forms of protozoa and helminths on lettuces (Lactuca sativa) and collard greens (Brassica oleracea) sold in street- and supermarkets in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. A total of 30 samples of each vegetable (15 samples from each supermarkets and street markets) was analyzed. All samples were processed by spontaneous sedimentation method and centrifugal flotation. In 45% of the samples, immature forms of intestinal parasites were identified with 66.7% helminths eggs and 33.3% protozoan cysts or oocysts. Significantly more lettuce samples were contaminated with eggs, cysts or oocyst of at least one parasite than collard green samples (U=216; Z=-3.45; P <0.001). The parasitic forms were identified morphologically up to the family level with eggs of Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae and Taeniidae, or oocysts of Eimeriidae, to the genus with Cystoisospora sp. and Toxocara sp., and to the species level with Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis nana. The presence of these infective agents in lettuce and collard green from both street- and supermarkets highlights the high risk of spreading parasites by eating raw vegetables sold in Aparecida de Goiânia.

Prevalence of endoparasites by microscopic analysis in free-range chickens in a Brazilian semiarid region.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and diversity of endoparasitic fauna and the risk factors associated with parasite infections in free-range chickens in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Ten municipalities were visited and, in each of them, ten farms, to collect animal feces and apply epidemiological questionnaires. Feces from 417 poultry were used to perform EPG (eggs per gram) and OoPG (oocysts per gram) tests. Prevalences of 40.52% (169/417) and 39.08% (163/417) were observed for nematodes and coccidia, respectively. In 17% (71/417), mixed infections by nematodes and coccidia were observed. Nematodes of Heterakoidea superfamily were present in 100% of the positive samples (169/169), followed by Trichuris spp. (57.3%; 97/169). All the protozoan oocysts observed belonged to the genus Eimeria (100%; 163/163). The variable of presence of drooping wings was considered to be a factor associated with infection by coccidia (odds ratio = 5.412; confidence interval: 1.179-24.848; p = 0.030). It was concluded that there is high prevalence of nematodes and coccidia in free-range chickens in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Better sanitary management measures, with greater hygiene of facilities, together with chemical control of parasites, can improve productivity by reducing the rate of gastrointestinal parasites.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand.

Background and Aim:Parasitic infections are one of the major problems to the production of cattle in Thailand. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand.Materials and Methods:A total of 333 fecal samples of cattle were collected directly from the rectum. The fecal samples were subjected to formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods for examination. The eggs or oocysts were identified based on the morphology and size of the eggs or oocysts.Results:Out of 333 fecal samples examined, 320 were found positive for GI parasitic infections with a prevalence of 96.09%. Overall, among the prevalence of nematodes, trematodes, and protozoa, the most prevalent parasites were Strongyle-type 278 (84.24%), followed by Strongyloides spp. 54 (16.36%) and Trichuris spp. 75 (22.73%), while Protozoan oocyst recorded Eimeria spp. amounted to 131 (39.7%). Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. were 67 (20.30%) and 81 (24.55%), respectively. Most of the positive fecal samples were infected with the double infection which has the highest prevalence rate of about 40.24%, followed by single, three, and 4-5 types of parasites 30.63, 16.82, and 7.21%, respectively.Conclusion:This study suggests that Kalasin Province is highly endemic for GI parasites and this area may be an important source for an outbreak. Therefore, every household should deworm its cattle and eliminate and control snails as intermediate hosts. Findings from this study provide information that will assist in improving the cattle in Kalasin Province for better production and higher profitability.

Study of comparative efficacy of Helmintal Mini syrup (toltrazuril, moxidectin) and follow-on drugs against intestinal parasitoses of animals

The purpose of the research is comparative assessment of the efficacy and determining the optimal dosage of Helmintal Mini syrup against intestinal parasitoses of animals.Materials and methods. The studies were performed at the premises of the Lvenok veterinary clinic (Moscow). In total, the experiments involved 68 dogs and cats of various breeds, aged 2 to 11 months, infected with intestinal nematodes and coccidia. The animals were divided into test and control groups; the study drug was administered to the test, and the reference drugs were administered to the control. A drug with a toltrazuril content of 50 mg/ml and a drug with a moxidectin content of 0.6 mg/ml were used as follow-on drugs. The diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy of the drugs were confirmed based on the clinical pattern and laboratory tests by absence/presence of protozoan oocysts and helminth eggs in animal feces in laboratory studies (Fülleborn’s method); and we recorded the dynamics of clinical signs of the diseases.Results and discussion. In a comparative assessment of the efficacy of Helmintal Mini syrup with follow-on drugs, it showed the same high efficacy at coccidioses and intestinal nematodoses of animals as registered drugs containing similar active substances. The most effective and safe doses of Helmintal Mini syrup have been determined, namely, 0.5 and 1.0 ml per 1 kg of body weight.

The Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Captive Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Trinidad, West Indies.

This study was conducted from November 2010 to June 2011 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in captive ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Trinidad. Faecal samples were collected and analyzed using faecal flotation to identify helminth ova and protozoan cysts and oocysts. Serum samples from captive ocelots were screened for T. gondii using a latex agglutination test kit. Of the 19 ocelots examined, the most prevalent parasites noted were ova of ascarids, strongyles, and Capillaria spp. The serum of three of the 13 (23.1%) ocelots tested was positive for T. gondii antibodies. These ocelots are therefore a potential source of T. gondii infection to both humans and other animals. This is the first documented report of endoparasites in local captive ocelots within Trinidad and provides useful data to support further research of the captive and wild populations.

Filter media depth and its effect on the efficiency of Household Slow Sand Filter in continuous flow

This study evaluated the impact of a 50% reduction of filter media depth in Household Slow Sand Filters (HSSFs) on continuous flow to remove physicochemical and microbiological parameters from river water. Furthermore, simple pre-treatment and disinfection processes were evaluated as additional treatments. Two filter models with different filtration layer depths were evaluated: a traditional one with 50 cm media depth (T-HSSF) and a compact one (C-HSSF) with 25 cm. HSSFs were fed with pre-treated river water (24-h water sedimentation followed by synthetic fabric filtration) for 436 days at a constant filtration rate of 0.90 m3 m−2 day−1 with a daily production of 48 L day−1. Sodium hypochlorite (2.0 mg L−1 of NaOCl 2.5% for 30 min) was used to disinfect the filtered water. Water samples were analysed weekly for parameters such as turbidity, organic matter, colour and E. coli, among others. Removal of protozoan cysts and oocysts by the HSSFs were also evaluated. After pretreatment, turbidity from the HSSF river water was reduced to 13.2 ± 14.6 NTU, allowing the filters to operate. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05) between T-HSSF and C-HSSF efficiencies in all evaluated parameters throughout operation time. Hence, media depth reduction did not hinder continuous HSSF performance for almost all the evaluated parameters. However, it may have affected Giardia cysts retaining, which passed through the thinner media on one evaluation day. Disinfection was effective in reducing remaining bacteria from filtered water; however, it was ineffective to inactivate protozoa. The reduction in the filtration layer did not affect the overall filtered water quality or quantity showing that a compact HSSF model may be a viable option for decentralized water treatment.

Endoparasites of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from anthropized and natural areas of Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of endoparasites in fecal samples of capybaras from anthropized areas in seven cities in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and natural areas in two locations in the Pantanal biome. For the parasitological evaluation of samples, feces were subjected to centrifugal sedimentation in water-ether and centrifugal flotation in sucrose solution. Out of the 113 samples examined, 97.3% (110/113) were positive for the presence of helminth eggs and/or protozoan oocysts, with 96.7% (89/92) and 100% (21/21) in capybaras from anthropized and natural areas, respectively. Helminth eggs belonging to the Class Cestoda (Monoecocestus spp.), Class Digenea, and Class Nematoda (Trichostrongyloidea, Strongyloides chapini, Protozoophaga obesa, and Capillaria hydrochoeri) were detected. Coccidia oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected. The difference found was in the occurrence of S. chapini between anthropized and natural areas, as S. chapini was not detected in natural areas. Capybaras from anthropized areas showed a greater species richness of endoparasites, including species such as Fasciola hepatica and Cryptosporidium spp., that might have zoonotic potential.

Evaluation of the health risks linked to two swimming pools regularly frequented from the city of Yaounde in Cameroon (Central Africa).

The study highlights the presence of pathogenic strains of microorganisms in two swimming pools, highly frequented in the city of Yaounde. Thus, the water samples from these swimming pools have undergone physicochemical and biological treatments using conventional techniques. Three groups of microorganisms (Bacteria, Protozoa, and Helminths) were identified and quantified in these swimming pools with weakly acidic waters (6.79 ± 0.35) with an average temperature of 26.63 ± 0.53 °C and suspended matter ranging from 2 to 150 mg.l-1. The total bacterial load varies between 8 × 103 and 6000 × 103 CFU/100 ml. It consists of mesophilic aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, fecal coliforms, total coliforms, fecal streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Protozoan cysts and oocysts range from 122 to 505 per liter of water. These values are slightly lower for helminth eggs and larvae (0 to 108 eggs and larvae/l). In both swimming pools, significant correlations were observed between some abiotic and biotic parameters. The waters of the studied swimming pools are subject to fecal pollution. Swimmers would therefore be exposed to biological contaminations, responsible for pathologies. The most common diseases are linked to gastroenteritis (diarrhea), but infections of all kinds may be overgrown (conjunctivitis, ear infections, dermatitis, respiratory infections).

Paleoparasitological analysis of a coprolite assigned to a carnivoran mammal from the Upper Pleistocene Touro Passo Formation, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

A paleoparasitological analysis was carried out on a large coprolite assigned to a carnivoran mammal, recovered from the Municipality of Uruguaiana, in the western region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where the Upper Pleistocene Touro Passo Formation crops out. For this, an individual sample was extracted from the specimen using an electric drill, dissociated with 10% hydrochloric acid solution, washed with distilled water, and sifted through a 500 mesh Tyler sieve. After laboratory processing, the sediment retained on the sieve was mixed with glycerin and examined by optical microscopy, which revealed the presence of 14 protozoan oocysts and three nematode eggs. The morphological characteristics of the oocysts (i.e., spherical shape, thick-walled, internal zygote apparently at the beginning of sporulation, as well as their size) and of the eggs (i.e., ovoidal shape, rounded ends, smooth surface, thin-shelled, embryo in their interior, along with their morphometry) suggest that these specimens belong respectively to the orders Eucoccidiorida and Strongylida (Family Ancylostomatidae) represented by several parasitic species of the alimentary tract of modern carnivore. This is the first record of paleoparasites discovered in a vertebrate host from the Touro Passo Formation.