Raillietina Tetragona Research Articles

Ectoparasites and intestinal helminths of speckled pigeon (<i>Columba guinea</i> Hartlaub and Finsch 1870) in Zaria, Nigeria.

A total of 30 (20 males and 10 females) Speckled Pigeons trapped from the wild in Zaria and its environs, Nigeria, were examined for ectoparasites and intestinal helminths, to determine the prevalence, intensity and mean intensity of infestation and infection. The plumages of the birds were brushed onto a white sheet of paper placed in a tray for the collection of ectoparasites, while the gastrointestinal tracts of the birds were examined for helminths. Eighteen (60.0%) of the birds were infested by three species of ectoparasites. The ectoparasites comprised of lice: 17 (56.7%) Menopon gallinae Linnaeus 1758, 18 (60.0%) Columbicola columbae Linnaeus 1758 and flies: 9 (30.0%) Pseudolynchia canariensis Macquart 1840. Single, double and triple infestations were found in 1(3.3%), 8(26.7%) and 9(30.0%) respectively, though the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The sex-specific infestation rate was 12(60.0%) in males and 6(60.0%) in females. Seventeen (56.7%) birds were infected by helminths represented by four species of cestodes recovered from the gastrointestinal tract. The cestodes were represented by Raillietina tetragona Molin, 1858 1(3.3%), Raillietina cesticillus Molin, 1858 8(26.7%), Amoebotaenia cuneata Linstow, 1872 4(13.3%) and Hymenolepis carioca Magalhaes, 1898 4(13.3%). Single infection was the only infection type observed. The sex-specific rate of infection was 11(55.0%) in males and 6(60.0%) in females. This study portrays the Speckled Pigeons as a probable definitive host of some ectoparasites and helminths.

Gastrointestinal helminths of the domestic pigeons (<i>Columba livia domestica</i> gmelin, 1789 aves:columbidae) in Zaria, northern Nigeria.

The gastro-intestinal tracts of 240 Columba livia domestica were examined parasitologically for helminths aimed at providing information on their species composition, prevalence and distribution in Zaria area, northern Nigeria. Of these, 116 (48.3%) were infected by 9 species of helminths, comprising 6 species of cestodes and 3 species of nematodes. The infection with cestode species was in the order Raillietina tetragona 65 (27.1%), R. echinobothrida 26 (10.6%), Hymenolepis cantaniana 4 (1.7%), Hymenolepis carioca 3 (1.3%), R. cesticillus 1 (0.45%), and Amoebotaenia cuneata 2 (0.83%). Raillietina tetragona was the most prevalent cestodes recovered throughout the 12 months of the survey period. The three nematodes encountered were Ascaridia columbae 27 (11.3%), A. galli 8 (3.3%) and Heterakis gallinarum 8 (3.3%). Ascaridia columbae which was the most prevalent nematode was recovered in 9 out of the 12 months of the year. Single infection was more common (37.5%) than double 24 (10%) and triple infections (0.83%). More infection was observed during the wet season (June and September). Keywords: Helminths, Prevalence, Domestic Pigeon, Columba livia domestica , Zaria, Nigeria.

A study of ecto- and endo-parasites of domestic pigeons in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of parasites of domestic pigeons in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. 100 nestlings and 100 adult pigeons were examined for the presence of ecto and endoparasites. 159 pigeons (79.5%) were infected with one or more species of gastrointestinal helminthes, 124 (62%) had one or more ectoparasites and 74 (37%) were infected with haemoparasites. The 3 subfamilies represented two cestodes and one nematode, whereas no trematodes were found. Three species of helminthes Raillietina tetragona (6%), Raillietina echinobothrida (63%) and Ascaridia galli (15.5%) were identified. Three different species of ectoparasites (Pseudolynchia canariensis (61.5%), Menocanthus stramineus (0.5%) and Menopon gallinae (0.5%), and 1 haemoparasite species Haemoproteus columbae were identified. Prevalence of gastrointestinal worms was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in adults than in nestlings. Nestlings appeared to be less susceptible to gastrointestinal cestodes but more susceptible to nematodes compared with adults. P. canariensis were found in both nestlings and adults pigeons while M. stramineus and M. gallinae were found in adult only. Prevalence of ectoparasites was not statistically significant (P < 1) between the two age groups. The prevalence of H. columbae was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in adults. Further studies are recommended in assessing the effects of the parasites on the pigeons’ health and production.

A survey of ectoparasites, cestodes and management of free-range indigenous chickens in rural Zimbabwe

A survey of ectoparasites, cestodes and husbandry aspects of indigenous free-range chickens was carried out in selected districts from the highveld and lowveld of rural Zimbabwe. The survey recorded infection with 4 species from the order Phthiraptera (lice), 1 species from the order Siphonaptera (fleas), 6 species from the order Acarina (ticks and mites) and 9 species of cestodes. Among the ectoparasites, the most prevalent was Menacanthus stramineus (87.7%) followed by Echidinophaga gallinacea (71.9%). Chickens in the Mazowe district had the highest number of ectoparasites species (10 of 11) followed by Goromonzi district (9 of 11) both these districts are situated in the highveld of Zimbabwe. The most prevalent cestode species was Raillietina tetragona (84.4%), followed by Raillietina echinobothrida (32.2%). Chickens in the Goromonzi district had the highest number of cestode species (7 of 9), followed by Mazowe district (one subgenus and 5 of 9). In all the districts sampled the main purpose of keeping free-range chickens was for meat for the household, with few households using the birds as a source of income. The majority of households kept their birds extensively with barely any appropriate housing, and supplementary feeding was only occasionally practised.

Two cestode species in Brazilian turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes, Phasianidae): pathology induced by Hymenolepis cantaniana and occurrence of Raillietina tetragona

Duas especies de cestoides em perus, Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes, Phasianidae), no Brazil: patologia induzida por Hymenolepis cantaniana e ocorencia de Raillietina tetragona. A patologia induzida em perus pelo cestoide H. cantaniana e descrita, com dados sobre prevalencia, intensidade media e amplitude das cargas parasitarias. H. cantaniana ocorreu com urna prevalencia de 5.0% nas 40 aves examinadas, com intensidade media de 17.5 e amplitude de 14-21 especimes de cestoides. Nao foram observadas lesoes macroscopicas nos perus parasitados. As lesoes provocadas por H. cantaniana eram representadas, principalmente, ou por multiplos segmentos dos parasitos, acompanhados por discreta reacao inflamatoria mista com a presera de celulas mononucleares e heterofilos, ou por severos processos inflamatorios transmurais, caracterizados pela presera de celulas mononucleares, ao longo das carnadas muscular e serosa das vilosidades e criptas intestinais. Estes representam os primeiros achados patologicos relacionados a presera de cestoides em perus a serem relatados no Brasil. Raillietina tetragona, nao patogenica para as aves investigadas, ocorreu com baixa prevalencia e amplitude de infeccao de 2.5% e 1-2 parasitos, respectivamente.

Prevalence of internal parasites in municipal chicken invillages of Falluja – Iraq

Seventy non-descriptive breed hens of 1-2 years age were examined and observed 60 (85.7%) hens were infected with various species of metazoan and protozoan parasites. Of (8) helminthes species recorded, Sublora suctoria was the most common nematodes, while Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina cesticillus, Hymenolepis caioca and Choanotaenia infundibulum, were also frequently observed. Eimeria oocysts were seen in the intestinal contents of 8 (11.4%) hens. It was concluded from this study that local hens might be infected with certain helminthes and protozoan and special attention should be taken.

Prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal helminthes among local chickens, in northern Jordan

We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2004 to February 2005 and from June 2005 to August 2005. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and tracheal helminthes among local chickens in northern Jordan. A total of 208 male and female local scavenging chickens were selected randomly. We examined the trachea and gastrointestinal tract of each bird for the presence of helminthes. We recovered three nematode and eight cestode species. No trematodes were found. One hundred and fifty-two birds (73.1%) (95% CI: 67, 79) were infected. The prevalences of different species were as follows: Ascaridia galli female 28%, male 43%; Capillaria obsignata 0.5%; Heterakis gallinarum 33%; Amoebotaenia cuneata 4.3%; Choanotaenia infundibulum female 23%, male 13%; Davainea proglottina 1.4%; Hymenolepsis cantaniana 11%; Hymenolepsis carioca female 35%, male 24%; Raillietina cesticillius female 5%, male 11%; Raillietina echinobothrida 16%; and Raillietina tetragona 18%. The prevalences of A. galli and R. cesticillus were higher in male than female hosts while those of C. infundibulum and H. carioca were higher in females. The median worm burden was 7 (range 0–168) worms per chicken.

Sanitary risks of red-legged partridge releases: introduction of parasites

We studied the helminth community and body condition of 99 hunter-harvested red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) from Ciudad Real (Central Spain). Forty-six were sampled in two game estates where an important number of farm-reared red-legged partridges are released yearly. The remaining 53 were obtained from natural wild populations adjacent to one of the estates with releases. Four nematode species (Heterakis gallinarum, Aonchoteca caudinflata, Eucoleus contortus and Cheilospirura gruveli) and two cestode species (Raillietina (R.) tetragona and Skryabinia bolivari) were identified. The managed areas showed higher parasite diversity, with higher prevalences and intensities for all helminths found. Three of these species were typical of farm-bred partridges and two of these, A. caundinflata and S. bolivari, were found parasitizing adult partridges. This suggests introduction of these helminths into the breeding population of managed states. The birds sampled in the nonmanaged estates showed a better body condition, but no relation with parasite infection was found. Our results suggest that the release of farm-reared red-legged partridges, a strategy that is becoming a common practice in Spanish hunting areas, poses risk to wild populations because of introducing parasites. However, these results also suggest that simply stopping releases may be a good way to remove locally those parasites from populations, as the establishment of the introduced parasites seems limited.

A COMPARISON OF THE HELMINTH FAUNAS OF WILD AND FARM-REARED RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE

More than 4 million farm-reared red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa; hereafter partridge) are released each year in autumn for harvest purposes in Spain. We compared the helminth fauna of 122 juvenile, farm-reared partridge from 9 farms around Spain with that of 174 wild partridge from 7 harvest areas where no releases currently are conducted. We examined the digestive tract, liver, and trachea. Fourteen helminth species were retrieved (6 from farm-reared partridge, 9 from wild partridge). No trematode or nematode species were shared by both groups of partridge, and only 1 cestode species was present in both populations. Monoxenous nematodes were the most prevalent species found in farm-reared birds. Ascaridia compar, a parasite of the rock partridge (A. graeca) previously unreported in the red-legged partridge, was found in 4 facilities. Heteroxenous helminths, such as Dicrocoelium sp., Raillietina tetragona, and Cheilospirura gruveli, predominated in wild partridge. The prevalence and intensity of helminths in some farmed partridge were higher than expected considering the routine use of antihelminthics in these facilities. Thus, released partridge may introduce new parasites into wild populations, come into contact with parasites of wild partridge, and be negatively affected by their parasite burdens after release. These risks require further study.

Rainy season period prevalence of helminths in the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria

Eighty (80) gastrointestinal tracts of adult (>6 month old) domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) were examined for gastrointestinal helminths during the rainy season (April to August) in Nsukka, Nigeria. Monthly incidence of helminths in the chickens ranged from 94 to 100%. 96.3% of the birds were infected with at least one genus of helminth. Helminths observed were mainly of nematods species comprising Tetrameres americana (57.5%); Subulura brumpti (16.3%), Heterakis brevispi culum (8.8%), Dispharynx spiralis (7.5%), Ascaridia galli (1.25%) and Gongylonema species (1.25%). Only one cestode specie, Raillietina tetragona was observed and it had the highest prevalence rate of 92.5% of the screened birds. No cestode was recovered. Polyparasitism predominated more than monoparasitism. Male fowls carried significantly (p

Correlates of helminth community in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa L.) in Spain.

Between 1992 and 1996, 587 wild red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) from 16 Spanish provinces were examined to study the variations of helminth communities in this game species across a broad geographical area. The survey revealed 13 species of helminth parasites. Dicrocoelium sp.. Rhabdometra nigropunctata, and Cheilospirura gruweli were the most common species, whereas Raillietina bolivari, Choanotaenia infundibulum, Tetrameres sp., and Capillaria anatis were the most rare. Subulura suctoria, Heterakis gallinarum, Heterakis tenuicaudata, Capillaria contorta, Trichostrongylus tenuis, and Raillietina tetragona occurred with intermediate frequencies. The abundance of C. gruweli, S. suctoria, H. tenuicaudata, T. tenuis, and R. tetragona was inversely correlated to latitude and directly correlated to yearly mean temperature, whereas the abundance of Dicrocoelium sp. was directly correlated to latitude and inversely correlated to yearly mean temperature. The abundance of R. tetragona was inversely correlated to latitude and yearly mean humidity. The number of helminths per partridge and the number of helminth species per partridge were lower in young birds than in adults. Partridge body condition was inversely correlated to abundance of C. contorta. Richer infracommunities were linked to richer component communities. At the infracommunity level, total number of helminths per partridge and number of helminth species per partridge were inversely correlated to latitude and directly correlated to yearly mean temperature. At the component community level, both species richness and diversity (Simpson's index) were inversely correlated to latitude and directly correlated to mean temperature. Across the broad geographical range of the study area, the helminth parasite communities of red-legged partridges had marked geographical variation in their structure. Our results suggest that this variation is determined by the distribution of both intermediate and definitive hosts. We discuss the implications of this variation for the hypothesis that supplementary releases of captive-bred partridges for sport hunting can affect the helminth fauna of wild red-legged partridges.

Ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens in the Goromonzi District in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens from the Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe. Fifty young and 50 adult birds were selected randomly. All chickens harboured ecto- and endoparasites, and 32% were infected with haemoparasites. Eight different ectoparasites were identified; the more prevalent ones had the following prevalences (young, %; adult, %): Argas persicus (6; 14), Cnemidocoptes mutans (6; 32), Echidnophaga gallinacea (72; 74), Goniocotes gallinae (0; 22), Menacanthus stramenius (90; 88) and Menopon gallinea (24; 66). The prevalences of C. mutans, G. gallinae and M. gallinae were higher in adults compared to young chickens. The mean (±S.D.) number of helminth species per chicken was 6.7±2.0 for young chickens and 6.4±2.0 for adult chickens with a range of 1–10 for young chickens and a range of 1–11 for adult chickens. The most prevalent nematodes identified were (with prevalence in % for young/adult birds): Allodapa suctoria (76; 72), Ascaridia galli (48; 24), Gongylonema ingluvicola (28; 56), Heterakis gallinarum (64; 62) and Tetrameres americana (70; 62). For cestodes the prevalences were: Amoebotaenia cuneata (60; 68), Hymenolepis spp. (62; 80), Raillietina echinobothrida (66; 34), Raillietina tetragona (94; 100) and Skrjabinia cesticillus (50; 76). The young chickens had higher prevalences of A. galli and R. echinobothrida compared to adults, but lower prevalence of G. ingluvicola and S. cesticillus. Eimeria spp. oocysts were isolated in 36% of 47 investigated samples. The prevalence was 47% for young chickens and 18% for adult chickens. Prevelances (in %) of haemoparasites in young and adult chickens were: Aegyptinella pullorum (7; 6), Leucocytozoon sabrazesi (3; 1), Plasmodium gallinaceum (8; 6) and Trypanosoma avium (2; 3).

A comparison of the prevalence and burdens of helminth infections in growers and adult free-range chickens.

Matched samples of 100 chickens of each of growers and adult rural free-range chickens in Morogoro, Tanzania, were purchased from the beginning to the end of the long rainy season. At necropsy, the trachea, the gastrointestinal tract and the oviduct were examined for helminth infections. The helminth species isolated comprised 18 nematodes and 8 cestodes but no trematodes. Tetrameres fissispina is a new record in Tanzania. All the chickens harboured at least three different helminth species. Growers contained 4-14 and adults 3-12 helminth species. The number of species isolated per chicken increased as the rainy season advanced. The prevalence of the following species were significantly higher in growers than in adults (p < 0.05); Ascaridia galli (69% of growers, 29% of adults); Syngamus trachea (14%, 3%); Tetrameres americana (94%, 82%); Trichostrongylus tenuis (43%, 7%); Choanotaenia infundibulum (15%, 6%); Davainea proglottina (9%, 2%); and Raillietina tetragona (36%, 21%). Allodapa suctoria (3%, 20%) and Capillaria annulata (1%, 10%) had a significantly lower prevalence in growers than in adults (p < 0.05). There were significantly higher worm burdens (p < 0.05) in growers than in adults for A. galli, Capillaria caudinflata, R. tetragona, S. trachea, T. americana, T. fissispina and T. tenuis. Conversely, A. suctoria and C. annulata showed significantly higher worm burdens in adults (p < 0.05). The sex of the chickens influenced the burdens of Heterakis brevispiculum (p < 0.05). There was an interaction effect such that growing males and adult females had statistically higher (p < 0.05) burdens of T. tenuis and A. suctoria, respectively.

Study of gastro-intestinal helminths of scavenging chickens in four rural districts of Amhara region, Ethiopia.

A total of 267 rural scavenging chickens were examined from October 1998 to August 1999 in four woredas (districts) of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Of these chickens, 243 (91.01%) were found to harbour one to nine different helminth parasites and 24 (8.99%) were free of helminth parasites. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was found between the prevalence rates of helminth parasites in the different agro-ecological zones; the highest prevalence was observed in the lowland areas. This suggests that agro-ecology has a major influence on the distribution of helminth parasites. Nematodes recovered included Heterakis gallinarum (17.28%), Subulura brumpti (17.60%), Ascaridia galli (35.58%), Cheilospirura hamulosa (0.75%) and Dyspharynx spiralis (2.62%). The principal cestode species encountered were Raillietina echinobothrida (25.84%), Raillietina tetragona (45.69%), Raillietina cesticillus (5.62%), Amoebotaenia sphenoides (40.45%), Davainea proglottina (1.12%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum (4.49%).

Infestations par des helminthes gastro-intestinaux chez des volailles domestiques à Dschang, Cameroun-Ouest

Three hundred and fifty one chickens purchased from the Dschang animal market were examined for gastro-intestinal helminths. Ten species were found with the following prevalences: Heterakis brevispiculum (59.3%), Ascaridia galli (51.6%), Hymenolepis carioca (48.4%), Dispharynx spiralis (20.8%), Tetrameres americana (17.1%), Amoebotaenia cuneata (15.1%), Raillietina tetragona (14.5%), Syngamus trachea (13.7%), Hymenolepis cantaniana (5.7%) and Capillaria contorta (2.0%). Infections were predominantly mixed (93.5%). The infection rates were not influenced by host sex except for A. galli which was more prevalent in cocks. Older chickens showed some resistance to A. cuneata and S. trachea. Parasite prevalence and/or worm burdens were generally higher during the rainy season (April to October).

Anticestodal action of oxfendazole on Raillietina tetragona in experimentally infected chickens

Oxfendazole was tested against Raillietina tetragona in experimentally infected chickens using single oral doses of 20, 10, 7·5, 5, and 2·5 mg/kg body weight. The minimal dose of the drug which produced 100% efficacy against immature worms was 10 mg/kg whereas the same effect on the mature parasite was obtained with 7·5 mg/kg. Doses lower than these significantly reduce worm burdens. The compound appears to be safe for chickens and a dose of 20 mg/kg (twice the recommended dose) produced no untoward clinical reactions.

Anthelmintic activity of praziquantel on Raillietina tetragona in chickens.

Praziquantel was tested against mature (17-day-old) and immature (7-day-old) Raillietina tetragona in experimentally infected chickens using single oral doses of 10, 7.5, 5, or 2.5 mg/kg body wt. The compound showed potent anticestodal activity, with 100% efficacy at 10, 7.5, and 5 mg/kg against immature worms and an efficacy of 100% 97.1%, and 95% against mature worms when given at 10, 5, and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. Residual worms surviving drug treatment had less biomass than the controls. Praziquantel appears to be well tolerated by chickens, and treated birds showed no clinical reactions at any of the doses tested.

The efficacy of praziquantel (Droncit R) against Raillietina tetragona (Molin, 1858) in domestic fowl

The efficacy of different dose rates of Praziquantel (Droncit R) in tablet and liquid (injectable) form against Raillietina tetragona in the domestic fowl was studied. A dose of 10 mg kg −1 of Praziquantel in tablet form and 0.15 ml kg −1 in liquid form was found to be effective against R. tetragona infection irrespective of age, sex and intensity of infestation of the host. Intramuscular (IM) administration of liquid Praziquantel was found to be more effective than subcutaneous (SC) administration. Susceptibility of the parasite to this drug increased with age.

Levamisole-induced Resistance to Raillietina tetragona in Young Chicks

Levamisole-induced Resistance to Raillietina tetragona in Young Chicks

Parasitic infections of the grey-breasted helmet guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris galeata) in Nigeria.

The major helminth parasites found in wild, semi-wild and golden Sovereign stock guinea fowl were Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Capillaria caudinflata, Raillietina tetragona and R. echinobothrida, while Eimeria species was the most important gastro-intestinal protozoan parasite. The incidence of the latter was higher in the semi-wild stock than in the wild stock. Necropsy of dead guinea-fowl indicated that A. galli, H. gallinarum and Eimeria species were indeed responsible for their deaths, especially in the young birds. Parasites found in blood smears were Leucocytozoon sp., Plasmodium sp. and Aegyptianella pullorum. The only tick found, Argas persicus, was on a few semi-wild stock, while lice of genus Damalinia were found only on wild birds.