Sheather's Sugar Solution Research Articles

Two New Eimerians from American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae), from Georgia, USA.

Little is known about the coccidian parasites of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin). To date, only two species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 have been previously reported from A. mississippiensis. Here, we report from mensural and morphometric data on two new species of Eimeria from A. mississippiensis from Georgia, USA. Fresh feces were collected in June 2023 from a single captive juvenile male A. mississippiensis. Multiple samples were placed in individual zip-lock bags and aqueous potassium dichromate was added. They were examined for sporulated oocysts after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Samples contained oocysts representing two new species of Eimeria. Oocysts of Eimeria tellezae n. sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal with a pitted bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 34.5 × 31.5µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and polar granule were absent but an oöcyst residuum was present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 17.2 × 7.7µm, L/W 2.2; a nipple-like Stieda body bearing one to several filaments was present but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass, sometimes dispersed between the sporozoites. Oocysts of Eimeria daudini n. sp. are ellipsoidal with a pitted bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 32.5 × 20.2µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.6; a micropyle and polar granule were absent but an oöcyst residuum was present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 15.4 × 7.4µm, L/W 2.1; a nipple-like Stieda body bearing one to several filaments was present but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass, sometimes dispersed between the sporozoites. Both new species can readily be distinguished from previously described eimerians from crocodilians, including those from A. mississippiensis. We document two new species of Eimeria from the American alligator. Currently, four species of Eimeria are known from A. mississippiensis examined from both east and west of the Mississippi River, USA.

Effect of Algae Chlorella extracts for treatment of intestinal tissues of mice infected with Cryptosporidium spp.

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite of medical importance that causes gastroenteritis in a variety of vertebrate hosts, so the study was conducted to evaluate the anti-cryptosporidiosis efficacy of alcoholic and aqueous Chlorella algae extracts in comparison with Azithromycin in the intestines of infected mice. Fecal samples were collected from patients at Al-Kut Hospital suffering from diarrhea in the period December 2021 to end of March 2022, and 90 microscopic samples of both sexes were examined using a modified Ziell-Nelson stain to detect oocysts infected with the parasite. Isolation and flotation purification with Sheather's sugar solution and preservation in potassium dichromate for the purpose of infection in mice. The Experimental study was on groups of 57 mice by dealing with oral parasite oral oocysts within 104 oocyst/ ml except for the negative group addressed by a fishery saline solution. To strict injury, the detailed mice has been examined with microscopic parasites using Ziehl-Nelson Stain, and molecular screening was performed using Multiplex PCR technology. After the mice were divided into five groups with the uninfected and untreated group kept as a healthy negative control. The first group which included 21 mice was treated after it was divided into three subgroups A, B, C for each secondary group 7 mice they were treated with alcoholic extract of Chlorella at different concentrations 50, 100, 150 mg/ml on the respectively, while the second group which included 21 mice on three groups A, B, and C was treated with aqueous extract of Chlorella at the previous concentrations for three consecutive days for each concentration. The third group was treated with azithromycin at a concentration of 500 ml, and the positive control group remained infected with the parasite and was not treated. After treatment a microscopic examination was performed by evaluating the excretion average of parasite oocysts using a hematocytometer slide. The results of histological examination showed that treatment with alcoholic and aqueous Chlorella algae extracts led to remarkable repair and regeneration with restructuring in all sections of the small intestine infected with Cryptosporidium spp. parasite to varying degrees according to the concentrations used. Whereas the groups treated with Chlorella algae extracts showed epithelial layers renewed with the formation of non-enlarged cells and less edema, in addition less infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed in the submucosal layer. There was a slight inflammation in the tissues of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum with a clear decrease in inflation and the degree of inflammation as well as less severe lesions in the intestinal tissues treated with alcoholic and aqueous extract of Chlorella algae in the highest concentrations with complete disappearance of parasite oocysts.Key words: Intestine, Cryptosporidium spp., Chlorella

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Dark-Eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis (L.) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), in West-Central Arkansas, USA.

Many passeriform birds are excellent hosts of coccidian parasites but little is known of the coccidians infecting members of the family Passerellidae, particularly from the dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Here, we report from morphometric and mensural data a new species of Isospora from J. hyemalis in Arkansas, USA. During November 2020, seven adult J. hyemalis were taken with a mist net from Polk County, Arkansas, USA, and their faecal samples examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. A single J. hyemalis (14%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora pittmani n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 24.8 × 23.8µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.04; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.0 × 10.0µm, L/W 1.5; a flattened Stieda body was present as well as a barely discernible sub-Stieda body but para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules dispersed between and across the sporozoites. A spheroidal to ellipsoidal posterior refractile body and spheroidal anterior refractile body occasionally seen, but a nucleus was not observed.Only two previous isosporans have been reported from passerellid birds and the new species can readily be distinguished from them. This is the first coccidian reported from J. hyemalis and, more importantly, the first isosporan known from any member of the family Passerellidae in North America.

Dry Season Eimeria Infection in Dairy Cattle and Sheep in and Around Adama and Bishoftu Towns, Oromia, Ethiopia.

IntroductionEimeria infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of Eimeria (intracellular parasite) and causes reduced productivity and mortality in ruminants, especially in young ones. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information in Ethiopia on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in and around Adama and Bishoftu towns with the objectives to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria infection; identify circulating Eimeria oocysts, the intensity/burden of infection and associated risk factors of Eimeria infection in cattle and sheep. A total of 384 randomly selected (265 cattle and 119 sheep) fecal samples were collected from the rectum and examined by flotation technique using sheather’s sugar solution to detect the oocysts of Eimeria. A 2.5% potassium dichromate solution was added to the positive fecal samples for sporulation of the oocysts.Results and discussionThe overall prevalence of 48.95% Eimeria infection was recorded during the study. 45.0% and 58% prevalence of the infection was registered in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in Eimeria infection between the study animal species, age of the animals, breed, farm hygiene and management system. However, there was no significant difference in Eimeria infection (P > 0.05) in sex, body condition of the animals and fecal consistency. The maximum oocysts per gram of feces was found to be 10,000. Eimeria infection is of great importance to livestock producers and requires serious control and prevention initiatives.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Passeriformes: Certhioidea: Troglodytidae), in Southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Nothing is known of the coccidian parasites of the Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790). Here, we report a new species of Isospora from T. l. ludovicianus from Oklahoma, USA. Faecal samples were collected between September and December 2021 from five adult T. l. ludovicianus taken with a mist net from McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, and examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Tissue samples from the intestine of a single positive bird were removed and placed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for examination of coccidian endogenous stages. A single Carolina wren (20%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora edwardwilsoni n. sp. were subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 23.8 × 20.3µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oocyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.3 × 9.7µm, L/W 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body was present as well as a distinct rounded sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules in a compact irregular mass or dispersed between and across the sporozoite, or a combination of both within the same sporocyst. Information is also presented on the endogenous development of this coccidian. This is the first coccidian reported from T. l. ludovicianus and, more importantly, the first known from the members of the family Troglodytidae in North America.

Coproparasitologic survey of gastrointestinal parasites in a captive leopard geckos collection (Eublepharis macularius).

An increase in exotic animal imports has been noticed in the last decades worldwide. In this scenario, reptiles represent a quite popular group of interest as exotic pets. However, they can harbor pathogens that under inadequate captivity conditions can lead to disease expression and sometimes death. This study performed coprological analysis to investigate gastrointestinal parasites in a private collection of leopard geckos (E. macularius) relating the results with husbandry practices. Twenty-three geckos of 1 to 5years, weighing 30-65g, of both sexes were used. Freshly voided fecal samples were collected and centrifugal fecal float technique was performed using Sheather's sugar solution. 65,21% animals were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. No animal presented any clinical signs but previous loss was reported in the colony. Among affected animals, 93,3% presented oxyurid eggs, 33,33% Strongyloidea eggs and 26,66% presented mite eggs. Four animals were infected with both nematodes. The groups found are commonly reported in captive reptiles and, due to their direct life cycle, reinfection is common in captive animals. The husbandry practices proved to be insufficient and preventive measures such as quarantine were not adopted by the owner, which can compromise not only the reptiles health but also people who deal with them.

Comparison Study about Selected Human Infection of Zoonotic Cryptosporidiosis by Conventional Diagnostic Methods in Karbala Province, Iraq

This study was carried out to detect the Cryptosporidium spp in Karbala province, Iraq from. December 2019 to September 2020. Age, sex, and months interference with parasite prevalence were studied. A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from adults and young and from both sexes of human. Fecal samples were subjected to conventional methods (Flotation Methods by Sheather's sugar solution and stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen) for parasite diagnosis. The result recorded that the infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp was 26%. The age group of 2-6 years had the highest infection rate comparing to other age groups ranged from 12-25 years yet was marginal significant (P<0.06). Regarding sex, there was no significant differences in infection rate, although the males recorded numerically higher rate of prevalence. The rate of infection of Cryptosporidium spp were varied among months, where in February recorded 46.66% in contrast to 10% recorded in July. It can be concluded that variables studied (age, sex, and months) have no influence on Cryptosporidium prevalence in Karbala province.

Eimeria longirostris (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Vagrant Shrew, Sorex vagrans (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Soricidae), from Montana, USA.

Nothing is known about the coccidian parasites of vagrant shrews, Sorex vagrans Baird, 1868. Here we report, for the first time, the occurrence of Eimeria longirostris Hertel and Duszynski, 1987 from faecal contents of S. vagrans from Montana, USA. Faecal samples, collected in July and August 2020 from six pitfall-trapped vagrant shrews as well as faeces from two masked shrews, Sorex cinereus Kerr, 1792, and one American pygmy shrew, Sorex hoyi Baird, 1857 from Missoula County, Montana, USA, were examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Three (50%) S. vagrans and one (50%) S. cinereus were found to be passing oocysts of Eimeria longirostris Hertel and Duszynski, 1987; the single S. hoyi was negative. Oocysts from S. vagrans were subspheroidal and measured (average L × W) 16.1 × 14.4µm with an L/W ratio of 1.1. One (typically) to two polar granules was present but a micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were ovoidal and measured 9.6 × 6.2µm with an L/W ratio of 1.6. A Stieda body was present but subStieda and paraStieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various sized granules typically scattered between and across the sporozoites but sometimes formed a loose aggregate or compact mass. We document a new host and new geographic record for E. longirostris from S. vagrans and report the coccidian from S. cinereus for the third time but the first report from specimens from Montana. This coccidian has now been reported from at least 12 species of shrews within the genus Sorex in 14 US states and two provinces in Canada.

Intestinal Parasitoses among Chepang and Musahar Community People of Makwanpur and Nawalparasi Districts of Nepal.

Intestinal parasitosis is one of the commonly perceived serious problems often observed in children leading to high mortality. The objective of the study was to identify the intestinal parasites and study their prevalence in the two mostly disadvantaged communities (Musahar and Chepang) of Nepal. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Musahar and Chepang communities of Nepal from April to October 2019. A total of 205 random stool samples were collected in dry, clean and screw-capped plastic containers and mixed with 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on predisposing factors. The laboratory examination of the stool samples was done by direct microscopy and further confirmed by concentration methods (formalin ether sedimentation technique and flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution), and modified acid-fast staining. Detection of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis was done by cellophane tape method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 36.6%, with a similar prevalence in the Chepangs (39.8%) and in the Musahars (33.3%) (P > 0.05). The most predominant helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (15.6%), while the most prevalent protozoan was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.4%). The study also assessed a significant association between the prevalence of parasites with socio-demographic factors, types of drinking water consumption and sanitation habits of the people (P < 0.05). The findings of the study suggest a need for formulating effective preventive and control strategies against intestinal parasitic infections along with the continuity of mass deworming program.

Gastrointestinal parasites of the New England cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) in the Hudson Valley, New York.

The New England cottontail rabbit (NEC, Sylvilagus transitionalis) population has decreased dramatically in New York, USA, and the role of parasites in limiting the population has never been examined. The closely related and sympatric eastern cottontail rabbit (EC, Sylvilagus floridanus) was introduced into the range of NEC by humans and is currently thriving. This study aimed to investigate gastrointestinal parasites of the NEC and the EC and compare their parasite communities. Fecal pellets from 195 NEC and 125 EC were collected from the Hudson Valley, New York, in the winter of 2013-2014. Centrifugal fecal floats were performed in Sheather's sugar solution, and parasite ova and cysts were examined microscopically to identify gastrointestinal parasites present. For all pellets combined (n = 320), 91% were found to harbor at least 1 parasite species, with Eimeria species being the most common. Genetic analysis of pellets using microsatellite DNA identified 248 individual rabbits, with parasite prevalence (94%) similar to the prevalence estimate based on all pellets (91%). EC samples had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) parasite species richness (1.73, range 0-4) than NEC (1.20, range 0-3). EC and NEC shared 3 moderate to high (9-89%) prevalence parasites, in which EC prevalence was consistently higher. One parasite specieswas only found in NEC, and two were only found in EC, but the majority of these were of low abundance, precluding further statistical analyses.

Diagnosis of feline whipworm infection using a coproantigen ELISA and the prevalence in feral cats in southern Florida.

Trichuris felis, the whipworm of cats, is a relatively rare parasite, although more common in tropical and sub-tropical regions such as the Caribbean and South America. In southern Florida, T. felis is known to occur, but estimating prevalence can be challenging using fecal egg counts due to low intensity and single sex infections. A microplate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for parasite-specific antigen in feces could increase the ability to detect these infections. In this study, the IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen ELISA for whipworm (designed for detection of Trichuris vulpis) was evaluated for detection of T. felis using 35 feral cats from St. Kitts, euthanized for non-study related reasons. Twenty-nine of the cats were positive for T. felis with worm counts ranging from 1 to 66 per cat (mean 9.6) and egg counts ranging from 0 to >500 (mean 109.8). The ELISA detected 26 of 29 positive cats while flotation (centrifugation with Sheather's sugar solution) detected 24 of the 29 positive cats. To estimate prevalence in southern Florida, feces from 65 feral cats from the greater Miami area were tested using the ELISA and fecal flotation (centrifugation with zinc sulfate). Twenty-five cats (38%) were identified as positive with the ELISA compared to 17 using fecal flotation. This prevalence was surprising and further investigated by reviewing results of feline samples from Florida submitted to IDEXX Reference Laboratories between 2010 and 2017 and analyzed using fecal flotation. While prevalence was below 1%, there was an apparent trend in increasing prevalence. The results of this study confirm that the IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen test for whipworm ELISA, while developed for T. vulpis, can detect T. felis infections. It also suggests that prevalence might be higher than previously known in Florida and might be increasing. Further studies are required to determine the distribution of this higher prevalence and if the distribution and prevalence of T. felis are changing.

INCIDENCE AND EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM BAILEYI IN CHICKEN

This study was aimed to investigate the incidence of Cryptosporidiosis in 200 fecal samples from slaughtered broiler chicken carcasses in the local markets in some areas of Baghdad city (Al-Hurriya, Al -Kadhimiya and Al-Shuala), during March to May 2017. Three diagnostic techniques used (flotation by Sheather's sugar solution, staining with Modified Zeihl-Neelsen stain, and measuring of isolated Cryptosporidium oocysts by ocular micrometer) to determine the type of Cryptosporidium species, and for conform that the isolated species of parasite from infected cases belong to the C.baileyi. Experimental infection done in, 18 broiler chicken chicks aged one week divided to three groups first (G1) and second (G2) inoculated orally with, (500, 1000) oocysts per chick respectively, while the third group remain as a control (G3), than pathological lesions detected in some internal organs of infected chicks (trachea, intestine and bursa of fabricius). The study recorded a total infection rate 35% (75/200) in slaughtered broiler chicken. The result were revealed that the highest rate of infection occurs in April, reached 46% (23/50), while the lowest rate of infection in June, reached 20% (10/50). The experimental study revealed, the infection was occur in all chicks, of (G1) and (G2), and the first clinical signs appear after 7days post infection (PI) which include diarrhea, dullness, anorexia, and increased consumption of water, which represented the incubation period of the parasite, while the shedding of oocysts in feces started after 6-9days PI.

Cryptosporidium spp. in caged exotic psittacines from Brazil: Evaluation of diagnostic methods and molecular characterization

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and diagnostic methods for Cryptosporidium spp. in caged adult exotic parrots from Southern and Southeastern Brazil. Oocysts were purified from fecal samples from 463 psittacines by centrifugal-flotation in Sheather's sugar solution. Cryptosporidium spp. were detected by malachite green negative staining and nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Cryptosporidium species were identified by sequencing nested PCR amplicons. Samples were also tested by duplex real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium galli and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III. The prevalence rates of Cryptosporidium spp. determined by microscopy and nested PCR were 3.0% (14/463) and 5.0% (23/463), respectively. The nested PCR/sequencing identified avian genotype III (1.7%; 8/463), Cryptosporidium parvum (0.9%; 4/463) and Cryptosporidium canis (0.2%; 1/463). Duplex real-time PCR was positive for gastric Cryptosporidium in 9.5% (44/463) of the samples. Among them, 1.9% (9/463) were positive for C. galli, 5.8% (27/463) were positive for avian genotype III and 1.7% (8/463) showed mixed infections with C. galli and avian genotype III. With regards to the positive detection of Cryptosporidium spp., there was no statistically significant difference between nested PCR and microscopic analysis (p = .1237), and a fair agreement existed between them (Kappa = 0.242). A statistically significant difference (p < .0001) and fair agreement (Kappa = 0.317) were obtained between nested PCR/sequencing and duplex real-time PCR for the detection of gastric Cryptosporidium. We determined that nested PCR and duplex real-time PCR are the best options for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and gastric Cryptosporidium, respectively, and that avian genotype III is the most common Cryptosporidium genotype/species in psittacines.

Comparison of two coproparasitological techniques for the detection of Platynosomum sp. infection in cats

Platynosomum sp. is the etiologic agent of platynosomiasis, a hepatic disease that affects domestic cats. The parasite develops in the bile ducts and gallbladder, causing severe hepato-biliary disease. Considering the importance of the disease and the increase in the number of households with cats, the aim of this study was to compare two different techniques for the detection of the parasite's eggs and to assess the frequency of Platynosomum sp. infection in cats. Forty fecal samples from cats of different ages, from an animal shelter in the city of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, were subjected to two different techniques: a centrifugal fecal flotation procedure in Sheather's sugar solution and centrifugal sedimentation in formalin-ether solution. Positive results were found for 12.5% of the samples using the centrifugal fecal flotation assay, whereas all samples were negative when employing the centrifugal sedimentation test. The results suggest that this parasite can be found infecting cats in Salvador city and that centrifugal fecal flotation in sugar solution can be a more suitable detection of the parasite's eggs at fecal samples. Therefore, platynosomiasis must be included in the diseases to be studied routinely in domestic felids.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of birds kept in captivity in Brazil

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in birds kept in captivity in Brazil. A total of 966 samples from 18 families of birds was collected and stored in 5% potassium dichromate solution at 4 °C until processing. Oocysts were purified in Sheather sugar solution following extraction of genomic DNA. Molecular analyses were performed using nested-PCR for amplification of fragments of the 18S subunit of rRNA gene and of the actin gene. Amplification of Cryptosporidium DNA fragments was obtained in 47 (4.86%) samples. Sequencing of amplified fragments and phylogenetic analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium baileyi in a black vulture ( Coragyps atratus), a domestic chicken ( Gallus gallus domesticus) and a saffron finch ( Sicalis flaveola); Cryptosporidium galli in canaries ( Serinus canaria), a cockatiel ( Nymphicus hollandicus) and lesser seed-finches ( Oryzoborus angolensis); Cryptosporidium meleagridis in a domestic chicken ( G. g. domesticus); Cryptosporidium parvum in a cockatiel ( N. hollandicus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype I in a canary ( S. canaria) and an Indian peafowl ( Pavo cristatus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype II in ostriches ( Struthio camelus) and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III in a cockatiel ( N. hollandicus) and a peach-faced lovebird ( Agapornis roseicolis).

Study on Eimeria and Cryptosporidium infections in sheep and goats at ELFORA export abattoir, Debre-zeit, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study on Eimeria and Cryptosporidium infections in small ruminants at ELFORA export abattoir was conducted from October 2005 to February 2006. In this study, attempts were made to determine the prevalence and intensity of Eimeria and Cryptosporidium infections in sheep and goats. Moreover, potential risk factors associated with the infections and the species of Eimeria and Cryptosporidium incriminated in the infections were identified. A total of 384 fecal samples were collected and examined by flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution to detect the oocysts of Eimeria and Cryptosporiudium species. For Cryptosporidium infection, fecal samples were also examined under a microscope using modified Kinyoun acid-fast staining technique. Measurement of oocysts to identify the species involved in the infections and determination of oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) was also conducted. Out of the 384 fecal samples examined, 59.6% of Eimeria infection was recorded. Statistically significant variation (P < 0.001) in the prevalence rate of Eimeria infection between animal hosts and different age groups was observed. There was no significant variation (P > 0.05) observed in the mean OPG values of Eimeria between the 2 age groups of the study animals.

Copromicroscopic and molecular assays for the detection of cancer-causing parasitic nematode Spirocerca lupi

Spirocerca lupi (Nematoda, Spirurida) is a life-threatening parasitic nematode of dogs that is presently emerging in several countries. Nonetheless, canine spirocercosis is neglected and underestimated, mainly due to diagnostic limitations inherent to clinico-pathologic, diagnostic imaging and laboratory methodologies. Given the significant benefit of improved diagnosis, the present work evaluated the reliability of a recently described copromicroscopic approach, the FLOTAC technique, as well as a PCR-based assay with that of traditional coproscopic techniques to diagnose S. lupi infection. Ninety-four faecal field samples were collected from two endemic areas (i.e. 29 and 65 from Kenya and Israel, respectively) and processed using different coproscopic examination techniques. In particular, set I (Kenyan samples) comprised the modified flotation with Sheather's sugar solution and merthiolate–iodine–formalin technique, while set II (Israeli samples) comprised a flotation technique with zinc sulphate solution, a modified sugar flotation procedure and the FLOTAC method. All samples were also subjected to a semi-nested PCR protocol specific for a region internal to the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene of S. lupi. The coproscopic examinations showed low sensitivity and high variability, demonstrating the unreliability of the conventional methods for detecting S. lupi eggs. Nonetheless, the FLOTAC technique scored the highest number of positives and significantly higher number of S. lupi eggs per microscopic field compared to the other coproscopic methods. Additionally, of the coproscopically negative samples, 9 (45%) Kenyan and 21 (38.2%) Israeli samples scored molecularly positive using the PCR-based approach. The potential implications and perspectives for canine spirocercosis of these coproscopic and molecular diagnostic methodologies evaluated herein are discussed.

Prevalence of Coccidian Species in the Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) in the Province of Afyon, Turkey

The objective of this study was to identify the coccidian species present in water buffaloes in the vicinity of Afyon. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of a total of 104 water buffaloes, and examined in the laboratory using Sheather's saturated sugar solution. Faecal samples found to contain Eimeria species were mixed with a solution of 2.5% potassium dichromate, left at room temperature in petri dishes until the oocysts sporulated, and then examined in order to identify the species. Eleven different Eimeria species and one Isospora species were identified in 78 (75%) out of the 104 water buffaloes as follows: E. zuernii (55.1%), E. auburnensis (44.9%), E. bovis (44.9%), E. ellipsoidalis (28.2%), E. ankarensis (16.7%), E. subspherica (16.7%), E. alabamensis (11.5%), E. cylindrica (10.3%), E. bareillyi (5.1%), E. canadensis (5.1%), E. brasiliensis (3.8%), and Isospora spp. (46.2%). With this study, species causing coccidiosis in water buffaloes in the province of Afyon were identified for the first time, and Isospora spp. in the water buffalo is reported for the first time.

Contamination of Drinking Water Supplies in Mazandaran - Iran

Introduction : Direct relationship has been reported between the prevalence of some parasitic diseases and the presence of microorganisms in water. There are possible contamination of water resources, due to the climate changes and increasing the groundwater level. The purpose of this research was to determine the contamination rate of drinking water supplies to parasites in Mazandaran Province, north of Iran, during 2002-2003. Materials and Methods : In this cross-sectional study, 989 water samples which randomly taken based on towns population and number of primary health care centers from 12 cities of Mazandaran province. Collected water samples were transferred to the laboratory in sterile containers and standard condition. The samples were filtered and then analyzed according to the WHO guidelines. Direct method and lugol staining procedure were used to identify the parasites. In cases of cryptosporidium presence, centrifugal flotation techniques using Sheather's sugar solution and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method were performed. McMaster counting slides were used for parasites count in 0.3ml. Results: Almost 20% (197 out of 989) of water samples were contaminated with different parasites. 20 different types of parasites were identified in 197 contaminated samples, which 53 (26.9%) were pathogenic, 100 (50.8%) non-pathogenic, and 44 (22.3%) non-infective stages of parasites. Conclusions : Drinking water contamination to parasites has been reported about 15 percent in most of Mazandaran areas. Our findings confirmed increasing prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the other studies in this province. According to high prevalence of water contamination and its contributes to diseases, proper implementation of providing safe drinking water should be considered by water supply companies.

Renal Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium baileyi) in Specific-Pathogen-Free Chickens Experimentally Coinfected with Marek's Disease Virus

Renal Cryptosporidiosis was experimentally induced during a study to investigate the pathogenicity of Cryptosporidium baileyi in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens coinfected with Marek's disease virus (MDV). Cryptosporidium baileyi was administered orally at 4 days of age to chickens previously infected at hatching (day 0) with the HPRS 16 strain of oncogenic MDV. Three control groups received MDV at hatching, C. baileyi on day 4, or placebo consisting of distilled water. Renal cryptosporidiosis lesions were induced in the group coinfected with MDV and C. baileyi. The kidneys were markedly swollen and pale, with visible urate crystals in the ureters and surface tubules. Oocysts of C. baileyi were demonstrated in six of seven cases tested by a scoring method with modified Sheather's sugar solution on renal tissue scrapings and were confirmed in three cases by histologic examination of paraffin-embedded kidney sections. Histologic study also revealed subacute interstitial nephritis, acute ureteritis, and attachment of cryptosporidia on the epithelial cell surface of the ureters and collecting ducts, collecting tubules, and distal convoluted tubules. Various developmental stages of the parasite were present in the kidney sections. To our knowledge, this is the first report of experimentally induced renal cryptosporidiosis in SPF chickens coinfected with MDV.