Tapeworm Eggs Research Articles

Human echinococcosis incidence in Canada: A retrospective descriptive study using administrative hospital and ambulatory visit data, 2000-2020.

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the ingestion of tapeworm eggs shed by canids. The potential recent establishment of a more virulent European-type strain may be impacting human echinococcosis in Canada, yet information is limited. Administrative hospital and ambulatory visit data were used to provide a baseline of human echinococcosis cases in Canada between 2000-2020. Canadian Institute of Health Information's Discharge Abstract Database, Hospital Morbidity Database and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System were combined to identify cases. Risk ratios (RR) by demographic factors and cumulative incidences (CIN) over place and time were calculated. A total of 806 echinococcosis cases were identified in Canada between 2000-2020, for a mean annual CIN of 1.3 cases per million population. Over the two decades, the mean annual CIN of cases increased nationally (1.3-1.4 cases per million), in the Northwest Territories (6.3-9.1 cases per million), in Alberta (1.5-2.4 cases per million) and in the Atlantic provinces (0.2-0.6 cases per million). Those from the Territories had the highest risk of echinococcosis (RR 17.1; 95% confidence interval: 8.7-33.7). Though explanations are multifactorial, the new European-type strain may have a role in the small absolute increase in echinococcosis CIN in Canada observed over the study period. The CIN is likely underestimated and the validity of administrative data for analyzing zoonoses warrants investigation. Though this study contributes important awareness and a baseline, improved data are needed to clarify the effects of the new strain and inform public health response.

Epidemiology and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites in fattening pig farms in northern Italy

In Italy, pig breeding is characterised by intensive farms in which parasitic diseases often present a subclinical pattern, while being responsible for decreased animal welfare and great economic losses. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of major parasites in pigs, and, for this purpose, 880 faecal samples of fattening pigs raised in 22 intensive farms located in northern Italy were collected in two different sampling sessions, at the beginning and end of the fattening cycle. For the detection of helminth eggs and coccidian oocysts, a quantitative flotation technique was used, whereas a conventional PCR was performed to confirm the identification of cestode eggs found by copromicroscopic analysis. Moreover, data regarding herd management were collected to assess risk factors for parasite occurrence. A total of 95 samples were positive for at least one parasitic taxon (10.8%); the most detected parasite was Ascaris suum (7.6%), followed by Trichuris suis (1.7%) and Cystoisospora suis (0.9%). Further, eggs with morphometric features compatible with those of Hymenolepis diminuta were detected in 16 samples (1.8%), and the analysis of sequences confirmed the identification of cestode eggs. Statistical analysis showed that large farms and those applying the all-in/all-out system were associated with a lower risk of nematode infection. This study provided data on prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in two different times of the fattening cycle. It was evidenced that endoparasites are persistent, albeit with low prevalences, and would need specific measures to reduce their effects on both animal health and productivity.

Performance of three techniques for diagnosing equine tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infection in horses can cause serious health concerns, and recent data have documented treatment failures in the most common species, Anoplocephala perfoliata. The threat of anthelmintic resistance in A. perfoliata is of particular concern because of poor diagnostic performance of standard egg counting techniques for detecting this parasite. This study compared the performance of three diagnostic techniques 1) Mini-FLOTAC, 2) Cornell-Wisconsin, and 3) Proudman and Edwards used to detect and quantify A. perfoliata eggs in naturally infected horses. Eighteen adult female horses from the University of Kentucky’s historic parasitology herd were included in this study. Fecal samples were collected from all horses at five collection time points two weeks apart and analyzed with the three techniques. A total of 90 samples were collected and 270 counts determined in the study. The proportions of positive samples determined by the three techniques were significantly different from each other (p<0.05): Mini-FLOTAC (16%), Cornell-Wisconsin (47%), and Proudman and Edwards (70%). The Proudman and Edwards technique counted consistently higher numbers of tapeworm eggs compared to the other two techniques throughout the study [p < 0.05]. Total raw counts of tapeworm eggs across the study for each technique were 16, 88, and 410 for the Mini-FLOTAC, Cornell-Wisconsin, and Proudman and Edwards, respectively. This study demonstrated that the Proudman and Edwards technique was superior in diagnosing A. perfoliata infection. Future work needs to assess this technique’s potential for Fecal Egg Count Reduction Testing (FECRT).

Evidence of tapeworm treatment failure on a Central Kentucky Thoroughbred farm

SummaryBackgroundEquine anoplocephalid cestodes are tapeworms that occur worldwide in horses and are known to cause pathological manifestations and clinical disease within the digestive system of horses.ObjectiveWhile these clinical manifestations and the efficacy of currently available anthelmintics against equine tapeworms have been well documented, a recent study has demonstrated treatment failure of praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate, suggesting resistance; however, this has not been heavily investigated.Study designThis case study examined 24 Thoroughbred yearlings on one Kentucky Thoroughbred horse farm to investigate the elimination of tapeworm eggs after administration of routine anticestodal anthelmintics after confirmation of positive faecal egg counts.MethodsThe Mini‐FLOTAC faecal egg counting method was used to count anoplocephalid eggs in yearlings treated with pyrantel pamoate paste (13.2 mg base/kg), moxidectin‐praziquantel (0.4 and 2.5 mg/kg) and ivermectin‐praziquantel (0.2 and 1 mg/kg) over a 6‐month period in 2022.ResultsData demonstrated that tapeworm egg shedding persisted post‐deworming with all three anthelmintic products. Out of the 24 Thoroughbred enrolled, 11/24 (45.8%) had persistent infections in the month of March and 3/24 (12.5%) had persistent infections in April after deworming with ivermectin‐praziquantel. With moxidectin‐praziquantel, 2/24 (8.3%) remained egg count positive. For pyrantel pamoate, 3/24 (12.5%) were detected with tapeworm eggs post‐treatment. During July and August, selected yearlings had faecal sampling done before and 2 weeks post‐deworming with moxidectin‐praziquantel. For July 1/6 (16.7%) horses had tapeworm eggs both before and after deworming, and one additional horse was positive in the post‐treatment sample only. For the August treatment, 4/14 (28.6%) were egg count positive both before and after deworming, with one additional horse being positive in the post‐treatment sample only.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated evidence of anthelmintic treatment failure against equine tapeworms by means of regular faecal egg count monitoring. Veterinarians should be aware of this development and implement strategies to monitor anticestodal treatment success.

Magnetic resonance imaging-derived relative cerebral blood volume characteristics in a case of pathologically confirmed neurocysticercosis: illustrative case.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection of the brain caused by ingesting water or food contaminated with tapeworm eggs. When it presents as a solitary mass, differentiation from a primary brain tumor on imaging can be difficult. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) is a newer imaging technique used to identify areas of neovascularization in tumors, which may advance the differential diagnosis. A 25-year-old male presented after a seizure. Computed tomography (CT) and MRI demonstrated a partially enhancing lesion with microcalcifications and vasogenic edema. Follow-up rCBV assessment demonstrated mild hyperperfusion and/or small vessels at the lesional margins consistent with either an intermediate grade glioma or infection. Given the radiological equipoise, surgical accessibility, and differential diagnosis including primary neoplasm, metastatic disease, NCC, and abscess, resection was pursued. The calcified mass was excised en bloc and was confirmed as larval-stage NCC. CT or MRI may not always provide sufficient information to distinguish NCC from brain tumors. Although reports have suggested that rCBV may aid in identifying NCC, here the authors describe a case of pathologically confirmed NCC in which preoperative, qualitative, standardized rCBV findings raised concern for a primary neoplasm. This case documents the first standardized rCBV values reported in a pathologically confirmed case of NCC in the United States.

Alveolar echinococcosis in fattening pigs in a conventional housing system

In a conventional fattening farm in southern Germany, up to 100 % of the livers of individual slaughter groups were condemned due to parasitic lesions during 2022. Intensification of antiparasitic metaphylaxis with fenbendazole to control Ascaris suum in the herd was unsuccessful. A pathomorphologic examination of 6 livers from two slaughter groups revealed oligofocal fibrotic inflammation. Histologically, chronic granulomatous hepatitis with massive involvement of eosinophilic granulocytes and central parasitic structures of a helminth were detected. Examination of the liver lesions by PCR revealed evidence of Echinococcus (E.) multilocularis. To determine the source of introduction into the herd, fecal samples were collected from semi-feral domestic cats near the feed mixer and in the corridor of the barn. Parasitologically, cestode eggs were detected in the fecal samples. Genome fragments of E. multilocularis could not be amplified by PCR. In the present case, domestic cats were suspected as the most likely source of entry into the herd. Control measures were aimed at preventing parasite entry by therapy of the domestic cats with antiparasitics. Differentially, no other possible pathogens could be detected by PCR and bacteriological examination.

Equine tapeworm (Anoplocephala spp.) infection: evaluation of saliva- and serum-based antibody detection methods and risk factor analysis in Slovak horse populations

A lack of accurate information on the prevalence and distribution of Anoplocephala spp. infections on horse farms has led to insufficient attention to tapeworm control and increasing horse anoplocephaloses in Europe. Our study aimed to examine the occurrence of Anoplocephala spp. infection using coprological, serum- and saliva-based antibody detection methods and to analyze the risk factors associated with tapeworm infection in domestic horses in Slovakia. Fecal, serum, and saliva samples were collected from 427 horses from 31 farms in Slovakia. Additionally, a questionnaire study was conducted to collect information on tapeworm distribution on horse farms and analyze risk factors associated with infection. Fecal samples were examined by the mini-FLOTAC and the double centrifugation/combined sedimentation-flotation techniques. Serum and saliva samples were analyzed by ELISA to determine antibody levels against Anoplocephala spp. The effects of variables associated with an individual horse were tested for the positive result of the saliva ELISA test on Anoplocephala spp. Cestode eggs were detected in 1.99% of fecal samples (farm prevalence 12.90%), with no differences between the two coprological methods. Serum-based tapeworm ELISA results revealed that 39.39% of horses tested positive (farm prevalence 83.87%); while saliva-based tapeworm ELISA results revealed 56.95% positive horses (farm prevalence 96.77%). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed four meaningful predictors that significantly impacted the likelihood of detecting tapeworm infection in horses: horse age, pasture size, anthelmintic treatment scheme, and access to pasture. The influences of other variables associated with an individual horse were not significantly associated with detecting tapeworm infection.

Ecological, epizootic, sanitary and hygienic problems of echinococcosis in domestic goats and dogs in the North Caucasus

Echinococcal invasion, included by the World Health Organization in the list of especially socially dangerous parasitic zoonoses, is an unresolved epidemic, epizootic and sanitary-hygienic problem for the population and animals in more than 250 countries of the world. The purpose of the research was to study the epizootic and sanitary-hygienic problems of echinococcosis of domestic goats in the North Caucasus region. In 2019-2022, the research was carried out in 3 climatic zones of Kabardino-Balkaria. The objects were liver and lungs of 120 slaughter goats. The intestines were dissected from 15 dog corpses slaughtered in accordance with the International Rules for the Humane Treatment of Animals (2012). Monitoring of echinococcosis in dogs and goats was performed by the method of autopsy of organs and tissues according to K.I. Scriabin (1928). The number of eggs of taeniid type in faeces of dogs and in 520 samples of water from natural reservoirs of the Terek river basin was determined according to the guidelines of Russian Research Institute of Parasitology (1986). In plain climatic zone, index of occurrence of cystic Echinococcus granulosus invasion in liver and lungs of goats was 18 %, in foothill zone - 24 %, in mountain zone - 28 % (on average, 25 %). Extracted from liver and lungs of sheep, transparent cysts of echinococcus contained protoscolexes in 100 % of the samples, which indicates the likelihood of foci involving dogs and wild predators in the region. Natural reservoirs of Kabardino-Balkaria are also large biotopes of teniosis. Contamination of river water samples with taeniid eggs is 11.037.0 %. The region belongs to the group of subjects with high rates of zoonosis in animals due to violation of the terms of deworming for priotary dogs, lack of sanitary and preventive work with the population. According to the epizootic situation for animal echinococcosis, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic can be attributed to disadvantaged regions of the Russian Federation, as there is an increase in the number of dogs with echinococcosis and goats infected with fertile cysts. Sanitary and hygienic pollution of the Terek river and its tributaries, Malka, Baksan, Cherek and Chegem, with eggs of cestodes is a threat to the spread of echinococcosis among animals and humans.

Selective Anthelmintic Treatment in Horses in Sweden Based on Coprological Analyses: Ten-Year Results.

In Sweden, routine deworming has been used for several decades; however, to slow down the development of anthelmintic resistance, selective treatment is currently recommended. As part of a monitoring programme, equestrian premises submitted faecal samples to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) twice per year between 2008 and 2017. Analyses for strongyles (small and large), tapeworms and ascarids, followed by premise-specific advice regarding deworming and parasite control strategies, were provided. In total, 43,330 faecal samples, collected from 26,625 horses on 935 premises in springtime (March to June), were analysed by quantitative or semi-quantitative flotation. Moreover, Strongylus vulgaris was detected by larval culture or PCR. Between 4 and 11% of individual horses tested positive for S. vulgaris and 3-10% were shedding tapeworm eggs. There were recurrent high and low egg shedders; 75% of horses with S. vulgaris appeared to have been recently introduced into the herd; the proportion of S. vulgaris-positive premises increased when individual samples rather than pooled samples were used. Based on the results of S. vulgaris diagnostics and strongyle egg-shedding level, 59% of the horses did not need to be dewormed.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of the Ethiopian Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis, Pallas, 1766) in the North East Region of Ghana

Wildlife may serve as potential reservoirs and intermediate or accidental hosts of zoonotic pathogens due to their interactions with human beings. For the first time in Ghana, we report extempore the gastrointestinal parasites of three Ethiopian rock hyraxes captured in September 2021. Forty adult parasites (21 nematodes and 19 tapeworms) were recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of these three game hyraxes (Procavia capensis, Pallas, 1766) from the hills of Bimbagu (near the Gambaga Scarp) in the North East Region of Ghana. Adult worms comprising 16 tapeworms and 24 nematodes were identified. The intestinal faecal examination detected ova of Trichuris spp., tapeworms, and hookworms. The results are presented alongside the results of the molecular determination of the worm identities. Since wildlife has been identified as an important source of emerging human pathogens, including helminth parasites, there is an urgent need for sufficient literature on wildlife parasites in Ghana. As the rock hyrax is hunted for its meat, there is a potential risk of transmitting these identified helminths and other zoonotic pathogens to humans, especially involving people who handle the carcasses as the transmission is faecal-oral. A more precarious situation may arise when the eggs of cestodes are ingested by handlers of these carcasses and could result in cysticercosis/neuro-cysticercosis when these eggs cross the blood-brain barrier in the person.

First cases of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs in Poland.

Alveolar echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis is common parasitic disease among humans and animals in the northern hemisphere. Dogs, foxes, and other wild canids are definitive hosts, whereas small rodents play the role of intermediate hosts. In rare cases, after incidental ingestion of tapeworm eggs, dogs can become an intermediate host. The study describes briefly two cases of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs in Poland, including clinical management, diagnostic, treatment and molecular confirmation. Diagnostic procedures included laparotomy, cytology, histopathology and molecular analysis. Obtained sequences data were 100% homologous to E. multilocularis dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene sequences in GenBank®. To the authors' knowledge, alveolar echinococcosis has not been reported previously in a dog in Poland.

Ecosystemic epidemiological, epizootological, and sanitary-hygienic assessment of human and animal echinococcosis in the North Caucasus region

Introduction. Echinococcosis in animals and humans is a planetary problemю One of those zoonoses have acquired the status of epidemiological and sanitary-hygienic risks for the health in various social groups of the population and animals of more than 80 species.&#x0D; The purpose of the work is an ecosystemic epizootological, epidemiological, and sanitary-hygienic assessment of animal and human echinococcosis in Karachay-Cherkessia.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in 2014–2022. The objects of study were the intestines of eighteen dog corpses slaughtered in compliance with the International Rules for Humane Treatment of Animals (2012), and the liver and lungs of 150 slaughtered sheep. Monitoring of echinococcosis in dogs and sheep was carried out by the method of complete helminthological dissection of organs and tissues according to K.I. Scriabin (1928). The number of taeniid-type eggs in the faeces of dogs and in 500 water samples of the basin of the river Kuban was determined according to the guidelines of Temporary norms and rules (1986). Data on the incidence of cystic echinococcosis in the population are summarized on the base of a comparative analysis of quarterly and annual reports of the sanitary medical services in 7 subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District with the materials of the State reports of the Federal Service for Supervision in Protection of the Rights of Consumer and Man Wellbeing of Russia.&#x0D; Results. The index of occurrence of invasion of the cystic form of echinococcus in the liver, lungs, and spleen in sheep in the planar zone was 18%, in the foothill zone – 24%, in the mountain zone – 28% (on average, about 25%). Transparent cysts of echinococcus extracted from the liver, lungs, and other organs of sheep contained protoscolexes in 100% of the samples, which indicates the likelihood of natural foci involving dogs and wild predators in the region, violations of the terms of deworming of priotary dogs, lack of sanitary and preventive work among the population. The region belongs to the group of subjects with low rates of zoonoses due to effective anti-epidemic measures. At the same time, the natural reservoirs of Karachay-Cherkessia are natural biotopes of taeniosis, where the contamination of water samples with taeniid eggs ranges from 11 to 37%.&#x0D; Limitations. The study is limited only by the analysis of statistical data on human echinococcosis in Karachay-Cherkessia and other subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District; other densely populated regions of the Russian Federation have not been studied and not affected.&#x0D; Conclusion. According to the epidemic situation in terms of echinococcosis in the population, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic can be attributed to relatively prosperous regions of Russia, but to the zone of epidemiological risk, since there is an increase in the number of dogs with tape echinococcosis and sheep infected with fertile cysts. Sanitary and hygienic pollution of the river Kuban and its tributaries with eggs of cestodes is a threat to the spread of echinococcosis among animals and humans.

A Case of Hepatic Cysticercosis in Wistar Albino Rats: An Unintended Finding from an Animal House

Introduction: Rats are the most commonly used animals in biomedical research as they are mild-tempered and docile, making them easy to handle. They breed earlier, produce more offsprings and share many processes with humans and are appropriate for use to answer many research questions. Scientists have specifically bred many strains or lines of rats for research, the most important being the albino Wistar rat. Despite their prolific uses, they have some disadvantages like the spread of diseases.&#x0D; Methodology: Wistar albino rats were used in a study at an animal facility by the pharmacology and oral pathology departments to examine the effects of a herbal cardioprotective medicine on rat liver, kidney, and heart function. Also, the Oral cavities were used to observe various stages of tooth development. After the study, the rats were CO2 inhalation-killed in the lab, and their hearts, livers, and kidneys were dissected for examination using a scalpel, and Boyd Parker blades No.3.&#x0D; Results: On gross examination, Few animals had several cysts of varied sizes that were macroscopically evident but unwelcome. As a result, all samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin overnight. The specimens underwent additional processing, including paraffin wax embedding, microtome sectioning, and haematoxylin and eosin staining. Under a light microscope, the slides were examined for histological alterations.&#x0D; Analysis: Liver had multiple apparent solitary and multicystic regions, ranging from 1 to 2.5 mm, upon gross examination. On the right lobe, more of these patches with yellowish colour were seen. The cyst's cestode origin was established by histopathological analysis thanks to an exterior acellular eosinophilic cuticular layer, an underlying subtentacular layer, and outer hooks and suckers containing scolex.&#x0D; Discussion: The larval stage of Taenia solium, which is frequently found in developing nations, is the infection that results in cysticercosis. Pigs serve as its intermediate hosts whereas humans are its only naturally occurring definitive host. Man may develop into an intermediate host after ingesting adult tapeworm eggs. A condition known as Cysticercosis was the result of this.&#x0D; Conclusions: Our findings imply that using rats home to these larvae can lead to inaccurate results in animal research, particularly those that evaluate liver function. They change how the liver functions, producing unreliable results. To properly assess the results of their investigations, the researchers must be aware of the asymptomatic unprompted lesions.

The Truman Show for Human Helminthic Parasites: A Review of Recent Advances in In Vitro Cultivation Platforms.

Throughout history, parasites and parasitic diseases have been humankind's constant companions, as evidenced by the findings of tapeworm eggs in ancient, mummified remains. Helminths are responsible for causing severe, long-term, and debilitating infectious diseases worldwide, especially affecting economically challenged nations due to prevailing deficits in access to sanitation, proper hygiene practices, and healthcare infrastructure. Socio-ecological drivers, such as poverty, migration, and climate change, continue to contribute to parasites and their disease vectors being spread beyond known endemic zones. The study of parasitic diseases has had a fair amount of success leading to the development of new chemotherapeutic agents and the implementation of parasite eradication programs. However, further progress in this direction has been hampered by the challenges of culturing some of these parasites in in vitro systems for efficient availability, basic life cycle, infection studies, and effectiveness of novel treatment strategies. The complexity of the existing models varies widely, depending on the parasite and its life cycle, ranging from basic culture methods to advanced 3D systems. This review aims to highlight the research conducted so far in culturing and maintaining parasites in an in vitro setting, thereby contributing to a better understanding of pathogenicity and generating new insights into their lifecycles in the hopes of leading to effective treatments and prevention strategies. This work is the first comprehensive outline of existing in vitro models for highly transmissible helminth diseases causing severe morbidity and mortality in humans globally.

Intestinal endoparasitism in wild cat (Felis silvestris) from Banat area (Romania).

The wild cat (Felis silvestris), spread in Romania from the Danube Delta to the mountain range is present in the Banat area, on the hunting ground that can be contaminated with different stage developmental forms of parasites, some of them having real zoonotic potential. The wild cat is an animal protected by the Romanian law of protection animals. Coprological samples from 88 wild cats from 16 hunting grounds, as well as the gastrointestinal tract collected from six wild cats cadavers and the molecular characterization of the cestodes identified in their intestines, allowed us to establish intestinal parasitic fauna. During coprological examination Isospora oocysts, tapeworm eggs, eggs of Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma spp. and Capillaria spp were found. At the same time, the form of genera Mesocestoides, Taenia, Toxocara/Toxascaris and Ancylostoma were identified at necropsy. Further polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification revealed the species of Taenia taenieformis, and Mesocestoides litteratus, the latter providing a zoonotic potential. This study, the first in the western part of the country (Banat area, Timis County), provides information about the parasitic fauna of wild cats and underlines the importance of the human contamination risk.

Experience of eradicating parasites of laboratory rats in conventional vivarium

The purpose of the research is to test different dehelminthization schemes of laboratory rats infected with cestodes Rodentolepis nana and nematodes Syphacia muris and evaluate the significance of combined environment disinfection measures. The practical experience of eradication (helminth eradication) in animals in a conventional vivarium was described.Materials and methods. Experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of anthelmintics and administration schemes against cestode and nematode infections in laboratory rats. In the first experiment, praziquantel was used at a dose of 10 mg/kg to treat rats infected with R. nana. In the second experiment, the comparative efficacy of fenbendazole, albendazole, and pyrantel was evaluated against syphaciosis at the recommended dosages of 20, 10, and 12.5 mg/kg, respectively. Each drug was given orally, individually, twice with an interval of 7 days. The third experiment tested different schemes for treating syphaciosis with fenbendazole. One group of rats was given the drug orally individually using an esophageal tube at a dose of 20 mg/kg once a day for 7 consecutive days. Other groups were given fenbendazole daily with food for 7 days (150 mg fenbendazole per 1 kg of food). In all three experiments, all animals were divided into groups, and their cells underwent a complex of additional disinfection measures, and those kept in cages without disinfection.Results and discussion. Praziquantel showed 100% efficacy at a single dose of 10 mg/kg in R. nana therapy. In animals without additional disinfection procedures, cestode eggs were again recorded starting from day 14 after the drug administration. In the group of animals with disinfection measures, pathogens were not detected during the experiment. Double administration of fenbendazole, albendazole and pyrantel in the recommended dosages against syphaciosis did not result in eradicated nematodes in the animals. The disinfection did not affect the obtained results. Fenbendazole administered daily for 7 days ensured helminth eradication in animals. However, on day 7 after the therapy, Syphacia sp. eggs were again found in the groups that received the drug individually intragastrically through a tube, regardless of whether their cells were disinfected. The animals that received fenbendazole with food and were regularly disinfested remained free from nematodes throughout the experiment until the additional disinfection measures were cancelled. In the absence of disinfection, released helminth eggs were recorded on day 14 after therapy.

Special features of helminth fauna of Mustelidae in the Polistovsky National Nature Reserve and development factors

The purpose of the research is to study the species composition of helminths of the Mustelidae family taking into account biotopic and trophic factors in the Polistovsky National Nature Reserve.Materials and methods. Faeces of Mustela putorius, Neovison vison, Lutra lutra and Martes martes were studied to determine a helminth fauna composition in the Mustelidae family and the factors affecting its development. Helminth eggs were detected using coproovoscopy. For detection of nematode eggs in the feces, the Forate sugar solution flotation method was used; for detection of trematode and cestode eggs, the successive washing method was used. Sexually mature nematodes of the genus Eucoleus were obtained from the pine marten by the method of B. V. Romashov. Species diagnostics of helminth eggs was carried out according to determinants, monographic and other works. The morphometric study of eggs was carried out using the Screen Meter computer program with an accuracy of 0.001 mm. The final diagnostics was carried out by comparing eggs from the faeces of predators and eggs from mature helminths. To study the trophic factor in helminth fauna development, the faeces composition was studied.Results and discussion. The studied mustelids were infected by nematodes Eucoleus sp., Eucoleus aerophilus and Capillaria putorii, and trematodes Isthmiophora melis and Opisthorchiidae sp. Helminth eggs were found in 42.3% samples. The helminth eggs prevail in the material from the polecat and American mink (60.5%) over that from the otter (30.5%). Stenobionts, stenophagy and morphophysiology determine a low infection rate in the otter versus the mink and polecat. Mixed coniferous-small-leafed forest shows a richer list of helminths than the marsh. The obtained data evidences limited helminth circulation in high moor. It is not possible to differentiate eggs of E. aerophilus and E. trophimenkovi according to the previously proposed shape index due to the high individual variability of eggs. High moor as a specific biotope reduces biodiversity including helminths.

Echinococcosis of animals and humans as a socially dangerous problem in a densely populated subject of the North Caucasus

Echinococcosis of animals and humans as a socially dangerous problem in a densely populated subject of the North Caucasus

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs illegally entering the UK (2015-2017).

This study involving non-compliant, seized dogs entering the UK surveyed endoparasites detected in faecal samples. A focus was placed on taeniid infection as the detection of these tapeworms acts as a marker for failure of effective tapeworm treatment. Individual faecal samples taken from 65 dogs over a 24-month period were examined for helminth eggs, for protozoal oocysts and cysts, using a centrifugal flotation technique. Any sample presenting positive results for taeniid eggs had residual faeces examined using polymerase chain reaction to aid speciation of the tapeworm eggs. Additionally, a Baermann technique was used to assess faeces for lungworm larvae. Patent endoparasite infection was detected in 27.7% of dog faecal samples. No sample was positive for lungworm larvae. Five dogs were co-infected with Isospora spp. and Toxocara canis. One dog sample was detected with taeniid eggs, identified as Taenia serialis. The taeniid-positive dog indicated that appropriate tapeworm treatment may not have occurred, reinforcing the risk to the UK of illegally imported dogs potentially introducing Echinococcus multilocularis infection.

Biological Properties of Oncospheres of Echinococcus spp.

Introduction: Taeniasis is known as a global human and animal parasite. Infestation by Echinococcus has significantly decreased in some countries as a result of modern research aiming to combat this type of tapeworm. To obtain protective biologics, biomass of inactivated material is required. The present study aimed to obtain the maximum number of oncospheres of the genus Echinococcus for the preparation of vaccines.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) eggs were placed in artificial intestinal juice. A beaker with juice and eggs was placed on a heated magnetic stirrer. To test the biological properties of the culture, Echinococcus eggs were used for infection of the laboratory mice. For infection, four groups of mice were used. Echinococcus eggs were activated in artificial intestinal juice on a magnetic stirrer in the first group. In the second group, cestode eggs were activated under thermostat conditions (38°C) in artificial gastric and, then, in intestinal juice. The third group was a positive control. The last group was a negative control. The selection of E. multilocularis metastases in laboratory mice was performed for 13 months. Cestodes parasitic cysts were evaluated in each infected mouse at the end of the experiment. The physiological status of E. multilocularis cysts in mice was assessed by a helminthological autopsy. The viability and activity of E. multilocularis protoscoleces were evaluated by motor activity. Mobility was recorded when heating the samples at 37°C for 10-15 minutes.&#x0D; Results: In the first group, second, and positive control groups, 70%, 44.4%, and 33.3% of the mice were sensitive to the alveococcus causative agent, respectively. The larval cysts of the cestodes were identified in the liver and lungs of the mice in the first experimental group. In the second and third groups, the larval in the form of the alveococcus was identified only in the liver.&#x0D; Conclusion: This method allows the investigation of the main biological indicators of cestode egg culture (viability, invasive activity). The novelty of the method is using only artificial intestinal juice without artificial gastric juice. The method can increase yield of activated oncospheres in a short time.