Trichuris Eggs Research Articles

Gastrointestinal helminths of captive proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Surabaya zoo, Indonesia

AbstractBackgroundOne of the constrain in proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) conservation is gastrointestinal helminth (GH) infection. Here, we conducted a study to determine the prevalence of GHs in captive proboscis monkeys in Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia.MethodsTwenty fecal samples were collected from three groups (i.e., nursery cage [NC] [n = 1], communal show cage [SC] [n = 8], and free‐ranging colonies [FC] [n = 11]). The fecal samples have been examined through McMaster and sugar floatation techniques.ResultsThe total prevalence of GH infection was 85.00% (17/20). We confirmed infection of Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., Strongyloides sp., and Hymenolepis nana with Trichuris eggs was dominant. Although the prevalence of infection was high, the number of eggs per gram (epg) was low.ConclusionGH infection in captive proboscis monkeys in Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia, is highly prevalent. These results were useful for future research, control, and prevention of zoonotic potency purposes.

Ovicidal activity and cytotoxicity of ethanolic extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and green tea (Camellia sinensis) to treat digestive parasite of sheep.

The Trichuris eggs are collected from naturally infected sheep. Natural antihelmintics such as herbal medicines are needed as an alternative, such as natural compounds from endemic plants. This present study aims to evaluate the ovicidal activity and cytotoxicity effects of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (EECL) and Camelia sinensis (EECS) as a biological anthelmintic against the egg of Trichuris sp. The Trichuris eggs are collected from naturally infected sheep. CMC-Na solution 1% was used as a control. The treatments were 0.12% EECL; 0.24% EECL; 0.15% EECS; 0.30% EECS; a combination of 0.12% EECL and 0.30% EECS; a combination of 0.24% EECL; and 0.15% EECS. Ovicidal activity testing by microscopic examination of eggs treated using different concentrations of EECL extract, EECS, and a combination of them. They were exposed for various times (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) and incubated at room temperature. The study shows that a combination of C. longa extract and tea extract exhibits good ovicidal anthelmintic activity against Trichuris sp. in sheep. Cytotoxicity examination using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Based on MTT data processed using regression analysis, the obtained LC50 from the administration of EECL, EECS, and a combination of both in a ratio of 1:1, 2:2, 1:2, and 2:1. The combination of EECL extract and EECS with the highest concentration produced cell viability of 28.46%, 17.25%, 56.01%, and 46.47%, respectively. It can be concluded that the most cytotoxic ingredient is found in the combination of EECL and EECS (2:2) at 17.25% and the safest is in the ratio (1:2) at 56.01%.

Functional characterization of helminth-associated Clostridiales reveals covariates of Treg differentiation

BackgroundParasitic helminths influence the composition of the gut microbiome. However, the microbiomes of individuals living in helminth-endemic regions are understudied. The Orang Asli, an indigenous population in Malaysia with high burdens of the helminth Trichuris trichiura, display microbiotas enriched in Clostridiales, an order of spore-forming obligate anaerobes with immunogenic properties. We previously isolated novel Clostridiales that were enriched in these individuals and found that a subset promoted the Trichuris life cycle. In this study, we aimed to further characterize the functional properties of these bacteria.ResultsClostridiales isolates were profiled for their ability to perform 57 enzymatic reactions and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and hydrogen sulfide, revealing that these bacteria were capable of a range of activities associated with metabolism and host response. Consistent with this finding, monocolonization of mice with individual isolates identified bacteria that were potent inducers of regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation in the colon. Comparisons between variables revealed by these studies identified enzymatic properties correlated with Treg induction and Trichuris egg hatching.ConclusionWe identified Clostridiales species that are sufficient to induce high levels of Tregs. We also identified a set of metabolic activities linked with Treg differentiation and Trichuris egg hatching mediated by these newly isolated bacteria. Altogether, this study provides functional insights into the microbiotas of individuals residing in a helminth-endemic region.-EyM7p7tfAvrAjtAePB85JVideo

Investigation of Anthelmintic Property of Cow Urine Distillate on Ascaris and Trichuris eggs Isolated from Soil

Background: Helminth infection occurs due to contact with contaminated soils and poor hygiene practices. Even though there is immense progression in human medicine, infections that occur due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites persist as a crucial threat to public health. Over the years, many studies indicated cow urine has antimicrobial activity. Hence, this study looks into anthelminthic property of cow urine in Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp., eggs. Methods: The soil sample was collected at the riverside, near the toilet area and at the pond area at an aborigine village in Malaysia. Next, floatation technique was used to isolate the helminth eggs and it was identified using a light microscope. The cow urine was prepared as raw cow urine (RCU), evaporated raw cow urine diluted with distilled water (ERCUD), evaporation raw cow urine diluted with saline (ERCUS) and evaporated filtered cow urine diluted with saline (EFCUS).Results: From the soil samples, mainly two types of helminths were found which were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. Evaporated cow urine diluted with saline showed the most prominent result in the destruction of helminth eggs.Conclusion: Evaporated cow urine possesses biochemical agents that can be used in the future as anthelmintic agents whereby further studies can be made to explore more possibilities to use cow urine as a potential anthelmintic agent.Keywords: Cow urine; Helminth eggs; Anthelmintic

A survey of gastrointestinal helminth infestation in smallholder backyard pigs and the first molecular identification of the two zoonotic helminths Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis in Myanmar

BackgroundParasitic infestations have a substantial economic impact on pig production. This study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in pigs and to molecularly characterise two important nematodes, Ascaris and Trichuris species.Materials and methodsA total of 500 pig faecal samples were collected from small holder backyard pig farms in five townships within Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Microscopic examination was conducted to estimate the prevalence of GI helminth infestation in the pigs. DNA extraction and PCR were performed on faecal samples that were morphologically positive for Ascaris and Trichuris eggs. Molecular analysis was then conducted to characterise A. suum and T. suis, the most common and zoonotic helminths.ResultsAccording to microscopic examination, 69.2% (346/500) were positive for GI helminth eggs. The GI helminth species observed were A. suum, Strongyle, Strongyloides spp., T. suis, Metastrongylus spp., Hyostrongylus spp., Fasciolopsis spp., Paragonimus spp., and Schistosoma spp., with occurrences of 34.8%, 29.6%, 21.4%, 20.0%, 4.0%, 1.6%, 1.0%, 1.0%, and 0.4%, respectively. Mixed infections of GI helminths were noted in 31.0% of the samples. Overall, sampled pigs excreted mostly low levels (< 100 EPG) or moderate levels (> 100–500 EPG) of GI helminth eggs. The highest mean EPG for each parasite species was noted in A. suum. The presence of A. suum and T. suis was confirmed molecularly. The sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of A. suum showed high similarity with previously reported sequences. Likewise, the sequences of T. suis exhibited high similarity with the sequences reported from humans and pigs. Age was noted as an associated factor (P < 0.05) for GI helminth infection status.ConclusionsIn this report, A. suum and T. suis were molecularly identified for the first time in Myanmar. It is important to extend the information among the farmers to be aware of the necessity of preventing zoonotic parasites by practicing regular deworming, proper use of anthelmintics and maintaining hygienic conditions in their pig farms.

Formulating Parasiticidal Fungi in Dried Edible Gelatins to Reduce the Risk of Infection by Trichuris sp. among Continuous Grazing Bison.

Control of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes remains a big problem in ruminants under continuous grazing. For the purpose of decreasing the risk of infection by Trichuris sp. in captive bison (Bison bison) always maintained in the same plot, dried gelatins having ≥106 chlamydospores of both Mucor circinelloides and Duddingtonia flagrans were given to them for one week, and at the end, fecal samples (FF) collected each week for four weeks were analyzed immediately. Feces taken one week prior to gelatin administration served as controls (CF). Eggs of Trichuris sp. were sorted into non-viable and viable, then classified into viable undeveloped (VU), viable with cellular development (VCD), or viable infective (VI). Ovistatic and ovicidal effects were determined throughout the study. In FF, viability of Trichuris eggs decreased between 9% (first week) and 57% (fourth week), egg development was delayed during the first two weeks, and VI percentages were significantly lower than in CF (p = 0.001). It is concluded that the preparation of gelatins with chlamydospores of parasiticidal fungi and their subsequent dehydration offer an edible formulation that is ready to use, stress-free to supply, and easy to store, as well as being well-accepted by ruminants and highly efficient to reduce the risk of Trichuris sp. infection among animals under continuous grazing regimes.

Effectiveness of the improved method of lifelong diagnostics trichurosis of sheep

Today, the most accurate way to diagnose animal helminthiasis is laboratory research. Among them, lifelong coproovoscopy methods play a leading role in the study of the spread of gastrointestinal helminthiasis, particularly trichurosis, and in establishing the effectiveness of anthelmintics. Therefore, a promising research direction includes improving and testing modern methods of coproovoscopy for trichurosis in sheep. The work aimed to determine the diagnostic efficiency of the improved flotation method of coproovoscopy for trichurosis in sheep. In laboratory conditions, the effectiveness of well-known flotation methods and the proposed method of coproovoscopy in diagnosing sheep trichurosis were determined. The leading indicators of the effectiveness of laboratory methods were the indicator of the intensity of trichurous invasion, the coagulation ability of the flotation solution, and the crystallization time of a drop of flotation liquid on a glass slide. It was established that all methods of coproovoscopy used in the experiment have flotation properties relative to Trichuris eggs. However, the improved method of coproovoscopy showed a higher flotation ability concerning Trichuris ovis nematode eggs, where the proposed flotation liquid has pronounced coagulation properties concerning undigested feed residues, and also has a slow crystallization time of droplets on a slide, which is more than 50 min. The improved method uses a combined flotation liquid, whose main components were Ca(NO3)2, C12H22O11, and NaCl. The indicator of the intensity of trichuriasis invasion when using the improved method was 67.0 ± 17.5 eggs in 1 g of feces and exceeded the number of trichuriasis eggs detected by flotation methods using NaCl – by 2.3 times (P ˂ 0.001), C12H22O11 – by 2.1 times (P ˂ 0.001), NH4NO3 – 1.3 times (P ˂ 0.01), C12H22O11 + NaCl – 1.1 times. The obtained data on the effectiveness of the improved method of coproovoscopy allows us to recommend it for introduction into production for effective and accurate laboratory lifelong diagnosis of trichurosis in sheep.

Parasitofauna of the gastrointestinal tract of sheep

Today, small cattle, especially sheep, are bred onall continents, with the exception of Antarctica. This isdue to the high adaptability and vitality of sheep to various negative factors of the external environment, notbeing picky about feed with the use of mainly naturalpastures and providing people with food products.Along with the positive aspects of sheep breeding,there were also negative ones: diseases of non-contagious, infectious and parasitic etiology, which requiredclarification of the causes of the disease, pathogens andtheir properties, methods of treatment and prevention.The analysis of literary sources indicates that thebasis of predicting the ill health of sheep in relation todiseases of parasitic etiology is the research and studyof the species composition of helminths.As a result of ovoscopic studies of feces fromsheep, which were carried out on the farm, we established a significant spread of parasitosis of the alimentary canal.During the study of 846 heads of sheep, 457heads were affected by parasitosis (EI was 54.02%) atthe intensity of 9 to 2786 eggs or oocysts/g of feces.There were 389 sheep free from parasitosis, which was45.98%.According to the morphological features of theeggs and oocysts isolated from the feces of sick animals, gray-colored, oval-shaped eggs with a smoothshell, immature, were found. This structure is characteristic of eggs of the strongylid type, they belonged toparasites of the Strongylida order. In addition, brown,barrel-shaped eggs with corks at the poles were found.This structure of eggs is typical for eggs of trichuris,which belong to the order of Trichurida. Eggs of strongyloides of the species Strongyloides papillosus, whichbelong to the suborder Rhabditata, namely, they weresmall, oval, round or asymmetric with a thin smoothshell, gray in color, with a formed larva. In additionto helminth eggs, we also found oocysts of protozoabelonging to the Sossidiida order.We have registered that most often (39.39%) causative agents of strongylatosis of the alimentary canalwere registered in farm sheep, to a somewhat lesserextent: causative agents of trichurosis (28.88%) andstrongyloidosis (21.44%), and the least affected by oocysts of protozoa was noted (10.29 %).Helmintoovoscopic studies showed that parasitosis of the alimentary canal of sheep in farm conditionsoccurred both as part of mixed infestations (60.16%)and as monoinfestations (39.84%).In the conditions of the farm, sheep are more affected by causative agents of strongyloidiasis of thealimentary canal are 55.10%. Strongyloides (20.41 %),Trichuris (18.37 %) and Eimeria oocysts (6.12 %) werethe least affected sheep. In sheep, the associated courseof parasitosis of the digestive tract was most often registered. Thus, two- and three-component mixed infections were observed in 63.40 and 35.29%, respectively.To a lesser extent (1.31%) combinations of parasitosiswith four types of parasites were registered. Of the two-component associations, we registered6 types of combinations. The most common was theassociation of parasites, which is represented by pathogens of strongylates and trichuris, which accounted for51.55% of the total number of patients with two-component association).Three-component associations of parasites wererecorded to a lesser extent (54 cases from the totalnumber of patients). 3 types of combinations of pathogens were recorded. The highest percentage of affectedanimals was in the combination of Strongylates+Trichuris+Strongyloides and it was 61.11%. Key words: strongyloides, nematodes, strongylatosis, Eimeria oocysts, extensiveness of invasion, intensity of invasion, sheep, monoinvasion, poly invasion.

Endoparasitofauna of Altai mountain sheep (Ovis ammon ammon), Siberian mountain goats (Capra sibirica) and small cattle of the Saylyugemsky National Park, Altai Republic

The theriofaunal list of wild bovids of the South-Eastern Altai includes the Altai mountain sheep (Ovis ammon ammon), as well as the Siberian mountain goat (Capra sibirica). The predominant types of farm animals in the Altai Republic are goats and sheep. Parasite fauna and the interchange between wild bovids and small cattle in these areas is not well understood. Samples were taken by employees of the Sailyugemsky National Park. At the department, V.L. Yakimov, ovoscopic and larvoscopic research methods were carried out. The calculation of the average number of eggs was carried out using a VIGIS counting chamber (VNIIP named after K.I. Skryabin). According to the results obtained, an analysis of cross-invasion was carried out. In wild bovids from 120 samples studied and in small cattle from 31 samples, endoparasites belonging to four large taxonomic groups were found: protists, trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes. In wild bovids from the group of nematodes, invasion with eggs of the genus Trichuris was established, according to morphological and morphometric characteristics, eggs of the ascarid type were found, eggs of nematodes of the order Strongylida, the genus Marshallagia, Nematodirella, Nematodirus spp., as well as larvae of the genus Protostrongylus were also found. From the group of trematodes, eggs of the species Hasstilesia ovis, as well as Dicrocoelium sp. From the group of cestodes, eggs of the genus Moniezia sp. From the group of protists, oocysts of the genus Eimeria spp. In small cattle, in contrast to wild bovids, nematodes of the genus Strongyloides sp. The number of cases of detection in small cattle of the nematode of the genus Protostrongylus sp. significantly lower than in wild bovids, and eggs of the strongylid type were more common. Also, no eggs of the trematode of the genus Dicrocoelium sp. Otherwise, the endoparasite fauna was similar to wild bovids. This study will help to compile a complete picture of the parasite fauna and cross-invasion of wild bovids and small cattle.

Standard- and large-sized eggs of Trichuris trichiura in the feces of schoolchildren in the Yangon Region, Myanmar: Morphological and molecular analyses.

Standard- and large-sized eggs of Trichuris trichiura were found in the feces of schoolchildren in Yangon, Myanmar during epidemiological surveys and mass deworming with albendazole in 2017-2019. The standard-sized eggs were identified as those of T. trichiura, but it was necessary to exclude the possibility of the large-sized eggs belonging to Trichuris vulpis, a dog whipworm. We conducted morphological and molecular studies to determine the species of the 2 types of Trichuris eggs. Individual eggs of both sizes were isolated from Kato-Katz fecal smears (n=20) and mechanically destroyed using a 23G injection needle. Nuclear DNA was extracted, and the 18S rRNA region was sequenced in 15 standard-sized eggs and 15 large-sized eggs. The average size of standard-sized eggs (T. trichiura) was 55.2×26.1 μm (range: 51.7-57.6×21.3-28.0 μm; n=97), whereas the size of large-sized eggs was 69.3×32.0 μm (range: 65.1-76.4×30.1-34.5 μm; n=20), slightly smaller than the known size of T. vulpis. Regarding standard-sized eggs, the 18S rRNA nucleotide sequences exhibited 100% homology with T. trichiura deposited in GenBank and 88.6-90.5% homology with T. vulpis. Regarding large-sized eggs, the nucleotide sequences showed 99.8-100% homology with T. trichiura in GenBank and 89.6-90.7% homology with T. vulpis. Both standard- and large-sized eggs of Trichuris spp. found in Myanmar schoolchildren during 2017-2019 were morphologically and molecularly confirmed to belong to T. trichiura. The conversion of eggs from smaller to large sizes might be due to anthelmintic treatments with albendazole.

Ovicidal effect of the modern disinfectant on exogenous stages of development of nematodes Trichuris skrjabini

Epizootiological monitoring studies on parasitoses of domestic ruminants indicate that one of the most common causes of nematodes of the digestive tract in large and small cattle are helminths of the genus Trichuris. Those helminths develop directly – without intermediate hosts, and their embryonic stages became invasive in the environment under favorable conditions. The eggs of those parasites are incredibly resistant and can be infective for a long time contaminating environmental objects. So, to improve the parasitological situation in livestock farms, we have to look for the most effective methods of disinfestation of environmental objects. This study aimed to establish the ovicidal effect of the modern disinfectant “Arquadez-plus” on eggs of nematodes Trichuris skrjabini parasitizing sheep. This product's high level of ovicidal efficiency was seen in experimental cultures of nematodes' eggs at 1.5 % concentration and 60 min exposure (94.2 %) and 2.0 % concentration and 10–60 min exposure (98.3–100.0 %). The ovicidal effect of “Arquadez-plus” on eggs of T. skrjabini was seen as a cessation of development; shrinking embryo plugs destruction, the release of underdeveloped larvae from eggs, and their death. During the use of this disinfectant, the changes in morphometric data of Trichuris eggs in test cultures were noticeable. At the most effective disinfectant concentrations and exposures, the dimensions of eggs were changed significantly: length smaller by 3.8–3.9 % (71.9–72.0 μm) and width more significant by 5.0–5.2 % (34.9–35.0 μm) as compared to those parameters in control (74.8 and 33.2 μm). This is evidence of the violations in nematodes' egg development. The data obtained allow us to recommend the disinfectant of domestic production, “Arquadez-plus”, for effectively controlling and preventing trichurosis in sheep on livestock farms.

Investigating the Occurrence of Soil-Transmitted Parasites Contaminating Soil, Vegetables, and Green Fodder in the East of Nile Delta, Egypt.

Food-borne parasites are major sources of human and animal illness, posing severe health risks in places with contaminated soil, poor water quality, cleanliness, and poor sanitation. The usage of untreated organic fertilizers arising from the excreta of the parasites' definitive hosts either man or animal pollutes the agricultural soil and is reflected in its products of vegetables and green fodders causing serious health problems. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this will be the first study that investigated the combination of parasitic contamination of the agricultural soil and its products of raw eaten vegetables and green fodder in East Nile Delta, Egypt. The purpose of this study was to investigate the type and degree of contamination caused by parasites in regularly used raw vegetables, green fodder, and soil samples collected from open fields in Egypt's East Nile Delta. Study Procedures. A cross-sectional study comprised a simple random collection of 400 soil samples, 180 green fodder samples, and as well as 400 vegetable samples, including lettuce, radish, coriander, parsley, dill, watercress, tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber, and carrot, that were gathered throughout one year period from January to December 2021 to represent all seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). The research locations were chosen from various open green fields and farming regions in Egypt's East Nile Delta producing ready-to-eat vegetables for human consumptions and planting green fodder for animal feeding. Concentrations, including sedimentation, and flotation, and staining techniques were used to recover the greatest number of parasitic life forms. The parasitic structures discovered were identified using biometric and imaging data and compared with known parasite morphology. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS software version 22 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Data were presented in numbers and percentages. P-values equal to or less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. The difference in parasitic contamination among the different categories was compared using the chi-square test. In this investigation, 243 out of 400 soil samples (60.7%) confirmed positive for parasitic contamination (P < 0.05). Various parasitic life forms were significantly found in 249 out of 400 (62.25%) of the vegetable samples, with (65.1%) of them harboring one parasite species, whereas 9.2% significantly contained up to three parasites. Ascaris eggs, Trichuris eggs, and Giardia cysts were the most prevalent parasites, which were predominantly isolated from vegetables with uneven surfaces. 109 of 180 (60.0%) green fodder samples confirmed insignificantly positive for parasitic pollution. The proportion of parasite contamination in vegetable samples was insignificant although the highest was in spring (29.3%), followed by summer (27.7%), whereas it is significant in autumn (24.5%). The prevalence rate was the lowest in winter (20.1%). Conclusion and Recommendations. Our findings demonstrated a significant load of parasites notably the soil-transmitted parasitic infection in raw vegetables and green fodder cultivated in open fields as well as in their mother soil in the east of the Nile Delta, Egypt. These results confirm the urgent need to deploy strict control measures to the soil, especially during the pre-harvest period of raw eaten vegetables and green fodder, a critical step in reducing food-borne transmission of soil-transmitted parasites to man and animals.

Effect of disinfectants on viability of Trichuris skrjabini eggs

The nematodoses are considered the most numerous group of cosmopolitan diseases among animal and human parasitoses. The representatives of the genus Trichuris attract special attention as pathogens of nematodoses. Their high fecundity, resistance to the influence of environmental factors and the ability to disperse create a serious ecological hazard and the risk of new outbreaks of infestation. The aim of the research was to establish the ovicidal efficiency of modern disinfectants on the embryogenesis of eggs of Trichuris skrjabini nematodes isolated from sheep. In laboratory conditions, two preparations were tested, DZPT-2 (mixture of glutaraldehyde, sodium dodecyl sulfate, essential oil) and Dixclor (mixture of sodium bisulfate, sodium chlorite, sodium percarbonate) at different concentrations and times of exposure. We established that DZPT-2 disinfectant showed a high level of ovicidal efficiency (97.5–100%) against T. skrjabini eggs at 4.5% concentration during exposure for 6–12 h and 5.0% concentration during exposure for 3–12 h. Dixclor showed a high level of ovicidal efficiency (100%) against Trichuris eggs at a concentration of 0.24% for exposures of 12 and 24 hours. Decreasing the concentration of disinfectants reduced the level of their ovicidal efficiency and led to the development of a greater number of viable eggs of T. skrjabini. Degenerative changes in the test cultures of T. skrjabini eggs caused by the tested disinfectants were characterized by the appearance and accumulation of air bubbles under the egg shell, the cessation of embryonic development at the bean-like embryo stage, loosening and resorption of the embryo inside the eggs, thinning and destruction of their shell, deformation of the eggs, and swelling of the egg plugs. Such destructive changes in eggs in experimental test cultures were also confirmed by the indicators of their morphometric parameters. Under the influence of DZPT-2 and Dixclor on the 54th day of cultivation, the length of the eggs was lower by 3.9%, and their width was greater by 4.8–5.1% compared to similar indicators in the control test culture. The obtained results allow one to recommend the tested disinfectants in defined and effective concentrations and exposures for effective control and prevention of trichurosis on livestock farms.

Archaeoparasitological characteristics of drains in the Phanagoria city of the Khazar period (VIII-IX centuries AD)

This article reports the parasitic contamination of water-collecting drains in the Greek city of Phanagoria, dated back to the Khazar period (8th-9th centuries AD).Helminths of the Opistorchiidae and Diphyllobothriidae families were found in soil samples obtained from water conduits. Based on the life cycle of these parasites and the historical and archaeological context, the authors argue that both humans and animals could have become infected with them through eating fish from freshwater rivers and reservoirs of the Taman Peninsula, or, more likely, from more distant rivers. Taenia eggs discovered in the samples indicate that the dietary habits of the people who lived in Phanagoria in the Middle Ages included the consumption of insufficiently thermally processed meat of pigs, cattle, and small cattle.Numerous eggs of the genera Trichuris and Ascaris identified in the studied samples taken from water conduits could belong to humans and domestic animals (pigs). This fact suggests a settlement with poor sanitary conditions. A similar route of transmitting both geohelminths and various intestinal infections might indicate a high risk of infection with gastrointestinal infectious diseases in the population of medieval Phanagoria.The study showed that wastewater and rainwater were collected in watercourses and went to a cistern without prior treatment. Its use for drinking water is, therefore, highly improbable; it is more likely that this water source was used to water plants and livestock, providing the means by which geohelminths persisted in domestic animals and humans.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of small ruminants in and around Kulubi town, Meta Woreda of East Haraghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in sheep and goats that were kept under an extensive management system in Kulubi town, Meta Woreda of East Haraghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, from November 2018 to May 2019 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal helminths (GIT). A total of 384 randomly sampled sheep and goats (198 sheep and 186 goats) were subjected to coprological examination using simple floatation and sedimentation techniques. Based on this, the overall prevalence of GIT helminths in sheep and goats was 58.9% (226/384). Out of the total sampled animals, the prevalence of 59.09% (117/198) and 58.6% (109/186) were recorded in sheep and goats, respectively. Based on a coprological examination, in the study area, the prevalence of 20.2%, 10.6%, 10.6%, 8.08%, 6.58%, and 3.03% accounted for Strongyle, Trichostrongylus, mixed-type, Trichuris, Strongyloides, and Fasciola eggs detected in sheep and 18.8%, 8.6%, 8.06%, 8.06%, 6.45%, 5.4%, and 3.23% accounted for Strongyle, Trichostrongylus, Fasciola, Paramphistomum, Trichuris, Nematodirus, and Strongyloides eggs were detected in goats. There was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the prevalence of the parasites between different species and the sex of the animals. However, the age and body condition score of the animals has shown a statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05). In general, some amount of high prevalence of helminth parasites was observed in the study area, which implies helminths are the major constraints for the productivity of small ruminants. Therefore, economically feasible, effective management, and strategic de-worming of animals should be implemented for the prevention and control of the disease.

Analysis of the presence of enteroparasites in Lactuca sativa (LETTUCE) sold at fairs and supermarkets in the municipality of Grajaú-Maranhão

Among the vegetables, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) stands out as one of the most popular leafy vegetables and consumed fresh. Due to the lack of structural and hygiene conditions, the commercialization of raw products in open markets causes greater exposure to contaminating pathogens. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the presence of enteroparasites in lettuce sold in supermarkets and open markets in the municipality of Grajaú-MA. Samples were collected at two fair stands and four supermarket shelves. The lettuces were separated into leaves, washed manually with distilled water and 5 drops of Tween 80 and left to stand for 3 hours. The resulting liquid was stored in conical cups for sedimentation for 24 hours. The sediment was separated and analyzed under an optical microscope. All investigated samples presented some type of enteroparasites. The results obtained indicated that all samples studied contained some parasitic structure, Entamoeba coli and the nematode eggs, for example, were present in all samples. In addition to protozoa, Ascaris and Trichuris eggs, fungi, yeasts, dirt and other types of single-celled life were found on the observed slides. The most common intestinal parasites were protozoa such as Giárdia lamblia (63.3%) nematode egg (27.3%), and Entamoeba coli. (23.8%). As lettuce (L. sativa) is eaten raw, it is necessary to apply a health education program for farmers to start reducing contamination rates. And for consumers there is a need to wash the leaves correctly before consuming them. Using the recommended hygiene standards, they can avoid ingesting enteroparasites.

Testing sand and soil from selected playgrounds in Lublin for eggs of nematodes of the genus: Ascaris, Toxocara, Trichuris

Abstract Children need to play outdoors. It is a natural tendency for young children to put everything in their mouths. Hygienic condition of playgrounds is important for maintaining their health. Companion animals (dogs and cats) as well as wild animals can transmit parasites that cause zoonoses in humans. Such infections often affects children playing in sandpits and playgrounds. Sand samples taken from specific locations (sandboxes, playgrounds) can be tested for the presence of parasite eggs specific to humans and animals (Ascaris, Toxocara, Trichuris). They cause ascariasis, toxocarosis, trichurosis. Invasive eggs of the parasites due to the very thick, multi-layered egg shells are very resistant to the influence of climatic factors and to chemicals present in the environment. The only way to get rid of parasite eggs from locations where they endanger human health is to remove the top layer of sand or soil or completely replace the sand. However, this is a laborious and costly procedure. The aim of the project was to examine samples from selected playgrounds in Lublin (Polnad) in terms of the presence of Ascaris, Toxocara, and Trichuris eggs. Thirty five samples of sand and soil obtained from 7 playgrounds in Lublin were obtained in May 2022 and tested for the presence of Ascaris, Toxocara, and Trichuris eggs with flotation method. In none of the examined samples the parasite eggs were found. The tested playgrounds in Lublin are hygienic and safe from eggs of Ascaris, Toxocara, and Trichuris.

DETECTION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF TRICHURIS IN GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS) UNDER HUMAN CARE.

Trichuris spp. are nematode parasites infecting many species, including domestic and wild ruminants in zoological and wildlife parks worldwide. These nematodes cause significant morbidity in giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) and other hoofstock. Parasite transmission between ruminant species is well reported; however, relative to domestic species, little is known about Trichuris infections in giraffes under human care. We hypothesized that Trichuris spp. differ between individual giraffes in different US regions, suggesting giraffes are susceptible to Trichuris from other ruminant hosts. The study sites used to assess this hypothesis included The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio; Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas; White Oak Conservation in Yulee, Florida; and Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan. Trichuris eggs were collected from the feces of 14 individual giraffes located at the four different study sites and from soil samples from the enclosures where Trichuris-positive giraffes were housed. The eggs were isolated and their genes were amplified by PCR and compared at the molecular level. Trichuris samples from four giraffe hosts and one soil site were sequenced and portions of the cox1 and 18S genes compared. This study found that >12 eggs per gram of fecal-derived Trichuris eggs must be present to amplify Trichuris-specific DNA. The Trichuris spp. found in the majority of giraffes in this study were most similar to T. ovis and T. discolor, and one giraffe sample had greater similarity to T. skrjabini and T. leporis.

Indirect immunofluorescence assay using embryonated eggs of Toxocara in human toxocariasis diagnosis is unreliable due to autofluorescence nature

Toxocariasis is caused by infection with the nematode species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Serological methods using eggs, larvae and adult worms of Toxocara spp. as antigen have been used for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis. The current study aimed to evaluate indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using embryonated eggs of Toxocara for diagnosis of human toxocariasis. A total of 58 sera including twenty sera from patients with toxocariasis, 20 from healthy persons and 18 from patients with other parasitic infections were collected and used for the study. The embryonated eggs of Toxocara were prepared as antigen. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was performed using the frozen section of uterus containing embryonated T. canis eggs and unembryonated T. cati eggs. All serum samples had a positive reaction using IFA. The eggs of Toxocara as antigen exposed to the serum samples of toxocariasis, other parasitic infections and healthy persons, followed by IFA gave a bright greenish-yellow fluorescence. A number of samples such as eggs of Toxocara, Toxascaris, Trichuris and strongyloides larvae, and adult worm of Ancylostoma exhibited the bright greenish-yellow autofluorescence under fluorescent microscope. IFA using cryocut of embryonated eggs of Toxocara cannot be used for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis due to the existence of autofluorescence of the unembryonated and embryonated eggs, the second stage larva and adult worms of Toxocara spp.

Assessment of environmental contamination with soil-transmitted helminths life stages at school compounds, households and open markets in Jimma Town, Ethiopia.

BackgroundIt remains largely unknown where and how infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris, Trichuris, Necator and Ancylostoma) occur. We therefore aimed to identify possible sources of infection by assessing the environmental contamination in an STH-endemic area.MethodsWe first performed a series of laboratory experiments designed to optimize a soil straining-flotation method to detect and quantify Ascaris and Trichuris eggs in soil, and to validate the diagnostic performance of the optimized method when followed by microscopy and qPCR. In a second phase, we applied this method to assess the level of STH contamination in 399 environmental samples collected from 10 school compounds, 50 households and 9 open markets in Jimma Town (Ethiopia). Subsequently, we explored associations between the environmental contamination and both the corresponding STH epidemiology at the level of the schools and the household characteristics. Finally, we assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards STHs in school children.Principal findingsOur soil straining-flotation method has an analytical sensitivity of 50 eggs per 100 grams of soil and egg recovery rate of 36.0% (Ascaris) and 8.0% (Trichuris). The analysis of field samples with both microscopy and qPCR revealed the presence of 8 different helminth species of medical importance, including but not limited to the human STHs. There was a significant association between the environmental contamination and prevalence of any STH infections at the school level only. The KAP indicated a lack of knowledge and awareness of STHs.Conclusions/SignificanceOur optimized straining-flotation method has a moderate diagnostic performance and revealed that life stages of helminths are ubiquitous in the environment, which might be due to the poor sanitary facilities at both the schools and the households, and a poor level of KAP towards STHs. Further research is required to gain more insights into the contribution of these life stages to transmission.