Types Of Gastrointestinal Parasites Research Articles

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Tract Parasites in Dairy Cattle in Tehsil Gagra District Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites pose a significant threat to dairy cattle health, affecting both animal welfare and agricultural productivity. In regions like Tehsil Gagra, District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where dairy farming is a crucial part of the economy, understanding the prevalence and types of these parasites is essential. The potential zoonotic impact of these parasites also raises concerns for human healthcare, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of gastrointestinal parasites in dairy cattle in Tehsil Gagra, District Buner, and to understand their implications for animal health, agricultural practices, and potential zoonotic risks to human health. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted from July 2021 to July 2022. A total of 150 fecal samples from dairy cattle were collected and examined at the Veterinary Research and Disease Investigation Center, District Swat, and the Department of Zoology, University of Buner. The samples were tested using direct smear, sedimentation, and sugar flotation methods. The study also considered environmental factors and seasonal variations in its analysis. Results: Of the 150 samples examined, 99 (66%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Nematodes were the most prevalent (51.33%), followed by Protozoa (12%), Trematodes (2%), and Cestodes (0.67%). The most common parasitic species identified were Trichostrongylus (24.67%), Ostertagia ostertagi (22.67%), and Eimeria bovis (8%). Area-wise, Rega showed the highest prevalence at 80%, while Gagra recorded 46.67%. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites in dairy cattle in Tehsil Gagra, District Buner, emphasizing the need for improved veterinary care and farm management practices. The results highlight the importance of regular parasite control measures and suggest potential zoonotic risks, underscoring the necessity for integrated animal and human health approaches.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with donkey gastrointestinal parasites in Shashemane and Suburbs, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundGastrointestinal parasites are the cause of morbidity and mortality in working donkeys and reduce their working performance. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to July 2021 to assess gastrointestinal parasite infection in working donkeys in Shashemane and the surrounding district. A total of 395 donkeys were randomly sampled for the study, and an examination was conducted using faecal egg count and the Baermann technique. ResultsOut of the 395 sampled donkeys, different types of gastrointestinal parasites were identified. The parasites identified during the study were Strongyle spp. (100%), Oxyuris equi (10.1%), Parascaris equorum (23.8%), Fasciola spp. (0.3%), Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (4.6%), Strongyloides westeri (47.8%) and Anoplocephala perfoliata (0.5%). Identification of L3 larvae of GI parasites revealed that Cyathostomes spp. (96.2%), Strongylus vulgaris (92.9%), Trichostrongylus axei (90.4%), Strongylus edentatus (89.4%), and Dictyocaulus arnifieldi (49.6%) were the most prevalent. Infection with one species of helminth was more common (60.8%). ConclusionsThus, working donkeys in the present study area were infected with Strongyle spp. (100%), Strongyloides westeri (47.8%), Parascaris equorum (23.8%), Oxyuris equi (10.1%), Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (4.6%), Anoplocephala perfoliata (0.5%) and Fasciola spp. (0.3%) parasites. Hence, comprehensive donkey health, management, and implementation of appropriate parasite control strategies should be implemented to alleviate these problems.

Gastrointestinal parasites of six large mammals in the Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri Lanka.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites may impose detrimental consequences on wildlife populations due to their capacity to cause mortality and reduce fitness. Additionally, wild animals play an important role in the transmission of zoonoses. Despite this importance, information on GI parasites of tropical wild mammals is critically lacking. The present study aimed to document GI parasites of six wild-dwelling large mammal taxa in Sri Lanka: Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), civet (Paradoxurus sp.), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Grey langur (Semnopithecus priam) and buffalo (Bubalus sp). Fresh faecal samples (n = 56) collected from the Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri Lanka were subjected to coprological examination using faecal smears, and the brine floatation technique followed by microscopic identification; quantitative data were accrued using the formol-ether method. The survey revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites, where 86% (48/56) of faecal samples screened positive for parasitic infections. Faecal samples of the civet, buffalo and Leopard recorded 100% prevalence, while the lowest (40%) was recorded for the Grey langur. Eight types of GI parasites were documented: protozoan cysts, platyhelminth ova (three types of digenean and a single cyclophillidean type), nematode ova (strongyle, strongyloid, ascarid, and trichuroid types) and rhabditiform larvae. The buffaloes and civets had a comparatively high number and diversity of GI parasites (buffalo: 7 types, H’ = 1.02; civet: 6 types, H’ = 1.52), whilst only a single type (digenean) was detected in the Grey langur. Likewise, parasite loads were also highly variable; highest in the bear (486 per g faeces) and lowest in the monkey (10 per g faeces). The outcome of this survey is important on two accounts; i) to fill the knowledge gap on GI parasites of tropical wild mammals, and ii) the revelation of many first-time parasite-host records for some of the threatened wild-dwelling large mammals in Sri Lanka.

Prevalence and Faecal Egg Counts of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Merino Sheep in Lesotho

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the agroecological zone, host age, and gender on the prevalence and faecal egg load of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) for six months (July to December) in the Maseru and Quthing districts, Lesotho. A total of 1919 faecal samples were examined using the McMaster technique. The data were analyzed through generalized estimating equations (GEE) under the binary logistic regression model to determine the significant differences for the GIPs prevalence. Moreover, faecal egg counts (FEC) data were analyzed for repeated measures using GEE. In total, three types of GIPs, namely nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes were identified in this study. The overall prevalence rates of nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes were 53.9%, 46.5%, and 4.3% in the Maseru district, respectively. Furthermore, the Quthing district indicated the prevalence rates of 65.0%, 38.2%, and 0.9% for nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes, respectively. In the Maseru district, the overall faecal egg counts for nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes were within the ranges of 0-20.3, 0-90, and 0-600 eggs per gram, respectively. Additionally, the faecal egg counts in the Quthing district ranged from 0 to 8.000, 6.700, and 2.000 eggs per gram for nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes, respectively. The majority of the Merino sheep (>69%) in both districts had lower faecal egg counts (100-800) per gram. The agroecological zone affected the nematode infestation in both districts. Coccidia in the Quthing was higher in the mountain areas. In the Maseru district, the nematode infestation was not age-dependent; however, in the Quthing district, the prevalence was higher in juveniles, compared to adults. Age and gender did not affect the prevalence and faecal egg counts of nematodes and coccidia. The coccidian faecal egg loads were higher in females, compared to males. Merino sheep in Lesotho are mostly infected with gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoal coccidia, which could have a tremendous impact on their health and productivity. It is, therefore, of significant importance to develop the deworming strategy for sheep of different age and gender groups in different agroecological zones.

Identificación de parásitos gastrointestinales predominantes en bovinos de la Península de Santa Elena

La investigación se realizó en el Centro de Faenamiento Regional del cantón La Libertad, provincia de Santa Elena; el objetivo fue identificar la presencia o ausencia y tipos de parásitos gastrointestinales que se encuentran en los bovinos, para el estudio se utilizó la técnica coproparasitaria de flotación por sacarosa-glucosa y de frotis directo, la toma de muestras fecales se realizó en cincuenta animales post-mortem seleccionando aquellos provenientes de la zona peninsular, se tomó una muestra de heces, se identificó y conservó hasta su posterior análisis en el laboratorio de investigaciones agropecuarias de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias de la Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena, los resultados obtenidos se procesaron en el paquete estadístico SPSS 21.0. En los resultados se observó principalmente, parásitos gastrointestinales predominando los Nematodos con 87%, Cestodos 9% y quistes de Protozoos 4%; en donde la mayor presencia de los diferentes tipos de parásitos fueron Oesophagostomun spp (Nematodos) con 31%, Moniezia expansa 50% (cestodos) y Balantidium coli (protozoo) con 43%, cabe recalcar que, el método más eficiente en las condiciones para este estudio empleado fue el de la técnica de flotación con sacarosa en el cual se obtuvo un 55% de carga parasitaria en comparación con la de glucosa 35% y con el directo un 10%. Los resultados indican que, de acuerdo con los parámetros establecidos, es necesario realizar un plan sanitario en las diferentes zonas de la Península de Santa Elena para determinar los principales antiparasitarios que se deben utilizar para contrarrestar los nematodos, cestodos y protozoos dentro del tracto digestivo del bovino y poder bajar su presencia en la zona, mejorando el comportamiento productivo de los animales.

A SURVEY FOR ZOONOTIC AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN PIG IN BALI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Pigs have potentially to transmit zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite disease both caused by protozoa and worm. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites that were potentially zoonotic in pigs in the province of Bali. A total of 100 fresh feces samples was collected from several pig farms in Bali, from Badung and Tabanan districts, each consisted of 50 samples. Pig feces samples were examined for the presence of eggs worms, cysts and oocysts for protozoa based on the morphology and size. Identification for protozoa and worms used native, sedimentation and sucrose flotation methods. Parameters measured were sex, feed and cage management. The result showed that the characteristic parameters for pigs in both district were generally female. Cage management for raising pigs mostly used group cage. Feed that provided in both district mostly used bran and concentrate. All of 100 pig feces samples that examined positive for parasites. There were 8 types of gastrointestinal parasites that have been identified. Four types of protozoa found were Entamoeba sp. (99%), Balantidium sp. (79%), Eimeria sp. (78%), Blastocystis sp. (69%) and four types of worms were Ascaris sp. (20%), Trichuris sp. (20%), Strongyloides sp. (19%), and Oesophagostomum sp. (8%). All pigs were infected with two or more parasites. The prevalence of parasitic gastrointestinal infections was different for each district, six genera (Entamoeba sp., Balantidium sp., Blastocystis sp., Eimeria sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Trichuris sp.) were higher found in Tabanan district and the two genera (Ascaris sp. and Strongyloides sp.) were higher in Badung district. Oesophagostomum sp. was only found to infect pigs in Tabanan district. The conclusion is gastrointestinal parasites that found in pigs at Badung and Tabanan district Bali Province mostly have zoonotic potential.

Both candidate gene and neutral genetic diversity correlate with parasite resistance in female Mediterranean mouflon

BackgroundParasite infections can have substantial impacts on population dynamics and are accordingly a key challenge for wild population management. Here we studied genetic mechanisms driving parasite resistance in a large herbivore through a comprehensive approach combining measurements of neutral (16 microsatellites) and adaptive (MHC DRB1 exon 2) genetic diversity and two types of gastrointestinal parasites (nematodes and coccidia).ResultsWhile accounting for other extrinsic and intrinsic predictors known to impact parasite load, we show that both neutral genetic diversity and DRB1 are associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes. Intermediate levels of multi-locus heterozygosity maximized nematodes resistance, suggesting that both in- and outbreeding depression might occur in the population. DRB1 heterozygosity and specific alleles effects were detected, suggesting the occurrence of heterozygote advantage, rare-allele effects and/or fluctuating selection. On the contrary, no association was detected between genetic diversity and resistance to coccidia, indicating that different parasite classes are impacted by different genetic drivers.ConclusionsThis study provides important insights for large herbivores and wild sheep pathogen management, and in particular suggests that factors likely to impact genetic diversity and allelic frequencies, including global changes, are also expected to impact parasite resistance.

Gastrointestinal parasites of domesticated and Feral Horses (Equus Caballus) in Sri Lanka

Horses are not native to Sri Lanka. They are imported from neighbouring countries to be used for police work, sporting or riding and esthetic purposes. An isolated population of about 500 feral horses lives in the Delft Island in northern Sri Lanka. These feral horses served hundred years for western conquests and when they left Sri Lanka, horses were left behind in the Delft Island. There are no records of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of horses in Sri Lanka and the present study was carried out to determine the GI parasites in the domesticated (free grazing and stabled) and feral horses. Fresh faecal samples were collected from horses and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively to determine the types of GI parasites and their prevalence and intensity. Qualitative analyses using direct saline and iodine mounts, simple test tube flotation, Sheather’s modified sucrose flotation and sedimentation technique were carried out followed by McMaster counting technique for the positive samples. Identification of parasites involved morphological, morphometric and molecular methods. A total of 73 horses were sampled. All the feral horses (n=14) were infected. Among the domesticated horses, free grazers had a significantly higher prevalence of GI infections (46.7%) than the stabled ones (18.2%; Chi square test χ 2 = 4.787, df = 1, p = 0.029). There was no significant difference between helminth and protozoan infections among the three groups of horses (Chi square test, χ 2 = 1.453, df = 2, p = 0.484). Six species of parasites: Anoplocephala sp., Parascaris equorum , Strongylus sp. Isospora sp. Entamoeba sp. and Giardia sp. were recorded. Strongylus infections were recorded in all the feral horses with a high intensity but not in any of the domesticated animals. Strongylus is a highly pathogenic and the most damaging parasite of horses worldwide. It is important to investigate whether Strongylus infection is responsible for the high mortality recorded in the feral horses in the Delft Island especially because the Department of Wildlife Conservation is to declare Delft Island a National Park to conserve the feral horses.

Parasites and parasite management practices of organic and conventional dairy herds in Minnesota

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and practices used to manage internal helminth parasites and external arthropod parasites on organic and conventional dairy herds in Minnesota. All organic (ORG) dairy herds in Minnesota (n=114) and a convenience sample of conventional herds were invited to participate in the study. Thirty-five ORG herds and 28 conventional herds were visited once in summer and fall of 2012. Conventional dairy herds were split into small conventional (SC,<200 cows) and medium-sized conventional herds (MC, ≥200 cows) so that SC herds were comparable in size to the ORG herds. Dairy managers were surveyed to assess their farm management practices and perceptions about parasites, hygiene scores were recorded for adult stock, and fecal samples were collected from a nominal 20 breeding-age heifers to characterize abundance of internal parasites. Nonparametric tests were used to compare fecal egg counts per gram (FEC) among farms grouped by management systems and practices. Organic farms had more designated pasture and were more likely to use rotational grazing compared with conventional farms, but the stocking densities of animals on pasture were similar among farm types. The overall FEC were very low, and only a few individual ORG heifers had FEC >500 eggs/gram. Samples from heifers on ORG farms had significantly more strongyle-type eggs than those on SC and MC farms (ORG: 6.6±2.1; SC: 0.5±0.3; MC: 0.8±0.7), but egg counts of other types of gastrointestinal parasites did not differ significantly among the 3 herd groups. Fly control measures were applied mainly to milking cows and preweaned calves and were used on 88.6% of ORG herds, 60.0% of SC herds, and 91.7% of MC herds. Approximately half of the producers reported having seen skin conditions suggestive of lice or tail mange in their cattle during the previous winter (ORG: 48.6%, SC: 57.1%, MC: 53.9%). Although most conventional producers reported treating these skin conditions, most organic producers stated they had not treated them. In conclusion, gastrointestinal parasite egg counts were low overall at the time of the survey, and most surveyed producers did not perceive gastrointestinal parasites to be a problem for their animals’ health. Independent of the herd type, fly control was mostly targeted at the lactating herd and preweaned calves.

Prevalence of Internal Parasites of Intensively Managed Pigs Located in Nsukka, South-East Nigeria

The prevalence of Gastrointestinal helminths in intensively managed pig farms located in Nsukka, SouthEast Nigeria was investigated in this study. Eighty-three (83) pigs of different ages and sexes from seven farms located in Nsukka LGA were randomly selected for the study. Fecal samples were collected from the rectum of selected animals and subjected to standard parasitological analysis. Of the 83 pigs examined, 20 animals (24.10%) were infected with Gastrointestinal (GI) parasite species. Three types of GI parasites were observed in infected animals and they include Hyostrongylus rubidus (18.07%), Ascaris suum (2.62%) and Trichuris suis (2.41%). There were no observed cases of mixed infections in infected animals. Infection was also found to be higher in male (31.58%) than in female pigs. Adult pigs (25.71%) were however more infected than younger pigs. In conclusion, there is need for better attention to be paid to improved sanitary conditions, improved management practices and better veterinary intervention with an effective anthelminthic programme in the study area. Also with regard to the observed tendency of the farmers to self-medicate their animals, constant surveillance and monitoring as well as public education campaigns is advocated to prevent the onset of resistance to available therapeutics.

Epidemiological studies on gastrointestinal parasitic infections of lambs in the Coastal Savanna regions of Ghana.

The types of gastrointestinal parasites (Eimeria and helminths) encountered by 70 lambs and the seasonal pattern of both Eimeria and strongylate infections in these lambs in the derived Coastal Savanna were followed for three years. Eimeria oocysts and helminth eggs were detected in the faeces of lambs at the same time, indicating the concurrence of both Eimeria and helminth infections. Eimeria oocysts were first seen in the lambs 20 days after birth (DAB) and the level of oocyst output increased by the fourth week. Eimeria species identified in the lambs were E. parva, E. pallida, E. faurei, E. ahsata, E. bakuensis, E. intricata, E. granulosa, E. ovinoidalis and, occasionally, E. marsica, E. ovinoidalis, the most pathogenic species, dominated the oocyst output during the early part of the life of the lambs. Strongyloides papillosus eggs appeared at 46 DAB, preceding strongylate nematode eggs, which were seen at 57 DAB and those of Moniezia at 69 DAB. The pattern of Eimeria oocyst output paralleled that of the worm egg output, and high oocyst and strongylate worm egg counts corresponded with the period of high rainfall during the study period. Although oocyst and worm egg output fluctuated, high Eimeria oocyst counts were seen again in the lambs when they were 1 and 2 years old. Haemonchus species formed 71% of the infective larvae revealed by larval culture.

Efficacy of closantel plus albendazole liquid suspension against natural infection of gastrointestinal parasites in camels

Oral administration of closantel in a dose of 10 mg/kg plus albendazole in a dose of 5 mg/kg liquid suspension was studied in 75 camels naturally infected with various types of gastrointestinal parasites. The camels involved were 15 pregnant she-camels, 20 non-pregnant she-camels and 40 male camels of various ages. Each camel received a single oral dose of closantel (10 mg/kg) plus albendazole (5 mg/kg) orally. Two weeks later, 20 camels of this group were re-dosed again with the same dose of the anthelmintic. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from all camels at the time of treatment and again 14 and 42 days post treatment. Fecal egg counts and generic determination of third stage larvae was performed. Results indicated that six different species of gastrointestinal tract parasites were identified in camels. Single treatment of closantel plus albendazole mixture reduced egg counts in camels by 100%, 100%, 98% and 77% for Haemonchus longistipes, Ascaris spp., Monezia expansa and Fasciola hepatica, respectively. However, administration of the drug twice on the base of 2 weeks apart significantly raised the efficacy of the drug for clearance of the parasites from 92.5% to 100% in camels infected with various parasites. Camels were not adversely affected by treatment.

PREVALENCE OF SUBCLINICAL GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITOSIS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON MILK PRODUCTION WITH THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT IN RED CHITTAGONG CATTLE

The prevalence of sub-clinical gastro-intestinal parasitosis and their effects on health and milk production with therapeutic management were studied in 87 Red Chittagong cattle (RCC) reared at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm (BAUDF), Mymensingh during the period from March to July 2008. Of the 87 RCC aged between 1 to 96 months which included 22 milch cows, 15 pregnant cows, 8 dry cows, 18 weaned calves and 24 unweaned calves. Parasitological examination of faecal samples of all the selected 87 RCC showed that 51.72% (n = 45) animals affected with different types of gastro-intestinal parasites, of which 37.93% had single, 12.64% had dual and only 1.15% animals had triple types of infection. An overall 34.48% paramphistomiasis, 25.29% balantidiasis, 2.30% toxocariasis, 2.30% strongyloidiasis, 1.15% trichuriasis and 1.15% fascioliasis was recorded in RCC. However, toxocariasis (18.75%), strongyloidiasis (18.75%) and trichuriasis (6.25%) were recorded in calves up to 6 months old, and paramphistomiasis (34.48%) and fascioliasis (1.15%) in cattle more than 6 months of age whereas balantidiasis (25.29%) was recorded in all age groups of cattle. The anthelmintic efficacy of the combined commercial preparations with Tetramisole hydrochloride 2.0g and Oxyclozanide 1.4g per bolus (Levanid®, Acme ; Tetranid®, Techno Drugs) @ 1 bolus / 100 kg body weight with a single oral dose caused 100% reduction of faecal egg count at day 7 post-treatment. A single oral dose of 1% copper sulfate solution @ 10 ml / kg and metranidazole (Flagyl®, Aventis) @ 4 mg /kg body weight resulted 100% and 42.85% reduction of Balantidium coli trophozoites, respectively. The average milk production records of RCC affected with gastro-intestinal parasitosis (1.41litre / day / animal) were compared with the mean milk production records at day 7 post-anthelmintic treatment (1.73 liter / day / animal) and results showed an average increased milk yield +0.32 litre / day / animal. This study indicates that RCC affected with sub-clinical gastro-intestinal parasitosis caused ill-health and decrease milk yield like zebu and cross-bred cattle. It may be concluded from this study that the RCC should be regularly monitored through faecal examination for the presence of gastro-intestinal parasites in order to provide rational treatment and control management to make the RCC farming profitable. DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v8i1.7395 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8(1): 11-16