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Background: Ticks are blood sucking ectoparasites that act as host for various pathogens like bacteria, viruses and protozoans that cause a number of diseases in humans and animals. They pose a serious threat to livestock industry because their major hosts are cattle and buffaloes. Present study was conducted in this scenario to find out prevalence and distribution of ticks in specified areas. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted from January 2021 to July 2021. Two hundred large ruminants were examined on monthly basis. In order to find out prevalence area, age, gender, and seasonal parameters were observed. Total one hundred and ninety ticks were collected from different parts of their body. Results: Identified Species: Five species belonging to two genra (Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus) and one sub genus (Boophilus) were identified including Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma excavatum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decolorates and Rhipicephalus camicasi. Hyalomma excavatum was the most prevalent specie. Percentage Prevalence: Tehsil Gujrat was the most affected by tick infestation (67%) followed by Tehsil Kharian (55%) and Tehsil Sarai Alamgir (39%). This study suggested that cattle were more susceptible to tick infestation (58%) than buffaloes (50%). Effect of Seasonal Variations on Tick Infestation: Seasonal variations has major influence on tick infestation. They were more prevalent in summer followed by spring and winter. Temperature, humidity and rainfall has significant effect on tick infestation (p<0.05). Gender: Males were more susceptible to tick infestation (77%) as compared to the females (40%). Age: Large ruminants at younger age (4years). Predilection Sites: Major predilection sites of ticks were external genitals (42%), followed by the tail (14%), dewlap (11%), udder (9%), thighs (8%) face (5%) and flanks (3%). Breeds: Australian Friesian breed among cows (38%) and Neeli Ravi breed among buffaloes (25%) was more likely to be infested with ticks. Conclusion: Keeping in view prevalence rate and factors influencing spread of ticks further studies should be planned to design management systems in order to minimize the economic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various mosquitos borne diseases playing major role of transmission as vector; these include dengue, malaria, filariasis and yellow fever. Various places around us everywhere act as breeding sites for different developmental stages of mosquitoes. Variety of chemicals are being used to control breeding and spread of mosquitoes which include mercuric chloride, phenols, Paris green cresols, naphthalene, Bordeaux mixture, calcium arsenate, rosin-fish oil soap, and nicotine sulfate which are prone to various risks on environment and biodiversity. In present study an alternative approach of control through insectivore fish Poecilia reticulata and Poecilia sphenops was used against mosquitoe's larvae as an alternative approach. The predation effect of insectivore fish on mosquito larvae (200) of culex and aedes was observed at different temperatures including 20°C, 25°C and 30°C for one hour duration and observation was recorded at 5 minutes interval. At 20°C the maximum consumption of larvae was observed at 35 minutes while for 25°C the maximum consumption was observed at 55 minutes similar results are observed at 30°C with increase of time for Poecilia reticulate. Poecilia sphenops also showed significant results at recorded temperatures. Also the morphometric parameters of mosquito's larvae are shown in results which gave significant results. This study gave a useful alternate for control of breeding sites of mosquitoes which can save mankind from various serious mosquitoes' related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate prevalence of intestinal parasites and the risk factors related to socio-demographic characteristics of patients admitted in pathology ward, General Hospital, Gujranwala. Methodology: 318 stool samples were collected from patients and examined under light microscope by using wet mount technique. While socio-demographic information was collected in the form of a questionnaire. Results: The results showed seven (n = 7) species of intestinal parasites were prevalent in stool samples of patients. Among them, four (n = 4) were helminth and three (n = 3) were protozoan parasites causing single and mixed infections. Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 78.3% (n = 249/318) considering both male and female patients. Highest prevalence was recorded for A. lumbricoides (n = 125, 39.3%) followed by H. nana (n = 10, 3.1%), S. stercoralis and T. saginata (n = 6, 1.9%). Among protozoan parasites, higher prevalence was recorded in G. lamblia (n = 23, 7.2%) followed by E. histolytica (n = 21, 6.6%). Among single infections, the most prevalent parasite was A. lumbricoides and less prevalent parasites were S. stercoralis and T. saginata. The factors that had significant effect (p < 0.05) on prevalence of parasitic species were contaminated water, food, soil, and surrounding environment. Conclusions: The present study determined that the parasite helminth (A. lumbricoides, H. nana, S. stercoralis, T. saginata) and protozoan (G. lamblia and E. histolytica) are common that pose an important public health concern in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]