Search

The Colonial Museum founded by Professor Giuseppe Franchini in Modena is a collection of mainly vertebrate and invertebrate finds of zoological and parasitological interest. The museum exhibits are stored either dry or in liquid and include numerous plants used in indigenous medicine and some objects of ethnographic interest. Continuous removals and different managements have contributed to some deterioration in the preservation of this collection. This article summarizes all the major restoration and conservation interventions, which have been carried out since the acquisition of the collection by the Museum of the Department of Animal Biology. The numerous problems of conservation of the finds are described, as are the results of restorations. Future projects are outlined ensuring that the Collection can carry on disseminating scientific knowledge and continue to be a historical testimony of Colonial Medicine in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to study the distribution of trematodes of the family Echinostomatidae among various species of game birds in the North-East of Kazakhstan. Helminths were collected using the complete helminthological autopsy method according to K. I. Scriabin. The species affiliation of trematodes was determined according to the determinant of K. M. Ryzhikov. Statistical processing of the obtained materials was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of G. F. Lakin. Based on the results of the diagnosis of taxonomic affiliation, 3 species of trematodes of the Echinostomatidae family were identified: Hypoderaeum conoideum, Echinostoma revolutum and Echinoparyphium aconiatum. The indicators of invasion extensivity, abundance index, and also the invasion intensity of the examined birds were analyzed. The study of the fauna and prevalence of representatives of the family Echinostomatidae of the Trematoda class of the Plathelminthes type in wild birds suggests that in Pavlodar region there are quite extensive foci of echinostomiasis not only in wild waterfowl, but also in domestic birds. Wild birds provide support for foci of trematodoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afin de déterminer la prévalence des parasites intestinaux et d'identifier les espèces parasitaires au CHU Hassan II de Fès, nous avons mené une étude rétrospective de novembre 2015 à décembre 2016. Tous les prélèvements reçus au laboratoire pour examen parasitologique des selles ont été inclus. Sur un total de 886 échantillons reçus, 338 étaient parasités par au moins une espèce, soit une prévalence de 38,14 %. Cette prévalence est de 39,84 % pour le sexe masculin et de 35,47 % pour le sexe masculin ; 12,52 % des patients présentent un polyparasitisme. Les protozoaires représentaient 98,12 %, et les helminthes 1,88 %. Blastocystis hominis était l'espèce majoritaire avec 38,67 %. Les amibes représentaient 37,63 % des parasites et les flagellés 21,62 %. Ces résultats montrent la fréquence des parasites intestinaux à Fès ainsi qu'une diversité des espèces parasitaires retrouvées. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal models have for long been pivotal for parasitology research. Over the last few years, techniques such as intravital, optoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging, optical projection tomography, and selective plane illumination microscopy developed promising potential for gaining insights into host–pathogen interactions by allowing different visualization forms in vivo and ex vivo. Advances including increased resolution, penetration depth, and acquisition speed, together with more complex image analysis methods, facilitate tackling biological problems previously impossible to study and/or quantify. Here we discuss advances and challenges in the in vivo imaging toolbox, which hold promising potential for the field of parasitology. Highlights Technological advances in IVM include ultrafast tunable infrared lasers, super-resolution imaging in vivo , and better access to all organs by improved optics or motion-correction mechanisms. Optical clearance methods for use in OPT and SPIM allow imaging entire organs and organisms (such as mice or insect vectors), while achieving cellular and subcellular resolution. OAI combines optics and acoustics via the thermoelastic effect to investigate molecular mechanisms. Key advances in MRI include improved contrast agents, multimodal mesoscopic imaging, and functional MRI to visualize the metabolic function of tissues. Developments in bioluminescence imaging include red-shifted probes with high sensitivity; a larger diversity of probes with emission peaks at various wavelengths; ultrabright probes, and the use of BRET in vivo. X-ray-based and gamma-ray-based imaging platforms are noninvasive and enable the study of anatomical structures, metabolism, biochemical composition of tissues, and dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium relies primarily on microscopical analysis of urine. The method is time consuming and requires some expertise. Genus-specific real-time PCRs have been developed, but we still observed low sensitivity. In the present study, in order to achieve a more sensitive DNA detection of eggs of S. haematobium in urine samples, we wanted to develop a novel protocol of DNA extraction using mechanic disruption of eggs by bead beating as supplementary step. We tested Schistosoma spp. internal transcribed spacer 2 real-time PCR after both methods with and without bead beating. First, we preliminary assessed the DNA detection after bead beating using dilution of 2, 10, 50, and 90 eggs/10 mL, and the Ct value analysis showed significant improved DNA detection per each point of egg concentration using the novel supplementary step. Twenty microscopy positive and five microscopy negative urine samples were used to validate the procedure. All urines came from imported cases and admitted at center for tropical medicine, and were examined by microscopy. PCR results after novel method with bead beating showed 100% to be positive for S. haematobium, compared with 85% positive by our standard extraction procedure. Results confirmed mechanic disruption of eggs by bead beating before DNA extraction to be highly effective method for the detection of S. haematobium DNA in urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1 yr old male panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) was presented with a persistently closed right eye. The ophthalmological examination performed under general anesthesia demonstrated a large corneal ulcer encompassing 50% of the right cornea. Because of the extent of the corneal ulcer and the condition of the eye, the animal was diagnosed as being blind and suffering with severe pain. The authors recommended enucleation to eliminate these symptoms and to avoid any future complications. Two days after surgery, the panther chameleon started hunting on his own. One year after surgery, the panther chameleon is clinically healthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fishes of the elasmobranch superorder Batoidea and the basal teleost superorder Elopomorpha were assessed for blood flukes (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) during a parasitological survey conducted in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. A new blood fluke genus and species, Ogawaia glaucostegi n. gen., n. sp., is described from the Giant shovelnose ray, Glaucostegus typus (Anonymous [Bennett]) (Rhinopristiformes: Glaucostegidae). Ogawaia glaucostegi differs from species of all other aporocotylid genera in the combination of the absence of anterior caeca and oral sucker, having a pronounced distal oesophageal chamber, a strongly coiled testis and a common genital pore. The new species most closely resembles Myliobaticola richardheardi Bullard & Jensen, 2008, from which it differs in lacking an oral sucker and in possessing a straight (rather than coiled) oesophagus, longer caeca in proportion to the oesophageal and total body length, and a much longer testis relative to body length. Ogawaia glaucostegi is just the eighth aporocotylid described from chondrichthyans, of which four belong to monotypic genera. This is the first description of a blood fluke from the order Rhinopristiformes, and the first of a chondrichthyan-infecting aporocotylid from Australian waters. Elopicola bristowi Orélis-Ribeiro & Bullard, 2017 is reported from Australia for the first time, from the type-host, Elops hawaiensis Regan (Elopiformes: Elopidae). This species is identified by morphological and molecular data and distinctions between our specimens and those of the original description are discussed. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited access to safe water enhances poverty, hunger and diseases. This study evaluated the drinking water quality stored in home-based systems, located in rural areas of Tunisia. Water management was also documented as an improvement of good practice as most of the water contamination could be related to behavioral patterns. Thirty-nine water samples from five different sources (rainwater, truck cistern, mix, etc.) were screened for enteric parasitic contamination with the modified Bailenger technique. This technique allowed the detection of three protozoa: Giardia spp.; Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii; Entamoeba coli and one helminth specie: Ascaris spp. The overall prevalence of these intestinal parasites was approximately 97% with a relatively high frequency of protozoa over helminths and more specifically E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii. This incidence could be correlated to the lack of hygiene practices, sanitation and education. This situation requires the need for frequent monitoring of the water quality and management in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the unsatisfactory performance of parasitological diagnosis of human fascioliasis; the use of immunodiagnosis based on the detection of anti- Fasciola antibodies is traditionally used as a diagnostic alternative using total or purified parasite excretory-secretory products (ESPs). Glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein, one of the F. hepatica ESP components, possesses well-known roles in the detoxification of xenobiotic and endogenously derived toxins within the host bile environment. GST has shown to be a good target for vaccine or drug development against fascioliasis. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential of GST protein purified from a soluble crude extract of adult flukes as an antigen for serodiagnosis of chronic human fascioliasis by indirect ELISA. The study included a panel of 116 serum samples collected from individuals with confirmed fascioliasis, individuals carrying heterologous parasitic infections and healthy subjects. The parasitological examination was used as gold standard and a previously optimized ESP-ELISA was used to compare the performance of the GST-ELISA method. Results demonstrated that GST-ELISA is 94.3% sensitive, 80.2% specific and exhibits a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.555) and substantial agreement (k = 0.786) with the results obtained with the ESP-ELISA method. Moreover, because no sera from patients with early F. hepatica infection were available, GST-ELISA was then tested with sera from rabbits experimentally infected with F. hepatica metacercariae. The assay was able to detect anti- Fasciola antibodies as early as the 3 rd week of infection ( p  < 0.0001) with peaks at 4 th and 10 th week post-infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primarily impacting poor, rural populations, the zoonotic malaria Plasmodium knowlesi is now the main cause of human malaria within Malaysian Borneo. While data is increasingly available on symptomatic cases, little is known about community-level patterns of exposure and infection. Understanding the true burden of disease and associated risk factors within endemic communities is critical for informing evidence-based control measures. Methodology/Principal findings: We conducted comprehensive surveys in three areas where P. knowlesi transmission is reported: Limbuak, Pulau Banggi and Matunggung, Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia and Bacungan, Palawan, the Philippines. Infection prevalence was low with parasites detected by PCR in only 0.2% (4/2503) of the population. P. knowlesi PkSERA3 ag1 antibody responses were detected in 7.1% (95% CI: 6.2–8.2%) of the population, compared with 16.1% (14.6–17.7%) and 12.6% (11.2–14.1%) for P. falciparum and P. vivax. Sero-prevalence was low in individuals <10 years old for P. falciparum and P. vivax consistent with decreased transmission of non-zoonotic malaria species. Results indicated marked heterogeneity in transmission intensity between sites and P. knowlesi exposure was associated with agricultural work (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.07–2.48) and higher levels of forest cover (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.29–4.46) and clearing (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.35–3.40) around houses. Spatial patterns of P. knowlesi exposure differed from exposure to non-zoonotic malaria and P. knowlesi exposed individuals were younger on average than individuals exposed to non-zoonotic malaria. Conclusions/Significance: This is the first study to describe serological exposure to P. knowlesi and associated risk factors within endemic communities. Results indicate community–level patterns of infection and exposure differ markedly from demographics of reported cases, with higher levels of exposure among women and children. Further work is needed to understand these variations in risk across a wider population and spatial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specimen of Lessepsian migrant, Stephanolepis diaspros, 257 mm in total length, was caught on 10 January 2018 by a scoop net in Göltürkbükü fishing port, Güllük Bay, on the sandy bottom at a depth of 1 m. This record was the maximum size for both the Turkish seas and the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh var. distichophylla (Sonder) Verlaque, Huisman and Procacini is an invasive green alga recently reported in the Mediterranean Sea. The first record was in Turkey in 2007 and later it has been reported in Sicily (2009), Cyprus (2013), Malta (2015), Rhodes (2016) and Libya (2017). In the current study we present additional records of this species expanding its range into the Eastern and Western Mediterranean Sea (Eastern and Western Sicilian shoreline, Calabrian Tyrrhenian coast, Sardinia and Tunisia) as well as in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Our specimens were collected on various substrates and identified morphologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779), is an endangered species according to International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Therefore it is of high importance to monitor mortality/survival of all individuals to ensure the sustainability of the population. Eighteen monk seals were found dead on the Turkish coasts of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas between February 2012 and April 2018. This paper reviews those strandings during the sevenyear period with the preliminary necropsy findings of three new records; a female pup found in Antalya on 25 November 2017, an adult female found in Muðla on 7 March 2018, and an adult female stranded on 16 April 2018 on the coast of Ýzmir. There are various illness causes, virological, parasitological, or microbiological, which effect monk seals, thus systematic necropsies must be performed as soon as possible on carcasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rare disease. Background: The first scientific case related to Urbanorum spp protozoan infection was identified in Peru in 1994. Considering there are few cases catalogued, the aim of this study was to register the first case of Urbanorum spp infection in Brazil. Case Report: A thin 41-year-old female patient with dark skin, weighing 55 to 60 kg attended the Buriti Municipal Central Laboratory, in Maranhão, Brazil to undergo routine exams. Among the exams requested was a parasitological exam of feces, which was processed according to the protocol of Hoffman, Pons, and Janer (HPJ) or Lutz, an easy, simple, and low-cost parasitological technique. This method consists in spontaneous sedimentation of a filtered homogenate of feces sample and water. The sample was stained with Lugol and examined under light microscopy at 10× and 40×. We detected a light-yellow structure with rounded shape and several filaments similar to pseudopods. The microscopic analysis raised doubts about the identity and pathogenicity of this microorganism. Conclusions: This study reports the first case of Urbanorum spp infection in Brazil, where the current environmental conditions have contributed to new parasitological cases. Therefore, further studies are recommended to identify unknown cases of Urbanorum spp infection in other regions of the country to create a national registry related to this new protozoan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parasitological survey of 651 northern fur seals Callorhinus ursinus L. from five subpopulations was conducted on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during July-August 2012-2014. Digenean trematodes were found in 210 of 651 fur seals with a total prevalence of 32.3%. Intensity of infection varied from 1 to 1540 parasites with mean intensity 18.4 ± 111.1 SD and median intensity of 2 specimens per host. Significant differences in prevalence and intensity of infection in northern fur seals between separate rookeries was not observed (Mann-Whitney test; p > 0.05). Four species of digeneans belonging to the families Heterophyidae (Apophallus zalophi Price, 1932, Phocitrema fusiforme Goto and Ozaki, 1930, and Galactosomum ubelakeri (Dailey, 1969)) and Troglotrematidae (Nanophyetus salmincola (Chapin, 1926)) were found. Nanophyetus salmincola is reported from C. ursinus for the first time. We obtained partial 28S rDNA sequences for all digenean species and conducted molecular phylogenetic analysis to demonstrate their phylogenetic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reliable mapping of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) parasites requires rigorous statistical and machine learning algorithms capable of integrating the combined influence of several determinants to predict distributions. This study tested whether combining edaphic predictors with relevant environmental predictors improves model performance when predicting the distribution of STH, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms at a national scale in Zimbabwe. Methods: Geo-referenced parasitological data obtained from a 2010/2011 national survey indicating a confirmed presence or absence of STH among school children aged 10-15 years was used to calibrate ten species distribution models (SDMs). The performance of SDMs calibrated with a set of environmental and edaphic variables was compared to that of SDMs calibrated with environmental variables only. Model performance was evaluated using the true skill statistic and receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Results show a significant improvement in model performance for both A. lumbricoides and hookworms for all ten SDMs after edaphic variables were combined with environmental variables in the modelling of the geographical distribution of the two STHs at national scale. Using the top three performing models, a consensus prediction was developed to generate the first continuous maps of the potential distribution of the two STHs in Zimbabwe. Conclusions: The findings from this study demonstrate significant model improvement if relevant edaphic variables are included in model calibration resulting in more accurate mapping of STH. The results also provide spatially-explicit information to aid targeted control of STHs in Zimbabwe and other countries with STH burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parasitological survey of Trachinus draco Linnaeus, 1758; Trachinus araneus Cuvier, 1829 and Trachinus radiatus Cuvier, 1829 collected from Tunisian coasts was performed from January 2014 to January 2015. In total, 18 species of metazoan parasites belonging to 13 genera were found: nine Myxozoa, four Nematoda, one Cestoda, one Digenea, one Monogenea, one Isopoda and one Annelida Hirudinea. Data on morphology, location and infection levels of parasites were provided. The higher species richness was recorded in Trachinus draco (18 species), while Trachinus radiatus and Trachinus araneus harbored 9 and 7 species, respectively. Species richness and diversity according to the host species and the sampling sites based on the Simpson and Shannon-Wiener indices are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case aimed to perform pathological and parasitological examinations on an adult male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), which was found dead on the coast of Aegean Sea (Kusadasi/Davutlar/Aydin-Turkey). At necropsy, intestinal volvulus and fibrinopurulent peritonitis were observed. In the histopathologic examination, severe vascular changes including oedema and hemorrhages were observed in the intestines formed by volvulus and peritoneum. In the parasitological examination revealed some ectoparasites (Copepoda: Pennellidae) on the skin. Also, Stenurus minor (S. minor) was detected in the lungs. In conclusion, severe ectoparasite infestation, intestinal volvulus, S. minor in the lungs, and severe renal calcinosis were defined in the adult bottlenose dolphin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first comprehensive study covering the parasite fauna of smelt, Osmerus eperlanus, from five estuary sites of the southern Baltic Sea in a stretch of almost 500 km. We examined 432 smelt from: the Neman River mouth, the Vistula River mouth, Pomeranian Bay, the Oder River, and Lake Dąbie and recovered 13 species/higher-rank taxa of parasites: Diplostomum spp., Posthodiplostomum cuticola, Eubothrium crassum, Proteocephalus longicolis, Cystidicola farionis, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Corynosoma semerme, Pomphorhynchus laevis, Unionidae gen sp., Ergasilus sieboldi, Argulus foliaceus, Piscicola geometra, and Saprolegniaceae gen sp. Basic infection parameters such as prevalence, intensity of infection, mean intensity of infection, and the dominance index were determined. The findings of the presently reported study constitute a number of new faunistic records. There were two new host records (Posthodiplostomum cuticola and Saprolegniaceae gen sp.), five new host records for Poland (Diplostomum spp., Pomphorhynchus laevis, Piscicola geometra, Argulus foliaceus, and Unionidae gen sp.), and two new host records for Lithuania (Argulus foliaceus and Unionidae gen sp.). We carefully analyzed the relevant information from more than 100 publications on smelt parasites to compare the data with our own findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes retrospectively results of parasitological examination of faecal dog samples submitted for routine faecal diagnosis to the Veterinary Laboratory Freiburg. It also determined the percentage of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis positive dogs to document the seasonal distribution and age structure of lungworm positive dogs, and regional distribution of natural infections in the dog population in Germany over the last 15 years.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases and a major public health challenge in Iran caused by Leishmania spp and transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. The number of CL cases has shown an increasing pattern all over the country, including the district of Varamin, southeast of Tehran, Iran. This study aimed to identify the Leishmania spp isolated from CL patients using molecular methods in Varamin during 2012-2013. Methods: Exudate materials collected from the swollen edge of the skin lesions of 44 parasitological positive CL patients by disposable lancet. They were referred to Varamin Health Center by physician. The samples were subjected to molecular method for Leishmania species identification. Results: The digestion pattern of restriction enzyme revealed that 37 (84.1%) CL patients were infected with L. major and 7 (15.9%) were infected with L. tropica. They were mostly male than female. More than half of the patients (58%) had multiple lesions, and they were mostly observed on extremities, 34.1% on legs and 29.5% on hands. Le- sions were mostly of wet ulcerative type. Conclusion: Dominancy of L. major provides more evidence that Varamin District probably could be considered as Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) areas. More investigation on other epidemiological aspects of disease is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in eastern China, particularly along the Yangtze River Basin. The latest national schistosomiasis control program (NSCP) was implemented in 2005 with the main goal of reducing the rate of infection to less than 5% by 2008 and 1% by 2015. To assess the progress, we applied a Bayesian spatio-temporal model to describe dynamics of schistosomiasis in Guichi, Anhui Province, China, using annual parasitological and environmental data collected within 41 sample villages for the period 2005–2011. Predictive maps of schistosomiasis showed that the disease prevalence remains constant and low. Results of uncertainty analysis, in the form of probability contour maps (PCMs), indicated that the first goal of “infection rate less than 5% by 2008” was fully achieved in the study area. More longitudinal data for schistosomiasis are needed for the assessment of the second goal of “infection rate less than 1% by 2015”. Compared with the traditional way of mapping uncertainty (e.g., variance or mean-square error), our PCMs provide more realistic information for schistosomiasis control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro effect of the Melaleuca alternifolia, Lavandula angustifolia and Mentha piperita essential oils ( EOs) against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and in vivo effect of M. alternifolia for treating ichthyophthiriasis in one of the most important South American fish, Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg), were evaluated. The in vitro test consisted of three EOs, each at concentrations of 57 μL L−1, 114 μL L −1, 227 μL L−1 and 455 μL L −1, which were assessed once an hour for 4 h in microtitre plates (96 wells). The in vitro results demonstrated that all tested EOs showed a cytotoxic effect against I. multifiliis compared to control groups ( P < 0.05). The in vivo treatment for white spot disease was performed in a bath for 2 h day−1 for 5 days using the M. alternifolia EO (50 μL L −1). In this study, 53.33% of the fish severely infected by I. multifiliis survived after the treatment with M. alternifolia (50 μL L −1) and the parasitological analysis has shown an efficacy of nearly 100% in the skin and gills, while all the fish in the control group died. Furthermore, the potential positive effect of M. alternifolia EO against two emergent opportunistic bacteria in South America Edwardsiella tarda and Citrobacter freundii was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening for Schistosoma haematobium infection and its possible morbidity was carried out in 257 adult participants in Eggua community, Ogun State, Nigeria. Parasitological assessment for the presence of ova of S. haematobium in urine and abdominopelvic ultrasonographic examination for bladder and secondary kidney pathology were carried out. S. haematobium prevalence of 25.68% (66/257) was recorded among the participants. There was a significantly higher prevalence of 69.2% of urinary schistosomiasis in the females than the prevalence of 31.8% in males (P=0.902). The intensity of infections was mostly light (55) (21.8%) compared to heavy (10) (3.9%) with the mean intensity of 16.7 eggs/10 mL urine. Structural bladder pathology prevalence among participants was 33.9%. The bladder and kidney pathologies observed by ultrasound in subjects with S. haematobium infections included abnormal bladder wall thickness (59%), abnormal bladder shape (15.2%), bladder wall irregularities (15.2%), bladder masses (1.5%), bladder calcification (1.5%), and hydronephrosis (3%). Infection with S. haematobium was associated with bladder pathology. Higher frequencies of bladder abnormalities were observed more in the participants with light intensity of S. haematobium infection than in those with heavy infection. More bladder pathology was also seen in women than in men, although this was not statistically significant. In conclusion, there is evidence that the development of bladder pathology may be associated with S. haematobium infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monogeneans are pathogenic flatworms commonly found in many fish species. To avoid the risk of economic loss, parasitological investigation is necessary. A survey of gill monogeneans from 45 red hybrid tilapias (Oreochromis sp.) in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, was conducted. Fish samples were infested with 6 gill monogenean species, viz., Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. thurstonae, C. halli, C. mbirizei, C. tilapiae, and Scutogyrus longicornis. Morphologically, unidentified Cichlidogyrus species from cultured red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus) in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand, collected in 2012 and C. mbirizei, found in this study, were similar. This finding provides new host and locality records for C. mbirizei as a new pathogenic gill monogenean in Thailand. According to the original type host (Oreochromis tanganicae) and habitat of C. mbirizei, it was strongly suggested that C. mbirizei can be translocated with the host during fish trading. For practical identification, a key of gill monogeneans on tilapia in Thailand is also provided herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongyloides venezuelensis is an intestinal nematode of rats, frequently used as a model for studying human and animal strongyloidiasis. In the present study, we evaluated parasitological, serological and molecular methods for the diagnosis of experimental S. venezuelensis in rats, Rattus norvegicus. Blood and faecal samples were collected and analysed up to 60 days post infection (pi) with adult worm recovery occurring from 5 to 45 days pi. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum levels of IgG antibodies increased up to 28 days pi, thereafter decreasing by day 60 pi. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays detected S. venezuelensis DNA in faecal samples of rats from 5 to 21 days pi. The present study therefore represents the first step towards improving the diagnosis of experimental strongyloidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania infantum in the male and female genital tract and female mammary glands of dogs and the parasite burden and to identify histological alterations associated with this protozoan. Twenty male and 20 female Leishmania-seropositive dogs with isolation of L. infantum were examined. Tissue samples of the prepuce, glans, epididymis, testes, prostate, vulva, vagina, uterus, uterine tubes, and mammary glands were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histopathology. For parasitological culture and in situ hybridization, samples were collected from the testis, epididymis, and uterus. Additionally, seminal fluid was aspirated from the epididymis for parasitological culture. In the genital tract, 34 (85 %) dogs, including 18 males and 16 females, were positive for Leishmania. Of these, 27 (79 %) animals were symptomatic. Leishmania was detected in the mammary glands of 13 (65 %) females. L. infantum was isolated for the first time from the seminal fluid and uterus of naturally infected dogs. The parasite burden and intensity of the inflammatory reaction were greater in the prepuce and glans of males and in the vulva and mammary glands of females. In addition to inflammation, testicular degeneration, atrophy, absence of spermatogenesis, and necrosis were observed. Detection of amastigote forms in the mammary gland lumen indicates possible elimination of this parasite in milk. The frequent parasitism observed in the genital tract of infected males and females and the viability of L. infantum in seminal fluid and uterus suggest the possibility of bidirectional venereal and vertical transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of gill monogeneans from the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and the blue spotted tilapia Oreochromis leucostictus (50 individuals per species) was done between the months of November 2014 to February 2015 in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. Standard parasitological procedures were used to examine fish gills for the presence of monogeneans. The observed monogeneans were collected, preliminarily identified using identification keys, quantified and fixed in 4 % formalin for morphological studies and absolute ethanol for molecular studies. Four parasite species comprising of three species of the genus Cichlidogyrus and one species of the genus Scutogyrus were recovered. Cichlidogyrus sclerosus and Cichlidogyrus tilapiae infested both fish species but the C. sclerosus was most prevalent in O. leucostictus (Prevalence ( P) = 100 %, Mean intensity (MI) = 3.4) and C. tilapiae in O. niloticus ( P = 8 %, MI = 4). Cichlidogyrus tilapiae had a P = 12 % and MI = 5.0 and a P = 6 % and MI = 3.0 in O. niloticus and O. leucostictus, respectively. Cichlidogyrus halli ( P = 4 %, MI = 15.5) and Scutogyrus gravivaginus ( P = 2 %, MI = 1.0) were only found in O. leucostictus. This is the first time that these monogeneans have been identified from Lake Naivasha, Kenya, presenting new geographical records. It was concluded that Ancyrocephalids ( Cichilidogyrus spp.) dominated the two cichlid fish species in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the viability and possible effects of Haemonchus contortus infections in experimentally prime infected calves, comparing them to infections by Haemonchus placei. Ten male Holstein newborns were used. All calves were individually weighed for subsequent group formation, in which two animals were kept as a control group, inoculated with water (GI); four animals were inoculated with 10,000 third stage (L3) Haemonchus contortus larvae (GII); and the remaining four calves were inoculated with 10,000 third stage (L3) H. placei larvae (GIII). All experimental animals were necropsied on the 42nd day after inoculation. Based on results obtained by the present study, it can be concluded that bovine calves were susceptible to infections by both Haemonchus species ( placei and contortus ). H. contortus presented an inferior pre-patent period when compared to H. placei. No significant difference ( P > 0.05) was observed between Haemonchus burdens recovered from both infected groups (GII and GIII). Moreover, H. contortus females maintained an egg production rate similar to H. placei females in young animals, which can contribute to pasture contamination by both Haemonchus species. This could possibly lead to negative reflexes on helminth control based on a mixed pasture with bovines and ovines, especially when it involves younglings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are assumed to be simple-to-use and mobile technologies that have the capacity to standardize parasitological diagnosis for malaria across a variety of clinical settings. In order to evaluate these tests, it is important to consider how such assumptions play out in practice, in everyday settings of clinics, health centres, drug stores and for community health volunteers. Methods: This paper draws on qualitative research on RDTs conducted over the last nine years. In particular the study reports on four qualitative case studies on the use of RDTs from Uganda, Tanzania and Sierra Leone, including qualitative interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation. Results: Results suggest that while RDTs may be simple to use as stand-alone technological tools, it is not trivial to make them work effectively in a variety of economically pressured health care settings. The studies show that to perform RDTs effectively might very well need exactly the infrastructure they were designed to substitute: the medical expertise, organizational capacity and diagnostic and treatment options of well-funded and functioning health systems. Conclusions: These results underline that successful malaria diagnosis and treatment requires as much investment in general health infrastructure as it does in new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of the spores of the ovicide fungus Mucor circinelloides to resist the industrial manufacturing of pelleted feed and retain their biological and parasitological activities has been tested. Firstly, survival of M. circinelloides spores at elevated temperatures was in vitro assayed. In a second assay, the spores of M. circinelloides were added in the mixing phase of the industrial pelleting of livestock (calves and horses) feed. The biological development (mycelium growth rates and sporogenesis) and the ovicidal activity on eggs of the parasites Fasciola hepatica and Parascaris equorum eggs were measured in plates. In the in vitro assay, a similar level of biological development in all the conditions except by heating the spores at 72 °C for 10 min were observed. Viability of F. hepatica eggs reduced to 55–60%, and 56–70% that of P. equorum eggs. After the addition of the spores to the meal previous to the pelletization phase, percentages of reduction of 54–58% viability F. hepatica eggs and 61–67% P. equorum eggs were recorded. It is concluded that the spores of M. circinelloides maintain their antagonistic effect against eggs of the parasites F. hepatica and P. equorum in industrially manufactured pellets, providing thus a very helpful tool to prevent infection by trematodes or ascarids among pasturing livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosoma mansoni is a blood fluke parasite that causes schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease of global public health importance. These relatively large parasites are able to survive prolonged periods in the human vasculature without inducing stable blood clots around them. We show here that the intravascular life stages (schistosomula and adult males and females) can all promote significant plasminogen (PLMG) activation in the presence of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This results in the generation of the potent fibrinolytic agent plasmin which could degrade blood clots forming around the worms in vivo. We demonstrate that S. mansoni enolase (SmEno) is a host-interactive tegumental enzyme that, in recombinant form, can bind PLMG and promote its activation. Like classical members of the enolase protein family, SmEno can catalyze the interconversion of 2-phospho-D-glycerate (2-PGA) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). The enzyme has maximal activity at pH 7.5, requires Mg2+ for optimal activity and can be inhibited by NaF but not mefloquin. Suppressing expression of the SmEno gene significantly diminishes enolase mRNA levels, protein levels and surface enzyme activity but, surprisingly, does not affect the ability of the worms to promote PLMG activation. Thus, while SmEno can enhance PLMG activation, our analysis suggests that it is not the only contributor to the parasite’s ability to perform this function. We show that the worms possess several other PLMG-binding proteins in addition to SmEno and these may have a greater importance in schistosome-driven PLMG activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude total antigen ( CTA) from Leishmania infantum and recombinant antigen K39 ( rK39) and recombinant antigen K28 ( rK28) were compared using an ELISA for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniosis ( CVL). Forty-two blood samples from healthy dogs from a nonendemic area and 80 blood samples from an endemic area for dogs with visceral leishmaniosis ( VL), confirmed with positive parasitological tests for Leishmania spp., were used in an ELISA. The parasitological diagnosis was chosen as a gold standard. The ELISA with rK28 antigen showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%, high agreement with CTA and rK39, indicating that the rK28 antigen is useful for ELISA serological diagnosis of CVL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inter-specific interactions between parasites impact on parasite intra-host dynamics, host health, and disease management. Identifying and understanding interaction mechanisms in the wild is crucial for wildlife disease management. It is however complex because several scales are interlaced. Parasite–parasite interactions are likely to occur via mechanisms at the within-host level, but also at upper levels (host population and community). Furthermore, interactions occurring at one level of organization spread to upper levels through cascade effects. Even if cascade effects are important confounding factors, we argue that we can also benefit from them because upper scales often provide a way to survey a wider range of parasites at lower cost. New protocols and theoretical studies (especially across scales) are necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The establishment of an accurate diagnostic protocol for canine visceral leishmaniosis (CanL) is a significant laboratory challenge and the lack of a reliable reference standard is one of the major problems. The aim of this study was to compare in situ hybridization (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and parasitological culture (PC) for detection of L. infantum in skin, spleen, lymph node and bone marrow of clinically healthy and sick seropositive dogs. Findings: The study included 65 dogs positive with both DPP® and ELISA for anti-Leishmania antibodies. In situ hybridization of spleen or lymph node had the highest positivity rates of L. infantum detection. The total positivity rates for IHC, ISH and PC were 70 %, 68.1 % and 65.8 %, respectively. When combining techniques, the positivity rates were 81.5 % in the spleen, 79.0 % in lymph nodes, 59.0 % in bone marrow and 52.3 % in the skin. The highest percentage of infected dogs (87.7 %) was detected by using lymph node samples. When examining only skin, positivity was significantly higher in sick dogs than in the clinically healthy dogs. Infection with L. infantum was confirmed in 95.8 % of sick dogs and in 82.4 % of healthy dogs. Conclusions: Considering the advantages of accurately diagnosing different Leishmania species and of being more sensitive than PC, ISH should be considered as reference standard test for the diagnosis of CanL. Spleen and lymph node are the most suitable tissues to confirm infection with L. infantum in seropositive dogs. The testing of only skin from clinically healthy dogs may result in a high percentage of false negative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When hosts experience environmental stress, the quantity and quality of resources they provide for parasites may be diminished, and host longevity may be decreased. Under stress, parasites may adopt alternative strategies to avoid fitness reductions. Trematode parasites typically have complex life cycles, involving asexual reproduction in a gastropod first intermediate host. A rare phenomenon, briefly mentioned in the literature, and termed ‘precocious encystment’ involves the next stage in the parasites' life cycle (metacercarial cyst) forming within the preceding stage (redia), while still inside the snail. In the trematode Parorchis sp. NZ using rocky shore snails exposed to long periods outside water, we hypothesised that this might be an adaptive strategy against desiccation, preventing parasite emergence from the snail. To test this, we first investigated the effect of prolonged desiccation on the survival of two species of high intertidal snails. Secondly, we measured the reproductive output (cercarial production) of the parasite under wet and dry conditions. Finally, we quantified the influence of desiccation stress on the occurrence of precocious encystment. Snail mortality was higher under dry conditions, indicating stress, and it was somewhat exacerbated for infected snails. Parasite reproductive output differed between wet and dry conditions, with parasites of snails kept in dry conditions producing more cercariae when placed in water. Little variation was observed in the occurrence of precocious encystment, although some subtle patterns emerged. Given the stresses associated with living in high intertidal environments, we discuss precocious encystment as a possible stress response in this trematode parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of schistosome infection, followed by effective treatment and/or mass drug administration, is crucial to reduce the disease burden. Suitable diagnostic tests and field-applicable tools are required to sustain schistosomiasis control programs. We therefore assessed the potential of tandem repeat (TR) proteins for sero-diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection using an experimental mouse model. TR genes in the genome of S. mansoni were searched in silico and 7 candidates, named SmTR1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15, were selected. Total RNA was extracted from S. mansoni adult worms and eggs. Target TR genes were amplified, cloned, and the proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli competent cells. Female BALB/c mice were infected with 100 S. mansoni cercariae and sera were collected each week post-infection for 18 weeks. The levels of IgG antibodies to SmTR antigens were compared to those to soluble egg antigen (SEA) and to soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP). Sera of infected mice reacted to all the antigens whereas those of naïve mice did not. IgG responses to SmTR1, 3, 9 and 10 were detected at the early stage of infection. Interestingly, antibodies reacting to SmTR3, 9, 10 and 15 dramatically decreased 4 weeks after treatment with praziquantel, while those against SEA and SWAP remained elevated. Our study suggests that TR proteins, especially SmTR10, may be suitable antigens for sero-diagnosis of infection by S. mansoni and are potential markers for monitoring and surveillance of schistosomiasis, including re-infection after treatment with praziquantel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult Astiotrema odhneri Bhalerao, 1936 sensu Cho & Seo 1977 were found in the intestine of a freshwater turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis (Wiegmann), from the Komissarovka River Basin, Primorsky Region, Russia. It was established that the first intermediate host of this parasite is a snail, Anisus centrifugops , and that the second intermediate hosts include the snails, Helicorbis sujfunensis and A. centrifugops , tadpoles of the frog Rana dybowskii , and the fish Perccottus glenii . The development of A . odhneri includes the formation of sporocyst and xiphidiocercariae, which is typical for species belonging to Plagiorchioidea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rRNA gene sequences showed that A. odhneri , together with Astiotrema monticellii , form a monophyletic clade that was closer to Opisthorchioidea than to any other taxon represented in the tree. However, phylogenetic analysis without outgroup taxon indicated a high degree of differentiation of Astiotrema from both Plagiorchioidea and Opisthorchioidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of important enzymes involved in the energetic metabolism in the liver of rats experimentally infected by Trypanosoma evansi . Adenylate kinase (AK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in liver homogenate, as well as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and clotting time in plasma were evaluated at 5 and 15 days post-infection (PI). The activities of the respiratory chain complexes and of Na + , K + -ATPase were also evaluated. This study demonstrates energetic metabolism impairment in rats infected by T. evansi . A reduced energy metabolism in the liver of rats infected by T. evansi was observed, demonstrated by AK decreased and PK increased activities at 5 days PI, a mechanism known as energetic compensation. However, at 15 days PI a decrease of AK and PK activities were observed. In addition, an increase in the activities of respiratory chain complexes II, II–III and IV in infected rats at 15 days PI, and a decrease of Na + , K + -ATPase activities in infected rats on days 5 and 15 PI were verified. In the plasma, we observed an increase in ALT and AST activities on days 5 and 15 PI, and increase in clotting time in infected rats. The changes caused by T. evansi infection on the activity of enzymes of hepatic energy metabolism can corroborate to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to liver injury and inflammatory infiltration verified in T. evansi infected rats. Therefore, these alterations are directly related to disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesia microti is a tick-transmitted zoonotic hemoprotozoan parasite. In the present study, we investigated B. microti infection in questing ticks in Mongolia. A total of 219 questing ticks were collected from three different Mongolian provinces (Bayan-Olgii, Khovsgol, and Selenge). Of these, 63 from Selenge were identified as Ixodes persulcatus , while the remaining 156 (from all three provinces) were identified as Dermacentor nuttalli . When the tick DNA samples were screened using a B. microti -specific nested PCR, 19 (30.2%) of the 63 I . persulcatus ticks were found to be B . microti -positive. The parasite was not detected in D . nuttalli . Subsequently, the 18S rRNA , cox1 , and tufA sequences of B. microti were amplified, sequenced, and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Sequencing analyses showed that the Mongolian 18S rRNA , cox1 , and tufA sequences were 99.6–100%, 96.7–97.2%, and 94.7–95.3% homologous, respectively, with B. microti R1 strain US-type sequences from humans. In the phylogenetic analyses, the Mongolian cox1 and tufA sequences were found to be separate lineages, which formed sister-clades to the R1 strain sequences, while all of the Mongolian B. microti 18S rRNA sequences were clustered within US-type clade containing several other sequences of human origin. In conclusion, in addition to reporting the presence of B. microti for the first time in questing ticks in Mongolia, the present study found that Mongolian I. persulcatus ticks were infected with US-type B. microti . These findings warrant large-scale studies to detect and characterize B. microti in ticks, small mammals, and humans. Such studies should provide us with a better understanding of zoonotic Babesia epidemiology in Mongolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin metabolism has been shown to have a role in the development of parasitic nematodes including filarial parasites and the enzymes associated with chitin metabolism have been considered as potential vaccine and drug target. Chitinases are members of the enzyme superfamily of glycoside hydrolases, which are characterized by the ability to hydrolyze glycosidic bonds in chitin chain by either an endolytic or an exolytic mechanism. In the present study, we have demonstrated the chitinase (exochitinase and endochitinase) activity in different stages of Setaria cervi (bovine filarial parasite) and have also purified and characterized the endochitinase from microfilarial stage of the parasite. The chitinase activity has been detected in adult and microfilarial stages of S. cervi using the fluorescent substrates. The S. cervi adult stage was found to have high activity of exochitinase (28.72 ± 0.25 nmol/min/mg) while microfilarial stage showed high activity of endochitinase (24.40 ± 0.25 nmol/min/mg). Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by staining of enzyme activity with fluorescent substrates, revealed single isoenzymic form of exochitinase in adults and endochitinase in microfilariae of S. cervi . The endochitinase from S. cervi microfilariae was purified employing chitin affinity matrix and DEAE-Sephacel ion-exchange chromatography. The enzyme was purified about 55 fold with an enzyme recovery of 22.33%. The purified enzyme exhibited a doublet of protein bands on SDS-PAGE at 65–70 kDa. The closantel (chitinase inhibitor) strongly inhibited the enzyme activity of S. cervi microfilariae endochitinase with a Ki value of 4.3 ± 0.18 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to manipulate host behaviour is among the most fascinating and best-studied adaptations of parasites. In this opinion article, we highlight trends and biases in the study of this phenomenon that may cloud or limit our understanding of its evolution. For instance, reviews and theoretical studies have shown a disproportionately sharp increase in the past decade relative to empirical studies. We also discuss taxonomic biases in the host–parasite systems investigated, as well as recent declines in the use of experimental infections and in the proportion of these systems in which fitness benefits for the parasites have been confirmed. We finish this opinion article by offering recommendations for the continued success of research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility of rice genotypes to Pratylenchus brachyurus and investigate the inheritance of resistance in the crop. Two experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, using naturally infested soil. Twenty-six rice genotypes were assessed, with maize used to show the susceptibility pattern. The maize was cultivated for 90 days and the initial nematode population was determined. Then, rice genotypes were cultivated, and the final nematode population and the reproduction factor (RF) were estimated 90 days after germination. All genotypes were susceptible to P. brachyurus in the two experiments but only one showed statistical differences, indicating variation in susceptibility, and genotypes Linhagem L03-107 and Cateto Amarelo scored higher than the control genotype, with RF of 8.80 and 9.48, respectively. Inheritance of resistance was poorly influenced by genotype genetics. Cluster analysis allowed the identification of five different groups of genotypes but there was low genetic variability among the genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]