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Saiga antelope ( Saiga tatarica ) is a protected species in Kazakhstan. Little is known about the parasitofauna of these mammals. Therefore, the focus of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and species diversity of Eimeria spp. infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population. In June 2023, 104 Saiga antelope fecal samples collected from the district of Zhanibek, located in the province of West Kazakhstan were evaluated using microscopic and molecular techniques. Based on coprovoscopy results, Eimeria spp. Oocysts were present in 22 samples (21%). The four fecal samples containing the largest numbers of Eimeria spp. Oocysts per 10x field were selected for further genetic analysis. DNA extraction, nested PCR amplification, and sequencing were performed on 91 clones, with 80 clones forming a distinct clade and exhibiting genetic similarity to MT801034 Ei meria sp. Voucher HY3. These clones possibly represent an Eimeria specific to Saiga antelopes and gazelle that has previously been morphologically described as Eimeria elegans (Svanbaev, 1979), underscoring the importance of further research into parasitic infections in this protected species., Competing Interests: We, authors of this article (the list of authors below) declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the research presented in this article titled “Molecular evaluation of Eimeria spp. infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population of the Republic of Kazakhstan”. The work was carried out under grant No. AP09260294 from the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Complex methods of diagnostics of helminthiasis (coenurosis, monieziasis and echinococcosis) of saigas of the Uralsk population, development of an algorithm for preventive measures". We have no financial, personal, or professional affiliations that could potentially influence the interpretation of the findings or bias the content of this manuscript.1.Erzhan Zh. Kidiraliyev2.Ainur A. Zhaksylykova3.Eleonora A. Kydyrkhanova4.Kaissar Zh. Kushaliyev5.Alexandr B. Shevtsov6.Anara Ryskeldina7.Zhibek P. Sembaeva8.Momun A. Arzybaev9.Christine M. Budke10.Aida M. Abdybekova, (© 2024 The Authors.)

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are zoonotic protozoal pathogens, spread by a fecal-oral route, which can infect a wide range of hosts including but not limited to dogs and humans. Giardia was recently estimated to be present in 37% to 50% of kennel-housed dogs. Cryptosporidium infections in kennel-housed dogs have been reported in 7% to 21% of the population. The goal of this study was to define demographic factors and fecal scores associated with positive screening test cases of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in kennel-housed laboratory dogs in the state of Texas. Fecal samples were collected from 153 clinically normal laboratory dogs at an academic research facility and a local laboratory dog supplier. We used 3 diagnostic tests evaluated in parallel to determine test positivity to each organism: a human point-of-care coproantigen test, a direct immunofluorescent assay, and an in-house polymerase chain reaction. Dogs were significantly more likely to test positive for Giardia (45%) than Cryptosporidium (7%) ( P < 0.01). Dogs that were 18 mo of age or younger had 3 times the odds ( P = 0.009) of subclinical Giardia infection compared with older dogs. We found no significant relationship between age and Cryptosporidium prevalence. Dogs with hard feces (fecal score 1-2) at the time of screening had 0.34 times lower odds ( P = 0.049) of testing positive for Giardia than dogs with normal feces, but no statistically significant relationship was found between fecal score and Cryptosporidium -positive test status. With these findings, we demonstrated the value of considering age and fecal score when choosing which dogs to screen for subclinical Giardia . Additional studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to determine the relationship between age and fecal score and subclinical Cryptosporidium infection.

Objective: The importance of companion animals in the daily lives of people, and the increasing incidence and severity of natural disasters impacting people and their animals, is very well documented. However, despite the advancement of companion animal response capabilities, decontamination remains an inconsistently implemented component of disaster response. The challenge for local authorities is their need for planning factors and protocols specific to companion animal decontamination which are generally lacking. Data is provided on the average time requirements, water use and containment resources necessary, and the personnel required to decontaminate (decon) a large number of companion dogs., Methods: Sixty-three lightly contaminated, medium weight, short to medium coat, highly tractable dogs (Labradors and Hounds) from a State facility colony were used to determine the water requirements, soap effectiveness, and time required to complete decon (washing/bathing). Data were collected over a 6-mo period using 2 personnel that were randomly assigned to wash the dogs. Difference in weight, bathing time, and water use between groups was evaluated using a 2-tailed 2-sample t-test for independent data., Results: The time and water requirements were significantly different between medium coated dogs and short coated dogs. On average, for a short coated dog, the amount of time to complete decon was 7 min, and the amount of water was 8-10 gal. For medium coated dogs, the time increased to 10-12 min to complete the process and 12-15 gal water., Discussion: The results of this study provide important insights emergency management planners, animal response team members, and community personnel tasked with implementation of mass decontamination of companion dogs following a natural or man-made disaster.

Background: Worldwide, >654 million children live in regions where soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are endemic. These parasites cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia., Methods: In May 2023, fecal and blood samples were collected from children aged 6 to 11 years attending government run (public) elementary schools in the Simanindo and Ronggur Nihuta sub-districts of Samosir Island, Indonesia where a twice a year mass drug administration (MDA) program is currently in place. A questionnaire was administered to students' parents or adult family members on possible risk factors for STH infections. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions., Results: In total, 187 and 221 children in Simanindo and Ronggur Nihuta provided samples, respectively. The STH infection prevalence in Simanindo was 4.8% (9/187) and the infection prevalence in Ronggur Nihuta was 5.9% (13/221). In Simanindo, all infections were caused by Trichuris trichiura ( n  = 9), and in Ronggur Nihuta infections were caused by Ascaris lumbricoides ( n  = 6), Trichuris trichiura ( n  = 5), and A. lumbricoides  +  T. trichiura ( n  = 2). Three children had anemia but were negative for STH infections. While the results of the parent/adult questionnaires indicated access to a generally safe water supply and septic system, information from the in-depth interviews and focus groups revealed that the local water supply becomes greatly diminished during the dry season., Conclusions: While MDA has been shown to effectively control roundworms and hookworms, additional measures to control trichuriasis are needed. There is also a need for the government to invest in improving the public water supply infrastructure., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors are responsible for the content and writing of this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of World Federation of Parasitologists.)

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the zoonotic cestode, Taenia solium. Pigs are the typical intermediate hosts for T. solium but humans can become infected and develop NCC upon ingesting parasite eggs that are shed in the feces of an infected person. The objective of this study was to estimate the monetary burden of neurocysticercosis (NCC) on hospitalized patients from Muli County, China. Muli is an agricultural county in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China where pigs are raised and the zoonotic cestode, Taenia solium, is endemic. Demographic and treatment data were collected from the Muli County Health Insurance Department on hospitalized individuals with an NCC diagnosis between 2014 and 2021. These patients represent residents of Muli County that purchased health insurance and received treatment in a public hospital in Sichuan Province. Hospital costs were converted from Chinese renminbi (RMB) to United States dollars (US$) for month and year of hospitalization and adjusted for inflation. Individuals with missing hospital information were excluded from analysis. For indirect costs, annual average salary for Liangshan Prefecture working-age adults was obtained to calculate productivity losses based on number of hospitalization days and travel days to and from the hospital. Transportation costs were evaluated based on estimated bus fare to and from the hospital. Out of 70 patients identified from 2014 to 2021, 68 had complete records, of which 47.1% were male (n = 33) and the median age at first hospitalization was 34 years. Total estimated cost for these patients was US$228,341.98. Direct costs contributed 62.5% (US$142,785.25) and indirect costs were 37.5% (US$85,556.73) of the total cost. The estimated median cost per case was US$2,078.69. Individuals with a single hospitalization (n = 41) cost a median of US$1,572.03 and those with multiple hospitalizations (n = 27) cost a median of US$4,169.95. The median total cost per NCC case was 18.6% of the average wage for a Liangshan Prefecture resident in 2021. While the study was limited to those with insurance coverage, monetary burden on the local population is likely substantial. Public health policies aimed at reducing transmission should be implemented to decrease the economic burden of NCC on this region., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Saiga antelope and Turkmenian kulans are considered critically endangered and near threatened, respectively, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Due to these species' fragile status, it is important to understand the pathogens infecting their remaining populations. A total of 496 faecal samples were collected from Ural saiga antelope in western Kazakhstan during June, September, and November of 2021 and May and August of 2022 and 149 faecal samples were collected from kulans in the Altyn-Emel nature reserve in south-eastern Kazakhstan from June to August of 2021. Additionally, endo- and ecto-parasites were collected from 17 saiga that were found deceased due to natural causes. Nine helminths (3 cestodes, 6 nematodes) and two protozoans were found in Ural saiga antelope. In addition to intestinal parasites, one case of cystic echinococcosis due to Echinococcus granulosus infection and one case of cerebral coenurosis due to Taenia multiceps infection was identified on necropsy. None of the collected ticks (all Hyalomma scupense ) were found positive for Theileria annulate (enolase gene) or Babesia spp. (18 S ribosomal RNA gene) via PCR. Three intestinal parasites ( Parascaris equorum , Strongylus sp., and Oxyuris equi ) were found in kulans. All identified parasites, in both saiga and kulans, are also found in domesticated livestock, suggesting a need for better understanding of how parasites are maintained within and between regional wild and domestic ungulate populations., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Human toxocariasis is a highly prevalent zoonosis worldwide but is underreported in most countries. This study was conducted to evaluate Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure sub-groups located in the Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from males 15 years of age and older with no animals, with livestock, with dogs and/or cats living in the house, and from butchers and veterinarians or para-veterinarians. Serum was tested using a commercial ELISA kit for detection of IgG antibodies against T. canis. Proportion seropositive was presented for each group and differences between groups were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Possible risk factors obtained through administration of a questionnaire were also evaluated for each sub-population. Overall T. canis seroprevalence was 14.2%, with a significant difference found between the seroprevalence of individuals with no animals (5.0%; 5/100), individuals with dogs and/or cats living in the household (8.0%; 8/100), individuals with livestock (18.0%; 18/100), veterinarians or para-veterinarians (24.0%; 12/50), and butchers (28.0%; 14/50) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in seropositivity by income bracket, education level, and working in the fields were found for some sub-groups. Study findings demonstrate that certain sub-populations, in Northwest Pakistan, may be at greater risk of T. canis infection. Development and implementation of targeted preventive strategies may, therefore, be needed., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of heartworm disease in wild and domestic canids, felids, and mustelids. Recent studies demonstrate that additional families in the order Carnivora are also susceptible to infection. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) better understand current practices surrounding heartworm prevention and diagnostics in zoological facilities located in the state of Texas, USA, and (2) assess archival serum samples of carnivores kept in these facilities for the presence D. immitis antigen and/or antibody., Methods: A questionnaire was completed by veterinarians or veterinary technicians representing 10 zoological facilities across Texas. This questionnaire was designed at the taxonomic family level, encompassing the 12 terrestrial carnivore families Ailuridae, Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Hyaenidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, Prionodontidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae, and Viverridae. The second objective was achieved with the use of archival serum samples made available by six zoo facilities., Results: Risk perception varied across facilities for every family, including among species belonging to Canidae. All facilities used monthly heartworm prevention in canids and felids, with more variation existing in the other families. The use of diagnostic testing and type and route of administration of preventive varied by facility, with oral ivermectin the most commonly used preventive. A total of 217 archival serum samples, belonging to 211 individual animals encompassing 11 families and 39 species, were tested with a commercial heartworm antigen ELISA test, pre- and post-immune-complex dissociation. A subset of samples was also assessed for the presence of feline anti-heartworm antibodies using a commercial ELISA test. Two animals, both of which were Asian small-clawed otters from the same facility, had antigen detected (0.95%)., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that while the zoo veterinary community is aware of the risk and health impact of heartworm disease in canids and felids, there is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding the risks and ideal strategies for prevention in other carnivore families. The low proportion of antigen detection may serve as a baseline for future prevalence studies across the southern United States, where there is an emerging concern of macrocyclic lactone resistance in heartworm., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Statistical analysis of medical data aims to reveal patterns that can aid in decision making for future cases and, hopefully, improve patient outcomes. Large and bias-free datasets, such as those produced in formal randomized clinical trials, are necessary to make such analyses as reliable as possible. For a host of reasons, randomized trials are, unfortunately, relatively uncommon in veterinary medicine and surgery, implying that less ideal datasets (mostly observational data) must form the basis for much of our decision making regarding treatment of individual patients under our care. In this review, we first describe the common shortcomings of many observational veterinary datasets when viewed in comparison with their optimal counterparts and highlight how the deficiencies can lead to unreliable conclusions. We illustrate how many of the interpretative problems associated with observational data, predominantly various forms of bias, are not solved, and may even be exacerbated, by statistical analysis. We emphasize the need to examine summary data and its derivation in detail without being lured into relying upon P values to draw conclusions and advocate for completely omitting statistical analysis of many observational datasets. Finally, we present some suggestions for alternative statistical methods, such as propensity scoring and Bayesian methods, which might help reduce the risk of drawing unwarranted, and overconfident, conclusions from imperfect data., (© 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Surgery published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

In 2021, the world marked 10 years free from rinderpest. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and World Organisation for Animal Health have since made great strides in consolidating, sequencing, and destroying stocks of rinderpest virus-containing material, currently kept by only 14 known institutions. This progress must continue.

Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of nematode infections in sheep located in northeastern Iran from Apr 2018 to Mar 2019., Methods: Gastrointestinal nematodes of 300 sheep were inspected. The season of slaughter, anatomic location where the parasite was located, the animal's sex, infection prevalence and intensity were recorded. Seasonal differences in arrested larvae numbers also were assessed using Cochran's Q test., Results: Overall, 4,331 adult nematode specimens were collected. Among the examined sheep, 53% (159/300) were infected with one or more nematode species. Among infected sheep, 42.8% were infected with a single species of nematode, 26.4% were infected with two species of nematodes, and 30.8% were infected with three or more species of nematodes. Marshallagia marshalli (13.3%) was the most common nematode recovered from the abomasums of infected sheep, while Trichostrongylus vitrinus (4.6%) was commonly recovered from the small intestines, and Trichuris ovis (25.6%) was commonly recovered from the large intestines. In total, 463 arrested larvae were found in the abomasums of 7.5% of infected sheep and 104 arrested larvae were found in the small intestines of 8.8% of infected sheep. A significantly higher numbers of arrested larvae were found in summer compared to autumn ( P <0.001)., Conclusion: Intestinal parasites continue to be a problem for sheep in northeastern Iran and additional control measures need to be explored., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Jadidoleslami et al. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. CE is known to be endemic in some parts of Central Asia. We present findings from an ultrasound-based survey to estimate the prevalence of CE in the Turkestan oblast of Kazakhstan., Methods: In October 2019, six villages were chosen based on records from a national surveillance dataset. Inhabitants aged 5-90 y were invited to undergo a free abdominal ultrasound to screen for CE cysts. All identified cysts were staged according to the WHO-endorsed classification for CE cysts., Results: A total of 2252 individuals underwent ultrasound screening. Twenty-two (0.98%) individuals had CE, with a combined total of 33 cysts: 25 (75.7%) inactive (14 CE4, 11 CE5) and 8 (24.3%) active/transitional (2 CE1, 1 CE2, 3 CE3a, 2 CE3b). One patient had a postsurgical cavity. Sixty-eight patients (3.0%) reported CE prior to surgical treatment. In 25 (36.8%) previously diagnosed patients, albendazole prophylaxis was not used., Conclusions: CE is endemic in the study region, with ongoing transmission. The number of surgically treated CE patients suggests an underestimation of the disease burden by the current surveillance system. Further studies on local CE epidemiology and the implementation of expert treatment recommendations are needed., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

Information on age-based Taenia solium taeniasis prevalence is crucial for control of cysticercosis. T. solium taeniasis prevalence was determined for a village in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China that was co-endemic for T. solium, Taenia saginata asiatica , and Taenia saginata . Individuals who were Taenia egg-positive by stool microscopy and/or expelled tapeworms or proglottids post-treatment were diagnosed as having taeniasis. Infecting species was identified via multiplex PCR on tapeworm specimens or coproPCR followed by sequencing. In addition, initial stool samples from 10 children with taeniasis suspected of having spontaneous expulsion of tapeworms within the period between diagnosis and treatment were subject to species confirmation via coproPCR and sequencing. Of the 389 study subjects, 194 (49.9%) were diagnosed with taeniasis. Children (< 16 years of age) had a higher T. solium taeniasis prevalence (8.8%) than older individuals (2.5%) (P = 0.0127). Molecular analysis of initial stool samples from 7 of 10 children suspected of spontaneously passing tapeworms indicated 6 infections due to T. solium and 1 infection due to T. saginata . This study found that young children had a higher T. solium taeniasis prevalence than older individuals, providing additional support for the belief that adult T. solium likely has a relatively short lifespan compared to other Taenia species with human definitive hosts.

Historically, cysticercosis cases caused by infection with the larval stage of the Taenia solium tapeworm have occurred sporadically in Bali, with taeniasis carriers found primarily in villages located in the Kubu subdistrict of Karangasem. As Bali is a well-known tourist destination, living standards are relatively high on the island, except for an area located beneath the northeast slope of the active volcano Mt. Agung (Alt. 3031 m), which includes Kubu. Over the last 30 years, pigs originating from this area have been found with T. solium cysticerci, whereas pigs from other parts of the island have not been shown to be infected. Out of 108 individuals screened via fecal sample examination in Kubu during 2019, 3 cases of T. solium taeniasis (2.8%) were identified. There was no significant difference in taeniasis prevalence from surveys conducted in 2011-2016 (1.0%, 11/1089) (p = 0.123). Out of 110 humans and 140 pigs tested serologically in Kubu during 2019, no cases of cysticercosis were identified. This is in contrast to a seroprevalence of 4.1% (42/1025) in humans during 2011-2016 and a seroprevalence of 13.1% (43/329) in pigs during 2011-2013. Over the last decade, improved drinking water and sanitary systems have been employed in addition to health education targeting primary school children, including emphasis on washing hands before eating and after defecation. This review provides previously unpublished survey data and a historical overview of T. solium infection in Bali and offers guidance on best practices to ensure that remaining pockets of transmission are addressed., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Trichuriasis is one of the most common soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, affecting populations globally. The condition is particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas with low levels of sanitation and poor living conditions. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in Asia at the country and region level. Multiple databases/academic search engines (Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature on T. trichiura prevalence in Asia published through January 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 13,836 articles, 226 studies (5,439,500 individuals) from 26 countries met the inclusion criteria. Of the 226 studies, 151 were community-based studies that included individuals across the age spectrum, while 75 studies focused on school children (typically in the 5-16 years age range). The overall T. trichiura pooled prevalence was 15.3% (95% CI: 12.4-19.1%), with a pooled prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 10.0-17.1%) for the community studies and 20.9% (95% CI: 14.7-27.9%) for the studies only including school children. For studies including all age groups, individuals in the 1-15 years age group had the highest pooled prevalence at 23.4% (95% CI: 1.7-49.4%). There was a significant difference found in overall pooled prevalence by sex (p < 0.001) and community type (rural versus urban) (p < 0.001). Although prevalence appears to be decreasing, study findings suggest that T. trichiura infection continues to be a public health problem in Asia. Therefore, control programs focused on at-risk individuals in endemic areas are needed., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis with a cosmopolitan distribution caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato tapeworms. Although Uzbekistan and other countries in Central Asia are considered endemic, estimates of disease burden are lacking. We present data regarding surgically managed cases of CE obtained from Uzbekistan's national disease surveillance registry. These data are from medical centers in Uzbekistan authorized to treat the disease and reported to the Uzbek Center for Sanitation and Epidemiology from the period 2011 to 2018. Information included patient age class (children 14 years or younger versus adults 15 years and older), but no data regarding cyst location. Incidence rates were calculated using data from the national population registry, and the Cuzick nonparametric test for trends was used to test for differences in the incidence over time at the country and regional levels. A total of 7,309 CE cases were reported. Of these, 857 (11.73%) involved pediatric patients. The mean incidence rates were 4.4 per 100,000 population in 2011 and 2.3 per 100,000 population in 2018 (P = 0.016). One region (Republic of Karalpakistan) showed a nonstatistically significant increase (P = 0.824). All other regions except three showed a statistically significant decrease. We present data showing a decrease in the overall incidence of surgically treated CE in Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2018. However, the presence of cases involving children suggests ongoing parasite transmission. The absence of clinical information (starting with cyst stage and localization) needs to be addressed to improve the national surveillance system. Field studies are also needed to further explore the epidemiology of CE in the country.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato tapeworms, continues to be a public health problem in many endemic countries, including Pakistan. Patient level data, including age, sex, and cyst(s) location for surgically managed CE patients for the years 2013-2016 from hospitals located in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces were obtained from medical charts. Direct and indirect costs associated with surgically managed CE patients treated in private and public hospitals were then estimated and applied to country-level case numbers estimated through the Global Burden of Disease Study. A total cost of US$4,068,666 (95% CI: US$3,097,684 - US$5,295,702) was estimated for the year 2017, with US$3,951,853 (95% CI: US$2,981,400 - US$5,177,610) attributable to direct diagnosis and treatment-related costs and US$117,137 (95% CI: US$91,841 - US$146, 979) attributable to wage losses during the treatment period. Mean direct cost per patient (US$1,056) was approximately 72% of the country's per capita gross domestic product (GDP). Surgical management continues to be the treatment of choice for CE patients in Pakistan. If physicians were to adhere to World Health Organization Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (WHO-IWGE) cyst stage-specific treatment guidelines, it is likely that the number of surgical interventions would decrease as would treatment costs., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this perspectives paper, we discuss fertilization strategies for Taenia saginata and Taenia saginata asiatica as well as heterogeneity in Taenia solium , the causative agent of human cysticercosis. Two different genotypes of T. solium (Asian and Afro/American) were confirmed by mitochondrial DNA analysis approximately two decades ago. Since then, outcrossings of the two genotypes have been identified in Madagascar where the two genotypes are distributed sympatrically. Outcrossings were confirmed by the presence of discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Since multiple tapeworm infections are common in endemic areas, outcrossing events likely occur quite frequently. Therefore, mitochondrial DNA from T. solium specimens collected from humans and pigs in endemic areas should be analyzed. If variations are found between specimens, nuclear DNA analysis should be performed to confirm the presence of discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Additional outcrossings likely add complexity to understanding the existing genetic diversity. Serological surveys are also recommended since serodiagnostic glycoprotein can also differentiate between the two genotypes. Viable eggs from different genotypes or from hybrids of two different genotypes should be used for experimental infection of pigs or dogs in order to observe any pathological heterogeneity in cysticercosis development. Although genetic diversity of T. solium is expected to result in clinical heterogeneity of cysticercosis in humans and pigs, there is currently no evidence showing that this occurs. There are also no comparative experimental studies on this topic. Therefore, studies evaluating the link between parasite heterogeneity and clinical outcome are warranted., (Copyright ©2021, Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. These parasites have a worldwide geographic distribution and pose a serious threat to livestock industry as well as human health in the endemic areas. CE is widely distributed in Pakistan. However, very few reports are available related to the regional transmission of E. granulosus . A retrospective analysis was conducted of surgically confirmed CE patients who were treated at Shoukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan from 2007 - 2018. In total, 536 CE patients were evaluated during the study period. Cases originated from the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (n=336), Punjab (n=147), Baluchistan (n=18), Sindh (n=3), Islamabad (n=2), Gilgit Baltistan (n=1), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (n=1). An additional 28 cases were from Afghanistan. The highest number of CE cases was reported in 2013 (n=90). Females made up a larger proportion of cases (n=310; 57.8 %) than males (n=226; 42.2 %). Most patients were members of the Pashtun (n=197; 36.7 %), Hindku (n=142; 26.5 %), and Punjabi (n=118; 22.0 %) ethnic groups. The largest number of cysts was obtained from the liver (137/536; 25.6 %). This study showed that CE is likely present throughout Pakistan. In order to control the disease, a comprehensive control program and regional surveillance are needed., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures related to this publication., (© 2021 Q. Rasib, A. Khan, H. Ahmed, S. Nizamuddin, F. Asif, M. S. Afzal, S. Simsek, F. Khurshid, S. Irum, N. Hussain, S. Riaz, S. S. Khan, C. M. Budke, published by Sciendo.)

Background: Platyhelminth infections of livestock can result in considerable economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the spatial frequency of cystic echinococcosis (CE), dicrocoeliasis, and fascioliasis in livestock slaughtered in Iran during the years 2015-2019 and estimate direct costs associated with organ condemnation due to these parasites., Methods: Abattoir data from 413 abattoirs representing all 31 Iranian provinces were collected from the Iran Veterinary Organization. Infection prevalence was calculated per year at the province level. The Local Moran's I statistic was performed to evaluate spatial autocorrelation of animals positive at slaughter for the years 2015-2019. Direct costs associated with condemned livers were calculated for each parasitic condition, with costs associated with condemned lungs also included for CE., Results: Overall prevalence values for the study timeframe were as follows: sheep and goat fascioliasis 1.56% (95% CI: 1.56-1.56%), cattle fascioliasis 3.86% (95% CI: 3.85-3.88%), sheep and goat dicrocoeliasis 4.63% (95% CI: 4.62-4.63%), cattle dicrocoeliasis 3.08% (95% CI: 3.07-3.09%), sheep and goat CE 5.32% (95% CI: 5.32-5.33%), and cattle CE 7.26% (95% CI: 7.24-7.28%). Northwest Iran had the highest prevalence of CE and fascioliasis. High infection areas for Dicrocoelium spp. included the provinces of Zanjan, Gilan, Qazvin, and Tehran, which are located in northern Iran. Direct economic losses for sheep and goat fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$13,842,759, US$41,771,377, and US$22,801,054, respectively. Direct economic losses for cattle fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$1,989,200, US$1,668,986, and US$2,656,568, respectively., Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable data for future monitoring of these important parasitic diseases in Iranian livestock. Disease control strategies are required to reduce the economic and public health impact of these platyhelminths.

Numerous experimental studies have been conducted on the rodent tapeworm, Hymenolepis microstoma . In contrast, less is known about the life-cycle and immunobiology of the zoonotic dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepis nana . However, H. nana appears to be unique in that; (i) it can complete its entire life-cycle within a single mammalian host, and (ii) cysticercoids that develop in beetle intermediate hosts are tailed, while those that develop in the intestinal tissue of mammals are tailless. This is in contrast to all other Hymenolepis spp., which only appear to develop tailed cysticercoids in beetles or experimentally infected immunodeficient rodents. Even though H. microstoma and H. nana are phylogenetically much closer to each other than to Hymenolepis diminuta , when mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) were inoculated with H. microstoma eggs, hatched oncospheres invaded the intestinal tissue and developed into infective tailed cysticercoids in approximately 11 days. Therefore, H. nana appears to be truly unique in its ability to develop tailed cysticercoids in beetles and tailless cysticercoids in mammals. These unique evolutionary characteristics are discussed in relation to other cyclophyllidean cestodes, including Taenia solium and Echinococcus spp., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is considered a neglected zoonotic disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). The causative pathogen, Echinococcus multilocularis, lives as an adult tapeworm in the intestinal tract of canines. AE was identified as an emerging public health issue in Tibetan communities of Shiqu County 20 years ago. On St. Lawrence Island, Alaska (USA), in the 1980s peri-domestic transmission of E. multilocularis was controlled by regular deworming of owned dogs over a 10-year period. In Tibetan communities, on the Tibetan Plateau, control of E. multilocularis transmission is challenging due to the continental setting, complex epidemiology, disease ecology, geography, and socio-cultural factors. However, a control programme based on deworming owned dogs using praziquental (PZQ) has been carried out since 2006. Assessment was conducted in townships where baseline data were available 10 years prior. Purging of dogs by oral administration of arecoline was used to measure E. multilocularis prevalence, trapping small mammals around communities was employed to assess the change in infection of pikas and voles, and analysis of human AE abdominal ultrasound-based data was used to understand the change in prevalence in the past decade. In all three evaluated townships, the E. multilocularis prevalence in owned dogs was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced from 7.23% (25/346) during 2000-2003 to 0.55% (1/181) in 2016. Human AE ultrasound-based prevalence (adjusted for age and sex) in five evaluated townships decreased significantly (P < 0.01) from 6.25% (200/3,198) during 2000-2002 to 3.67% (706/19,247) during 2015-2017. The 2016 prevalence of E. multilocularis metacestodes in small mammal intermediate hosts was not significantly different from the prevalence in 2008. The control programme was effective in reducing E. multilocularis infection in owned dogs and human AE prevalence, but did not significantly impact infection in wildlife intermediate hosts., (Copyright © 2020 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease that occurs in humans and ungulates due to infection with the larval stage of the taeniid cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. It has been estimated that approximately one million people are infected annually, resulting in US$3 billion in human and livestock-associated direct and indirect losses per year. CE is a serious public health concern in many parts of the world, including Pakistan. This review discusses the causative agent as well as the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CE in Pakistan., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease that can result in human and animal health problems globally. Although the disease is known to be endemic in Asia and the Middle East, there are few epidemiological studies on CE in Pakistan. The purpose of the present study was to identify the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species and genotypes contributing to human CE cases in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. A total of fifty-six formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) CE cyst samples of human origin were collected from the Pathology Department, Rehman Medical Institute (RMI), KPK for the years 2012-2017. Cyst samples came from the liver (26/56; 46.4%), lungs (3/56; 5.3%), spleen (3/56; 5.3%), pelvis (1/56; 1.8%), breast (1/56; 1.8%), and thigh (1/56; 1.8%). The organ location for 21 of the cysts was not recorded. World Health Organization-Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (WHO-IWGE) ultrasound-based cyst staging was available for 17 of the 26 (65.4%) hepatic cysts. Five of these cysts (29.4%) were CE3 (transitional), nine (52.9%) were CE4 (inactive), and three (17.6%) were CE5 (inactive). Most of the cysts were obtained from CE patients that were ethnically Afghan Pashtuns (44/56; 78.6%), while 12.5% (7/56) were from patients that were Pakistani Pashtuns. The majority (41/56; 73.2%) of patients reported having close interactions with dogs. Using 12SrRNA primers, 33 cyst samples were identified as being caused by E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). Mitochondrially encoded cytochrome C oxidase 1 (mt-CO1) was evaluated for the remaining 23 samples. PCR product was obtained from six of these 23 samples. Of these six samples, one was identified as Echinococcus canadensis (G6/7). Haplotype analysis showed high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity for the mt-CO1 gene. There were 26 polymorphic sites for the mt-CO1 sequence, of which 65.3% (17/26) were parsimony informative. The E. canadensis mt-CO1 haplotype network consisted of 11 haplotypes, with a main central haplotype. In conclusion, it appears that E. granulosus s.s. and E. canadensis (G6/7) are circulating in the northwestern region of Pakistan. Further molecular epidemiological studies are needed to explore the local genetic diversity of the parasite., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Meticillin-resistant (MR) staphylococcal species have been cultured from veterinary hospital environments and veterinary instruments. Pet-grooming salon environments and grooming tools may pose a risk for dissemination of MR staphylococcal bacteria into the pet population., Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of MR staphylococcal colonization of pet-grooming salons and to collect information regarding cleaning procedures in grooming salons., Methods and Materials: A nonrandomized, observational study was performed in 2018. Locations inside 19 grooming salons near Tacoma, WA, USA, were sampled and selectively cultured for MR, coagulase-positive staphylococci. Sampled sites included clipper blades and handles, leashes, rims of bathtub drains, insides of shampoo caps, and bathtub spray hoses or faucet handles. Grooming salons were asked to complete surveys regarding their cleaning practices., Results: Meticillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from 12 of 19 grooming salons and 25 of 112 total samples. Meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus and S. schleiferi were isolated from multiple salons, most commonly from electric clipper blades, clipper handles and grooming leashes. No statistically significant correlations were identified between cleaning practices and the isolation of MR coagulase-positive staphylococci., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clipper blades, clipper handles and leashes are potential fomites for MR staphylococci in a grooming salon; increased disinfection practices for these items are indicated. A prospective, controlled, large-scale study is warranted to examine the effect of grooming salon hygiene practices on the isolation of MR staphylococci in salons., (© 2020 ESVD and ACVD.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important public health challenge in Iran that requires a One Health approach to control. Filling information gaps and research needs on different aspects of the disease, including parasite biology, disease ecology, human/animal infection, and administrative issues, is essential to address challenges faced by CE control programs., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. It has a worldwide geographic distribution and can threaten the livestock industry and human health in endemic areas, including Pakistan. CE prevalence is high in Pakistan due to lack of local knowledge about disease transmission and a lack of control measures. The Pakistan province of Baluchistan shares a border with Iran and Afghanistan and is largely agricultural. However, little is known about E. granulosus transmission in this region., Methods: Information on surgically confirmed cases of CE in Baluchistan Province was obtained through evaluation of paraffin fixed cyst samples and patient records obtained from three local hospitals for the years 2011-2018., Results: A total of 22 paraffin fixed samples were collected during the study period. The majority of cysts were obtained from the liver (9/22; 40.9%), with anatomical location not available for two of the cysts. Demographic information was available for 18 cases. Females made up 61.1% (11/18) of the cases. The largest numbers of cases were found in the 31-40 years age group (5/18; 22.7%)., Discussion: This study shows that Echinococcus spp. parasites are circulating in the study area. In order to control the disease, a comprehensive regional surveillance and control program is needed., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest or financial disclosure about this publication., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the utility of using body weight for age determination in kittens., Methods: Medical records were reviewed for serial body weight measurements collected from neonatal kittens (up to 8 weeks of age) from a breeding colony of specific pathogen-free domestic shorthair cats and for single-point body weight measurements of privately owned pediatric kittens (6-20 weeks of age) presenting for elective sterilization. Body weights were compared with known dates of birth and age assessed by dental eruption in combination with developmental characteristics., Results: The coefficient of determination (R 2 ) between age and body weight in longitudinally sampled neonatal kittens was 0.88, while that for pediatric kittens sampled at a single time point was 0.54. Among neonatal kittens, predicted age based on the 1 lb (0.45 kg) of body weight gain per month of age guideline corresponded to within 1 week of actual age for 243 (98.8%), 234 (95.1%), 203 (82.5%) and 191 (77.6%) kittens at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, respectively. Among pediatric kittens, predicted age based on this guideline corresponded to within 1 week of actual age for 24 (77.4%), 411 (67.5%), 170 (57.0%), 96 (46.6%), 23 (28.8%), 15 (27.8%), one (25%) and five (17.9%) kittens at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks, respectively., Conclusions and Relevance: Body weight was an effective means of predicting age in kittens through 10 weeks of age. Factors other than body weight should be considered when estimating kitten age beyond that time point.

Bovine hydatid disease, characterised by fluid-filled hydatid cysts, is regularly found in the offal of beef cattle at slaughter. Organs found to be infected at slaughter are removed to preclude them from entering the human food chain. The organs are either downgraded to pet food or condemned. Previous studies have focussed on total economic losses, but have not calculated the cost of disease per animal, which would be useful information for producers when determining how best to manage hydatid disease. This study estimated the direct losses associated with hydatid disease in beef cattle slaughtered at an Australian beef abattoir both at the population (all cattle slaughtered) and individual animal level. Data on annual prevalence of hydatid disease in beef cattle were obtained from an Australian abattoir for the years 2011-2017. The direct losses resulting from the condemnation and downgrading of offal infected with hydatid cysts at the abattoir were estimated using data stratified by age, sex and feed-type. Official and literature-based sources of organ weight and price were used to estimate direct losses associated with hydatid disease in beef cattle slaughtered at the abattoir. Uncertainty and variability in input parameters were represented using uniform distributions and Monte Carlo sampling was used to model output parameter uncertainty. Out of 1,097,958 beef cattle slaughtered between January 2011 and December 2017, 97,832 (8.9%) were reported infected with hydatid disease. The median estimated direct loss to the abattoir for the duration of the study period was AU$655,560 (95% confidence interval [CI] AU$544,366-787,235). This equated to approximately AU$6.70 (95% CI AU$5.56-8.05) lost per infected animal. The annual median estimated direct losses due to hydatid disease at the abattoir were AU$93,651 (95% CI AU$77,767-112,462). Direct losses varied each year of the study and ranged from AU$38,683 in 2016 to AU$163,006 in 2014. This estimate of the direct losses associated with bovine hydatid disease most likely underestimates the true extent of the overall losses because indirect losses such as reduced carcass weights were not estimated in this study. Nevertheless, these estimates illustrate the negative economic impact of bovine hydatid disease and demonstrate that improved surveillance to enable control of hydatid disease should be considered both in Australia and globally. It would be worthwhile to estimate the losses in other beef abattoirs for the same time period to compare results, and to investigate the cost-benefit of control programs for bovine hydatid disease., Competing Interests: Declarations of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are important causes of morbidity in poorer areas of developing countries, with high endemicity in Southeast Asia. Humans are most often exposed to the infective forms of STHs in areas with sub-standard sanitation. The number of STH infections globally was estimated at 1.5 billion in 2018. In Indonesia, the prevalence of STH infections ranges from 2.5% to 62.0%. STH and taeniasis infections were evaluated on Samosir Island, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Field surveys were conducted in January 2003, February 2005, and February 2006 in Simanindo Subdistrict, with a subsequent survey conducted in the subdistricts of Simanindo and Ronggurnihuta in September 2015. A total of 371 individuals were screened between 2003 and 2006 and 368 were screened in 2015 (314 from Simanindo and 54 from Ronggurnihuta). Fecal samples were collected and examined microscopically by the Kato-Katz technique. The prevalence of STH infections in Simanindo for the years 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2015 was 41.4%, 52.2%, 55.7%, and 46.8%, respectively. The 2015 prevalence of STH infections in Ronggurnihuta was 66.7%. Taenia asiatica taeniasis prevalence was 3.4% and 2.2% for the years 2003 and 2005, respectively, with no cases detected in 2006 or 2015. The prevalence of STH infections in Simanindo and Ronggurnihuta was similar to other STH prevalence values reported for Indonesia. Country-level values have not changed substantially from those reported in the 1980s and 1990s, where prevalence ranged from 40% to 70%. Improvement of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation for control of STH infections on Samosir Island will require collaboration among multiple sectors., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors are responsible for the content and writing of this paper., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) was first reported in the province of Bali, Indonesia in 1975. Since this time, sporadic cases have been reported annually. This study reports information on 29 NCC cases (20 males and 9 females) admitted to a referral hospital in Denpasar, Bali from 2014 until 2018. Twenty-four cases were from Bali, 2 were from the province of East Nusa Tenggara, and 3 were from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Mean patient age was 37.2 years and 69.0% (20/29) were male. Epileptic seizures were the most common clinical manifestation (65.5%, 19/29). Serology (ELISA) was used in 14 cases (48.2%, 14/29), but only 6 cases, including one case with an inactive calcified lesion, were positive (42.9%, 6/14). Two cases underwent surgical resection after their lesions were initially misdiagnosed as brain tumors. These hospital-based findings are discussed along with the present status of NCC in Bali., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus . The parasite typically infects dogs and ungulates, with humans acting as dead-end hosts. Information on the epidemiology of CE is lacking from Central Asia, including from Kazakhstan where CE cases are reported centrally. This study presents data from the Kazakhstan Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Evaluation and Monitoring on CE patients treated surgically, with a diagnosis confirmed by pathology. Evaluation of data from 2007 to 2016 indicated that the CE incidence rate decreased during this time period in most areas of Kazakhstan (country-level incidence rate of 5.6 versus 4.7 cases/100,000 population in 2007 and 2016, respectively). Cystic echinococcosis had a higher incidence in southern Kazakhstan, with an incidence rate between 7.0 and 10.5 cases per 100,000 population, whereas northern regions had rates less than 4.0 cases per 100,000 population. Moreover, despite the overall decrease, CE incidence continues to increase in the south. Cystic echinococcosis surveillance is needed, particularly in the south, to help inform policymakers and orient disease control efforts.

The Snakes and Ladders board game was modified so that it contained information on taeniasis. A quantitative approach was used to evaluate if elementary school children were able to answer correctly more questions about Taenia saginata and Taenia solium transmission and control after playing the game compared to before playing the game. In total, 78 children (9-12 years of age) from Dukuh elementary school in Karangasem District, Bali, Indonesia, were evaluated. The children were asked to complete a pre- and post-test assessment before and after playing the game a single time. Overall proportion of correct answers was 40.3% before playing the game and 58.8% after playing the game. There was a greater proportion of correct answers for questions pertaining to the transmission route for T. saginata (p < 0.001) and T. solium (p < 0.001), human infection type with T. solium (p = 0.035) and T. saginata (p < 0.001), and animal infection type with T. solium or T. saginata (p < 0.001) after playing the game compared to before playing the game. However, there was no significant difference for any question for the youngest grade level. Use of this popular board game appears to be a promising tool for teaching older (10 years of age and above) children about taeniasis in endemic areas., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Taeniasis is an important parasitic condition in Asia, especially since all three human-infecting Taenia spp., Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica are found in this region. These three species are believed to be sympatrically distributed, with the largest disease burden found in remote and rural areas where people raise pigs and cattle in a traditional manner. Recent studies revealed that T. asiatica and T. saginata are genetically-related sister species that are not completely reproductively isolated from each other. Current evidence indicates that most T. asiatica adult worms are hybrid-derived descendants. Moving forward, nuclear DNA analysis will be critical in further assessing the species circulating locally. Lifestyle choices, such as the consumption of undercooked meat, are important in maintaining the life cycles of these parasites. In addition, poor hygiene and sanitation, in highly endemic areas, make disease control difficult, resulting in the need for sustainable education programs. An overview of the present situation of taeniasis and cysticercosis in Asia is provided, followed by a discussion of molecular approaches to species assessment and the impact of human lifestyles on parasite transmission., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Taenia solium cysticercosis is a public health and agricultural problem in many low and middle-income countries where health education, sanitation, pig management practices and meat inspection infrastructure are insufficient. Cysticercosis affects both human and animal health and has important economic consequences. Very few studies have been conducted to evaluate the monetary burden of cysticercosis. This study aimed at estimating the 2015 costs associated with cysticercosis in humans and pigs in Mexico., Methods: The monetary burden of human cysticercosis was estimated based on costs incurred by living with and treating epilepsy and severe chronic headaches associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC). The estimated cost of porcine cysticercosis took into consideration losses due to the reduction in the price of cysticercosis-infected animals. Epidemiologic and economic data were obtained from the published literature, government reports, and setting-specific questionnaires. Latin hypercube sampling methods were employed to sample the distributions of uncertain parameters and to estimate 95% credible regions (95% CRs). All results are reported in 2015 U.S.$., Findings: The overall monetary burden associated with NCC morbidity was estimated at U.S.$215,775,056 (95% CR U.S.$109,309,560 -U.S.$361,924,224), with U.S.$436 (95% CR: U.S.$296 -U.S.$604) lost per patient. If loss of future years of income and productivity due to NCC-associated deaths was included, this value increased by U.S.$54.26 million, assuming that these individuals earned Mexico's median wage salary. An additional U.S.$19,507,171 (95% CR U.S.$5,734,782 -U.S.$35,913,487) was estimated to be lost due to porcine cysticercosis., Conclusions: This study suggests that T. solium cysticercosis results in considerable monetary losses to Mexico., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally occurring zoonosis, whereas alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is endemic only in certain parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The socioeconomic impact of human echinococcosis has been shown to be considerable in highly endemic regions. However, detailed data on direct healthcare-related costs associated with CE and AE are scarce for high income countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate direct costs of human disease caused by CE and AE in Austria., Methods: Clinical data from a registry maintained at a national reference center for echinococcosis at the Medical University of Vienna were obtained for the years 2012-2014. These data were used in conjunction with epidemiological data from Austria's national disease reporting system and diagnostic reference laboratory for echinococcosis to assess nationwide costs attributable to CE and AE., Results: In Austria, total modelled direct costs were 486,598€ (95%CI 341,825€ - 631,372€) per year for CE, and 683,824€ (95%CI 469,161€ - 898,486€) for AE. Median costs per patient with AE from diagnosis until the end of a 10-year follow-up period were 30,832€ (25th- 75th percentile: 23,197€ - 31,220€) and 62,777€ (25th- 75th percentile: 60,806€ - 67,867€) for inoperable and operable patients, respectively. Median costs per patients with CE from diagnosis until end of follow-up after 10 years were 16,253€ (25th- 75th percentile: 8,555€ - 24,832€) and 1,786€ (25th- 75th percentile: 736€ - 2,146€) for patients with active and inactive cyst stages, respectively. The first year after inclusion was the most cost-intense year in the observed period, with hospitalizations and albendazole therapy the main contributors to direct costs., Conclusions: This study provides detailed information on direct healthcare-related costs associated with CE and AE in Austria, which may reflect trends for other high-income countries. Surgery and albendazole therapy, due to surprisingly high drug prices, were identified as important cost-drivers. These data will be important for cost-effectiveness analyses of possible prevention programs., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Human echinococcosis is an infectious disease caused by tapeworms belonging to the species Echinococcus. This parasite has a worldwide distribution and is considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. Due to the diversity of Echinococcus spp. hosts, as well as variation in geographical, climatic, and socio-ethnic conditions, the question of the strains or genotypes of Echinococcus spp. that are involved in human infections is important. The aim of this study was to provide a summary of the available data on genotypes of Echinococcus obtained from the Iranian population. Four international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science) and 4 Persian databases (Magiran, Scientific Information Database, Iran Medex, and IranDoc) were searched for cross-sectional studies that reported the genotypes of Echinococcus spp. in human echinococcosis cases using molecular methods in Iran through July 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. A total of 559 cases of human cystic echinococcosis were reported in the 21 included articles. The majority of cases belonged to genotype G1 (89.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80.1 to 95.8), genotype G6 (8.2%; 95% CI, 2.8 to 15.9), and genotype G3 (2.3%; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.9). Since genotype G1 of Echinococcus appears to be the most prevalent genotype affecting humans in Iran, disease control initiatives aimed at sheep intermediate hosts may be the most beneficial. In addition, educational programs and serological screening in individuals may help reduce the national impact of the disease.

Objective: To determine the influence of administering allogeneic blood products (ABP) on the progression of hemangiosarcoma in dogs., Study Design: Multi-institutional, retrospective study., Sample Population: One hundred four dogs with hemangiosarcoma that survived until postoperative discharge from the hospital., Methods: Medical records of dogs that had been operated on for hemoangiosarcoma were reviewed for signalment, presence of a hemoabdomen, presence of metastatic disease, and whether the dog had received chemotherapy or Yunnan Baiyao. Data that were collected were compared between dogs that received perioperative ABP and those that did not. Disease-free interval was compared between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to obtain univariate descriptive statistics for time to clinical decline. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to analyze association or effect of potential predictor variables., Results: The median disease-free interval (DFI) was shorter in the 67 dogs that received a blood transfusion (76 days; range, 1-836) than in the 37 dogs that did not receive a blood transfusion (120 days; range, 38-916). According to the multivariable Cox regression model, administration of blood products (P = .04) and the presence of gross metastatic disease at the time of surgery (P < .01) shortened the DFI, whereas administration of Yunnan Baiyao (P = .01) prolonged the DFI., Conclusion: Allogeneic blood product administration was associated with a shorter disease-free interval in this population. However, we could not demonstrate the association between blood products and shorter DFI because of confounding factors., Clinical Significance: Dogs that receive ABP at the time of surgical therapy for hemangiosarcoma may have accelerated disease progression compared with dogs that do not receive ABP., (© 2018 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Albendazole (ABZ) is the best drug available to treat cystic echinococcosis (CE), a neglected tropical disease. Cystic echinococcosis patients often receive a continuous course of the drug for 6-12 months. In Italy, ABZ shortages occur almost on a yearly basis. We searched clinical records at the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for the Clinical Management of CE in Pavia, Italy, to estimate the amount of ABZ prescribed to patients between January 2012 and February 2017. The cost of ABZ was estimated at €2.25 per tablet based on the current market price in Italy. Patients to whom ABZ had been prescribed were contacted to determine if they had experienced difficulties in purchasing the drug and to assess how such problems affected their treatment. Of 348 identified CE patients, 127 (36.5%) were treated with ABZ for a total of 20,576 days. This led to an estimated cost of €92,592. Seventy-five patients were available for follow-up, 42 (56%) reported difficulties in obtaining ABZ. Of these patients, four (9.5%) had to search out of their region and 10 (23.8%) had to go out of the country. A total of 27 patients (64%) had to visit more than five pharmacies to locate the drug and 10 patients (23.8%) interrupted treatment because of ABZ nonavailability. Shortages in ABZ distribution can disrupt CE treatment schedules and jeopardize patient health.

The objective of this study was to estimate the direct costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of neurocysticercosis (NCC) during pre-hospitalization, hospitalization, and post-hospitalization periods for 108 NCC patients treated at the Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia (INNN) in Mexico City, Mexico. Information on clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, surgical procedures, prescription medication, and other treatments was collected via medical chart reviews. Uncertain values for costs and frequency of treatments were imputed using bootstrap techniques. The average per-patient pre-hospitalization and hospitalization costs were US$ 257 (95% CI: 185 - 329) and US$ 2,576 (95% CI: 2,244 - 2,908), respectively. Post-hospitalization costs tended to decrease over time, with estimates for the first five years post-hospitalization of US$ 475 (95% CI: 423 - 527), US$ 228 (95% CI: 167 - 288), US$ 157 (95% CI: 111 - 202), US$ 150 (95% CI: 106 - 204), and US$ 91 (95% CI: 27 - 154), respectively. NCC results in a significant economic burden for patients requiring hospitalization, with this burden continuing years post-hospitalization.

Background: In humans geographical differences in the incidence and presentation of various cancers have been reported. However, much of this information has not been collected in veterinary oncology., Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine if a geographic difference in progression free survival exists for dogs with lymphoma treated within the US., Materials and Methods: Medical records of 775 cases of canine lymphoma from 3 US regions (west, south and north), treated with CHOP chemotherapy, were retrospectively evaluated. Cases were collected from referral institutions and were required to have received at least one doxorubicin treatment and have follow up information regarding time to progression., Results: Significant differences in sex (p = 0.05), weight (p = 0.049), stage (p < 0.001), immunophenotype (p = <0.001), and number of doxorubicin doses (p = 0.001) were seen between regions. Upon univariate analysis, progression free survival (PFS) differed by region (p = 0.006), stage (p = 0.009), sub-stage (p = 0.0005), and immunophenotype (p = 0.001). A multivariable Cox regression model showed that dogs in the western region had a significantly shorter PFS when compared to the south and east., Conclusion: PFS was significantly affected by stage, sub-stage and phenotype., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Human alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, caused by the accidental ingestion of eggs of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, respectively, are endemic in Asia. Various Echinococcus species are maintained in domesticated and/or wild mammals through predator-prey interactions. Molecular analysis is used to help differentiate infecting parasite species and genotypes, with the goal of better understanding parasite life cycles in order to aid in the planning and implementation of control programs. This paper discusses the various echinococcoses in Asia, with limited reference to neighboring areas, including parts of Central Asia, Russia, Europe and North America., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The population density of wildlife reservoirs contributes to disease transmission risk for domestic animals. The objective of this study was to model the African buffalo distribution of the Kruger National Park. A secondary objective was to collect field data to evaluate models and determine environmental predictors of buffalo detection. Spatial distribution models were created using buffalo census information and archived data from previous research. Field data were collected during the dry (August 2012) and wet (January 2013) seasons using a random walk design. The fit of the prediction models were assessed descriptively and formally by calculating the root mean square error (rMSE) of deviations from field observations. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of environmental variables on the detection of buffalo herds and linear regression was used to identify predictors of larger herd sizes. A zero-inflated Poisson model produced distributions that were most consistent with expected buffalo behavior. Field data confirmed that environmental factors including season (P = 0.008), vegetation type (P = 0.002), and vegetation density (P = 0.010) were significant predictors of buffalo detection. Bachelor herds were more likely to be detected in dense vegetation (P = 0.005) and during the wet season (P = 0.022) compared to the larger mixed-sex herds. Static distribution models for African buffalo can produce biologically reasonable results but environmental factors have significant effects and therefore could be used to improve model performance. Accurate distribution models are critical for the evaluation of disease risk and to model disease transmission.