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Fascioliasis is an important worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease. In Egypt, fascioliasis in humans and animals is endemic and causes both clinical and epidemiological health problems. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of related risk factors in two regions of the New Valley Governorate, Egypt, as well as the prevalence of fascioliasis in humans and farm animals based on fecal examination. The fecal sedimentation technique was used to look for Fasciola eggs in the fecal samples. Between December 2022 and June 2023, 180 human stool samples and 370 animal fecal samples (300 cattle, 70 sheep) were collected. Depending on coprological examination, the prevalence of fascioliasis was 0 % (0/180) in human and 1.6% (6 out of 370) in animals, sheep showed higher infection 2.9% (2 out of 70) than cattle 1.3% (4 out of 300) with non-significant association between infection and species, age range, sex of animals, locality, and time of infection. In conclusion, even though human fascioliasis was not found in this investigation, the animal fascioliasis existence can pose a risk to public health. Thus, it's critical to implement policies that will minimize the chance that animals in the governorate of New Valley may become infected with Fasciola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Fasciolosis is a prevalent disease that significantly impairs the health and productivity of cattle and causes significant economic damage. Beyond the individually available studies with varying prevalence rates, there are no pooled national prevalence studies on bovine fasciolosis. Therefore, the current study aims to determine the pooled prevalence and economic significance of fasciolosis among cattle in Ethiopia. Methods Cochrane's Q, inverse variance (I2), sensitivity analysis, funnel plots, Begg's and Egger's regression tests were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. A random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of fasciolosis among cattle. Results The pooled prevalence of fasciolosis among cattle was 28.02% (7626/27,604) with (95% CI: 24.77%–31.26%). About 25.58% (3200/12,639) with (95% CI: 20.89, 30.27) and 30.45% (4426/14,965) with (95% CI: 26.05, 34.85) were found to harbour Fasciola through coprological inspection and post‐mortem examination, respectively. Among a total of 14,965 livers of slaughtered cattle examined in municipal abattoirs, Fasciola hepatica (54.43%) was the predominant fluke identified compared to Fasciola gigantica (23.21%). Mixed infections of both species and unidentified immature flukes were detected in 15.04% and 7.02% of the affected livers, respectively. Regarding the severity of the pathological lesions observed, 35.08%, 49.31% and 15.61% of the livers were mildly, moderately and seriously infested, respectively. The total annual economic significance of fasciolosis among cattle from 21 reported studies was approximately 43,240,653.2 ETB (US$4,069,100.649). Increasing and decreasing trends of pooled fasciolosis prevalence were observed from 2010 to 2023 in coprological examination and post‐partum inspection, respectively. Conclusion Therefore, bovine fasciolosis requires integrated control methods to address its influence on animal health and economic impact.

Chaltu Desalegn,1 Gemechu Berhanu2 1College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia; 2School of Veterinary Medicine, Dambi Dollo University, Dambi Dollo, Oromia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Gemechu Berhanu, Email gemechuberhanu@yahoo.comIntroduction: Gastrointestinal tract nematodes are considered to be the most significant and underestimated problems that hinder sheep productivity.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract nematode infestation of sheep in the Toke Kutaye District of West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal tract nematode parasite infestation in sheep. Faecal samples were collected from 384 sheep and subjected to coprological examination, including direct smear, flotation techniques, and Baermann techniques for screening and identifying gastrointestinal nematodes.Results: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal tract nematode parasite infestation in sheep in the study area was 284 (73.96%). From the total positive cases, males and females were 97 (82.91%) and 187 (70.04%), respectively. The predominantly detected gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep in the study area were Trichostrongylus 111 (28.91%), Oestartagia 55 (14.32%), Haemonchus 42 (10.94%), Oesophagostomum 48 (12.50%), and Trichuris 23 (5.99%). Mixed nematode eggs were noticed in some of the sheep beside the single type of nematode eggs, with a prevalence of 85 (22.14%). The relationship in the occurrence of parasites between sex, age groups, body conditions, and seasons was statistically significant (P = 0.008, P = 0.014, P = 0.001 and P = 0.003), respectively.Conclusion: The present study is of great importance to add to the existing knowledge of the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep, and the findings are very important to apply the proper control and prevention strategies for gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep in the area.Keywords: coprological examination, nematodes, prevalence, sheep, Toke Kutaye

Poultry farming is a breeding area of special importance in meeting the population's demand for high-calorie meat and egg products, as well as in providing raw materials for some areas of light industry. However, one of the factors that hinders the development of this profitable field, causes a decrease in productivity, and is sometimes accompanied by massive losses in poultry farms, is helminthosis. In recent years, the number of poultry in individual farms of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has sharply increased. Helminthological dissection examinations are used to determine the species composition of helminths parasitizing poultry kept on farms in the region. In years favorable for helminths (rainy, warm weather), outbreaks of dangerous helminthiases in a large number of young animals cause a significant loss of poultry. Also, helmintoovoscopic studies are conducted in order to determine the prevalence of helminthosis and the extent of infestation in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors, and zoonotic implications of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 rectal fecal samples were collected from dogs in Maiduguri for coprological examination using the saturated sodium chloride floatation technique. Detection of eggs or oocyst was done on the basis of keys of identification of parasites based on the morphology and size of eggs or oocyst. Results: The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs was 31.5% (63/200) in Maiduguri. The prevalence of the infection was higher in young, male dogs kept outdoor in terms of age, sex, and management; the difference was statistically significant (p

Purpose: Breeding of wild boars is a significant part of the hunting economy; however, hogs are associated with zoonotic infection. This study assessed the prevalence and degree of parasitic infections that exist in wild boars from two hunting grounds in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. Methods: Parasitological examinations were conducted from 2016 to 2019. In total 220 fecal samples and 13 lungs were collected from wild boars in two hunting grounds (an open and a closed habitat) on the territory of Vojvodina (Serbia). Assessment of the prevalence and degree of the detected endoparasitosis involved a semi-quantitative fecal egg count method. Results: The presence of protozoa—Eimeria spp./Isospora spp. (76.38%; 32.26%) and Balantidium coli (7.08%), nematodes—Ascaris suum (29.03%), Trichuris suis (31.49%; 19.35%), Hyostrongylus rubidus/Oesophagostomum spp. (55.12%; 48.39%), Metastrongylus pudendotectus (66.14%; 21.51%), Gnathostoma hispidum (3.94%; 2.15%) and Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (9.45%; 7.53%) and trematodes—Fasciola hepatica (5.51%; 4.30%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.78%; 2.30%) were detected as single or mixed infections, via qualitative coprological examination. The total prevalence of the endoparasitosis was 92.91% in hunting ground I (closed habitat) and 73.12% in hunting ground II (open habitat). The most prevalent infection in hunting ground I was coccidiosis (76.38%), and hyostrongylosis/oesophagostomosis (48.39%) in hunting ground II. Adult forms of M. pudendotectus were identified in the lungs of 13 wild hogs with mild to severe bronchopneumonia from hunting ground II. Conclusions: The semi-quantitative fecal egg count method demonstrated clinical and parasitological significance and revealed the risks associated with zoonotic infections in this game species population. Therefore, monitoring the etiology and epizootiology of parasitic infections in wild boars is essential for creating health care programs in hunting ground areas and planning control strategies that protect both the hunting economy and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidiosis is considered to be one of the most devasting gastrointestinal diseases in calves. The aim of this study was to investigate Cryptosporidium parvum infection (C. parvum) in buffalo-calves with both copro-microscopic examination and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two C. parvum prepared antigens with regards to their cytokines profile; interferon- γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-14 to achieve a proper diagnosis. All collected buffalo- calves' fecal samples were examined by modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining technique. ELISA was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the two C. parvum prepared antigens; crude whole oocyst (CWO) and crude sonicated oocyst (CSO) in detection of anti-C. parvum IgG in buffalo-calves' sera. As well, concentrations of INF-γ, IL-12 and IL-14 in the buffalo-calves' serum samples were estimated. The results revealed that the overall parasitological incidence of cryptosporidiosis was 40%. However, the serological diagnosis by ELISA assay showed 53.75% and 27.5% when using CWO and CSO antigen, respectively. Also, the diagnostic efficacy parameters of both antigens; CWO and CSO showed a significant high specificity (83.3%) achieved by CSO antigen and a high sensitivity (71.8%) by CWO antigen. The levels of INF-γ, IL-12 and IL-14 were significantly increased in positive Cryptosporidium infected group by both coprological and serological assays followed by the group which was positive for cryptosporidiosis by copro-microscopic examination only. The present study concluded that a combination of coprological and serological examination with reference to the cytokines profile is needed for proper diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in buffalo-calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As the Scandinavian wolf population is limited in size, it is only rarely subject to systematic studies on its disease biology, especially gastrointestinal parasites. Therefore, this study aims to describe the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of gray wolves hunted on a limited license as a part of a wildlife management program. Helminths of 20 wolves were examined post mortem by macroscopy and coprology. Intestinal worms of five species were recovered from 18 wolves (90%): Uncinaria stenocephala (90%), Taenia spp. (45%), Alaria alata (25%), and Mesocestoides spp. (5%). Of the taeniid specimens typed by multiplex PCR and sequencing of the cox1 gene, 25% belonged to Taenia hydatigena and 25% to Taenia krabbei. The overall species diversity was low compared to findings from wolves of the northern hemisphere. Fecal eggs of Eucoleus boehmi were detected in 12 wolves (60%). Fecal metastrongylid larvae were found in seven individuals (39%), but PCR analyses specific for Angiostrongylus vasorum were negative. The wolves were in good body condition suggesting that the parasite infestation had no negative impact on the general health of the examined wolves. Although some of the recovered parasite species have zoonotic or veterinary impact, it is not likely that the spare wolf population pose substantial threat to human or veterinary health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitological examination of 275 faecal samples from Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) collected at Zackenberg Valley and Karupelv Valley in north-east Greenland from 2006 to 2008 was conducted using sieving and microscopy. Overall, 125 (45.5%) samples contained parasite eggs of Taenia crassiceps, Taenia serialis, Toxascaris leonina, Eucoleus boehmi, Physalopteridae and Ancylostomatidae, and Strongyloides-like larvae. As long-term ecological studies are conducted at both sampling locations, the present findings constitute a baseline data set for further parasitological monitoring.

In Pakistan, parasitic infections are among major constraints to animal production. Gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites cause huge economic loßes (direct or indirect) to livestock. In Pakistan, distribution and effect of GI parasitism in sheep is not very well studied. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of GI parasites in sheep population of Sialkot district, Punjab, Pakistan. To this end, 384 faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of sheep and examined for faecal egg counts by using a modified McMaster method. The overall prevalence of GI parasites in study district was 32.6%. Prevalence of GI parasites was found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) in ewes than rams; however, age and breed was found to be non-significant (P>0.05). The endoparasites identified in sheep included Fasciola (F.) hepatica (3.1%), F. gigantica (5.2%), Haemonchus contortus (23.4%), Eimeria crandallis (18.2%), Gongylonema pulchrum (7.5%), and Trichostrongylus sp. (12.2%). Among variables like age, sex and breed (Thalli, Kajli, Fat-tailed and Salt range), only sex was found significant in district Sialkot during autumn 2014. The degree (severity) of GI parasitic infection was also determined from the total faecal egg count and an insignificant difference (P>0.05) in the eggs per gram count was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal parasites are responsible for heavy economic and production losses in bovines. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths of bovine in different zones of Rawalpindi district. Study area was divided into four different zones. Feacal samples (n=670) were collected and examined through coprological examination techniques. Out of examined samples, 158 were found to be positive for the GI helminths. The overall prevalence of GI helminths recorded was 23.58 %. In cattle the prevalence was 25.87 % whereas, in buffaloes it was 20.83 %. The prevalence percentages of nematodes, trematodes and cestodes was 17.46, 4.78 and 1.34%, respectively. Maximum prevalence was observed during summer and was the highest in the month of June. Prevalence was higher in adult and females as compared to young and males. It was concluded that specie, age and season are important factors which influence the prevalence of GI helminths in bovine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biggest number of parasitic diseases in our country are caused by helminths. The causes of these diseases differ among each other according to biomorphological characteristics, which consequently accounts for the different nature of the disease that they cause. In order to approach the curbing and treatment of these diseases in animals, it is necessary to make a precise etiological diagnosis. A correct and timely diagnosis secures insight into the episootiological situation concerning the existing parasitic diseases in the studied field. Moreover, it enables an estimate of the health condition of animals, which determines the quality of the production process in cattle breeding. Coprological diagnostic methods are among the direct diagnostic methods and are of great practical importance in diagnosing parasitic diseases, because they are based on the finding of the immediate causes (parasites) in any stage of development. These methods are mostly applied for diagnosis of helminthoses, since the biggest number of helminths is localized in the digestive tract and the communicating organs, which is why their eggs and larvae are eliminated into the outer environment through the feces of the diseased animals.

The investigation was designed to compare the therapeutic efficacy different drugs against Dipylidium caninum infection in dog. Twenty five dogs positive for Dipylidium caninum infections were randomly divided in five groups having five dogs each. The dogs of group II, III, IV and V were treated with a combination of Praziquantel and Albendazole (Praziplus), Albendazole alone (Albomar), Homoeopathic medicine Filix mas(ø), and Homoeopathic complex (Filix mas(ø), Cuprum oxydatum nigrum (1x), Santonium (3x), Chelona glabra(ø)), respectively. The dogs of group I kept as infected control and do not received any medication. In addition group VI comprised of apparently healthy dogs negative for intestinal parasites and haemoprotozoans. Blood samples from different groups were taken at 0, 7 and 14 days interval for haematological and biochemical studies. Haematological and biochemical examination revealed that all the infected dogs had low level of erythrocytic indices, higher leukocyte count, and increase in ALT values as compared to dogs of healthy control group. On coprological examination it was observed that the group II and III dogs stopped shedding the cestode segment after giving the drugs while group IV and V dogs continued to shed cestode segments even after giving the drugs. No side effects were recorded in groups treated with different medicines. Homoeopathic medicines in the present dosage regimen had little effect on haematobiochemical alterations. The drug combination of albendazole with praziquantel and albendazole alone at higher dose showed a good result in eliminating Dipylidium caninum infection in dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The role of Cryptosporidium spp. as a major cause of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal illness of protozoan origin in neonatal calves has been established. Many coprological and serological techniques have been described for detection of the parasites with the limitations of sensitivity and specificity. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique offers a useful alternative to conventional diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in bovines from both clinical and environmental samples. We compared four conventional coprological techniques, viz., direct faecal smear staining (DFSS), normal saline sedimentation staining (NSSS), Sheather''s flotation (SF) and Sheather''s flotation sedimentation staining (SFSS) with PCR directed against the 18S SSU rRNA gene as standard reference test for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in bovines. Out of 457 faecal samples collected from neonatal bovine calves, specific PCR amplification was achieved in 138 samples, whereas, 65 samples turned positive by DFSS. Normal saline sedimentation staining, SF and SFSS could detect 92, 82 and 109 samples as positive, respectively. Sheather''s flotation sedimentation staining was found to be the most sensitive (82.6%) and specific (98.76%) among the coprological techniques. On per sample processing based cost analysis, DFSS was found to be the most economical method (15 cents) followed by NSSS (19.6 cents), SF (23.6 cents) and SFSS (33.9 cents). The time taken for complete processing and diagnosis varied between 70 and 100min. PCR based diagnosis of a sample took about 7.5–8h for completion and cost of diagnosis was estimated as approximately 7.604 US$ per sample. Among the conventional coprological methods, SFSS provided the required sensitivity and specificity along with nominal cost for diagnosis on per sample basis, and may be considered as a viable diagnostic alternative when PCR is not an option for a particular laboratory setting, especially in developing countries. This is the first comparative study describing the sensitivity and specificities of four conventional coprological techniques altogether with respect to PCR along with the economic assessment and per sample diagnosis time of all the techniques for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in bovines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A total of 772 canine fecal specimens were collected in Tochigi in 1979, 1991 and 2001. The frequency of dogs that were kept indoor in 2002 (72.8%) was significantly higher than that for 1979 (21.2%, P<0.001) and 1991 (40.6%, P<0.01). The frequency of parasitized dogs in 2002 (18.8%) was significantly lower than that for 1979 (41.9%, P<0.01). The findings of this study confirm the declining trend in Japan in the prevalence of helminth parasites in dogs, particularly Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis. The reduction in the frequency of dogs with helminths may be mainly a result of the improvement in the environment and the routine use of filaricides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Parasitological examination of 275 faecal samples from Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) collected at Zackenberg Valley and Karupelv Valley in north-east Greenland from 2006 to 2008 was conducted using sieving and microscopy. Overall, 125 (45.5%) samples contained parasite eggs of Taenia crassiceps, Taenia serialis, Toxascaris leonina, Eucoleus boehmi, Physalopteridae and Ancylostomatidae, and Strongyloides-like larvae. As long-term ecological studies are conducted at both sampling locations, the present findings constitute a baseline data set for further parasitological monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]