Preliminary evaluation of a novel, fully automated, Telenostic device for rapid field-diagnosis of cattle parasites

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (11) ◽  
pp. 1249-1253
Author(s):  
Nagwa Elghryani ◽  
Joseph Crispell ◽  
Roohollah Ebrahimi ◽  
Michael Krivoruchko ◽  
Vladimir Lobaskin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Calculation Methods ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Image Analysis Algorithm ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Turn Around Time

AbstractNew ideas for diagnostics in clinical parasitology are needed to overcome some of the difficulties experienced in the widespread adoption of detection methods for gastrointestinal parasites in livestock. Here we provide an initial evaluation of the performance of a newly developed automated device (Telenostic) to identify and quantify parasitic elements in fecal samples. This study compared the Telenostic device with the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC for counting of strongyle eggs in a fecal sample. Three bovine fecal samples were examined, in triplicate, on each of the three fecal egg-counting devices. In addition, both manual (laboratory technician) and automated analysis (image analysis algorithm) were performed on the Telenostic device to calculate fecal egg counts (FEC). Overall, there were consistent egg counts reported across the three devices and calculation methods. The Telenostic device compared very favourably to the Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster. Only in sample C, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the egg counts obtained by Mini-FLOTAC and by the other methods. From this limited dataset it can be concluded that the Telenostic-automated test is comparable to currently used benchmark FEC methods, while improving the workflow, test turn-around time and not requiring trained laboratory personnel to operate or interpret the results.

scholarly journals Comparison of anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations in liver and feces from apparently healthy red foxes

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 560-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin O. Seljetun ◽  
Morten Sandvik ◽  
Vigdis Vindenes ◽  
Elin Eliassen ◽  
Elisabeth L. Øiestad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Methods ◽  
Fecal Analysis ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽  
Residue Levels ◽  
Good Concordance ◽  
Lethal Means ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Exposure of wildlife and domestic animals to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) is a worldwide concern, but few methods exist to determine residue levels in live animals. Traditional liver detection methods preclude determining exposure in live wildlife. To determine the value of assessing AR exposure by fecal analysis, we compared fecal and liver residues of ARs in the same animals. We collected liver and fecal samples from 40 apparently healthy red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) potentially exposed to ARs, and quantified brodifacoum, bromadiolone, coumatetralyl, difenacoum, difethialone, and flocoumafen residues by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Residues of ARs were detected in 53% of the fecal samples and 83% of the liver samples. We found good concordance between AR residues in feces and liver for coumatetralyl, difenacoum, and difethialone. Bromadiolone occurred in significantly greater frequency in livers compared to feces, but no significant difference in concentration between feces and liver in individual foxes could be detected. Brodifacoum displayed a significant difference in concentration and occurrence of positive samples between liver and feces. Our findings demonstrate that fecal analysis of ARs provides a feasible and valuable non-lethal means of determine AR exposure in live wildlife.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Native Dogs in Palestine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rateb A. Othman ◽  
Sameh Abuseir
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Stray Dogs ◽  
Pet Dogs ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year

Background: Dogs play an important role in transmission of parasites and zoonotic diseases, especially in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of internal parasites in stray and pet dogs in Palestine. Methods: Fecal samples were collected during the period between Jan to May 2019. A total of 150 fecal samples were collected and tested for parasites using sedimentation and flotation techniques. The targeted dogs were both pet dogs and stray dogs and were grouped according to gender and age. Results: Although there was no significant difference in infestation between males and females, the prevalence rate of infestation in males was 63.1% compared to females 72.4%. Dogs of ages under one year had similar rate of infestation compared to older dogs with a rate of 67.3% and 67.4% respectively. Infestations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in stray dogs 81.4% compared to pet dogs 48.4%. The highest infestation rate was with Toxocara canis 46.0% followed by Dipylidium caninum 23.0%, Echinococcus spp. 14.0% ,Isosopora canis  9.0%, Ancylostoma caninum 8.0%, Giarda spp. 5.0%, Strongyloides spp. 4.0%, Trichuris vulpis 3.0%, and Cryptosporidium spp. 3.0%. Conclusion: Local dogs in Palestine, especially stray dogs, are infested with different types of intestinal parasites that may cause many common and non-common diseases to humans. To prevent the spread of these parasites, future public health should be proposed and applied by authorities to achieve a healthy status of the residents in the country. Health awareness spread among people about the seriousness of the diseases transmitted by dogs must also be activated.

scholarly journals Low-cost, Smartphone-based Specular Imaging and Automated Analysis of the Corneal Endothelium

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sreekar Mantena ◽  
Jay Chandra ◽  
Eryk Pecyna ◽  
Andrew Zhang ◽  
Dominic Garrity ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corneal Endothelium ◽  
Specular Reflection ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Specular Microscopy ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Automated Method ◽  
Image Analysis Algorithm ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Specular Microscope

ABSTRACTPurposeSpecular and confocal microscopes are important tools to monitor the health of the corneal endothelium (CE), but their high costs significantly limit accessibility in low-resource environments. In our study, we developed and validated a low-cost, fully automated method to quantitatively evaluate the CE using smartphone-based specular microscopy.MethodsA OnePlus 7 Pro smartphone attached to a Topcon SL-D701 slit-lamp was used to image normal the central corneal endothelium using the specular reflection technique. Images were automatically processed on-device and endothelial cell density (ECD), percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), and coefficient of variation (CV) values were determined using our novel image analysis algorithm. The morphometric parameters generated from the images taken by Tomey EM-4000 specular microscope were compared between the testing modalities.ResultsNo significant differences in ECD (2799 ± 156 cells/mm2 vs 2779 ± 166 cells/mm2; p=0.28) and HEX (52 ± 6% vs 53 ± 6%; p=0.50) computed by smartphone-based specular imaging and specular microscope, respectively, were found. A statistically significant difference in CV (34 ± 3% vs 30 ± 3%; p<0.01) was found between the two methods. The concordance achieved between the smartphone-based method and the Tomey specular microscope is very similar to the concordance between two specular microscopes reported in the literature.ConclusionsSmartphone-based specular imaging and automated analysis is a low-cost method to quantitatively evaluate the CE with accuracy comparable to the clinical standard.Translational RelevanceThis tool can be used to screen the CE in low-resource regions and reveal the need for further investigation of suspected corneal endotheliopathies.

scholarly journals Comparative cross-sectional survey on gastrointestinal parasites of captive, semi-captive, and wild Elephants of Sri Lanka

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 11583
Author(s):  
Nirupama Abeysekara ◽  
R.P.V. Jayanthe Rajapakse ◽  
R. S. Rajakaruna
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Parasite Infections ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Chi Square Test

Parasites can influence the fitness of individuals particularly of small populations of endangered species.  An island-wide, cross sectional, coprological survey was carried out from 03 January to 30 October 2015, to determine the gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of the Sri Lankan Elephant Elephas maximus maximus.  Fresh fecal samples from wild, captive and semi-captive elephants were collected and analyzed using a modified salt floatation, Sheather’s sucrose floatation, direct iodine smears, and sedimentation methods. Species identification was done morphologically. Intensity of parasite infections was determined using McMaster technique.  A total of 85 fecal samples (wild = 45, semi-captive = 20, captive = 20) were analysed; 58 (68.2%) samples were positive for GI parasites.  Overall, helminth infections (60.0%) were more common than protozoan (37.6%) infections (Chi square test, χ2 = 8.499; p < 0.001). In the captive elephants, however, more protozoan infections were observed than helminthes, which could be due to anthelminthic treatment.  A significantly higher prevalence of infection was observed in the wild elephants (93.3%) compared to semi-captive elephants (55.0%; χ2 = 13.516; p < 0.001) and captive elephants (25.0%; χ2 =32.289; p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in the prevalence between captive and semi-captive elephants (χ2 =3.750; p = 0.053).  Ten types of GI parasites were observed, nine of which were recorded in wild elephants.  Among them the most common infection was strongyles (34.1%) with high intensity (440.1±295.2 EPG).  Semi-captive elephants harbored five types of GI parasites, while captive elephants had only three types.  One captive elephant at the Temple of the Tooth was infected with the tapeworm Anoplocephala sp. at low intensity of 50 EPG.  Some of the GI parasites recorded are highly pathogenic while others are incidental. 

scholarly journals Investigation on Parasites and some Causes of Mortality in Captive Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis), Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romaan Hayat KHATTAK ◽  
Zhensheng LIU ◽  
Liwei TENG ◽  
Sher AHMED ◽  
Said Sajjad ALI SHAH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Decline ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eimeria Spp ◽  
Internal Parasites ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Causes Of Mortality ◽  
Theileria Spp

Background: The present study was conducted in Jul 2019 and Jan 2020 in two wildlife parks of the Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where the endangered Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is successfully bred in captivity. We determined diversity of internal and external parasites that take advantage of the situation of congestion, resulting in massive mortalities of wild animals in captivity. Methods: Internal parasites of living urial were determined by direct wet smear and flotation methods, while dead urial was necropsied for any pertaining observation. Results: All examined fecal samples were found infected with gastrointestinal parasites, which had significant difference in the total abundance in winter and summer. S. papillosus and H.contortus, and a single protozoan, Eimeria spp. were the dominant parasites in fecal samples. Ticks collected from urial enclosures and dead animals were of single species H. anatolicum. Theileria spp. was observed in blood, while hydatid cysts were found in lungs and liver of necropsied urial.  Conclusion: The study indicates that internal parasites such as Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides papillosus, while external parasites as Hyalomma anatolicum ticks played major role in the population decline. Strict veterinary control of infectious diseases, provision of hygienic and supplementary diet, and proper maintenance of urial population are necessary measures for the control of mortalities.

scholarly journals Comparison of Simulation-Based versus Cadaveric-Tissue-Based Ocular Trauma Training on Novice Ophthalmologists: Repair of Corneal Laceration Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (01) ◽  
pp. e57-e65
Author(s):  
Boonkit Purt ◽  
Timothy Ducey ◽  
Sean Sykes ◽  
Joseph F. Pasternak ◽  
Denise S. Ryan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Ocular Trauma ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Visual Axis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Skills Laboratory ◽  
Corneal Laceration

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the simulated tissue models may be used in place of animal-based model for corneal laceration repair for surgical skills acquisition. Design Prospective randomized controlled trial. Participants Seventy-nine military and civilian 2nd- and 3rd-year ophthalmology residents and 16 staff ophthalmologists participating in the Tri-Service Ocular Trauma Skills Laboratory at the Uniformed Services University (Bethesda, MD). Methods Resident ophthalmologists underwent preliminary evaluation of their ability to close a 5-mm linear, full-thickness corneal laceration involving the visual axis. They then were randomized to undergo 90 to 120 minutes of either simulator-based (SIM) or swine cadaveric-tissue-based (CADAVER) corneal laceration repair. The same evaluation was performed post training. On a more limited basis, the study was repeated for attending ophthalmologists to act as a pilot for future analysis and test efficacy for “refresher” training. Main Outcome Measures Successful wound closure with secondary outcomes of suture length, tension, depth, and orientation, as graded by attending ophthalmologists. Results No significant difference in CADAVER versus SIM groups in the primary outcome of watertight wound closure of the corneal laceration. CADAVER group performed better than SIM group for certain metrics (suture depth, p = 0.009; length, p = 0.003; and tension, p = 0.043) that are associated with poor wound closure and increased amount of induced corneal astigmatism. For attending ophthalmologists, six of the eight in each group (SIM and CADAVER) retained or improved their skills. Conclusions For resident ophthalmologists, SIM training is sufficient for achieving the primary outcome of watertight wound closure. However, CADAVER training is superior for wound metrics for the ideal closure. For attending ophthalmologists, SIM training may be useful for retention of skills.

Small mammal mycophagy in hemiboreal forest communities of Lithuania

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marija Kataržytė ◽  
Ernestas Kutorga
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Hypogeous Fungi ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractThe diets of small mammals in different hemiboreal spruce-dominated, oak-dominated and mixed forests in western part of Lithuania were studied by examination of fungal spores in fresh fecal pellets of caught animals. In the diets of mice (Apodemus spp.), bank voles (Myodes glareolus), and common and pygmy shrews (Sorex araneus and S. minutus), 22 different fungal taxa were identified, 15 of which were hypogeous fungi. The sporocarp abundance and the spores in fecal samples of Elaphomyces fungi prevailed in study area during this investigation. Although most of the captured individuals consumed fungi, the consumption varied among small mammal species. The data show that the fungi were more frequent and taxonomically diverse in Myodes glareolus than in Apodemus spp. diets. The study provided evidence that the fungal component in the diets of insectivorous Sorex species is more diverse than previously known. The availability of sporocarps and the fungal component in the diets of small mammals showed seasonal effects. Annual hypogeous and epigeous sporocarp abundances did not vary significantly across forest types. The significant difference in mycophagy was observed across all forest cover types, with the greatest fungal diversity in fecal samples collected in mixed coniferous-deciduous tree stands.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Gut Microbiota in Children With Biliary Atresia After Liver Transplantation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Song ◽  
Li-Ying Sun ◽  
Zhi-Jun Zhu ◽  
Lin Wei ◽  
Wei Qu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Transplantation ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Biliary Atresia ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metagenomic Sequencing ◽  
Polyamine Biosynthesis ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and AimsBiliary atresia (BA) is an idiopathic neonatal cholestasis and is the most common indication in pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Previous studies have suggested that the gut microbiota (GM) in BA is disordered. However, the effect of LT on gut dysbiosis in patients with BA has not yet been elucidated.MethodsPatients with BA (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 10) were recruited. In the early life of children with BA, Kasai surgery is a typical procedure for restoring bile flow. According to whether BA patients had previously undergone Kasai surgery, we divided the post-LT patients into the with-Kasai group (n = 8) and non-Kasai group (n = 8). Fecal samples were collected in both the BA and the control group; among BA patients, samples were obtained again 6 months after LT. A total of 40 fecal samples were collected, of which 16 were pre-LT, 14 were post-LT (8 were with-Kasai, 6 were non-Kasai), and 10 were from the control group. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to evaluate the GM.ResultsThe Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in the number of genes between the pre-LT and the control group, the pre-LT and the post-LT group (P &lt; 0.05), but no statistical difference between the post-LT and the control group. Principal coordinate analysis also showed that the microbiome structure was similar between the post-LT and control group (P &gt; 0.05). Analysis of the GM composition showed a significant decrease in Serratia, Enterobacter, Morganella, Skunalikevirus, and Phifllikevirus while short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Roseburia, Blautia, Clostridium, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcus were increased after LT (linear discriminant analysis &gt; 2, P &lt; 0.05). However, they still did not reach the normal control level. Concerning functional profiles, lipopolysaccharide metabolism, multidrug resistance, polyamine biosynthesis, GABA biosynthesis, and EHEC/EPEC pathogenicity signature were more enriched in the post-LT group compared with the control group. Prior Kasai surgery had a specific influence on the postoperative GM.ConclusionLT partly improved the GM in patients with BA, which provided new insight into understanding the role of LT in BA.

scholarly journals The Diversity of the Intestinal Flora Disturbed After Feeding Intolerance Recovery in Preterm Twins

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Chunhong Jia ◽  
Xiaojun Lin ◽  
Lili Lin ◽  
Lizhen Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acid Metabolism ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Feeding Intolerance ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Kegg Pathways ◽  
Intestinal Bacterial Community ◽  
Β Diversity ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Feeding intolerance (FI) is a common condition in premature infants that results in growth retardation and even necrotizing enterocolitis. The gut microbiome is linked to FI occurrence; however, the outcome after FI recovery is unclear.Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 11 pairs of premature twins/triplets for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Initial fecal samples were collected shortly after admission, and then every other week until 7 weeks or discharge.Results: After FI recovery, there was no significant difference in the β-diversity of the intestinal flora between the FI group and the feeding tolerance (FT) group. By contrast, there was a significant difference in the β-diversity. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in the microbiome of the FI group, whereas Firmicutes was the predominant phylum in the microbiome of the FT group. The predominant bacteria with LDA &gt;4 between the two groups at 13–15 days after birth, 19–28 days after birth, and at discharge were different, with the proportions of Bacillus, Clostridium butyricum, and Clostridium being highest in the FT group and Firmicutes, unidentified_Clostridiales, and Proteobacteria being highest in the FI group. Similarly, there were significant differences in the relative abundances of KEGG pathways, such as fatty acid metabolism, DNA repair and recombination proteins, energy metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, between the two groups (P &lt; 0.01).Conclusions: There was a significant difference in diversity of the intestinal flora after feeding intolerance recovery. Feeding intolerance may disturb the succession of the intestinal bacterial community.

scholarly journals Effect of Agro-ecological Zone, Age, and Sex on Prevalence and Intensity of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Donkeys in Maseru District, Lesotho

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-248
Author(s):  
Masara Elizabeth Nts’aoana ◽  
Setsumi Mots’oene Molapo ◽  
Paseka Kompi
Keyword(s):  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Egg Load ◽  
Ecological Zone ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Fecal Egg Count ◽  
One Year ◽  
Coccidian Infection ◽  
Age And Sex

Gastrointestinal parasites are considered to be silent killers of animals. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of the agro-ecological zone, age, and sex on the parasite prevalence and fecal egg/oocyst count in donkeys residing in Lesotho. A total number of 720 fecal samples were collected rectally from 120 indigenous donkeys that were randomly selected from the highlands, foothills, and lowlands of Maseru district, Lesotho. The fecal samples were collected every two months for one year and examined using the floatation technique. The overall prevalence for nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes in donkeys were 87.78%, 4.31%, and 1.53%, respectively. The highest nematode prevalence and intensity were detected in the donkeys of highlands. The coccidian infection was lower in the lowlands while cestodes infection was more prevalent in the foothills. Donkey’s age had an impact on the nematode fecal egg load but did not affect the prevalence of nematodes in donkeys. Age did not significantly affect the prevalence and fecal egg/oocyst count of cestodes and coccidia. Male donkeys had a higher prevalence and fecal egg count of cestodes. In conclusion, the nematodes were found to be the major gastrointestinal parasites of donkeys in the Maseru district. Therefore, there is a need to design a sustainable strategy aimed at controlling the gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys.

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