Gastrointestinal helminths of the lizard Chalcides ocellatus from Benghazi, Libya

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.M.S. Ibrahim ◽  
M.M. Fadiel ◽  
G.A. Nair
Keyword(s):  
Host Density ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Mixed Infections ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Gastrointestinal Helminths ◽  
Nematode Parasites ◽  
Chalcides Ocellatus ◽  
First Time

AbstractChalcides ocellatus, a scincid lizard, sampled during October 1998 to December 1999 from Benina (farmland) and Al-Kueffia (a rocky area) in Benghazi, Libya, was found to harbour three intestinal nematodes, Pharyngodon mamillatus, Thelandros alatus and Parapharyngodon micipsae, and an intestinal cestode, Oochoristica tuberculata. Thelandros alatus, P. micipsae and O. tuberculata were recorded for the first time in C. ocellatus. Parapharyngodon micipsae was detected in C. ocellatus from Benina and O. tuberculata from lizards in Al-Kueffia. The majority (87.6%) of C. ocellatus were infected with helminth parasites and the levels of infection were higher in males than in females but this difference was not significant. Pharyngodon mamillatus recorded the highest number of nematode parasites in C. ocellatus, although there was no relationship between the number of nematode parasites recovered and host density. In lizards infected with the cestode O. tuberculata, males had shorter snout–vent lengths than females. From a total of 153 C. ocellatus, 120 (78.4%) showed single and 14 (9.2%) showed mixed parasitic infections. Mixed infections between different species of nematodes were not observed.

Ethnoveterinary plant preparations as livestock dewormers: practices, popular beliefs, pitfalls and prospects for the future

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
John B. Githiori ◽  
Johan Höglund ◽  
Peter J. Waller
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Nematode Parasites ◽  
Internal Parasites ◽  
The Future ◽  
Livestock Health

AbstractEthnomedicine is an integral part of traditional medical practices in many countries of the developing world. A large proportion of the population uses this form of treatment for primary health care and for the treatment of ailments in their livestock. Livestock is a major asset for resource-poor smallholder farmers and pastoralists throughout the world and internal parasites are recognized by these communities as having an impact on livestock health. Parasitic infections are among those infections that traditional healers confidently treat and against which an enormous variety of remedies exist. Many of these are based on the use of plant preparations. Although various methods have been used for the validation of traditional phytomedical preparations, there is a lack of standardization of these procedures. The present study is aimed at providing an overview of ethnoveterinary deworming preparations, the various methods that have been used in their validation and the future prospects for their use against helminth parasites of ruminant livestock in developing countries, with an emphasis on nematode parasites. Recommendations are made on the procedures that should be followed to conduct in vivo and in vitro assays. Fostering better interaction between traditional healers and scientists is advocated to prevent harmful overexploitation, both of local knowledge and of plant species that may have effects against nematode parasites.

scholarly journals Recognition Pattern of the Fasciola hepatica Excretome/Secretome during the Course of an Experimental Infection in Sheep by 2D Immunoproteomics

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 725
Author(s):  
David Becerro-Recio ◽  
Javier González-Miguel ◽  
Alberto Ucero ◽  
Javier Sotillo ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Infection ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Cathepsin L ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Secretory Products ◽  
Immunogenic Proteins ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
First Time

Excretory/secretory products released by helminth parasites have been widely studied for their diagnostic utility, immunomodulatory properties, as well as for their use as vaccines. Due to their location at the host/parasite interface, the characterization of parasite secretions is important to unravel the molecular interactions governing the relationships between helminth parasites and their hosts. In this study, the excretory/secretory products from adult worms of the trematode Fasciola hepatica (FhES) were employed in a combination of two-dimensional electrophoresis, immunoblot and mass spectrometry, to analyze the immune response elicited in sheep during the course of an experimental infection. Ten different immunogenic proteins from FhES recognized by serum samples from infected sheep at 4, 8, and/or 12 weeks post-infection were identified. Among these, different isoforms of cathepsin L and B, peroxiredoxin, calmodulin, or glutathione S-transferase were recognized from the beginning to the end of the experimental infection, suggesting their potential role as immunomodulatory antigens. Furthermore, four FhES proteins (C2H2-type domain-containing protein, ferritin, superoxide dismutase, and globin-3) were identified for the first time as non-immunogenic proteins. These results may help to further understand host/parasite relationships in fasciolosis, and to identify potential diagnostic molecules and drug target candidates of F. hepatica.

scholarly journals Host density predicts the probability of parasitism by avian brood parasites

2019 ◽  
Vol 374 (1769) ◽  
pp. 20180204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iliana Medina ◽  
Naomi E. Langmore
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Host Species ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Host Density ◽  
Brood Parasites ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
First Time ◽  
Determining Factor

The spatial distribution of hosts can be a determining factor in the reproductive success of parasites. Highly aggregated hosts may offer more opportunities for reproduction but can have better defences than isolated hosts. Here we connect macro- and micro-evolutionary processes to understand the link between host density and parasitism, using avian brood parasites as a model system. We analyse data across more than 200 host species using phylogenetic comparative analyses and quantify parasitism rate and host reproductive success in relation to spatial distribution using field data collected on one host species over 6 years. Our comparative analysis reveals that hosts occurring at intermediate densities are more likely to be parasitized than colonial or widely dispersed hosts. Correspondingly, our intraspecific field data show that individuals living at moderate densities experience higher parasitism rates than individuals at either low or high densities. Moreover, we show for the first time that the effect of host density on host reproductive success varies according to the intensity of parasitism; hosts have greater reproductive success when living at high densities if parasitism rates are high, but fare better at low densities when parasitism rates are low. We provide the first evidence of the trade-off between host density and parasitism at both macro- and micro-evolutionary scales in brood parasites. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The coevolutionary biology of brood parasitism: from mechanism to pattern’.

Nature and nurture: overcoming constraints on immunity

Parasitology ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 99 (S1) ◽  
pp. S21-S35 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Wakelin
Keyword(s):  
Cell Function ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Genetically Determined ◽  
Induced Immunity

SUMMARYParasitic infections in man and domestic animals exhibit two striking characteristics (a) their prevalence is high, but infections are unequally distributed among individuals within populations and (b) immunity is often slow to develop and appears, at best, only partially effective. Recent immunological and epidemiological studies suggest that effective immunity can develop, but that high prevalence within populations reflects the operation, not only of socio-economic and climatic factors, or husbandry practices, but also of powerful environmentally induced constraints upon the development of resistance. Immunogenetic studies suggest the operation of additional constraints which reflect individual genetic characteristics, and which influence the ability to develop and express effective immunity. A full understanding of all constraints is necessary before levels of population and individual resistance to infection can be increased; the need for such understanding has become more pressing with the prospect that anti-parasite vaccines may become available. Two aspects of environmentally induced constraints are considered, those arising from nutritional inadequacies and those resulting from exposure to infection in early life. Both are discussed primarily in terms of helminth parasites. Genetically determined constraints are discussed with reference to MHC-restricted recognition of malarial peptide vaccines and in terms of Class II molecule-directed control of T-cell function inLeishmaniainfections. Genetic influences are also considered from the standpoint of inflammatory cell function, in immunity against intestinal nematodes and in vaccine-induced immunity againstSchistosoma. Finally, parasite-induced constraints, particularly those which down-regulate protective responses are discussed briefly.

scholarly journals The state of art of neutrophil extracellular traps in protozoan and helminthic infections

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
César Díaz-Godínez ◽  
Julio C. Carrero
Keyword(s):  
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Extracellular Traps ◽  
Helminthic Infections ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Net Release

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA fibers associated with histones, enzymes from neutrophil granules and anti-microbial peptides. NETs are released in a process denominated NETosis, which involves sequential steps that culminate with the DNA extrusion. NETosis has been described as a new mechanism of innate immunity related to defense against different pathogens. The initial studies of NETs were carried out with bacteria and fungi, but currently a large variety of microorganisms capable of inducing NETs have been described including protozoan and helminth parasites. Nevertheless, we have little knowledge about how NETosis process is carried out in response to the parasites, and about its implication in the resolution of this kind of disease. In the best case, the NETs entrap and kill parasites in vitro, but in others, immobilize the parasites without affecting their viability. Moreover, insufficient studies on the NETs in animal models of infections that would help to define their role, and the association of NETs with chronic inflammatory pathologies such as those occurring in several parasitic infections have left open the possibility of NETs contributing to pathology instead of protection. In this review, we focus on the reported mechanisms that lead to NET release by protozoan and helminth parasites and the evidence that support the role of NETosis in the resolution or pathogenesis of parasitic diseases.

Nematodes and cestodes of rodents in South Africa: baseline data on diversity and geographic distribution

2019 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Spickett ◽  
K. Junker ◽  
G. Froeschke ◽  
V. Haukisalmi ◽  
S. Matthee
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Host Range ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Host Species ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Helminth Species ◽  
Rodent Species ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Gastrointestinal Helminths ◽  
Naturally Occurring

Abstract Currently, descriptive information on the host range and geographic distribution of helminth parasites associated with naturally occurring rodents in South and southern Africa is scant. Therefore, we embarked on a countrywide study to: (1) identify gastrointestinal helminths and their host range, and (2) provide baseline data on the geographic distribution of helminths across the country. Altogether, 55 helminth taxa were recovered from at least 13 rodent species (n = 1030) at 26 localities across South Africa. The helminth taxa represented 25 genera (15 nematodes, nine cestodes and one acanthocephalan). Monoxenous nematodes were the most abundant and prevalent group, while the occurrence of heteroxenous nematodes and cestodes was generally lower. The study recorded several novel helminth–host associations. Single-host-species infections were common, although multiple-host-species infections by helminth species were also recorded. Monoxenous nematodes and some cestodes were recovered countrywide, whereas heteroxenous nematodes were restricted to the eastern regions of South Africa. The study highlights the as yet unexplored diversity of helminth species associated with naturally occurring rodent species and provides initial data on their geographical distribution in South Africa.

scholarly journals In Vitro Schistosomicidal Activity of the Alkaloid-Rich Fraction from Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae) and Its Characterization by UPLC-QTOF-MS

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Soares Aleixo de Carvalho ◽  
Lucas Sales Queiroz ◽  
Ismael José Alves Junior ◽  
Ayla das Chagas Almeida ◽  
Elaine Soares Coimbra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Antileishmanial Activity ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Leishmania Braziliensis ◽  
Ruta Graveolens ◽  
Active Fraction ◽  
Ms Analysis ◽  
First Time

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects million people worldwide, mostly in developing countries. Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine to treat several diseases, including parasitic infections. In this study, we reported the in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the R. graveolens extract (Rg) and its active fraction (Rg-FAE). Also, the characterization of Rg-FAE by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis and its in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania braziliensis were also performed. In vitro schistosomicidal assays were assessed against adult worms of S. mansoni, while cell viability against peritoneal macrophages was measured by MTT assay. Rg (100 μg/mL) exhibited noticeable schistosomicidal activity, causing 100% mortality and decreasing motor activity of all adult male and female schistosomes, but with low activity against L. braziliensis. After chromatographic fractionation of Rg, fraction Rg-FAE was obtained, showing high activity against adult schistosomes. UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis of Rg-FAE revealed the presence of eleven alkaloids and one furanocoumarin. No significant antileishmanial activity was found for Rg, while Rg-FAE exhibited activity against L. braziliensis promastigotes. We demonstrated, for the first time, that the R. graveolens extract (Rg) and its alkaloid-rich fraction (Rg-FAE) are active against adult worms of S. mansoni, with no significant cytotoxicity on macrophages. Our findings open the route to further antiparasitic studies with the active fraction of R. graveolens and its identified compounds, especially alkaloids.

Helminth parasites of wild Mexican mammals: list of species, hosts and geographical distribution

Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3290 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUIS GARCÍA-PRIETO ◽  
JORGE FALCÓN-ORDAZ ◽  
CARMEN GUZMÁN-CORNEJO
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
First Time

In the present work, a total of 339 nominal taxa of helminths (53 trematodes, 46 cestodes, 12 acanthocephalans, 227 nem-atodes, and 1 hirudinean), associated with 136 taxa of wild mammals from Mexico, are listed. Information on hosts, hab-itat, distribution, and records is included; these data come from 242 localities, pertaining to 31 of the 32 Mexican states,and represent the current knowledge on helminth parasites of wild mammals in Mexico. Eighteen taxa of helminths are registered for the first time in Mexico, and 46 new locality records are presented.

Helminths of wolves, Canis lupus L., in the Yukon and Northwest Territories

1973 ◽  
Vol 51 (10) ◽  
pp. 1087-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. P. E. Choquette ◽  
G. G. Gibson ◽  
E. Kuyt ◽  
A. M. Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Northwest Territories ◽  
Echinococcus Granulosus ◽  
Canis Lupus ◽  
Trichinella Spiralis ◽  
Gastrointestinal Helminths ◽  
Taenia Hydatigena ◽  
First Time ◽  
Toxascaris Leonina

Wolves from the Yukon and Northwest Territories harbored the following gastrointestinal helminths: Alaria americana (10 of 171), A. arisaemoides (2/171), Diphyllobothrium sp, (1/171). Mesocestoidcs kirbyi (3/171), Taenia hydatigena (54/111), T. krabbei (63/111), T. pisiformis (2/111), T. serialis (41/111), Echinococcus granulosus (24/171), Toxascaris leonina (83/171). Uncinaria stenocephala (11/171), Spirocerca arctica (1/171), and S. lupi (1/171). Larval Trichinella spiralis occurred in 72 of 153 diaphragms. A. arisaemoides, M. kirbyi, and S. arctica were found for the first time in Canis lupus, while S. lupi, S. arctica, and the prevalence of T. spiralis in wolves are reported for the first time in Canada.

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