The Influence of MHC and Immunoglobulins A and E on Host Resistance to Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep

Gastrointestinal nematode parasites in farmed animals are of particular importance due to their effects on production. In Australia, it is estimated that the direct and indirect effects of parasite infestation cost the animal production industries hundreds of millions of dollars each year. The main factors considered by immunologists when studying gastrointestinal nematode infections are the effects the host's response has on the parasite, which immunological components are responsible for these effects, genetic factors involved in controlling immunological responses, and the interactions between these forming an interconnecting multilevel relationship. In this paper, we describe the roles of immunoglobulins, in particular IgA and IgE, and the major histocompatibility complex in resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in sheep. We also draw evidence from other animal models to support the involvement of these immune components. Finally, we examine how IgA and IgE exert their influence and how methods may be developed to manage susceptible animals.

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Effect of pasture species on internal parasites of lambs

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association ◽

10.33584/jnzg.1996.58.2217 ◽

1996 ◽

pp. 59-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

T.L. Knight ◽

R.A. Moss ◽

T.J. Fraser ◽

J.S. Rowarth ◽

R.N. Burton

Keyword(s):

White Clover ◽

Tall Fescue ◽

Festuca Arundinacea ◽

Plantago Lanceolata ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Grass Species ◽

Adult Nematode ◽

Intestinal Nematode ◽

Nematode Parasites

Increasing resistance of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites to anthelmintics and consumer resistance to the possibility of residues in animal products have prompted research on the effect of pasture species on nematodes and animal performance. Lambs (either infected with high rates of gastrointestinal nematodes or maintained nematode-free) were grazed on pure swards of chicory, high- or low-endophyte ryegrass, cocksfoot, tall fescue, lucerne, lotus, white clover or plantain. Infected lambs that grazed chicory had lower faecal egg counts and adult nematode populations, and higher carcass weights, than lambs grazed on plantain or the grass species; lambs that grazed legumes generally had intermediate counts, populations and weights. When kept parasite-free, carcass weights were up to 48% greater than in the nematodeinfected treatments. On farmlets run over 3 years, substituting 30% of the ryegrass area with lucerne or replacing the ryegrass with a multi-species mix consisting predominantly of bromes, tall fescue, phalaris, timothy and red and white clover, had no effect on gastrointestinal nematode larvae, lamb faecal worm egg or adult nematode numbers. It is concluded that a diet of pure chicory affects internal parasite populations but the small proportion included in the farmlet studies had no effect. Keywords: Cichorium intybus, Dactylis glomerota, Festuca arundinacea, gastro-intestinal nematodes, lambs, Lolium perenne, Lotus corniculatus, Medicago sativa, pasture species, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens

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Recombinant Paraprobiotics as a New Paradigm for Treating Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasites of Humans

10.1101/2020.09.02.278341 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hanchen Li ◽

Ambily Abraham ◽

David Gazzola ◽

Yan Hu ◽

Gillian Beamer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient ◽

Blood Chemistry ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Cold Chain ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Childhood Growth ◽

Nematode Parasites

AbstractGastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) of humans, e.g., hookworms, negatively impact childhood growth, cognition, nutrition, educational attainment, income, productivity, and pregnancy. Hundreds of millions of people are targeted with mass drug administration (MDA) of donated benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics. However, BZ efficacy against GINs is suboptimal, and reduced/low efficacy has been seen. Developing an anthelmintic for human MDA is daunting: it must be safe, effective, inexpensive, stable without a cold chain, and massively scalable. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal protein 5B (Cry5B) has anthelmintic properties that could fill this void. Here we develop an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) form of Bt Cry5B compatible with MDA. We expressed Cry5B in asporogenous Bt during vegetative phase, forming cytosolic crystals. These Bacteria with Cytosolic Crystals (BaCC) were rendered inviable (inactivated BaCC or IBaCC) with food-grade essential oils. IBaCC potency was validated in vitro against nematodes. IBaCC was also potent in vivo against human hookworm infections in hamsters. IBaCC production was successfully scaled to 350 liters at a contract manufacturing facility. A simple fit-for-purpose formulation to protect against stomach digestion and powdered IBaCC were successfully made and used against GINS in hamsters and mice. A pilot histopathology study and blood chemistry workup showed that five daily consecutive doses of 200 mg/kg Cry5B IBaCC (the curative single dose is 40 mg/kg) was non-toxic and completely safe. IBaCC is a safe, inexpensive, highly effective, easy-to-manufacture, and scalable anthelmintic that is practical for MDA and represents a new paradigm for treating human GINs.

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Potential Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection from Goat in Sumedang

BALABA JURNAL LITBANG PENGENDALIAN PENYAKIT BERSUMBER BINATANG BANJARNEGARA ◽

10.22435/blb.v17i1.2671 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 37-46

Author(s):

Nisa Fauziah ◽

Hazel Faras Alhafiz ◽

Naufal Fakhri Nugraha ◽

Ita Krissanti ◽

Muhammad Ersyad Hamda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Local Community ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Nematode Infection ◽

Sampling Location ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nematode Parasites ◽

Gastrointestinal Helminth ◽

Helminth Eggs

Potential of zoonotic gastrointestinal nematode infection from livestock in Indonesia is still often overlooked. Farms with a risk for nematodes infection would create a risk of infecting the local community with zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodes. This study aimed to assess the risk of gastrointestinal nematodes from goats that have zoonotic potential in Cibeureum Wetan, Sumedang, and to identify the incidence of nematodes infection among goats. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in August to November 2019 with a total of 52 samples of feces collected directly from goat’s rectum to prevent soil contamination. Sampling was performed randomly from goats raised at the Agriculture and Self-Sustaining Village Training Center (Pusat Pelatihan Pertanian dan Pedesaan Swadaya, P4S) Simpay Tampomas, Sumedang, Indonesia. The GPS point of the sampling location was recorded. Samples were then examined using the concentration sedimentation method at the Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran. Results showed that 22 of 52 samples were positive for gastrointestinal helminth eggs, contained of Bunostomum sp., Strongyloides sp., Haemmonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Toxocara sp. and Trichuris sp. The nematode parasites found are parasites that often infect goats.

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Recombinant Paraprobiotics as a New Paradigm for Treating Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasites of Humans

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.01469-20 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. AAC.01469-20

Author(s):

Hanchen Li ◽

Ambily Abraham ◽

David Gazzola ◽

Yan Hu ◽

Gillian Beamer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient ◽

Blood Chemistry ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Cold Chain ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Childhood Growth ◽

Nematode Parasites

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) of humans, e.g., hookworms, negatively impact childhood growth, cognition, nutrition, educational attainment, income, productivity, and pregnancy. Hundreds of millions of people are targeted with mass drug administration (MDA) of donated benzimidazole anthelmintics. However, benzimidazole efficacy against GINs is suboptimal, and reduced/low efficacy has been seen. Developing an anthelmintic for human MDA is daunting: it must be safe, effective, inexpensive, stable without a cold chain, and massively scalable. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal protein 5B (Cry5B) has anthelmintic properties that could fill this void. Here we develop an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient or API containing Bt Cry5B compatible with MDA. We expressed Cry5B in asporogenous Bt during vegetative phase, forming cytosolic crystals. These Bacteria with Cytosolic Crystals (BaCC) were rendered inviable (inactivated BaCC or IBaCC) with food-grade essential oils. IBaCC potency was validated in vitro against nematodes. IBaCC was also potent in vivo against human hookworm infections in hamsters. IBaCC production was successfully scaled to 350 liters at a contract manufacturing facility. A simple fit-for-purpose formulation to protect against stomach digestion and powdered IBaCC were successfully made and used against GINS in hamsters and mice. A pilot histopathology study and blood chemistry workup showed that five daily consecutive doses of 200 mg/kg Cry5B IBaCC (the curative single dose is 40 mg/kg) was non-toxic to hamsters and completely safe. IBaCC is a safe, inexpensive, highly effective, easy-to-manufacture, and scalable anthelmintic that is practical for MDA and represents a new paradigm for treating human GINs.

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Impact of non-protein nitrogen supplements on nematode infected sheep

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea03008 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 43 (12) ◽

pp. 1463 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

M. R. Knox

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Parasitic Nematodes ◽

Practical Implementation ◽

Protein Nitrogen ◽

Protein Supplements ◽

Immunological Responses ◽

Nematode Parasites ◽

Nutritional Studies ◽

Inadequate Nutrition

Inadequate nutrition and gastrointestinal nematode parasitism are major constraints to livestock production. In livestock rearing enterprises that rely on low quality roughage for the provision of digestible carbohydrate, the most critical nutritional deficiency is often nitrogen. The provision of non-protein nitrogen in the diet can compensate for this deficiency and enable increased productivity from the available feed resource. Numerous studies have shown that increasing the supply of protein for intestinal absorption can alleviate the detrimental effects of nematode parasites on production and can also result in improved protective immunological responses to infection. In many situations, the practical implementation of such a strategy for improved nematode parasite control is hampered by the high cost and/or unavailability of high quality protein sources for use as ruminant livestock feed. Evidence is presented from studies with young sheep to demonstrate that supplementation with urea can achieve similar qualitative benefits in reducing the effects and level of infection with parasitic nematodes to that achieved with protein supplements. Urea–molasses blocks are a popular low-cost means of delivering non-protein nitrogen and experimental evidence shows that the use of urea–molasses blocks can have a beneficial impact on enhancing the resilience and resistance of sheep to infection with nematode parasites. Consistent with other nutritional studies, urea appeared to confer increased benefits proportional to increasing supplement intake as shown by reduced pathological effects, parasite numbers and faecal egg output. It is suggested that application of these findings in Australian pasture systems may require revision of current systems for the delivery of non-protein nitrogen supplements to increase the level of urea consumed.

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Anthelmintic effects of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus) against gastrointestinal nematode parasites in experimentally infected cattle

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182016000706 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 143 (10) ◽

pp. 1279-1293 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

MIGUEL PEÑA-ESPINOZA ◽

STIG M. THAMSBORG ◽

OLIVIER DESRUES ◽

TINA V. A. HANSEN ◽

HEIDI L. ENEMARK

Keyword(s):

Sesquiterpene Lactones ◽

Geometric Mean ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Ostertagia Ostertagi ◽

Nematode Parasites ◽

Cooperia Oncophora ◽

Protein Energy ◽

Worm Recovery ◽

Third Stage

SUMMARYTwo experiments studied the effects of dietary chicory against gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle. In Experiment (Exp.) 1, stabled calves were fed chicory silage (CHI1;n= 9) or ryegrass/clover hay (CTL1;n= 6) with balanced protein/energy intakes between groups. After 16 days, all calves received 10 000Ostertagia ostertagiand 66 000Cooperia oncophorathird-stage larvae (L3) [day (D) 0 post-infection (p.i.)]. In Exp. 2, calves were assigned to pure chicory (CHI2;n=10) or ryegrass/clover (CTL2;n= 10) pastures. After 7 days, animals received 20 000O. ostertagiL3/calf (D0 p.i.) and were moved regularly preventing pasture-borne infections. Due to poor regrowth of the chicory pasture, CHI2was supplemented with chicory silage. At D40 p.i. (Exp. 1) and D35 p.i. (Exp. 2) calves were slaughtered for worm recovery. In Exp.1, fecal egg counts (FEC) were similar between groups. However,O. ostertagicounts were significantly reduced in CHI1by 60% (geometric mean;P< 0·01), whereasC. oncophoraburdens were unaffected (P= 0·12). In Exp. 2, FEC were markedly lowered in CHI2from D22 p.i onwards (P< 0·01).Ostertagia ostertagiadult burdens were significantly reduced in CHI2by 66% (P< 0·001). Sesquiterpene lactones were identified only in chicory (fresh/silage). Chicory shows promise as an anti-Ostertagiafeed for cattle and further studies should investigate its on-farm use.

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A microsatellite polymorphism in the gamma interferon gene is associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in a naturally-parasitized population of Soay sheep

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182001007570 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 122 (5) ◽

pp. 571-582 ◽

Cited By ~ 127

Author(s):

D. W. COLTMAN ◽

K. WILSON ◽

J. G. PILKINGTON ◽

M. J. STEAR ◽

J. M. PEMBERTON

Keyword(s):

Interferon Gamma ◽

Cell Subset ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Ovis Aries ◽

Domestic Sheep ◽

Soay Sheep ◽

Nematode Parasites ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Trait Locus

Free-living Soay sheep (Ovis aries) on the island of Hirta, St Kilda, Scotland, are naturally parasitized by gastrointestinal nematodes, predominantlyTeladorsagia circumcincta. In this paper we show that reduced faecal egg counts (FEC) are associated with an allele at a microsatellite locus located in the first intron of the interferon gamma gene (o(IFN)-γ) in Soay sheep lambs and yearlings, measured at approximately 4 and 16 months of age, respectively. The same allele was also associated with increasedT. circumcincta-specific antibody (IgA) in lambs, but not associated significantly in yearlings. Flanking control markers failed to show a significant association with either FEC or IgA. These results suggest that a polymorphic gene conferring increased resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites is located at or near the interferon gamma gene, and support previous reports which have mapped a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for resistance to this region in domestic sheep. Our data are consistent with the idea that a functional polymorphism leading to reduced expression or efficacy of (IFN)-γ could enhance the immune response to gastrointestinal nematodes by favouring the activity of the Th2cell subset and antibody associated immune mechanisms.

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Immune and other factors modulating host resistance against gastrointestinal nematode parasites in sheep

Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society ◽

10.12681/jhvms.15597 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 68 (2) ◽

pp. 131 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

K. ARSENOPOULOS ◽

I. SYMEONIDOU ◽

E. PAPADOPOULOS

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Epithelium ◽

T Regulatory Cells ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽

Th2 Cells ◽

Specific Cell ◽

Local Immunity ◽

Nematode Parasites

Infection of small ruminants with gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites is a significant problem with crucial impact on meat and milk production. The strategy of administrating anthelminthic drugs has been implemented for many years and has resulted in the development of resistant strains of parasites. Meanwhile, consumers demand for free of drugs products have led to the adoption of alternative control methods, which involve the selective breeding of animals, which are resistant to parasitism. The development of immunity and therefore, resistance against gastrointestinal parasites is based on the activation of specific host genes. Gene analysis has revealed areas (QTLs), which affect resistance or susceptibility of sheep to gastrointestinal infestations between animals of different breeds and between individuals of the same breed. The role of cytokines and T helper cells has been enhanced as research, strongly, supports the connection of Th2 cells with resistance and Th1 cells with susceptibility against GIN. Latest data implicates T regulatory cells and a specific cell type, Th17, in immune response mechanisms. Specific adhesion molecules (integrins, lectins, cadherins) are produced in the gut lumen in sufficient amounts and appear to boost immunity and reduce clinical signs in sheep. Additionally, the immunoglobulins IgA and IgE have been positively correlated with increased resistance against GIN. In several cases of GIN, where an increased number of eosinophils and mast cells in the intestinal epithelium have been recorded, the animals had a reduced number of parasite eggs in their feces. The genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex have been referred to as potential resistance or susceptibility markers. Other enzymes, like chitinases, enhance the resilience of animals and protect them effectively. Animal’s nutritional status is another determinant factor of immune capability against GIN in sheep, both systemic, as well as locally. Regarding the effect of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, some researchers support their direct effect against GIN, resulting in a natural reduction of their number, while others claim the indirect action in the intestinal epithelium by reducing local immunity. Consequently, the detection of genes associated with resistance or susceptibility to gastrointestinal infestations is promising and in line with modern requirements.

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Prevalence of common gastrointestinal nematode parasites in scavenging pigs of different ages and sexes in Eastern Centre province, Burkina Faso

Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research ◽

10.4102/ojvr.v73i1.169 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 73 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

H.H. Tamboura ◽

H. Banga-Mboko ◽

D. Maes ◽

I. Youssao ◽

A. Traore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Burkina Faso ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽

Nematode Species ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Effective Strategies ◽

Intestinal Nematode ◽

Nematode Parasites ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Veterinary Importance

The range and infestation intensities of gastrointestinal parasitic nematode species depend on the type of swine production system. The present study focused mainly on nematodes of veterinary importance in scavenging pigs in Burkina Faso, and aimed at determining the prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites by means of faecal egg per gram (EPG) counts. Between November 2001 and October 2002, faecal samples from 383 pigs of different sexes and ages (< 5 months, 5-12 months and > 12 months) were collected from the rectum and examined for gastrointestinal nematodes parasites using the Mc Master method. Of the 383 pigs examined, 91 % were infected by one or more para sites. Ascaris suum (40 %; 100-1 400 EPG) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Strongyloides ransomi (21 %; 100-4 200 EPG), Oesophagostomum spp. (18 %; 100-1 000 EPG), Hyostrongylus rubidus (11 %; 100-1 800 EPG), Globocephalus spp. 10 %; 100-400 EPG) and Trichuris suis (1 %; 100-200 EPG). The prevalence was significantly higher in female pigs (n = 239) than in males. In addition, females excreted significantly (P < 0.05) more eggs in their faeces than males, except in the case of Globocephalus spp. The age of the animal had no effect on the prevalence of A. suum whereas there were significant differences in age categories concerning S. ransomi, H. rubidus, Oesophagostumum spp. and Globocephalus spp. Unexpectedly, the high prevalence of these common parasites was not accompanied by elevated EPG values, which suggests the existence of moderate infestations. The present work indicates that the common nematode infestations in pigs do not necessarily need a systematic herd anthelmintic treatment, as only a small number of worms is required to induce immunity. A further study is needed to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for the control of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites in pigs in Burkina Faso.

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BioWorma as an Aid for Controlling Ruminant Nematode Parasites

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab096.065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 36-36

Author(s):

James E Miller ◽

Joan M Burke ◽

Thomas H Terrill

Keyword(s):

Delivery System ◽

Control Method ◽

Animal Health ◽

Late Pregnancy ◽

Cost Effective ◽

The United States ◽

Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽

Mineral Supplement ◽

Larval Stages ◽

Nematode Parasites

Abstract Nematode-trapping fungi are biological control agents used against the larval stages of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock feces. These fungi are normal soil inhabitants where they feed on a variety of non-parasitic soil nematodes. Of the various fungi tested, Duddingtonia flagrans spores (BioWorma, International Animal Health Products, Australia) have been shown to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants. After defecation, the spores germinate and grow in the feces to form sticky, sophisticated traps/loops which are able to trap the developing larval stages in the fecal environment. This form of control has been successfully applied under field conditions and is an environmentally safe biological approach for forage-based feeding systems. BioWorma has recently been approved for use in the United States. The primary delivery system is mixing BioWorma into supplement feedstuffs daily where each animal has the opportunity to consume an adequate amount of the mixture. To achieve optimum control of larvae during the transmission season (May–October), BioWorma needs to be fed for a period of no shorter than 60 days, starting at the beginning of the grazing season (especially young after weaning). Feeding BioWorma to dams during late pregnancy and lactation will also help to reduce pasture contamination, especially for growing young that will graze the same pasture. Another delivery system is mixing BioWorma into loose mineral supplement where animals will consume it free choice. The mineral needs to be kept covered and dry. The spores cannot be incorporated into pellets as the heat of the pelleting process will kill the spores. One drawback in using BioWorma is the relatively high cost. Research is being conducted to evaluate other delivery schemes that could be more cost effective. This product is the only control method that targets nematodes on pasture, where a majority of the total population reside.

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