scholarly journals Prevalence of Balantidium coli (Malmsten, 1857) infection in swine reared in South Italy: A widespread neglected zoonosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1044-1049
Author(s):  
Filippo Giarratana ◽  
Luca Nalbone ◽  
Ettore Napoli ◽  
Vincenzo Lanzo ◽  
Antonio Panebianco
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Breeding System ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Domestic Pigs ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Balantidium Coli ◽  
Route Of Transmission

Background and Aim: Balantidiasis, caused by Balantidium coli (syn. Neobalantidium coli or B. coli), represents a neglected parasitic infection of zoonotic significance affecting a variety of hosts, including domestic pigs that are the main reservoir. B. coli has a direct life cycle with a fecal-oral route transmission that occurs mainly by the ingestion of food and water contaminated with cysts. The ingestion of meat contaminated during inappropriate slaughtering processes may represent a new potential route of transmission. Only a few studies have investigated the prevalence of B. coli in domestic pigs in Italy, despite its high prevalence and zoonotic significance. This study aimed to improve the knowledge on B. coli prevalence in domestic swine reared both in intensive and "en plein air" breeding systems in the south of Italy. Materials and Methods: The infection rate of B. coli in pigs bred in 15 different pig farms and regularly slaughtered in South Italy, in the Calabria region, was investigated. From 2017 to 2019, 177 terminal parts of the rectums of pigs, of which 91 commercial hybrids and 86 autochthonous (Nero Calabrese), reared, respectively, in intensive and "en plein air" breeding system, were tested for parasite detection. After the slaughtering, the terminal part of the rectum was sampled and transported to the laboratories and immediately processed. For the detection of trophozoites, fresh smears of feces were examined at light microscopy. Moreover, flotation was performed using a sodium chloride solution, then smears of feces were dispersed on microscope slides and examined at light microscopy. The observed parasites were identified at the species level using morphological characteristics. Results: B. coli was detected in a total of 83 (i.e., 46.89%) pigs, with a significantly higher prevalence (p<0.0001) found in commercial hybrid (i.e., 59/91-64.84%) pigs rather than in autochthonous ones (i.e., 24/86-27.91%). It follows that the infection was more common in pigs reared in the intensive breeding system than in "en plein air" ones (p<0.0001). The infection prevalence was higher in males than in females and lower in elder animals than in younger ones (p=0.012 and p<0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: The breeding system is likely the main discriminant for the parasite spread as well as the hygienic condition of the farms. Good manufacturing and hygiene practices along the food production chain are crucial in preventing human balantidiasis transmission by meat consumption. The high B. coli prevalence, the wide spectrum of host species, and its zoonotic significance push toward a greater public interest.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections and Assessment of Deworming Program among Cattle and Buffaloes in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayana Gunathilaka ◽  
Dimuthu Niroshana ◽  
Deepika Amarasinghe ◽  
Lahiru Udayanga
Keyword(s):  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Digenetic Trematodes ◽  
Linear Modelling ◽  
Cattle Management ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon ◽  
Effect Of Treatment ◽  
The Difference

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is a serious issue in cattle management. The effects of GI parasites may vary with age, sex of cattle, nutritional condition, and severity of infection. Prevalence of GI parasites among cattle population in Gampaha District has not been studied and there is no published study available. A total of 45 farms rearing cattle were selected randomly in three areas, namely, Kelaniya, Ganemulla, and Welisara, under three Veterinary Surgeon Divisions (VSD) in Gampaha District (Mahara, Gampaha, and Welisara). Freshly voided cattle fecal samples were collected randomly from the selected farms during March 2017–December 2017. Out of 163 cattle and buffaloes examined, 13.39% (n=22) were positive for eggs of one or more species of GI parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in buffaloes (31.25%, 5/16) as compared to that of cows (11.56%, 21/147), but the difference was not significant (P >0.05). Hookworms (Bunostomum spp.), whipworms (Trichuris spp.), digenetic trematodes (Paramphistomum spp.), cestodes (Moniezia spp.), and oocysts of protozoans (coccidians) were found during the study. The nontreated animals indicated the highest percentage of parasitic infections accounting for 46.67% (n= 14), followed by partially treated individuals (15.15%, n= 5). GI parasite prevalence in males was higher when compared to that of females, but the difference was nonsignificant (P >0.05). General Linear Modelling (GLM) revealed that the effect of treatment status was significantly associated with the prevalence of GI parasites. The calves and yearlings had the highest rate of GI parasitic infections. The highest infection rate was observed at Kelaniya, followed by Welisara. Future investigations are necessary to evaluate the economic impact of GI parasites in the study areas.

scholarly journals Prevalence and intensity of Sarcocystis spp. infection in animals slaughtered for food in Lithuania

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 149-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Januskevicius ◽  
G Januskeviciene ◽  
P Prakas ◽  
D Butkauskas ◽  
S Petkevicius
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Intensity Of Infection ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Muscle Types ◽  
Muscle Groups

The exact prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. infection in animals slaughtered for food is unknown in Lithuania. Therefore, the present study was initiated to evaluate Sarcocystis spp. infection in the carcasses of cattle (n = 206), sheep (n = 61), pigs (n = 73) and horses (n = 72) raised in Lithuania for food. The prevalence and intensity of Sarcocystis spp. infection were assessed under light microscopy by analysing 1 g of stained and squashed muscle samples. All the investigated muscle types (oesophagus, diaphragm, heart, neck, jaw, back, leg and tongue) were found to have been infected with microcysts rather than with macrocysts. A high prevalence of infection was established in cattle (44.9–98.1%) and sheep (100%), whereas the prevalence of this infection in pigs (30.1–50.0%) and horses (34.7–63.9%) was considered to be moderate. Significant differences in the infection prevalence were detected in the majority of muscle groups of cattle and in some muscle groups of pigs and horses. Similarly, significant differences in the median (Md) intensity of infection were observed in the majority of the muscle groups of cattle (Md = 4–29) and sheep (Md = 21–73) and only in some muscle groups of pigs (Md = 4.5–16) and horses (Md = 1–3). Cases of intense infection (&gt; 40 cysts in a sample) were relatively often detected in sheep (44.9%) and cattle (19.1%), and rarely in pigs (3.7%). Hence, based on the varying rates of infection in the examined samples, the infection was identified as being intense in sheep and cattle, moderate in pigs and low in horses.

scholarly journals Investigation of gastrointestinal parasites of herbivores at Dhaka National Zoological Garden of Bangladesh

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
SM Rahman ◽  
AR Dey ◽  
UK Kundu ◽  
N Begum
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Infection ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infestation ◽  
Zoological Garden ◽  
Strategic Control ◽  
Balantidium Coli ◽  
Spotted Deer ◽  
Greater Kudu

A total of 52 fecal samples were collected from 21 herbivores at Dhaka zoo during January to May, 2012 to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of herbivores. Overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 76.9%, of which 61.5% were positive for helminths and 55.8% were positive for protozoa. The identified parasites were Balantidium coli (55.8%), Paramphistomum sp. (36.5%), Fasciola sp. (19.2%), stomach worm (3.9%), Ascaris sp. (1.9%) and Strongyloides sp. (1.9%). Overall prevalence of mixed infection was 42.3%. Mixed infection was observed in the animals such as Butani cattle (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Giraffe (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Spotted deer (Balantidium coli, Paramphistomum sp. and Fasciola sp.), Sambar deer (Balantidium coli and Fasciola sp.), Horse (Balantidium coli and Ascaris sp.), Greater kudu (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Nil gai (Balantidium coli and stomach worm), Black wilde beast (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Impala (Balantidium coli and Strongyloides sp.), Hippopotamus (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Zebra (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Wilde beast (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.; Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp. and Fasciola sp.), One Horned Rhinoceros (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Common Eland (Balantidium coli and Paramphistomum sp.), Oryx (Balantidium coli and stomach worm). Diameter of ova or cyst was also measured. Egg per gram/ Cyst per gram of feces (EPG/ CPG) were ranged from 300-1200. Gastrointestinal parasites are highly prevalent in herbivores of Dhaka zoo. Strategic control measure is necessary to protect the endangered species from parasitic infestation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v12i1.21245 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(1): 79-85, June 2014

Breeding Systems of Spinifex Hopping Mice (Notomys-Alexis) and Plains Rats (Pseudomys-Australis) - a Test for Multiple Paternity Within the Laboratory

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
WG Breed ◽  
M Adams
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Multiple Paternity ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
Laboratory Conditions ◽  
Set Up

This study was carried out as part of a broader investigation into the factors that determine interspecific variation in testis size amongst conilurine rodents. The hypothesis proposed is that the huge differences in absolute and relative testis size between the spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis) and the plains rat (Pseudomys australis) relate to differences in breeding system. One aspect of a species' breeding system, the capacity for multiple paternity, was assessed under laboratory conditions for each species. Allozyme markers were used to set up appropriate trios consisting of one female cohabiting with two mates of different genotypes and to assess the paternity of the resultant pups that were born. Multiple paternity within a single litter was not recorded for hopping mice but was observed occasionally in plains rats, a result consistent with the hypothesis under test.

scholarly journals The health of laboratory mice A comparison of general health in two breeding units where different systems are employed

1959 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 386-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Tuffery
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
General Health ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Serious Infections ◽  
Sporadic Cases ◽  
Two Populations

Two units, within a mouse-breeding colony, with different breeding systems, have been compared from the point of view of general healthiness of the breeding stock. In one unit the monogamous-pair system, involving post-partum oestrus mating, was employed and in the other the harem system, with isolation of the pregnant females for each litter-down until after the post-partum oestrus. The two units were housed separately and had different staffs. The monogamous-pair unit was accommodated in four small rooms not directly connected; the harem unit in two larger connecting rooms. The methods of cageing, bedding, feeding, watering, care, culling and subsequent procedures were identical for both units and the same system of recording individual detailed information relating to health and breeding was followed for the two units. The size of the two populations studied was 1198 and 1024, respectively, the larger number belonging to the harem unit in which the mice were retained for a significantly longer period. These mice were moved more frequently and handled much more often.Apart from a small outbreak of Tyzzer's disease (in the harem-bred unit) and sporadic cases in both units spread over the whole period of the survey—some 3–4 years—the general health of the two units was good. There were no cases of salmonella infection, mousepox, pasteurellosis or other serious infections. Throughout the period both units maintained a high standard of productivity and there was no evidence that the mating of the monogamous pairs at the post-partum oestrus led to any weakness or ill health. As would be expected, however, the losses from death and culling were greater among the females in both units.The health record of the monogamous-pair bred unit was consistently higher than that of the harem-bred unit. There were more cases of Tyzzer's disease in the harem-bred mice and more evidence generally of ill health in this unit. Infertility was three times greater with the harem-bred mice as compared with those in the monogamous-pair unit.Details of the two systems are discussed and although the records maintained for the two may not be strictly comparable it is concluded that, under the conditions obtaining, the monogamous-pair breeding system yielded a healthier colony of mice than the harem breeding system.I should like to thank Dr J. S. Patterson and Mr R. Cook for placing many of their records at my disposal, Mr S. Peto and his staff for carrying out much of the tedious compilation of data, and Dr D. W. Henderson, F.R.S., for affording me facilities for this work. To these I am especially grateful for their interest, advice and assistance.

The Breeding Systems of Stylidium graminifolium and Stylidium productum (Stylidiaceae)

1990 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Willis ◽  
JE Ash
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
The South ◽  
Pollination Experiments ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
South West ◽  
Self Pollination ◽  
Incompatibility System ◽  
Close Relationship

The breeding systems of Stylidiurn grarninifolium and S. producturn (= S. grarninifoliurn var. caulescens) were studied by observing the phenology of individual flowers and inflorescences, and relating the data to a series of pollination experiments within and between the species. Inter-specific pollinations yielded similar levels of seed-set to crosses within the species indicating a close relationship between the taxa. Self-pollination of either species is uncommon; however, when it occurs, the majority of selfed ovules are aborted post-zygotically, probably by a system of recessive lethals, as there is no indication of an incompatibility system. It is concluded that the breeding systems of S. grarninifoliurn and S. productum, two of the few eastern Australian species, are similar to those of many Stylidiurn species from the south-west, casting doubt upon hypotheses that the breeding system has led to high rates of speciation in the south-west.

scholarly journals Inheritance of breeding system in Cakile (Brassicaceae) following hybridization: implications for plant invasions

2019 ◽  
Vol 125 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengjun Li ◽  
Mohsen B Mesgaran ◽  
Peter K Ades ◽  
Roger D Cousens
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Population Model ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Plant Invasions ◽  
Quantitative Agreement ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Cakile Maritima ◽  
Cakile Edentula

Abstract Background and Aims Hybridization is commonly assumed to aid invasions through adaptive introgression. In contrast, a recent theoretical model predicted that there can be non-adaptive demographic advantages from hybridization and that the population consequences will depend on the breeding systems of the species and the extent to which subsequent generations are able to interbreed and reproduce. We examined cross-fertilization success and inheritance of breeding systems of two species in order to better assess the plausibility of the theoretical predictions. Methods Reciprocal artificial crosses were made to produce F1, F2 and backcrosses between Cakile maritima (self-incompatible, SI) and Cakile edentula (self-compatible, SC) (Brassicaceae). Flowers were emasculated prior to anther dehiscence and pollen was introduced from donor plants to the recipient’s stigma. Breeding system, pollen viability, pollen germination, pollen tube growth and reproductive output were then determined. The results were used to replace the assumptions made in the original population model and new simulations were made. Key Results The success rate with the SI species as the pollen recipient was lower than when it was the pollen donor, in quantitative agreement with the ‘SI × SC rule’ of unilateral incompatibility. Similar outcomes were found in subsequent generations where fertile hybrids were produced but lower success rates were observed in crosses of SI pollen donors with SC pollen recipients. Much lower proportions of SC hybrids were produced than expected from a single Mendelian allele. When incorporated into a population model, these results predicted an even faster rate of replacement of the SC species by the SI species than previously reported. Conclusions Our study of these two species provides even clearer support for the feasibility of the non-adaptive hybridization hypothesis, whereby the colonization of an SI species can be assisted by transient hybridization with a congener. It also provides novel insight into reproductive biology beyond the F1 generation.

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