scholarly journals Evaluation of Helminth Infections Identified in Slaughtered Livestock in Iran, 2015-2019

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behzad Kiani ◽  
Christine M. Budke ◽  
Ebrahim Shams Abadi ◽  
Soheil Hashtarkhani ◽  
Amene Raouf Rahmati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Direct Costs ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Northern Iran ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Northwestern Iran ◽  
Direct Economic Losses

Abstract Introduction: Helminth infections of livestock can result in considerable economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the spatial frequency of cystic echinococcosis (CE), dicrocoeliasis, and fascioliasis in livestock slaughtered in Iran during the years 2015-2019 and estimate direct costs associated with organ condemnation due to these parasites.Methods: Abattoir data from all 31 Iranian provinces were collected from the Iran Veterinary Organization. Infection prevalence was calculated per year at the province level. The Local Moran's I statistic was performed to evaluate spatial autocorrelation of animals positive at slaughter for the years 2015-2019. Direct costs associated with condemned livers were calculated for each parasitic condition. Results: Overall prevalence values for the study timeframe were as follows: sheep and goat fascioliasis (1.5%, 910,282/58,393,349), cattle fascioliasis (3.8%, 23,3175/6,038,419), sheep and goat dicrocoeliasis (4.6%; 270,1274/58,393,349), cattle dicrocoeliasis (3.1%; 186,009/6,038,419), sheep and goat CE (5.3%; 3,108,767/58,393,349), and cattle CE (7.2%; 438,534/6,038,419). Northwestern Iran had the highest prevalence of CE and fascioliasis. High infection areas for Dicrocoelium spp. included the provinces of Zanjan, Gilan, Qazvin, and Tehran, which are located in northern Iran. Direct economic losses for sheep and goat fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$13,841,826, US$41,768,472, and US$22,801,296, respectively. Direct economic losses for cattle fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$1,989,582, US$1,669,289, and US$2,656,535, respectively.Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable data for future monitoring of these important parasitic diseases in Iranian livestock. Disease control strategies are required to reduce the economic and public health impact of these helminths.

scholarly journals Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Ruminants Aborted Fetuses in Northern Iran Using Molecular and Bioassay Techniques

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaveh Azimi ◽  
Afsaneh Amouei ◽  
Mehdi Sharif ◽  
Shahabeddin Sarvi ◽  
Nemat Shams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Mazandaran Province ◽  
Northern Iran ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Intracellular Protozoan Parasite

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite that infects a wide range of warm-blooded species. This study aimed to obtain further information on the role of T. gondii infection in ruminant abortion (sheep, goats and cattle) using bioassay and PCR methods in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Methods: Overall, 104 aborted fetuses (52 bovine, 48 ovine, 4 caprine) were collected at different stages of gestation during the lambing seasons in various parts of Mazandaran Province from Mar 2016 to May 2017. Brains of 104 aborted fetuses were bioassayed in female BALB/c mice. DNA was extracted from all brain samples using phenol-chloroformisoamyl Alcohol instructions. RE gene was used for detection all of T. gondii DNA by conventional PCR assay. Results: The results of the bioassayed samples were negative because no tachyzoites or cyst were observed in the peritoneal and brain specimens of the mice. The detection of T. gondii DNA was confirmed by observation of a 529 bp band in 15 out of 104 fetuses (14.4%). The highest prevalence rate of T. gondii detected from sheep (16.6%) followed by cattle (13.4%) and goats (0%). The highest prevalence of the infection was observed in east area, while the lowest prevalence of the infection was observed in west area. Conclusion: T. gondii infection may partly be responsible for abortion and economic losses in livestock husbandry in this region. Therefore, further additional researches such as genotyping T. gondii and designing control strategies for improving management in livestock flocks are necessary.

scholarly journals Predicting the Presence of Leptospires in Rodents from Environmental Indicators Opens Up Opportunities for Environmental Monitoring of Human Leptospirosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Leon Biscornet ◽  
Christophe Révillion ◽  
Sylvaine Jégo ◽  
Erwan Lagadec ◽  
Yann Gomard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Infection Prevalence

Leptospirosis, an environmental infectious disease of bacterial origin, is the infectious disease with the highest associated mortality in Seychelles. In small island territories, the occurrence of the disease is spatially heterogeneous and a better understanding of the environmental factors that contribute to the presence of the bacteria would help implement targeted control. The present study aimed at identifying the main environmental parameters correlated with animal reservoirs distribution and Leptospira infection in order to delineate habitats with highest prevalence. We used a previously published dataset produced from a large collection of rodents trapped during the dry and wet seasons in most habitats of Mahé, the main island of Seychelles. A land use/land cover analysis was realized in order to describe the various environments using SPOT-5 images by remote sensing (object-based image analysis). At each sampling site, landscape indices were calculated and combined with other geographical parameters together with rainfall records to be used in a multivariate statistical analysis. Several environmental factors were found to be associated with the carriage of leptospires in Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus, namely low elevations, fragmented landscapes, the proximity of urbanized areas, an increased distance from forests and, above all, increased precipitation in the three months preceding trapping. The analysis indicated that Leptospira renal carriage could be predicted using the species identification and a description of landscape fragmentation and rainfall, with infection prevalence being positively correlated with these two environmental variables. This model may help decision makers in implementing policies affecting urban landscapes and/or in balancing conservation efforts when designing pest control strategies that should also aim at reducing human contact with Leptospira-laden rats while limiting their impact on the autochthonous fauna.

scholarly journals Prevalence of mastitis in Nigerian livestock: a Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-29
Author(s):  
Hussaini Ojagefu Adamu ◽  
Rahimat Oshuwa Hussaini ◽  
Cedric Obasuyi ◽  
Linus Irefo Anagha ◽  
Gabriel Oscy Okoduwa
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Ecological Development ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Control And Management ◽  
The Impact

AbstractMastitis is a disease of livestock that directly impede livestock production and thus hindering the socio-ecological development of sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have estimated the prevalence of this disease in 30% of Africa countries, with Ethiopia having the highest prevalence. The coverage is low, despite the wide livestock and dairy farms distribution in Africa. Furthermore, estimated economic losses due to the impact of mastitis are lacking in Nigeria. The disease is endemic in Nigeria as indicated by the available data and there are no proposed management plans or control strategies. This review is thus presented to serve as a wakeup call to all parties involved to intensify efforts towards the diagnosis, control, and management of the disease in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi in chickens in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Runglawan Chawengkirttikul ◽  
Witchuta Junsiri ◽  
Amaya Watthanadirek ◽  
Napassorn Poolsawat ◽  
Sutthida Minsakorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
High Entropy

AbstractLeucocytozoon sabrazesi is the intracellular protozoa of leucocytozoonosis, which is transmitted by the insect vectors and affects chickens in most subtropical and tropical regions of the globe, except South America, and causing enormous economic losses due to decreasing meat yield and egg production. In this study, L. sabrazesi gametocytes have been observed in the blood smears, and molecular methods have been used to analyse the occurrence and genetic diversity of L. sabrazesi in blood samples from 313 chickens raised in northern, western and southern parts of Thailand. The nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) assay based on the cytb gene revealed that 80.51% (252/313) chickens were positive of L. sabrazesi. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that L. sabrazesi cytb gene is conserved in Thailand, showed 2 clades and 2 subclades with similarity ranged from 89.5 to 100%. The diversity analysis showed 13 and 18 haplotypes of the sequences from Thailand and from other countries, respectively. The entropy analyses of nucleic acid sequences showed 26 high entropy peaks with values ranging from 0.24493 to 1.21056, while those of amino acid sequences exhibited 5 high entropy peaks with values ranging from 0.39267 to 0.97012. The results; therefore, indicate a high molecular occurrence of L. sabrazesi in chicken blood samples with the associated factors that is statistically significant (p < 0.05). Hence, our results could be used to improve the immunodiagnostic methods and to find appropriate preventive control strategies or vaccination programs against leucocytozoonosis in order to mitigate or eliminate the harmful impact of this infection on chicken industry.

scholarly journals Temporal Dynamics of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma mali’ Load in the Insect Vector Cacopsylla melanoneura

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Valentina Candian ◽  
Monia Monti ◽  
Rosemarie Tedeschi
Keyword(s):  
Host Plants ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Vector Competence ◽  
Insect Vector ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Candidatus Phytoplasma Mali ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Cacopsylla Melanoneura

The transmission of phytoplasmas is the result of an intricate interplay involving pathogens, insect vectors and host plants. Knowledge of the vector’s competence during its lifespan allows us to define more sustainable well-timed control strategies targeted towards the most worrisome life stages. We investigated the temporal dynamics of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ load in Cacopsylla melanoneura in the different developmental stages in Northwest Italy. The phytoplasma load in the vector was evaluated in overwintering adults, nymphs and newly emerged adults after different acquisition access periods. Moreover, we followed the multiplication of the phytoplasma during the aestivation and the overwintering period on conifers. Our results confirmed the ability of remigrants to retain the phytoplasma until the end of winter. We also highlighted the high acquisition efficiency and vector competence, based on phytoplasma load, of nymphs and newly emerged adults. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to the management of overwintered C. melanoneura as soon as they return to the orchards, but also to newly emerged adults, particularly in orchards with a high infection rate and when the migration to conifers is delayed.

Risk factors associated with Enteromyxum scophthalmi (Myxozoa) infection in cultured turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.)

Parasitology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. I. QUIROGA ◽  
M. J. REDONDO ◽  
A. SITJÀ-BOBADILLA ◽  
O. PALENZUELA ◽  
A. RIAZA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Distribution Pattern ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Host Density ◽  
Scophthalmus Maximus ◽  
Fish Distribution ◽  
Fish Mortality ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Western Spain ◽  
Turbot Scophthalmus Maximus

An epidemiological cohort study of Enteromyxum scophthalmi in cultured turbot was performed on a farm in North Western Spain. Four different ongrowing stocks (A, B, C, D) were monitored monthly until market size. Fish from stocks C and D were divided into 2 subgroups, receiving filtered (CF and DF) or unfiltered (CUF and DUF) water. The lack of water filtration was positively associated with infection prevalence, as all fish kept in filtered water remained uninfected. Parasite abundance varied seasonally (P<0·05) in stock B and subgroup CUF. Infection was also associated (P<0·05) with host weight, and the highest prevalences and intensities were detected in 101–200 g and 201–300 g fish. Distribution pattern of E. scophthalmi in subgroups CUF and DUF had a variance higher than the mean, indicating overdispersion. The minimum period necessary for the first detection of the parasite and for the appearance of disease symptoms and mortality, varied depending on the stock and introduction date, although a long pre-patent period was always observed. Several factors, such as host density, parasite recruitment and parasite-induced fish mortality can contribute to the observed distribution pattern. Risk factors found to be associated with E. scophthalmi infection, including water quality and accumulation of infective stages in the culture tanks, should be considered when designing control strategies to prevent the introduction and spread of infective stages in the facilities.

Shelter Characteristics, Infection Prevention Practices, and Universal Testing for SARS-CoV-2 at Homeless Shelters in 7 US Urban Areas

2021 ◽  
pp. e1-e6
Author(s):  
Julie L. Self ◽  
Martha P. Montgomery ◽  
Karrie-Ann Toews ◽  
Elizabeth A. Samuels ◽  
Elizabeth Imbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
The United States ◽  
Homeless Shelters ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Universal Testing ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Sleeping Arrangements ◽  
Risk Ratios

Objectives. To examine shelter characteristics and infection prevention practices in relation to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection point prevalence during universal testing at homeless shelters in the United States. Methods. SARS-CoV-2 testing was offered to clients and staff at homeless shelters, irrespective of symptoms. Site assessments were conducted from March 30 to June 1, 2020, to collect information on shelter characteristics and infection prevention practices. We assessed the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence and shelter characteristics, including 20 infection prevention practices by using crude risk ratios (RRs) and exact unconditional 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Site assessments and SARS-CoV-2 testing results were reported for 63 homeless shelters in 7 US urban areas. Median infection prevalence was 2.9% (range = 0%–71.4%). Shelters implementing head-to-toe sleeping and excluding symptomatic staff from working were less likely to have high infection prevalence (RR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3, 0.8; and RR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.4, 0.6; respectively); shelters with medical services available were less likely to have very high infection prevalence (RR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.2, 1.0). Conclusions. Sleeping arrangements and staffing policies are modifiable factors that might be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in homeless shelters. Shelters should follow recommended practices to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print March 18, 2021: e1–e6. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306198 )

scholarly journals Brief communication (Original). National survey of helminthiasis in Thailand

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 779-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thitima Wongsaroj ◽  
Choosak Nithikathkul ◽  
Wichit Rojkitikul ◽  
Worayut Nakai ◽  
Louis Royal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Targeted Intervention ◽  
The Past ◽  
The North ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Thai People

Abstract Background: Helminth infections continue to pose serious health problems in Thailand. The infections of greatest concern are opisthorchiasis and hookworm. Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence of these infections. The Thai Ministry of Health established a national health plan in 1995 to coordinate health plans for the provincial public health sectors. Methods: A national survey based on probability sampling, interviews, and stool examinations was conducted in 2009 to gather prevalence information of the helminth infections. Results: We found an overall prevalence of helminthiasis among 15,555 Thai people of 18.1%. The highest prevalence was found in the northeastern regions of Thailand. By comparison with previous surveys conducted over the past 5 decades, the prevalence rates have decreased. However, pockets of high infection remain, particularly in the north and northeast of Thailand. Conclusions: Targeted intervention by means of educational programs and public health intervention, and continuing surveillance are indicated.

scholarly journals Development of the first georeferenced map of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. in Mexico from 1970 to date and prediction of its spatial distribution

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yazmin Alcala-Canto ◽  
Juan Antonio Figueroa-Castillo ◽  
Froylán Ibarra-Velarde ◽  
Yolanda Vera-Montenegro ◽  
María Eugenia Cervantes-Valencia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Integrated Control ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Entropy Method ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Precipitation Seasonality ◽  
Epidemiological Risk

The tick genus Ripicephalus (Boophilus), particularly R. microplus, is one of the most important ectoparasites that affects livestock health and considered an epidemiological risk because it causes significant economic losses due, mainly, to restrictions in the export of infested animals to several countries. Its spatial distribution has been tied to environmental factors, mainly warm temperatures and high relative humidity. In this work, we integrated a dataset consisting of 5843 records of Rhipicephalus spp., in Mexico covering close to 50 years to know which environmental variables mostly influence this ticks’ distribution. Occurrences were georeferenced using the software DIVA-GIS and the potential current distribution was modelled using the maximum entropy method (Maxent). The algorithm generated a map of high predictive capability (Area under the curve = 0.942), providing the various contribution and permutation importance of the tested variables. Precipitation seasonality, particularly in March, and isothermality were found to be the most significant climate variables in determining the probability of spatial distribution of Rhipicephalus spp. in Mexico (15.7%, 36.0% and 11.1%, respectively). Our findings demonstrate that Rhipicephalus has colonized Mexico widely, including areas characterized by different types of climate. We conclude that the Maxent distribution model using Rhipicephalus records and a set of environmental variables can predict the extent of the tick range in this country, information that should support the development of integrated control strategies.

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