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

Author(s):  
H.H. Tamboura ◽  
H. Banga-Mboko ◽  
D. Maes ◽  
I. Youssao ◽  
A. Traore ◽  
...  

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.

Author(s):  
T.L. Knight ◽  
R.A. Moss ◽  
T.J. Fraser ◽  
J.S. Rowarth ◽  
R.N. Burton

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


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 36-36
Author(s):  
James E Miller ◽  
Joan M Burke ◽  
Thomas H Terrill

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.


2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (9) ◽  
pp. 4968-4971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis N. Onah ◽  
Fukumi Uchiyama ◽  
Yuuko Nagakui ◽  
Masao Ono ◽  
Toshiyuki Takai ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT A possible role for the γ subunit of immunoglobulin Fc receptors (FcR) in mucosal defenses against intestinal nematode parasites was studied using age-matched FcRγ-knockout (FcRγ−/−) and wild-type (FcRγ+/+) C57BL/6 mice. Mice were infected subcutaneously with 3,000 infective larvae of Strongyloides venezuelensis, and the degree of infection was monitored by daily fecal egg counts and adult worm recovery on days 8 and 13 postinfection. Mucosal mast cell (MMC) responses were assayed by in situ intestinal mast cell counts in stained histological sections of the jejunum and by measuring mouse mast cell protease 1 (MMCP-1) release in serum using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FcRγ−/− mice had significantly higher egg counts (P < 0.01) and numbers of adult worms (P < 0.05) than FcRγ+/+mice, but mastocytosis and serum MMCP-1 release were comparable. It was concluded that MMCP-1 release may be spontaneous, does not depend on mast cell degranulation via the FcRγ signaling system, and appears to play no role in the expulsion of S. venezuelensis. The delay in worm expulsion in the FcRγ−/− mice might be related to inability of the MMC to degranulate and release effector molecules other than MMCP-1, since FcRγ deletion abrogates mast cell degranulative responses.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Blackie

In this paper, the gastrointestinal nematode parasites infecting small ruminants (sheep and goats) in Ghana and the epidemiological factors influencing their prevalence are reviewed and discussed. Twelve nematode species belonging to six families have been reported to infect these livestock in the country with Haemonchus contortus being the most prevalent helminth parasite in both animals. Parasitic gastroenteritis is caused by mixed infection of several nematode species. Management /husbandry practices, climate and host influence are found to be the main factors that affect gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep and goats. Seasonal changes in the level of infective strongylate nematode larvae on pasture in the different agro-ecological zones of Ghana are reviewed. The number of infective larvae on pasture is reported to be directly related to the pattern of rainfall. Consequently, rainfall could be relied on to predict the rate of transmission of infection in grazing animals. Finally, the relevance of epidemiological knowledge in the development of efficient measures for controlling gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep and goats in Ghana is discussed.


1995 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.E. Rossanigo ◽  
L. Gruner

AbstractIsolates from eight gastrointestinal nematode species parasitic in sheep, cattle and deer were maintained in sheep, to provide eggs in similar faecal environments and to compare temperature and moisture requirements for their development. Faecal cultures were processed at different temperatures (for four species) and moisture contents (for eight species). At 60% of faecal moisture content (FMC), maximal rates of development (expressed as L3/100 hatchable eggs estimated by an extraction technique from the faeves) were observed at 20, 23 and 28°C respectively for Ostertagia leptospicularis, O. ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcinctaand Trichostrongylus colunriformis. For the eight species, the curves of development rates as functions of FMC were Gaussian, without modification between 18 and 28°C. Optimal developments were when the FMC ranged from 57 to 68%; low development of 1L3/100eggs were observed when the FMC ranged from 85 to 95% and from 25 to 55%. The main differences between species were in the ability of the eggs of Teladorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, T. vitrinusand Chabertia ovina to develop at lower FMC than Haemonchus contortus, O. ostertagi, O. legptospicularis and Cooperia oncophora.


2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 291-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah NEGRÃO-CORRÊA

This review discusses experimental evidences that indicate the IgE participation on the effector mechanisms that leads to gastrointestinal nematode elimination. Data discussed here showed that, for most experimental models, the immune response involved in nematode elimination is regulated by Th-2 type cytokines (especially IL-4). However, the mechanism(s) that result in worm elimination is not clear and might be distinct in different nematode species. Parasite specific IgE production, especially the IgE produced by the intestinal mucosae or associated lymphoid organs could participate in the intestinal elimination of Trichinella spiralis from infected rats. Intestinal IgE may also be important to the protective mechanism developed against other gastrointestinal nematodes that penetrate the murine duodenum mucosa tissue, such as Strongyloides venezuelensis and Heligmosomoides polygyrus. At least in Trichinella spiralis infected rats, the results indicated that intestinal IgE might work independently from mast cell degranulation for worm elimination.


2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Čabrilo ◽  
V. M. Jovanović ◽  
O. Bjelić Čabrilo ◽  
I. Budinski ◽  
J. Blagojević ◽  
...  

Summary Fifty-one yellow-necked mice from the Obedska bara locality were analysed for the presence of intestinal nematode parasites in order to assert whether there was a host sex bias in infection. Previous research indicated that males would be the more infected sex, either due to the immunosuppressive effect of testosterone or their different allocation of resources towards immune defence. Quantitative infection parameters were compared between host sexes for all nematode species and nematodes in general. In addition, the influence of host sex, age, total body length, body mass and presence of other nematode species on parasite abundance was analysed. No statistically significant differences between males and females were noted for any of the studied quantitative parameters, leading to an absence of sex-biased parasitism in this study.


Author(s):  
Davies M. Pfukenyi ◽  
Samson Mukaratirwa

In this review, the main gastrointestinal nematodes infecting cattle in Zimbabwe and the epidemiological factors influencing their occurrence are reviewed and discussed. Nineteen gastrointestinal nematode species that belong to seven families have been found to occur in cattle in Zimbabwe. The main genera reported to date are Cooperia, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomumand the dominant species are Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus placei and Trichostrongylus axei. The mixed infection by several species from the genera is the cause of parasitic gastroenteritis in cattle in Zimbabwe. Production and husbandry practices, season, host age and environment are considered to be the main factors that influence gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle. The geographical distribution of the gastrointestinal nematodes is also reviewed in relation to the climatic conditions of the country. Various control options are discussed and how they are applicable to the Zimbabwean situation. Based on reports and existing data on the epidemiological features of the gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle, practical control measures are critically reviewed and recommendations are made for a national control programme. 


Parasitology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. H. CRAIG ◽  
J. G. PILKINGTON ◽  
J. M. PEMBERTON

Every few years a large proportion of the feral sheep on Hirta, St Kilda die due to food shortage. The effects of malnutrition are exacerbated by gastrointestinal nematodes. As found in sheep flocks in mainland Britain,Teladorsagia circumcinctahas long been considered the predominant and most pathogenic nematode species in all age classes of Soay sheep. Previous research indicated that intensity of this species showed a negative association with host age and comprised 75% of the entire gastrointestinal burden. Here we present new data that showTrichostrongylus axeiandTrichostrongylus vitrinusto be the predominant worm pathogens in young Soay sheep. In the present study,Trichostrongylusspp. burdens declined with host age whereasT. circumcinctaactually increased in burden over the first few age classes. Also, male hosts had significantly higher burdens ofTrichostrongylusspp. than females, with this genus making up a higher proportion of the strongyle egg producing community in male hosts than female hosts. These new findings raise questions concerning our previous interpretation of the main nematode species contributing to strongyle egg count in the population, and the contrasting infection patterns of these nematode species in unmanaged St Kilda Soay sheep compared with domestic sheep in mainland Britain.


2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.A. Häring ◽  
A. Scharenberg ◽  
F. Heckendorn ◽  
F. Dohme ◽  
A. Lüscher ◽  
...  

AbstractTanniferous forage plants can have beneficial effects on ruminant productivity and health (improved protein supply, bloat safety and antiparasitic properties). However, condensed tannins can also lower palatability, voluntary feed intake and digestibility. The aim of our interdisciplinary project was to generate basic knowledge on plant management, feed palatability and the antiparasitic properties of tanniferous forage plants for their practical application in agronomy, focusing on their usefulness in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in organic farming. We found thatOnobrychis viciifolia(sainfoin),Lotus corniculatus(birdsfoot trefoil) andCichorium intybus(chicory) were suitable for cultivation under the given temperate climatic conditions, whereasLotus pedunculatus(big trefoil) was soon outcompeted by unsown species. Growing the tanniferous plant species in a mixture withFestuca pratensis(meadow fescue) rather than in a monoculture had the advantage of increasing total dry matter (DM) yield (especially in the case of tanniferous legumes) and of reducing the DM proportions of unsown species. However, due to dilution by non-tanniferousF. pratensis, the tannin concentrations of mixtures were clearly lower and the seasonal fluctuations in tannin concentrations greater than that of monocultures. Across species, tannin concentrations were highest forO. viciifolia, followed byL. corniculatusand very low forC. intybus. Palatability of all tanniferous forages was comparable to that of a ryegrass/clover mixture when fed as dried forage and, when offered as silage, palatability ofO. viciifoliawas clearly superior to that of the respective ryegrass/clover control. Administration of dried or ensiledO. viciifoliareduced parasite egg counts in feces of lambs co-infected with the gastrointestinal nematode speciesHaemonchus contortusandCooperia curticei. We conclude thatO. viciifoliais the most promising among the tested tanniferous forage plant species due to its suitability for cultivation, its high tannin concentration, its high palatability and its antiparasitic activity even in dried or ensiled form.


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