scholarly journals Cryptosporidium infection in non-human hosts in Malawi

2009 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Banda ◽  
Rosely A.B. Nichols ◽  
A.M. Grimason ◽  
H.V. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocyst ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Cryptosporidium Hominis ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts

Of 1 346 faecal samples from the Chikwawa and Thyolo districts of Malawi, analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts between October 2001 and May 2003, 61.3 % were from cattle (29.8 % of these were from calves < 6 months old). Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected during all three seasons studied in Chikwawa and Thyolo. In Chikwawa, 13.6 % of adult cattle and 11.7 % of calves were infected, compared to 28.9 % of adult cattle and 36.7 % of calves in Thyolo. Dependent on season, between 7.8 % and 37.7 % (Chikwawa) and 16.7 % and 39.3 % (Thyolo) of cattle samples contained oocysts. In Chikwawa, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the cool season, whereas in Thyolo, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the dry season. Faecal samples from goats [n = 225], pigs [n = 92], sheep [n = 6]), rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, doves and guinea fowls were also analysed. Up to 5.6 % of goat samples contained oocysts in Chikwawa, compared to between 16.7 % and 39.3 % in Thyolo. Again, in Chikwawa, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the cool season and the lowest in the rainy season, whereas, in Thyolo, the highest percentage of infections occurred in the dry season and the lowest in the cool season. In pigs, more infections were detected in the dry season in Chikwawa, but infections in the cool season were similar (17.7 %), whereas in Thyolo, infections occurred in all three seasons (17.9 % in the rainy season, 25 % in the cool season and 60 % in the dry season). Often diarrhoeic, oocyst positive cattle faecal samples collected from Chikwawa and subjected to PCR-RFLP, four oocyst positive samples (two from heifers, one from a cow and one unknown) were amplified at an 18S rRNA and Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) loci. RFLP of the 18S rRNA locus indicated that Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium bovis and / or Cryptosporidium ryanae DNA, or a mixture of them was present. Cryptosporidium parvum DNA was identified in one sample that amplified at the COWP locus, indicating the presence of the major zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in Malawi.

Microwave Inactivation of Cyclospora cayetanensis Sporulation and Viability of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts

2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1957-1960 ◽  
Author(s):  
YNES R. ORTEGA ◽  
JYEYIN LIAO
Keyword(s):  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Propidium Iodide ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocyst ◽  
Cooking Time ◽  
Cyclospora Cayetanensis ◽  
The Third ◽  
Infectivity Assay ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts ◽  
Cryptosporidium Parvum Oocysts ◽  
Cooking Times

The efficacy of microwave heating on the viability of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and on the sporulation of Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts for various periods of cooking times (0, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 s) at 100% power was determined. Cyclospora oocysts were stored in 2.5% dichromate at 23°C for 2 weeks, and sporulation rates were then determined. The 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and propidium iodide vital stain and the neonate animal infectivity assay determined Cryptosporidium oocyst viability. Cryptosporidium oocysts could be completely inactivated with as little as 20 s of cooking time, whereas Cyclospora sporulation was observed up to 45 s. Two of the examined microwave ovens were more effective at reducing sporulation and viability than the third one. Because of the variability of temperature achieved by the various ovens, cooking time was not an accurate parameter for parasite inactivation. Cryptosporidium oocysts could be inactivated only when temperatures of 80°C or higher were reached in the microwave ovens.

scholarly journals Epidemiological studies of Schistosoma mattheei infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.M. Pfukenyi ◽  
S. Mukaratirwa ◽  
A.L. Willingham ◽  
J. Monrad
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Host Snail ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Hot Dry Season

During the period between January 1999 and December 2000, the distribution and seasonal patterns of Schistosoma mattheei infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe were determined through monthly coprological examination. Faecal samples of cattle were collected from 12 and nine dipping sites in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas, respectively. Patterns of distribution and seasonal fluctuations of the intermediate host-snail populations and the climatic factors influencing the distribution were also determined at monthly intervals from November 1998 to October 2000, a period of 24 months, in six dams and six streams in the highveld and nine dams in the lowveld communal grazing areas. Monthly, each site was sampled for relative snail density, the vegetation cover and type, and physical and chemical properties of the water. Mean monthly rainfall and temperature were recorded. Snails collected at the same time were individually examined for shedding of cercariae of S. mattheei and Schistosoma haematobium. A total of 16 264 (5 418 calves, 5 461 weaners and 5 385 adults) faecal samples were collected during the entire period of study and 734 (4.5 %) were positive for S. mattheei eggs. Significantly higher prevalences were found in the highveld compared to the lowveld (P < 0.001), calves compared to adult cattle (P < 0.01) and the wet season compared to the dry season (P < 0.01). Faecal egg output peaked from October/ November to March / April for both years of the study. Bulinus globosus, the snail intermediate host of S. mattheei was recorded from the study sites with the highveld having a significantly higher abundance of the snails than the lowveld (P < 0.01). Monthly densities of B. globosus did not show a clearcut pattern although there were peaks between March / May and September / November. The mean num ber of snails collected was positively correlated with the water plants Nymphaea caerulea and Typha species. Overall, 2.5 % of B. globosus were shedding Schistosoma cercariae. In the highveld, 2.8 % of B. globosus were infected with schistosome cercariae and 1.5 % in the lowveld, with the figures at individual sites ranging from 0-18.8 % in the highveld and from 0-4.5 % in the lowveld. The cercariae recorded here were a mixture of S. mattheei and S. haematobium since they share the same intermediate host. The transmission of Schistosoma cercariae exhibited a marked seasonal pattern, being more intensive during the hot, dry season (September / November).

scholarly journals Genetic analysis of Cryptosporidium from 2414 humans with diarrhoea in England between 1985 and 2000

2006 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 703-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Leoni ◽  
C. Amar ◽  
G. Nichols ◽  
S. Pedraza-Díaz ◽  
J. McLauchlin
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
18S Rdna ◽  
Oocyst Wall ◽  
Cryptosporidium Hominis ◽  
Rdna Genes ◽  
Cryptosporidium Andersoni ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Pcr Rflp

The characterization of Cryptosporidium using DNA extracted from whole faecal samples collected from 2414 humans with diarrhoea in England between 1985 and 2000 where cryptosporidial oocysts were detected using conventional methods is described. Characterization was achieved by PCR/RFLP and DNA sequencing of fragments of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein and the 18S rDNA genes. Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in 56.1 % of cases, Cryptosporidium hominis in 41.7 % and a mixture of C. parvum and C. hominis in 0.9 %. In the remainder of cases, Cryptosporidium meleagridis (0.9 %), Cryptosporidium felis (0.2 %), Cryptosporidium andersoni (0.1 %), Cryptosporidium canis (0.04 %), Cryptosporidium suis (0.04 %) and the Cryptosporidium cervine type (0.04 %) were detected.

scholarly journals Detection and differentiation of Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum by dual TaqMan assays

2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 1099-1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Jothikumar ◽  
A. J. da Silva ◽  
I. Moura ◽  
Y. Qvarnstrom ◽  
V. R. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Taqman Assay ◽  
Cryptosporidium Hominis ◽  
Specific Assay ◽  
Outbreak Investigations ◽  
Stool Specimens

Rapid identification of the two major species of Cryptosporidium associated with human infections, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum, is important for investigating outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis. This study reports the development and validation of a real-time PCR TaqMan procedure for detection of Cryptosporidium species and identification of C. hominis and C. parvum in stool specimens. This procedure comprised a generic TaqMan assay targeting the 18S rRNA for sensitive detection of Cryptosporidium species, as well as two other TaqMan assays for identification of C. hominis and C. parvum. The generic Cryptosporidium species assay can be duplexed with the C. parvum-specific assay. The generic Cryptosporidium species assay was able to detect ten Cryptosporidium species and did not cross-react with a panel of ten other protozoan parasites. The generic Cryptosporidium species assay could detect 1–10 oocysts in a 300 μl stool specimen, whilst each of the species-specific TaqMan assays had detection sensitivities that were approximately tenfold higher. The 18S rRNA assay was found to detect Cryptosporidium species in 49/55 DNA extracts from stool specimens containing either C. hominis or C. parvum. The C. hominis TaqMan assay correctly identified C. hominis in 24/31 validation panel specimens containing this species. The C. parvum-specific assay correctly identified C. parvum in 21/24 validation panel specimens containing this species. This real-time PCR procedure was used to detect and identify C. hominis and C. parvum in stool specimens from outbreak investigations in the USA and Botswana, resulting in identification of C. hominis and/or C. parvum in 66/67 stool specimens shown to be positive for these species using other techniques. From the outbreak specimens tested, the TaqMan procedure was found to have a specificity of 94 %. This TaqMan PCR procedure should be a valuable tool for the laboratory diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis caused by C. hominis and C. parvum during outbreak investigations.

scholarly journals Patterns of Cryptosporidium Oocyst Shedding by Eastern Grey Kangaroos Inhabiting an Australian Watershed

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 6159-6164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Power ◽  
Nicholas C. Sangster ◽  
Martin B. Slade ◽  
Duncan A. Veal
Keyword(s):  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocyst ◽  
Immunomagnetic Separation ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Cryptosporidium Hominis ◽  
Genotype I ◽  
Flow Cytometric ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Genotype Ii ◽  
Sydney Australia

ABSTRACT The occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in feces from a population of wild eastern grey kangaroos inhabiting a protected watershed in Sydney, Australia, was investigated. Over a 2-year period, Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 239 of the 3,557 (6.7%) eastern grey kangaroo fecal samples tested by using a combined immunomagnetic separation and flow cytometric technique. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in this host population was estimated to range from 0.32% to 28.5%, with peaks occurring during the autumn months. Oocyst shedding intensity ranged from below 20 oocysts/g feces to 2.0 × 106 oocysts/g feces, and shedding did not appear to be associated with diarrhea. Although morphologically similar to the human-infective Cryptosporidium hominis and the Cryptosporidium parvum “bovine” genotype oocysts, the oocysts isolated from kangaroo feces were identified as the Cryptosporidium “marsupial” genotype I or “marsupial” genotype II. Kangaroos are the predominant large mammal inhabiting Australian watersheds and are potentially a significant source of Cryptosporidium contamination of drinking water reservoirs. However, this host population was predominantly shedding the marsupial-derived genotypes, which to date have been identified only in marsupial host species.

A seasonal survey of gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild impala antelope on a game facility south of Lusaka, Zambia

2011 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 418-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.S. Nalubamba ◽  
N.B. Mudenda ◽  
M.R. Malamo
Keyword(s):  
Rainy Season ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Pellet Size ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Hot Dry Season

AbstractFaecal samples (n = 1947) from captive wild impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) were examined over a period of 14 months to determine quantitative seasonal helminth egg excretion patterns and qualitative protozoan oocyst excretion patterns. Geometric mean monthly faecal egg counts (FECs) ranged from 20 to 575 and coprocultures revealed three parasite genera, namely Trichostrongylus, Haemonchus and Strongyloides. Larvae of the Trichostrongylus spp. were most predominant from faecal cultures. No trematode eggs or lungworms were detected and eggs of the cestode Monezia were only seen in two samples during the entire study period. The nematode FECs showed a marked seasonal variation, being higher during the rainy season, moderate during the cool dry season and low during the hot dry season. The rainy season had significantly higher FECs than the dry season (P < 0.01). The percentage of helminth-egg positive faecal samples ranged from 90.6 to 100% in the rainy season and 72.4 to 85.6% in the dry season. Overall mean FECs in unpelleted faeces were significantly higher than in pelleted faeces (P < 0.01). However, the FECs were not significantly different among seasons in unpelleted faeces (P>0.05), but were significantly higher in pelleted faeces in the rainy season than the dry season (P < 0.05). Pellet size had a significant effect on FEC, with smaller pellets having higher FEC (P < 0.05). Strongyloides eggs and coccidia oocysts were only seen during the rainy season. This represents the first documentation of seasonal parasitic infestation in captive wild antelopes in Zambia. Treatment and control strategies for helminths in these captive wild impala are also suggested based on the findings from this study.

scholarly journals Epidemiological studies of amphistome infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe

2005 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.M. Pfukenyi ◽  
S. Mukaratirwa ◽  
A.L. Willingham ◽  
J. Monrad
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Biomphalaria Pfeifferi ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Host Snail ◽  
Faecal Samples

During the period between January 1999 and December 2000, the distribution and seasonal patterns of amphistome infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe were determined through monthly coprological examination. Cattle faecal samples were collected from 12 and nine dipping sites in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas, respectively. Patterns of distribution and seasonal fluctuations of intermediate host-snail populations and the climatic factors influencing the distribution were also determined by sampling at monthly intervals for a period of 24 months (November 1998 to October 2000) in six dams and six streams in the highveld and in nine dams in the lowveld communal grazing areas. Each site was sampled for relative snail density and the vegetation cover and type, physical and chemical properties of water, and mean monthly rainfall and temperature were recorded. Aquatic vegetation and grass samples 0-1 m from the edges of the snail habitats were collected monthly to determine the presence or absence of amphistome metacercariae. Snails collected at the same time were individually checked for the emergence of larval stages of amphistomes. A total of 16 264 (calves 5 418, weaners 5 461 and adults 5 385) faecal samples were collected during the entire period of the study and 4 790 (29.5 %) of the samples were positive for amphistome eggs. For both regions the number of animals positive for amphistome eggs differed significantly between the 2 years, with the second year having a significantly higher prevalence (P < 0.01) than the first year. Significantly higher prevalences were found in the highveld compared to the lowveld (P < 0.001), for adult cattle than calves (P < 0.01), and in the wet over the dry season (P < 0.01). Faecal egg output peaked from October to March in both years of the study. Bulinus tropicus, Bulinus forskalii and Biomphalaria pfeifferi were recorded from the study sites. The main intermediate host for amphistomes was B. tropicus with a prevalence of infection of 8.5 %. However, amphistome cercariae were also recorded in Biom. Pfeifferi and B. forskalii. Amphistome cercariae were recorded from both the highveld and lowveld areas with peak prevalence during the post-rainy season (March to May). Metacercariae were found on herbage from the fringes of the snail habitats between February and August, with most of the metacercariae concentrated on herbage 0-1 m from the edges of the habitats. Based on the epidemiological findings a control programme was devised. From this study, large burdens of immature flukes could be expected in cattle during the dry months. Since adult cattle would be resistant to the pathogenic effects of the migrating immature amphistomes the target for control would be young animals being exposed to the infection for the first time. Therefore, the first anthelmintic treatment can be administered in calves in mid June when maximum migration of immature amphistomes starting 3-4 weeks after infection in the early dry season would be expected. A second treatment could be given in late July or early August to remove potentially dangerous burdens of immature flukes acquired later in the dry season. Where resources permit, another strategy would be to treat against the mature flukes in March or April in order to reduce the number of eggs deposited on pastures and the opportunity for infection of the intermediate host snails. To reduce cercarial shedding by the intermediate host snails molluscicides can also be applied during the peak transmission periods (April/May and August/September).

scholarly journals Molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in pre-weaned cattle calves in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-120
Author(s):  
N. M. T. Abu El Ezz ◽  
F. A. M. Khalil ◽  
K. A. Abd El-Razik
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Acute Diarrhoea ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Molecular Characterisation ◽  
High Homology ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts ◽  
Probable Role

The aim of this study was to throw more light on the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium parvum isolates originating from pre-weaned cattle calves in Egypt using multilocus gene analysis. Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) is a global zoonotic protozoan causing severe acute diarrhoea in humans and different animals. In this study, 172 diarrhoeic faecal samples collected from pre-weaned cattle calves at Giza and Sharkia governorates of Egypt were screened by modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast microscopy for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. From them, 79 (45.9%) samples were positive for this test. Molecular characterisation using nested PCR showed a high sensitivity and accuracy in the verification of all C. parvum isolates. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of five isolates confirmed three buffalo and two cattle variants of C. parvum. Moreover, there was a high homology between present isolates with others from different governorates of Egypt and also with that of Latin America that may be due to the introduction of live animals from these countries to Egypt. In conclusion, this study demonstrates some features of Cryptosporidium transmission in cattle in Egypt and addresses the probable role of cattle calves in zoonotic cryptosporidiosis. More consideration should be focused on the role of the imported livestock in the transmission of the disease.

Prevalence and seasonal changes in the gastro-intestinal helminths of Nigerian goats

1996 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.O. Nwosu ◽  
A.F. Ogunrinade ◽  
B.O. Fagbemi
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Intestinal Helminth ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Cysticercus Tenuicollis ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Oesophagostomum Columbianum ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
First Time

AbstractA total of 120 gastro-intestinal tracts and 960 faecal samples were examined to assess the prevalence and seasonal changes in the gastro-intestinal helminth parasites of Red Sokoto (maradi) goats slaughtered at Ibadan between May 1991 and April 1992. Egg types of strongyles, Strongyloides, Trichuris, Skrjabinema, Dicrocoelium and Moniezia were encountered in 93%, 83%, 44%, 0.9%, 2.3% and 31% of the faecal samples respectively. However, only strongyle, Strongyloides and Trichuris eggs occurred in large numbers and were more common during the rainy season than in the dry season. The parasites recorded and their prevalences were Haemonchus contortus (90.0%), H. ovis (5.0%), Strongyloides papillosus (80.8%), Trichostrongylus colubriformis (78.3%), T. axei (69.2%), Trichuris ovis (72.5%), T. globulosa (38.3%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (67.5%), Cooperia curticei (58.3%) Gaigeria pachyscelis (40.8%), Skrjabinema ovis (5.0%), Nematodirus battus (5.8%), Moniezia expansa (29.2%), M. benedeni (10.0%), Paramphistomum spp. (5.0%) and Cysticercus tenuicollis (33.3%). Haemonchus ovis is reported for the first time in Nigeria. Mixed infections were most prevalent. Young goats were more commonly infected and had higher worm counts than adult goats. Only Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Strongyloides and Cooperia spp. occurred in large numbers. Irrespective of the age of the goats, higher worm counts were generally encountered during the rainy season than in the dry season. The results are discussed in relation to the control of helminthiasis in grazing animals in Nigeria.

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