Variation in helminth susceptibility of indigenous chickens in Kano and Jigawa States of Nigeria

This study was carried out to identify the helminth parasites and burden associated with five indigenous chicken strains namely normal feathered Fulani ecotypes, naked neck, dwarf and frizzle kept under free- range system in six local government areas of Kano and Jigawa States. A total of 540 fresh faecal samples were collected from the gastrointestinal tract. Faecal egg count (quantitative examination) was carried out using the modified McMaster technique with flotation solution. All the helminths (cestodes and nematodes) were examined under light microscope and identified on the basis of helminthological keys. Worm count, EPG, Packed cell volume (PCV), total serum proteins and albumin were used to assess chicken susceptibility to worm infection. Significant differences were observed among the chicken strains for egg per gramme (EPG), cestodes and nematodes. The highest EPG (119.80) was observed in naked neck chickens, followed by frizzled (114.18), dwarf (62.86), normal feathered (30.80) and Fulani ecotypes (0.71). Frizzled chickens had higher mean cestode (7.96) count than the other strains. Dwarf chickens were significantly (P<0.05) more susceptible to nematode infection. Higher EPG (60.55) and worm burden (cestode, 6.08) was found in males than females. The high gene flow and low differentiation between Fulani ecotype and normal feathered and, naked neck and frizzled buttressed the assertion that the similarity in EPG between them were because of genetic closeness. Susceptibility to worm infection in the study measured by the prevalence and EPG was therefore genetically controlled. There were generally negative and low correlations between egg and adult worm counts with haematological indices considered. Thus, blood parameters do vary in response to helminth infection and could be good measures of susceptibility. Cette étude a été réalisée pour identifier les parasites de Helminthe et le fardeau associé à cinq souches de poulet autochtones, à savoir des écotypes Fulani à plumes normaux, un nuque nu, un nain et une frisée maintenus sous un système de liberté dans six zones gouvernementales locales des États de Kano et Jigawa. Un total de 540 échantillons fécaux frais ont été collectés à partir du tractus gastro-intestinal. Le nombre d'œufs fécaux (examen quantitatif) a été réalisé en utilisant la technique modifiée McMaster avec une solution de flottation. Tous les helminthes (cestodes et nématodes) ont été examinés sous un microscope léger et identifiés sur la base de clés helminthologiques. Le nombre de ver, ŒPG, volume de cellules emballé (VCE), les protéines sériques totales et l'albumine ont été utilisées pour évaluer la sensibilité au poulet à une infection de vers. Des différences significatives ont été observées parmi les souches de poulet pour l'œuf par gramme (ŒPG), des cestodes et des nématodes. Le plus haut ŒPG (119,80) a été observé dans des poulets de cou nu, suivis de frisanges (114,18), de nains (62,86), d'écotypes normaux à plumes (30,80) et de Fulani (0,71). Les poulets frongettes avaient une cestode moyenne moyenne (7,96) comptant que les autres souches. Les poulets nains étaient significativement (p <0,05) plus susceptibles d'infection nématode. L'ŒPG (60,55) et la charge de ver supérieur (CESTOD, 6,08) ont été trouvés chez les poulets que les poules. Le flux de gènes élevé et la faible différenciation entre les écotypes Fulani et la normale à plumes normaux et à la nuque nue et à contreforts librizatés l'affirmation selon laquelle la similitude dans ŒPG entre elles étaient à cause de la proximité génétique. La susceptibilité à une infection de vers dans l'étude mesurée par la prévalence et l'ŒPG a donc été contrôlée génétiquement. Il y avait généralement des corrélations négatives et faibles entre le nombre de ver d'œufs et d'adultes avec des indices hématologiques considérés. Ainsi, les paramètres sanguins varient en réponse à l'infection d'helminthe et pourraient être de bonnes mesures de susceptibilité.

Comparative preventive efficacy of ProHeart® 12, Heartgard® Plus and Interceptor® Plus against a macrocyclic lactone-resistant strain (JYD-34) of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs

Background The current studies compared ProHeart® 12, Heartgard® Plus and Interceptor® Plus for preventive efficacy against JYD-34, a macrocyclic lactone (ML)-resistant strain of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Methods In two studies, each using 24 adult beagles, dogs were allocated to four treatment groups (n = 6): placebo-treated control; ProHeart 12 as per label (0.5 mg/kg moxidectin); Heartgard Plus (HGP) as per label (minimum 6 µg/kg ivermectin); and Interceptor Plus (INP) as per label (minimum 0.5 mg/kg milbemycin oxime). In both studies, ProHeart 12 was administered as a single subcutaneous dose on day 0, and HGP and INP were administered orally on days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150. In Studies 1 and 2, dogs were inoculated with 50 third-stage heartworm larvae (JYD-34 strain) on days −30 and 165, respectively. In Study 2, treatment for both HGP and INP was continued on days 180, 210, 240, 270, 300 and 330. Adult heartworm recoveries were performed on day 185 in Study 1 and on day 360 in Study 2. Results In Studies 1 and 2, all placebo-treated dogs developed adult heartworm infections (geometric mean, 29.9 and 34.9 worms/dog, respectively). A single dose of ProHeart 12 was 100% effective in preventing the development of adult JYD-34 heartworms when treatment was initiated 30 days after heartworm inoculation, while six consecutive monthly doses of HGP and INP were only 10.5% and 14.6% effective, respectively. The mean worm count for the ProHeart 12-treated group was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than that for the placebo control, HGP- and INP-treated groups. In Study 2, the dogs treated with ProHeart 12 had an efficacy of 98.3%. All dogs treated with HGP and INP for 12 consecutive months had adult heartworms with efficacies of 37.7% and 34.9%, respectively. The mean worm count for the ProHeart 12-treated dogs was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than those for the control group, HGP- and INP-treated groups. Conclusions A single administration of ProHeart 12 was 98–100% effective in preventing the development of the ML-resistant JYD-34 heartworm strain and was significantly better than multiple consecutive monthly doses of either Heartgard Plus or Interceptor Plus in both studies. Graphic Abstract

Evidence-based investigations into the ethnoveterinary use of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) as an anthlemintic

Purpose: To investigate the toxicity, clinical outcome and anthelmintic effects of M. pudica in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Dried leaves of M. pudica were extracted using 70 % methanol cold maceration method. Acute toxicity inquiry was evaluated using Lorke’s method. Anthelmintic effects were investigated in vitro using the egg hatch assay and in vivo using Heligmosomoides bakeri experimentally infected adult albino mice. Coprological and haematological parameters were recorded during the experiment while the serological analysis and post mortem worm burden were assessed at the conclusion of the research.Results: No mortality was recorded in oral acute toxicity test up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. A probit-log analysis of the percentage egg hatch of the extract and albendazole gave lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values of 1.160 and -1.042, respectively. A reduction in worm count was observed in all the extracttreated groups post mortem, with the maximum extract group having the least worm count (p < 0.05). Treatment with extract resulted in improvement in the haematological parameters. Serum chemistry revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen in all groups. However, a dose-dependent increases in the total protein and albumin was observed.Conclusion: These results show that although M. pudica has weak anthelmintic effects compared to albendazole (standard anthelmintic), in vivo and in vitro, at the doses used in this study, nonetheless, it reduces worm burden and improves haematologic parameters, serum total protein, albumin and overall weight gain of the treated mice. Thus, increased doses may be effective in anthelmintic chemotherapy. Keywords: Mimosa pudica, Anthelmintic, Toxicity, Heligmosomoides bakeri, Ethnoveterinary medicine, Anthelmintic

Efficacy of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats (280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin) for the prevention of aelurostrongylosis in experimentally infected cats

Background The feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus affects the lower respiratory tract in cats worldwide. As infections may lead to chronic respiratory changes or even death, preventive treatment in cats with outdoor access is warranted. Methods The preventive efficacy of a spot-on solution (Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats, MSD) against cat aelurostrongylosis was evaluated using three different preventive treatment regimes in a negative controlled, randomized and partially blinded laboratory efficacy study with 31 purposed-bred cats. The minimum recommended dose of 2.0 mg moxidectin + 40 mg fluralaner/kg bodyweight was applied once 12 (Group [G]1), 8 (G2) or 4 (G3) weeks before experimental infection with 300 third-stage larvae (L3) of A. abstrusus. Another group served as untreated control (G4). Individual faecal samples were analysed as of day 30 post infection (pi) to monitor larvae excretion. Necropsy was performed at days 47–50 pi. The lungs were examined macroscopically for pathological findings and (pre-)adult worms were counted to assess preventive efficacy. Results Beginning at day 32–40 pi, all cats of the control group were constantly shedding larvae of A. abstrusus, whereas only one animal of G1 excreted larvae at several consecutive days. In addition, two cats of G1 and G3 and three of G2 were positive on a single occasion. The geometric mean (GM) of the maximum number of excreted larvae was 7574.29 in the control group compared to 1.10 (G1), 1.19 (G2) and 0.53 (G3), resulting in a GM reduction of > 99.9% in all treatment groups. All lungs of the control animals showed severe or very severe alterations at necropsy, while in 94.44% of the treated cats lung pathology was rated as absent or mild. The GM number of (pre-)adult A. abstrusus retrieved from the lungs was 26.57 in the control group, 0.09 in G1 and 0.00 in G2 and G3. Thus, GM worm count reduction was 99.66% in G1 and 100% in G2 and G3. Conclusions A single application of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution at a dose of 2.0 mg moxidectin + 40 mg fluralaner/kg bodyweight reliably prevents cat aelurostrongylosis for at least 12 weeks.

Chemical analyses and evaluation of the anthelmintic effects of Origanum majorana essential oil, in vitro and in vivo studies

Because of the development of resistance in helminths against major anthelmintic drugs, the search for alternatives is necessary. Medicinal plants are being studied as an alternative source of anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes. The objective of this study is to analyse the chemical composition and evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of Origanum majorana essential oil. The determination of the chemical composition by gas chromatography/mass chromatography (GC/MS) revealed that the essential oil was dominated by terpenoids, particularly carvacrol (35.65%) and terpenic hydrocarbons p-cymene (15.82%). The in vitro anthelmintic effects against Haemonchus contortus were assessed by an egg hatch assay (EHA) and an adult worm motility assay (AWMA) compared with the reference drug albendazole. The essential oil showed ovicidal activity at all the tested concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/ml) and more than 80% egg hatching inhibition was observed at the highest dose (8 mg/ml). Exposure to 0.5 mg/ml of the essential oil for eight hours induced a 50% inhibition in the worm motility. The in vivo study was performed on H. polygyrus by measuring the egg count reduction (ECR) and adult worm count reduction (AWCR) following the treatment of the animals with different doses (2 000, 4 000 and 5 000 mg/kg) of the plant essential oil, and 22 mg/kg of albendazole as the positive control. The results showed that 5 000 mg/kg of the essential oil inhibited the egg count and adult worm count by 76.3 and 74.0%, respectively, seven days post treatment. These findings support the possible use of O. majorana essential oil to control gastrointestinal nematodes.

Typhlitis Associated With Natural Trichuris sp. Infection in Cats

Trichuris spp. infections can cause typhlitis or typhlocolitis in many species, but there are no published studies about its pathology in cats. Trichuris sp. infection in cats appears to be rare in most parts of the world but is frequent in some tropical and subtropical regions. The purpose of this study was to describe intestinal lesions associated with natural Trichuris sp. infections in cats of St. Kitts, West Indies. Comprehensive autopsies, histopathological assessment of small and large intestine, and total worm counts were performed in a cross-sectional study of 30 consecutive feline mortalities. Trichuris were found in 17 of 30 (57%; 95% confidence interval, 39%–74%) of the study cats with a median worm count of 11 (range, 1–170), indicating most cats had a low-intensity infection. Trichuris infection was associated with typhlitis but not consistency of feces or body condition score. In most cats examined, the typhlitis was categorized as mild (10/15, 67%) and, less frequently, moderate (2/15, 13%) or marked (3/15, 20%). The inflammatory infiltrate varied from predominantly eosinophilic (5/15, 33%) to neutrophilic (4/15, 27%), a mixture of eosinophilic and neutrophilic (2/15, 13%), a mixture of neutrophilic and lymphoplasmacytic (1/15, 7%), or a mixture of eosinophilic, neutrophilic, and lymphoplasmacytic (3/15, 20%). In some cats, surface erosions and catarrhal exudate were adjacent to adult worms. These findings are similar to those reported with low-intensity Trichuris infections in other species.

Anthelmintic efficacy and safety of selected medicinal plants against mixed gastrointestinal nematodes in artificially infected sheep

There has been widespread resistance to anthelmintics by pathogenic helminths to an extent where there is multi-drug resistance against all major classes of conventional anthelmintics. This world-wide phenomenon calls for urgent search for different approaches to the control of helminthosis including novel anthelmintic products. The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of selected plants, which are frequently used in the treatment and control of helminthosis, in artificially infected sheep under controlled laboratory conditions. The selected plant species were, Albizia anthelmintica Brongn, Embelia schimperi L., Myrsine africana L. and Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez. Thirty six male Dorper lambs, aged between 6 and 8 months, artificially infected with mixed gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) under controlled laboratory conditions, were used for the study. Efficacy was determined using percentage fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT %) and percentage total worm count reduction (TWCR %). Safety of the remedies was assessed using health, hematological and biochemical parameters. The FECR % against the mixed gastrointestinal nematodes was -55, 7.6, 34.2, 69.3 and 83.3% for Albizia anthelmintica, Embelia schimperi, Rapanea melanophloeos, albendazole and Myrsine africana respectively. TWCR% of 60.7, 44.6, 66, 69.7 and 35.6 percent were recorded for Albizia anthelmintica, Embelia schimperi, Myrsine Africana, Rapanea melanophloeos, and albendazole groups respectively. It was concluded that some of the remedies like M. africana have good efficacy at safe levels and should further be evaluated to determine the most optimum dosages. The gastrointestinal nematodes used in this study were resistant to albendazole

In vivo nematicidal potential of camel milk on Heligmosomoides polygyrus gastro-intestinal nematode of rodents

Summary Following our previous findings on the in vitro anthelmintic effect of camel milk on Haemonchus contortus, the current study aimed at investigating its in vivo effect. Investigations were carried out using mice infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus which is a parasite commonly used to test the efficacy of anthelmintics. Thirty six Swiss white mice of both sexes aged 5 – 6 weeks old, and weighing between 20 and 25 g were orally infected with 0.5 ml dose of 100, 1-week-old H. polygyrus infective larvae (L3). After the pre-patent period, infected animals were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each. The nematicidal efficacy of camel milk was monitored through faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and total worm count reduction (TWCR). Four doses (8.25; 16.5; 33.0; 66.0 ml/kg body weight (bw)) for fresh camel milk and 22 mg/kg bw for albendazole were studied using a bioassay. Albendazole and 4 % dimethylsulfoxide were included in the protocol as reference drug and placebo, respectively. For all tested doses except 8.25 ml/kg bw, camel milk was effective in vivo against H. polygyrus reducing both faecal egg count and worm count (p < 0.05). The dose 66 ml/kg bw showed the highest nematicidal activity causing a 76.75 % FECR and a 69.62 % TWCR 7 day after initiating the treatment. These results support the possible use of camel milk in the control of gastro-intestinal helminthiasis.

Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Leaf Powder on Ascaridiagalli Infection in Chicken

A study was conducted to assess the efficacy of herbs Azadiracta indica (Neem) and Ananus comosus (Pineapple) for the control of ascaridiosis in chicken. Neem leaf powder (@100 mg /kg feed /day), Pineapple leaf powder (1gm /kg feed /day) and combined preparation (100 mg +1gm /kg feed/day) were found effective against Ascaridiagalli. The percent efficacy by declining rate of EPG and worm count revealed that combined preparation of Neem and Pineapple leaf powder was most effective, followed by Pineapple leaf powder and Neem leaf powder at 28 day post treatment. The present study revealed that Neem and Pineapple could be safe and effective dewormer and may provide an alternative of chemical anthelmintics.

Chromatographic Fingerprint Analysis and Effects of the Medicinal Plant SpeciesMitracarpus frigiduson AdultSchistosoma mansoniWorms

The aims of this work were to evaluate thein vitroandin vivoschistosomicidal properties of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts ofMitracarpus frigidus(MFM) and to determine its HPLC profile. For thein vitroexperiment, four pairs of adult worms, obtained from infected mice, were exposed to different concentrations of MFM (100 to 400 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h and analyzed under an inverted microscope. For thein vivoexperiment, mice were inoculated with cercariae and, 20 days after infection, MFM (100 and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally for the following 25 days. Mice were euthanized after 60 days. MFM showedin vitroschistosomicidal activity, exhibiting the opening of the gynaecophoral canal of some male schistosomes, the presence of contorted muscles, vesicles, and the darkening of the paired worms skin.In vivoexperiments showed that MFM treatments significantly reduced total worm count, as praziquantel, showing a decrease in liver and spleen weight. Also, a significant reduction in granuloma density was observed. MFM treatment did not cause alterations in the liver function of either infected or noninfected mice. The HPLC chromatogram profile showed the presence of kaempferol-O-rutinoside, rutin, kaempferol, psychorubrin, and ursolic acid.