Prevalence of gastrointestinal endoparasites in Waringin sheep (Ovis aries) fed with complete forage and forage-concentrate

Feed composition has a substantial impact on the persistence of gastrointestinal endoparasite infection in sheep. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of gastrointestinal endoparasites in Waringin sheep (Ovis aries) fed with complete forage and feed concentrate in Sidomulyo Village, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. The study has been conducted from June to August 2020 with a total of 20 sheep for each type of feed. Fecal samples from each sheep were prepared for microscopical examination using sedimentation technique (glass beads). Gastrointestinal endoparasites was identifiedmorphologically. The results documented 3 genera of endoparasites namely Haemonchus (Nematoda), Fasciola (Trematoda) and Paramphistomum (Trematoda). Based on the type of forages, sheep fed with forage-concentrate showed a lower number of helminth eggs than the complete forage group. Haemonchus sp was identified as the most frequent parasite in both type of feeds. The intensity was categorized from mild-to-moderate level of infection. Provision of forage-concentrate was then proven to prevent a high rate of infection in Waringin sheep.

Rumen (Calicophoron/Paramphistomum spp.) and Liver Flukes (Fasciola hepatica) in Cattle—Prevalence, Distribution, and Impact of Management Factors in Germany

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of rumen flukes on German cattle farms via the sedimentation technique, and to identify the rumen fluke species occurring in Germany. Additionally, the prevalence of patent Fasciola hepatica infections was determined. Furthermore, a short questionnaire was answered by the farmers. A prevalence of 5.5% and 9.5% was detected for rumen flukes and liver flukes, respectively. Coinfections occurred on 2.1% of farms. In northern Germany, the rumen fluke prevalence was higher than in southern Germany, while for liver fluke the distribution was reversed. Rumen flukes were mostly identified as Calicophoron daubneyi, but in four cases, sequencing revealed Paramphistomum leydeni for the first time in Germany. Grazing and feeding of fresh grass, as well as organic farming, were significantly associated with rumen and liver fluke occurrence. In contrast, suckler cow husbandry only had an influence on the occurrence of rumen flukes, but not liver flukes. Trematode eggs could be detected in both, farms with and without deworming. Since there were only a few studies about Paramphistomidosis in Germany, more attention should be paid to these parasitic diseases for animal welfare and animal health reasons.

Parasites in vegetables used for human consumption: a risk for public health

Vegetables are pivotal food source to the human beings, representing the source of key nutrients, which in turn the occurrence of chronic diseases. Nonetheless, the consumption of poorly washed or in nature vegetables may expose individuals to the risk of infection by parasites. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination by parasites of medical and veterinary concern in raw vegetables used for human consumption. Fresh vegetables [i.e., lettuces (n = 50), carrots (n = 50) and beet (n = 50)] were acquired in different market places across the municipality of Garanhuns (northeastern Brazil) and the presence of parasites assessed by a sedimentation technique. Parasites were detected in 44.7% (67/150) of the evaluated samples. This study provides important data on the occurrence of zoonotic agents in vegetables. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be adopted to reduce the risk for vegetable contamination leading to a reduction of human infection by pathogens of medical importance.

Co-infection of Fasciola and Dicrocoelium in gall-bladder of cows butchered in Ibadan abattoir, Oyo State, Nigeria

Fascioliasis and Dicrocoeliasis are significant helminthic diseases of ruminants, especially livestock. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, intensity and co-infection rate of Fasciola and Dicrocoelium species inside livestock butchered in Ibadan abattoir, Oyo State, Nigeria. 2100 gall-bladders were collected from the and inward substances macroscopically examined for adults and egg parasite prevalence. Adult parasites examined macroscopically while the bile sedimentation technique was used in determining the presence of parasite ova and the eggs were examined under the microscope. Data were analysed using statistical tools and the association between variables were done using t-test, and oneway Anova was used to compare the means of variables. Both adults and eggs of F. gigantica and D. hospes were recovered from the samples with the overall prevalence being 76.0%. Only 25 (25.0%) samples had a single infection of F. gigantica and 20 (20.0%) had D. hospes. Mixed infection was observed in 31.1% of the examined samples. The overall prevalence of each parasite revealed 56.0% and 50.0% for F. gigantica and D. hospes, respectively. The overall intensity (mean) of eggs was 1126 (11.26±20.08) eggs per 2ml of bile. The intensity of F. gigantica recorded 1010 (10.09±17.50) and D. hospes recorded 116 (1.22±2.46) eggs per 2ml of bile. This study gives the current state of rearing animals amid existing government efforts to improve animal productivity and reduction in economic loss. Cattle deworming should be practised regularly. Furthermore, the improved method should be employed for the determination of the current status of Fasciola in co-infection withDicrocoelium and other helminth parasites of cattle in Oyo State. Keywords: Co-infection; Amosun abattoir; Gall-bladder; Cattle slaughtered; D. hospes

Parasitic contamination of some fruits and vegetables from major markets in Ede Town, Osun State, south-west Nigeria

This study determined the prevalence of parasites on some common fruits and vegetables from major markets in Ede Town, Osun State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty six (246) samples of fruits and vegetables were examined by sedimentation technique after washing using normal saline. The overall parasite prevalence was 37.4%. The highest rate of parasitic contamination (46.7%) was recorded in pineapples (Anana comosus) while oranges (Citrus sinensis) were the least contaminated (16.7%). For vegetables, African spinach (Spinacea oleracea) was the most contaminated (77.8%) while the least contaminated (2.2%) was celosia leaf (Celosia argentea). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most (21.7%) frequent parasitic contaminants on fruits and vegetables followed by Balantidium coli (19.6%) and then Hookworm (13.0%). Entamoeba histolytica and Strongyloides stercoralis had the same percentage of occurrence(12.0%) while Fasciolopsis buski (2.2%) was the least parasite found. The highest number of parasites was found in Timi Market with 46.2% fruits and 66.7% vegetables contaminated. Since eating raw fruits and vegetables is a potential source of transmission of intestinal parasites in the study area, it is important that consumers are educated on the need to always ensure proper washing of their fruits and vegetables. Keywords: Fruits; vegetables; parasitic contamination; Ascaris lumbricoides; Ede Markets

Helminth infections in Italian donkeys: Strongylus vulgaris more common than Dictyocaulus arnfieldi

Donkeys have been used as working animals for transport and farm activities worldwide. Recently, in European countries, there has been an increasing interest in donkeys due to their use as pets, onotherapy or milk production. During 2014–2016, a countrywide survey was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of principal helminth infections in 1775 donkeys in 77 Italian farms. A questionnaire on management and parasite control practices was filled out for each farm. Faecal samples were examined using a modified McMaster technique, a centrifugation/flotation method and a sedimentation technique. Pooled coprocultures were performed for differentiation of strongylid eggs. Strongyles were the most common parasites detected (84.9%), followed by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (6.9%), Oxyuris equi (5.8%), Parascaris spp. (3.6%), Anoplocephala spp. (1.0%), Strongyloides westeri (0.3%). Coprocultures revealed an omnipresence of cyathostomins (100%), followed by Strongylus vulgaris (31.0%), Poteriostomum spp. (25.0%), Triodontophorus spp. (9.0%), Strongylus edentatus (7.0%), Strongylus equinus (5.0%). Logistic regression analysis identified breed, co-pasture with horses, living area, herd size and number of treatments as significantly associated with strongyles. Sex, age, living area and herd size were significantly associated with Parascaris spp. Dictyocaulus arnfieldi was significantly associated with sex, grass, co-pasture with horses, living area and herd size. Strongylus vulgaris was significantly associated with living area and herd size. The mean number of anthelmintic treatments/year was 1.4; most of the donkeys (71.8%) were dewormed using an ivermectin drug. It is important to design parasite programs to specifically address both D. arnfieldi and S. vulgaris in donkeys, and this is especially important if donkeys co-graze with horses.

Predictors of parasite and pathogen infections in urban rodents of central Argentina

Urban rodents are associated with parasites and pathogens, which present health risks for humans, but information on factors related to parasite and pathogen infection in rodents in cities of Latin America is scarce. This study analyzes the hosts, host community structure and environmental characteristics of parasite and pathogen fauna present in the three species of urban rodents in an urban area of South America. Rodents were captured seasonally in seven different neighborhoods. Digestive tracts were dissected under stereoscopic microscopy and feces were processed using a sedimentation technique. Protozoa and bacteria were detected through polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence techniques. In Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus and Mus musculus, ten helminths, three protozoa and two bacteria were found. Six were zoonotic: Toxoplasma gondii; Hymenolepis diminuta; Rodentolepis nana; Strobilocercus fasciolaris; Leptospira borgpetersenii; and Leptospira interrogans. The parasite and pathogen infections were influenced by the host species, the host community structure, the season, and the presence of streams in the neighborhood. Urban rodents may be the infection source of many zoonotic diseases and it is important to generate public policies for this problem. This study is one example of the situation of many cities of Latin America, where peripheral neighborhoods are growing dramatically.

Prevalence of strongylids of pigs in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of strongyles infecting pigs in Ogun State , Southwestern Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected from 209 pigs which were initially screened by centrifugal sedimentation technique. Faeces positive nematode eggs were then cultured using a modified Baermann's technique. Out of the 36.8% (77/209) infected pigs, 84.4%, 58.4%, 57.1%, 19.5% and 6.5% were for Hyostrongylus rubidus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi and Dictyocaulus viviparus respectively. Mixed infection with various nematode species accounted for 94.8% of the prevalence. The infection rate in piglets (43.7%) was higher than in weaners and adults without any significant differences. Similarly no significant differences were observed between diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic pigs. The results of this study thus showed the economic importance of strongylid nematode infections in intensively reared pigs in Ogun state. Regular screening to ascertain worm load and species involved will facilitate appropriate control and prevention strategies.

Incidence of Intestinal Parasites in Government and Private School Going Children

Objective: Aim to assess the incidence of intestinal parasites in government and private school going children. Methods: The work was conducted from October, 2018 to March, 2019 at Microbiology Laboratory of DAV College, Dhobighat, Lalitpur. A total of 100 stool samples of children aged between 5-12 years were collected from both government and private schools situated in Lalitpur metropolitan city, during school hours. The stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites by Saline wet mount; Iodine wet mount and Formal – ether sedimentation technique. The questionnaires accompanying the queries related to the study were filled. Results: Of the total 100 stool samples examined, intestinal parasites were observed in 7% (7/100) of the total stool samples. Among the positive stool samples, 71% (5/7) of the stool samples were from government school’s children whereas 29% (2/7) were from private school’s children. Fifty seven percentage 57% (4/7) girls and 43% (3/7) boys were found to be infected with intestinal parasite in the tested stool samples. Out of total parasite detected, 57% (4/7) were eggs of Ancylostoma duodenale, 29% (2/7) were eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides and 14% (1/7) were cysts of Giardia lamblia. The study indicates that Ancylostoma is the most commonly infecting parasite followed by Ascaris and Giardia. Conclusion: Personal hygiene and sanitary condition were responsible for the incidence of intestinal parasites in the school going children. Environmental sanitation improvement and health education promotion will be helpful to reduce the parasitic infection rate.

Comparison of direct wet mount, Kato–Katz and formol ether sedimentation technique for the diagnosis of hookworm infection in Debre Elias Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia

Hookworm infection is a neglected parasitic disease. Direct wet mount is the usual method for the diagnosis of hookworm in Ethiopia, but its sensitivity is unsatisfactory. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted from January to February 2018 among 192 study participants in Debre Elias district. Stool samples were processed by three methods: the prevalence of hookworm was 77.6%, 68.2% and 49.0% by Kato–Katz, formol ether sedimentation technique and direct wet mount, respectively. Direct wet mount had relatively low sensitivity (61.4%) compared to formol ether sedimentation technique (85.6%) and Kato–Katz (97.4%). The latter two compared well with the gold standard method with kappa values of κ = 0.94, κ = 0.71 and κ = 0.39, respectively, and are therefore recommended over against the direct wet mount technique in detecting hookworm.