Optimization of coprological studies in animals with the use of homeopathic Nux vomica 6CH

Background: Etiology of various gastrointestinal dysfunctions varies from infections and infestations to consequences of emotional stress and errors in animals’ nutrition. Taking this variability of etiology and pathogenesis into account, a lot depends not only on completeness of homeopathic history taking but also on the quality of laboratory studies. In our experience, coprology studies are especially complicated when persistent gastrointestinal disorders were preceded by massive use of allopathic remedies. This sometimes necessitates repeated examinations. That is why our interest in having reliable results and early detection of latent indigestion made us look for non-invasive methods which could be easy to use in animals but at the same time could reveal latent gastrointestinal pathology in animals. Aims: The study was aimed to determine the effect of a homeopathic medication Nux Vomica 6CH on detection of latent gastrointestinal pathology in small domestic animals. Method: Coprology studies were performed simultaneously with the use of sedimentation method and Fulleborn method (modification of Scherbovich). Infestations were diagnosed and characteristics of patient digestion were recorded. Feces test detected: 1. Presence of endoparasites (helminths, protozoa and yeast-like structures); 2. State of intestinal microflora (presence of different species and their balance with each other); 3. Degree of food absorbency (presence or lack of undigested protein, carbohydrates and fat); 4. Presence of inedible inclusions; 5. Presence of cells (lymphocytes, erythrocytes, intestinal epithelium, tumor fragments). If animal feces tests were non-informative, then all medications (except vitally important) were discontinued and Nux Vomica 6CH twice a day twenty minutes prior to food intake was prescribed for 6 days (4 globules dissolved in 10 ml of water). Results: 4500 coprology tests were performed during 3 years in cats and dogs. About 10% of the total number of examined animals (449 patients) produced very little information about the state of gastrointestinal systems at the first examination. When these cases were analyzed, the following reasons were found: long-term use of strong drugs, significant weakening of body immune system. As a result diagnostic tests were of very little value. These animals were treated by Nux Vomica 6CH for 6 days and then repeated feces test was performed. This produced a more informative picture of the state of gastrointestinal system and enabled to determine etiology and pathogenesis of the animal condition and prescribe necessary treatment. Conclusion. In such a way, Nux Vomica 6CH homeopathic remedy promoted effective optimization of coprology studies in animals. The suggested scheme of use for Nux Vomica 6CH significantly improves feces test quality. This in turn reduces time needed to choose strategy and tactics of treatment of small domestic animals with different chronic diseases.

An Epidemiological and Diagnostic Study of Cyclospora Cayetanensis Parasite in Anbar Province - Iraq

This study was conducted to find out the prevalence of Cyclospora cayetanensis in humans, animals, and vegetables in Anbar province-Iraq. The parasite was diagnosed by examining the samples microscopically, by examining 560 stool samples (262 males and 298 females) that were collected from patients attending hospitals (Ramadi, Fallujah, and Haditha), and its health centers. The results showed that the total infection rate was 12.1%, and no significant difference was recorded between the infection of both sexes. The highest rate of infection was 25.8% in the age group (1-9) years, with significant differences (P ≤0.05) from the rest of the age groups. The infection rate in the rural was 14.5% higher than in the urban 8.4%. The highest rate was recorded at 41.5% in April and the lowest at 2.5% in November, while the summer months did not record any infections. The study also included an examination of 188 samples of animal feces (48 sheep, 50 cows, 47 goats, and 43 dogs), the parasite was not diagnosed in any of the examined animals. This is the first study in the country to investigate the parasite in goats. The study also included the investigation of the C. cayetanensis parasite in five types of vegetable leaves (garden cress, radish, leek, green onions, and purslane). Where it is observed the presence of Oocyst in vegetables washing water by a percentage (6, 7.8, 7.2, 4.4, and 3.2) Oocyst/liter respectively.

Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Six Anaerobic Fungal Strains from Zoo Animal Feces

Anaerobic fungi are prime candidates for the conversion of agricultural waste products to biofuels. Despite the increasing interest in these organisms, their growth requirements and metabolism remain largely unknown. The isolation of five strains of anaerobic fungi and their identification as Neocallimastix cameroonii, Caecomyces spec., Orpinomyces joyonii, Pecoramyces ruminantium, and Khoyollomyces ramosus, is described. The phylogeny supports the reassignment of Neocallimastix californiae and Neocallimastix lanati to Neocallimastix cameroonii and points towards the redesignation of Cyllamyces as a species of Caecomyces. All isolated strains including strain A252, which was described previously as Aestipascuomyces dubliciliberans, were further grown on different carbon sources and the produced metabolites were analyzed; hydrogen, acetate, formate, lactate, and succinate were the main products. Orpinomyces joyonii was lacking succinate production and Khoyollomyces ramosus was not able to produce lactate under the studied conditions. The results further suggested a sequential production of metabolites with a preference for hydrogen, acetate, and formate. By comparing fungal growth on monosaccharides or on the straw, a higher hydrogen production was noticed on the latter. Possible reactions to elevated sugar concentrations by anaerobic fungi are discussed.

Effect of sanitation improvements on soil-transmitted helminth eggs in courtyard soil from rural Bangladesh: Evidence from a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Improved sanitation has been hypothesized to reduce soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections by reducing the prevalence and concentration of STH eggs/larvae in soil. We evaluated the effect of a randomized sanitation program (providing households with an improved dual-pit latrine, tools for child/animal feces management, and behavioral messaging) on reducing the prevalence and concentration of STH eggs in soil from household courtyards. We collected soil samples from 1405 households enrolled in the sanitation intervention (n = 419) and control (n = 914) groups of a cluster-randomized controlled trial (WASH Benefits) in rural Bangladesh approximately 2 years after the initiation of the interventions. We analyzed samples for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm eggs by microscopy. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and egg count ratio (ECR) to compare the prevalence of STH eggs and arithmetic and geometric mean egg counts for STH eggs per gram of soil in the sanitation and control arms. Among intervention households, latrines achieved high and sustained user uptake by adults while child open defecation remained common and most households did not dispose of child feces hygienically. In courtyard soil from control households, the prevalence of any STH eggs was 75.7% and the prevalence of any larvated STH eggs was 67.3%. A. lumbricoides was detected in 63.0% of control samples and T. trichiura in 55.7% of control samples; hookworm was not detected in any sample. In the control arm, the arithmetic mean egg count for any STH was 3.96 eggs/dry gram, while the geometric mean was 1.58 eggs/dry gram. There was no difference between the intervention and control groups in the prevalence of any STH eggs (PR = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.91, 1.05)) or mean egg counts (ECR = 0.08 (95% CI: -0.10, 0.26) for geometric mean and 0.07 (95% CI: -0.22, 0.37) for arithmetic mean). Adjusted models gave similar results. A compound-level sanitation intervention that provided improved latrines and tools for disposal of child and animal feces did not have an impact on STH eggs in soil. In order to effectively reduce the prevalence and concentration of STH eggs in the environment, sustained, widespread use of sanitation strategies to isolate and hygienically dispose of child and animal feces may need to complement traditional strategies for containment of adult human feces. Trial Registration: NCT01590095.

Parasitoids Collected from Animal Feces in Brazil

The purpose of the paper is to report the species of dipteran parasitoids in poultry feces on farms, buffalo, and cattle in the field in Brazil. The experiments were carried out from April 2006 to December 2007. The pupae were obtained by the flotation method. They were individually placed in gelatin capsules until the emergency of the adult flies or their parasitoids. The specie more frequent was S endius with 7.2%. Were obtained from bovine feces 628 pupae of dipterous in buffalo feces, 3,437 pupae were collected and from chicken feces 2,799 pupae, from which 78, 172 and 504 parasitoids emerged, respectively. The most frequent species in bovine, of buffalo and chicken feces were: Gnathopleura quadridentata Wharton (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with 25.6%, Spalangia drosophilae Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) with 21.5% and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875) with 46.8%, respectively.

Study of comparative efficacy of Helmintal Mini syrup (toltrazuril, moxidectin) and follow-on drugs against intestinal parasitoses of animals

The purpose of the research is comparative assessment of the efficacy and determining the optimal dosage of Helmintal Mini syrup against intestinal parasitoses of animals.Materials and methods. The studies were performed at the premises of the Lvenok veterinary clinic (Moscow). In total, the experiments involved 68 dogs and cats of various breeds, aged 2 to 11 months, infected with intestinal nematodes and coccidia. The animals were divided into test and control groups; the study drug was administered to the test, and the reference drugs were administered to the control. A drug with a toltrazuril content of 50 mg/ml and a drug with a moxidectin content of 0.6 mg/ml were used as follow-on drugs. The diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy of the drugs were confirmed based on the clinical pattern and laboratory tests by absence/presence of protozoan oocysts and helminth eggs in animal feces in laboratory studies (Fülleborn’s method); and we recorded the dynamics of clinical signs of the diseases.Results and discussion. In a comparative assessment of the efficacy of Helmintal Mini syrup with follow-on drugs, it showed the same high efficacy at coccidioses and intestinal nematodoses of animals as registered drugs containing similar active substances. The most effective and safe doses of Helmintal Mini syrup have been determined, namely, 0.5 and 1.0 ml per 1 kg of body weight.

The role of chicken management practices in children’s exposure to environmental contamination: a mixed-methods analysis

Background Household chicken production presents an opportunity to promote child nutrition, but the benefits might be offset by increased environmental contamination. Using household surveys, direct observations, and in-depth interviews with woman caregivers, we sought to describe the relationship between chicken management practices and household exposure to environmental contamination, and assess barriers to adopting improved husbandry practices. Methods First, we analyzed baseline data from 973 households raising chickens in the two interventions arms from the Agriculture-to-Nutrition (ATONU) study in Ethiopia to assess the relationship between animal management practices and environmental exposures. Second, we conducted six-hour direct observations of children’s environmental exposures in 18 households. Among these households, we analyzed in-depth interviews with child caregivers. Results Quantitative analyses showed that households raised approximately 11 chickens, had animal feces visible on the property 67% of the time, and children’s hands were visibly dirty 38% of the time. Households with more chickens had lower exposure to animal feces. Having a chicken coop increased the risk of observing animal feces on the property by 30%, but among those with a coop, having an enclosed coop reduced that risk by 83%. Coops that were enclosed, had fencing, and were located further from homes were associated with a reduced risk of observing animal feces and an increased likelihood of children having clean hands. Direct observations showed that chicken coops were often poorly designed or not used. On average, 3 to 5 chickens were inside homes at a time, and livestock and domestic animals were frequently inside of houses and interacting with young children. In-depth interviews revealed that protection of animals, maintenance of household cleanliness and health, type of chicken (local versus improved) and resource constraints influenced management decisions. Conclusions Improvements in chicken management practices could mitigate the exposure of household members to environmental contamination. Our findings highlight the need for training and resources to promote safe animal husbandry practices and optimal child health in nutrition-sensitive livestock projects. Trial registration Clinical trials number: NCT03152227; Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on May 12, 2012.

The intestinal microbiota of rats under the influence of biotechnological strains of microorganisms from various taxonomic groups

Introduction. The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) plays an essential role in maintaining human health. Many factors, including industrial pollutions with biotechnological strains of microbes, can affect the normal balance of intestinal microbiota. The biotechnological industry nowadays produces a wide range of products for medical and veterinary use, agriculture, food, chemical industries, etc. To develop hygienic standards that regulate the possible adverse effect of biotechnological strains of microorganisms on workers’ health, the intestinal microflora of rats in the experiment can be studied. The data obtained were used as the basic concept in elaborating state sanitary standards for limitations of the concentrations of biotechnological strains of microorganisms in the ambient air of the working area and settlements’ atmosphere. Materials and methods. We have tested 52 strains of microorganisms applied in biotechnology as producers of a variety of biological substances. They included members of different taxonomic groups: gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, actinomycetes, molds, and yeasts. The experiments were carried out on conventional male and female white rats (290-320 g, body weight). Each test and control group of animals included eight animals. The strains of microorganisms mentioned above were given to animals by inhalation of minimal effective doses of microbes in the concentrations of 103-108 CFU/m3 during one month. To demonstrate possible adverse effects to gut microflora, the routine bacteriological examination of animal feces was performed. To do this, after the priming, the 10-fold dilutions of animal feces in sterile saline were inoculated onto a set of general-purpose and selective culture media for Enterobacteriaceae members, staphylococci, enterococci, clostridia, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, and fungi, with subsequent identification of the genus of the isolated microorganism. After that, the concentrations of microorganisms were calculated and measured in lg of CFU/g of feces. The Institutional Ethical Committee of Animal Care and Use of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University approved all procedures involving animals. The results of experiments were analyzed with a simple t-test using Statistica (v.6.0, Stat Soft, USA) and Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Results were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results. The most notable changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota were observed after inhaling of yeasts of genus Candida at the level of 103-104 CFU/m3 and in cases of exposure to molds (Aspergillus awamori, Penicillium funiculosum, and Tolypocladium cylindrosporum) in the concentration of 2•104 CFU/m3, and gram-negative bacteria of the genus Alcaligenes and genus Pseudomonas at 5•105 CFU/m3. We observed a dramatic decrease of Escherichia coli and the increase of gram-positive bacteria (staphylococci, enterococci). For some genera of biotechnological strains, a significant decline in the content of lactobacilli was also shown. On the other hand, Rhodococcus did not cause any disturbances even at high concentrations in the ambient air. Conclusion. The obtained data can be used to develop biosafety and hygienic standards for industrial microbes to help decrease or minimize the occupational risk of infection or undesirable allergic effect when working with biotechnological strains of microbes in the ambient air of residential areas.