Morphological and histopathological studies of Thelandros chalcidae (Oxyuroidea: Pharyngodonidae) infecting Chalcides ocellatus from Egypt

Background Thelandros (Pharyngodonidae) is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite with a life cycle including lizards as main hosts. Thelandros chalcidae collected from the large intestine of the Egyptian ocellated skink, Chalcides ocellatus were described and illustrated by light and scanning electron microscopes. Seven out of fifteen (46.66%) of the examined lizards were found to be naturally infected. Also, host intestinal tissues were evaluated from hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections to describe any histopathological changes. Results Microscopic examinations revealed that the recovered pharyngodonid species characterized by mouth with triangular opening and surrounded by six simple lips, the cuticle had regular transverse annulations extending from the posterior margin of the lips to the end of the body. Male was cylindrical with distinct truncated posterior end and measured 1.59–1.86 (1.64 ± 0.10) long and 0.29–0.37 (0.32 ± 0.01) in maximum width at the level of mid-body. Female measured 1.72–2.43 (1.85 ± 0.2) long and 0.36–0.49 (0.42 ± 0.01) maximum width at the mid-body level, terminated posteriorly in a short, stout spike. Histological studies observed structural alterations represented by leukocytic infiltration, villi atrophy, and muscularis degeneration. These changes were indicative of inflammatory and degenerative reaction due to Thelandros chalcidae infection. Conclusion The present morphological study revealed that the recovered pharyngodonid species was Thelandros chalcidae causing pathological alterations in Chalcides ocellatus intestinal tissues.

Study on Prevalence of Major Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep in Wayu Tuka and Diga District, Oromia Regional State

Aim This study was devised to be conducted to determine the prevalence and identify the major gastrointestinal nematode parasites based on fecal examination. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and associated factors with ovine gastrointestinal nematode infestation by fecal examination of 384 sheep from Wayu Tuka and Diga district, Eastern Oromia regional state. Results Out of the total 384 sampled sheep, 169 (44.0%) had been infected with gastrointestinal nematode parasite. Haemonchus species were the most frequently (20.8%) recovered nematode eggs followed by Trichostrongylus (13.0%) and Nematodirus (10.2%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in prevalence between age groups and sex. Sheep with poor body condition had a significantly higher prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasite (p<0.05) than those sheep in moderate or good body condition. There was no significant association between the gastrointestinal nematode infection in animals of different ages and sex groups. Conclusion The study shows that the gastrointestinal nematode parasite was a major important health problem and impact on the production of sheep in the study area. Therefore, a detailed study should be conducted to identify the parasite at the species level and special consideration should be taken on the management of sheep in poor body condition to reduce the burden of gastrointestinal nematodes.

Prevalence and Nematode Infection Level on Gastrointestinal Tract at Horse (Equus caballus) in Bangkalan Madura

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, infection level, sex and age effect on the infection level of GIT Nematode parasite in a horse. The fecal samples analyzed using the methods of native, sedimentation, floatation, and worm eggs count per gram of feces. Sample examination found 54 positive infected gastrointestinal nematode parasite with prevalence rate of 87% (54 from 62). The prevalence of Trichonema sp., Strongylus sp., and Parascaris equorum are 37.1%, 16.1%, and 1.6%. There were also mixed infestation like Strongylus sp. and Trichonema sp; Strongylus sp. and Parascaris equorum; Trichonema sp. and Parascaris equorum with total prevalence 27.4%, 1.6%, and 3.2%. Sex and age of horse had a very significant and significant effect in prevalence and infection level of Nematode parasite.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Nematoda in Cattle In Pintu Rime Gayo Highland of Bener Meriah Regency

This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode in cattle in the Pintu Rime Gayo, a highland sub district of Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh according to age and sex. Stool samples were collected from 150 cattle aged 0-6, 7-12 and >12 months old. Examination was performed by using a centrifuge. Samples tested positive when found gastrointestinal nematode parasite eggs. The data obtained were analyzed with Chi-Square. The results showed that the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode in cattle aged 0-7 months (32%) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in cattle aged 7-12 months (22%) and >12 months (12%). The parasite was markedly more prevalent (p<0.05) in female cattle (23.9%) than that in male cattle (15.2%). In conclusion, susceptibility of cattle in the Pintu Rime Gayo highland to gastrointestinal nematode infection was influenced by both age and sex.