Beetles and nematodes associated with wither Scots pines

This study focused on the occurrence of xylophagous beetles and nematodes in the different parts of Pinus sylvestris L. trees of different health condition in the pure stands in Zhytomyr region (Central Polissya). Stem fragments with thin, thick and transitional bark, branches and twigs were examined in each of 12 model trees. Xylophagous beetles were identified by adults or by galleries. Nematodes were isolated from wood samples in the laboratory using the Baermann method and identified by morphometric characteristics. Among 10 species of xylophagous beetles, Ips acuminatus (frequency 16.7%; dominance 17.9%) and I. sexdentatus (frequency 11.1%, dominance 54.6%) dominated, which prefer the fragments with thin and thick bark respectively. No xylophagous beetle was found in the healthy and slightly weakened trees. Among 15 nematode species, 40% were saproxylic, 33.3% entomophilic, 13.3% phytophagous, and by 6.7% predators and species associated with fungi. An entomophilic nematodes Cryptaphelenchus macrogaster f. acuminati was common in all parts of stem and branches (frequency of occurrence 25–33.3%). An entomophilic nematodes Parasitorhabditis acuminati and a predator Fuchsia buetschlii acuminati had the highest frequency of occurrence (41.7%) under the thin bark and in the branches. The frequency of these species in colonized with xylophagous insects stem fragments with thin bark was significantly higher than in respective not colonized fragments.

Larva migrans in Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brazil: Where does the danger hide?

Soil samples collected near municipal schools (public/EMEI and private/EPEI schools), clubs (CLB), public squares (PS) and residential condominiums (CND) and samples of animal faeces from the Zoonosis Control Centre (CCZ) of the municipality of Votuporanga/SP were analysed using the Baermann method for the detection of zoonotic helminth larvae. The prevalence rates of the nematode genera identified were determined, and the results were compared using Fisher’s exact and chi-square frequency tests. Information about cases of larvae migrans in the population were collected from the Family Health Units and the private health plans. All sites were positive for Ancylostoma spp. and, with the exception of EPEIs and dog faeces, for Strongyloides spp. The prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. was 87.5% for CND samples, 74.29% for EMIEs, 63.64% for CLB, 61.76% for PS and 64.29% for dog’s and 42.86% for cats at CCZ. The prevalence of Strongyloides spp. ranged from 14.29% (cats/CCZ) to 41.18% (PS). Cases of cutaneous larva migrans were reported during interviews. Thus, from the public health perspective, the risk of individuals that frequent recreational areas in the municipality, especially children, to be infected by helminth larvae is noteworthy, indicating the need to develop policies aimed at controlling this important zoonosis.

Distribusi Nematoda Pucuk Putih Padi Aphelenchoides besseyi di Pulau Jawa

Distribution of Rice White Tip Nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi in Java Island Aphelenchoides besseyi is one of the most important rice seed borne nematode causing white tip disease in Indonesia. The status of A. besseyi is considered as quarantine pest category A2, with limited distribution area in Java, Sumatera, and South Kalimantan). The aim of this research was to detect and identify A. besseyi from rice seed based on morphological, morphometry and molecular approaches and to determine its distribution in rice growing areas in Java. Rice seed samples, consisting of 26 varieties, were obtained from seed producers, seed distributors, and farmers in Java. Nematode extraction was done using Baermann method. Molecular identification was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and followed by DNA sequencing and nucleotide analysis. A. besseyi was detected from 74.32% of seed samples. A. besseyi was confirmed to be distributed in Lebak, Bogor, Sukabumi, Subang, Indramayu, Klaten, Sragen, Sukoharjo, Boyolali, Pati, Pemalang, Yogyakarta Sleman, Magetan, Blitar, Tuban, Gresik, Nganjuk, and Banyuwangi. Further nucleotide analysis showed that A. besseyi isolates from rice seed cv Ciherang (Yogyakarta) and cv IR 64 (Banyuwangi) have 99% homology to those from India, China, USA; and 98% homology to those from Taiwan.

Gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes in calves naturally infected in the cities of Botucatu and Manduri, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasites in calves and to evaluate seasonal and age patterns in parasitism. For this, we used 140 clinically healthy crossbreed calves (two to 12 months old) that belonged to two private farms in the municipalities of Botucatu (n=53) and Manduri (n=87), São Paulo state, Brazil. The calves were monitored for 12 months (from September 2014 to August 2015). Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum every three months. Fecal egg counts were determined using the modified McMaster technique with a sensitivity of 50 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Coproculture was performed on pooled samples to identify Strongylida infective larvae. First-stage larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus were extracted by a modified Baermann method. The data showed non-normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk) and the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis test was employed to evaluate the EPG data by seasons and age groups. Dunn’s post-test was used for multiple comparisons (P<0.05). The calves from Manduri farm showed significantly higher fecal egg counts (P<0.0001) in the winter when compared to other seasons. At Botucatu farm, young calves (2-3 months old) showed significantly higher EPG than old calves (8-12 months) (P=0.01). The prevalence and overall mean of animals positive for Strongylida type-eggs were 81.1% and 340 in Botucatu, respectively, versus 83.9% and 854 in Manduri, respectively. Furthermore, we found Strongyloides spp., Moniezia spp., and Trichuris spp. eggs and Eimeria spp. oocysts. The prevalent genera in all coprocultures in decreasing order were: Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. First-stage larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus were found only in Botucatu farm samples throughout the year, except in spring.

Evaluation of Two DNA Extraction Methods for Detection of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection

ABSTRACT Strongyloides stercoralis is present worldwide, but its prevalence is still uncertain, mainly due to the lack of sensitivity of diagnostic methods. Molecular techniques are under development, but a standardized protocol is still unavailable. We compared the sensitivity of real-time PCR, using two extraction protocols, with that of the Baermann technique. Samples were collected in the framework of the baseline screening of a randomized clinical trial evaluating moxidectin against S. stercoralis in Lao People's Democratic Republic. Two stool samples from each participant were processed by the Baermann method, and one subsample was processed by PCR. DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA stool minikit based on the standard protocol for the QIAamp DNA minikit (QIA) and using a modification of the QIA procedure (POL). Subsequently, all extracted samples were analyzed by real-time PCR. Overall, 95 samples were analyzed by the three diagnostic methods. Sixty-nine (72.6%) samples were positive according to the Baermann method, 25 (26.3%) by the QIA method, and 62 (65.3%) by the POL method. The sensitivities were 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.7 to 92.9), 31.0% (95% CI, 21.3 to 42.6), and 78.0% (95% CI, 66.8 to 86.1) for the Baermann, QIA, and POL methods, respectively. The sensitivities calculated for each day of the Baermann method separately were 60% (48.4 to 70.8%) and 64% (52.2 to 74.2%) for days 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, the POL method revealed a good performance and was comparable to the Baermann test performed on two stool samples and superior to the Baermann method performed on one stool sample. Additional studies are needed to standardize a PCR protocol for S. stercoralis diagnosis.

Parasitofauna of European bison Bison bonasus (L.) in Borecka Forest

The aim of the study was to determine the parasite species occurring currently in European bison from the Borecka Forest and to estimate prevalence and intensity of their infections. Anatomopathological and parasitological necropsy of four bison from the Borecka Forest has been carried out. 24 bison faecal samples were also analyzed using flotation, decantation and the Baermann method. As a result of performed necropsies and coproscopical analysis, 13 nematode species, 2 species of flukes and 7 species of coccidia were found. In comparison with previous studies, parasitofauna of European bison from the Borecka Forest has been augmented with 6 nematodes species (Ashworthius sidemi, Haemonchus placei, Aonchotheca bilobata, Ostertagia antipini, Ostertagia lyrata and Trichuris ovis), 1 species of fluke (Paramphistomum cervi) and 3 species of coccidia (Eimeria auburnensis, E. canadensis and E. alabamensis). All necropsied bisons were infected with nematodes A. sidemi. The Borecka Forest has been recognized as a new focus of ashwortiosis. Post-mortem examinations confirm the role of parasites, both nematodes and flukes, in the formation of gross lesions in infected bisons. .

Parasitofauna of European bison Bison bonasus (L.) in Borecka Forest

The aim of the study was to determine parasite species occurring currently in European bison from the Borecka Forest and to estimate prevalence and intensity of their infections. Anatomopathological and parasitological necropsy of four bison from the Borecka Forest has been carried out. 24 bison faecal samples were also analyzed using flotation, decantation and the Baermann method. As a result of performed necropsies and coproscopical analysis 13 nematode species, 2 species of flukes and 7 species of coccidia were found. In comparison with previous studies, parasitofauna of European bison from the Borecka Forest enriched with 6 nematodes species (Ashworthius sidemi, Haemonchus placei, Aonchotheca bilobata, Ostertagia antipini, Ostertagia lyrata and Trichuris ovis), 1 species of fluke (Paramphistomum cervi) and 3 species of coccidia (Eimeria auburnensis, E. canadensis and E. alabamensis). All necropsied bisons were infected with nematodes A. sidemi. The Borecka Forest has been recognized as a new focus of ashwortiosis. Post-mortem examinations confirm role of parasites, both nematodes and flukes, in formation of gross lesions in infected bisons.

Angiostrongylosis-related restrictive pneumopathy assessed by arterial blood gas analysis in a dog

Pulmonary angiostrongylosis was diagnosed by the Baermann method and larval identification from faecal and bronchoalveolar lavage samples in a five-month- old male mongrel dog with dyspnoea and cough. Arterial blood gas analysis indicated arterial hypoxaemia and restrictive pneumopathy. In addition to the palliative treatment, fenbendazole was administered (50 mg/kg/24 h per os) for 14 days. The respiratory signs subsided within a short time clinically, but serial arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated an ongoing ventilation disorder. Repeated haematology, thoracic radiography, bronchoscopy and blood gas analysis were performed to follow the course of the disease. The most severe eosinophilia was detected after the beginning of the anthelmintic therapy, and the arterial pO2 level was permanently low. Arterial blood gas analysis provided the most adequate information about the course of the pneumopathy and it greatly facilitated the patient’s medical management.

Endoparasites of the European beaver (Castor fiber L. 1758) in north-eastern Poland

Parasitological examination after necropsies of 48 European beavers from Podlaskie and Warmisko-Mazurskie provinces were performed between April 2011 and November 2012. All helminthes were isolated from the contents of the gastro-intestinal tract and their species were determined. In addition, blood samples and faeces were examined. All beavers were infected with six species of parasites. Stichorchis subtriqetrus trematodes were found in 93.7% of animals. They were localized mainly in the caecum, less in the colon, and single juvenile parasites were found in the small intestine. The intensity of infection ranged from two to 893 parasites. Travassosius rufus nematodes (10-4336 specimens) were present in the stomach of 68.7% of the beavers. In the small intestine of four (8.3%) beavers, two-six specimens of Psilotrema castoris were found. This is the first record of this species in Poland and the third of its discovery in the world. Furthermore, in the small intestine of one beaver, two Trichostrongylus capricola nematodes were detected. In the liver of one beaver, pathological changes caused by hydatid cestode Echinococus granulosus occurred. Inflammatory changes of the gastric mucosa caused by Travassosius rufus and of caecum caused by Stichorchis subtriquertus, were observed. Coproscopy was performed with the use of Baermann, flotation, and decantation methods. All results of Baermann method were negative. Examinations with flotation and decantation methods confirmed necropsy findings. Using the flotation method, single oocysts of Eimeria sprehni in one beaver were detected. A blood test conducted by Kingston and Morton method did not reveal the presence of protozoa or microfilariae.

Description of Aphelenchoides rotundicaudatus n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from South Korea

Aphelenchoides rotundicaudatus n. sp. was isolated from packaging wood from South Korea imported to Ningbo harbour, China. Specimens were collected directly from wood samples using the Baermann method. Multiplication on Botryotinia fuckeliana failed. The new species has a body length of 364-509 μm (males) and 371-493 μm (females). The cuticle is weakly annulated and there are four lines in the lateral field. The stylet is 8-9 μm long and has small basal swellings. The excretory pore is located ca one body diam. anterior to median bulb. Spicules are small (10-13 μm), apex and rostrum rounded and only slight offset. The male tail has six (2 + 2 + 2) caudal papillae. Both male and female tails are cylindrical with a broadly rounded terminus, often with a small region of thickened cuticle or a blunt peg ca 1 μm long, particularly in the female. The new species belongs to the Group 1 category of Aphelenchoides species. Phylogenetic analyses based on full length ITS, partial LSU and SSU of rDNA confirmed its status as a new species.