Rare case of presence of nematodes Dirofilaria repens in apleural cavity of a dog.

Dirofilariosis, caused by nematodes Dirofilaria repens, is a parasitosis of wild and domestic carnivores. Nematodes D. repens locate in the subcutaneous and intramuscular tissue. The aim of this article is to describe rare case of pleural infection of a dog with nematodes D. repens. 12-year-old golden retriever had been treated in the veterinary clinic due to emaciation, weakness and dehydration, observed for 2 weeks. Hematologic and biochemical tests revealed reduction in the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes, significant decrease of hemoglobin, hematocrit and albumins as well as increased ALAT, urea and creatinine levels. Parasitological examination of blood smear revealed the presence of multiple microfilariae. Increased echogenicity of renal parenchyma was visible during ultrasound examination. Necropsy of euthanized animal revealed adult nematodes D. repens, located in the pleural cavity. Additionally, enlarged kidneys with subcapsular petechiae and a single cyst in the renal cortex were observed. To our best knowledge, it is the first case of finding nematodes D. repens in a pleural cavity of a dog.

Occurrence of tapeworms Moniezia benedeni (Moniez, 1879) in European bison Bison bonasus L. in Bialowieza Primeval Forest

Tapeworms Moniezia benedeni are cosmopolitan parasites of wild and domestic ruminants. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of those tapeworms in European bison in Bialowieza Primeval Forest. Parasitological necropsy of small intestine of 26 bison, aged from 3 months to 26 years was performed in years 2007­2011. Tapeworms M. benedeni were isolated from 11 examined animals and the prevalence of infection was estimated on 42.3%. Intensity of infection was ranging from 2 to 25 tapeworms and the mean intensity was estimated on 5.8 specimens. Prevalence in the group of calves reached 50% and in adult bison ­ 33.3%. Intensity of infection in calves was estimated on 2 to 5 tapeworms while in adult animals it was ranging from 1 to 2 parasites. High prevalence of tapeworms M. benedeni in European bison might result from poor condition or weak immunity of eliminated animals.

Influence of management and biological factors on the parasitic invasions in the wild-spread of blood-sucking nematode Ashworthius sidemi in European bison (Bison bonasus).

The full course of new parasite introductions in wild animals is difficult to accurately trace. We documented and analysed the invasive blood-sucking nematode Ashworthius sidemi (Trichostrongylidae) introduction and spread in European bison (Bison bonasus) from the initial phase of its progression. In the Polish part of the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF) the parasite was first found in 2000. From 2002 to 2015, 165 culled bison were investigated. The prevalence and intensity of A. sidemi Schulz, 1933 infection increased over the following years, reaching 100% of investigated bison four years after introduction and a maximal median intensity of 8200 nematodes per animal in the winter of 2008/2009. Afterwards, a significant decline of median infection intensity was observed to the minimum value of 410 nematodes per animal. Between 2011 and 2014 prevalence varied from 89 to 100%. Among the factors analysed, the number of years since introduction, herd size, age and sex proved to significantly influence infection intensity. A higher infection intensity was recorded in sub-adults compared to juveniles and adults. Males had significantly lower infection intensity than females, but this was the case for adults only. The highest infection intensities were recorded in the biggest bison herds, where the winter supplementary feeding of bison is intense. Moreover, the longer the parasite was present in the host population, the more important herd size became as a factor. Our study indicates that it is not solely biological factors that determine the spread of a newly detected parasite in wildlife, but that management practices can also have a strong influence. This is especially important in endangered species under intensive human care as the management practices may pose a threat to the species.

Extension of occurrence area of the American fluke Fascioloides magna in south-western Poland.

Liver fluke Fascioloides magna is a typical parasite of American cervids. The reason for F. magna to appear in Poland territory was bringing the American wapiti deer to those forests around 1850. Along with these deer the aforementioned fluke was also introduced. The aim of this study was to present the case of finding of this species in cervids in Bory Zielonogórskie. Samples of deer feces were collected in February 2015 in Forest District Krzystkowice. A total of 16 samples of feces were examined, 7 of which came from the red deer, 4 from roe deer and 2 samples from fallow deer. Three grams of feces from each sample were examined for the presence of trematode eggs using the decantation method. Eggs of F. magna were detected in 2 of 7 examined samples from red deer, in the first sample it were found 3 eggs, and in the second one 46 eggs. Moreover, flukes eggs were found in 3 out of 4 roe deer faecal samples, in numbers of 1, 3 and 58 eggs respectively in each sample. Also, in faecal samples from two fallow deer were found in one of them 17 eggs F. magna. The results of this study extend the range of occurrence of the trematodes F. magna on the neighboring Lower Silesia Forest complex of Bory Zielonogórskie which are distant about 50 km. Fallow deer and roe deer were considered to be new in Poland definitive hosts of F. magna. .

The prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria repens in dogs in the Mazovian Province of central-eastern Poland.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of canine dirofilariosis from different districts of the Mazovian Province in central-eastern Poland. 462 dogs aged from 1.5-14 years were examined for dirofilariosis. Blood samples were examined for the presence of microfilariae using the Knott method, as well as the method of Kingston and Morton, after centrifugation in haematocrit microtubes in order to determine the intensity of infection as the number of microfilariae in 60 microliters of blood. The species of microfilariae found were determined after staining on the basis of the morphological characters. Samples were also examined using Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit SNAP HTWM (IDEXX, USA) that allows the detection of circulating antigens of females of Dirofilaria immitis. The positive samples were examined using multiplex PCR assay for species confirmation. Microfilariae belonging to the species D. repens were found in the blood samples of dogs originating from the city of Warsaw and from 18 districts of Mazovian Province. The mean prevalence of that species observed in the province was 25.8%. The range of intensity counted with the number of microfilariae found in 60 microliters of blood amounted to between 1-150; median intensity 9 microfilariae. The highest prevalence, reaching 52.9% and the highest median intensity of infection reaching 28 microfilariae, was found in Radom district. The lowest prevalence, amounting to 4.2%, was registered in Grójec district; however, the lowest median intensity reaching 6 microfilariae was noted in Zyrardów district. The infected dogs had not been outside of Poland, which means that this is an autochthonous infection. Microfilariae and antigens of D. immitis were not found in any examined blood samples. Results of the presented study show that autochthonous dirofilariosis caused by nematodes D. repens commonly occurs in the area of the Mazovian Province.

The first report of Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda; Metastrongyloidea) in Poland, in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

Angiostrongylus vasorum belongs to the superfamily of Metastrongyloidea. This nematode occurs in foxes, dogs and other predators. The Nematode A. vasorum place themselves in the pulmonary artery and its branches, and in the right ventricle and atrium of the heart. Numerous species of land snails are the intermediate hosts of the parasite. In 2013, lungs and hearts of 76 foxes shot in the Forest District Gleboki Bród in Augustowska Primeval Forest were parasitologically necropsied. Four of the examined foxes were infected with the nematode A. vasorum, a prevalence of 5.2%. In one fox pericardium there were 6 male and 6 female nematodes. In the remaining three foxes nematodes were localized in the pulmonary artery. In two foxes 2 specimens of nematodes were detected (male and female, and two females) while 1 female was detected in the other fox. This is the first report of the presence of the nematode A. vasorum in fox in Poland.

The parasitic fauna of the European bison (Bison bonasus) (Linnaeus, 1758) and their impact on the conservation. Part 1. The summarising list of parasites noted.

During the current century, 88 species of parasites have been recorded in Bison bonasus. These are 22 species of protozoa (Trypanosoma wrublewskii, T. theileri, Giardia sp., Sarcocystis cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. hominis, S. fusiformis, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium sp., Eimeria cylindrica, E. subspherica, E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. canadensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. alabamensis, E. bukidnonensis, E. auburnensis, E. pellita, E. brasiliensis, Babesia divergens), 4 trematodes species (Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha, Paramphistomum cervi), 4 cestodes species (Taenia hydatigena larvae, Moniezia benedeni, M. expansa, Moniezia sp.), 43 nematodes species (Bunostomum trigonocephalum, B. phlebotomum, Chabertia ovina, Oesophagostomum radiatum, O. venulosum, Dictyocaulus filaria, D.viviparus, Nematodirella alcidis, Nematodirus europaeus, N. helvetianus, N. roscidus, N. filicollis, N. spathiger, Cooperia oncophora, C. pectinata, C. punctata, C. surnabada, Haemonchus contortus, Mazamastrongylus dagestanicus, Ostertagia lyrata, O. ostertagi, O. antipini, O. leptospicularis, O. kolchida, O. circumcincta, O. trifurcata, Spiculopteragia boehmi, S. mathevossiani, S. asymmetrica, Trichostrongylus axei, T. askivali, T. capricola, T. vitrinus, Ashworthius sidemi, Onchocerca lienalis, O. gutturosa, Setaria labiatopapillosa, Gongylonema pulchrum, Thelazia gulosa, T. skrjabini, T. rhodesi, Aonchotheca bilobata, Trichuris ovis), 7 mites (Demodex bisonianus, D. bovis, Demodex sp., Chorioptes bovis, Psoroptes equi, P. ovis, Sarcoptes scabiei), 4 Ixodidae ticks (Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus, I. hexagonus, Dermacentor reticulatus), 1 Mallophaga species (Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii), 1 Anoplura (Haematopinus eurysternus), and 2 Hippoboscidae flies (Lipoptena cervi, Melophagus ovinus). There are few monoxenous parasites, many typical for cattle and many newly acquired from Cervidae.

The parasitic fauna of the European bison (Bison bonasus) (Linnaeus, 1758) and their impact on the conservation. Part 2. The structure and changes over time.

During the last century the recorded parasite fauna of Bison bonasus includes 88 species. These are 22 species of protozoa, 4 trematode species, 4 cestode species, 43 nematode species, 7 mites, 4 Ixodidae ticks, 1 Mallophaga species, 1 Anoplura, and 2 Hippoboscidae flies. There are few monoxenous parasites, the majority of parasites are typical for other Bovidae and Cervidae species and many are newly acquired from Cervidae. This is an evident increased trend in the parasite species richness, in both the prevalence and intensity of infections, which is associated with the bison population size, host status (captive breeding or free-ranging) and the possibility of contact with other ruminant species. In light of the changes to parasite species richness during the last decades, special emphasis shall be given to new parasite species reported in European bison, their pathogenicity and potential implications for conservation.

The first detection of nematodes Ashworthius sidemi in elk Alces alces (L.) in Poland and remarks of ashworthiosis foci limitations.

Ashworthius sidemi, a nematode belonging to the family of Trichostrongylidae, is a primary parasite of the Asian deer, mainly sika deer (Cervus nippon), with which it was introduced to Ukraine, as well as Slovakia, the Czech Republic and France. Migrating red deer carried this parasite from neighboring countries to Polish territory. Until now, in Poland, this parasite has been recorded in European bison, red deer, roe deer and fallow deer. As a result of post-mortem examinations of 10 elk, 2 of them from the Augustów Forest and Biebrza Marshes, A. sidemi were found in abomasa for the first time in Poland. The intensity of the invasions was 120 and 7 specimens, respectively. This finding of Ashworthius sidemi in elk indicates a further expansion of the focus of ashworthiosis in BiaLowieza towards the north into the Biebrza Marshes and the Augustowska Forest. The growth of the elk population and their tendency for long distance migrations can contribute to the spread of the parasitosis in much greater distances than deer. On the basis of our own research and data from the literature, the current spread of ashworthiosis in Poland is discussed.

Nematodes of the large intestine of the European bison of the Bialowieza National Park.

The present study was conducted on 31 males and females of the European bison, eliminated during the winter seasons 2007-2011 in the Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland. The caeca of 14 free-ranging bison, aged from 3 months up to 16 years, the most favorable infection site for the large intestine nematodes, were investigated during the winter of 2007/2008. The parasitological autopsies of the large intestines of 9 free-ranging bison aged from 5 months up to 10 years as well as 9 bison kept in the close reserves aged from one up to 20 years were done during the winter seasons of 2008-2011 to determine localization of nematodes in large intestine and the total intensity of parasite infection. Five species of nematodes (i.e., Trichuris ovis, Oesophagostomum venulosum, O. radiatum, Ashworthius sidemi, Nematodirus helvetianus) were found in dissected caecum of bison culled during the winter of 2007/2008. During the seasons of 2008-2010, 6 species of nematodes were found in the large intestine of bison (i.e., T. ovis, O. venulosum, O. radiatum, A. sidemi, N. roscidus and Bunostomum trigonocephalum). We did not find any nematodes in the lumen of the large intestine of captive bison culled during the seasons of 2010/2011. The results of the present study indicate that the intensity of infection by the large intestine nematodes of the European bison in the Bialowieza Primeval Forest has stayed at the comparable level throughout the last 20 years; however the number of nematode species has increased. The observed level of parasitic infection is typical of subclinical parasitoses.

[The first foci of dirofilariosis of dogs evoked by Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, 1911 in central Poland]. / Pierwsze ogniska dirofilariozy psów wywolanej przez Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, 1911 w centralnej Polsce.

Dirofilariosis is caused by nematodes Dirofilaria repens Railliet et Henry, 1911. This parasitosis is widely distributed in south Europe among dogs, cats and wild carnivorous. It occurs also in Asia and Africa. Adult nematodes D. repens locate in nodules, in subcutaneous or intramuscular connective tissue of dogs. The mosquitoes from genera Anopheles, Aedes and Culex are the intermediate hosts and vectors of mentioned parasites. The finding of 6 adult nematodes belonging to the species D. repens in scrotum under tunica vaginalis, during the castration of the dog, which has never been abroad, tended us to undertake presented studies. In August and September of 2009, 64 genuine dogs age from 1.5 to 12 years originated from 3 kennels in central Poland were examined. Dogs did not show any pathological symptoms of infection. Blood samples were examined for the presence of infection and a number of microfilariae. Species of microfilariae was determined after staining on the basis of morphological characters. In examined blood samples from dogs microfilariae belonging to the species Dirofilaria repens were found. Mean prevalence of infection in all examined kennels was 37.5% and mean intensity 32 microfilariae in 30 microl of blood. Microfilariae of D. immitis were not found in any examined blood samples. The results of presented studies show that native dirofilariosis of dogs caused by D. repens is common in central Poland. The result of our investigations lets us suppose, that the range of occurrence of D. repens will spread significantly towards north Europe.

[Determination of limits of ashworthiosis foci in eastern and southern Poland]. / Ustalenie zasiegu ognisk aswortiozy dzikich i domowych przezuwaczy we wschodniej i poludniowej Polsce.

The task was to establish the foci of ashworthiosis. The locations were: Bialowieza Forest and Bieszczady Mountains. The wild cervides including: 52 red deer and 15 roe deer as well as domestic ruminants: 17 cattle and 18 sheep were examined parasitologically. Also, the examination was extended to neighbouring and additional areas. Contents of abomasa after multiple decantation were conserved with 2% formaldehyde. All nematodes were isolated from the contest, cleared in 70% ethanol with 5% glycerol and determinated to the species on the basis of structure of bursa copulatrix. Intensity of invasions of red deer oscillated from 3 to 296 specimens of A. sidemi and of roe deer from 42 to 545 nematodes. There were found none of domestic ruminants infected with this nematode in areas neighbouring with woods in both foci. Examinations showed that relatively new (found in 2000 year) focus of ashworthiosis in Polish part of Bialowieza Forest has not dispersed yet beyond the limits of this forest complex. However, focus of ashworthiosis found in Bieszczady Mountains in 1997 year initially in Lutowiska Forest District expanded on the area of neighbouring Bieszczady forest districts: Komancza, Cisna and Baligród and also on the area of Forest District Krasiczyn lying in Pogórze Przemyskie. So it is necessary further monitoring of status of A. sidemi infection of wild and domestic ruminants in neighbouring of both till now found foci.

[Increase of infection of European bison by nematodes Setaria labiatopapillosa in Bialowie a Forest]. / Wzrost zarazenia zubrów w Puszczy Bialowieskiej nicieniami Setaria labiatopapillosa.

BACKGROUND: The aim of these studies was to determine the level of infection of European bison by nematodes belonging to the genus Setaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From February 2006 to February 2007 21 bisons from 6 months to 20 years old shot in Bialowieza Forest have been examined. During the necropsy pleural and peritoneal cavities were macroscopically examined for the presence of nematodes. The parasites were removed from tissues and fixed in 70% ethanol with 5% addition of glycerol and then identified to the species. Samples of blood were taken from shot bison and after centrifugation in microhaematocrit tubes directly examined to confirm the infection. RESULTS: Nematodes Setaria labiatopapillosa were found in 71% of examined bisons. They usually laid freely in peritoneal cavity and sometimes also in pleural one. Accidentally single nematodes were observed in omentum on the surface of omasus and on the surface of liver surrounded by connective tissue. Intensity of bison infection by S. labiatopapillosa varied from 1 up to 24 specimens. Both young and old animals were infected with these nematodes. Observed after 3 years period over 30% rise of prevalence of nematodes S. labiatopapillosa, occurrence of these nematodes in all age groups of this host, and high intensity of infection are alarming. Although these nematodes in their typical localization and low level of infection do not evoke visible symptoms, the pathogenity of this species of nematode is not yet sufficiently recognized, and it is the reason, that monitoring of this infection in bison is necessary.

Expansion of the Asiatic parasite Ashworthius sidemi (Nematoda, Trichostrongylidae) in wild ruminants in Polish territory.

The abomasa of 40 wild ruminants (18 red deer, 9 roe deer, 13 European bison) shot in the Bieszczady Mountains and another 8 European bison shot in Bialowieza Primeval Forest, were examined for worms. Ashworthius sidemi was found in all of the animals from the Bieszczady Mountains, and the intensity of infection was usually massive. In Bialowieza Forest few specimens of A. sidemi were noted among three bison. Wild ruminants were infected by A. sidemi from June to September. The nematodes originating from this infection only attained sexual maturity in June of the following year, and from September the process of expelling the parasites of that generation began. From June to autumn, two generations of nematodes, one consisting of mature individuals from the previous year and the other of the current year comprising fourth stage larvae as well as juveniles, occur in these hosts. In the winter and spring periods until June, only one generation of the parasite, arrested fourth-stage larvae and juveniles, occurs in the hosts.

[Forming of gastro-intestinal nematodes fauna of free ranging European bison in Bialowieza Primeval Forest during last 17 years (1984-2001)]. / Ksztaltowanie sie fauny nicieni zoladkowo-jelitowych wolno zyjacych zubrów w puszczy bialowieskiej w ciagu ostatnich 17 lat (1984-2001).

28 European bison of both sexes and in different age shot in Bialowieza Primeval Forest in January 1984, (10 animals), January 1992 (10 animals) and in January and the beginning of February 2001 (8 animals) have been necropsied. The examined animals in mentioned years were of similar age. There were examined abomasa and duodena of shot animals. All necropsied bison were infected with gastro-intestinal nematodes. The highest intensity of infection with nematodes of abomasum was found in 1992 year and with nematodes of duodenum in 2001 year. In the examined period were found as many as 21 species of gastro-intestinal nematodes, and 15 of them occurred in 1984, 16 in 1992 and 17 in 2001; 12 species, namely: Trichostrongylus axei, T. capricola, Ostertagia ostertagi, O. lyrata, O. leptospicularis, O. kolchida, Spiculopteragia boehmi, Cooperia oncophora, Nematodirus helventianus, N. roscidus, N. europaeus and Aonchotheca bilobata occurred in all 3 examined years. The highest mean intensity of infection and the percentage index of intensity of these 12 species of nematodes showed O. leptospicularis which was 45% to 47% of all Ostertagiinae. Beyond of these 12 species of nematodes which occurred in all examined years, there were found 9 species more: Ostertagia antipini, Spiculopteragia mathevossiani, S. asymmetrica, Mazamastrongylus dagestanicus, Cooperia surnabada, C. punctata, C. pectinata, Haemonchus placei and Ashworthius sidemi. They occurred sporadically and in low density. During the examined period, bison have adapted 10 species of parasites from Cervides. Mazamastrongylus dagestanicus - parasite primary typical for moose, was for the first time found in bison.