Insights into the diagnosis, vaccines, and control of Taenia solium, a zoonotic, neglected parasite.

Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis (TSTC) is a foodborne, zoonotic neglected tropical disease affecting predominately low- and middle-income countries. Humans are definitive hosts for T. solium, whereas pigs act as intermediate hosts. Taeniasis, i.e. intestinal infection with adult T. solium in the human host, occurs through ingestion of undercooked pork infected with the larval stage (porcine cysticercosis, PCC). Human cysticercosis occurs after humans ingest T. solium eggs, acting as accidental intermediate hosts. Migration of cysticerci to the human brain results in neurocysticercosis (NCC), manifesting in a variety of clinical symptoms, most notably epilepsy. NCC is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy cases in endemic areas. PCC results in reduced pork value because of condemnation or the risk of condemnation of the meat. Available serological diagnostic tests for porcine and human cysticercosis are characterized by low sensitivity and are not cost-effective. An effective vaccine for T. solium cysticercosis in pigs has been developed, although it is not yet commercially available in all endemic countries, and still no vaccine is available for use in humans. This primer highlights the recent development in the field of diagnostic tests and vaccine production and explores possible strategies for future control and eradication of T. solium. In the absence of highly specific diagnostic tests and human vaccines, treatment of infected pigs and tapeworm carriers and prevention of disease transmission remain the principal means to interrupt the zoonotic cycle of T. solium in endemic countries.

DOCUMENTATION OF TRYPANOSOMA EVANSI IN CAPTIVE TIGERS AND LIONS IN PUNJAB (2016-2018), PAKISTAN.

Trypanosoma evansi is an important hemoparasite of a variety of animal species worldwide. This parasite is a threat to the health of domestic animals as well as wild animals, particularly those managed in captivity. The current study investigated the presence of T. evansi in captive tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and lions (Panthera leo) in Pakistan. In total, 24 blood samples from 11 tigers and 3 lions (n = 14) were collected during the course of roughly 3 yr (2016-2018). Eighteen samples were subjected to both microscopic and molecular evaluation for the presence of T. evansi; the remaining 6 samples were processed for PCR only. Of the 18 samples tested by both methods, 3 (16%) and 8 (44%) were positive by microscopy and PCR, respectively. This highlights the higher sensitivity of PCR over microscopy for detection of trypanosomes. Of the 24 total samples evaluated by PCR, 12 (50%) were positive. The three sequences obtained showed 99% identity with variant surface glycoprotein genes of the different isolates of T. evansi. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of microscopy in identifying T. evansi was 37.5, 100, 100, and 66.7%, respectively, considering PCR as the gold standard. We recommend rigorous monitoring of captive tigers and lions for hemoparasites, particularly in winter and early spring in areas with high infection rate of this parasite, preferably via PCR.

Lumpy skin disease is expanding its geographic range: A challenge for Asian livestock management and food security.

In recent years, lumpy skin disease virus has extended its geographical range outside of endemic sub-Saharan countries to the Middle East and Asia indicating transboundary spread. Recently, lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks have been reported in Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and for the first time and represent a cause of serious concern for their livestock and dairy industries. This report summarizes information on the recent outbreaks of LSD in southern Asia and emphasizes the threat it poses to neighbouring countries. Various strategies and actions needed to control outbreaks of this emerging disease in Asia are also suggested.

Expiry of a completely splenectomised calf in post-operative period due to mixed piroplasm infection: a case report.

Bovine babesiosis is an infectious protozoan disease and causes significant economic losses in terms of production loss and mortality. The genus Babesia belongs to the family Babesiidae order piroplasmida and is transmitted by ticks globally. The signs of disease are particularly prominent in old or immuno-compromised animals. The spleen plays a vital role in defence against hemoparasites like Babesia. A young cross-bred cow calf of about 3 months of age was splenectomised to propagate Babesia in vivo experimentally. Prior to splenectomy, the calf was examined through microscopy and PCR analysis and was found negative for any kind of piroplasms including Babesia. The calf was completely splenectomised, but the calf was naturally infected during its postoperative period. The calf expired after naturally acquiring Babesia bigemina and Theileria annulata during the 11 th day of postoperative period owing to increased parasitaemia, exhibiting typical mixed parasitic infection stigmata e.g. reddish urine, elevated temperature up to 41.38°C. This study concluded that complete splenectomy along with dexamethasone administration in the postop period caused exceptional increase in parasitaemia. This parasitaemia couldn't be countered by any symptomatic treatment because of the absence of spleen and greatly reduced immunity of the animal.