RESUMO
Anthelmintic resistance in livestock animals has been spreading across the world in prevalence and severity. As a result, researchers are exploring alternative strategies to combat this issue, and one promising avenue is the utilization of medicinal plants. This study aims to investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) derived from the leaves of Juglans regia against one of the most detrimental nematode parasites affecting poultry, namely Ascaridia galli (A. galli). For the in vitro studies, adult A. galli worms were collected from the naturally infected chickens and the efficacy of CEE was measured at the concentration of 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml using adult worm motility inhibition (WMI) assay. In addition, levamisole (0.55 mg/ml) was used as the positive control. Likewise, Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as the negative control. For the in vivo studies, CEE of J.regia at the doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg were evaluated in chickens experimentally infected with A. galli. The anthelmintic efficacy was monitored using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and worm count reduction (WCR) assays. In vitro studies revealed significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects of CEE of J.regia on the motility of A. galli worms at different hours post-exposure. At the concentration of 100 mg/ml, CEE resulted in 96.5% inhibition of worm motility at 24 h post-exposure. While the synthetic anthelmintic drug, levamisole caused the highest inhibition of worm motility (100%) at the same time period. The in vivo anthelmintic activity of CEE of J. regia demonstrated a maximum effect on day 14 post-treatment by inducing 67.28% FECR and 65.03% WCR. We observed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in worm counts between the negative control group and the chickens treated with CEE at the dosage of 500 mg/kg. Together, the results of the present study suggest that CEE of J. regia leaves possess anthelmintic properties and could be a potential source of novel anthelmintic compounds for controlling helminth parasites.
Assuntos
Anti-Helmínticos , Ascaridia , Ascaridíase , Galinhas , Juglans , Extratos Vegetais , Folhas de Planta , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Animais , Ascaridia/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Folhas de Planta/química , Juglans/química , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Anti-Helmínticos/farmacologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Ascaridíase/tratamento farmacológico , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Etanol/química , Etanol/farmacologiaRESUMO
Raillietina species and Ascaridia galli are two of the significant intestinal parasites that affect chickens in a free-range system production. They destroy the intestinal mucosa layer, leading to several clinical symptoms such as weight loss, a slowed growth rate, and economic value loss. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop an assay for simultaneously detecting Raillietina spp. (R. echinobothrida, R. tetragona, and R. cesticillus) and A. galli in a single reaction using duplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (dLAMP) coupled with a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assay. The analytical specificity of the dLAMP-LFD assay showed a high specific amplification of Raillietina spp. and A. galli without non-target amplification. Regarding the analytical sensitivity, this approach was capable of simultaneously detecting concentrations as low as 5â¯pg/µL of mixed-targets. To evaluate the efficiency of the dLAMP assay, 30 faecal samples of chickens were verified and compared through microscopic examination. The dLAMP-LFD assay and microscopic examination results showed kappa values of Raillietina spp. and A. galli with moderate (K= 0.615) to high (K= 1) agreements, respectively, while the McNemar's test indicated that the efficiency between assays was not significantly different. Therefore, the developed dLAMP-LFD assay can be used as an alternative screening method to the existing classical method for epidemiological investigation, epidemic control, and farm management, as well as for addressing poultry health problems.
Assuntos
Ascaridia , Ascaridíase , Galinhas , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Animais , Galinhas/parasitologia , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico/veterinária , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico/métodos , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/diagnóstico , Ascaridia/isolamento & purificação , Ascaridia/genética , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Ascaridíase/diagnóstico , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/veterinária , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/métodosRESUMO
AIM OF THE STUDY: The growing resistance of helminth parasites to currently available commercial anthelmintic drugs, combined with apprehensions regarding detrimental chemical residues in livestock products, has sparked an interest in exploring medicinal plants as an alternative strategy for treating helminthiasis. As a result, this study was designed to investigate the anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extracts (CME) of Saussurea costus root on Ascaridia.galli, a pathogenic nematode of poultry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, the anthelmintic effect of Saussurea costus root was evaluated in comparison to commercial anthelmintic, levamisole on the adult nematode parasites, A.galli using worm motility inhibition (WMI) test. The CME of S.costus was also evaluated for in vivo anthelmintic activity in chickens experimentally infected with Ascaridia galli. For the in vivo study, one hundred-day-old chickens were orally infected with embryonated eggs of A. galli worms. The efficacy of the plant extract as an anthelmintic was assessed through two tests: faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test and worm count reduction (WCR) test. The study investigated three distinct doses of plant extract under in vivo setup: 500 mg kg-1 body weight (bw), 1000 mg kg-1 bw, and 2000 mg kg-1 bw. RESULTS: In vitro, all the tested concentrations of S.costus (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) showed a significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects on live adult A. galli worms in terms of inhibition of worm motility at different hours post-treatment. At the highest concentration of the extract, we observed worm motility inhibition of 100% at 24 h post-exposure. On day 14 post-treatment, all birds were slaughtered, and adult A. galli worms were subsequently retrieved from their small intestines. Birds treated with CME extract of S. costus root exhibited a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in faecal egg count. However, the administration of the extract at the dosage of 500 mg kg-1bw to the birds did not reveal any significant (P > 0.05) differences in the worm count compared to the negative control group. The CME of S. costus at a dose of 2000 mg kg-1bw showed the highest anthelmintic activity by inducing 83.10% FECR and 76.47% WCR. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the root extract of S. costus has a promising anthelmintic activity on A. galli as demonstrated by the results of the present experiment.
Assuntos
Anti-Helmínticos , Ascaridia , Ascaridíase , Galinhas , Extratos Vegetais , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Saussurea , Animais , Ascaridia/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/tratamento farmacológico , Anti-Helmínticos/farmacologia , Galinhas/parasitologia , Saussurea/química , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Ascaridíase/tratamento farmacológico , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas , Fezes/parasitologia , Raízes de Plantas/química , Levamisol/farmacologia , Levamisol/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Chicken production is quickly rising due to the low associated costs and the capability of poultry to convert nutrients into biological protein along with chicken meat accounting for 30% of all animal protein eaten by humans. Despite advances in poultry production, parasitic illnesses in laying hens remain a problem. Farm birds reared in semi-intensive and free-range systems are more prone to parasite infections due to the absorption of polluted water and food from scavenging behaviors and waste droppings. In this study, the effects of Ascaridia galli infection on the immune response and liver function of two laying hen lines are compared, and their infection resistance is determined. In total, 50 laying hens at eight weeks of age were used (25 Lohmann brown-classic and 25 Lohmann lsl-lite), and each line was divided into two groups: an infected group (n=15), which was orally infected with a single dose of 500 A. galli embryonated eggs, and a control group (n=10), which was given normal saline. After four and eight weeks, blood was collected from the wing vein to assess the serum's AST, ALT, total protein, and IgY levels. The results demonstrated that the infected Lohmann brown-classic and Lohmann lsl-lite chickens presented significantly increased (P≤0.05) AST, ALT, and IgY, compared to the respective control group. Moreover, Lohmann brown-classic hens presented a significantly increased (P≤0.05) IgY concentration four weeks after infection, compared to Lohmann lsl-lite hens. From our results, it can be concluded that genetic variation plays a crucial role in the immune response against A. galli, where the Lohmann brown-classic line was found to be more resistant, compared to the Lohmann lsl-lite line.
Assuntos
Ascaridia , Ascaridíase , Humanos , Animais , Feminino , Ascaridia/fisiologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Galinhas , Imunidade , FígadoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Ascaridia galli is the largest gut-dwelling helminth of chickens, which confers adverse effects on meat and egg production; thus, on the animal protein supply and the economy. Both adult and immature parasites affect gut health, but larval stages play a major role in pathology. AIMS: Here, we present immunology and pathology of A. galli in chickens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literatures were surveyed through online platforms such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Researchgate. RESULTS: The larvae cause excessive mucus production, damage to the intestinal gland, hemorrhage, anemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The adult worms can cause death by intestinal obstruction and intussusception. Although both cellular and humoral immunity are involved in fighting against ascariasis, the role of naturally acquired immunity is poorly defined. In cellular immunity, Th-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13), goblet cells (mucin), gut-associated lymphoid tissues, CD8α+ intraepithelial cells, TCRγδ + T cells, and TGF-ß4 form a protective band. Type 2 immunity provides protection by forming a network of endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns, chitin, and parasitic antigens. Among antibodies, IgY is the most prominent in chickens and provides temporary humoral protection. During parasitic infection, infiltration of various immune cells is evident, especially in the intestinal epithelium, lamina propria, and crypts of the duodenum and jejunum. In chickens older than 12 weeks, gradual reduction of worm burden is more successful than the younger birds. Female chickens exert a short-lived but higher level of protection by passing IgY to chicks in the form of egg yolk antibodies. In laying conditions, immunity differs between breeds. This review provides an overview of the silent but inevitable pathological changes induced by A. galli and the interaction of host immunity with the parasite.
Assuntos
Ascaridia , Ascaridíase , Animais , Feminino , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Galinhas/parasitologia , Citocinas , Mucosa Intestinal , AnticorposRESUMO
Reports of Ascaridia galli in laying hens in Europe have increased since the ban on conventional battery cages in 2012. As this parasite is transmitted directly via the faecal-oral route by parasite eggs containing a larva, it is reasonable to assume that the escalating problem is related to the increased exposure now occurring in modern welfare-friendly cage-free housing systems. On many farms, A. galli reappears in subsequent flocks, even though the birds have no access to the outdoors, biosecurity is high and empty houses are cleaned and disinfected during downtime. Since the egg production cycle lasts only ≈80 weeks and recombinant antigen production for helminth vaccines has not yet been solved, the development of a vaccine seems to be an unrealistic option. Therefore, disrupting the life cycle of the parasite by other means, including the strategic use of dewormers, appears to be the key to controlling infection. Of concern is that only one class of anthelmintics is licenced for poultry in Europe and that are usually administered indiscriminately through the birds' drinking water and often too late when the parasite is already established. If current calendar-based parasite control strategies are not changed, there is a risk that resistance to anthelmintics may develop, as has already been demonstrated with nematodes in livestock. We insist that treatments can be more effective and the risk of developing drug resistance can be mitigated if we invest in a better understanding of A. galli responses to more prudent and judicious use of anthelmintics. This review identifies knowledge gaps and highlights aspects of sustainable parasite control that require further research to support commercial egg producers.
Assuntos
Anti-Helmínticos , Ascaridíase , Animais , Feminino , Ascaridia/fisiologia , Ascaridíase/tratamento farmacológico , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Galinhas/parasitologia , Anti-Helmínticos/farmacologia , Fezes/parasitologiaRESUMO
This study investigated the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of levamisole (LVS) after intravenous (i.v.) and oral administrations to healthy and Ascaridia galli-infected ducks by developing an infection model. Twenty-four two-week old ducklings were experimentally infected with A. galli. The ducks were monitored for the development of infection and after 8 weeks they were administered with LVS at a single dose of 30 mg/kg by oral or i.v. administration. Sixteen healthy ducks were subjected to the same treatment and served as control. Serial blood samples were taken for LVS determination with HPLC-UV and pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out based on the non-compartmental approach. The LVS therapeutic efficacy was determined 1 week post drug administration by intestinal worm count at necropsy. In vivo data on development of ascariasis in ducks showed that 8 weeks post inoculation the number of eggs per gram of feces reached at least 100 in each bird. After a single dose of LVS, no parasites were recovered upon necropsy. Results of the pharmacokinetic study showed no statistical differences between infected and non-infected birds for both routes of administration. The mean oral bioavailability was slightly below 50% in both experimental groups. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of LVS in ducks was not affected by experimentally-induced ascariasis. A single dose of LVS was found to be efficient against experimental ascariasis in ducks induced by in field isolates of A. galli.
Assuntos
Ascaríase , Ascaridíase , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Animais , Ascaridia , Ascaridíase/tratamento farmacológico , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Levamisol/uso terapêutico , Patos , Ascaríase/veterinária , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Galinhas/parasitologia , ÓvuloRESUMO
Because of the trend of cage-free egg production, infections with the nematode Ascaridia galli are receiving increased attention. The aim of this study was to establish a timeline for the influence of A. galli on the expression of key cytokines related to a parasitic immune response, and on the composition of the jejunal microbiota. Twenty-eight male layer-type birds were challenged at 24, 25, and 26 days of age. An additional 28 birds were kept as uninfected controls. Starting on Day 31, three birds of each group were euthanized every week until 8 wk postinfection (PI). The number of larvae isolated from the intestinal wall decreased over time, until no larvae were seen at 7 and 8 wk PI. At 5 wk PI, there was a numerical upregulation of all cytokines (TGF-ß, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13) in the infected group, but this change was only statistically significant for IL-13. At this time point, larvae were expected to have developed into adults that would have shed eggs in the feces. However, no adult worms were seen and there was no egg shedding. For the microbiota analysis, there were significant differences in the alpha diversity (Faith's phylogenetic diversity) between challenge and control groups, and the beta diversity analysis showed slight differences between samples, suggesting that the age of the birds was the main reason for the separation of groups. These findings suggest that the upregulation of all cytokines evaluated in Week 5 might be the reason for resolution of the infection. Possible explanations are that a high infection dose and the fact that birds were fed with a more nutritionally dense feed might have contributed to the birds' immune system clearing the infection before the worms were able to reach maturity.
La infección por Ascaridia galli no altera significativamente la microbiota intestinal y se elimina tras cambios en la expresión de citocinas. Debido a la tendencia de la producción de huevos libres de jaulas, las infecciones con el nematodo Ascaridia galli están recibiendo una mayor atención. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer una línea de tiempo para la influencia de A. galli en la expresión de citoquinas clave relacionadas con una respuesta inmune parasitaria y en la composición de la microbiota yeyunal. Veintiocho aves macho de tipo postura fueron desafiadas a los 24, 25 y 26 días de edad. Se mantuvieron 28 aves adicionales como controles no infectados. A partir del día 31, se practicó la eutanasia a tres aves de cada grupo cada semana hasta las 8 semanas posteriores a la infección (PI). El número de larvas aisladas de la pared intestinal disminuyó con el tiempo, hasta que no se observaron larvas a las 7 y 8 semanas después de la infección. A las cinco semanas post-infección, hubo una regulación ascendente numérica de todas las citoquinas (TGF-ß, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13) en el grupo infectado, pero este cambio solo fue estadísticamente significativo para IL-13. En ese momento, se esperaba que las larvas se hubieran convertido en adultos que eliminarían huevos en las heces. Sin embargo, no se observaron nemátodos adultos y no hubo eliminación de huevos. Para el análisis de microbiota, hubo diferencias significativas en la diversidad alfa (diversidad filogenética de Faith) entre los grupos de desafío y control y el análisis de diversidad beta mostró ligeras diferencias entre las muestras, lo que sugiere que la edad de las aves fue la razón principal de la separación de los grupos. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la regulación al alza de todas las citocinas evaluadas en la semana 5 podría ser el motivo de la resolución de la infección. Las posibles explicaciones son que una dosis alta de infección y el hecho de que las aves fueran alimentadas con un alimento más denso desde el punto de vista nutricional podrían haber contribuido a que el sistema inmunitario de las aves eliminara la infección antes de que los nemátodos pudieran alcanzar la madurez.
Assuntos
Ascaridíase , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Animais , Masculino , Ascaridia , Ascaridíase/imunologia , Ascaridíase/microbiologia , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Galinhas , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/imunologia , Filogenia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/microbiologia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologiaRESUMO
Eggs in the infective stage of the chicken nematode Ascaridia galli are often required for in vivo and in vitro studies on this parasite. The reliability of any artificial A. galli infection depends on the viability and embryonation capacity of A. galli eggs. The aim of this study was to determine ideal storage conditions for maximising the viability of A. galli eggs and maintaining viability for the longest period. A 2â¯×â¯2 × 3â¯×â¯5 factorial experimental design was employed to investigate the effects of storage temperature (4°C or 26°C), storage condition (aerobic or anaerobic), storage medium (water, 0.1â¯Nâ¯H2SO4 or 2% formalin) and storage period (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks). The viability of eggs was assessed after eggs in all treatment groups were held aerobically at 26°C for 2 weeks after the storage period to test embryonation capacity. Based on morphological characteristics, they were categorised as undeveloped, developing, vermiform, embryonated or dead. The maintenance of viability during storage at 4°C was optimal under anaerobic conditions while at 26°C it was optimal under aerobic conditions. Anaerobic conditions at 26°C led to a rapid loss of viability while aerobic conditions at 4°C had a less severe negative effect on maintenance of viability. Egg storage in 0.1â¯Nâ¯H2SO4 resulted in a significantly higher viability overall (54.7%) than storage in 2% formalin (49.2%) or water (37.3%) (Pâ¯<â¯0.0001). Untreated water was the least favourable storage medium when eggs were stored at 26°C while it was a medium of intermediate quality at 4°C. The viability of A. galli eggs decreased significantly with storage time (Pâ¯<â¯0.0001) depending on the other factors. The lowest rate of decline was seen with storage of eggs under anaerobic conditions at 4°C or aerobic conditions at 26°C in 0.1â¯Nâ¯H2SO4. Eggs in these treatments retained up to 72% of overall viability at 20 weeks with a decline rate of approximately 2% per week with no significant difference between the two. Therefore, this study has clearly revealed opposing aerobic conditions required for prolonged storage of A. galli eggs in the pre-embryonated state at 4°C. It has also identified that 0.1â¯Nâ¯H2SO4 provides the best preservation against degradation during storage, particularly at 26°C under aerobic conditions. Achieving strictly anaerobic conditions can be difficult to achieve so storage aerobically at 26°C may be preferred for simplicity.
Assuntos
Ascaridíase , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Animais , Ascaridia , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Galinhas , Formaldeído , Óvulo , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Projetos de Pesquisa , ÁguaRESUMO
Since the EU ban on battery cages, many studies have listed Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum as the most common roundworms in the European laying hen population. A complicating factor is that the eggs of these parasites are almost identical. Thus, lack of molecular diagnostic approaches has driven epidemiological studies to take on necropsy for species discrimination, which is labor and cost intensive. Here, we describe a novel diagnostic tool based on droplet digital PCR for simultaneous identification and absolute quantification of the eggs of both of these ascarids in chickens' droppings using two different genus-specific primer-probe sets targeting the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2) in the nuclear ribosomal (rRNA) gene array. No cross-reaction was observed when different combinations of DNA and species-specific primers and probes were tested. The lowest obtained frequency threshold for the detection of H. gallinarum in the presence of a constant A. galli DNA concentration was determined to be 0.8 %. After validation, we used the assay to analyze field samples collected from several Swedish laying hen farms. Out of 134 samples, 86 (64 %) were positive for A. galli while 11 (8.3 %) samples were positive for H. gallinarum. These samples were initially analyzed with flotation technique for detection of ascarid eggs. The results of the Cohen's kappa indicated substantial agreement (85.8 %) between the two tests. In conclusion, we have validated a novel molecular-based diagnostic tool for quantification and differentiation between intestinal parasites of major importance in chickens with high precision. Although this study focuses on identification of parasites of laying hens, the findings may well have a bearing on all types of chicken production systems. The present study lays the groundwork for future research into epidemiology of these two important chicken parasite species.
Assuntos
Ascaridia , Ascaridíase , Nematoides , Infecções por Nematoides , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Animais , Ascaridia/genética , Ascaridíase/diagnóstico , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Galinhas , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Fezes/parasitologia , Feminino , Nematoides/genética , Infecções por Nematoides/diagnóstico , Infecções por Nematoides/parasitologia , Infecções por Nematoides/veterinária , Óvulo , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/normas , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/diagnóstico , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologiaRESUMO
Worm control is an important aspect of the successful management of the egg production industry. Of particular concern is Ascaridia galli, which at high parasite loads affect health and production in layers. Application of a targeted treatment strategy (TT) to control A. galli has shown promise. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of such a strategy on welfare indicators and production performance of layers. Six flocks (F1-6) on a commercial farm were allocated to three treatment groups. Flocks F1 and F4 were treated (TT) with fenbendazole at 22, 27 and 36 weeks post-placement (WPP). Flocks F2 and F5 were treated at 27 WPP (conventional treatment, CT) and hens in flocks F3 and F6 served as untreated (UT) control groups. At 19, 35 and 45 WPP twenty-five hens plus thirty eggs per flock were randomly selected. Hens were weighed and their plumage conditions (PC) were assessed. The eggs were subjected to various external and interior quality analyses. Production data such as number of eggs/hen/week, egg mass and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated from raw data obtained from all flocks on a weekly basis. The number of eggs/hen/week, egg mass and FCR were higher (Pâ¯<â¯0.05) in the TT flocks and hens had better PC both at 35 and 45 WPP compared with other flocks. No differences in body weight and physical egg quality were observed between groups except for egg shell strength which was higher (Pâ¯<â¯0.05) in the CT flocks. These data suggest that better production performance and plumage, which suggests improved health, can be achieved through the application of a TT strategy. The insights gained from this research should help to justify the extra cost and labor associated with the TT strategy.
Assuntos
Ascaridíase/veterinária , Galinhas , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/prevenção & controle , Criação de Animais Domésticos , Animais , Ascaridia/fisiologia , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Ascaridíase/prevenção & controle , Galinhas/fisiologia , Feminino , Óvulo/fisiologia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , ReproduçãoAssuntos
Antinematódeos/farmacologia , Ascaridia/efeitos dos fármacos , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Carica/química , Galinhas , Mimosa/química , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Antinematódeos/química , Ascaridíase/tratamento farmacológico , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Camarões , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Folhas de Planta/química , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Sementes/químicaRESUMO
This study provides insights about the diversity, prevalence and distribution of alpine wild galliformes gastrointestinal parasite community, trying to fill a gap in the scientific information currently available in scientific literature. The analysis included three host species: 77 rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis), 83 black grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix) and 26 rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta helveticus) shot during the hunting seasons 2008-2015. Parasites isolated were Ascaridia compar, Capillaria caudinflata and cestodes. The rock ptarmigan was free from gastrointestinal parasites, whereas the most prevalent helminth (37%) was A. compar in both black grouse and rock partridge. C. caudinflata occurrence was significantly higher in black grouse (prevalence = 10%, mean abundance = 0.6 parasites/sampled animal) than in rock partridge (prevalence = 1.20%, mean abundance = 0.01 parasites/sampled animal). Significant differences were detected among hunting districts. A. compar was found with a significant higher degree of infestation in the hunting districts in the northern part of the study area whereas cestodes abundance was higher in Lanzo Valley. Quantitative analysis of risk factors was carried out using a generalized linear model (GLM) only on the most common parasite (A. compar). Latitude was the only factors associated with infestation risk (OR = 52.4). This study provides information on the composition and variability of the parasite community in the alpine Galliformes species.
Assuntos
Ascaridíase/veterinária , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologia , Infecções por Cestoides/veterinária , Infecções por Enoplida/veterinária , Galliformes , Enteropatias Parasitárias/epidemiologia , Animais , Ascaridia/isolamento & purificação , Ascaridíase/epidemiologia , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Biodiversidade , Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Capillaria/isolamento & purificação , Cestoides/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Cestoides/epidemiologia , Infecções por Cestoides/parasitologia , Infecções por Enoplida/epidemiologia , Infecções por Enoplida/parasitologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Enteropatias Parasitárias/parasitologia , Itália/epidemiologia , PrevalênciaRESUMO
A 25-year-old male patient, who had terminal stage skin cancer (malignant melanocytic neoplasia) on his skin of arm was infected with white, round, worm parasites in the lesion area of the skin. Parasites were collected with a thin forceps in a petri dish, cleaned in warm physiological saline, fixed by 70% hot ethyl alcohol and clarified in lactophenol, respectively. All 14 female and 7 male nematodes, some of which had partial autolysis, were identified as Ascaridia galli, a chicken nematode. Due to the fact that it is a very rare case in the medical literature, we wish to report it.
Assuntos
Ascaridia/isolamento & purificação , Ascaridíase/diagnóstico , Melanoma/complicações , Neoplasias Cutâneas/complicações , Adulto , Animais , Braço , Ascaridia/classificação , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Galinhas/parasitologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologiaRESUMO
Gastrointestinal nematodes are re-emerging in countries where the popularity of free-range poultry production systems is increasing. Amongst all gastrointestinal nematodes, Ascaridia galli is of significant concern due to the parasite's direct life cycle and ability to survive extreme environmental conditions. In laying hens, A. galli parasites have been associated with reduced health, welfare, immunity, and egg production. Direct losses are caused by obstruction and damage of the intestinal tract in hens when high worm burdens are present. These result in reduction in egg production and body weight of infected laying hens, consequently leading to significant economic losses for farmers. Furthermore, heavy infections with A. galli may lead to increased mortality within the flock. Indirect losses are due to suppression of immune system function which can increase susceptibility to secondary infections. Infection with A. galli can also alter nutrient utilization and absorption. Levels of anti- A. galli serum and egg yolk antibodies increase following A. galli infection. Elevated antibodies can be used as an indicator of current or previous infections and therefore can be used as a diagnostic tool. The impact of A. galli on hen health and welfare manifests through the depletion of liver lipid reserves and increased use of energy reserves to mount immune responses against the parasite. This review highlights the variable effects of A. galli infection on the performance, health, egg quality, and emphasizes especially on immune responses of free-range laying hens as well as it evaluates various potential detection methods and preventive and control measures of this parasitic disease.
Assuntos
Ascaridia/fisiologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Galinhas , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/imunologia , Animais , Ascaridíase/imunologia , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Feminino , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , ReproduçãoRESUMO
The detection and quantification of nematode eggs using fecal egg count techniques have an irreplaceable role in equine parasitic control. The reliability, particularly precision and accuracy, of individual techniques have been described only for strongylid infections. The aim of this study was to compare three fecal egg count techniques used for the detection of the two most common equine nematode infections: strongylid and ascarid. The Simple McMaster, Concentration McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC techniques were tested on spiked fecal samples with various levels of egg concentration (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 3000 eggs per gram) and naturally infected mixed strongylid-ascarid samples with 30 replicates. The Simple McMaster, Concentration McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC techniques had precision coefficients of variation of 44.33, 35.64 and 18.25% for the strongylid infection and 62.95, 35.71 and 18.95% for the ascarid infection, and percent accuracies (mean count/number of eggs spiked) of 97.53, 88.39 and 74.18% for the strongylid infection and 65.53, 83.18 and 90.28% for the ascarid infection, respectively. Accuracy depended greatly on the type of nematode, but precision did not. The Mini-FLOTAC technique was more precise than the Simple and Concentration McMaster techniques regardless of nematode type. Simple McMaster was the most accurate technique for detecting strongylid eggs, and Mini-FLOTAC was the most accurate technique for detecting ascarid eggs. Our results indicated that none of the current techniques were universally and sufficiently reliable for the simultaneous quantification of both of these common equine nematodes.
Assuntos
Ascaridíase/veterinária , Fezes/parasitologia , Doenças dos Cavalos/diagnóstico , Doenças dos Cavalos/parasitologia , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/veterinária , Infecções Equinas por Strongyloidea/diagnóstico , Infecções Equinas por Strongyloidea/parasitologia , Animais , Ascaridíase/diagnóstico , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Cavalos , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/normas , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
An important factor in efficient production of poultry is management of parasites. Ascaridia dissimilis is the most prevalent small intestinal nematode parasite of turkeys with up to 100% of flocks infected. High worm burdens can cause necrotic enteritis leading to high mortality in flocks. Recently, we were made aware of multiple cases where high burdens were seen at slaughter despite the administration of anthelmintics at frequent intervals, suggesting that resistance may have evolved in A. dissimilis. To address this issue, we obtained eggs of A. dissimilis from 4 commercial turkey farms and performed controlled efficacy tests to determine if fenbendazole resistance was present. Three farms had histories of frequent use of fenbendazole and worms found at slaughter, suggesting they may have resistance, and one was an organic farm where we had no additional history other than the farm had transitioned to organic production a few years earlier. For each worm isolate there were 2 treated and 2 untreated groups containing 9 birds each, with all groups being replicated in 2 separate rooms. Birds were infected with approximately 200 infective eggs, and treated groups received fenbendazole in the water (SafeGuard Aquasol, 1 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days starting on day 24 post-infection. One week after the last treatment birds were necropsied, intestinal contents were collected and worms enumerated. Three of the four isolates demonstrated greater than 99% efficacy, indicating they were fully susceptible to fenbendazole. However, the fourth isolate demonstrated a significantly reduced efficacy of 63.89%, indicating the presence of resistance. Interestingly, this was the organic farm, whereas the 3 farms with "suspected" resistance all turned out to be fully susceptible. Given that 1 randomly acquired isolate of A. dissimilis, out of 4 tested, demonstrated resistance in this study, fenbendazole resistance may be a much larger problem on turkey farms than is currently recognized. Additional studies are needed to determine the prevalence of resistance, as well as the economic impact that resistant A. dissimilis have on turkey production.
Assuntos
Antinematódeos/farmacologia , Ascaridia/efeitos dos fármacos , Resistência a Medicamentos , Fenbendazol/farmacologia , Perus , Animais , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Feminino , Masculino , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologiaRESUMO
Worm expulsion is known to occur in mammalian hosts exposed to mono-species helminth infections, whilst this phenomenon is poorly described in avian hosts. Mono-species infections, however, are rather rare under natural circumstances. Therefore, we quantified the extent and duration of worm expulsion by chickens experimentally infected with both Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, and investigated the accompanying humoral and cell-mediated host immune responses in association with population dynamics of the worms. Results demonstrated the strong co-expulsion of the two ascarid species in three phases. The expulsion patterns were characterized by non-linear alterations separated by species-specific time thresholds. Ascaridia galli burden decreased at a daily expulsion rate (e) of 4.3 worms up to a threshold of 30.5â¯days p.i., followed by a much lower second expulsion rate (eâ¯=â¯0.46), which resulted in almost, but not entirely, complete expulsion. Heterakis gallinarum was able to induce reinfection within the experimental period (9â¯weeks). First generation H. gallinarum worms were expelled at a daily rate of eâ¯=â¯0.8 worms until 36.4â¯days p.i., and thereafter almost no expulsion occurred. Data on both humoral and tissue-specific cellular immune responses collectively indicated that antibody production in chickens with multispecies ascarid infections is triggered by Th2 polarisation. Local Th2 immune responses and mucin-regulating genes are associated with the regulation of worm expulsion. In conclusion, the chicken host is able to eliminate the vast majority of both A. galli and H. gallinarum in three distinct phases. Worm expulsion was strongly associated with the developmental stages of the worms, where the elimination of juvenile stages was specifically targeted. A very small percentage of worms was nevertheless able to survive, reach maturity and induce reinfection if given sufficient time to complete their life cycle. Both humoral and local immune responses were associated with worm expulsion.
Assuntos
Ascaridia/imunologia , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Galinhas/parasitologia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Infecções por Spirurida/veterinária , Spirurina/imunologia , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Ascaridíase/imunologia , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , Ceco/imunologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Feminino , Íleo/imunologia , Imunidade Celular , Imunoglobulinas/sangue , Jejuno/imunologia , Masculino , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/veterinária , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/imunologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real/veterinária , Análise de Regressão , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Infecções por Spirurida/imunologia , Infecções por Spirurida/parasitologia , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Ascaridia (A.) galli is one of the most commonly occurring nematodes in poultry worldwide, often in hens and broiler chickens. The infection with Ascaridia galli in free-range chickens was even 70%. There is not much information about A. galli genetic features. The present study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity of A. galli isolated from hens in Poland by analyzing the nucleotide sequence of the region ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2 and to define its homology within the family Ascaridiidae. Adult A. galli were collected from the intestines of naturally infected hens from two flocks of free-run laying hens from the Wielkopolska region in Poland. From all parasites an identical ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2 sequence was obtained, which was homologous in 99% with A. columbae (JQ995321.1) sequence. The high homology sequences of A. galli (KX683286) from Poland and A. columbae (JQ995321.1) isolate from the USA, support the observations of other authors suggesting that A. galli and A. columbae might be closely related. It is the first whole ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2 of A. galli in the GenBank database, so there is not enough data for detailed phylogenetic analysis of A. galli. Detailed genetic analysis is necessary to get better insight into the birds' Ascaridia species.
Assuntos
Ascaridia/isolamento & purificação , Ascaridíase/veterinária , Galinhas/parasitologia , Variação Genética , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Animais , Ascaridia/genética , Ascaridíase/parasitologia , DNA de Helmintos/química , DNA de Helmintos/genética , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/química , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/genética , Feminino , Intestinos/parasitologia , Filogenia , PolôniaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia can degrade ascarid (e.g. Ascaridia galli) eggs in agar and soil in vitro. However, it has not been investigated how this translates to reduced infection levels in naturally exposed chickens. We thus tested the infectivity of soil artificially contaminated with A. galli (and a few Heterakis gallinarum) eggs and treated with P. chlamydosporia. Sterilised and non-sterilised soils were used to examine any influence of natural soil biota. METHODS: Unembryonated eggs were mixed with sterilised (S)/non-sterilised (N) soil, either treated with the fungus (F) or left as untreated controls (C) and incubated (22 °C, 35 days) to allow eggs to embryonate and fungus to grow. Egg number in soil was estimated on days 0 and 35 post-incubation. Hens were exposed to the soil (SC/SF/NC/NF) four times over 12 days by mixing soil into the feed. On day 42 post-first-exposure (p.f.e.), the hens were euthanized and parasites were recovered. Serum A. galli IgY level and ascarid eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were examined on days -1 and 36 (IgY) or 40 p.f.e. (EPG). RESULTS: Egg recovery in SF soil was substantially lower than in SC soil, but recovery was not significantly different between NF and NC soils. SF hens had a mean worm count of 76 whereas the other groups had means of 355-453. Early mature/mature A. galli were recovered from SF hens whereas hens in the other groups harboured mainly immature A. galli. Heterakis gallinarum counts were low overall, especially in SF. The SF post-exposure IgY response was significantly lower while EPG was significantly higher compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pochonia chlamydosporia was very effective in reducing ascarid egg numbers in sterilised soil and thus worm burdens in the exposed hens. However, reduced exposure of hens shifted A. galli populations toward a higher proportion of mature worms and resulted in a higher faecal egg excretion within the study period. This highlights a fundamental problem in ascarid control: if not all eggs in the farm environment are inactivated, the resulting low level infections may result in higher contamination levels with associated negative long-term consequences.