Fasciola hepatica and rumen flukes - in vitro evaluation of main commercial anthelmintics

Background: Trematode infections are of great importance as they affect the health of many species of mammals as cattle, sheep and goat. Fasciola hepatica represents the main trematode zoonosis and risks to human and cattle and paramphistomosis is one emerging parasitic diseases of ruminants widely distributed in the world. The economic expenses are incurred by the use of ineffective anthelmintics for trematode control. Besides to faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) to determine the anthelmintic efficacy, can be used in vitro assays, by this the aim of the study was to determine the lethal doses (LD) with hatching egg test (EHT) of the main commercial anthelmintics used for the control of trematodes in cattle. Materials, Methods & Results: Liver and rumen were examined from cattle slaughtered in Tabasco, Chiapas and Campeche states from Mexico. F. hepatica eggs were recovered from gallbladder and rumen fluke eggs collected from adult parasites in saline solution. Subsequently, the hatching egg assays were performed placing 100 trematode eggs in distilled water in each one of 96 wells of polystyrene plates. After making the appropriate dilutions, several concentrations of commercial anthelmintics were evaluated, ranging from 0.04 to 80.63 mM for triclabendazole + 0.046 to 96.87 mM febendazole (TC+FBZ), from 0.04 to 91 mM for rafoxanide (RAFOX), from 0.02 to 43.74 mM for closantel (CLOS), from 0.036 to 76.18 mM for clorsulon + 0.002 to 3.31 mM ivermectin (CLORS+ IVM) and from 0.163 to 334.47 mM for nitroxynil (NITROX). A control group (water) was included in each plate. Lethal doses were obtained using the Probit procedure and analysis of the means with a one-way statistical design. Most drugs used against rumen fluke eggs presented a high LD50 and therefore were ineffective to cause egg mortality, such was the case of RAFOX that presented LD50 from 4,580 to 10,790 µg/mL (7 to 17 mM). CLOS presented the lowest LD50 (80 µg/mL or 0.12 mM) on rumen fluke eggs. TC+FBZ was found to be effective drug against the development of F. hepatica eggs in many samples. In the same way NITROX showed a low LD50 (37 to 63 µg/mL or 0.13 to 0.22 mM), but RAFOX presented a highest LD50 (1,450 µg/mL or 2.32 mM). Discussion: The present study focused on screen the ovicidal activity and determining in vitro lethal doses 50 of main commercial anthelmintics used to control F. hepatica and rumen fluke as rapid tests in a tropical region from Mexico. The FECRT is the main method to detect effectiveness of anthelmintic and other method is the coproantigen reduction test (CRT) by ELISA. Both tests require many infected animals depending the number of treatments and by this the egg hatch assay (EHA) represent a complementary diagnosis of effectiveness of anthelmintic products to compare between regions and even between farms, because few animals are required from the farm to collect trematode eggs, and it is possible to know the effectiveness against various anthelmintics at the same time. Efficacy studies on trematodes using egg hatching tests are scarce, although they have the advantage that they can be applied to both F. hepatica and rumen fluke. TC+FBZ was one of the most effective products in inhibiting the development of F. hepatica eggs. However, RAFOX showed low effectiveness against trematode eggs, with very high lethal doses. These results agree with a study that show low efficacy against the development of Paramphistomum cervi eggs and with the FECRT test reductions of 75% and 80.58% were obtained, in times from 7 to 84 days after treatment with RAFOX. NITROX and CLORS were drugs that had good efficacy on the development of F. hepatica eggs. A differential response between liver and rumen fluke was observed. The anthelmintics used against rumen fluke eggs show low ovicidal activity and in Fasciola hepatica TC+FBZ show the best activity

Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis and economic losses in an abattoir located in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Prevalência de fasciolose bovina e perdas econômicas em um abatedouro frigorífico localizado no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil

Bovine fasciolosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that causes economic losses to beef production chains due to liver condemnation at abattoirs. Despite the characterization of Bovine fasciolosis in several areas of Brazil, an update on its prevalence in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo is lacking. Thus, fasciolosis prevalence from 2018 to 2021 is presented here according to cattle origin (municipalities of both states). In addition, the associated economic impact on an abbatoir was analyzed through liver condemnation of bovines from both states. The prevalence of fasciolosis in the state of Espírito Santo (10.4%) was significantly higher than Rio de Janeiro (3.6%) (P < 0.01), and resulted in an economic loss of US$12,678.60 for the abattoir. The following municipalities located in the state of Espírito Santo presented prevalences above the mean (10.3%) established in the study: Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá and Ibitirama. Thus, majority of these municipalities are considered high-risk areas. Although, there is an aparrent reduction of fasciolosis prevalence, it continues to be a cause of economic losses in abattoirs especially in the state of Espírito Santo. Accordingly, prophylactic measures must still be adopted in cattle farms.

A fasciolose bovina é uma zoonose parasitária negligenciada que resulta em perdas econômicas para a cadeia produtiva da carne devido à condenação de fígado em abatedouros-frigoríficos. Essa doença é descrita em diversas áreas do Brasil, mas existe uma deficiência de informações atuais sobre a prevalência nos estados do Rio de Janeiro e Espírito Santo. Essa nota descreve a prevalência de fasciolose de 2018 a 2021 de acordo com o município de origem e o impacto econômico devido à condenação de fígados em um abatedouro que recebe animais de ambos os estados. A prevalência no Estado do Espírito Santo (10,4%) foi significativamente maior do que no Rio de Janeiro (3,6%) (P < 0,01) e resultou em uma perda econômica de R$ 64.636,00. Os municípios de Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá e Ibitirama apresentaram prevalência superior à prevalência desse estudo (10,3%), sendo que esses municípios vem sendo reconhecidos como áreas de alto risco. Apesar de uma aparente redução na prevalência da enfermidade, a fasciolose persiste como uma causa de perdas econômicas aos abatedouros, especialmente no Estado do Espírito Santo, e medidas profiláticas ainda precisam ser adotadas nas fazendas.

First description of bacillary hemoglobinuria in a cattle in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Bacillary hemoglobinuria (BH) is a histotoxic infection caused by Clostridium haemolyticum that affects mostly cattle parasitized with trematodes. The aim of present study was to describe an atypical case of BH in a cow without access to flooded areas and without parasitism by Fasciola hepatica. After eight days of sternal decubitus and apathy, a Nellore cow was euthanized and necropsied. During postmortem examination, mild jaundice, black urine and multifocal lesions in the liver were observed. Histopathology revealed multifocal coagulation foci of necrosis in liver and basophilic bacillary structures, which were confirmed as C. haemolyticum by bacterial isolation, PCR and sequencing techniques. This is the first description of BH in cattle in Minas Gerais state, Brazil and highlight the need for of inclusion of BH as differential diagnosis even in animals not parasitized by trematodes.(AU)

Description of Lutziella swatensis sp. n (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) from Rattus rattus in Swat, Pakistan / Descrição de Lutziella swatensis sp. n (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) de Rattus rattus em Swat, Paquistão

A new species of the genus Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 is described here and named Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. from the liver of rat (Rattus rattus L.). The new species is characterized by having body flat, smooth, longer than broad with maximum width at the level of the ovary, oral sucker with weak musculature, pharynx small; eosophagus long; caeca of irregular shape which bifurcate on the anterior border of the ovary in to unequal portions, acetabulum weakly muscular, post-testicular, testes lobed, cirrus pouch somewhat median, small in size containing winding seminal vesicle, prostatic complex and short ejaculatory duct. Genital pore median. Ovary post testicular, submedian; seminal receptacle overlapping ovary, laurer’s canal present. Vitellaria follicular extending on each side from almost the level of testes to anterior portion of posterior half of the body. Uterus filled with eggs occupying most of the body, eggs oval rather small, numerous, brownish in colour, excretory vesicle tubular with terminal pore. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. is the second species of the genus known from Pakistan as well as the second species described from murid rodents in the world.

Uma nova espécie do gênero Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 é descrita aqui e denominada Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. do fígado do rato (Rattus rattus L.). A nova espécie é caracterizada por ter corpo liso, liso, mais longo que largo com largura máxima ao nível do ovário, otário oral com musculatura débil, faringe pequena; eosôfago longo; ceco de forma irregular que se bifurca na borda anterior do ovário em porções desiguais, acetábulo fracamente muscular, pós-testicular, testículos lobados, bolsa cirrus um pouco mediana, pequeno em tamanho contendo vesícula seminal sinuosa, complexo prostático e ducto ejaculatório curto. Mediana dos poros genitais. Ovário pós testicular, submediano; ovário sobreposto do receptáculo seminal, canal de laurer presente. Vitellaria folicular que se estende de cada lado de quase o nível dos testículos para a porção anterior da metade posterior do corpo. Útero cheio de ovos que ocupam a maior parte do corpo, oval ovos bastante pequenos, numerosos, de cor acastanhada, vesícula excretor tubular com poro terminal. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. é a segunda espécie do gênero conhecida do Paquistão, bem como a segunda espécie descrita de roedores do mundo.

Description of Lutziella swatensis sp. n (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) from Rattus rattus in Swat, Pakistan / Descrição de Lutziella swatensis sp. n (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) de Rattus rattus em Swat, Paquistão

A new species of the genus Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 is described here and named Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. from the liver of rat (Rattus rattus L.). The new species is characterized by having body flat, smooth, longer than broad with maximum width at the level of the ovary, oral sucker with weak musculature, pharynx small; eosophagus long; caeca of irregular shape which bifurcate on the anterior border of the ovary in to unequal portions, acetabulum weakly muscular, post-testicular, testes lobed, cirrus pouch somewhat median, small in size containing winding seminal vesicle, prostatic complex and short ejaculatory duct. Genital pore median. Ovary post testicular, submedian; seminal receptacle overlapping ovary, laurers canal present. Vitellaria follicular extending on each side from almost the level of testes to anterior portion of posterior half of the body. Uterus filled with eggs occupying most of the body, eggs oval rather small, numerous, brownish in colour, excretory vesicle tubular with terminal pore. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. is the second species of the genus known from Pakistan as well as the second species described from murid rodents in the world.(AU)

Uma nova espécie do gênero Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 é descrita aqui e denominada Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. do fígado do rato (Rattus rattus L.). A nova espécie é caracterizada por ter corpo liso, liso, mais longo que largo com largura máxima ao nível do ovário, otário oral com musculatura débil, faringe pequena; eosôfago longo; ceco de forma irregular que se bifurca na borda anterior do ovário em porções desiguais, acetábulo fracamente muscular, pós-testicular, testículos lobados, bolsa cirrus um pouco mediana, pequeno em tamanho contendo vesícula seminal sinuosa, complexo prostático e ducto ejaculatório curto. Mediana dos poros genitais. Ovário pós testicular, submediano; ovário sobreposto do receptáculo seminal, canal de laurer presente. Vitellaria folicular que se estende de cada lado de quase o nível dos testículos para a porção anterior da metade posterior do corpo. Útero cheio de ovos que ocupam a maior parte do corpo, oval ovos bastante pequenos, numerosos, de cor acastanhada, vesícula excretor tubular com poro terminal. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. é a segunda espécie do gênero conhecida do Paquistão, bem como a segunda espécie descrita de roedores do mundo.(AU)

Spatial distribution analysis of bovine fascioliasis cases recorded in an abattoir in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Análise da distribuição espacial dos casos de fasciolose bovina registrados em abatedouro de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Fascioliasis is a zoonosis of global distribution caused by the parasitic trematode Fasciola spp. Infection in humans can occur in areas endemic for animal fascioliasis, suggesting the need for studies on this parasitosis and its determinants. This exploratory study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of bovine fascioliasis in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, based on cases notified between 2015 and 2017 in a state abattoir, located in the municipality of Orleans, and to associate disease occurrence with altitude, temperature, and rainfall. The research was conducted at Centro Universitário Barriga Verde (UNIBAVE)/Orleans, SC and Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Rio de Janeiro, RJ. During the study period, the abattoir received animals from 58 municipalities in that state. Of the animals slaughtered in that period, 10,81% were infected with Fasciola hepatica. Presence of bovine fascioliasis infection was identified in the South and Southeast regions of the state, with higher prevalence rates in the latter. There was an association between low altitudes and higher occurrence of cases in the municipalities assessed. In addition, prevalence of bovine fascioliasis was higher in municipalities with high temperatures and low rainfall. Therefore, these results should be considered for planning disease control measures in the South and Southeast regions of the state of Santa Catarina.

A fasciolose é uma zoonose de distribuição global causada pelo parasita Fasciola spp. Infecções em humanos podem ocorrer em áreas endêmicas para fasciolose animal, sugerindo a necessidade de estudos sobre essa parasitose e seus determinantes. O presente estudo exploratório teve como objetivo analisar a distribuição espacial da fasciolose bovina, no estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, a partir de casos notificados entre 2015 e 2017 no abatedouro frigorífico estadual, localizado em Orleans, SC, e associar a ocorrência da doença a altitude, temperatura e precipitação. A pesquisa foi conduzida na Universidade Barriga Verde em Orleans, SC e na Fundação Oswaldo Cruz no Rio de Janeiro, RJ. No período de análise o matadouro recebeu animais de 58 municípios do estado de Santa Catarina. Dos animais abatidos nesse período, 10,81% estavam infectados por Fasciola hepatica. A presença da infecção por fasciolose foi encontrada no Sul no território estudado, com maiores prevalências no Sudeste do estado. Houve uma associação entre baixas altitudes e maior ocorrência de fasciolose nos municípios. A prevalência de fasciolose bovina foi também maior em municípios com altas temperaturas e com baixa pluviosidade. Sendo assim, esses resultados devem ser levados em consideração para o planejamento de medidas de controle da doença no Sul de Santa Catarina.

Description of Lutziella swatensis sp.n. (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) from Rattus rattus in Swat, Pakistan / Descrição de Lutziella swatensis sp.n. (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae) de Rattus rattus em Swat, Paquistão

A new species of the genus Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 is described here and named Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. from the liver of rat (Rattus rattus L.). The new species is characterized by having body flat, smooth, longer than broad with maximum width at the level of the ovary, oral sucker with weak musculature, pharynx small; eosophagus long; caeca of irregular shape which bifurcate on the anterior border of the ovary in to unequal portions, acetabulum weakly muscular, post-testicular, testes lobed, cirrus pouch somewhat median, small in size containing winding seminal vesicle, prostatic complex and short ejaculatory duct. Genital pore median. Ovary post testicular, submedian; seminal receptacle overlapping ovary, laurer's canal present. Vitellaria follicular extending on each side from almost the level of testes to anterior portion of posterior half of the body. Uterus filled with eggs occupying most of the body, eggs oval rather small, numerous, brownish in colour, excretory vesicle tubular with terminal pore. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. is the second species of the genus known from Pakistan as well as the second species described from murid rodents in the world.

Uma nova espécie do gênero Lutziella (Rohde, 1966) Yamaguti, 1971 é descrita aqui e denominada Lutziella swatensis sp.nov. do fígado do rato (Rattus rattus L.). A nova espécie é caracterizada por ter corpo liso, liso, mais longo que largo com largura máxima ao nível do ovário, otário oral com musculatura débil, faringe pequena; eosôfago longo; ceco de forma irregular que se bifurca na borda anterior do ovário em porções desiguais, acetábulo fracamente muscular, pós-testicular, testículos lobados, bolsa cirrus um pouco mediana, pequeno em tamanho contendo vesícula seminal sinuosa, complexo prostático e ducto ejaculatório curto. Mediana dos poros genitais. Ovário pós testicular, submediano; ovário sobreposto do receptáculo seminal, canal de laurer presente. Vitellaria folicular que se estende de cada lado de quase o nível dos testículos para a porção anterior da metade posterior do corpo. Útero cheio de ovos que ocupam a maior parte do corpo, oval ovos bastante pequenos, numerosos, de cor acastanhada, vesícula excretor tubular com poro terminal. Lutziella swatensis n. sp. é a segunda espécie do gênero conhecida do Paquistão, bem como a segunda espécie descrita de roedores do mundo.

Immune response in Santa Inês sheep during Fasciola hepatica infection / Resposta imune em ovinos da raça Santa Inês durante a infecção por Fasciola hepatica

In the present study, we describe the proliferative response and the IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4 cytokine expression profiles in peripheral blood, and IgG production, after the experimental infection of Santa Inês sheep with 250 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae that were evaluated at 60 and 210 days post-infection(dpi). The cytokine expression profile at 60 dpi was characterized by the production of IFN-γ and IL-10, which is indicative of an initial mixed Th1/Th2 response. The modulation of the response occurred at 210 dpi with a predominance of IL-10 and IL-4 over IFN-γ. Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood stimulated with F. hepatica antigen exhibited proliferative capacity at 60 dpi, whereas the response was consistent with modulation from Th1 to Th2 in the chronic phase. The IgG antibody response was more marked at 60 days than at 210 dpi, confirming the mixed-response profile. The late modulation of the T lymphocyte response in association with the predominance of IL-10 and IL-4 at 210 dpi suggests the involvement of these cytokines after the establishment of the parasites in the bile ducts. The transition from a mixed to a regulatory response in the chronic phase was also accompanied by a reduced number of eggs per gram of feces.(AU)

No presente estudo, observou-se a resposta proliferativa e os perfis de expressão de citocinas IFN-γ, IL10, IL-4 no sangue periférico, e a produção de IgG, aos 60 e 210 dias após infecção (dpi) experimental de ovinos Santa Inês com 250 metacercárias de Fasciola hepatica. O perfil de expressão de citocinas aos 60 dpi foi caracterizado pela produção de IFN-γ e IL-10, o que é indicativo de uma resposta mista inicial Th1/ Th2. A modulação da resposta ocorreu aos 210 dpi, com predominância de IL-10 e IL-4 sobre IFN-γ. As células mononucleares do sangue periférico estimuladas com antígeno total de F. hepatica adulta exibiram capacidade proliferativa aos 60 dpi, enquanto a resposta foi consistente com uma modulação de Th1 para Th2 na fase crônica. A resposta do anticorpo IgG foi maior aos 60 dpi do que aos 210 dpi. A modulação tardia da resposta dos linfócitos T em associação com a predominância de IL-10 e IL-4 aos 210 dpi sugere o envolvimento dessas citocinas após o estabelecimento dos parasitos nos ductos biliares. A transição de uma resposta mista para uma resposta com pefil regulador na fase crônica também foi acompanhada por redução dos ovos por grama de fezes.(AU)

Distribution of cysts holding Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa metacercariae in tissues and organs of mugilid / Distribuição de cistos contendo metacercárias de Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa em tecidos e órgãos de mugilídeos

Abstract Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa is an etiological agent of human phagicolosis. Mugilids are the second intermediate host, the first being Heleobia australis, and mugilids predatory birds and mammals are its definitive hosts. The occurrence of cysts holding A. longa metacercariae is described in mugilids with a prevalence of up to 100%. The wide geographical distribution of A. longa and its intermediate hosts coupled with the rise in the consumption of raw or poorly cooked fish may elevate the risk of human infection. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to verify the distribution pattern of cysts holding A. longa in mugilids. The tissue and organ samples of these fish were processed in a domestic blender and examined under a stereoscopic microscope to identify the cysts holding the digenetic metacercariae. Of the 24 (100%) fish samples that were analyzed, 12 of Mugil curema and 12 of Mugil liza possessed cysts holding A. longa metacercariae. Digenetic cysts were identified to be present in the gills, heart, stomach, liver, intestines, mesentery, and muscular tissues collected from M. curema and M. liza. Conclusively, in M. curema, the cysts holding A. longa metacercariae were found to be distributed randomly throughout the fish body in almost every tissue and organ that was examined.

Resumo Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa é o agente etiológico da fagicolose humana. Os mugilídeos são os segundos hospedeiros intermediários. O primeiro é Heleobia australis e pássaros e mamíferos predadores de mugilídeos, os hospedeiros definitivos. A ocorrência de cistos contendo metacercárias de A. longa é descrita em mugilídeos, com até 100% de prevalência. A ampla distribuição geográfica de A. longa e seus hospedeiros intermediários, acompanhado do aumento do consumo de peixe cru ou mal cozido, pode aumentar o risco de infecção humana, portanto o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o padrão de distribuição de cistos, contendo metacercárias de A. longa, em mugilídeos. Amostras de tecidos e órgãos desses peixes foram processadas em liquidificador doméstico e observadas em microscópio estereoscópico à procura de cistos contendo metacercárias do digenético. Todos os 24 (100%) mugilídeos, 12 Mugil curema e 12 Mugil liza examinados apresentaram cistos contendo metacercária de A. longa. Foram observados cistos do digenético nas brânquias, coração, estômago, fígado, intestino, mesentério e tecido muscular de M. curema e de M. liza. Em M. curema, os cistos contendo metacercárias de A. longa estão distribuídos de forma aleatória por praticamente todos os tecidos e órgãos dos mugilídeos examinados.

Liver cysts in a kitten with Platynosomum sp

Background: Hepatic cysts are rarely described in association with infections by Platynosomum sp. Infected animals are most often asymptomatic, and the severity of symptoms is associated with the number of biliary tract parasites, which may lead to cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis. Although platinosomiasis is often associated with cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis, it rarely is with polycystic disease. For the parasite's life cycle to occur, the infected cat must eliminate the eggs in the feces and three intermediate hosts are needed: snails, terrestrial isopods and vertebrates like the frog or the gecko. The eggs are ingested by the snails, then the miracids are released and matured into the mother sporocyst form, which originates child sporocysts containing the cercariae, that leave the mollusks for the soil and are ingested by the terrestrial isopod in which the cercariae matures until metacercariae. Vertebrates ingest terrestrial isopods and are ingested by felines. The present study aimed to report an unusual case of platinosomiasis with the development of multiple hepatic cysts. Case: A mixed breed male kitten was admitted with a history of apathy, hyporexia, increased abdominal volume and jaundice. In the ultrasound examination, we could see hepatomegaly and several hypoecogenic rounded structures, similar to cysts. There was an increase of serum concentration of the hepatic enzymes alanine transaminase and gamma glutamyl transferase enzyme. The parasite's eggs were investigated in the patient's feces using the simple sedimentation method, with a negative result. The animal was submitted to celiotomy and it was possible to observe several cystic structures in the liver. The cysts content was sent to cytology and culture. Cytology result was compatible with liver cyst and there was no bacterial growth in the culture. Bile fluid was collected and sent for Platynosomum sp. research using the centrifugal sedimentation test in formalin-ether solution, which allowed the parasite's eggs to be observed. The cat was treated with praziquantel,silymarin, S-Adenosyl methionine, and ursodeoxycholic acid. The patient gradually improved from jaundice and there was a reduction in abdominal volume. Discussion: This report describes a case of platinossomiasis associated with polycystic liver disease in a domestic cat, which seems to be an uncommon presentation. Most infected cats are asymptomatic, but some animals may exhibit anorexia, apathy, increased abdominal volume due to hepatomegaly and/or ascitis and jaundice. Although infestation in domestic cats is relatively common, its association with liver cysts is rare or poorly reported in the literature, representing a diagnostic challenge, which makes mandatory the inclusion of this differential diagnosis in polycystic liver diseases in cats. The diagnosis of this parasitosis can be made based on the association among clinical signs, laboratory tests and ultrasound examination, but the definitive diagnosis is usually made by visualizing the parasite's eggs. In the case described, it was not possible to observe parasite's eggs in the patient's feces, but in the bile. Platynosomum sp. infection should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of polycystic liver disease in cats, especially in countries with tropical or subtropical climate. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment were fundamental for the improvement of the patient's clinical condition.

Integrative taxonomy: combining molecular and morphological characteristics to identify Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica / Taxonomia integrativa: combinando características moleculares e morfológicas para identificar Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, hospedeiro intermediário de Fasciola hepatica

Abstract Despite the epidemiological importance of the Lymnaeidae family regarding transmission of Fasciola hepatica, knowledge about the diversity and distribution of these molluscs and the role of each species in the expansion of fasciolosis remains sparse. Classical morphological (n=10) identification was performed in lymneids from Lagoa Santa, a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, along with molecular and phylogenetic analysis (n=05) based on the partial nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI mtDNA) and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer II (ITS-2 rDNA). The shell morphology made it possible to distinguish the lymneids of Lagoa Santa from Pseudosuccinea columella. Differences found in the penile complex and prostate shape allowed this species to be distinguished from Galba truncatula. However, the homogeneity of reproductive tract characteristics among Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, L. viator and L. neotropica confirmed that these characteristics show low taxonomic reliability for identifying cryptic species. Genetic divergence analysis for the COI mtDNA gene and ITS-2 region of rDNA revealed greater similarity to Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis. Thus, correct species differentiation is important for monitoring the epidemiological risk of fasciolosis in the state of Minas Gerais, where cases of the disease have increased over recent years.

Resumo Apesar da importância epidemiológica da família Lymnaeidae na transmissão de Fasciola hepatica, o conhecimento sobre a diversidade e a distribuição desses moluscos e o papel de cada espécie, na expansão da fasciolose, ainda é escasso. Realizou-se a identificação morfológica clássica (n=10) em limneídeos de Lagoa Santa, município do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, juntamente com a análise molecular e filogenética (n=05), baseada nas sequências parciais de nucleotídeos do gene mitocondrial da subunidade I do citocromo c oxidase (COI mtDNA) e espaçador interno, transcrito do DNA ribossomal II (ITS-2 rDNA). A morfologia da concha possibilitou distinguir os limneídeos de Lagoa Santa de Pseudosuccinea columella. As diferenças encontradas no complexo peniano e na forma da próstata permitiram que essa espécie fosse distinta de Galba truncatula. No entanto, a homogeneidade das características do trato reprodutivo entre Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis, L. viator e L. neotropica confirmou que essas características apresentam baixa confiabilidade taxonômica para a identificação de espécies crípticas. A análise da divergência genética para o gene COI mtDNA e região ITS-2 do rDNA revelou maior similaridade entre os limneídeos de Lagoa Santa com Lymnaea (Galba) cubensis.

Copro-prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in Chilean breed horses in the province of Concepción, Chile / Copro-prevalência de Fasciola hepatica em equinos de raça chilena na província de Concepción, Chile

The aim of this research was to assess the copro-prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in owned Chilean breed horses (Equus caballus) residing in the province of Concepción, Chile. The study was carried out throughout October 2017. Samples were taken from all (100%) Chilean breed horse (124 specimens; 45 females and 79 males, aged between 7 months and 24 years old) from the Concepción province. A rectal stool sample was obtained from each animal. This was analyzed using the Army Medical School method (AMS III) technique to detect F. hepatica eggs. Information about the horses age, sex, previous fasciolicide application, and an assessment of body condition was also obtained. Fisher tests were carried out to analyze the results. Ten horses (8.06%) were positive for the presence of F. hepatica eggs. No significant difference of copro-prevalence was found between age (young 8.47%, old 7.69%), sex (female 11.1%, male 6.33%), the previous application of fasciolicide (dewormed 10%, not dewormed 7.89%), or body condition (low condition 11.1%, high condition 0.7%) categories (Fisher tests: P>0.05 in all cases). The results of this study suggest that Chilean breed horses constitute part of the reservoir of F. hepatica for both ruminant populations and humans in the Concepción province.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a coproprevalência de Fasciola hepatica em equinos chilenos (Equus caballus), residentes na província de Concepción, região de Bío-Bío, Chile. O estudo foi realizado durante o mês de outubro de 2017. Foram coletadas amostras de todos os equinos estabulados (124 espécimes; 45 fêmeas e 79 machos, com idades entre 7 meses e 24 anos) da província de Concepción. Uma amostra de fezes transretal foi obtida de cada animal, analisada no Laboratório “Dr. Luis Rubilar”, da Universidad de Concepción, usando-se a técnica AMS III, para detectar a presença de ovos de F. hepatica. O diagnóstico fecal foi complementado com informações sobre a idade do animal, sexo, aplicação prévia de fasciolicida e uma avaliação da condição corporal. Testes de Fisher foram realizados para analisar os resultados. Dos 124 equinos, 10 (8,06%) foram positivos para ovos de F. hepatica. Não foi encontrada associação significativa entre idade, sexo, aplicação prévia de fasciolicida ou condição corporal com a presença de ovos. Um cavalo tratado com triclabendazol foi positivo para ovos de F. hepatica.(AU)

Perdas econômicas por fasciolose em carcaças bovinas submetidas ao serviço de inspeção municipal de Pelotas, RS, Brasil / Economic losses due to fasciolosis in cattle carcasses submitted to the municipal inspection service in Pelotas, RS, Brazil

Fasciolose é uma doença parasitária endêmica em bovinos e proveniente de áreas alagáveis dos estados do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro. Quando detectada na inspeção post mortem, a fasciolose acarreta a condenação de fígados, gerando prejuízos à cadeia produtiva da carne. No período de 2009 a 2014, os abatedouros com Serviço de Inspeção Municipal (SIM) da cidade de Pelotas, RS, abateram 21.036 bovinos, identificando-se prevalência média de 25,38% para fasciolose. Foi constatada diferença significativa por sexo com uma OR=2,25 (2,05 < OR < 2,43 e valor de p < 0,001) vezes maior nas fêmeas do que nos machos. Foi demonstrado que animais com idade entre cinco e sete anos possuem maior prevalência fasciolose. O mês de fevereiro foi o de maior prevalência de fasciolose nos fígados inspecionados, consistindo em um fator de risco para a enfermidade. O contrário foi observado nos meses de julho e outubro. As condenações resultantes da infecção hepática atingiram um total de 5363 fígados, acarretando uma perda estimada de U$ 74.754,86, ou US$ 13,94 por animal. Os prejuízos estimados evidenciam a importância do controle da fasciolose em bovinos, na região estudada, justificando tratamentos estratégicos e medidas de controle e profilaxia específicas ao trematódeo.

Fasciolosis is an endemic parasitic disease in cattle and comes from wetlands in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. When detected in postmortem inspection, fasciolosis leads to the condemnation of livers, causing damage to the meat production chain. In the period from 2009 to 2014, slaughterhouses with Municipal Inspection Service (SIM) in the city of Pelotas, RS, slaughtered 21,036 cattle, with an average prevalence of 25.38% for fasciolosis. There was a significant difference by sex with an OR = 2.25 (2.05 < OR < 2.43 and p < 0.001) times greater in females than in males. It has been shown that animals aged between five to seven years have a higher prevalence of fasciolosis. February was the month with the highest prevalence of fasciolosis in the inspected livers, consisting of a risk factor for the disease. The opposite was observed in July and October. Condemnation resulting from liver infection reached a total of 5363 livers, resulting in an estimated loss of U$ 74,754.86, or U$ 13.94 per animal. The estimated losses show the importance of controlling fasciolosis in cattle, in the studied region, justifying strategic treatments and, control and prophylaxis measures to the trematode.

Perdas econômicas por fasciolose em carcaças bovinas submetidas ao serviço de inspeção municipal de Pelotas, RS, Brasil / Economic losses due to fasciolosis in cattle carcasses submitted to the municipal inspection service in Pelotas, RS, Brazil

Fasciolose é uma doença parasitária endêmica em bovinos e proveniente de áreas alagáveis dos estados do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro. Quando detectada na inspeção post mortem, a fasciolose acarreta a condenação de fígados, gerando prejuízos à cadeia produtiva da carne. No período de 2009 a 2014, os abatedouros com Serviço de Inspeção Municipal (SIM) da cidade de Pelotas, RS, abateram 21.036 bovinos, identificando-se prevalência média de 25,38% para fasciolose. Foi constatada diferença significativa por sexo com uma OR=2,25 (2,05 < OR < 2,43 e valor de p < 0,001) vezes maior nas fêmeas do que nos machos. Foi demonstrado que animais com idade entre cinco e sete anos possuem maior prevalência fasciolose. O mês de fevereiro foi o de maior prevalência de fasciolose nos fígados inspecionados, consistindo em um fator de risco para a enfermidade. O contrário foi observado nos meses de julho e outubro. As condenações resultantes da infecção hepática atingiram um total de 5363 fígados, acarretando uma perda estimada de U$ 74.754,86, ou US$ 13,94 por animal. Os prejuízos estimados evidenciam a importância do controle da fasciolose em bovinos, na região estudada, justificando tratamentos estratégicos e medidas de controle e profilaxia específicas ao trematódeo.(AU)

Fasciolosis is an endemic parasitic disease in cattle and comes from wetlands in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. When detected in postmortem inspection, fasciolosis leads to the condemnation of livers, causing damage to the meat production chain. In the period from 2009 to 2014, slaughterhouses with Municipal Inspection Service (SIM) in the city of Pelotas, RS, slaughtered 21,036 cattle, with an average prevalence of 25.38% for fasciolosis. There was a significant difference by sex with an OR = 2.25 (2.05 < OR < 2.43 and p < 0.001) times greater in females than in males. It has been shown that animals aged between five to seven years have a higher prevalence of fasciolosis. February was the month with the highest prevalence of fasciolosis in the inspected livers, consisting of a risk factor for the disease. The opposite was observed in July and October. Condemnation resulting from liver infection reached a total of 5363 livers, resulting in an estimated loss of U$ 74,754.86, or U$ 13.94 per animal. The estimated losses show the importance of controlling fasciolosis in cattle, in the studied region, justifying strategic treatments and, control and prophylaxis measures to the trematode.(AU)

Correlation between climate data and land altitude for Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle in Santa Catarina, Brazil / Correlação entre clima e altitude para determinar a infecção de Fasciola hepatica em bovinos em Santa Catarina, Brasil

Fascioliasis is a food-borne parasitic disease that affects a range of animals, including humans caused by Fasciola hepatica. The present study aimed to determine the spatial distribution of bovine fasciolosis and to assess the correlation between the high Positivity Index (PI) and climate data and land altitude, from 2004 to 2008 and 2010 in Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil. Condemned livers of slaughtered animals were obtained from 198 out of 293 municipalities and from 518.635 animals, exclusively from SC. There was a statistically significant difference (P 0.001) between the prevalence of F. hepatica and land altitude (

A fasciolose é uma doença parasitária que afeta uma gama de animais, incluindo humanos, causada por Fasciola hepatica no Brasil. Este estudo teve o objetivo de determinar a distribuição espacial da fasciolose e conferir a correlação do alto índice de positividade (PI), com os dados de clima e altitude, entre 2004 a 2008 e 2010 em Santa Catarina (SC), Brasil. Foram obtidos fígados em frigoríficos de SC, de 518.635 animais de 198 municípios, de um total de 293. Houve diferença estatística significativa (P 0,001) entre a prevalência de F. hepatica e a altitude (

In vivo effect of essential oil of Mentha x villosa and its active compound against Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907) / Efeito in vivo do óleo essencial de Mentha x villosa e seu composto ativo sobre Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907)

Schistosomiasis treatment is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). The development of resistance of PZQ has drawn the attention of many researchers to alternative drugs. One viable and promising treatment is the study of medicinal plants as a new approach to the experimental treatment for Schistosomiasis. The present work aimed to evaluate in vivo antischistosomal activity of effect of Mentha x villosa Oil Essential (Mv-EO) and rotundifolone (ROT) against Schistosoma mansoni. Thirty-day-old female Swiss webster mice (Mus musculus) weighing 50 grams were used. Mice were infected with 80 cercariae of S. mansoni (BH strain) and orally administered Mv-EO (50, 100 and 200 mg/Kg) and ROT (35.9, 70.9 and 141.9 mg/Kg) at 45-days post infection for 5 consecutive days. All mice were euthanized 60 days after infection. Praziquantel was the positive control in the experiment. Doses of 200 mg/kg (Mv-EO) and ROT (141.9 mg/Kg) resulted in a significant reduction in fluke burden (72.44% and 74.48%, respectively). There was also marked reduction in liver, intestinal and faecal and changed oogram pattern, compared to infected untreated mice. Considering the results obtained, further biological studies are required in order to elucidate the mechanism of schistosomicidal action on against adult S. mansoni.(AU)

O tratamento da esquistossomose é dependente de uma única droga, praziquantel (PZQ). O desenvolvimento da resistência de PZQ tem atraído atenção de muitos pesquisadores por medicamentos alternativos. Um tratamento viável e promissor é o estudo das plantas medicinais como uma nova abordagem para o tratamento experimental para esquistossomose. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a atividade esquistossomicida in vivo óleo essencial de Mentha x villosa (OE-Mv) e rotundifolona (ROT) contra Schistosoma mansoni. Foram utilizados camundongos Swiss webster (Mus musculus) fêmea de trinta dias de idade pesando 50 gramas. Os camundongos foram infectados com 80 cercárias de S. mansoni (cepa BH) e administrado por via oral OE-Mv (50, 100 e 200 mg/Kg) e ROT (35,9, 70,9 e 141,9 mg/Kg) apos 45 dias de infecção durante 5 dias consecutivos. Todos os animais foram eutanasiados 60 dias após a infecção. Praziquantel foi o controle positivo no experimento. O tratamento dos camundongos infectados com doses de 200 mg/kg (OE-Mv) e rotundifolona (141,9 mg/Kg) resultaram em redução significativa dos vermes (72.44% e 74.48%, respectivamente). Foi observado também redução no fígado, intestino e fecal e alteração no padrão do oograma, em comparação aos camundongos infectados e não tratados. Considerando os resultados obtidos, mais estudos biológicos são necessários a fim de elucidar o mecanismo de ação esquistossomicida contra adultos de S. mansoni.(AU)

Colecistoduodenostomia para tratamento de obstrução biliar secundária a platinossomose felina / Cholecystoduodenostomy for treatment of biliary obstruction secondary to feline platinossomosis

Background: Platynosomum spp. it is a trematode that has a predilection for the liver and biliary tissues whose infection isacquired through the ingestion of metacercarian gecko viscera. Felines are the definitive hosts and clinical signs are variable.The diagnosis is through history, hematological and biochemical exams, ultrasound, bile cytology or histopathology. Thetreatment of choice is cholecystoduodenostomy. This paper aims to report the case of a cat who was treated at the UberabaVeterinary Hospital with chronic cholangitis secondary to platinosomosis, but there was a transfusion reaction and she died.Case: A 4-year-old, uncastrated SRD cat was treated at the Uberaba Veterinary Hospital complaining of severe episodesof vomiting three days ago, hyporexia and darkened urine. The general clinical examination showed moderate dehydration, jaundice and hepatomegaly. The animal was hospitalized for better investigation of its condition. Increased valuesof ALT, alkaline phosphatase and all bilirubins were observed. Ultrasound showed liver suggestive of liver disease andsteatosis, and gallbladder without alteration. During hospitalization, she remained jaundiced and hypoxic, and the esophageal tube was placed. The initial clinical suspicion was cholangiohepatitis. Liver biopsy and cholecystoduodenostomywere then suggested, with refusal by the tutor. The ultrasound was repeated and showed the same alterations described,besides cholangitis. Stool examination was negative for Platynosomum spp. and positive for Isospora spp. The patientwas treated with anthelmintic for three days and received supportive treatment for another week until the tutor authorizedcholecystoduodenostomy. During surgery, cholecystocentesis was performed and the parasite Platynosomum spp. in adultform. After four days, a new blood count was done and the animal was still anemic and the blood...

Colecistoduodenostomia para tratamento de obstrução biliar secundária a platinossomose felina / Cholecystoduodenostomy for treatment of biliary obstruction secondary to feline platinossomosis

Background: Platynosomum spp. it is a trematode that has a predilection for the liver and biliary tissues whose infection isacquired through the ingestion of metacercarian gecko viscera. Felines are the definitive hosts and clinical signs are variable.The diagnosis is through history, hematological and biochemical exams, ultrasound, bile cytology or histopathology. Thetreatment of choice is cholecystoduodenostomy. This paper aims to report the case of a cat who was treated at the UberabaVeterinary Hospital with chronic cholangitis secondary to platinosomosis, but there was a transfusion reaction and she died.Case: A 4-year-old, uncastrated SRD cat was treated at the Uberaba Veterinary Hospital complaining of severe episodesof vomiting three days ago, hyporexia and darkened urine. The general clinical examination showed moderate dehydration, jaundice and hepatomegaly. The animal was hospitalized for better investigation of its condition. Increased valuesof ALT, alkaline phosphatase and all bilirubins were observed. Ultrasound showed liver suggestive of liver disease andsteatosis, and gallbladder without alteration. During hospitalization, she remained jaundiced and hypoxic, and the esophageal tube was placed. The initial clinical suspicion was cholangiohepatitis. Liver biopsy and cholecystoduodenostomywere then suggested, with refusal by the tutor. The ultrasound was repeated and showed the same alterations described,besides cholangitis. Stool examination was negative for Platynosomum spp. and positive for Isospora spp. The patientwas treated with anthelmintic for three days and received supportive treatment for another week until the tutor authorizedcholecystoduodenostomy. During surgery, cholecystocentesis was performed and the parasite Platynosomum spp. in adultform. After four days, a new blood count was done and the animal was still anemic and the blood...(AU)

Histopathological findings of Fasciola hepatica infection in non-native European hare (Lepus europaeus) in Southern Chile / Achados histopatológicos da infecção por Fasciola hepatica em lebre europeia não-nativa (Lepus europaeus) no Sul do Chile

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite introduced in America from Europe, being considered of concern for public health and animal production, especially in countries with endemic areas as occur in Chile. In this country, the research has been focused mainly in domestic ruminants, with native and introduced wildlife being largely ignored. Thus, the aim of this study was to report the infection by Fasciola hepatica in an introduced mammal, the European hare, which is distributed along a vast area of the country. One in 42 hares hunted showed histological lesions compatible with F. hepatica, and harbored a parasitic load of 6 liver flukes. This is the first report of this lagomorph acting as host of this helminth in the country and the third in South America. Yet, we found no previous reports regard the pathology of this fluke in the species. Thus, we emphasize the importance of more studies regarding introduced mammals which could be acting as reservoirs for this important fluke.(AU)

Fasciola hepatica é um parasita de origem europeia introduzido na América, de importância em saúde pública e animais de produção, especialmente em países com áreas endêmicas, como ocorre no Chile. Neste país, a pesquisa foi focada principalmente em ruminantes domésticos, com a fauna nativa e introduzida sendo amplamente ignorada. O objetivo desse trabalho é relatar a infecção por Fasciola hepatica em lebre europeia, espécie distribuída em vasta extensão do país. Uma em 42 lebres caçadas, mostrou lesões histológicas compatíveis com infestação por F. hepatica, alojando 6 vermes hepáticos. Este é o primeiro relato deste lagomorfo apresentando este tipo de parasitismo no Chile, o terceiro na América do Sul. No entanto, não encontramos relatos anteriores sobre a patologia deste acaso na espécie. Este relato salienta a importância de mais estudos considerando espécies introduzidas, as quais podem ser reservatórios desse importante parasita.(AU)

Microscopic alterations in Fasciola hepatica from sheep treated with albendazole / Alterações microscópicas em Fasciola hepatica de ovelhas tratadas com albendazol

Currently, albendazole is one of the most commonly used drugs because of its affordability. The objective was to evaluate the histopathology of Fasciola hepatica specimens. For this, the efficacy test was performed on sheep treated with albendazole at the dose recommended for F. hepatica, in which the helminths recovered at necropsy were counted and separated for histology. Spermatogenic cells from parasites recovered from treated and control sheep were examined by microscopy. The fecal egg-count reduction test revealed 97.06% efficacy of albendazole in the treatment of F. hepatica. Changes in testicular tubule cells started 48 hours after treatment and became evident within 72 hours, at which point it became difficult to identify cell types. Primary and secondary spermatogonia became increasingly rare and intercellular vacuolization was more evident. Signs of apoptosis, with pycnotic nuclei and evidence of keriorrexia were observed at all times. Cell debris was identified 96 hours after treatment. The results indicated that parasitic spermatogenesis was severely affected by albendazole and demonstrated the importance of the use of histopathology for the diagnosis of therapeutic efficacy in field strains.(AU)

Na atualidade, o albendazol é uma das drogas mais usadas devido à sua acessibilidade econômica. O objetivo foi avaliar a histopatologia dos espécimes de Fasciola hepatica. Para isso, foi realizado o teste de eficácia em ovinos tratados com albendazol na dose recomendada para Fasciola hepatica, no qual os helmintos recuperados em necropsia foram contabilizados e separados para histologia. As células espermatogênicas de parasitas recuperados de ovinos tratados e controle foram examinadas por microscopia. O teste de redução de ovos por grama de fezes revelou 97,06% de eficácia do albendazol no tratamento de F. hepatica. As alterações nas células dos túbulos testiculares iniciaram-se 48 horas após o tratamento e tornaram-se evidentes em 72 horas, altura em que tornou-se difícil identificar os tipos de células. As espermatogônias primárias e secundárias tornaram-se cada vez mais raras e a vacuolização intercelular foi mais evidente. Sinais de apoptose, com núcleos picnóticos e evidência de cariorrexia foram observados em todos os momentos. Os detritos celulares foram identificados 96 horas após o tratamento. Os resultados indicaram que a espermatogênese parasitária foi severamente afetada pelo albendazol e demonstrou a importância do uso da histopatologia para o diagnóstico de eficácia terapêutica em cepas de campo.(AU)