Molecular Prevalence of Larval Stages of Fasciola hepatica in Lymnaea stagnalis Species Snails in the Vicinity of the Agri Province

Objective: Lymnaea stagnalis known as the great pond snail, is one of the intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica, a zoonotic parasite. In this study, it was aimed to determine the larval forms of F. hepatica by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in L. stagnalis species snails collected from the vicinity of Agri province. Methods: In this study, 150 L. stagnalis snails were collected from the Agri province. The freshwater snails brought to the laboratory were dissected, then their soft tissues were examined under a microscope. DNA extraction was performed on the dissected snails. After DNA extraction, PCR was performed using primers targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene region. Results: In the microscopic examination, larval forms of F. hepatica could not be detected. However, it was concluded that two (1.3%) L. stagnalis freshwater snails were infected with the larval forms of F. hepatica in the PCR. Conclusion: It was determined that L. stagnalis served as an intermediate host to F. hepatica in the study area.

Distribution of Toxocara vitulorum in Cattle of Agri Region

OBJECTIVE: Parasitizing in the small intestines of cattle, buffalo and bison, Toxocara vitulorum is seen in countries with humid tropical and subtropical climates, including Türkiye. Adult parasites can cause digestive disorders such as loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea or constipation, and sometimes death, especially in calves. This study was planned to investigate the distribution of T. vitulorum in cattle of the Agri region. METHODS: In this study, stool samples of the size of a walnut were taken from the rectum of 200 calves 0-6 months old and 200 cattle older than 1 year in the province of Agri and its districts, and the preparations were prepared using the saturated zinc sulfate flotation method and the preparations were examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: T. vitulorum eggs were detected in 70 (35%) of 200 calves aged 0-6 months and 21 (10.5%) of 200 cattle over one year old. The difference in positivity between cattle over one year old and calves was statistically significant (p=0.001). With fecal examination in 22 of the calves (11%), Trichostrongylidae spp. eggs were detected. CONCLUSION: It was determined that the prevalence of T. vitulorum in calves was high in Diyadin, Eleskirt, Dogubayazit, Hamur, Tasliçay, Tutak and Patnos districts of Agri province. We believe that larger-scale studies should be conducted on the spread of this parasite, which causes significant low yields in cattle breeding.

Prevalence of Fascioliasis in Slaughtered Cattle in Agri Province.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the frequency of fascioliasis in cattle slaughtered in the slaughterhouses of Agri province. METHODS: The study was carried out on 230 cattle. The presence of Fasciola hepatica eggs in stool and bile fluid samples taken from each cattle was investigated by sedimentation-zinc sulfate flotation method, and the presence of adult parasites in the liver and bile ducts by postmortem examination. RESULTS: The study was conducted on 230 cattle samples. Fasciola spp. eggs were observed in 43 (18.7%) of the stools examined. As a result of the postmortem examination of the liver and gall bladder, F. hepatica adults were found in 52 (22.6%) cattle. All cattle positive in stool examination were also positive in liver and gallbladder examination. Fasciola gigantica adults were not detected in any of the cattle, and there was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender and race. CONCLUSION: In this study conducted on cattle in the Agri region, F. hepatica was found to be significantly common. The data obtained show that in order to prevent economic losses in animal husbandry, which is an important source of livelihood of the local people, effective prevention and control programs should be planned and implemented, and both sheep and cattle breeders should be made aware of the prevention of this infection.

Gastrointestinal Helminths and Zoonotic Importance Detected in Stray Dogs in Agri Province and Districts

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in stray dogs in Agri province and its districts and to reveal the zoonotic importance of these parasites. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from a total of 279 stray dogs in the center of Agri and the districts of Diyadin, Dogubayazit, Eleskirt, Hamur, Patnos, Tasliçay, and Tutak. After macroscopic examination of the stool samples, they were examined microscopically by the native and multiplexing (Fulleborn flotation and Benedek sedimentation) methods. Results: Helminth eggs belonging to one or more species were detected in 80 (28.7%) of the 279 stool samples examined. In total, 31 (11.1%) T. canis, 24 (8.6%) T. leonina, 17 (6.1%) Taenia spp., 15 (5.4%) Capillaria spp., 10 (3.6%) Alaria spp., 5 (1.8%) T. vulpis, and 3 (1.1%) A. caninum egg were detected in the stool samples. Conclusion: In this study, which was performed for the first time in Agri, it was revealed that stray dogs in Agri province and its districts were infected with helminths, which may consequently affect human health significantly. Therefore, necessary precautions should be taken to preserve the health of both humans and dogs.

Investigation of Intestinal and Blood Parasites in People Returning to Turkey with a History of Traveling Abroad During the Pandemic

Objective: To investigate intestinal and blood parasites in people who have a history of traveling abroad during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and returning to Turkey. Methods: In this study, 104 patients with gastrointestinal system and/or fever complaints who had traveled abroad during the pandemic period and returned to Turkey were included. Parasitic agents were investigated by taking blood and stool samples from the patients. Additionally, urine samples were obtained from patients with hematuria or dysuria with the suspicion of schistosomiasis. A direct microscopic examination, the Crypto-Giardia immunochromatographic test, and ELISA methods were used in the examination of the stool samples. In order to detect Plasmodium species, blood samples were examined by preparing both the rapid diagnostic test and thick drop and thin smear preparations. Results: One or more parasite species were detected in 38 (38.5%) of 104 patients included in the study. While intestinal parasites were detected in 16 (32%) of 50 patients who traveled to Iran and 16 (33.3%) of 48 patients who traveled to Northern Iraq, blood parasites were not found. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in all 5 of the patients with a history of traveling to Sudan. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1 patient who traveled to the African continent. Conclusion: It is vital to take precautions to prevent parasitic diseases, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, during travels to African countries. During travels to neighboring countries of Turkey, such as Northern Iraq and Iran, hygiene should be paid attention to, so as to prevent contracting intestinal parasitic diseases. In addition, it was concluded that people who plan to travel abroad should have information about the endemic parasitic diseases of the country that they are going to.