Protein profile of extracellular vesicles derived from adult Parascaris spp.

BACKGROUND: Parascaris spp. represent a significant threat to equine health worldwide, particularly in foals. The long-term survival of parasites in the host necessitates persistent modulation of the host immune response. Intercellular communication achieved through the exchange of molecules via extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from the parasite could be a crucial factor in this regard. This study aimed to isolate and characterize EVs released by adult male and female Parascaris worms and conduct a proteomic analysis to identify sex-specific proteins and potential immunomodulatory factors. METHODS: Live adult Parascaris worms were collected, and EVs were isolated from spent culture media using differential ultracentrifugation. Nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the size, concentration, and morphology of the isolated EVs. Proteins within the isolated EVs were analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomics (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: Proteomic analysis revealed a total of 113 proteins in Parascaris EVs, with several proteins showing homology to known helminth exosome proteins and exhibiting immunomodulatory functions. Sex-specific differences in EV protein composition were observed, with a distinct abundance of C-type lectins in female EVs, suggesting potential sex-specific roles or regulation. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed metabolic pathways shared between male and female Parascaris EVs, as well as differences in signal transduction, and cell growth and death pathways, indicating sex-specific variations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings imply that Parascaris EVs and their protein cargo are complex. This data potentially opens avenues for discovering innovative approaches to managing and understanding helminth infection.

First Study of Ascaris lumbricoides from the Semiwild Population of the Sumatran Orangutan Pongo abelii in the Context of Morphological Description and Molecular Phylogeny.

There is little evidence that the already described and accepted taxa of ascarids (Ascaris lumbricoides, A. suum, and A. ovis) infecting individuals of taxonomically distant groups (hominids, pigs, sheep, goats, and dogs) can be genetically or morphologically distinguished. However, despite described morphological differences, e.g., due to intraspecific variation, these are insufficient for species determination and may indicate differences amongst ascarids because of cross infections, hybrid production, and specific adaptations to hosts. Herein, the results of a molecular and morphological analysis of ascarids parasitising Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii Lesson, 1827) in native populations are presented. The research took place in the Bukit Lawang area, Indonesia, in 2009. Throughout the year, fresh faecal samples were collected regularly from 24 orangutans, and all were examined for the presence of nematode adults. Only five adult worms from two orangutan females were found during regular collection. Using the integrative taxonomic approach, the nematodes found were identified as A. lumbricoides. The significance of the find and its rarity is documented by the fact that this is the first confirmed finding of adult ascarids from an original orangutan site (not from a zoo) in more than 130 years (including the long-term study spanning the last 20 years focusing on orangutan parasites and natural antiparasitic drugs). More accurate morphometric parameters and genetic differences for the identification of ascarids were established. These parameters will be helpful for other findings in great apes and will also be suitable for further and precise determination of this parasite. The details distinguishing between male and female specimens are also stated and well defined. A comprehensive evaluation of the situation of Ascaris species parasitising orangutans, including a comparison with previously described orangutan parasite (i.e., A. satyri-species inquirenda), is discussed.

Modulation of the porcine intestinal microbiota in the course of Ascaris suum infection.

BACKGROUND: The porcine roundworm Ascaris suum impairs feed conversion and weight gain, but its effects on intestinal microbiota remain largely unexplored. METHODS: Modulation of the intestinal microbiota was assessed in pigs that were infected once with 10,000 A. suum eggs and pigs that received a trickle infection (1000 eggs/day over 10 days), compared with a non-infected control group. Six pigs each were sacrificed per group at days 21, 35 and 49 post-infection (p.i.). Faecal samples taken weekly until slaughter and ingesta samples from different intestinal compartments were subjected to next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: The results revealed marked differences between the single- and the trickle-infected group. Single infection caused a remarkable but transient decrease in microbial diversity in the caecum, which was not observed in the trickle-infected group. However, an increase in short-chain fatty acid-producing genera in the caecum on day 21 p.i., which shifted to a decrease on day 35 p.i., was common to both groups, possibly related to changes in excretory-secretory products following the parasite's final moult. Faecal microbial interaction networks were more similar between the single-infected and control group than the trickle-infected group. In addition, a lower degree of similarity over time indicated that A. suum trickle infection prevented microbiota stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: These different patterns may have important implications regarding the comparability of experimental infections with natural scenarios characterized by continuous exposure, and should be confirmed by further studies.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Ascarids in Wild Animals.

Ascarid nematodes are the most common and harmful nematodes parasites in animals. By analyzing genetic variation, this study explores the genetic and phylogenetic relationship among ascarids from 11 different hosts. This study collected ascarid samples from the feces of nine animal species in Changsha Ecological Zoo of Hunan Province and two animal kinds in the College of Veterinary Medicine of Hunan Agricultural University. The mitochondrial gene (pcox1) and ribosomal ITS sequences were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed by PCR to identify the species of the samples. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on two genes (cox1 and ITS) by the Neighbor-joining method, and the phylogenetic relationship was analyzed. The sequencing results showed that the sequence lengths of pcox1 and ITS genes in the samples were 441 bp and 838-1,177 bp, respectively. The difference rates were 0.00-1.70% in pcox1 gene and 0.00-7.30% in ITS gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ascarid worms from the white lion, Northeast tiger, South China tiger and cheetah were identified as Toxascaris leonina. Ascarids from the zebra were identified as Parascaris equorum, while those from chicken and peacocks were identified as Ascaridia galli. Ascarids of wolf and dog origin were Toxocara canis, the snake ascarids belonged to Ophidascaris filaria, and the bear ascarids belonged to Baylisascaris transfuga. There was a significant gap between different kinds of ascarid worms. We found that these two mitochondrial genes pcox1 and ITS showed a common characteristic that the intraspecific differences were significantly smaller than the interspecific differences, confirming that these two genes could be used as interspecific genetic markers for molecular identification of different ascarids origins. The intraspecific variation rate of the ITS gene was higher than that of pcox1, indicating that ITS can also be used in the genetic research of Ascaris species development. This study revealed the genetic evolution and phylogeny of ascarids in wild animals, and our results will help prevent and control ascarids in wild animals.

The Use of Pythium oligandrum in the Biological Control of Roundworm Infection in Dogs and Cats.

Pythium oligandrum is an oomycete used in veterinary medicine to treat dermatophytosis in animals. The ovicidal potential against various types of parasite eggs has not been investigated. Ascarids are very common in young animals and the resistance of eggs in the external environment is very high. A commercial product containing P. oligandrum was used in the present study. Its ovicidal action against Toxocara spp. eggs was investigated. Thus, two categories of media (soil and sandstone) were used, on which the ascarid eggs were dispersed. The commercial product was prepared as a solution and was applied according to the manufacturer. The treatment scheme indicated in case of animals with dermatophytosis was used. Thus, the external natural conditions were recreated in the laboratory, in order to establish whether there is any applicability for this oomycete in the biological control of some parasitic diseases. The results indicated an ovicidal action of Pythium oligandrum, supporting the prospects of its use in the decontamination methods of various surfaces or environments where ascarid eggs from carnivores are found.

Impact of Nematode Infections on Non-specific and Vaccine-Induced Humoral Immunity in Dual-Purpose or Layer-Type Chicken Genotypes.

Nematode infections may induce immune-modulatory effects and influence host-immune responses to other pathogens. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a mixed nematode-infection influences non-specific and vaccine-induced humoral immunity against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), and Avian Metapneumovirus (AMPV) in already vaccinated hens of a dual-purpose (Lohmann Dual, LD) or a layer genotype (Lohmann Brown Plus; LB). Until 17 weeks-of-age, LD (n = 70) and LB (n = 109) hens were vaccinated against major bacterial and viral diseases and coccidiosis. At 24 weeks-of-age, the hens received either a placebo or an oral inoculation of 1,000 infectious eggs of A. galli and H. gallinarum. Plasma total immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes (IgY, IgM, IgA) levels and vaccine-induced antibody titers against NDV, IBV, and AMPV were determined from 2 to 18 weeks post-infection (wpi). Infections had no suppressing effect on total Ig isotypes IgY, IgM, and IgA as well as on vaccine-induced antibody titers against NDV, IBV, and AMPV (P > 0.05). Overall, LB hens had higher levels of IgY, IgM, and IgA than those of LD hens (P < 0.05). There were no differences between IBV titers of the two genotypes (P > 0.05). Independent of infection status of the hens, NDV titers were higher in LB hens than in LD hens at wpi 2 (P < 0.05), but not in following weeks (P > 0.05). Uninfected LD hens had lower AMPV titers than their infected counterparts at 6 and 14 wpi (P < 0.05). Regardless of nematode infection, LD hens revealed a higher risk of responding weak to vaccination against NDV (odds ratio = 5.45; P = 0.021) and AMPV (odds ratio = 13.99, P < 0.001) than did LB hens (P > 0.05). We conclude that nematode infections have no adverse effects on non-specific and vaccine-induced humoral immunity in either genotype. LB hens have higher levels of total immunoglobulin isotypes than LD hens. Except for IBV, vaccine-induced humoral immune responses show a dependency on genotype. Dual-purpose hens show lower responsiveness to vaccinations against NDV and AMPV, possibly due to factors associated with increased body fat reserves in this genotype.

A 3-year retrospective analysis of canine intestinal parasites: fecal testing positivity by age, U.S. geographical region and reason for veterinary visit.

BACKGROUND: Canine life stage is a key factor in parasite prevalence as clinical signs associated with parasitism are more common in pups. In adult dogs, health status and geographical region may also play a role in parasite prevalence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fecal test results using zinc sulfate flotation by centrifugation combined with fecal antigen testing for hookworms (Ancylostoma spp. Uncinaria stenocephala), ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris spp., Baylisascaris spp.) and whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) sorted by age, geographical region and veterinary visit type. METHODS: A retrospective sample of intestinal parasite panels submitted to IDEXX Laboratories from 1,626,104 individual dogs were selected from the continental USA from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. These data contain results from fecal exams performed using zinc sulfate flotation by centrifugation paired with coproantigen immunoassay results for hookworms, ascarids, whipworms and Giardia (Fecal Dx® with Giardia coproantigen immunoassay plate). For paired testing, if either the coproantigen assay or flotation test was positive, the sample was considered to be positive. Data were summarized by age category, U.S. Census Bureau geographical region (Northeast, South, Midwest, West) and veterinary visit type. Visit types were subdivided into Wellness Visits and Other Clinical Visits in which a fecal sample was submitted. RESULTS: In dogs presenting for either Wellness Visits or Other Clinical Visits in which Giardia testing was included, Giardia had the highest positivity (combined results for microscopy and coproantigen: 12.2 and 10.8%, respectively), followed by hookworms (combined microscopy and coproantigen: 4.1 and 4.2%, respectively), ascarids (combined microscopy and coproantigen: 2.5 and 1.7%, respectively) and whipworms (combined microscopy and coproantigen: 1.1 and 1.4%, respectively). When all test results were pooled together, pups aged 2-6 months were observed to have the highest proportion of positive results by either microscopy or coproantigen immunoassay regardless of clinical visit type. Parasite positivity varied by geographical region. Regardless of visit type, age or geographical region, the coproantigen method was observed to find a higher proportion of positive test results than microscopy in Giardia, ascarids, hookworms and whipworms. CONCLUSIONS: The Fecal Dx® coproantigen immunoassay combined with the zinc sulfate flotation by centrifugation method uncovers a higher number of positive hookworm, ascarid and whipworm infections than zinc sulfate flotation alone in both pups and adult dogs across all geographical regions of the USA regardless of visit type.

Contracaeciasis in an American white pelican.

An American white pelican migrating through Iowa, USA exhibited regurgitation and anorexia. At the time of necropsy, numerous nematodes were observed in the crop and proventriculus with evidence of proventriculitis. Nematodes were identified as Contracaecum spp. based on morphological features of the adult worms and eggs. Species level identification of C. fagerholmi were made using nucleotide sequence analysis of the partial cox2 gene. Contracaecum infections are highly prevalent in piscivorous birds that acquire the infection by ingesting fish infected with larval stages of the parasite. Considering the possible zoonotic nature of Contracaecum, humans whose diets include uncooked fresh-water and/or marine fish should handle fresh fish with care, as these may harbor immature stages of Contracaecum spp.

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in domestic dogs and cats in the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean: A review.

Toxocara prevalence ranges from 0 to >87% and 0 to >60% in dogs and cats, respectively, within the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Higher prevalence occurs in animals less than 1 year of age. Overall, prevalence is higher in cats compared to dogs. The lowest prevalence occurs in the US owned dog population. Specific populations in this industrialized nation, in animal shelters or resource-limited locations, have prevalences similar to those seen in populations from other regions reviewed here. Conversely, subpopulations in Central America and the Caribbean have very low prevalence. Apparent contributors to prevalence, excluding animal age and climate, are socio-economic factors, attitudes towards pet management and animal population density. The lack of data from some regions pose a challenge in assessing trends; however, with the exception of the US owned dog population, there is no strong indication of any decrease in prevalence from historical levels.

Field efficacy and safety of a novel oral chewable tablet containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio™) against naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infections in dogs presented as veterinary patients in Europe and the USA.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal nematodes are parasites that commonly infect dogs, and infections can be subclinical or may cause considerable clinical disease. Some species are zoonotic and may also cause clinical disease in humans. Year-round treatment of dogs is recommended to eliminate existing infections, which also indirectly reduces the potential for subsequent human exposure to zoonotic species. Here we present two studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel chewable oral tablet containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel against gastrointestinal nematode infections in dogs presented as veterinary patients in Europe and the USA. METHODS: Dogs naturally infected with Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum and/or Uncinaria stenocephala were enrolled in the European study, and dogs naturally infected with T. canis were enrolled in the USA study. The animals were treated once orally with Simparica Trio™ tablets to provide 1.2-2.4 mg/kg sarolaner, 24-48 µg/kg moxidectin and 5-10 mg/kg pyrantel (as pamoate salt) or with a commercially available product according to the label directions as positive control. Efficacy was based on the post-treatment reduction in geometric mean egg counts (per gram feces) 7 or 10 days after treatment compared to pre-treatment egg counts. RESULTS: Simparica Trio™ was well tolerated in both studies. In the European study, geometric mean egg counts for T. canis, T. leonina, A. caninum and U. stenocephala were reduced by ≥ 98.3% in the Simparica Trio™ group and by ≥ 97.4% in the afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime group. In the USA study, geometric mean egg counts for T. canis were reduced by 99.2% in the Simparica Trio™ group and by 98.6% in the ivermectin + pyrantel group. In the USA study, 48 and 10 dogs in the Simparica Trio™ and the ivermectin + pyrantel group, respectively, were co-infected with A. caninum and the reduction in the post-treatment mean fecal egg counts were 98.6% and 74.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A single oral administration of Simparica Trio™ chewable tablets was well tolerated and was effective in the treatment of dogs with naturally occurring gastrointestinal nematode infections presented as veterinary patients in Europe and the USA.

Resistance and tolerance to mixed nematode infections in chicken genotypes with extremely different growth rates.

Fast growing broilers are less able to cope with fitness related challenges. As the allocation of metabolic resources may be traded off between performance and defence functions in parasitized hosts, we hypothesized that fast growing broilers are more sensitive to mixed nematode infections compared with slower growing genotypes under the same environmental conditions. Therefore, we compared male birds of genotypes selected for either meat production (Ross-308, R) or egg production (Lohmann Brown Plus, LB) or for both purposes (Lohmann Dual, LD), to assess their resistance and tolerance to mixed nematode infections with Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum. While infections reduced feed intake in all three genotypes, feed conversion efficiency was not affected. Infections impaired growth performance only in R birds, indicating lower tolerance in the fast growing genotype compared with slower growing LB and LD genotypes. Impaired tolerance in R birds was associated with a relative nutrient scarcity due to an infection-induced lower feed intake. Resistance to experimentally induced infections depended on host genotype as well as on the worm species involved. Overall, the A. galli burden was higher in R than LB, whereas the burden of LD was not different from that of R and LB. In contrast, the H. gallinarum burden of first generation worms was similar in the three genotypes. Susceptibility to re-infection with H. gallinarum was higher in LB than in LD, whereas very low levels of re-infection were observed in R birds. Our data collectively suggest that resistance and tolerance to mixed nematode infections are sensitive to growth rate in chickens. These differences amongst genotypes may partly be associated with a mismatch between the actual nutrient supply and genotype-specific nutrient requirements.

One-year parasitological screening of stray dogs and cats in County Dublin, Ireland.

To date, there are no recent studies identifying the prevalence of parasites of human and veterinary importance in dogs and cats in Ireland. The interaction between pets and wildlife species in the environment is an important source of parasite exposure to canids and felines, and one likely to be heightened in the stray animal population. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of endoparasites in unowned dogs and cats in County Dublin, Ireland. Feces from stray dogs (n = 627) and cats (n = 289) entering a rehoming centre were collected immediately after defecation. The main parasitic agents detected were ascarids (15.52 and 30.26%), Cystoisospora (3.27 and 3.69%), Giardia spp. (6.02 and 1.84%) and lungworms (0.64 and 2.08%), in dogs and cats respectively. Animals younger than 3 months of age were more likely to be infected with ascarids (P < 0.001) and Cystoisospora spp. (P = 0.008 and P = 0.014) than older animals. All lungworms were morphologically identified and dogs were infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.48%) and Crenosoma vulpis (0.16%) whereas cats were only infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (2.08%). This represents the first prevalence study of stray animals in Ireland. Data collected will inform the treatment and in addition, the future monitoring and control studies of parasite populations.

Co-expulsion of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum by chickens.

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 30.5 days p.i., followed by a much lower second expulsion rate (e = 0.46), which resulted in almost, but not entirely, complete expulsion. Heterakis gallinarum was able to induce reinfection within the experimental period (9 weeks). First generation H. gallinarum worms were expelled at a daily rate of e = 0.8 worms until 36.4 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.

Beyond the raccoon roundworm: The natural history of non-raccoon Baylisascaris species in the New World.

A total of 10 species of Baylisascaris, a genus of ascaridoid nematodes, occur worldwide and 6 of them occur in the New World. Most of the Baylisascaris species have a similar life cycle with carnivorous mammals or marsupials serving as definitive hosts and a smaller prey host serving as paratenic (or intermediate) hosts. However, one species in rodents is unique in that it only has one host. Considerable research has been conducted on B. procyonis, the raccoon roundworm, as it is a well-known cause of severe to fatal neurologic disease in humans and many wildlife species. However, other Baylisascaris species could cause larva migrans but research on them is limited in comparison. In addition to concerns related to the potential impacts of larva migrans on potential paratenic hosts, there are many questions about the geographic ranges, definitive and paratenic host diversity, and general ecology of these non-raccoon Baylisascaris species. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of New World Baylisascaris species, including B. columnaris of skunks, B. transfuga and B. venezuelensis of bears, B. laevis of sciurids, B. devosi of gulonids, B. melis of badgers, and B. potosis of kinkajou. Discussed are what is known regarding the morphology, host range, geographic distribution, ecoepidemiology, infection dynamics in definitive and paratenic hosts, treatment, and control of these under-studied species. Also, we discuss the currently used molecular tools used to investigate this group of parasites. Because of morphologic similarities among larval stages of sympatric Baylisascaris species, these molecular tools should provide critical insight into these poorly-understood areas, especially paratenic and definitive host diversity and the possible risk these parasites pose to the health to the former group. This, paired with traditional experimental infections, morphological analysis, and field surveys will lead to a greater understanding of this interesting and important nematode genus.

Efficacy of moxidectin and an ivermectin-praziquantel combination against ascarids, strongyles, and tapeworms in Thoroughbred yearlings in field tests on a farm in Central Kentucky in 2016.

Field tests were performed on Thoroughbred yearlings (n=143), evaluating efficacy of moxidectin (MOX) against ascarids and strongyles and the efficacy of an ivermectin (IVM)-praziquantel (PRAZ) combination against those nematodes and tapeworms on a farm in Central Kentucky. The study was started on March 1, 2016 and completed on August 23, 2016. Fecal samples were collected from yearlings every two weeks for counts of ascarid and strongyle eggs per gram of feces (EPGs) and for determining the presence of tapeworm eggs. MOX was given to 88 yearlings on March 1; 55 yearlings were nontreated controls on this date but were treated two weeks later with MOX. On June 15, 2016, all yearlings (n=87) remaining on the farm were treated with IVM-PRAZ combination. Ascarids were present in low numbers for MOX-treated horses, and the drug had virtually no effect. The low number of ascarid infected horses before any treatment during the study was most likely due to age related immunity. Efficacy against strongyles was alike for both MOX and the IVM- PRAZ combination. At two weeks post-treatment, strongyle EPG values were reduced over 90%, started increasing at four weeks post-treatment, and returned to near pre-treatment values at six weeks post-treatment. Tapeworm efficacy of the IVM-PRAZ treatment was 96% at two weeks and was maintained for the entire ten-week post-treatment examination period.

Evaluation of activity of fenbendazole, oxibendazole, piperazine , and pyrantel pamoate alone and combinations against ascarids, strongyles, and strongyloides in horse foals in field tests on two farms in Central Kentucky in 2014 and 2015.

Activity of fenbendazole (FBZ), oxibendazole (OBZ), piperazine (PIP) and pyrantel pamoate (PRT) alone and combinations of OBZ and PIP and of OBZ and PRT was evaluated against parascarids, strongyles and strongyloides in horse foals (n=281).This was on two farms - Farm A - mixed light-horses (n=26) and Farm B-Thoroughbreds (n=255) - in Central Kentucky in field tests in 2014 and 2015. Foals on both farms were treated one to three times each; an exception was that seven foals on Farm A were nontreated controls. Before treatment, the foals on Farm A were all weighed on scales but weights for Farm B were estimated. Evaluation of the anthelmintics was by recording the number of foals passing specific types of nematode eggs before and after treatment using qualitative and/or quantitative (EPG) methods. Results are: 1) ascarids (parascarids) - efficacy was excellent for OBZ, PIP, OBZ-PIP, and OBZ-PRT; likewise for PRT for one group (in 2014) of Farm A foals but not another group (2015) there. FBZ was inactive against these parasites. 2) strongyles - activity was lacking or incomplete for all of the compounds alone or in combination; it was the best for OBZ-PIP, OBZ-PRT and PRT alone. 3) strongyloides - data indicated no or incomplete activity; it was highest for OBZ and OBZ-PIP. The level of drug activity against parasites in Farm B foals may in some instances have been different if exact rather than estimated body weights had been obtained before treatment like for Farm A foals.

Parasitas zoonóticos em fezes de cães em praças públicas do município de Itabuna, Bahia, Brasil / Zoonotic parasites in dog feces at public squares in the municipality of Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil

The contamination of public squares by zoonotic potential parasites was evaluated at the urban areas in the municipality of Itabuna Brasil. For such, 119 fecal samples of dogs were collected at 10 public squares. After that, these feces samples were transported to the Parasitology Laboratory in the UESC and they were analyzed by Mariano and Carvalho's method. Of the total analized samples, 56.3 percent show some parasitic evolutive form. Ancylostoma sp. was the most frequently (47.9 percent), followed by Strongyloides stercortalis (6.7 percent), Toxocara canis and Trichuris vulpis eggs (4.2 percent) each, Endolimax nana cysts (2.5 percent), and Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba coli cysts (0.8 percent) each.

Avaliou-se a contaminação de praças públicas da área urbana do município de Itabuna, BA, Brasil, por parasitos zoonóticos presentes em fezes de cães. Foram coletadas 119 amostras fecais de cães em 10 praças. Logo após, estas fezes foram encaminhadas ao Laboratório de Parasitologia da UESC e analisadas pelo método de Mariano e Carvalho. Do total das amostras analisadas, 56,3 por cento continham alguma forma evolutiva parasitária, sendo o parasita mais freqüente Ancylostoma sp. com 47,9 por cento, seguido por 6,7 por cento de Strongyloides stercortalis, 4,2 por cento tanto para ovos de Toxocara canis quanto de Trichuris vulpis, 2,5 por cento para cistos de Endolimax nana, e 0,8 por cento tanto para cistos de Giardia intestinalis quanto para os de Entamoeba coli.