A single subcutaneous dose of eprinomectin (Eprecis®) is effective against common gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in experimentally infected lactating goats.

BACKGROUND: The health and productivity of dairy goats continue to be impacted by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and lungworms (LW). Eprinomectin (EPN) is frequently selected for treatment because it is generally effective and does not require a milk withdrawal period. However, some factors, such as lactation, can have an impact on EPN pharmacokinetics and potentially its efficacy. To evaluate whether this can alter the efficacy of Eprecis® 2%, an eprinomectin injectable solution, a study was performed in lactating goats using the dose currently registered in cattle, sheep and goats (0.2 mg/kg). METHODS: This study was a blinded, randomized, controlled trial performed according to the VICH guidelines. Eighteen (18) worm-free lactating goats were included and experimentally challenged on day 28 with a mixed culture of infective gastrointestinal and lung nematode larvae (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Dictyocaulus filaria). At D-1, fecal samples were collected to confirm patent infection in all animals. On D0, the goats were randomly allocated into two groups of nine goats; group 1 was treated with Eprecis® 2% at 0.2 mg/kg BW by subcutaneous injection, while group 2 remained untreated. Fecal samples for egg counts were collected from all animals on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14. On D14, all goats were killed, and the abomasum, small intestine and lungs were removed, processed and subsampled to record the number and species of worms. RESULTS: The treatment was well tolerated. After treatment, the arithmetic mean FEC decreased in the treated group and remained < 5 EPG until the end of the study, while the arithmetic mean FEC in the control group remained > 849.0 EPG. At D14, goats in the treated group had very limited or zero total worm counts, whereas all animals from the control group had a high worm burden. The measured efficacy was 100.0% against H. contortus and T. colubriformis, 99.9% against T. circumcincta and 98.0% against D. filaria. CONCLUSIONS: Eprinomectin (Eprecis®, 20 mg/ml), administered at the label dose (0.2 mg/kg), is highly effective against gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in lactating goats.

Health workers' perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting 1.5 billion globally, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. These diseases impair health and contribute to socio-economic challenges, especially in children, undermining educational and future economic prospects. The 2030 NTD Roadmap highlights Mass Drug Administration (MDA) as a critical strategy for controlling these NTDs, targeting vulnerable populations like school-age children. Despite some successes, challenges persist, indicating the need for deeper insights into program implementation. This study focuses on the perspectives of health workers implementing MDA in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State, Nigeria, aiming to identify challenges and enablers that align with the broader NTD 2030 goals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health workers engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria, between July and September 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found that the school-based MDA control program's efficacy largely relies on strong collaborations and partnerships, particularly with educators, community heads, and other stakeholders. These alliances and strategic communication methods, like town announcements and media campaigns, have been pivotal in reaching communities. However, the program does grapple with hurdles such as parental misconceptions, limited funds, insufficient staffing, and misalignment with the Ministry of Education. It is recommended to boost funding, foster early stakeholder involvement, enhance mobilization techniques, and consider introducing a monitoring card system similar to immunization. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The MDA Integrated Control Programs for STH and SCH in Ogun State schools demonstrate a holistic approach, integrating knowledge, collaboration, communication, and feedback. Health workers have shown commitment and adeptness in their roles. However, achieving maximum efficacy requires addressing critical barriers, such as parental misconceptions and funding challenges. Adopting the recommended strategies, including proactive communication, increased remuneration, and introducing a tracking system, can significantly enhance the program's reach and impact. The involvement of all stakeholders, from health workers to community leaders and parents, is essential for the program's sustainability and success.

An in vivo appraisal of Punica granatum peel extract's ultrastructural effect on cystic echinococcosis in mice.

In the past decade, interest has significantly increased regarding the medicinal and nutritional benefits of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel. This study examined the effects of using pomegranate peel extract (PGE) alone and in combination with albendazole (ABZ) on ultrastructural and immunological changes in cystic echinococcosis in laboratory-infected mice. Results revealed that the smallest hydatid cyst size and weight (0.48 ± 0.47mm, 0.17 ± 0.18 gm) with the highest drug efficacy (56.2%) was detected in the PGE + ABZ group, which also exhibited marked histopathological improvement. Ultrastructural changes recorded by transmission electron microscopy including fragmentation of the nucleus, glycogen depletion, and multiple lysosomes in vacuolated cytoplasm were more often observed in PGE + ABZ group. IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in the group treated with ABZ, with a notable reduction following PGE treatment, whether administered alone or in combination with ABZ. Thus, PGE enhanced the therapeutic efficiency of ABZ, with improvement in histopathological and ultrastructural changes.

How Does Treatment Coverage and Proportion Never Treated Influence the Success of Schistosoma mansoni Elimination as a Public Health Problem by 2030?

BACKGROUND: The 2030 target for schistosomiasis is elimination as a public health problem (EPHP), achieved when the prevalence of heavy-intensity infection among school-aged children (SAC) reduces to <1%. To achieve this, the new World Health Organization guidelines recommend a broader target of population to include pre-SAC and adults. However, the probability of achieving EPHP should be expected to depend on patterns in repeated uptake of mass drug administration by individuals. METHODS: We employed 2 individual-based stochastic models to evaluate the impact of school-based and community-wide treatment and calculated the number of rounds required to achieve EPHP for Schistosoma mansoni by considering various levels of the population never treated (NT). We also considered 2 age-intensity profiles, corresponding to a low and high burden of infection in adults. RESULTS: The number of rounds needed to achieve this target depends on the baseline prevalence and the coverage used. For low- and moderate-transmission areas, EPHP can be achieved within 7 years if NT ≤10% and NT <5%, respectively. In high-transmission areas, community-wide treatment with NT <1% is required to achieve EPHP. CONCLUSIONS: The higher the intensity of transmission, and the lower the treatment coverage, the lower the acceptable value of NT becomes. Using more efficacious treatment regimens would permit NT values to be marginally higher. A balance between target treatment coverage and NT values may be an adequate treatment strategy depending on the epidemiological setting, but striving to increase coverage and/or minimize NT can shorten program duration.

Endemic status of urogenital schistosomiasis and the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel treatment in unmapped rural farming communities in Oyo East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria, and the treatment is largely concentrated on children enrolled in schools. Consequently, the coverage of non-enrolled school-aged children is often neglected. Ajagba and Awosan are two communities in Nigeria that have never had any control intervention. Hence, this survey was designed to determine the endemicity of urogenital schistosomiasis and to evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel in the communities. METHODS: Urine sample (10 mL) of each participant from Ajagba and Awosan communities was filtered through 12µm polycarbonate filter. The filter was placed on a microscope slide, and stained with a drop of 1% Lugol iodine solution. The stained slides were examined under the microscope and the numbers of S. haematobium eggs were counted. Water contact sites were searched for snail hosts and the snails collected were shed for Schistosoma cercariae. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and the significance level was set at 95%. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of infection in the Ajagba community was 45.6% with a mean intensity of 61.1 ± 144.5 eggs/10 mL of urine, while the prevalence of infection in the Awosan community was 5.7% with a mean intensity of 1.4 ± 6.8 eggs/10 mL of urine. The school-aged children had a prevalence and mean intensity of infection of 73.1% and 111.6 ± 177.9 eggs/10 mL of urine, respectively. Following treatment, women had a higher egg reduction rate than men (p = 0.0283). Bulinus globosus were found in Ajagba but not in Awosan, with 5.7% shedding Schistosoma spp, cercariae. CONCLUSION: Urogenital schistosomiasis was hyperendemic in the Ajagba community, and hypoendemic in the Awosan community. The presence of Bulinus globosus supported the transmission of the schistosomiasis in the Ajagba community. Communities where schistosomiasis is still actively transmitted in Nigeria should be identified for effective intervention through the MDA programs.

Efficacy of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats (280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin) in the prevention of feline Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection evaluated in a multi-diagnostic approach.

BACKGROUND: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is one of the most important respiratory nematodes of felines. Infections may lead to respiratory clinical signs with varying severity or even death, emphasizing the need for preventive treatment of cats with outdoor access to circumvent patent infections. METHODS: Therefore, the preventive efficacy of a spot-on formulation of 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats, MSD) against A. abstrusus was evaluated in a negative controlled, randomized and partially blinded efficacy study with 28 purpose-bred cats in a non-terminal design. In three different treatment regimes, the minimum recommended dose of 40 mg fluralaner and 2.0 mg moxidectin/kg bodyweight (BW) was administered once at 12, 8 or 4 weeks (study group G1, G2 and G3, respectively) prior to experimental infection with 300 third-stage A. abstrusus larvae, while G4 served as placebo-treated control. RESULTS: From 30 to 46 days post infection (dpi; SD 114 to 130), faeces were sampled to monitor first-stage larvae (L1) excretion for efficacy determination. Secondary efficacy criteria, including respiratory parameters, serological antibody levels and computed tomography (CT) findings, were assessed once before enrolment (SD -7 to -1) and before infection (SD 75 to 83). After infection, CT evaluation was performed once at 47-50 dpi (SD 131 to 134), and respiratory parameters and antibody levels were regularly assessed twice or once a week, respectively (1 up to 78 dpi, SD 85 up to 162). All animals in the control group excreted L1 by 33-37 dpi and remained positive throughout the study period from 41 to 46 dpi (SD 125 to 130). In the treatment groups, only one animal each of G1 and G2 excreted L1 at two consecutive days, and four cats of G1, two of G2 and three of G3 were positive on single occasions. While the geometric mean (GM) of the maximum number of excreted L1 per 5 g of faeces was 7380.89 in the control group (G4), GMs were significantly lower in the treatment groups with 1.63 in G1, 1.37 in G2 and 0.79 in G3. Thus, based on GMs, the reduction in excreted L1 exceeded 99.9% in all three treatment groups. Based on CT severity scores, all lungs of the animals of the control group showed severe pulmonary changes post infection, whereas lungs of the cats of the treatment groups were either unaltered (4 animals), mildly (11 animals), or moderately altered (5 animals). Moreover, seroconversion was observed in all cats of the control group, but not in those of the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of diagnostic methods used in this non-terminal study yielded coherent and reliable results. A single administration of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats was well tolerated and effective in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis for at least 12 weeks.

A randomized assessors-blind clinical trial to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of albendazole alone and in combination with mebendazole or pyrantel for the treatment of Trichuris trichiura infection in school-aged children in Lambaréné and surroundings.

Helminthiasis remains a public health issue in endemic areas. Various drugs have been proposed to improve efficacy against helminths. The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of three different anthelmintic combinations to treat Trichuris trichiura infections. We conducted a randomized assessors-blind clinical trial involving children aged 2-17 years with T. trichiura. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms. On the first and third days, all participants got albendazole 400 mg, and on the second day, albendazole (arm A), mebendazole 500 mg (arm B), or pyrantel 125 mg/kg (arm C). We assessed treatment efficacy using the cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR) at 3 and 6 weeks post-treatment. At 3 weeks post-treatment, ERR and CR were highest in study arm A [ERR = 94%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 92-95; CR = 71%; 95% CI: 58-81] compared to the B and C arms. Decrease in ERR was significant only for arm B versus arm A (P-value <0.001); decrease in ERR was significant for arms B and C (P-value <0.001). No statistical difference was observed in CR when comparing arms A and B (P-value =1.00) and C (P-value =0.27). At 6 weeks, a decrease in ERR was observed in three arms, significant only for arm C, 81% (95% CI: 78-83). A significant increase in egg counts was observed between 3 and 6 weeks post-treatment. All treatments were safe with mild adverse events. Albendazole 400 mg/day (arm A) showed the highest efficacy against trichuriasis. Nonetheless, this treatment regimen was able to cure half of the treated individuals highlighting concerns about controlling the transmission of T. trichiura.CLINICAL TRIALRegistered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04326868).

Appraisal of Chitosan-Coated Lipid Nano-Combination with Miltefosine and Albendazole in the Treatment of Murine Trichinellosis: Experimental Study with Evaluation of Immunological and Immunohistochemical Parameters.

PURPOSE: Resistance and adverse consequences of albendazole (ABZ) in treating trichinellosis urged demand for secure and effective new drugs. The current study aimed to assess the effect of chitosan-coated lipid nano-combination with albendazole and miltefosine (MFS) in treating experimental murine trichinellosis and evaluating pathological and immunological changes of trichinellosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups. Each group was subdivided into a and b subgroups based on the scarification time, which was 7- and 40-days post-infection (PI), respectively. The treatment efficacy was evaluated using parasitological, histopathological, serological (interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 serum levels), immunohistochemical (GATA3, glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) and caspase-3), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. RESULTS: The most effective drug was nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with ABZ (G5), which showed the most significant reduction in adults and larval count (100% and 92.39%, respectively). The greatest amelioration in histopathological changes was reported in G4 treated with MFS. GATA3 and caspase-3 were significantly reduced in all treated groups. GPX1 was significantly increased in G6 treated with MFS + NLCs. The highest degenerative effects on adults and larvae by SEM were documented in G6. CONCLUSION: Loading ABZ or MFS on chitosan-coated NLCs enhanced their efficacy against trichinellosis. Although ABZ was better than MFS, their combination should be considered as MFS caused a significant reduction in the intensity of infection. Furthermore, MFS showed anti-inflammatory (↓GATA3) and antiapoptotic effects (↓caspase-3), especially in the muscular phase. Also, when loaded with NLCS, it showed an antioxidant effect (↑GPX1).

Efficacy of afoxolaner or the combination of afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime against Otodectes cynotis in naturally infested dogs.

Otodectes cynotis, commonly known as "the ear mite," is a highly contagious ectoparasite and a significant cause of otitis externa in canines. The objective of the current study was to determine the efficacy of the isoxazoline afoxolaner (Nexgard®), and the combination of afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime (Nexgard Spectra®), in dogs naturally infested with O. cynotis. In total, 32 infested client-owned dogs from two different sites in Greece were included. The animals were randomly divided into four equal groups based on their infestation score. Group 1 served as the negative control, group 2 received one oral administration of Nexgard (Day 0), group 3 received two monthly oral administrations of Nexgard (Days 0, 30), and group 4 received two monthly oral administrations of Nexgard Spectra (Days 0, 30), according to label instructions. Otoscopic examinations for mites and observations on debris/cerumen in the ears were carried out on Days 0, 15, 30, and 45. A quantitative assessment of ear mites by ear duct flushing and live mite counts was performed on Day 45. The results demonstrated that a single oral dose of afoxolaner and two monthly doses of afoxolaner or afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime resulted in a 99.9% reduction in live mite counts compared to the untreated control group by Day 45. Additionally, treated dogs showed improved clinical symptoms, such as ear cerumen/debris decrease, while untreated dogs experienced worsening symptoms over the study duration. No adverse events were reported. Overall, these results support the use of afoxolaner-based products to treat O. cynotis infestation in dogs.

Comparative growth performance of backgrounded beef heifers treated with an injectable fixed-dose combination (0.2 mg/kg doramectin + 6.0 mg/kg levamisole hydrochloride) or single-active (0.2 mg/kg ivermectin) endectocide.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) can negatively impact all production classes of cattle, particularly growing cattle. A global decline in efficacy of broad-spectrum single-active anthelmintics requires alternative GIN control methods without the aid of novel drug classes. Here, we present a new fixed-dose combination injectable (FDCI) endectocide for cattle that combines doramectin (5 mg/ml) and levamisole hydrochloride (150 mg/ml). A 56-day comparative performance confinement backgrounding trial was conducted in stocker beef heifers (n = 1548) with confirmed GIN infections to (1) compare the Day 14 post-treatment effectiveness of the new FDCI endectocide to pen mates treated with the injectable single-active endectocide ivermectin, as evidenced by fecal egg counts (FECs) conducted for a randomly selected subset (10%) of both treatment groups, and (2) determine if the greater GIN control by the FDCI evidenced in the subsample improved growth performance in all FDCI-treated heifers. Heifers were procured in four cohorts, with a 10-week timeframe between enrollment of the first and last cohort. Treatment groups were comingled within dirt-floor pens (n = 31; 7-8 per cohort) and offered a standard backgrounding diet ad libitum for the study duration. Heifers with enrollment FEC ≥ 30 eggs per gram (EPG) were randomly allocated to receive the FDCI (n = 773) or ivermectin (n = 775) on Day 0. Day 0 FECs conducted on 10% of enrolled heifers (FDCI, n = 78; ivermectin, n = 79) were not different between treatment groups (p = 0.491). Day 14 FECs for the same heifers were reduced compared to Day 0 within each treatment group. Heifers given the FDCI had lower Day 14 AM FECs and higher FEC reduction test (FECRT) result (0.07 EPG; 0.999) than ivermectin-treated heifers (21.58 EPG; FECRT = 0.850). Mean body weight (BW) was not different between treatment groups on Day 0 (p = 0.2762) and Day 14 (p = 0.2010) but was significantly greater (p = 0.0007) for FDCI-treated heifers compared to ivermectin-treated heifers on Day 56. Compared to ivermectin-treated heifers, overall average daily gain from all evaluation periods (Day 0-14, Day 14-56, and Day 0-56) was greater (p ≤ 0.0052) in FDCI-treated heifers, and FDCI-treated heifers had 4.223 kg greater total weight gain over the 56-day study. The FDCI (0.2 mg/kg doramectin + 6.0 mg/kg levamisole hydrochloride) was highly effective in reducing GIN infections and thus promoted improved growth performance in beef heifers over a 56-day backgrounding period.

Assessment of the potential prophylactic and therapeutic effects of kaempferol on experimental Trichinella spiralis infection.

Currently, no effective treatment is available for trichinellosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by infection with the genus Trichinella. Kaempferol (KPF), a dietary flavonoid, has been documented to have anti-parasitic effects and various medicinal uses. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of KPF in preventing and treating the intestinal and muscular phases of trichinellosis in mice compared with albendazole (ABZ). To achieve this, mice were divided into six groups: negative control; positive control; KPF prophylaxis; KPF treatment; ABZ treatment; and a combination of ABZ and KPF. Parasitological, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the treatments. The parasitological assessment involved counting small intestinal adult worms and encysted muscle larvae. Additionally, the histopathological evaluation used the haematoxylin and eosin staining method for intestinal and muscular sections and picrosirius red stain for muscular sections. Moreover, the immunohistochemical expression of the intestinal NOD-like receptor-pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) was evaluated. The group treated with combined drugs demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the count of adults and encysted larvae (P < 0.05), a remarkable improvement in the inflammation of the intestines and muscles and a decrease in the thickness of the larvae's capsular layer. Additionally, the highest reduction in NLRP3 expression was observed in this group. Based on this study, KPF shows promise as an anti-trichinellosis medication that, when taken with ABZ, has a synergistic impact by modulating inflammation and larval capsule formation.

Anthelmintic usage on the performance of the Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) reared intensively in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies / Uso de anti-helmíntico no desempenho da cutia (Dasyprocta leporina) criada intensivamente em Trinidad e Tobago, Índias Ocidentais

Anthelmintic drugs have been used strategically in livestock reared in the tropics. These drugs have been used in the treatment of endoparasitism which have resulted in an increase in the animals’ performance. The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a neo-tropical rodent with the potential for domestication and has been farmed intensively in Trinidad. However, the objective of this research was to investigate the effect of anthelmintic use of the growth performance of the agouti. In searching the literature, it was found that this type of study on the agouti has not been done. In this experiment fourteen weaned agoutis weighing 1kg were divided into two groups randomly. The first group (T1) was not given any anthelmintic treatment but the second group (T2) was treated with Endovet Ces® subcutaneously every three months. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two groups in the carcass weight, weight gain, dressing percentage (hot and cold), heart, lungs, skin, head and feet. However, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was seen between groups in the weight of liver and pluck. To the authors knowledge this is the first time that carcass parameters has been presented in literature. The live weight of the animals at the end of the experiment ranged from 2.4 kg to 2.6 kg and animals had a dressing percentage of 57% to 55%. The results are suggestive that the use of anthelmintic drugs in agoutis reared intensively had no significant effect on weight gain and dressing percentage.

Drogas anti-helmínticas têm sido usadas estrategicamente em rebanhos criados nos trópicos. Essas drogas têm sido utilizadas no tratamento do endoparasitismo, o que resultou em um aumento no desempenho dos animais. A cutia (Dasyprocta leporina) é um roedor neotropical com potencial para domesticação e tem sido criada intensivamente em Trinidad. Porém, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar o efeito do uso de anti-helmínticos no desempenho de crescimento da cutia. Através de uma busca na literatura, constatou-se que esse tipo de estudo na cutia não foi realizado. Neste experimento, quatorze cutias desmamadas pesando 1kg foram divididas em dois gruposale atoriamente. O primeiro grupo (T1) não recebeu nenhum tratamento anti-helmíntico, mas o segundo grupo (T2) foi tratado com Endovet Ces® por via subcutânea a cada três meses. Não houve diferenças significativas (p> 0,05) entre os dois grupos no peso da carcaça, ganho de peso, porcentagem de cobertura (quente e frio), coração, pulmão, pele, cabeça e pés. No entanto, uma diferença significativa (p <0,05) foi observada entre os grupos no peso do fígado e depenagem. Para os autores, esta é a primeira vez que parâmetros de carcaça são apresentados na literatura. O peso vivo dos animais ao final do experimento variou de 2,4 kg a 2,6 kg e os animais tinham uma porcentagem de curativo de 57% a 55%. Os resultados sugerem que o uso de anti-helmínticos em cutias criadas intensivamente não teve efeito significativo no ganho de peso e na porcentagem de curativo.

Anthelmintic usage on the Reproductive Parameters in Captive reared Agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies / Uso de anti-helmíntico nos parâmetros reprodutivos em cutias criadas em cativeiro (Dasyprocta leporina) em Trinidad e Tobago, Índias Ocidentais

The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a rodent that is found in the Neo-tropical region. This animal is hunted for its meat but has recently been reared in captivity as a source of meat protein in rural communities. A 20-month experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of an anthelmintic on the reproductive performance of the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) reared in captivity. This experiment was conducted in the humid tropics of Trinidad and Tobago. Sixteen animals (15 females, 1 male) placed in each of the two treatment groups in a completely randomized study design. In treatment 1 (T1) animals were given subcutaneous injections of Endovet Ces® (Ivermectin/Praziquantel) at 0.2 mg/kg every three months. Treatment 2 (T2) was the negative control group where animals were not exposed to an anthelmintic. Reproductive data were collected at parturition which included birth weight, litter weight, litter size and gender of offspring. The results showed that there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between the treatment groups with respect to birth weight, litter weight, litter size and gender. However, agoutis that were dewormed had a higher birth weight (220.24 g vs 209.1 g) and litter weight (369.8 g vs 343 g). The same values were obtained for the litter size (1.7 vs 1.7) and animals that were dewormed had a higher female offspring to male offspring (2.41:1 vs 1.11:1). This experiment demonstrated that the use of an anthelmintic strategically in the management of captive reared agoutis had no statistical effect (p > 0.05) on the reproductive parameters. Therefore, these animals can be kept in captive conditions without being dewormed and produce efficiently with proper feeding and housing management.

A cutia (Dasyprocta leporina) é um roedor que se encontra na região neo-tropical. Esse animal é caçado por sua carne, mas recentemente foi criado em cativeiro como fonte de proteína de carne em comunidades rurais. Um experimento de 20 meses foi realizado para avaliar o efeito de um anti-helmíntico no desempenho reprodutivo de cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) criadas em cativeiro. Esse experimento foi conduzido nos trópicos úmidos de Trinidad e Tobago. Dezesseis animais (15 fêmeas, 1 macho) colocados em cada um dos dois grupos de tratamento em um desenho de estudo completamente randomizado. No tratamento 1 (T1) os animais receberam injeções subcutâneas de Endovet Ces® (Ivermectina / Praziquantel) na dose de 0,2 mg / kg a cada três meses. O tratamento 2 (T2) foi o grupo de controle negativo onde os animais não foram expostos a um anti-helmíntico. Os dados reprodutivos foram coletados no parto, incluindo peso ao nascer, peso da ninhada, tamanho da ninhada e sexo da prole. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença estatística (p > 0,05) entre os grupos de tratamento com relação ao peso ao nascer, peso da ninhada, tamanho da ninhada e sexo. No entanto, cutias desparasitadas tiveram maior peso ao nascer (220,24 g vs. 209,1 g) e peso da ninhada (369,8 g vs. 343 g). Os mesmos valores foram obtidos para o tamanho da ninhada (1,7 vs. 1,7) e os animais que foram desparasitados tiveram uma prole feminina maior do que a prole masculina (2,41: 1 vs. 1,11: 1). Esse experimento demonstrou que o uso de anti-helmíntico estrategicamente no manejo de cutias criadas em cativeiro não teve efeito estatístico (p > 0,05) sobre os parâmetros reprodutivos. Portanto, esses animais podem ser mantidos em cativeiro sem serem vermifugados e produzir de forma eficiente com alimentação adequada e manejo do alojamento.

Safety and effectiveness of delivering mass drug administration for helminths through the seasonal malaria chemoprevention platform among Senegalese children: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a major health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 90% of the disease and where nearly all deaths occur in children. Adding to this high burden is the co-existence of intestinal and genito-urinary helminth infections. Existing control programmes for these helminths are operating sub-optimally. Conversely, a malaria prevention programme, called seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), introduced in 2012 has achieved more than 75% treatment coverage and prevented 75-85% cases of uncomplicated and severe malaria in children. This encouraging development supports the need to explore strategies involving the integration of helminth control with successful platforms such as SMC. This would align worm and malaria control within the Sustainable Development Goals of ending the diseases of poverty and promoting health and well-being for those at risk. METHODS: This study will have quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative component will be a three-arm, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, interventional study of co-administration of SMC and anthelminthic drugs to pre-school and school-age children in Saraya district, southeast Senegal. Six hundred children aged 1-14 years will be randomly assigned to receive either SMC drugs only, SMC drugs and praziquantel or SMC drugs and albendazole and praziquantel at a ratio of 1:1:1. The primary outcome will be solicited and unsolicited adverse reactions to the study medications. The secondary outcomes will be the prevalence and intensity of Plasmodium-helminth co-infection and the prevalence of anaemia and mean haemoglobin concentration. The qualitative component of the study will include the conduct of structured interviews to assess the acceptability, feasibility, enablers and barriers to the combined use of anthelminthic and SMC drugs among randomly selected parents/caregivers of children enrolled in the study and health care workers responsible for the delivery of the combined services. DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence to boost the public health recommendations for combined malaria and helminth control. If successful, this project will reinforce the evidence that health care systems in developing countries can be comprehensive health management rather than focussed on vertical management of a single disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05354258. Registered on 28 April 2022. PACTR202204794105273. Registered on 25 April 2022.

Quantitative Analysis of Abamectin, Albendazole, Levamisole HCl and Closantel in Q-DRENCH Oral Suspension Using a Stability-Indicating HPLC-DAD Method.

Combination therapy of many anthelmintic drugs has been used to achieve fast animal curing. Q-DRENCH is an oral suspension, containing four different active drugs against GIT worms in sheep, commonly used in Australia and New Zeeland. The anti-parasitic drugs are Albendazole (ALB), Levamisole HCl (LEV), Abamectin (ABA), and Closantel (CLO). The main purpose of this study is to present a new simultaneous stability-indicting HPLC-DAD method for the analysis of the four drugs. The recommended liquid system was 1 mL of Triethylamine/L water, adjusting the pH to 3.5 by glacial acetic acid: acetonitrile solvent (20:80, v/v). Isocratic elusion achieved the desired results of separation at a 2 mL/min flow rate using Zorbax C-18 as a stationary phase. Detection was performed at 210 nm. The linearity ranges were 15.15 to 93.75 µg/mL for ALB, 25 to 150 µg/mL for LEV, 30 to 150 µg/mL for ABA, and 11.7 to 140.63 µg/mL for CLO. Moreover, the final greenness score was 0.62 using the AGREE tool, which reflects the eco-friendly nature. Moreover, the four drugs were determined successfully in the presence of their stressful degradation products. This work presents the first chromatographic method for simultaneous analysis for Q-DRENCH oral suspension drugs in the presence of their stressful degradation products.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections after mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in rural southern India.

OBJECTIVES: Targeted deworming is the current strategy for control of morbidity associated with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) among at-risk populations: preschool-aged children, school-aged children and women of childbearing age. We report the prevalence and intensity of STH in a district after lymphatic filariasis (LF) mass drug administration (MDA) in southern India where albendazole was co-administered from 2001. METHODS: Children aged 2 to 15 years and adults (defined as ≥15 years) in a rural administrative block of Tamil Nadu were recruited using a probability proportional to size method. Stool samples were screened and eggs per gram (EPG) determined by Kato-Katz method. Multilevel logistic regression (MLR) and multilevel negative binomial regression (MNBR) analyses were used to identify factors associated with infection and intensity, respectively. RESULTS: Of 862 participants who provided samples, 60 (7.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.3-8.7) were positive for STH with a predominance of hookworm infections (n = 57, 6.6%; 95% CI: 5.0-8.3). Increasing age (odds ratio (OR): 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04-1.15) and regular usage of the toilet (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12-0.88) were independently associated with hookworm infection and age was significantly associated with increasing intensity of hookworm infection (infection intensity ratio (IIR): 1.28; 95% CI: 1.19-1.37). A brief review of STH prevalence in endemic settings before and after the stoppage of LF MDA indicated that, in most settings, a substantial reduction in STH prevalence is seen. CONCLUSION: Community-wide MDA in all age groups in these post-LF MDA districts with low prevalence and light intensity infections could result in transmission interruption of STH.

Economic impact of gastrointestinal nematodes in Morada Nova sheep in Brazil / Impacto econômico de nematódeos gastrintestinais em ovinos Morada Nova no Brasil

Abstract This study evaluated the economic impact of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in Morada Nova lambs under different parasite chemical control conditions. For this, 246 lambs, in the rainy and dry season, were randomized into groups according to their anthelmintic treatment with levamisole: control (CT: no treatment); routine treatment (RT: treated every 42 days); and targeted selective treatment (TST: treated according to the average daily weight gain, DWG). From 63 days of age (D63) to D210, the lambs were weighed and monitored for GIN infection parameters. Spending on anthelmintics in the production system was 1.3% of the total economic result. The economic result per animal (R$ 5.00 = US$ 1.00) was higher in the RT group, amounting to US$ 6.60 in the rainy and US$ 5.69 in the dry season, due to higher DWG. Thus, RT presented economic results 14.4% and 10.9% higher than CT, and 7.2% and 1.9% higher than TST, in the rainy and dry season, respectively. However, fast development of resistance made RT unfeasible. Here, the economic impact of GIN infection on a national scale is discussed, demonstrating its importance and the impossibility of profitable and sustainable sheep production without adequate control.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o impacto econômico da infecção por nematoides gastrintestinais (NGI), em cordeiros Morada Nova, sob diferentes condições de controle químico dos parasitas. Para isso, 246 cordeiros, na estação chuvosa e seca, foram randomizados em grupos de acordo com o tratamento com levamisol: controle (TC: sem tratamento); tratamento rotineiro (TR: tratado a cada 42 dias); e tratamento seletivo direcionado (TST: tratado de acordo com o ganho de peso médio diário, GMD). Dos 63 dias de idade (D63) ao D210, os cordeiros foram pesados ​​e monitorados quanto aos parâmetros de infecção por NGI. O gasto com anti-helmínticos no sistema produtivo foi de 1,3% do resultado econômico total. O resultado econômico por animal (R$ 5,00 = US$ 1,00) foi maior no grupo RT, totalizando US$ 6,60 na estação chuvosa e US$ 5,69 na seca, devido ao maior GMD. Assim, o RT apresentou resultados econômicos 14,4% e 10,9% superiores ao TC, e 7,2% e 1,9% superiores ao TST, no período chuvoso e seco, respectivamente. Entretanto o rápido desenvolvimento de resistência inviabiliza o TR. O impacto econômico da infecção por NGI em escala nacional são aqui discutidos, demonstrando sua importância e a impossibilidade de uma ovinocultura lucrativa e sustentável sem o controle adequado.

Praziquantel Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infected Mice Renders Them Less Susceptible to Reinfection.

Beyond transient control of the infection, additional benefits of mass drug administration of praziquantel in endemic communities have been suggested in communities but not mechanistically investigated experimentally. The present study sought to evaluate the additional and hitherto unreported benefits of repeated mass drug administration of praziquantel. We used a tractable mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni infection to assess the effects of repeated infection-treatment cycles on the host susceptibility to reinfection. Parasitaemia was assessed by quantification of Schistosoma egg burden in liver tissues and morbidity was followed up by histological observation of liver lesions by microscopy and using biochemical measurement of liver transaminases. Immune responses were further determined by serum probing of schistosoma-specific antibodies, cytokines and quantification of liver cellular and soluble mediator responses by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. At similar ages and comparable gender distribution, groups of mice undergoing higher number of infections treatment cycles over a longer period, remained susceptible to reinfection by the parasite, as judged by the presence of eggs and the associated increasing pathology in the liver tissues. However, notably, there was a clear and significantly higher propensity to lower egg burden upon reinfection when compared to counterparts undergoing a lower number of infection-treatment cycles. This relative reduction of susceptibility to infection was paralleled by a more robust humoral response against parasite antigens, elevated serum IL-4 and liver cytokines. Of note, praziquantel treatment of infected mice left them at a higher baseline of serum IL-4, IgE and liver cytokines but lower CD4+ T cell -derived cytokines when compared to infected non-treated mice supporting an immunological treatment-induced advantage of previously infected mice over naïve mice and infected/not treated mice. Notably, repeated infection-treatment cycles did not preclude the infection-driven aggravation of collagen deposition in the livers over time and was corroborated by a more robust local production of inflammatory cytokines in the most exposed livers. Taken together, our data reveal that treatment of S. mansoni-infected hosts with praziquantel rewires the immune system to a conformation less permissive to subsequent reinfection in mice. Provided the data are translatable from mouse to human, our findings may provide mechanistic support to the potential benefits of more frequent MDAs in high transmission areas to allow rapid acquisition of protective immunity against reinfection.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis before and after preventive chemotherapy initiation in the Philippines: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the impact of preventive chemotherapy on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines, using systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We included reports reporting prevalence of STH infections, schistosomiasis, or lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines published until 31 March 2021. Peer-reviewed studies were identified in electronic databases. Grey literature reports by the University of the Philippines and the Department of Health were also included. Pooled infection prevalence, before and after the initiation of preventive chemotherapy, stratified by age group, was calculated using the inverse variance heterogeneity model. FINDINGS: A total of 109 reports were included in the review and meta-analysis. Overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.7%) infection after initiation of preventive chemotherapy were significantly lower than the prevalence prior to initiation (23.6% for A. lumbricoides and 12.2% for T. trichiura). Prevalence reductions were also found in school and preschool-age children for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Studies conducted after preventive chemotherapy initiation had significantly lower overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity schistosomiasis (3.1% vs 0.2%) and of schistosomiasis in school-age children (30.5% vs 1%). Pooled prevalence of lymphatic filariasis prior to preventive chemotherapy initiation was 3.2% across 12 provinces, while currently only two provinces still have prevalence of more than 1%. There were no published studies reporting prevalence of lymphatic filariasis after initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Heterogeneity was high with I2 mostly above 90%. CONCLUSION: The burden of STH infections and schistosomiasis in children were significantly lower in studies conducted following the initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Eliminating morbidity and interrupting transmission, however, may require expanded control initiatives including community-wide treatment, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. Lymphatic filariasis burden has decreased since the implementation of preventive chemotherapy, with all but two provinces having reached the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.

Coverage evaluation surveys following soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis mass drug administration in Wolaita Zone of Ethiopia-The Geshiyaro project.

INTRODUCTION: The Geshiyaro project aims to break transmission of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis in the Wolaita Zone of Ethiopia through a combination of two interventions: behavior change communication (BCC) for increased water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure use alongside preventive chemotherapy (PC) using albendazole (ALB) and praziquantel (PZQ), targeted to reach 90% treatment coverage. Coverage evaluation surveys (CES) were conducted post-treatment, and the resultant survey coverage was compared to reported administrative coverage. This provided a secondary confirmation of the Geshiyaro project coverages, and is used to monitor the success of each Mass Drug Administration (MDA) round. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 woredas (districts) of the Wolaita Zone. All eligible individuals from the selected households were invited for an interview. The study design, sample size, analysis and report writing were conducted according to the World Health Organization (WHO) CES guidelines for PC. RESULTS: The study interviewed a total of 3,568 households and 18,875 individuals across 13 woredas in the Wolaita Zone. Overall, the survey coverage across all studied woredas was 81.5% (95% CI; 80.9-82.0%) for both ALB and PZQ. Reported administrative coverage across all studied woredas was higher than survey coverage, 92.7% and 91.2% for ALB and PZQ, respectively. A significant portion of individuals (17.6%) were not offered PC. The predominant reason for not achieving the target coverage of 90% was beneficiary absenteeism during MDA (6.6% ALB, 6.8% PZQ), followed by drug distributors failing to reach all households (4.7% ALB, 4.8% PZQ), and beneficiaries not informed of the program (1.3% ALB, 1.7% PZQ). CONCLUSION: Programmatic actions will need to be taken during the next MDA campaign to achieve the targeted Geshiyaro project coverage threshold across data collection and program engagement. Adequate training and supervision on recording and reporting administrative coverage should be provided, alongside improved social mobilization of treated communities to increase participation, and strengthened institutional partnerships and communication.