The identification of small molecule inhibitors with anthelmintic activities that target conserved proteins among ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a major concern for the ruminant industry worldwide and result in significant production losses. Naturally occurring polyparasitism and increasing drug resistance that potentiate disease outcomes are observed among the most prevalent GINs of veterinary importance. Within the five major taxonomic clades, clade Va represents a group of GINs that predominantly affect the abomasum or small intestine of ruminants. However, the development of effective broad-spectrum anthelmintics against ruminant clade Va GINs has been challenged by a lack of comprehensive druggable genome resources. Here, we first assembled draft genomes for three clade Va species (Cooperia oncophora, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Ostertagia ostertagi) and compared them with closely related ruminant GINs. Genome-wide phylogenetic reconstruction showed a relationship among ruminant GINs structured by taxonomic classification. Orthogroup (OG) inference and functional enrichment analyses identified 220 clade Va-specific and Va-conserved OGs, enriched for functions related to cell cycle and cellular senescence. Further transcriptomic analysis identified 61 taxonomically and functionally conserved clade Va OGs that may function as drug targets for new broad-spectrum anthelmintics. Chemogenomic screening identified 11 compounds targeting homologs of these OGs, thus having potential anthelmintic activity. In in vitro phenotypic assays, three kinase inhibitors (digitoxigenin, K-252a, and staurosporine) exhibited broad-spectrum anthelmintic activities against clade Va GINs by obstructing the motility of exsheathed L3 (xL3) or molting of xL3 to L4. These results demonstrate valuable applications of the new ruminant GIN genomes in gaining better insights into their life cycles and offer a contemporary approach to discovering the next generation of anthelmintics.IMPORTANCEGastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in ruminants are caused by parasites that inhibit normal function in the digestive tract of cattle, sheep, and goats, thereby causing morbidity and mortality. Coinfection and increasing drug resistance to current therapeutic agents will continue to worsen disease outcomes and impose significant production losses on domestic livestock producers worldwide. In combination with ongoing therapeutic efforts, advancing the discovery of new drugs with novel modes of action is critical for better controlling GIN infections. The significance of this study is in assembling and characterizing new GIN genomes of Cooperia oncophora, Ostertagia ostertagi, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis for facilitating a multi-omics approach to identify novel, biologically conserved drug targets for five major GINs of veterinary importance. With this information, we were then able to demonstrate the potential of commercially available compounds as new anthelmintics.

The feeding of heather (Calluna vulgaris) to Teladorsagia circumcincta infected lambs reduces parasitism but can detrimentally impact performance.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections impact small ruminant health, welfare, and production across farming systems. Rising anthelmintic resistance and regulation of synthetic drug use in organic farming is driving research and development of sustainable alternatives for GIN control. One alternative is the feeding of plants that contain secondary metabolites (PSMs) e.g., proanthocyanidins (PA, syn. condensed tannins) that have shown anthelmintic potential. However, PSMs can potentially impair performance, arising from reduced palatability and thus intake, digestibility or even toxicity effects. In this study, we tested the trade-off between the antiparasitic and anti-nutritional effects of heather consumption by lambs. The impact of additional feeding of a nematophagous fungus (Duddingtonia flagrans) on larval development was also explored. Lambs infected with Teladorsagia circumcincta or uninfected controls, were offered ad libitum heather, or a control chopped hay for 22 days during the infection patent period. Eight days into the patent period, parasitised lambs were supplemented (or remained unsupplemented) with D. flagrans for a 5-day period. Performance and infection metrics were recorded, and polyphenol levels in the heather and control hay were measured to investigate their association with activity. The lambs consumed heather at approximately 20% of their dry matter intake, which was sufficient to exhibit significant anthelmintic effects via a reduction in total egg output (P = 0.007), compared to hay-fed lambs; the magnitude of the reduction over time in heather fed lambs was almost 10-fold compared to control lambs. Negative effects on production were shown, as heather-fed lambs weighed 6% less than hay-fed lambs (P < 0.001), even though dry matter intake (DMI) of heather increased over time. D. flagrans supplementation lowered larval recovery in the faeces of infected lambs by 31.8% (P = 0.003), although no interactions between feeding heather and D. flagrans were observed (P = 0.337). There was no significant correlation between PA, or other polyphenol subgroups in the diet and egg output, which suggests that any association between heather feeding and anthelmintic effect is not simply and directly attributable to the measured polyphenols. The level of heather intake in this study showed no antagonistic effects on D. flagrans, demonstrating the methods can be used in combination, but provide no additive effect on overall anthelmintic efficacies. In conclusion, heather feeding can assist to reduce egg outputs in infected sheep, but at 20% of DMI negative effects on lamb performance can be expected which may outweigh any antiparasitic benefits.

Eprinomectin 5% w/v extended-release injection for the treatment of larval and/or adult Bunostomum phlebotomum, Haemonchus contortus, H. placei, Nematodirus helvetianus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis infections in cattle.

In an effort to generate data for regulatory purposes on the therapeutic efficacy of eprinomectin 5% w/v extended-release injection (Eprinomectin ERI) (LongRange®, Boehringer Ingelheim) against infections of immature and adult stages of some nematode species (or stages) which are generally less common or predominantly seen in younger cattle, nine studies (minimum two per parasite and stage) were conducted in the USA and Germany. A total of 218 young cattle were included in seven experimentally induced infection studies (180 animals) and two studies with naturally acquired nematode infections (38 animals), which were compliant with WAAVP and VICH guidelines. In each study, cattle were randomly assigned into groups which received 1 mL per 50 kg body weight of either saline (controls) or Eprinomectin ERI (equivalent to 1 mg eprinomectin per kg body weight) via subcutaneous injection when the parasites were developing fourth-stage larval (L4) or adult nematodes. Following necropsy and parasite recovery, percentage efficacy was calculated based on the comparison of geometric mean nematode counts of the Eprinomectin ERI- vs. the saline-treated animals. Eprinomectin ERI-treated cattle had significantly (p < 0.05) lower counts of each species and stage of nematodes than the controls. Eprinomectin ERI treatment was demonstrated to be efficacious (> 90%) against L4 and adult Bunostomum phlebotomum and Nematodirus helvetianus; against L4 Haemonchus placei, Oesophagostomum radiatum, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis; and against adult H. contortus. Percentage efficacy against L4 H. contortus was variable (69.6 to 100%). All treatments were well accepted, and no treatment-related health problems were observed in any study.

Naturally acquired ovine-adapted nematode infections in young cattle and their treatment with eprinomectin 5% w/v extended-release injection.

The objective of this controlled study was to determine the anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin 5% w/v extended-release injection (Eprinomectin ERI; LONGRANGE®, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health) against primarily ovine-adapted gastrointestinal strongylid nematode (GIN) parasites in naturally infected young cattle. Eighteen calves which grazed on a sheep-dominated mixed sheep-cattle farm were randomly allocated into two equal groups (saline [control] or Eprinomectin ERI, administered each at 1 mL/50 kg body weight once subcutaneously), treated and euthanized 14 days thereafter for a differential GIN count. Ten species of strongylid nematodes were recovered from the control calves (ovine-adapted Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Cooperia curticei, Nematodirus battus, Chabertia ovina; bovine-adapted Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia oncophora, Nematodirus helvetianus; 'generalist' Trichostrongylus axei). Adult GIN counts ranged from 1,540 to 5,244 for the control calves and from zero to 110 for the Eprinomectin ERI-treated calves. Accepting the International Cooperation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products anthelmintic guidelines criteria on adequacy of infections to be demonstrated in the control animals, this study showed that Ch. ovina, C. curticei, H. contortus, N. battus, T. axei, and T. colubriformis were reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) by ≥ 98.7% in the animals treated with Eprinomectin ERI. In conclusion, Eprinomectin ERI treatment was efficacious against a range of ovine-adapted nematode parasites in naturally infected young cattle.

Pelodera strongyloides in the critically endangered Apennine brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus).

Skin biopsies from 20 Apennine brown bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus), 17 of which displaying skin lesions, were investigated by histopathology. Different degrees of dermatitis characterized by folliculitis and furunculosis accompanied by epidermal hyperplasia and epidermal and follicular hyperkeratosis were detected. In the most severe lesions, the superimposition of traumatic wounds, probably self-induced by scratching, was observed. In 8 out of 17 (47.0%) affected bears, cross- and longitudinally-sectioned nematode larvae were present within the lumen of hair follicles, whose localization and morphological characteristics were consistent with Pelodera strongyloides. P. strongyloides is a free-living saprophytic nematode whose third-stage larvae can invade the skin causing pruritic dermatitis in several mammalian species. This is the first report of Pelodera infection in the brown bear. Although capable of causing primary dermatitis, the finding of Pelodera is not sufficient to conclude that it is the cause of the lesions observed in bears. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of the infection is indicative of a diffuse phenomenon that requires further specific investigations given the interest and conservational relevance of this relict bear population.

Surveillance for diseases, pathogens, and toxicants of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) in Pennsylvania and surrounding regions.

Using diagnostic data and contemporary sampling efforts, we conducted surveillance for a diversity of pathogens, toxicants, and diseases of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). Between 1977 and 2019, 26 diagnostic cases were examined from Kansas and throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, USA. We identified multiple causes of mortality in muskrats, but trauma (8/26), Tyzzer's disease (5/6), and cysticercosis (5/26) were the most common. We also conducted necropsies, during November 2018-January 2019 Pennsylvania muskrat trapping season, on 380 trapper-harvested muskrat carcasses after the pelt was removed. Tissue samples and exudate were tested for presence of or exposure to a suite of pathogens and contaminants. Gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminths. Intestinal helminths were present in 39.2% of necropsied muskrats, with Hymenolepis spp. (62%) and echinostome spp. (44%) being the most common Molecular testing identified a low prevalence of infection with Clostridium piliforme in the feces and Sarcocystis spp. in the heart. We detected a low seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii (1/380). No muskrats were positive for Francisella tularensis or Babesia spp. Cysticercosis was detected in 20% (5/26) of diagnostic cases and 15% (57/380) of our trapper-harvested muskrats. Toxic concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury were not detected in tested liver samples. Copper, molybdenum, and zinc concentrations were detected at acceptable levels comparative to previous studies. Parasite intensity and abundance were typical of historic reports; however, younger muskrats had higher intensity of infection than older muskrats which is contradictory to what has been previously reported. A diversity of pathogens and contaminants have been reported from muskrats, but the associated disease impacts are poorly understood. Our data are consistent with historic reports and highlight the wide range of parasites, pathogens and contaminants harbored by muskrats in Pennsylvania. The data collected are a critical component in assessing overall muskrat health and serve as a basis for understanding the impacts of disease on recent muskrat population declines.

Anthelmintic effect of essential rhizome oil from Hedychium coronarium Koenig (Zingiberaceae) introduced in Northeastern Brazil.

Hedychium coronarium is native to Tropical Asia and has been introduced into several Brazilian biomes. Significant biological properties described for the essential oil (EO) from this species' rhizomes include antimicrobial, larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, phytotoxic, and anthelmintic activities. The primary constituents identified in this study by GC-MS in the EO were monoterpenes 1,8-cineole (33.5%), ß-pinene (17.0%), α-terpineol (7.7%), α-pinene (7.3%), limonene (5.2%), and p-cymene (4.9%), comprising 75.6% of total oil compounds. The main monoterpenes' EO and standards were tested against N2 (susceptible) and UVR15 (resistant) adult nematode Caenorhabditis elegans strains, with varying dead rates in motility tests.. Nematocidal activity was not attributed to 1,8-cineole and ß-pinene, the main H. coronarium rhizome oil components, as both exhibited an inhibitory concentration (IC50) ≥ 5 mg/mL. On the other hand, the α-pinene (IC50, 1.69 mg/mL) and (S)-(-)-limonene (IC50, 1.66 mg/mL) standards demonstrated more efficient action than rhizome oil in motility tests, with significant adult C. elegans nematode mortality rates. These results support the hypothesis that the combination of H. coronarium EO constituents can be helpful as a nematicidal product, due to their synergistic action.

Nematode endosymbiont competition: Fortune favors the fittest.

Endosymbiotic bacteria that obligately associate with entomopathogenic nematodes as a complex are a unique model system to study competition. These nematodes seek an insect host and provide entry for their endosymbionts. Through their natural products, the endosymbionts nurture their nematodes by eliminating secondary infection, providing nutrients through bioconversion of the insect cadaver, and facilitating reproduction. On one hand, they cooperatively colonize the insect host and neutralize other opportunistic biotic threats. On the other hand, inside the insect cadaver as a fighting pit, they fiercely compete for the fittest partnership that will grant them the reproductive dominance. Here, we review the protective and nurturing nature of endosymbiotic bacteria for their nematodes and how their selective preference shapes the superior nematode-endosymbiont pairs as we know today.

Clinical investigations and treatment outcome in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) infected by cardio-pulmonary nematodes.

Recently, feline cardio-pulmonary nematodes have attracted high scientific interest, as they are increasingly reported from various areas. Most of these parasites have similar transmission patterns and/or host reservoirs, thus they may affect domestic and wild felids living in sympatry. In the present study, a case of multiple cardio-pulmonary parasitism in co-infection with other parasites in a European wildcat is presented. The animal, found exhausted, was hospitalised for recovery and parasitological, haematological, clinical and imaging examinations were performed. The parasitological examinations revealed 4 cardio-pulmonary nematodes, i.e. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior, Eucoleus aerophilus, Angiostrongylus chabaudi, 3 intestinal parasites, i.e. Toxocara cati, ancylostomatids, Cystoisospora felis, 2 haemoparasites, i.e. Hepatozoon felis and elements morphologically compatible with small Babesia/Cytauxzoon spp., and Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis erinacei ticks. Treatment with a spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 1% (Advocate® spot-on solution for cats, Bayer) was decided and follow-up faecal examinations were performed until the release of the animal. By the end of the hospitalisation, all metazoan endoparasites were no longer detectable in faecal examinations, with the exception of a low number of A. abstrusus larvae. Thus, the animal was released after a second treatment with the same product. This is the first description of an apparently successful treatment of multiple cardio-respiratory parasitosis in a naturally infected wildcat showing compatible clinical signs. The evidence that Advocate® may be effective against A. chabaudi could be useful for treating infected, hospitalised, wildcats and it is promising in the case A. chabaudi infection will spread to domestic cats in a near future.

Modulation of (Homo)Glutathione Metabolism and H2O2 Accumulation during Soybean Cyst Nematode Infections in Susceptible and Resistant Soybean Cultivars.

In plant immune responses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling molecules that activate defense pathways against pathogens, especially following resistance (R) gene-mediated pathogen recognition. Glutathione (GSH), an antioxidant and redox regulator, participates in the removal of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, the mechanism of GSH-mediated H2O2 generation in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) that are resistant to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) remains unclear. To elucidate this underlying relationship, the feeding of race 3 of H. glycines with resistant cultivars, Peking and PI88788, was compared with that on a susceptible soybean cultivar, Williams 82. After 5, 10, and 15 days of SCN infection, we quantified γ-glutamylcysteine (γ-EC) and (homo)glutathione ((h)GSH), and a gene expression analysis showed that GSH metabolism in resistant cultivars differed from that in susceptible soybean roots. ROS accumulation was examined both in resistant and susceptible roots upon SCN infection. The time of intense ROS generation was related to the differences of resistance mechanisms in Peking and PI88788. ROS accumulation that was caused by the (h)GSH depletion-arrested nematode development in susceptible Williams 82. These results suggest that (h)GSH metabolism in resistant soybeans plays a key role in the regulation of ROS-generated signals, leading to resistance against nematodes.

Insights on Spirocerca lupi, the Carcinogenic Dog Nematode.

Spirocerca lupi is a nematode transmitted by dung beetles that infects domestic and wild canids in tropical and subtropical regions and is associated with neoplasia. It produces a distinctive pathology with the formation of esophageal nodules classified as inflammatory, preneoplastic, or neoplastic with metastasis to distant organs. Aberrant central nervous system migration of this nematode is also responsible for severe neurological manifestations. Reports of spirocercosis have increased over the last two decades showing spread of this canine helminth in five continents. S. lupi from different geographical locations is genetically distinct with two genotypes, genotype I from Africa, Asia, and Australia, and genotype II from Europe, and recently separated from Spirocerca vulpis, a new species described in red foxes from Europe.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections do not hinder the development of Simmental X Nellore crossbred calves raised with a nutritionally enhanced diet / Infecções por nematódeos gastrintestinais não prejudicam o desenvolvimento de bezerros Simental x Nelore criados em plano nutricional elevado

Abstract An evaluation was made of the effect of anthelmintic treatments on the performance of Simmental X Nellore crossbred calves before and after weaning. To this end, the calves were divided into three groups: (1) treated monthly with a low efficacy anthelmintic drug, ivermectin; (2) treated monthly with a highly effective anthelmintic drug, albendazole; and (3) untreated control group. All the groups in this experiment showed an average fecal egg count of less than 400 eggs per gram (EPG), and no clinical signs of parasitic gastroenteritis. The blood variables were within the normal range and no calf presented anemia. In most of the samplings, mean EPGs were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the group treated with albendazole. The calves received dietary supplementation before and after weaning, which enabled them to gain weight in every month of the experiment and reach a body weight of about 250 kg on the last sampling date, before turning one year old. The anthelmintic treatments did not affect body weight gain, leading to the conclusion that, when fed with suitable dietary supplements, Simmental X Nellore crossbred calves are not affected by gastrointestinal nematode parasites acquired by grazing.

Resumo O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar o efeito de tratamentos anti-helmínticos no desempenho de bezerros Simental x Nelore antes e após o desmame. Os bezerros foram alocados em três grupos: (1) tratado mensalmente com anti-helmínticos de baixa eficácia, ivermectina; (2) tratado mensalmente com anti-helmíntico de alta eficácia, albendazol e (3) controle não tratado. A média das contagens de ovos de nematoides durante o experimento foi inferior a 400 ovos por grama (OPG) em todos os grupos sem manifestação clínica de gastroenterite parasitária. As variáveis ​​sanguíneas mantiveram-se dentro dos limites de normalidade e nenhum bezerro apresentou anemia. Na maioria das coletas, as médias de OPG foram significativamente inferiores (P<0,05) no grupo tratado com albendazol. Os bezerros receberam suplementação antes e depois do desmame, o que lhes permitiu ganhar peso em todos os meses do experimento, atingindo peso corporal em torno de 250 kg, ao final do experimento, antes de completarem um ano de idade. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos anti-helmínticos no ganho em peso, o que permitiu concluir que bezerros Nelore x Simental não são afetados pelo parasitismo por nematoides gastrintestinais sob condições de pastejo, quando devidamente suplementados com concentrado.

Nodular and sclerosing gastritis caused by Cylicospirura felineus in a puma (Puma concolor) / Gastrite nodular esclerosante causada por Cylicospirura felineus em onça parda (Puma concolor)

Abstract An adult male puma (Puma concolor), hit by a car in an urban area, died three days later despite the therapeutic support provided. At necropsy, multiple firm nodules were identified in the gastric mucosa. The nodules were coated by an intact mucosa with a central opening from which reddish and cylindrical nematodes protruded into the lumen. Twenty-seven nematodes were retrieved for morphological and morphometric evaluations. During histopathological examination of the gastric tissue, the adult nematodes appear in longitudinal and transverse sections, surrounded by thick bands of collagen, interspersed with mixed inflammatory infiltrates. The nematodes had an eosinophilic cuticle with caudal serrated projections (bulbar type), coelomyarian musculature, pseudocoelom, and females with uterus containing numerous larvated eggs, characteristics consistent with the Cylicospirura genus. Morphologically, female nematodes had six large tricuspid teeth in the oral cavity and the vulva had an opening anterior to the esophagus-intestinal junction. Male nematodes had five pairs of small papillae near the tip of the tail. These findings were consistent with Cylicospirura felineus. This parasite should be included in the differential diagnosis of nodular gastric wall lesions in wild felids.

Resumo Uma onça parda (Puma concolor) foi encontrada em uma área urbana após atropelamento e, apesar do suporte terapêutico fornecido, o animal morreu três dias depois. No exame post-mortem, múltiplos nódulos firmes foram identificados na mucosa gástrica. Os nódulos eram revestidos por mucosa intacta com um orifício central, do qual se insinuavam nematódeos cilíndricos e avermelhados. Vinte e sete nematódeos foram recuperados para avaliação morfológica e morfométrica. Na avaliação histopatológica do tecido gástrico, os nematódeos adultos apareceram em cortes longitudinais e transversais, circundados por bandas espessas de colágeno, intercaladas por infiltrado inflamatório misto. Os nematódeos eram constituídos por cutícula eosinofílica, com projeções serrilhadas voltadas caudalmente (do tipo bulbar), musculatura celomiariana, pseudoceloma e, nas fêmeas, útero com numerosos ovos larvados cujos achados foram sugestivos do gênero Cylicospirura. Morfologicamente, a cavidade bucal continha seis grandes dentes trífidos, na fêmea, a abertura da vulva era anterior à junção esôfago intestinal; e os machos tinham cinco pares de pequenas papilas próximas à ponta da cauda. Esses achados foram consistentes com Cylicospirura felineus. Este parasita deve ser incluído no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões nodulares da parede gástrica em felinos selvagens.

Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) affinis (Jägerskiöl, 1904) (Nematoda: Rictulariidae), a parasite of Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora: Canidae) from the Brazilian Amazon / Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) affinis (Jägerskiöl, 1904) (Nematoda: Rictulariidae), um parasito de Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora: Canidae) da Amazônia brasileira

Abstract Among the Nematodes of Cerdocyon thous, the genus Pterygodermatites is characteristic for presenting cuticular projections along the body, being mentioned in different hosts in South America, although there are no records of its occurrence in the Amazon Biome. To enable further exploration in terms of their morphology and morphometry, the nematodes collected from cadavers of C. thous were fixed and observed using bright field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealing characteristics compatible with P. (Multipectines) affinis, thus contributing more information about the geographic distribution of the parasite, as well as knowledge of the helminthological fauna of wild mammals in the Brazilian Amazon.

Resumo Entre os nematodas de Cerdocyon thous, o gênero Pterygodermatites é característico por apresentar projeções cuticulares ao longo do corpo, sendo citado em diferentes hospedeiros na América do Sul, porém, sem registros de sua ocorrência no Bioma Amazônia. Passível de maior exploração quanto à sua morfologia e morfometria, os nematoides colhidos de cadáveres de C. thous foram fixados e observados em microscopia de campo claro e microscopia eletrônica de varredura, revelando características compatíveis com P. (Multipectines) affinis. Com isso contribuiu com mais informações sobre a distribuição geográfica do parasito, bem como o conhecimento da fauna helmintológica de mamíferos selvagens na Amazônia brasileira.

First case report of nematode parasitic myelopathy in a wild feline in Brazil / Primeiro relato de caso de mielopatia parasitária causada por nematódeo em um felídeo selvagem no Brasil

Abstract Parasitic myelopathy caused by Gurltia paralysans in domestic cats is a disease commonly reported in several South American countries. The adult parasite is lodged in the meningeal veins and spinal cord, often causing clinical manifestations of vascular proliferation, thrombophlebitis, and medullary compression. Wild felines are believed to be the definitive hosts of this parasite. The infection occurs through the ingestion of paratenic hosts, but the life cycle of G. paralysans is not yet clearly understood. In this paper, we discuss a case of parasitic myelopathy in a margay (Leopardus wiedii) that died during post-surgical care. Necropsy revealed focal hemorrhages in the thoracolumbar spinal cord. A microscopic examination revealed adult nematodes and eggs inside the veins of subarachnoid space in spinal cord, suggesting G. paralysans infection. This is first description of parasitic myelopathy in a margay in Brazil.

Resumo Mielopatia parasitária causada por Gurltia paralysans em gatos domésticos é uma doença comumente relatada em vários países da América do Sul. O parasita adulto aloja-se nas veias das meninges e da medula espinhal, muitas vezes causando proliferação vascular, tromboflebite e compressão medular, que se manifestam como sinais clínicos. Acredita-se que os felídeos selvagens sejam hospedeiros definitivos deste parasita e que a infecção ocorre por ingestão de hospedeiros paratênicos, entretanto seu ciclo de vida completo é desconhecido. Aqui, apresentamos um caso de um gato-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii) que morreu durante a assistência pós-cirúrgica. Na necropsia, foram observadas hemorragias focais na medula espinhal toracolombar. A microscopia revelou presença de nematódeos adultos e ovos, localizados dentro das veias do espaço subaracnoide da medula espinhal, o que sugeriu a infecção por G. paralysans. Esta é a primeira descrição de mielopatia parasitária em um gato-maracajá no Brasil.

Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors in children of three rural schools in Colombia. A cross-sectional study.

Rural children are one of the populations that are most vulnerable to gastrointestinal parasite infections. Such diseases decrease the quality of life and result in growth and cognitive delays in the long term. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the frequency of intestinal parasite infections among rural schoolchildren in the municipality of Apulo, Colombia. A total of 97 stool samples from children aged between 5 and 15 years were collected and examined via direct light microscopy. Microscopic examination was repeated with sediments obtained using a fecal parasite concentrator, and the Kato-Katz test was performed. Frequency of intestinal parasite infection was 100%. Endolimax nana (77.35%), Blastocystis sp. (71.1%), Giardia intestinalis (39.1%), Entamoeba coli (25.7%), and the Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex (9.2%) were the most prevalent protozoa. Trichuris trichiura was the most prevalent helminth (12.3%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (6.15%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.1%). Among the analyzed associated factors, consumption of untreated water increased the risk of acquiring pathogenic intestinal parasites. Finally, because G. intestinalis was the most prevalent pathogenic protozoan, molecular analysis was conducted to establish genetic assemblages and subassemblages of Giardia through sequence-based genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase, and beta-giardin genes. A total of 14 G. intestinalis-positive samples were genotyped, which revealed the presence of subassemblages AI (n = 1), AII (n = 7), BIII (n = 2), BIV (n = 2), and BIII/BIV (n = 1) as well as a mixed subassemblage AII + BIII (n = 1). Our results indicate that gastrointestinal parasite infections in the tested population were mainly caused by suboptimal water quality. Moreover, molecular typing of G. intestinalis suggested contamination of water by animal- and human-derived cysts.

A worm in the cytology laboratory: A root cause analysis case study.

In the spring of 2018, nematode-like organisms were first noted at the time of microscopic diagnosis on gynecologic (GYN) and anal pap specimens in our institution's cytopathology department. Due to their morphology and specimen source, we considered a diagnosis of pinworm. However, after identifying at least 30 more cases over 3 months from patients living in variable locations, we started favoring a contaminant. This report studies the steps that were initiated to figure the source of pap smear-preparation contamination and the molecular investigation to identify the nature of the contaminant.

Diplotriaena-An Air Sac Nematode Found in a New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae).

A New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae), a common species found mostly in the southern parts of Australia, was examined after a presumed traumatic incident but died several hours after presentation. At necropsy, a Diplotriaena nematode was found in a cranial air sac. Although no obvious gross pathologic changes were attributed to the nematode, histologic changes of bronchial epithelial hyperplasia and goblet cell metaplasia, consistent with chronic airway irritation were found in the lungs associated with Diplotriaena eggs. Diplotriaena species are parasitic nematodes found in the air sacs of birds. These parasites have an indirect life cycle; larval stages develop in insects, and when eaten by the host, these larvae migrate to the air sac and become adults. Although Diplotriaena species have been found in birds worldwide, none, to our knowledge, have previously been described in New Holland honeyeaters.

Nematodes found in Nile crocodiles in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, with redescriptions of Multicaecum agile (Wedl, 1861) (Heterocheilidae) and Camallanus kaapstaadi Southwell & Kirshner, 1937 (Camallanidae).

Sixteen Nile crocodiles were collected in the Kruger National Park, South Africa and vicinity during 2010 and 2011. A total of 11 nematode species representing six families were recovered. Heterocheilids were the dominant group, comprising five species, with Dujardinascaris madagascariensis (Chabaud & Caballero, 1966) being the most prevalent (75%), followed by Ingwenascaris sprenti Junker & Mutafchiev, 2017 (68.8%), which was also the second most numerous nematode. While less prevalent (31.3%), Typhlophoros kwenae Junker & Mutafchiev, 2017 was the most abundant species. Micropleura huchzermeyeri Junker & Mutafchiev, 2017 (Micropleuridae) was collected from five crocodiles and Crocodylocapillaria sp. (Capillariidae) occurred in a single host. Three nematodes, Camallanus kaapstaadi Southwell & Kirshner, 1937, Spirocamallanus sp. (both Camallanidae) and Ascarophis sp. (Cystidicolidae), are considered accidental infections, likely ingested with the hosts' prey. Our findings of D. dujardini (Travassos, 1920), D. madagascariensis and Multicaecum agile (Wedl, 1861) in South Africa constitute new geographical records. Crocodylocapillaria sp. represents a new host and geographical record, while T. kwenae, I. sprenti and M. huchzermeyeri have been described as new species during the course of this survey. Multicaecum agile is here redescribed based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Previously undescribed morphological characters of C. kaapstaadi, typically a parasite of Xenopus spp. (Amphibia: Pipidae), but here found in two Nile crocodiles, are also presented.

Description of Piscicapillaria bursata sp. nov. (Capillariidae) and Redescription of Parascarophis sphyrnae Campana-Rouget, 1955 (Cystidicolidae), Two Nematode Parasites of Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna spp.) off Australia.

PURPOSE: Data on helminth parasites in hammerhead sharks are scarce and, therefore, new examinations of these hosts are needed to recognize the species composition of their parasites, including nematodes. METHODS: Helminthological examinations of hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna lewini (Griffith et Smith) (209 specimens) and Sphyrna mokarran (Rüppell) (57 specimens) (Sphyrnidae, Carcharhiniformes), from off the northern coast of Australia revealed one new and one insufficiently known species of intestinal nematode parasites. These were studied with the use of light and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Both nematode species are described. Piscicapillaria bursata sp. nov. (Capillariidae) from S. mokarran (type host) and S. lewini differs from its congeners mainly in the spicule length (330 µm), body length of gravid females 12.80-21.26 mm and in possessing a subterminal female anus. The specimens of Parascarophis sphyrnae Campana-Rouget, 1955 (Cystidicolidae) (type species of Parascarophis Campana-Rouget, 1955) collected from S. lewini made it possible to redescribe the female and, for the first time, to describe the male; the same species was also found in S. mokarran. Amended diagnosis of Parascarophis is provided. Parascarophis is mainly characterized by the presence of lateral alae, a unique feature within the Cystidicolidae, and by the cephalic structures (presence of a cuticular hood and a pair of anterolateral plate-like structures in the mouth). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the discovery of a new nematode species, Pi. bursata sp. nov., the finding of Pa. sphyrnae in Australian waters represents a new geographical record of this parasite outside the Atlantic Ocean. The species of Parascarophis previously described from teleosts, P. bharatii Agrawal, 1965, P. oteroi Arya, 1992 and P. mulloidi Imam, Tawfik et Abdel Hady, 1982, are designated as species inquirendae and incertae sedis. The finding of P. sphyrnae in Australian waters represents a new geographical record of this parasite outside the Atlantic Ocean. Pa. sphyrnae had not been reported previously from beyond the Atlantic Ocean.