[Study on incidence of haemobartonelosis in pet cats of Tehran]

Background: Haemobartonella [also known as Mycoplasma] is a blood organism of cats and can cause many anemia and many clinical signs in the infected cats

Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to calculate the incidence rate of haemobartonellosis in pet cats of Tehran and study its relationship with certain factors. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected ones

Methods: 0.5 ml blood samples from cephalic veins of 120 pet cats in Tehran were prepared and after sending to parasitology laboratory and slide preparing, were stained with Giemsa. Finally, all of the prepared slides were studied with photomicroscope for presence of Haemobartonella. Meanwhile, the relationship between the infection and some factors including age, sex, breed, animal maintenance type, and color of their coats were studied with Chi square method. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected by Mann Whitney test

Results: Results showed that out of 120 pet cats in Tehran, 14[11.67%] were infected to Haemobartonella. Statistical analyses didn't show any significant relationship between the infection and the above-mentioned factors. Also, the results showed significant decrease in number of RBC, MCH, MCHC, NRBC, and number of Band cells compared with non-infected cats

Conclusions: Our findings showed that haemobartonellosis is one of the probable diagnoses, when we have anaemia in pet cats of Tehran

[Study on acaricidal activity of cinnamon, mint and eucalyptus extracts in control of poultry red mite [Dermanyssus gallinae]]

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae is the most important ectoparasite in domestic poultry. Some plant preparations have been shown to be an effective acaricide against it. The acaricidal effects of cinnamon, mint, and eucalyptus extracts were studied. Mites were counted in the monitoring traps for the first time in a layer house with a history of D. gallinae problem. Then, some rows of layer house were sprayed using a concentration of 27.50 mg/Cm[3] cinnamon, 28.30 mg/Cm[3] mint, 63 mg/Cm[3] eucalyptus extracts and a similar row was used as an untreated control group. Red mite traps made of cardboard were used to assess the mite density during days 1 and 7 after treatment and removed after 24 h. The collected mites were counted and the efficacy against all mite stages [larvae, nymphs and adults] was calculated. Results showed that on day 1 and 7 after the administration of cinnamon extract, efficacy rate was 66.97% and 12.91%, respectively. Moreover, efficacy rate on day 1 and 7 was 80.85% and 58.14% when treatment was done with eucalyptus extract, 90.19% and 40.24% with mint extract. Also, statistical analyses showed significant differences between trapped mites during the first day after plant preparations treatment and control group. But this study did not show significant differences between trapped mites during the first week after plant extracts treatment with the exception of eucalyptus. It can be concluded that plant preparations can be used for controlling poultry red mite

[Infection to Cryptosporidium in diarrheic calves: aprovincial study in Southern Khorasan]

Today, Cryptosporidium is considered as one of the etiological agents of diarrhea syndrome in newborn ruminants, especially calves. The incidence rate of the infection to this parasite in diarrheic calves in southern Khorasan, Neishabour was studied. One hundred seventy fecal samples of diarrheic calves from husbandries in Neishabour were collected from July 2009 to January 2010. These samples were transferred to laboratory and were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocyst after concentration with formol-ether method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The incidence rate of infection to this protozoan in the studied samples was 11.2%. Moreover, 13.04% of male calves and 8.97% of female animals were infected with the parasite. The incidence rate of the infection in cold season [14.06%] was more than warm season [9.43%]. Meanwhile, 12.12% of the calves under three months of age and 7.89% aged three to six months were infected with protozoan. Statistical analyses did not show significant relationship between the infection of parasite and the studied factors including age, sex, and season. Control of Cryptosporidium is necessary, with regard to the presence of this parasite in calves of Neishabour and its zoonotic aspect

[ effects of hawthorn [crataegus pseudomelanocarpa] extract on trichostrongylids in infected sheep]

The use of tanniferous plants in ruminants has been documented as an alternative to anthelmintics, for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes. The objective of this study was to assess the possible impact of Crataegus pseudomelanocarpa extract on the Trichostrongylids helminthes found in sheep. Two groups of sheep were experimentally infected with 2.000 L3 of Trichostrongylids. After 4 weeks, Hawthorn Extract was diluted in 200 ml of water at 25 0C and was orally administered two times a day. The 8 remaining animals comprised as infected control group which received an equal volume of water daily during the same period of time. On the 9th day, all of the sheep were necropsied and calculations were made for individual egg excretion adult worm counts in the abomasum and small intestines sex rate [male/female]; and the fecundity rate. The results were compared using statistical test. Moreover, histological samples from the fundus and pyloric regions were taken to enumerate the number of mucosal mast cells, globule leukocytes and eosinophils. The results showed that the administration of this tanniferous plant was associated with a significant decrease in egg excretion [82.57%] and female fecundity [84.85%]. Pathological findings showed a greater presence of mucosal eosinophils and mast cells in the abomasums and small intestines of the control group in compare with treated sheep. However, statistical analyses did not show a significant difference between these groups. These results indicate that the administration of Crataegus pseudomelanocarpa, which has tannin extract, could be effective in the control of Trichostrongylids infected sheep

Epidemiological aspects of canine dirofilariasis in the north of Iran

Dirofilaria immitis is an important parasite in dog and other carnivores. Our objective was study on incidence and periodicity of heartworm in north of Iran and using other methods for its diagnosis in addition to Parasitology exam. This survey spanned two years, between 2006 and 2008. Blood samples were collected from 431 stray dogs distributed along north of Iran, the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. The Knott's modified test was used for diagnosis of D. immitis and other filariae. Meanwhile, the periodicity of microfilaria in peripheral blood circulation was calculated and the imaging diagnosis techniques of four dogs that had positive results were done. Diagnostic parasitology results indicated that 16.01% of stray dogs were microfilaremic. Two different microfilariae were diagnosed: D. immitis in 13.69%, Dipetalonema reconditum in 1.86% and in 0.46% both of them. There was no statistically significant between infection to fiariae with sex and age of dogs. Also study on the periodicity of the presence of microfilaria in peripheral circulation showed that the highest rate of those was at 1 am and the lowest rate at 12 pm. Radiographic study showed distinctive signs with varied degrees of severity included: Tortuous and enlargement of main and lobar pulmonary artery, pulmonary parenchymal lesions and Right side heart enlargement that confirmed in electrocardiography. Also in echocardiographic images observed short parallel-sided images with the appearance of equal signs that indicated the presence of the heartworm. These results showed that to obtain a reliable diagnosis of heartworm infection, imaging tests could support parasitological exams

Infection of anisakids larvae in long tail tuna [thunnus tonggol] in north persian gulf

The aim of this paper was to study the prevalence and intensity of Anisakids larvae in the long tail tuna fish captured from Iranian shores of Persian Gulf. Different organs including skin, abdominal cavity, stomach and intestinal contents, stomach sub serous tissues, liver, spleen, gonads and 20 grams of muscles of 100 long tail tuna fish [Thannus tonggol] caught from waters of the north parts of Persian Gulf were searched for anisakid nematodes larvae. Twenty grams of around the body cavity muscles were digested in artificial gastric juice. Different organs and digested muscles were examined with naked eyes for the presence of anisakids larvae. The collected larvae were preserved in 70% alcohol containing 5% glycerin, and cleared in lactophenol for identification. Our findings revealed that 89% of fish harbored 3[rd] stage larvae of Anisakis sp. of which 2% were infected with both Anisakis and Raphidascaris. All inspected organs except that of skin were found to be infected, while stomach sub serous tissues were the most infected organ [80%] followed by abdominal cavity [10%], liver [4%], testicle [3%], stomach contents and spleen [2%] and intestinal contents [1%]. Intestine and abdominal cavity were the organs harbored Raphidascaris sp. Digested muscles were free of parasite. Mean intensity was low for both species and ranged between 1.5 for Raphidascaris sp. and 3.67 for Anisaki sp. Anisakids larvae especially Anisakis are very prevalent in some fish including tunas of Persian Gulf, and consumption of infected fish it is not properly cooked may lead to human anisakiasis

Helminth infections of stray dogs from Garmsar, Semnan province, central Iran

The aim was to study the gastro-intestinal helminths of stray dogs of Garmsar, Semnan Province, Central Iran, and its impacts on human health and animal production. During 2006, the alimentary tracts of 50 stray dogs at necropsy, selected from villages around Garmsar, were removed, and examined for helminth infections. Subsequently helminths were collected from the contents of each part and scraped sample of small intestines of washed materials in a 100-mesh sieve. To identify the species of helminths, the nematodes were cleared in lactophenol and cestodes were stained using carmine acid. Mixed infection was the rule and 40 dogs [80%] harbored more than one species of helminth. Taenia hydatigena was the most prevalent species [80%] followed by Echinococcus granulosus [64%], Toxocara canis [22%], Mesocestoides lineatus [12%], Taenia multiceps [10%] and Dipylidium canium [4%]. The mean intensity of worm infection was low [1-3] except for that of E.granulosus [645]. No significant difference was noticed between sex, age and most helminth infections except for that of sex and T. hydatigena [P=0.001] as well as age and T.canis [P=0.001]. Although human infection with T. hydatigena is unlikely, but other helminths reported in this study are of zoonotic importance, and may pose a threat to community health, and reduce the productions of ruminants harboring taeniid metacestodes

study on filariosis of stray dogs in Garmsar

Dirofilaria immitis is located in the heart and releases their microfilaria in peripheral circulation. In this study, the blood samples from 122 dogs were taken from cephalic or saphen veins. Samples were examined by the modified Knot method. Then in infected dogs, all microfilaria in each ml. of blood were calculated and adult worms were isolated from heart and their sex was determined. Blood microfilaria were observed in 18 samples [14.75%], microfilaria of Dirifilaria immitis in 15 samples [12.29%], microfilaria of Dipetalonema reconditum in two samples [1.64%] and mixed infection in one sample [0.82%]. The relationship between infection and sex, age and geographical regions was not significant but the rate of infection in Noh Hesar and Ghias Abad was significantly higher than that of other rural regions. The average of microfilaria in each ml. of blood in infected dogs was 4470.6 +/- 1243.54 and average of isolated adult worms from heart was 3.13 +/- 0.29.Regarding the presence of infection in Garmsar and the probability infection in humans, the infection should be controlled by the removal of stray dogs and treatment of sheepdogs

Preliminary study on virulence of some isolates of entomopathogenic fungi in different developmental stages of Boophilus annulatus in Iran

To evaluate the virulance of 11 isolates of native entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agent of Boophilus annulatus, in this study, 4 three months old calves were used for tick rearing. 7 Different developmental stages of the ticks, Boophilus annulatus were inoculated by 10 conidia/ml dilution of the fungal isolates in the presence of control groups. The mortality, egg hatchability and reproductive efficiency were determined in different treatments and control groups and the results were analized statisticaly. Metarhizium anisopliae strains DEMI001 and IRAN437C, Beauveria bassiana strain IRAN403C, and Lecanicillium psalliotae strain IRAN468C were the most virulent strains in comparison with their relative strains and caused 80 -100%, 20 - 80%, 0 - 40% and 0- 40% mortality for engorged females respectively. All 11 tested fungi reduced egg laying capability of the ticks several days before their death. The obtained data showed that the entomopathogenic fungi can affect all developmental stages of Boophilus annulatus, but their efficiency varies considerably according to the fungal species and strains. It is demonstrated for the first time the pathogenic effect of Lecanicillium psalliotae against Boophilus annulatus

Prevalence of blood filaria in dogs in Golestan province [North of Iran] using modified knot method and determination of its periodicity

In the present study Blood was collected from dogs [n = 110] after clinical examinations and recording of necessary information [age, sex, breed and housing] examined by modified knott method. Periodicity of the microfilaria in peripheral blood circulation, was determined through blood collection from a dog each hour for 72 hours. Number of microfilaria in each ml of the blood samples was calculated and expressed as average of microfilaria in each hour. Results showed that 15.45% of dogs were infected by Dirofilaria immitis and 4.55% by Dipetalonema reconditum. Statistical analysis did not show significant relationship between infection and age, sex, breed and housing status. Furthermore, maximum and minimum numbers of microfilana were seen at 1 am [13316 microfilaria] 12 am [6681 microfilaria] respectively. Therefore, by considering the infection of dogs on Golestan province and its transmition to other animals, control of above-mentioned nematode should be done by treatment of infected dogs and eradicution of stray dogs