Molecular identification of cryptic cysticercosis: Taenia ovis krabbei in wild intermediate and domestic definitive hosts.

The complex life cycle of taeniids represents an ideal model of a multi-host system. The complexity of these parasites can therefore cover the epidemiological issues of the interface between wild and domestic animals, especially once spatial overlap between wild and domestic definitive and intermediate hosts occurs. Here we use the occurrence of Taenia ovis krabbei in two model areas as an example of this epidemiological complexity. In two contiguous areas in the Italian northern Apennines, two hunted roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) showed numerous cysticerci in the muscles of their whole body and an adult tapeworm was recorded in a semi-stray dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Through molecular typing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) gene, cysticerci and the adult tapeworm of T. krabbei were identified. Taenia krabbei cysticercosis was recorded for the first time in Italy. Although the role of dogs in the parasite's life cycle emerges, the overlap between wild and domestic definitive hosts and the increase of wild population densities raise concerns about the temporal (old or new) introduction and the spread of this parasite by one of these canid species (wolf (Canis lupus) or dog). Although T. krabbei is not a public health issue, economic concerns emerged for hunters and meat producers, related to the damage of carcasses by cysticerci. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the spread of T. krabbei in the intermediate and definitive host populations, and to ensure the relevant sanitary education for hunters in order to avoid practices that could favour the spread and maintenance of its life cycle.

Genetic variability of Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) in alpine ruminant host species.

Genetic variability of the ovine parasite Haemonchus contortus from the Alpine area was investigated using mitochondrial DNA (nd4 gene), internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 and microsatellites, in order to assess whether cross-transmission between domestic and wild ruminants occurs. The dataset was composed of 78 individual adult male H. contortus collected from chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), domestic goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from different alpine areas. The data obtained show low host specificity and high genetic variation within H. contortus populations. The analyses indicate the presence of two mitochondrial haplotype clusters among host species and the absence of cryptic parasite species, confirming H. contortus as a generalist nematode and suggesting that parasite transmission between populations of domestic and wild ruminants normally occurs.

The effect of gender on autonomic and respiratory responses during sleep among both young and middle-aged subjects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sleep affects the control of circulation and respiratory function. Gender and age are also known to have a profound impact on the neural control of circulation. We investigated whether gender affects sleep-related cardiovascular and respiratory responses and whether these vary according to healthy subjects being young or middle-aged. METHODS: We studied 32 subjects: 8 women and 8 men aged 20-30 years (young), and 8 women and 8 men aged 50-60 years (middle-aged). Young women were under oral contraceptive therapy and middle-aged women were postmenopausal and not receiving hormonal replacement therapy. One-night polysomnography was used to assess RR variability during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) (stage 2) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components, in normalized units (LFnu and HFnu) and LF/HF ratio were calculated on five-minute segments selected across the night and averaged for each sleep stage. The respiration frequency in NREM and REM sleep was also measured. Interaction between gender, age and sleep on autonomic and respiration variables was assessed by 2 x 2 x 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Compared to men, women had a greater NREM-to-REM increment in LFnu (gender-by-state interaction, p<0.01), a greater decrement in HFnu (interaction, p<0.01) and a greater increment in LF/HF (interaction, p<0.05). Women also showed a more pronounced increase in respiratory frequency during REM sleep compared to men in both groups of age (gender-by-state interaction, F=7.1, p<0.05). No gender-by-age-by-state interaction was observed to affect autonomic and respiration variables. CONCLUSION: NREM-to-REM excitatory cardiac and respiratory responses are more marked among women compared to men, regardless of their hormonal status and whether they are young or middle-aged.

Dynamics of parasite communities and interactions between wild and domestic ruminants.

Dynamics of parasite communities and host-parasite-environment interactions can be influenced by different factors. The present note, by discussing some field experiences in wild and domestic ruminant populations, approaches eco-epidemiology of abomasal nematodes in relation with host health and dynamics. Factors possibly playing a role in the host-parasite relationship are discussed, as well as possible use of macroparasites as ecological and sanitary indicators. The above topics are approached in a management perspective, in particular regarding interactions between domestic and wild ruminant populations.

Characterization of Immune System Cell Subsets in Fixed Tissues from Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra).

Immune system cell subsets in lymph nodes and spleen from alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra subspecies rupicapra) living in the Italian Alps were characterized immunohistochemically. Seven primary antibodies (against human CD3, CD79αcy, CD68, or ovine CD4, CD8, CD21 and γδ T-cell receptor [TCR] epitopes) were tested on tissues fixed either in formalin or in zinc salts (ZS) and cross-reactivity with chamois immune cell epitopes was shown. ZS fixation allowed wider identification of immune cells, without the need for antigen retrieval. CD4(+) and CD21(+) cells were labelled only in ZS-fixed tissues. Reagents specific for human CD3, CD79 and CD68 antigens successfully detected chamois immune cells, both in ZS-fixed and formalin-fixed tissues. The reactivity and distribution of immune cells in lymph nodes and spleen were similar to those described in other domestic and wild ruminants. Results from this study may allow future investigation of the immune response and pathogenesis of diseases in the chamois.

[Increase in right-to-left intracardiac shunt with non-invasive ventilation]. / Majoration d'un shunt intracardiaque droit-gauche sous ventilation non invasive.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxia caused by an increase in right-to-left shunt has been reported in patients with patent foramen ovale treated with levels of positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) greater than 10 cmH2O. This phenomenon has not previously been described with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). CASE REPORT: A 23 year-old man with tetralogy of Fallot and a severe kyphoscoliosis was admitted at the hospital for chronic dyspnoea. Arterial blood gases on room air: pH 7.43, PaCO2 39 mmHg, PaO2 67 mmHg, HCO3- 25 mmol/l, SaO2 95%. Nocturnal oxymetry showed severe hypoxaemia resistant to oxygen. NIV with PEEP of 3 cm H2O was commenced. With ventilation, his oxygenation worsened. An echocardiogram performed during NIV showed an increase in the right-to-left interventricular gradient from 22 to 37 cmH2O, and of the right ventriculo-auricular gradient from 76 to 142 mmHg. Furthermore, his oxygen saturation decreased progressively from 95 to 85%. Following removal of NIV, the patient recovered in 15 minutes. DISCUSSION: We report an increased right-to-left intracardiac shunt in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Compression of pulmonary vessels and cardiac cavities induced by NIV may have been enhanced by a reduction in thoracic compliance related to kyphoscoliosis. Right-to-left shunt in patients with kyphoscoliosis may be a contra-indication to NIV.

Long-term adaptation of 24-h heart rate variability after myocardial infarction. The EAMI Study Group. Exercise Training in Anterior Myocardial Infarction.

To investigate the effects of physical training on neurovegetative profile of patients with previous anterior myocardial infarction (MI), we studied 38 patients out of the EAMI study at 4 to 6 weeks after anterior MI (test 1), who were then assigned randomly to a training group (n = 22) or to a control group (n = 16) and studied again 6 months later (test 2). Neurovegetative function was assessed by analyzing the heart rate variability (HRV) of 24 h, from ambulatory ECG recording, both in time domain, as standard deviation of sinus rhythm RR intervals (sdRR) and percentage of differences greater than 50 ms for successive sinus rhythm R-R intervals (pNN50), and in frequency domain, as low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) components of RR variability power spectrum. At test 1, HRV was almost in normal range or slightly decreased in few subjects. HRV increased on average at test 2: sdRR augmented significantly (p less than 0.05) without significant differences between training group and control group; mean LF/HF ratio increased slightly (p less than 0.05) at test 2. This might suggest a shift of neurovegetative balance toward a sympathetic rule, but the difference is too small and the patient population limited to reach firm conclusions. Analysis of 24-h dynamics of HRV in single patients showed different patterns and different adaptations during the time course of 6 months after anterior MI.

Decreased heart rate variability in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

To evaluate possible autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the absence of any hypoxic neuronal damage, we studied 31 patients with COPD patients aged 31 to 68 years (55 +/- 10) and 32 age-matched healthy subjects (control). Respiratory function in the patients was as follows: FEV1 = 52 +/- 8 percent; PaO2 = 71 +/- 14 mm Hg; and PaCO2 = 40 +/- 10 mm Hg. The ANS was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) in the time domain (SD of mean RR interval) and frequency domain (autoregressive spectral analysis recognizing low [LF] and high [HF] frequency components, vagal and sympathetic related, respectively). Patients and controls were evaluated at rest and during vagal (controlled breathing [CB]) and sympathetic (passive head-up tilt) maneuvers. Patients with COPD showed a depressed global HRV (rest SD = 34 +/- 20 ms vs 45 +/- 15 ms, p < 0.05; tilt SD = 28 +/- 14 ms vs 38 +/- 13, p < 0.01) with a predominant respiratory drive (rest HF = 44 +/- 28 vs 28 +/- 18, p < 0.05; tilt HF 42 +/- 28 vs 16 +/- 12, p < 0.01) as compared with normal subjects. In the control group, vagal and sympathetic responses were in opposite directions following a stimulus, whereas there was no significant HRV response in the COPD group. We conclude that patients with COPD have abnormalities of ANS function, with in particular a depressed HRV response to sympathetic and vagal stimuli.

Blood pressure and heart rate during periodic breathing while asleep at high altitude.

The ventilatory and arterial blood pressure (ABP) responses to isocapnic hypoxia during wakefulness progressively increased in normal subjects staying 4 wk at 5,050 m (Insalaco G, Romano S, Salvaggio A, Braghiroli A, Lanfranchi P, Patruno V, Donner CF, and Bonsignore G; J Appl Physiol 80: 1724-1730, 1996). In the same subjects (n = 5, age 28-34 yr) and expedition, nocturnal polysomnography with ABP and heart rate (HR) recordings were obtained during the 1st and 4th week to study the cardiovascular effects of phasic (i.e., periodic breathing-dependent) vs. tonic (i. e., acclimatization-dependent) hypoxia during sleep. Both ABP and HR fluctuated during non-rapid eye movement sleep periodic breathing. None of the subjects exhibited an ABP increase during the ventilatory phases that correlated with the lowest arterial oxygen saturation of the preceding pauses. Despite attenuation of hypoxemia, ABP and HR behaviors during sleep in the 4th wk were similar to those in the 1st wk. Because ABP during periodic breathing in the ventilatory phase increased similarly to the ABP response to progressive hypoxia during wakefulness, ABP variations during ventilatory phases may reflect ABP responsiveness to peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity rather than the absolute value of hypoxemia, suggesting a major tonic effect of hypoxia on cardiorespiratory control at high altitude.

Cardiovascular and ventilatory response to isocapnic hypoxia at sea level and at 5,050 m.

To assess the effect of chronic hypoxic conditions on ventilatory, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) responses to acute progressive isocapnic hypoxia, we studied five healthy Caucasian subjects (3 men and 2 women). Each subject performed one rebreathing test at sea level (SL) and two tests at the Pyramid laboratory at Lobuche, Nepal, at the altitude of 5,050 m, 1 day after arrival (HA1) and after 24 days of sojourn (HA2). The effects of progressive isocapnic hypoxia were tested by using a standard rebreathing technique. BP, electrocardiogram, arterial oxygen saturation, airflow and end-tidal CO2 and O2 were recorded. For each subject, the relationships between arterial oxygen saturation and HR, systolic BP and minute ventilation (VE), respectively, were evaluated. At HA1, the majority of subjects showed a significant increase in VE and BP response and a decrease in HR response to progressive isocapnic hypoxia as compared to SL. At HA2, VE and BP responses further increased, whereas the HR response remained similar to that observed at HA1. A significant relationship between hypoxic ventilatory responses and both systolic and diastolic BP responses to progressive hypoxia was found. No significant correlation was found between hypoxic ventilatory and HR responses.

Pattern of abomasal helminths in fallow deer farming in Umbria (central Italy).

Five helminth species were seen in the abomasa of 29 farmed fallow deer. Spiculopteragia asymmetrica was most common in both prevalence (96.6%) and abundance (166.2). Ostertagia drozdzi, Ostertagia arctica and Spiculopteragia quadrispiculata were also recovered with high prevalence (79.3-93.1%); Trichostrongylus axei was sporadic (3.4%). Yearlings had worm counts of 496-1480, adult males of 168-1720 and females of 18-2008. For nine of 13 deer, the faecal egg counts were negative and post-mortem examinations were positive, with 18-1140 worms per deer. The results are discussed in relation to helminth population, its epidemiological significance and management strategies.

Epidemiological patterns of canine leishmaniasis [correction of leishmaniosis] in Western Liguria (Italy).

An epidemiological survey was carried out on the distribution of canine leishmaniasis in Western Liguria (Northern Italy). Blood sera from 21146 dogs collected from 1990 to 1996 were subjected to the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT). From 1990 to 1994 (16690 dogs), only monthly seroprevalences were calculated (min 14%-max 60.5%). Dog sera sampled from October 1994 to May 1996 (4456 dogs) were divided into two subgroups (I: October 1994-May 1995; II: October 1995-May 1996). Seroprevalence was 30.3% and 22.1% in these two groups, respectively. Data analysis by log-linear models revealed that serological positivity to Leishmania sp. was significantly associated with a dog's outdoor lifestyle, with a rural environment and with the male sex. Of the 218 dogs which were tested twice seroconversion rates were also higher in outdoor, rural and male dogs while negativization rates were lower in the same groups. Basic reproductive numbers (R0) were 1.53 (subgroup I) and 1.28 (subgroup II).

Host specificity of abomasal nematodes in free ranging alpine ruminants.

Abomasums from 641 alpine wild ruminants representing five different species (Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Capra ibex, Ovis musimon) and from 19 domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from alpine areas were examined in order to investigate the host-specificity of abomasal helminths. Nine out of 20 helminth species were found in at least five different host species. A discriminant analysis was able to significantly discriminate the hosts on the basis of their helminth community composition with the exception of O. musimon and O. aries. Based on the correlation between each variable represented by helminth species with the most explanatory discriminant axis, it was possible to classify helminths into specialists and generalists. Specialists are represented by the dominant species in a community of an host species or family while generalists appear in the communities of many different hosts as intermediate species. Due to the pathogenic potential of some of these generalist species (i.e. Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei) and their ability to adapt easily to the conditions found in several different hosts, they appear to be the most important from a sanitary point of view.

Contribution to the knowledge of helminthofauna of wild mammals of Somalia.

Within a survey of parasitic infections in wild mammals of Somalia, during the first semester of 1983 and the second of 1984, endoparasites were collected from 11 host species: Gazella soemmeringi, Gazella spekei, Madoqua saltiana, Phacochoerus aethiopicus, Xerus rutilus, Lepus sp., Genetta genetta, Herpestes (Galerella) sanguineus, Felis sylvestris libyca, Felis caracal, Canis mesomelas. A total of 22 species of helminths (20 nematode and 2 metacestode species) were identified. Lepus sp. is a new host for Heteroxinema (P.) proboscidiphora and Herpestes sanguineus for Oxinema sp. Teladorsagia hamata had not been previously reported in G. spekei; the genital cone and the corresponding supporting apparatus of this nematode are described. Two metacestodes were collected from the mesenteric membranes of a P. aethiopicus. The shape, number and length of their rostellar hooks, the size of the larvocysts, the occurrence of pseudostrobilum, are similar to those of the Taenia regis metacestode: but the size and shape of the hooks of the Somalian warthog larvocysts are slightly different and they have not been recovered from the musculature as previously reported in the intermediate hosts of T. regis.

Contribution to the knowledge of Ixodidae ticks of wild mammals of Somalia.

This study was based on material collected in 1983-1984 from wild mammals of the Middle Scebeli. Low Scebeli and Bay Regions of Somalia. A total of 292 specimens (156 males, 65 females, 70 nymphase, 1 larva) from 13 host species were examined. The following species of ixodidae were identified. Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius, 1794); Haemaphysalis calcarata Neumann, 1902; Haemaphysalis spinulosa Neumann, 1906; Rhipicephalus armatus Pocock, 1900; Rhipicephalus pravus Donitz, 1910; Rhipicephalus pulchellus Gerastcker, 1873; Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806); Rhipicephalus simus Koch, 1844. H. spinulosa was found throughout the majority of host species (10 mammalian species).

Echinococcus granulosus in the wolf in Italy.

During the period 1987-1999, 119 wolf cadavers were examined and checked for the presence of Echinococcus granulosus. All the animals were retrieved along the whole Apennines range of distribution of the species in Italy and most of them were illegally killed. Eighteen wolves resulted positive (15%). The mean intensity was 697.5. The force of infection for prevalence was 8.2 year(-1). The prevalence of the parasite was significantly and positively influenced by the local prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in sheep. Mean intensity was significantly and positively influenced by both the age of the wolf and the prevalence of CE in sheep. A deterministic model was used in order to simulate a purely theoretical sylvatic cycle of the parasites having the wolf as the only definitive host with 15% of prevalence. The expected prevalence of CE in wild intermediate species ranges between 10% and 25%. This prevalence overlaps the one observed in sheep. Even if both the wolf and the wild ungulate populations are increasing, the wolf still acts as a part of the main dog-sheep cycle of the parasite.

Effect of seasonality on abomasal helminth community in alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex).

Abomasal helminths of 81 adult female ibex (Capra ibex ibex) from Piz Albris colony (CH) culled monthly from December 1989 to May 1991 were analyzed. Subjects were divided into six quarterly groups (I: December 1989-February 1990; II: March-May 1990; III: June-August 1990; IV: September-November 1990; V: December 1990-February 1991; VI: March-May 1991) in order to investigate the seasonal fluctuation of helminth community parameters (abundance, richness, sex-ratio, Berger-Parker dominance index, importance index, overall association between species by Schluter's variance test). All parameters showed considerable seasonality. Abundance was highest in group III, while richness was highest and Berger-Parker index lowest in group IV. Overall associations between species were positive in winter-spring groups and negative in summer-autumn. The importance index of the two dominant species (Teladorsagia circumcincta and Marshallagia marshalli) showed a symmetrical and opposite seasonal development. A significant negative correlation (Spearman r = -.30; p < .01) has been demonstrated between the Berger-Parker dominance index and factor scores descriptive of age and weight of the subjects. These results suggest that seasonal factors determine the community composition while host control can act as a filter maintaining a stable community structure.

[Dissemination of Fasciola Hepatica in cattle of Novara Province]. / Sulla diffusione di Fasciola hepatica nei bovini della Provincia di Novara.

The diffusion of F. hepatica in the cattle of the Novara Province was studied by means of a necroscopic survey on 2184 regularly slaughtered animals and a copro-microscopic survey on 5063 feaces samples picked up from 162 breedings farms. The 28.40% of the slaughtered animals resulted infected with F. hepatica. The parasite also resulted present in 52.74% of the examined breeding farms. A large diffusion of Paramphistomum sp. was shown, too. The diffusion areas of these Trematodes may be seen in the figures 1, 3, 6 and 7.

[Study of Siphonaptera in Somalia]. / Contributo allo studio dei sifonatteri della Somalia.

In the period 1982-1984 samples of fleas were collected from wild animals of the Middle Scebeli, Low Scebeli and Bay Regions of Somalia. In total 1,335 specimens (486 males and 849 females) were obtained from 17 species of mammalian hosts out of the 19 examined. The following species of fleas were identified: Echidnophaga gallinacea, E. larina, E. murina, Ctenocephalides felis strongylus, Synosternus burtoni, S. somalicus, S. burtoni, S. somalicus, C. felis strongylus and E. larina are known to be widespread in Somalia; on the contrary, the presence of E. gallinacea in this country has not been reported in the literature, though the flea collection of the Institute of Parasitology of the University of Rome owns five females of this species which were collected by Zavattari in South Somalia during the year 1933. Moreover, as far as it is known, E. murina has not been reported in Somalia until now. The spermatheca of the females identified as S. burtoni is described in detail as it shows characteristics which have not been apparently reported before.

[Diffusion of helminth parasites of the digestive system and respiratory system in deer (Cervus elaphus) of the La Mandria Regional Park (Piedmont)]. / Indagine sulla diffusione degli elminti parassiti dell'apparato digerente e dell'apparato respiratorio nei cervi (Cervus elaphus) del Parco Regionale "La Mandria" (Piemonte).

A study was carried out on the diffusion of helminth parasites of liver, gastrointestinal system and bronchial system in 68 red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Regional Park "La Mandria" (Piedmont, Italy). The following species of nematodes were identified: Trichostrongylus axei, Spiculopteragia spiculoptera, Rinadia mathevossiani, Cooperia oncophora, Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Cooperia zurnabada, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Dictyocaulus eckerti, Varestrongylus sagittatus. Studies on some nematodes, belonging to the genera Spiculopteragia and Ostertagia, are still in progress. A large diffusion of Fascioloides magna was also present (only two young specimens resulted negative).