In vivo assessment of the antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L. and Artemisia absinthium L. against gastrointestinal parasites in swine from low-input farms.

BACKGROUND: Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited. Parasitic diseases have a considerable effect on pig production, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. In this respect, especially smallholders and organic producers face severe challenges. Parasites, as disease causing agents, often outcompete other pathogens in such extensive production systems. A total of 720 faecal samples were collected in two farms from three age categories, i.e. weaners, fatteners, and sows. Flotation (Willis and McMaster method), modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smear, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Blagg technique, and faecal cultures were used to identify parasites and quantify the parasitic load. RESULTS: The examination confirmed the presence of infections with Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi, and Trichuris suis, distributed based on age category. A dose of 180 mg/kg bw/day of Allium sativum L. and 90 mg/kg bw/day of Artemisia absinthium L. powders, administered for 10 consecutive days, revealed a strong, taxonomy-based antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the therapeutic potential of both A. sativum and A. absinthium against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs. Their therapeutic effectiveness may be attributed to the content in polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and sulfoxide. Further research is required to establish the minimal effective dose of both plants against digestive parasites in pigs.

Immunophenotyping of peripheral circulating lymphocytes and serum selenium levels in calves with neonatal diarrhea.

This work aims to: (1) elucidate the immune response exhibited by CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocyte cells in response to various infectious agents in calves suffering with neonatal diarrhea; and (2) determine and investigate the association between serum selenium levels and T lymphocyte subtypes in neonatal calves afflicted with neonatal diarrhea and infected with various infectious agents. The study encompassed a cohort of 50 calves, encompassing both sexes and various breeds, within the neonatal age range (1-28 days old). Subdivided into distinct groups, the calves were categorized based on the causative agents of neonatal diarrhea, including Rotavirus (n = 10), Cryptosporidium parvum (C.parvum) (n = 10), Coronavirus (n = 5), Rotavirus+C.parvum (n = 5), and a Control group (n = 20). Blood samples were meticulously obtained from the vena jugularis of all animals utilizing specific techniques-8 ml in tubes devoid of anticoagulant and 3 ml in blood collection tubes containing EDTA. Serum selenium levels were analyzed by ICP-MS. Flow Cytometry device was used to determine CD4 + and CD8 +T lymphocyte levels. In this study, although there was no statistically significant difference in serum selenium levels between all study groups, it was found that the selenium level in the control group was not sufficient. CD4 T lymphocyte levels, the rotavirus+C.parvum group exhibited a statistically significant elevation compared to the coronavirus group. Regarding CD8 + T lymphocyte levels, the coronavirus group demonstrated a statistically significant increase when compared to the control group. In intragroup analyses of CD8 + T lymphocyte levels, the coronavirus group exhibited a significant elevation compared to the rotavirus group, C.parvum group, and the C.parvum + Rotavirus group. A significant negative correlation was detected between selenium levels and CD4 + T lymphocytes, while no correlation was found between CD8 + T lymphocytes. Fibrinogen concentration exhibited statistical significance, being higher in the Rotavirus group (p < 0.008) compared to the control group, in the C.parvum group (p < 0.004) compared to the control group, and in the Coronavirus group (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The leukocyte count demonstrated statistical significance, being higher in the Rotavirus group compared to the control group (p < 0.001), in the Rotavirus+C.parvum group compared to the control group (p < 0.002), and in the Coronavirus group compared to the control group (p < 0.011). In conclusion, the data derived from this study illuminate discernible disparities in CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocyte immune responses, contingent upon the specific etiological agent associated with neonatal diarrhea. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of considering selenium deficiency as a relevant factor in calves affected by neonatal diarrhea.

Herbal-based compounds: A review on treatments of cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidium, a monoxenous apicomplexan coccidia, is a prevalent diarrhetic and an opportunistic agent, mainly in immunocompromised individuals. As there are few chemotherapeutic compounds that have limited efficacy, we need to identify new compounds or specific parasite targets for designing more potent drugs to treat cryptosporidiosis. Herbal products with low toxicity, environmental compatibility, wide therapeutic potential, and abundant resources can be considered alternatives for treatment. The current review tried to summarize the studies on plants or herbal bioactive constituents with anti-cryptosporidial activities. Based on constituents, plants act via different mechanisms, and further investigations are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms by which they act on the developmental stages of the parasite or host-parasite relationships.

Newly fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles loaded materials for therapeutic nano delivery in experimental cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidiosis is a global health problem that threatens the lives of immunocompromised patients. This study targets to fabricate and investigate the efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), nitazoxanide (NTZ)-loaded ZnO-NPs, and Allium sativum (A. sativum)-loaded ZnO-NPs in treating cryptosporidiosis. Further FTIR, SEM, XRD, and zeta analysis were used for the characterization of ZnO-NPs and loaded materials. The morphology of loaded materials for ZnO-NPs changed into wrapped layers and well-distributed homogenous particles, which had a direct effect on the oocyst wall. The charge surface of all particles had a negative sign, which indicated well distribution into the parasite matrix. For anti-cryptosporidiosis efficiency, thirty immunosuppressed Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mice, classified into six groups, were sacrificed on the 21st day after infection with an evaluation of parasitological, histopathological, and oxidative markers. It was detected that the highest reduction percent of Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding was (81.5%) in NTZ, followed by (71.1%) in A. sativum-loaded ZnO-NPs-treated groups. Also, treatment with A. sativum and NTZ-loaded ZnO-NPs revealed remarkable amelioration of the intestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary histopathological lesions. Furthermore, they significantly produced an increase in GSH values and improved the changes in NO and MDA levels. In conclusion, this study is the first to report ZnO-NPs as an effective therapy for treating cryptosporidiosis, especially when combined with other treatments that enhance their antioxidant activity. It provides an economical and environment-friendly approach to novel delivery synthesis for antiparasitic applications.

Total and pathogen-specific serum Immunoglobulin G concentrations in neonatal beef calves, Part 1: Risk factors.

Maternal antibodies, delivered to the calf via colostrum, are crucial to prevent calfhood diseases and death. However, knowledge regarding the factors influencing this transfer of total and specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) against common enteric and respiratory disease pathogens under current production conditions is sparse. The objectives of this study were to determine risk factors influencing total and pathogen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations against Escherichia coli (E. coli), bovine Rotavirus (BRoV), Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 and 2 (BVDV), Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (PI-3), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Bovine Herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) in the serum of newborn beef calves. A total of 420 serum samples were collected from 1- to 7-day-old beef calves born on 6 farms in Alberta, Canada. Samples were analyzed by radial immunodiffusion for total IgG concentration and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for pathogen-specific IgG concentrations against E. coli, BRoV, C. parvum, BVDV, PI-3, BRSV, and BHV-1. Multivariable multilevel linear and logistic regression models were built to evaluate dam- and calf-level risk factors associated with total and pathogen-specific IgG concentrations, failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI; serum IgG < 10 g/L), and inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI; serum IgG < 24 g/L). Farm was included as a random effect in all models to account for clustering at the herd level. Of the 420 calves included in this study, 5% (n = 20) and 18% (n = 75) of calves had FTPI and ITPI, respectively. Receiving colostrum intervention (i.e., being fed colostrum or colostrum product by either bottle or tube) was the most consistent risk factor for low total IgG concentration and significantly increased the odds of FTPI (Odds ratio (OR): 6.1, 95% CI: 2.0-18.9) and ITPI (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 2.1-10.8). Calves born to cows consistently had higher pathogen-specific IgG concentrations (P < 0.0001), compared to calves born from heifers, and calves born to vaccinated dams had significantly higher BRoV, BVDV, and BHV-1-specific IgG concentrations. Interestingly, E.coli-specific IgG concentrations were associated with dam vaccination only in cows but not in heifers, which was likely due to differing vaccination strategies used. This study highlights the need to review and refine protocols with respect to dam vaccination and colostrum intervention on cow-calf operations.

Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Coconut Oil Extracts as An Alternative Medicinal Plant in Cryptosporidium Infected Mice.

OBJECTIVE: Cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium sp. is a globally spreading disease. Nowadays, new researches are moving towards an effective treatment without side effects, especially for young and immune-compromised patients. The current study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the coconut oil extracts as an alternative medicinal plant in Cryptosporidium infected immunocompromised mice. METHODS: Sixty white albino mice were classified into six groups; Group I: Infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts treated with Nitazoxanide, Group II: Infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts and treated with coconut water extract, Group III: Infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts and treated with coconut Hexan extract, Group IV: Infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts and treated with coconut ethanol extract, Group V: Positive control, Group VI: Negative control. Stool samples were collected and examined; histopathological and immune-histochemical assessment using anti caspase-3 and anti CDX2 monoclonal antibodies were performed. RESULTS: Coconut oil extracts results revealed a significant decrease of oocyst count, correlated with an amelioration of histopathological and confirmed by immunohistochemical changes in ileal tissue. CONCLUSION: The present study has opened fresh avenues for development of natural therapy like coconut oil extracts, which have a potential therapeutic efficacy against Cryptosporidiosis. That was confirmed by different methodologies, parasitological examination, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical assays. It paves the way for being a promising anti-parasitic agent for infection eradication. However, further studies are still required to gain more knowledge about different coconut extracts in order to reach the best treatment efficacy.

The controverted therapeutic efficacy of Allium sativum and Artemisia herba-alba extracts on Cryptosporidium-infected mice.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptosporidiosis has become an issue of great interest being life-threatening among immunocompromised hosts worldwide. This study explored the curative effect of Allium sativum (garlic) and Artemisia herba-alba ethanolic extract versus Nitazoxanide drug on both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed-Cryptosporidium experimentally-infected mice. METHODOLOGY: One hundred male Swiss albino mice were divided into the following groups: (GI) non-infected non-treated group, (GII) infected non-treated group, (GIII) garlic treated group, (GIV) A. herba-alba treated group, (GV) Nitazoxanide treated group, each group subdivided into two subgroups (a) Immunocompetent, (b) immunosuppressed. The assessment was performed by parasitological counting of fecal oocysts, histological examination of intestinal tissue, immunological detection of interferon-gamma levels in mice sera, and ultrastructural study by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Garlic and A. herbal-alba extracts showed a decrease in the mean oocyst counts through all days of follow-up. This was associated with significant up-regulation of interferon-gamma cytokine levels in serum and histological improvement in intestinal tissues of mice compared to control groups and the results were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The highest efficacy was obtained by garlic, then by A. herbal-alba extracts followed by Nitazoxanide treated group; where the immunocompetent groups showed better improvement than immunosuppressed ones. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic has a perfect effect as a promising therapeutic agent against Cryptosporidiosis and therefore validates their traditional use in parasitic infections. Accordingly, it may offer a good option for cryptosporidium treatment in immunocompromised patients. They could be used as a natural safe product for the preparation of a new therapeutic agent.

Host innate immune responses and microbiome profile of neonatal calves challenged with Cryptosporidium parvum and the effect of bovine colostrum supplementation.

Introduction: Calves are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal infection with Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), which can result in watery diarrhea and eventually death or impaired development. With little to no effective therapeutics, understanding the host's microbiota and pathogen interaction at the mucosal immune system has been critical to identify and test novel control strategies. Methods: Herein, we used an experimental model of C. parvum challenge in neonatal calves to describe the clinical signs and histological and proteomic profiling of the mucosal innate immunity and microbiota shifts by metagenomics in the ileum and colon during cryptosporidiosis. Also, we investigated the impact of supplemental colostrum feeding on C. parvum infection. Results: We showed that C. parvum challenged calves experienced clinical signs including pyrexia and diarrhea 5 days post challenge. These calves showed ulcerative neutrophil ileitis with a proteomic signature driven by inflammatory effectors, including reactive oxygen species and myeloperoxidases. Colitis was also noticed with an aggravated mucin barrier depletion and incompletely filled goblet cells. The C. parvum challenged calves also displayed a pronounced dysbiosis with a high prevalence of Clostridium species (spp.) and number of exotoxins, adherence factors, and secretion systems related to Clostridium spp. and other enteropathogens, including Campylobacter spp., Escherichia sp., Shigella spp., and Listeria spp. Daily supplementation with a high-quality bovine colostrum product mitigated some of the clinical signs and modulated the gut immune response and concomitant microbiota to a pattern more similar to that of healthy unchallenged calves. Discussion: C. parvum infection in neonatal calves provoked severe diarrheic neutrophilic enterocolitis, perhaps augmented due to the lack of fully developed innate gut defenses. Colostrum supplementation showed limited effect mitigating diarrhea but demonstrated some clinical alleviation and specific modulatory influence on host gut immune responses and concomitant microbiota.

Molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium species in Kpong and its environs, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium is a ubiquitous enteric protozoan pathogen infecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife worldwide. It is a waterborne pathogen with recognized zoonotic potential and a definite cause of diarrhea and nutritional disorders in institutional and community settings. One challenge facing the world's supply of clean drinking water is contamination from feces and soil. It has been established that small quantities of oocysts, the infective stage, can cause human disease. Also, their resistance to chlorination and other water treatment procedures has been demonstrated. Kpong, a community in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana, is one of the primary sources of water supply to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Being able to determine the effectiveness of water treatment processes and identifying sources of contamination of this pathogen in our water bodies is thus of public health importance. The study aimed to conduct molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 230 samples, 180 fecal samples from cattle and 50 water samples (tap water and well water) were collected from the following communities: Kpong, Akwernor, Ablotsi, Nuaso, and Atua, all in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. Samples were screened for Cryptosporidium by microscopy and PCR. The 18S rRNA gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the final product was sequenced. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium from the fecal samples was estimated as 10% (18/180) by microscopy, while all 50 water samples were negative. However, PCR gave the prevalence of Cryptosporidium as 47.8% (86/180) for fecal samples and 20% (10/50) for water samples. Based on the 18S rRNA gene, three sequenced samples showed high homology to C. parvum species. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed this as these sequences clustered with C. parvum sequences from other countries. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Cryptosporidium parvum was identified as the persistent species in the study communities. This outcome supports the evidence that domesticated animals serve as potential reservoirs of zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis. The persistence of cryptosporidiosis in cattle indicates its presence in the human population. In addition, the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum in the wells makes it alarming and necessary to consider a holistic approach such as One Health Strategies to identify and control cases in humans.

Investigation of the prophylactic and therapeutic effectiveness of oral thyme extract in rats experimentally infected with cryptosporidium parvum.

In this study, the prophylactic and therapeutic activities of thyme extract at different concentrations against experimental Cryptosporidium parvum infection in immunosuppressed rats were investigated. Thyme extract was prepared at four different concentrations (10%, 30%, 50%, and 100%) and administered as a single oral dose of 1 mL for evaluation of its prophylactic efficacy. Five consecutive days after infection was detected in all rats, therapeutic evaluations were also performed. According to the results obtained by daily counting of oocysts in stools, the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of thyme extract administration were significant in comparison to the control group (P˂0.01). Oocyst shedding continued in the control group at high numbers from the beginning to the end of the study, while oocyst counts in the prophylaxis groups remained low throughout the study. On the other hand, oocyst excretion rates were high in the therapeutic groups and decreased rapidly after thyme extract administration. At the end of the study, oocyst excretion had completely stopped for some rats administered thyme extract. There was no group in which oocyst shedding ceased for all rats. No significant differences were observed in the therapeutic or prophylaxis groups regarding the doses administered (P > 0.01). Renal and hepatic functions were monitored by measuring urea, creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase levels ​​before and after thyme extract administration. As a result, it was concluded that oral thyme extract administration at the doses applied in this study is effective and safe in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of experimental cryptosporidiosis in rats.

Therapeutic Potency of Ginger, Garlic, and Pomegranate Extracts Against Cryptosporidium parvum-Mediated Gastro-Splenic Damage in Mice.

PURPOSE: Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite infecting most mammalian hosts and causing major health issues. The present study investigated the efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extracts on the development and progression of experimental cryptosporidiosis in mice. METHODS: Eighty-two mice were assigned to 6 groups: control, infected non-treated, metronidazole (MTZ), ginger, garlic, and pomegranate. The control group topically received no treatments. The infected non-treated group was experimentally infected by 104 C. parvum oocysts per mouse using a stomach tube. The MTZ group was infected with C. parvum oocysts combined with MTZ (50 mg/kg b.w./day). The ginger, garlic, and pomegranate groups daily received different plant extracts at doses of 100 mg/kg BW, 50 mg/kg BW, and 3 gm/kg BW, respectively, followed by infection with C. parvum oocysts. All treatments were applied orally one day after the infection for continuous 30 days. RESULTS: Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations for P53 and caspase-3 expressions in stomach and spleen tissues showed that MTZ and garlic-treated mice had a more significant effect on infected mice. CONCLUSION: The garlic extract was found to exert a more pronounced effect on infected mice compared with the other treatments as well as to improve health. Garlic extracts, therefore, represent an effective and natural therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis with low side effects and without drug resistance.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for setting health-based performance targets during soil aquifer treatment.

A quantitative microbial risk assessment was conducted to assess the health risks associated with the exposure of agricultural workers to tertiary treated wastewater in irrigated fields through soil ingestion in Cyprus. Three pathogenic microorganisms were chosen, particularly E. coli (bacteria), rotavirus (viruses) and Cryptosporidium. Two extreme exposure scenarios were investigated. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using input data from literature, and the model outputs were compared to the health standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). The results suggested that additional treatment is required for all pathogens to satisfy the health standards. Sensitivity analysis identified the source concentration and pathogen reduction due to soil aquifer passage as the most influential factors in the model outputs. Additional computations were performed to evaluate the minimum pathogen reduction due to soil aquifer passage so that the health targets are achieved for the 95 % of the output values. Rotavirus and Cryptosporidium were found to require more treatment than E. coli. The inclusion of these reference pathogens to the monitoring network of the local authorities is recommended, and the role of soil aquifer passage is emphasized on reducing the concentration of the contaminants.

Identification of potent anti-Cryptosporidium new drug leads by screening traditional Chinese medicines.

Cryptosporidium spp. are gastrointestinal opportunistic protozoan parasites that infect humans, domestic animals, and wild animals all over the world. Cryptosporidiosis is the second leading infectious diarrheal disease in infants less than 5 years old. Cryptosporidiosis is a common zoonotic disease associated with diarrhea in infants and immunocompromised individuals. Consequently, cryptosporidiosis is considered a serious economic, veterinary, and medical concern. The treatment options for cryptosporidiosis are limited. To address this problem, we screened a natural product library containing 87 compounds of Traditional Chinese Medicines for anti-Cryptosporidium compounds that could serve as novel drug leads and therapeutic targets against C. parvum. To examine the anti-Cryptosporidium activity and half-maximal inhibitory doses (EC50) of these compounds, we performed in vitro assays (Cryptosporidium growth inhibition assay and host cell viability assay) and in vivo experiments in mice. In these assays, the C. parvum HNJ-1 strain was used. Four of the 87 compounds (alisol-A, alisol-B, atropine sulfate, and bufotalin) showed strong anti-Cryptosporidium activity in vitro (EC50 values = 122.9±6.7, 79.58±13.8, 253.5±30.3, and 63.43±18.7 nM, respectively), and minimum host cell cytotoxicity (cell survival > 95%). Furthermore, atropine sulfate (200 mg/kg) and bufotalin (0.1 mg/kg) also showed in vivo inhibitory effects. Our findings demonstrate that atropine sulfate and bufotalin are effective against C. parvum infection both in vitro and in vivo. These compounds may, therefore, represent promising novel anti-Cryptosporidium drug leads for future medications against cryptosporidiosis.

Anti-Cryptosporidium efficacy of Citrus sinensis peel extract: Histopathological and ultrastructural experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidiosis is a crucial zoonotic global health concern which can be treated by alternative medicinal plants extracts. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Citrus sinensis peel ethanolic extract on Cryptosporidium-infected mice. METHODS: Two doses of Citrus sinensis extract; high dose (30 mg/kg) and low dose (15 mg/kg) were investigated compared to the common commercial drug nitazoxanide (NTZ). Assessment of the extract was carried out by calculating oocysts count in fecal samples, in addition to histopathological and electron microscopic examination of intestinal mucosa.. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of oocyst shedding more in high dose than low dose Citrus-treated mice group till negligible numbers of oocysts were found at day 22nd post infection. Histopathologically, the intestinal tissues from high dose Citrus-treated group showed improvement of the pathological changes, the villi retained their normal appearance with minimal inflammatory cells in comparison to infected control mice groups. Also, ultra-structurally, the high dose Citrus-treated mice showed few Cryptosporidium trophozoites, while moderate number of parasitic stages and mucous in the low dose Citrus-treated mice, and large numbers of parasitic stages with sever mucous in the control infected non-treated mice epithelium. CONCLUSION: Our study established for the first time that Citrus sinensis is a promising natural candidate that could be efficiently used for developing of new anti-cryptospordial drugs.

Randomized controlled trial demonstrates nutritional management is superior to metronidazole for treatment of acute colitis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcome of dietary management of canine noninfectious acute colitis with or without concurrent oral administration of metronidazole using a randomized controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 59 client-owned dogs with noninfectious acute colitis. PROCEDURES: Dogs with acute noninfectious colitis were enrolled in a 30-day diet trial after exclusion of parasitic infectious etiologies (fecal centrifugation floatation, Giardia/Cryptosporidium antigen testing) and systemic disease (CBC, biochemistry, urinalysis). Dogs were randomized into 3 placebo-controlled groups: group 1, easily digestible diet + placebo tablet; group 2, easily digestible diet + metronidazole tablet; and group 3, psyllium-enhanced easily digestible diet + placebo tablet. Dogs were evaluated serially using fecal scoring for time to remission, average fecal score, relapse after remission, and dysbiosis index. RESULTS: Median remission time was significantly different among the 3 groups (P < .01) with median times of 5 days (range, 4 to 10) for group 1, 8.5 days (range, 7 to 12) for group 2, and 5 days (range, 3 to 6) for group 3. Metronidazole addition affected the fecal dysbiosis index negatively at days 7 to 10. No adverse effects or complications were noted throughout the study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For canine noninfectious acute colitis, dietary management with an easily digestible diet with or without psyllium enhancement proved a superior management strategy compared to metronidazole. The omission of metronidazole reduced the adverse impact significantly on intestinal microbiota. Longitudinal clinical trials are necessary to compare the long-term response, stability, and complications associated with dietary management alone versus combined dietary and antimicrobial therapy for canine acute colitis.

Pregnant sows immunized with Cryptosporidium parvum significantly reduced infection in newborn piglets challenged with C. parvum but not with C. hominis.

BACKGROUND: The piglet is the only model to investigate the immunogenic relationship between Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum, the species responsible for diarrhea in humans. Despite being indistinguishable antigenically, and high genetic homology between them, they are only moderately cross protective after an active infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we examined the degree of passive protection conferred to piglets suckling sows immunized during pregnancy with C. parvum. After birth suckling piglets were challenged orally with either C. parvum or C. hominis at age 5 days. Animals challenged with C. parvum had significant reduction of infection rate, while piglets challenged with C. hominis showed no reduction despite high C. parvum serum and colostrum IgG and IgA antibody. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We add these data to earlier studies where we described that infection derived immunity provides partial cross-protection. Together, it appears that for full protection, vaccines against human cryptosporidiosis must contain antigenic elements derived from both species.

Potential effect of methanol leaf extracts from three Podocarpus species on experimental cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidiosis causes diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, with acute manifestations occurring particularly in children and the elderly. Up till now, there is no curative therapy for cryptosporidiosis, so discovery of new classes of drugs are of great importance. This study aimed to examine the effect of methanol leaves extracts of the three Podocarpus species; P. macrophyllus (Thunb.), P. gracilior (Pilg.) and P. elongatus (Aiton) L' Hér. ex Pers and their combination on Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) in experimentally infected mice in comparison with the commercially used drug, Nitazoxanide. As well as spectrophotometric estimation of the total phenolic and flavonoid content of these extracts was done. Results revealed that treatment with these three Podocarpus extracts and their combination showed a significant reduction of the number of C. parvum oocyst shed in the stool of infected mice compared to infected control group and Nitazoxanide- infected treated group at P < 0.001. The combination of the three Podocarpus extracts was the most effective treatment showing the lowest number of oocysts shedding in comparison with other used extracts and Nitazoxanide. Histopathological inspection of sections from ilium and colon displayed signs of improvement after treatment with P. macrophyllus and P. gracilior extracts and more remarkable improvement when the three extracts were combined. It was concluded that the three Podocarpus species extracts used in this study had a promising anti-Cryptosporidium activity especially when they were combined.

Evaluation of the efficacy of cow colostrum in the treatment and its effect on serum proteomes in calves with cryptosporidiosis.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using high-quality colostrum in addition to paromomycin on the treatment outcomes and serum proteomes of calves naturally affected by cryptosporidiosis. Thirty Holstein calves infected with only Cryptosporidium spp. were divided into three equal groups. Calves in the PC group received paromomycin orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg once daily for 5 days. Calves in PCOL and PBCOL groups received 250 ml colostrum 3 h after feeding twice a day for 3 days. The PBCOL group was also given 6 g of sodium bicarbonate 15 min before colostrum administration. While the fecal scores of all calves were evaluated daily for 10 days from the initiation of the treatment, fecal oocyst counts were determined on the 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10th days. Brix%, total protein (TP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels, and proteomic analyses were performed on the 0 and 3rd days' sera. Considering pretreatment values, fecal scores (8th, 2nd, and 2nd day), and fecal oocyst counts (10th, 3rd, and 2nd day) improved in a significantly (p < 0.05) shorter time in the colostrum groups than in the control group. By serum proteomic analysis, 99, 93, and 83 proteomes were detected in PC, PCOL, and PBCOL groups, respectively. Although the significant changes in any protein in Group PC were absent, significant changes were observed in Alpha-1B-glycoprotein (A1BG), Zinc transporterZIP11 (S39AB), Cathelicidin-1 (CTHL1), Actin_ cytoplasmic-1 (ACTB), and Apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4) proteins in Group PCOL and Alpha-1-antiproteinase (A1AT), Serum amyloid A protein (SAA), Actin-cytoplasmic-2 (ACTG), Protein HP-20 homolog (HP20) proteins in Group PBCOL with colostral treatment, which indicated that the use of colostrum had an effect on calf serum proteomes. The more pronounced healing and shorter clinical improvement time in the colostrum groups especially colostrum with sodium bicarbonate revealed that these proteomes have positive effects in the treatment with their systemic and local effects in the intestines.

Identification and Semi-quantification of Protozoa from the Digestive System Microbiota of the Lobster Cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea Oliver, 1789 (Insecta:Blattaria).

INTRODUCTION: The lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea (N. cinerea) is indicated as a promising non-mammalian model, because it presents behavioral and biochemical alterations also observed in conventional models. In this research, we identified and characterized the distribution of protozoa that inhabit the digestive system (DS) of N. cinerea cockroaches. METHODS: The adult specimens of N. cinerea used in this study (n = 32) were obtained at the Federal University of Santa Maria, dissected and had their visceral contents observed in bright-field microscopy without staining and after application of lugol, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, EA36 trichrome and simulated dark-field microscopy with application of nankin ink. The presence of protozoa in different portions of the DS was semi-quantified by a system of crosses (+). RESULTS: The main taxa observed were: amoebas (Archaemebae:Entamoebida), gregarins (Apicomplexa:Eugregarinide), coccidia (Apicomplexa:Eucoccidiorida), kinetoplastids (Kinetoplastea:Kinetoplastida) and oxymonads (Preaxostyla:Oxymonadida). The highest prevalence of amoebas and gregarines was observed in the medial portion of the DS, while for the other groups, this was seen in the final portion, and in the case of coccidia, such prevalence was specially evidenced by the alcohol-acid coloration. In the present work, the great biological diversity that exists in the microbiota of the digestive system of Nauphoeta cinerea was demonstrated, being possible to find several pathogenic species for humans such as Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, Cryptosporidium sp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis. There is still a lot to know about the interactions between endocommensal protozoa and their respective invertebrate hosts, so the best way to clarify such relationships is through molecular and genetic test.

Garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) improved inflammation and reduced cryptosporidiosis burden in immunocompromised mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: For thousands of years, garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) has been consumed in food and health by numerous civilizations. Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes a gastrointestinal disease, with the most common symptoms being watery diarrhea. Although several substances have been tried for its anti-cryptosporidial action, there is no effective treatment for Cryptosporidium disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The present study aimed firstly to characterize the bio-active compounds in Allium sativum L. and secondly to evaluate its efficacy as a therapy for cryptosporidiosis especially in immunocompromised mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was accomplished by evaluating the parasitological and histopathological parameters in the experimentally infected immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice. Also, the cytokine profile during the experimental time was recorded through the measuring of T helper (h)1, Th2 and Th17 cells cytokines. Immunosuppressed mice were given 0.25 µg/g per day of dexamethasone orally, before infection with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, for fourteen consecutive days. Starting 10 days post infection (PI), nitazoxanide (100 mg/kg per day) or Allium sativum (50 mg/kg per day) was given orally for fourteen consecutive days. RESULTS: Our results showed that oocyst shedding, on the 32nd day PI, in immunocompromised infected group treated with Allium sativum (354.11, 99.35% PR) showed a significant decrease when compared to its corresponding group treated with nitazoxanide (4369.14, 92.05% PR). On the 32nd day PI, all cytokines levels have been decreased to levels that were similar to those of their uninfected corresponding control groups; also, the histopathological changes and the loss in animals' body weight had been improved. Treatment with nitazoxanide did not result in infection clearance or a reduction in the increased cytokines' levels. CONCLUSION: Allium sativum L. displayed high efficacy as a potential therapeutic agent against Cryptosporidium, which supports its traditional usage in parasite diseases.