RESUMEN
Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite found in humans and several mammals. This parasite spreads worldwide and is generally recognized as a zoonotic agent being reported to be one of the most common causes of diarrhea in humans and animals. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence and genotypes of G. duodenalis in shelter dogs in Diyarbakir province being located in the southeastern Anatolia region of Türkiye. Native-Lugol method and nested polymerase chain reaction analyses of 100 fecal samples showed a prevalence of 3.00 and 4.00%, respectively. The prevalence was higher in females and in those younger than 1 year. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of zoonotic assemblage B, assemblage D and assemblage E. The detection of zoonotic assemblage B in this study suggests that dogs may be a reservoir for human giardiasis. Further molecular research is needed to determine the genotype diversity of Giardia as well as its possible role in the transmission of this parasite to humans.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Coccidiosis is a protozoan infection that can result in hemorrhagic diarrhea, depression, weakness, weight loss, and even mortality in young animals. ß-defensin-1 is an antimicrobial peptide produced largely by epithelial cells in the skin and mucosa. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate how ß-defensin-1 levels changed in coccidiosis-infected calves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample included 10 coccidiosis-positive calves and 7 healthy calves, for a total of 17 calves of diverse breeds and older than 15 days. To assess the level of ß-defensin-1, blood samples were obtained from the vena jugularis of the animals. The concentrations of ß-defensin-1 in the serum were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. RESULTS: Although the serum ß-defensin-1 level decreased in infected animals, the drop was not statistically significant when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: According to the study's findings, there was no significant change in the serum ß-defensin-1 level in coccidiosis-infected calves. We believe that it will be advantageous to conduct additional studies with a larger sample size in order to acquire more precise results.