Biotransformation of anthelmintics and the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the tapeworm Moniezia expansa.

The sheep tapeworm Moniezia expansa is very common parasite, which affects ruminants such as sheep, goats as well as other species. The benzimidazole anthelmintics albendazole (ABZ), flubendazole (FLU) and mebendazole (MBZ) are often used to treat the infection. The drug-metabolizing enzymes of helminths may alter the potency of anthelmintic treatment. The aim of our study was to assess the activity of the main drug-metabolizing enzymes and evaluate the metabolism of selected anthelmintics (ABZ, MBZ and FLU) in M. expansa. Activities of biotransformation enzymes were determined in subcellular fractions. Metabolites of the anthelmintics were detected and identified using high performance liquid chromatography/ultra-violet/VIS/fluorescence or ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Reduction of MBZ, FLU and oxidation of ABZ were proved as well as activities of various metabolizing enzymes. Despite the fact that the conjugation enzymes glutathione S-transferase, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase and UDP-glucosyl transferase were active in vitro, no conjugated metabolites of anthelmintics were identified either ex vivo or in vitro. The obtained results indicate that sheep tapeworm is able to deactivate the administered anthelmintics, and thus protects itself against their action.

Effect of lead in water on the absorption of copper, iron, manganese and zinc by sheep (Ovis aries) infected with sheep tapeworm (Moniezia expansa).

The sheep tapeworm (Moniezia expansa) and its host Ovis aries were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for their copper, iron, manganese, zinc and lead levels. Element concentrations in cestode parasites were compared to those in various organs (liver, kidney, and muscle) of sheep. Tapeworms in the small intestine of sheep that were administered 2g of Pb(CH(3)COO)(2) per os daily (7 days) had significantly higher lead concentrations than sheep tissues. Cu levels significantly increased after Pb administration in sheep muscle and sheep tapeworms. Contrarily, Zn content significantly decreased in sheep muscle, but significantly increased in sheep tapeworms. However, Mn content significantly decreased after Pb administration in sheep tapeworms. Furthermore, Fe content significantly decreased after Pb administration in sheep liver and kidneys.

Movable computer ruler (MCR): a new method for measuring the size of Toxoplasma gondii cysts, tachyzoites and other selected parasites.

A new method for measuring the size of parasites and other objects using optical microscopy was developed using a specifically designed movable computer ruler (MCR) derived from digital images of a stage micrometer. Subsequently, MCR can be superimposed on images of parasites to measure their size. MCR derived from the stage micrometer under a particular objective lens can be used to measure the size of an object acquired by the same lens/microscope/camera system. The conditions are fixed for every superimposed image including width, height, pixel number and density. The MCR was tested using selected parasites, and shown to be as accurate as the ocular micrometer disk, screw micrometer eyepiece and image analysis software. The lower technical complexity of the MCR method makes it applicable even in laboratories with limited resources.

Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infection in goats raised in Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infection in goats raised in Nakhon Pathom Province. Fecal samples from 190 goats in 12 herds were collected per rectum. Questionnaires focusing on the general information about the farm and farmers, and management practices on farms were completed. Modified McMaster counting technique was performed to detect eggs of intestinal parasites. Each egg found was classified into three groups of parasites based on its characteristics. Individual and herd prevalence were calculated. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to analyze risk factors of infection. Herd prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 100%, while individual prevalence was 79.47%. Strongyle group was the most common intestinal parasite found in this study. Moniezia spp. (8/190) and Trichuris spp. (1/190) were also found. The average number of eggs found was 1,176 eggs per gram of feces. Risk factors for intestinal parasite infection were housing system, deworming interval, and type of goat in herd. Goats housed in groups had higher infection rates compared with goats housed individually (odds ratio (OR) = 6.34; P value = 0.009). Goats in herds in which anthelmintic drugs were administered in intervals of greater than 3 months were more likely to become infected with intestinal parasites (OR = 33.07; P value <0.001). Goats in herds that kept only dairy goats were less likely to become infected than herd that kept only meat goats or kept both dairy and meat goats (OR = 46.20 and 8.75; P value <0.001 and 0.011, respectively).

Helminthes detected from wild sika deer (Cervus nippon centralis) in Kanto-Chubu region, Japan.

The helminth fauna of 105 sika deer (Cervus nippon centralis) captured in Yamanashi, Kanagawa and Nagano Prefectures, Japan was investigated during 2014-2019. As a result, 12 helminthes, i.e. 3 digeneans (Ogmocotyle sikae, Dicrocoelium chinensis and D. dendriticum), 8 nematodes (Gongylonema pulchrum, Dictyocaulus sp., Pygarginema sp., Spiculopteragia houdemeri, Chabaudstrongylus ninhae, Trichuris discolor, Oesophagostomum sikae and Oes. asperum), and 1 cestode (Moniezia sp.) were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Pygarginema sp., Cha. ninhae, and Oes. asperum from sika deer in Japan. Some helminthes detected in the present study can infect livestock. Considering the possibility of the spread of the helminthes to livestock through deer excrement, it is important to promote understanding the parasite fauna in wild deer.

Studies on monieziasis of sheep I. Prevalence and antihelminthic effects of some plant extracts, a light and electron microscopic study.

Out of 2,343 examined sheep throughout the whole year, 271 were found to be infected with tapeworms (11.5%). The highest infection rate (22.1%) was recorded in autumn, while the lowest (6%) occurred in summer. Six species of cestodes were identified according to their prevalence: Moniezia expansa (74%), Moniezia denticulata (8.5%), Moniezia benedeni (4.8%), Moniezia trigonophora (2.7%), and Thysaniezia giardi (2.7%), T. giardi was recorded in Egypt for the first time. M. expansa was found throughout the year with two peaks in January (92.3%) and June (88.5%). SEM examination revealed that M. expansa scolex has four triangular suckers guarded by an X-shaped fibrous band that makes them open permanently. Also, there is a Y-shaped apical part at the scolex center which may be an embryonically non-developed rostellum. The whole worm body surface is covered with unidirectional microtriches. TEM showed that the tegument is underlaid by a thick fibrous interstitial layer below which an outer circular and an inner longitudinal muscular layer are arranged. Beneath these structures the subtegumental cells are found which have spherical electron-dense inclusions and various other cell organelles. Moreover, M. expansa has interproglottidal glands which contain secretory vesicles and secretions. For biological control of this parasite, different concentrations of crude plant extract of Artemisia cina were used in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the results indicated that the plant extract is efficacious at all concentrations tested. Electron microscopic examination showed that many structures of the treated worms were affected. The most affected sites were the scolex and the microtriches of the outer tegumental surface. In vivo, treatment of heavily infected animals showed an antihelminthic effect, since the complete absence of eggs was recorded 9 days after treatment when fecal investigations were done.

Experimental studies on the cadmium accumulation in the cestode Moniezia expansa (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) and its final host (Ovis aries).

The tapeworm Moniezia expansa and naturally infected sheep were investigated with respect to their cadmium accumulation. Cadmium chloride (CdCl(2), 0.2 g) was added to 10 ml of distilled water and administered orally to the sheep every day for a period of 1 week. The cadmium content of M. expansa was lower than that in the liver tissues of sheep, although this difference was not significant. The highest mean cadmium concentrations were found in the liver of sheep infected with M. expansa (24.5+/-11.5 mgkg(-1) dry weight). The mean cadmium concentration measured in M. expansa was 21.5+/-19.2 mgkg(-1) dry weight, which was 31 and 1.5 times higher than levels determined in the muscle and kidney of the host, respectively, but 0.9 times lower than levels determined in the liver of host. Sheeps with M. expansa infection always had higher cadmium concentrations in the tissues (with the exception of the blood) than their uninfected conspecifics.

Experimental studies on the lead accumulation in the cestode Moniezia expansa (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) and its final host (Ovis aries).

The tapeworm Moniezia expansa and naturally infected sheep were investigated with respect to their lead accumulation. Lead-Pb(CH(3)COO)(2) was added to the distilled water and administered orally to the sheep every day for a period of 1 week. After the exposure period the sheep were killed and the metal levels were determined in the muscle, liver, kidney and blood of the sheep as well as in the cestode parasites (Moniezia expansa). The impact of an infection with the cestode Moniezia expansa and a simultaneous Pb exposure, on the concentrations of heavy metals in the host kidney, liver, muscle, blood and cestodes was studied. The concentration of lead in the cestodes was on average 458, 5 and 4-fold higher in the cestodes than in the muscle, liver and kidney of the host, respectively. Parasitised sheep accumulated significantly less lead in their tissues than their uninfected conspecifics (ANOVA test, P < or = 0.05). Also the differences between host's tissues and tapeworms were found to be significant (ANOVA test, P < or = 0.05). Thus, this study reveals that lead accumulation also occurs in cestodes parasitizing mammals. The host-parasite-system sheep-Moniezia expansa appears to be a useful and promising bioindication system especially in farming (rural, agricultural) and the natural ecosystem.

Generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags from a cDNA library of Moniezia expansa.

The Moniezia expansa is a parasite of sheep that causes diarrhea and fleshless leading to stockbreeding losses. A genomic resource for large-scale molecular studies in this parasite is lacking. To study the gene expression including development, digestion and reproduction organs of M. expansa, a cDNA library had been constructed and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) had been analyzed, which were helpful for the development of a powerful microarray platform which are used to analyze gene expression in this species. cDNAs are useful resources in annotating genes and providing functional analysis of genes. In this study, a cDNA library from adult cestode of M. expansa was created and 2642 ESTs from 5'-ends of the cDNA clones representing 1081 unigenes were obtained. Cluster analysis of these ESTs allowed identification of 1081 unique sequences containing 351 contigs and 730 singletons. BLASTX searches identified 780 significant (E-value<10(-5)) hits and further Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used to annotate these genes. All the EST sequences were deposited under dbEST in GenBank (GenBank: FE905224-FE905315, FE942104-FE942773, FE969189-FE969190, FF677548-FF677734, FF848124-FF848253). Although we only obtained 1081 unigenes, the set of ESTs identified represents a significant proportion of the M. expansa and provides molecular resource for the development of microarrays for gene expression studies concerning development, metabolism and reproduction.

Gastrointestinal parasites in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) calves from Fennoscandia: An epidemiological study.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) host numerous parasites. Although there is a general knowledge about parasite diversity in reindeer, detailed baseline information about parasitic infections is limited. Detailed knowledge of parasite prevalence and diversity provide a pathway for more targeted parasite control, an increasing need expected in the future. The main aim of our cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in semidomesticated reindeer calves. The 480 reindeer calves included in our study were aged 6-7 months, originated from 9 reindeer herding cooperatives in Finland and 1 in Norway, and were slaughtered during September-November 2015 in 10 reindeer slaughterhouses. All the reindeer calves passed meat inspection, and the detected parasitic infections were subclinical. As the reindeer included in this study were young animals intended for slaughter, they had never been administrated any antiparasitic treatment. Assessments of gastrointestinal parasitism among these reindeer calves were based on fecal examination and morphological identification of coccidian oocysts or helminth eggs. Individual fecal samples collected from the rectum of each of the reindeer were examined using a modified McMaster method. Most (78.3%) of the reindeer calves had eggs or oocysts of at least one parasite species in their feces, and more than half (53.5%) had a mixed infection. Strongylid eggs were detected in 75.6%, Eimeria sp. oocysts in 50.6%, Moniezia sp. eggs in 28.1%, Nematodirus sp. eggs in 22.1%, Capillaria sp. eggs in 9.4%, and Trichuris sp. eggs in 0.6% of the samples. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was similar or higher relative to previous estimates from the region; the proportion of reindeer calves shedding strongylid eggs and the proportion of reindeer calves shedding Moniezia sp. eggs had increased. Prevalence varied by geographical region, which may reflect different herding practices or environmental parameters. Higher reindeer density was a risk factor for testing positive for Eimeria sp. oocysts, and the odds of testing positive for Nematodirus sp. eggs were higher if a peroral route was used for antiparasitic treatment in the reindeer herding cooperative. The mean proportion of reindeer estimated to receive antiparasitic treatment in Finland was 86% in 2004-2005 and 91% in 2014-2015. During the historical time frames of current management practices, this routine annual antiparasitic treatment of breeding reindeer has not decreased the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in reindeer calves, which can be seen as sentinels or indicators of the infection pressure.

Occurrence of Moniezia expansa (Rud, 1810) Blanchard, 1891 (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758) in Perú.

The presence of Moniezia expansa (Rud, 1810) Blanchard, 1891, is reported in domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758). Four tapeworms were collected and identified as M. expansa. This is the first report of M. expansa collected in a domestic pig in Perú.

Paleoparasitological records in a canid coprolite from Patagonia, Argentina.

In this note, organic remains identified as a canid coprolite were examined. The material was dated at 6540 +/- 110 B.P.; it was collected in the Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Paleoparasitological analysis was performed following standard procedures. Coprolite fragments were rehydrated in a trisodium phosphate aqueous solution and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation for microscope analysis. Eggs of nematodes identified as Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Uncinaria sp., and an ascaridid (probably Toxascaris sp.) or spirurids (presumably Physaloptera sp.), plus a cestode (Anoplocephalidae), presumably Moniezia sp., were found.

Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase activity in Moniezia expansa: inhibition by pyrimidine derivatives.

Copper-zinc, cyanide-sensitive superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD) was detected in homogenates of Moniezia expansa. The enzyme was purified by a sequence of multiple differential centrifugations, ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion-exchange and G-75 Sephadex column chromatography. The final enzyme preparation had a specific activity of 623.00 +/- 9.97U per mg protein and, after isolation, a single-staining band on acrylamide-SDS gels was detected which coincided with enzyme activity. The inhibitory activities of several benzimidazoles and several novel pyrimidine derivatives were determined on purified extracts of the M. expansa Cu-Zn-SOD. The results indicated that the percentage inhibition of Cu-Zn-SOD by some pyrimidine derivatives (6-amino-1, 3-dimethyl-5-nitroso-uracil, 6-amino-5-methyl-5-nitroso-uracil and 5-amino-uracil) was markedly higher than inhibition with the benzimidazoles.

Inhibition of malate dehydrogenase enzymes by benzimidazole anthelmintics.

Determinations were made of the inhibitory activities of four benzimidazole anthelmintics (Albendazole, Parbendazole, Mebendazole and Thiabendazole) on purified extracts of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase obtained from Ascaris suum, Fasciola hepatica and Moniezia expansa. The highest percentage inhibitions were exhibited by Mebendazole. The results confirm that cytoplasmic MDH and mitochondrial MDH regulator enzymes of glycogen synthesis are the sites of mebendazole inhibitory activity, but the activity sites of the other anthelmintics in the study remain unclear.

Cestocidal activity of albendazole in calves.

Sixty commercial-grade calves naturally infected with tapeworms (Moniezia benedeni and M expansa) were used in a controlled experiment to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of 4 dose levels of albendazole. Calves were randomly divided into 5 groups of 12 each. One group served as non-medicated controls. Other groups were drenched with albendazole (methyl [5-(propyltion)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl] carbamate) at dose rates of 20, 10, 5 and 2.5 mg/kg of body weight. Calves were necropsied 14 days after treatment. Doses of 20 and 10 mg/kg were 100% efficacious in reducing the number of tapeworm scolices, and doses of 5 and 2.5 mg/kg were 97.8%. Medicated cattle did not show signs of intoxication.

Numbers of gastrointestinal helminth eggs of Wyoming cattle in two surveys: 1957 to 1961 and 1973 to 1977.

From 1973 to 1977, a survey of internal parasites in Wyoming cattle was conducted via fecal analyses of 1,490 beef cattle. Sugar flotation techniques were used, with a factor of 2 times the actual egg counts. The prevalence of internal parasites of beef cattle in this survey was compared with that in a previous survey conducted on Wyoming beef cattle from 1957 to 1961. Results of analyses indicated no true change in mean eggs per gram of feces (epg) as follows: calves, 14 epg in 1961 and 20 epg in 1977; yearlings, 29 epg in 1961 and 19 epg in 1977; and adults, 22 epg in 1961 and 21 epg in 1977.

Effects of level of nitrogen fertilization of fescue pasture on gastrointestinal parasitism of beef cattle.

Two established tall fescue pastures were used in a 4-year study of the relationship between the level of gastrointestinal parasitism in cattle and the level of nitrogen fertilization of the pasture. One pasture was fertilized with 224 kg of NH4NO3/ha each year and served as the control. A second pasture, referred to as the low-fertilized (LF) pasture, was fertilized with N at 84 kg/ha the first year and 74 kg/ha in each of the next 3 years. Both pastures were stocked with Angus cows (2.5/ha) and their calves. Rectal fecal samples obtained every 6 weeks from 10 cows and as many calves as possible in each pasture were examined for nemotode eggs and coccidia oocysts. Two calves from each group were slaughtered at the end of each of the last 3 years to determine the numbers and species of parasites. Cows had significantly lower egg counts than did the calves. Egg counts did not differ between the two groups of cows, but the control cows had higher average weights than the cows on the LF pasture. Control calves had significantly lower egg counts than the calves on the LF pasture, but only slightly higher mean adjusted 205-day weights. At necropsy, significantly fewer worms were recovered from the controls (17,977) than from the LF-pastured calves (52,332). Cooperia oncophora was the predominant species. The level of coccidia infection did not differ between the two groups of cows and calves. The greater availability of forage in the control than in the LF pasture probably was responsible for the lower level of parasitism in the control calves and for the greater weight gains made by the control cows and calves.

Moniezia infection in the dwarf breeds of small ruminants in Southern Nigeria.

A survey of Moniezia infection was conducted among two groups of sheep and goats, of dwarf breeds, in Nigeria: (i) those being reared under a traditional, extensive husbandry system in groups of rural villages situated in two different ecological zones; and (ii) those reared under an intensive system on experimental stations in two ecological zones of Nigeria. Moniezia expansa was the predominant species encountered in the animals. The incidence of Moniezia infection was higher in sheep than in goats. The highest infection rates were found in kids and lambs younger than eight months old. The clinical significance of the infection and some of the highlights of the results are discussed. It is concluded that Moniezia infection in small ruminants can pose a problem deserving of more attention and a suggestion is made for studies on the bionomics of the mite forming the intermediate host in Nigeria.

The establishment, composition and severity of infection of gastro-intestinal parasites and their impact on productivity of Tswana kids in southern Botswana.

The presence of gastro-intestinal parasites in Tswana kids (n = 7) aged 1-3 weeks was studied for a period of 6 months at the Botswana College of Agriculture. The aims of this study were to find the time when they first contracted internal parasite infections, as well as to determine the severity of the infections and also its relation to production indicators (body mass and packed cell volume) of the kids as they grew older. The results indicate that they contracted coccidial and roundworm infections at approximately one month of age or immediately thereafter. The most prevalent internal parasite was coccidia, which occurred throughout the study period followed by roundworms and the least was the tapeworm, Moniezia expansa. Generally, the infection levels of all internal parasites were lower than the critical mean log (faecal oocyst/egg count + 1) of 3.3 inferred to cause reduced production in small stock. The correlation coefficients were all positive; 0.4-0.9 for individual internal parasites and production indicators, indicating that these internal parasites did not have any adverse effects on production. It was concluded that there was no need to treat kids of this age group for internal parasites.