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1.
BMC Vet Res ; 20(1): 235, 2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38822316

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the genetic characteristics of Capillaria isolates from the infected fish, Bagrus bajad, and their relation to human Capillaria philippinensis using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) analysis. Fifteen fish Capillaria were isolated and compared to identified human C. philippinensis using six primers: M-are, M-1, G-7, G-11, G-15, and G-18. RESULTS: All six primers successfully amplified DNA, highlighting their efficacy in distinguishing between human and fish Capillaria isolates. The analysis revealed distinctive banding patterns between fish and human isolates, with variations in size and number of DNA fragments. Additionally, genetic similarity analysis showed intriguing patterns of relatedness, with certain pairs exhibiting high similarity percentages. Comparative assessment of RAPD polymorphism demonstrated consistent findings of 100% polymorphism across all primers. The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean Algorithm (UPGMA) evaluated the closest relationship between human and fish isolates. These results underscore the utility of RAPD analysis in delineating the genetic diversity among Capillaria isolates from different hosts. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the genetic variability and relatedness among Capillaria isolates, shedding light on their evolutionary dynamics and zoonotic potential.


Subject(s)
Capillaria , Enoplida Infections , Fish Diseases , Genetic Variation , Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique , Animals , Fish Diseases/parasitology , Egypt , Capillaria/genetics , Capillaria/isolation & purification , Capillaria/classification , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Phylogeny , Humans
2.
BMC Vet Res ; 20(1): 291, 2024 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38965518

ABSTRACT

Eustrongylides excisus is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite known to infect various fish species, including Northern pike (Esox Lucius). This nematode, belonging to the family Dioctophymatidae, has a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Eustrongylides nematodes in Northern pike (E. Lucius) collected from Mijran Dam (Ramsar, Iran). Between June and October 2023, an investigation was conducted on Northern pike from Mijran Dam in Ramsar, Iran, following reports of reddish parasites in their muscle tissues. Sixty fish were examined at the University of Tehran, revealing live parasites in the muscles, which were then analyzed microscopically and preserved for a multidisciplinary study. The skeletal muscle tissues of 85% (51/60) of fish specimens were infected by grossly visible larvae which were microscopically identified as Eustrongylides spp. In histopathological examination, the lesion was composed of encapsulated parasitic granulomatous myositis. Microscopically, the cystic parasitic granulomas compressed the adjacent muscle fibers, leading to their atrophy and Zenker's necrosis. Moreover, epithelioid macrophages, giant cells and mononuclear inflammatory cells were present around the larvae and between the muscle fibers. Finally, a molecular analysis by examining the ITS gene region, revealed that they belong to the species E. excisus. Eustrongylidiasis in northern Iran necessitates further research into the biology, epidemiology, and control of Eustrongylides nematodes, focusing on various hosts. This study is the first to comprehensively characterize E. excisus in Northern pike in Ramsar, Iran, raising concerns about possible zoonotic transmission.


Subject(s)
Esocidae , Fish Diseases , Animals , Iran/epidemiology , Fish Diseases/parasitology , Fish Diseases/epidemiology , Fish Diseases/pathology , Esocidae/parasitology , Dioctophymatoidea/isolation & purification , Muscle, Skeletal/parasitology , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology , Zoonoses/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/pathology
3.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf ; 284: 116849, 2024 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39168081

ABSTRACT

Parasite infection not only triggers the immune response of the host but also potentially affects the reproductive status, thereby influencing the population size. Therefore, understanding the impact of parasite infection on host immune and reproductive systems has long been an important issue in ecological research. To address this, we conducted field surveys (2021-2023) to investigate Capillaria hepatica infection status in Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) and performed controlled experiments in semi-natural enclosures and indoor laboratories. The results showed a negative correlation between the population size of Brandt's vole and the infection rate. To further explore the regulatory mechanisms, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed on the infected BALB/c mice. The study found that post-infection with Capillaria hepatica, up-regulated genes and proteins in the mice liver were primarily associated with immune functions, while down-regulated genes and proteins were related to metabolic functions such as retinol metabolism. Through validation experiments supplementing retinol to the host infected with Capillaria hepatica, it was found that infection with Capillaria hepatica leads to a decrease in systemic available retinol levels, disrupting the expression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormones, affecting the expression of CYP17A1, thereby regulating testosterone secretion related to spermatogenesis. This process results in abnormal spermatogenesis in the testes, thereby impacting the reproductive capacity of mice. This suggests that Capillaria hepatica regulates resource allocation in hosts, striking a "trade-off" between reproduction and survival, thereby exerting control over population size. These discoveries are crucial for comprehending the interaction between Capillaria hepatica and hosts, as well as their impacts on host reproduction and immune systems, and provide a scientific basis for controlling the transmission of Capillaria hepatica.


Subject(s)
Arvicolinae , Capillaria , Enoplida Infections , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Animals , Arvicolinae/physiology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Mice , Male , Rodent Diseases/parasitology , Liver/parasitology , Host-Parasite Interactions , Female , Population Density , Reproduction
4.
Parasitol Res ; 120(4): 1489-1491, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33479780

ABSTRACT

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a globally distributed nematode with a high affinity to the liver of a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. Documented reports of the nematode in cats and associated histopathology are rare. Here, we describe a case of C. hepatica infection in a 5-year-old male stray cat from Iran. At post-car accident necropsy, all body parts appeared normal except for the liver, in which a few yellowish-white granulomatous nodules were observed through the capsule and in the organ. Histopathological examination of the tissue revealed a large number of clustered parasite eggs in the parenchyma. The barrel-shaped, un-embryonated eggs (55.19 × 28.37 µm), with inconspicuous caps at both ends, were covered with striated shells. The presence of ova in the liver tissue had resulted in the development of hepatic inflammation with hepatocellular necrosis associated with the development of multifocal granulomas. As predators of small rodents, the cats might have a significant role in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Infection of hosts through ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated water, food, or soil is of major importance in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Since the rare reports of feline infection have come mainly from accidental detection of the parasite, any hepatic disease presenting difficulties to find an etiological agent may virtually be associated with the infection with this little-known nematode.


Subject(s)
Capillaria/pathogenicity , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Liver Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary , Liver/pathology , Animals , Capillaria/isolation & purification , Cat Diseases/pathology , Cats , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/pathology , Iran , Liver/parasitology , Liver Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Liver Diseases, Parasitic/pathology , Male
5.
Parasitology ; 147(4): 471-477, 2020 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31852557

ABSTRACT

This study provides insights about the diversity, prevalence and distribution of alpine wild galliformes gastrointestinal parasite community, trying to fill a gap in the scientific information currently available in scientific literature. The analysis included three host species: 77 rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis), 83 black grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix) and 26 rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta helveticus) shot during the hunting seasons 2008-2015. Parasites isolated were Ascaridia compar, Capillaria caudinflata and cestodes. The rock ptarmigan was free from gastrointestinal parasites, whereas the most prevalent helminth (37%) was A. compar in both black grouse and rock partridge. C. caudinflata occurrence was significantly higher in black grouse (prevalence = 10%, mean abundance = 0.6 parasites/sampled animal) than in rock partridge (prevalence = 1.20%, mean abundance = 0.01 parasites/sampled animal). Significant differences were detected among hunting districts. A. compar was found with a significant higher degree of infestation in the hunting districts in the northern part of the study area whereas cestodes abundance was higher in Lanzo Valley. Quantitative analysis of risk factors was carried out using a generalized linear model (GLM) only on the most common parasite (A. compar). Latitude was the only factors associated with infestation risk (OR = 52.4). This study provides information on the composition and variability of the parasite community in the alpine Galliformes species.


Subject(s)
Ascaridiasis/veterinary , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Cestode Infections/veterinary , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Galliformes , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology , Animals , Ascaridia/isolation & purification , Ascaridiasis/epidemiology , Ascaridiasis/parasitology , Biodiversity , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Capillaria/isolation & purification , Cestoda/isolation & purification , Cestode Infections/epidemiology , Cestode Infections/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Host-Parasite Interactions , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Italy/epidemiology , Prevalence
6.
Parasitology ; 147(10): 1094-1099, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32423514

ABSTRACT

Wildlife species are often host to a diversity of parasites, but our knowledge of their diversity and ecology is extremely limited, especially for reptiles. Little is known about the host-parasite ecology of the Australian lizard, the King's skink (Egernia kingii). In spring of 2015, we carried out a field-based study of a population of King's skinks on Penguin Island (Western Australia). We documented five species of parasites, including two ectoparasitic mites (an undescribed laelapid mite and Mesolaelaps australiensis), an undescribed coccidia species, and two nematode species (Pharyngodon tiliquae and Capillaria sp.). The laelapid mite was the most abundant parasite, infesting 46.9% of the 113 captured lizards. This mite species increased in prevalence and abundance over the course of the study. Infection patterns of both mites varied with lizard life-stage; sub-adults were more commonly infested with laelapid mites than adults or juveniles, and sub-adults and adults were infested by more laelapid mites than juveniles. By contrast, adults had a higher prevalence of M. australiensis than juveniles or sub-adults. Among the gastrointestinal parasites, P. tiliquae was relatively common among the sampled lizards (35.3%). These results give new important information about reptiles as parasite hosts and what factors influence infection patterns.


Subject(s)
Coccidiosis/veterinary , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Lizards , Mite Infestations/veterinary , Oxyuriasis/veterinary , Animals , Capillaria/isolation & purification , Coccidia/isolation & purification , Coccidiosis/epidemiology , Coccidiosis/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Host-Parasite Interactions , Mite Infestations/epidemiology , Mite Infestations/parasitology , Mites/physiology , Oxyuriasis/epidemiology , Oxyuriasis/parasitology , Oxyuroidea/isolation & purification , Prevalence , Western Australia/epidemiology
7.
J Gen Virol ; 100(10): 1350-1362, 2019 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31513008

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology have led to a rapid expansion in the number of viral sequences associated with samples from vertebrates, invertebrates and environmental samples. Accurate host identification can be difficult in assays of complex samples that contain more than one potential host. Using unbiased metagenomic sequencing, we investigated wild house mice (Mus musculus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from New York City to determine the aetiology of liver disease. Light microscopy was used to characterize liver disease, and fluorescent microscopy with in situ hybridization was employed to identify viral cell tropism. Sequences representing two novel negative-sense RNA viruses were identified in homogenates of wild house mouse liver tissue: Amsterdam virus and Fulton virus. In situ hybridization localized viral RNA to Capillaria hepatica, a parasitic nematode that had infected the mouse liver. RNA from either virus was found within nematode adults and unembryonated eggs. Expanded PCR screening identified brown rats as a second rodent host for C. hepatica as well as both nematode-associated viruses. Our findings indicate that the current diversity of nematode-associated viruses may be underappreciated and that anatomical imaging offers an alternative to computational host assignment approaches.


Subject(s)
Animals, Wild/parasitology , Capillaria/virology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , RNA Viruses/isolation & purification , Rodent Diseases/parasitology , Animals , Capillaria/physiology , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Evolution, Molecular , Liver/parasitology , Mice , New York City , Phylogeny , RNA Viruses/classification , RNA Viruses/genetics , Rats
8.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 24(8): 1551-1554, 2018 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30016245
9.
Parasitology ; 145(12): 1558-1563, 2018 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29547374

ABSTRACT

Mermithid nematodes (Nematoda: Mermithida: Mermithidae) parasitize a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate hosts, yet are recorded in bumble bees (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus) only six times historically. Little is known about the specific identity of these parasites. In a single-season nationwide survey of internal parasites of 3646 bumble bees, we encountered six additional instances of mermithid parasitism in four bumble bee species and genetically characterized them using two regions of 18S to identify the specific host-parasite relationships. Three samples from the northeastern USA are morphologically and genetically identified as Mermis nigrescens, whereas three specimens collected from a single agricultural locality in the southeast USA fell into a clade with currently undescribed species. Nucleotide sequences of the V2-V6 region of 18S from the southeastern specimens were 2.6-3.0% divergent from one another, and 2.2-4.0% dissimilar to the nearest matches to available data. The dearth of available data prohibits positive identification of this parasite and its affinity for specific bumble bee hosts. By doubling the records of mermithid parasitism of bumble bee hosts and providing genetic data, this work will inform future investigations of this rare phenomenon.


Subject(s)
Bees/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Host-Parasite Interactions , Mermithoidea/classification , Agriculture , Animals , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Female , Mermithoidea/genetics , Mermithoidea/isolation & purification , United States/epidemiology
10.
Parasitol Res ; 117(7): 2351-2357, 2018 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29777336

ABSTRACT

The canid parasites Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) and Eucoleus boehmi (syn. Capillaria boehmi) parasitize the lower and the upper respiratory tract, respectively. Reports and descriptions of these nematodes are scarce in Argentina, possibly due to misdiagnosis of morphologically similar trichuroids eggs, and the lack of knowledge about the species of Eucoleus in this geographical area. Scanning electron microscopy is a useful tool for identification of E. boehmi eggs based on the characteristics of the shell structure which differentiate between species. Molecular analysis complements morphological identification. Until now, there are no studies based on the analysis of E. boehmi eggs in Argentina. The aim of the present work was to study by morphological, morphometric, and molecular analysis, eggs attributable to E. boehmi isolated from dogs naturally infected in Mar del Plata city, Argentina. Eggs isolated from two dog fecal samples were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. A fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) from eggs was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed in this study. According to morphological results based on the wall surface ultrastructure, the eggs studied were assigned to E. boehmi. Molecular analysis supported the morphological identification. The divergence of 9-12% with the European isolated could suggest a new geographical genetic variation of E. boehmi, but also question the possible existence of cryptic species. This is the first characterization of E. boehmi eggs in dogs from Argentina.


Subject(s)
Capillaria/isolation & purification , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dogs/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Ovum/cytology , Animals , Argentina , Cyclooxygenase 1 , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Feces/parasitology , Nose/parasitology , Phylogeny , Respiratory System/parasitology
11.
Parasitol Res ; 117(9): 2921-2926, 2018 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29951708

ABSTRACT

Calodium hepaticum (Nematoda; Capillariidae) is a parasitic nematode of mammals with a cosmopolitan distribution. Adults of this nematode can infect the liver of many mammalian species, including humans, but the main hosts are members of the superfamily Muroidea. Among these, Rattus spp. have the highest apparent prevalences reported worldwide. There are only two reports of C. hepaticum infecting Sigmodontinae species (Muroidea: Cricetidae). In this survey, we examined the occurrence of C. hepaticum in two assemblages of Sigmodontinae rodents from Argentina (Santa Fe and Entre Ríos provinces). The diagnosis was made by morphological features, histopathological exam, and molecular characterization of 18S ribosomal RNA gene region. Here, we show that C. hepaticum is a common parasite of Sigmodontinae. We report the infection in six species (all new hosts): Akodon azarae, Calomys callidus, Calomys venustus, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oligoryzomys nigripes, and Oxymycterus rufus. This is the first report of C. hepaticum in Sigmodontinae rodents from Argentina and the second record in this subfamily for South America. It is also the first confirmation of C. hepaticum infection in Sigmodontinae by molecular diagnosis. The genetic findings and the prevalences observed, together with the existing information on C. hepaticum, lead us to propose that Rattus spp. brought C. hepaticum to the New World exposing Sigmodontinae rodents, which are frequently infected by this parasite. The high prevalence of infection in A. azarae (41.2%) suggests that this host may be playing an important role in C. hepaticum dynamics in the New World.


Subject(s)
Arvicolinae/parasitology , Capillaria/classification , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Rodent Diseases/epidemiology , Sigmodontinae/parasitology , Animals , Argentina/epidemiology , Capillaria/genetics , Capillaria/isolation & purification , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Female , Liver/parasitology , Prevalence , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Rats , Rodent Diseases/parasitology
12.
J Helminthol ; 92(4): 395-402, 2018 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28784187

ABSTRACT

Clonorchis sinensis and Capillaria hepatica are zoonotic parasites that mainly infect the liver and cause serious liver disorders. However, immunological parameters induced by co-infection with these parasites remain unknown. In this study, for the first time, we investigated immunological profiles induced by co-infection with C. hepatica (CH) in C. sinensis (CS)-infected rats (Sprague-Dawley). Rats were infected primarily with 50 metacercariae of C. sinensis; 4 weeks later, they were subsequently infected with 1000 infective C. hepatica eggs. Significantly higher levels of C. sinensis- or C. hepatica-specific IgG antibodies were found in the sera of rats. Interestingly, no cross-reacting antibody was observed between C. sinensis and C. hepatica infections. Significantly raised eosinophil levels were found in the blood of C. sinensis/C. hepatica co-infected rats (CS + CH) compared to the blood of rats infected singly with C. sinensis. Co-infected rats showed significantly higher levels of lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production compared to a single C. sinensis infection. The worm burden of C. sinensis was significantly reduced in co-infected rats compared to the single C. sinensis infection. These results indicate that the eosinophils, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production induced by subsequent infection with C. hepatica in C. sinensis-infected rats might contribute to the observed C. sinensis worm reduction.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Helminth/immunology , Capillaria/physiology , Clonorchiasis/immunology , Clonorchis sinensis/physiology , Coinfection/immunology , Enoplida Infections/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Helminth/blood , Capillaria/immunology , Clonorchiasis/blood , Clonorchiasis/parasitology , Clonorchis sinensis/immunology , Coinfection/blood , Coinfection/parasitology , Cytokines/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Enoplida Infections/blood , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Humans , Male , Metacercariae/immunology , Metacercariae/physiology , Rabbits , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley
13.
Epidemiol Infect ; 145(2): 334-338, 2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27780498

ABSTRACT

Urban slum environments in the tropics are conducive to the proliferation and the spread of rodent-borne zoonotic pathogens to humans. Calodium hepaticum (Brancroft, 1893) is a zoonotic nematode known to infect a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are considered the most important mammalian host of C. hepaticum and are therefore a potentially useful species to inform estimates of the risk to humans living in urban slum environments. There is a lack of studies systematically evaluating the role of demographic and environmental factors that influence both carriage and intensity of infection of C. hepaticum in rodents from urban slum areas within tropical regions. Carriage and the intensity of infection of C. hepaticum were studied in 402 Norway rats over a 2-year period in an urban slum in Salvador, Brazil. Overall, prevalence in Norway rats was 83% (337/402). Independent risk factors for C. hepaticum carriage in R. norvegicus were age and valley of capture. Of those infected the proportion with gross liver involvement (i.e. >75% of the liver affected, a proxy for a high level intensity of infection), was low (8%, 26/337). Sixty soil samples were collected from ten locations to estimate levels of environmental contamination and provide information on the potential risk to humans of contracting C. hepaticum from the environment. Sixty percent (6/10) of the sites were contaminated with C. hepaticum. High carriage levels of C. hepaticum within Norway rats and sub-standard living conditions within slum areas may increase the risk to humans of exposure to the infective eggs of C. hepaticum. This study supports the need for further studies to assess whether humans are becoming infected within this community and whether C. hepaticum is posing a significant risk to human health.


Subject(s)
Capillaria/isolation & purification , Carrier State/veterinary , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Parasite Load , Rodent Diseases/epidemiology , Rodent Diseases/parasitology , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , Carrier State/epidemiology , Carrier State/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/pathology , Poverty Areas , Prevalence , Rats , Risk Factors , Rodent Diseases/pathology
14.
J Fish Dis ; 40(2): 169-182, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27334246

ABSTRACT

Pseudocapillaria tomentosa is a common pathogen of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in research facilities. We developed a method to collect and concentrate the nematode eggs using a modified sugar centrifugation method and documented their normal development. Embryonating stages with blastomere formation followed by elongation of the embryo prior to larva formation cumulated in developed larvae inside the eggs and hatching after 5-10 day. We then evaluated the efficacy of heat and chlorine to kill them based on a larva development assay. Eggs were exposed to 40, 50, 60 °C for 30 min and 1 h. Chlorine treatment was performed at 100, 250, 500, 1000, 3000 and 6000 ppm for 10 min. Samples exposed to 40 °C for 30 min or 1 h showed incidences of larvated eggs similar to controls. In contrast, no larvation occurred with eggs exposed to either 50 or 60 °C for 30 min or 1 h. Remarkably, in repeated assays, samples exposed to low doses of chlorine (100, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm for 10 min) showed significantly higher incidence of larvation than controls. Eggs treated with 3000 ppm for 10 min did not develop larvae, and no eggs were found after 6000 ppm treatment.


Subject(s)
Antinematodal Agents/pharmacology , Aquaculture/methods , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Fish Diseases/prevention & control , Trichuroidea/drug effects , Zebrafish , Animals , Chlorine/pharmacology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/prevention & control , Fish Diseases/parasitology , Hot Temperature , Ovum/drug effects , Trichuroidea/embryology
15.
Parasitol Res ; 116(5): 1523-1531, 2017 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28342040

ABSTRACT

The narrow Andean-Patagonian temperate rainforest strip in the west of southern South America is inhabited by two endemic species of cervids, the southern pudu (Pudu puda) and the huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), both cataloged as near threatened and threatened species, respectively. One of the possible causes of their declined number is the susceptibility to livestock diseases. Significant zooarchaeological records of both deer have been found throughout the Holocene from Patagonia. The present contribution reports the first paleoparasitological results obtained from coprolites of endemic deer from the archeological site "Cueva Parque Diana," Neuquén Province, Argentina, and discusses the possible diseases found in ancient times. Thirty-four coprolites were fully processed, rehydrated, homogenized, sieved, subjected to spontaneous sedimentation, and examined by light microscopy. Thirty samples contained parasite remains. The presence of diverse parasitic diseases such as trematodioses, metastrongylosis, trichuriosis, strongylida gastroenteritis, dioctophymosis, and coccidiosis which could cause diseases in deer previous to the arrival of European livestock and the presence of zoonotic diseases in the hunters-gatherers and fishermen are discussed.


Subject(s)
Coccidia/isolation & purification , Deer/parasitology , Dioctophymatoidea/isolation & purification , Fossils/parasitology , Metastrongyloidea/isolation & purification , Trichuris/isolation & purification , Animals , Argentina , Coccidiosis/parasitology , Endangered Species , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Feces/parasitology , Paleopathology , Rainforest , Strongylida Infections/parasitology , Trichuriasis/parasitology
16.
Parasitol Res ; 116(9): 2443-2447, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28667523

ABSTRACT

Intestinal capillariasis, a fish-borne nematodiasis, is an important emerging zoonotic disease. Patients present clinical symptoms of borborygmus chronic diarrhea, intermittent abdominal pain, weight loss, and several degrees of painless lower-leg edema. Death may occur in cases of misdiagnosis and improper treatment. Diagnosis is difficult because of the atypical clinical symptoms and diagnostic confusion with diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal cancer, opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus patients, and hyperthyroidism. In addition, parasite eggs are not always found in stool examination. Serology can provide a supportive diagnostic tool. We have produced a rapid and simple immunochromatographic test (ICT) kit for diagnosis of intestinal capillariasis by detection of diagnostic antibodies in human sera. Serum samples from healthy volunteers and patients with proven intestinal capillariasis and other parasitic diseases were evaluated with the Trichinella spiralis larval extract antigen absorbed ICT strips. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 100, 96.6, 90.2, and 100%, respectively. The ICT kit is simple and rapid to use and can supplement stool examination in clinical diagnosis of intestinal capillariasis. The test can be completed in 15 min without a need for any sophisticated instruments or reagents.


Subject(s)
Chromatography, Affinity/methods , Enoplida Infections/diagnosis , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/diagnosis , Larva/immunology , Tissue Extracts/immunology , Trichinella spiralis/immunology , Abdominal Pain/parasitology , Adult , Animals , Capillaria , Diarrhea/parasitology , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Feces/parasitology , Humans , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic , Sensitivity and Specificity , Trichinella spiralis/isolation & purification
17.
Parasitol Res ; 115(8): 3275-8, 2016 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27230019

ABSTRACT

Eucoleus boehmi (syn. Capillaria boehmi) is a canine trichuroid nematode affecting the upper respiratory airways (i.e., nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses) of dogs, foxes, and wolves. In the past few years, reports in dogs and wild canids have increased from across Europe, but data on its occurrence and distribution in Austria is scanty. A total of 47 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the two westernmost provinces (Tyrol and Vorarlberg) of Austria were therefore examined for the presence of E. boehmi at necropsy. Eggs and adult nematodes were identified morphologically and molecularly (cox1) as E. boehmi. These nematodes were found in 26 (78.8 %) and 13 (92.9 %) foxes from Tyrol and Vorarlberg, respectively, with an overall prevalence of 83.0 % (39/47). The prevalence rate of infection recorded in this study is among the highest in Europe. These results suggest that foxes may represent an important source of infection for dogs and other canids, but further studies are needed to elucidate the transmission dynamics.


Subject(s)
Capillaria/isolation & purification , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Foxes/parasitology , Animals , Austria/epidemiology , Capillaria/classification , Capillaria/genetics , Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Helminth Proteins/genetics , Nasal Cavity/parasitology , Prevalence
19.
Parasitol Res ; 114(5): 1933-8, 2015 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25687525

ABSTRACT

Pearsonema plica is a widely distributed nematode parasite that occurs in the urinary tract of various domestic and wild carnivores. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and geographical distribution of P. plica and associated urinary bladder pathology in 112 red foxes (70 males, 42 females; 87 adults >1 year, 25 juveniles <1 year) from six different geographical regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The urinary bladders of the red foxes were subjected to gross examination and histopathology. Urine content (n = 40) and mucosal smears (n = 71) of the urinary bladders were examined microscopically for the presence of P. plica. Overall, adults and eggs of P. plica were detected in 65 (58.0 %; 95% CI 48.9-67.2%) of the foxes. Out of the positive foxes, 42 were males (64.6%) and 23 females (35.3%). According to age, 49 adults (75.3%) and 16 juveniles (24.6%) were positive. There were no statistically significant differences in the infection prevalence between the geographical regions (p = 0.701), sex (p = 0.693), or age (p = 0.646) of the host. Also, no significant differences in the prevalence of parasites in urine content (48.7%; 20/41) and mucosal smears (63.3%; 45/71) were observed (p = 0.165). Eosinophilic cystitis characterized with mild to severe infiltrates of eosinophils in the propria of the bladder mucosa accompanied by hyperemia and edema was observed in 36 examined foxes, 24 of which were P. plica positive. Parasites attached and embedded into the mucosa and free in the lumen were recorded in both cystitis positive and negative foxes. Beside clear numerical differences, the influence of P. plica infection on the occurrence of cystitis was not significant (p = 0.309). The results of this study give the first insight into the distribution of P. plica infection among the red fox population in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Observed microscopic changes may contribute toward a better understanding of pathology caused by this widely distributed parasite in free-ranging red foxes.


Subject(s)
Capillaria , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Foxes/parasitology , Urinary Bladder Diseases/veterinary , Animals , Bosnia and Herzegovina/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/epidemiology , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Female , Male , Prevalence , Urinary Bladder Diseases/parasitology , Urinary Bladder Diseases/pathology
20.
Parasitol Res ; 114(5): 1971-5, 2015 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25681144

ABSTRACT

Capillaria aerophila is a globally distributed parasite of the respiratory system of carnivores and can be considered the second most common lungworm after Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats in the northern hemisphere. To evaluate the efficacy of Broadline (Merial), a combination of fipronil 8.3% w/v, (S)-methoprene 10% w/v, eprinomectin 0.4% w/v and praziquantel 8.3% w/v against C. aerophila, a controlled study with 20 naturally infected cats was conducted. Following blocking by body weight, cats were allocated randomly to two groups of ten animals each: control (untreated) or treated once with Broadline according to the label instructions. For evaluation of efficacy, faeces were examined for capillarid egg shedding prior to and weekly for 3 weeks after treatment, when the cats were necropsied for C. aerophila recovery. Following single topical administration of Broadline, faecal capillarid egg counts were significantly reduced by 93.5 to 99.1% (p < 0.01) compared to the controls. Cats treated harboured significantly fewer C. aerophila lungworms compared to the untreated controls (efficacy 82.4%, p = 0.016). Results of this study demonstrate that Capillaria lungworm burdens can be markedly reduced and that faecal egg shedding can be substantially lowered or eliminated following a single treatment with Broadline.


Subject(s)
Anthelmintics/therapeutic use , Capillaria , Cat Diseases/drug therapy , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Administration, Topical , Animals , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Cats , Drug Combinations , Enoplida Infections/drug therapy , Enoplida Infections/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases/drug therapy
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