Intestinal system helminths of red foxes and molecular characterization Taeniid cestodes.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are the most prevalent wild carnivores in the world and definitive hosts of many pathogenic parasites for humans and farm animals. These animals travel great distances in search of prey and nests, and cause contamination of large geographic areas with parasites. For this reason, monitoring the parasitic pathogens of red foxes is particularly important in terms of public and animal health. The goal of this study was to determine the intestinal helminths and molecular characterization of Taenia species of red foxes in Turkey. In this study, 103 red fox intestines obtained from 29 provinces of Turkey were examined with sedimentation and counting technique. Collected helminths were diagnosed according to their morphologic features. Additionally, further molecular analysis (PCR and DNA sequencing) was performed for the identification of Taeniid cestodes. At the end of the study, it was determined that 87.37% (90/103) of red foxes were infected with at least one helminth species. Detected helminths and their prevalence's were Mesocestoides sp. (56.31%), Joyeuxiella echinorhynchoides (33%), Taenia polyacantha (15.53%), Dipylidium caninum (0.97%), Pterygodermatites affinis (51.45%), Toxascaris leonina (45.63%), Uncinaria stenocephala (33%), Oxynema numicidum (20.38%), Toxocara canis (14.56%), Ancylostoma caninum (12.62%), and Trichuris vulpis (1.94%), respectively. Additionally, Pachysentis sp. (37.69%), Centrorhynchus sp. (0.97%) (Acantocephala), and nymphs of Linguatula serrata (20.38%) (Arthropoda) were also detected in the same intestinal samples. This is the most comprehensive study that has been conducted on the intestinal helminthes of red foxes in Turkey. To the best of our knowledge, molecular characterization of T. polyacantha and the detection of O. numicidum, A. caninum, Pachysentis sp., and Centrorhynchus sp. are the first reports in red foxes in Turkey. Our study revealed that red foxes are important hosts for many intestinal helminth species and are link between domestic and sylvatic cycles of these parasites.

First Parasitological Data on a Wild Grey Wolf in Turkey with Morphological and Molecular Confirmation of the Parasites.

INTRODUCTION: The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is the natural host of many parasites. These animals travel quite long distances to search for prey and nests, causing parasites to spread over large areas; therefore, determination of the parasites carried by grey wolves is important. METHODS: In this study, we used both morphological and molecular methods for parasitological identification of helminth species. For this purpose, the material obtained after necropsy was examined by macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular (multiplex PCR and DNA sequencing) methods. RESULTS: No pathological lesions and parasites were detected in the macroscopic examination of the trachea, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, stomach, and kidneys. The parasites collected from the intestines and diaphragm muscles were identified as Taenia hydatigena, Mesocestoides litteratus and Trichinella britovi. CONCLUSION: The aim of this study was to determine the helminth species in a dead grey wolf from wildlife. To the best of our knowledge, with this study, Taenia hydatigena, Mesocestoides litteratus and Trichinella britovi were detected for the first time in a grey wolf in Turkey.

Molecular detection of tick-borne rickettsial and protozoan pathogens in domestic dogs from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Canine tick-borne parasites have emerged in recent years, showing a wider geographic distribution and increased global prevalence. In addition to their veterinary importance, domestic dogs play an important role in the transmission cycles of some agents by acting as reservoirs and sentinels. This study investigated Babesia, Theileria, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species in asymptomatic dogs in ten provinces of Turkey. METHODS: DNA obtained from blood samples collected from 757 domestic dogs (243 stray, 351 shelter, 163 pet) of both sexes and various ages were evaluated using PCR and reverse line blotting (RLB) assays. RESULTS: Of the 757 dogs tested, 41 (5.4%) were found to be infected with one or more parasites. Ehrlichia canis (37/757, 4.9%) was the most common canine tick-borne pathogen, followed by Anaplasma platys (4/757, 0.5%). Babesia canis and Theileria annulata were each detected in 1 (0.13%) sample. Combined infection of E. canis and A. platys was detected in 2 (0.3%) samples. The prevalence of tick-borne pathogens was higher in adult dogs (6.8%) than in those under one year old (3.1%). Difference in infection rate of male and female dogs was not significant. Pet dogs had a lower prevalence of infection (1.2%) compared to stray (7.4%) and shelter dogs (6%) although the difference between stray and shelter dogs was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Babesia canis, T. annulata, A. platys, and E. canis species were identified at the molecular level in dogs in several provinces of Turkey, with E. canis being the most common species among tick-borne pathogens. Detailed studies should be conducted regarding the existence and prevalence of B. canis and Dermacentor reticulatus in eastern Turkey.

A molecular and parasitological survey of Hepatozoon canis in domestic dogs in Turkey.

In this study, asymptomatic dogs in nine provinces of Turkey were surveyed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of Hepatozoon canis infection. DNA obtained from blood samples collected from 694 domestic dogs (243 stray, 288 shelter, and 163 pets) of both genders and varying ages were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, 285 thin blood smears prepared from these blood samples were also evaluated for microscopic examination. Direct microscopy revealed Hepatozoon gamonts in the peripheral blood of three of 285 (1.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21-3.04) tested. Using PCR, 155 of the 694 (22.3%; 95% CI: 19.28-25.61) were found to be positive for the presence of H. canis DNA. The prevalence of infection was higher in adult dogs (26.2%; 95% CI: 22.1-30.7) than young animals (16.4%; 95% CI: 12.2-21.3). Although the prevalence determined by PCR was higher in male dogs (24.5%; 95% CI: 19.6-29.9) than in female dogs (20.8%; 95% CI: 16.9-25.1), gender differences were not significant. Pet dogs had a lower prevalence of infection (10.4%; 95% CI: 6.2-16.2) compared to stray (26.3%; 95% CI: 20.9-32.3) and shelter dogs (25.7%; 95% CI: 20.7-31.1), but no significant association between stray and shelter dogs was found for the presence of the parasite. Partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene shared 99-100% similarity with the corresponding H. canis isolates. This epidemiological survey revealed a high prevalence of H. canis in dogs from several provinces in Turkey, and it suggests that the age and origin are associated with the parasite.

Molecular detection and characterization of goat isolate of Taenia hydatigena in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to provide molecular detection and characterization of the goat isolate of Taenia hydatigena from Ankara province of Turkey. For this purpose, PCR amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA (rrnS) and partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) genes were performed in a one-month-old dead goat. According to rrnS-PCR results, parasites were identified as Taenia spp., and partial sequence of mt-CO1 gene was corresponding to T. hydatigena. At the end of the study, we concluded that molecular tools can be used to define species of parasites in cases where the key morphologic features cannot be detected. Nucleotide sequence data of Turkish goat isolate of T. hydatigena was submitted to GenBank for other researchers interested in this subject. By this study, molecular detection and characterization of T. hydatigena was done for the first time in Turkey.

Molecular discrimination of sheep and cattle isolates of Echinococcus granulosus by SSCP and conventional PCR in Turkey.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by hydatid cysts, is a widespread and hazardous disease in humans and animals worldwide. The aim of the current study was to investigate the genetic characteristics of sheep and cattle isolates of Echinococcus granulosus obtained from eastern Turkey using Single Stranded Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and conventional PCR method. A total of 54 isolates collected from Erzurum and Elazig provinces of east-Turkey were examined. The 31 of these were obtained from liver of sheep while 23 cattle isolates (12 of liver and 11 of lung) were tested. After the total genomic DNA isolation 12S rRNA gene of all isolates were examined by PCR for the aim of genetic characterization by conventional PCR and mitochondrial CO1 gene for SSCP analysis. The 12S rRNA-PCR yielded 254 bp of amplification product with all samples analyzed. Thus, these samples were identified as G1-G3 cluster (E. granulosus sensu stricto). At least two major single stranded bands were resolved for G1-G3 cluster and G5 in SSCP analysis. While the resolution of more than two additional single stranded bands in SSCP indicated the existence of G7 genotype. The SSCP analysis was identified the G5 and G7 while failed to G1 and G3. The present SSCP analysis classified all 54 cyst isolates from sheep and cattle as E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1-G3 cluster). However, some sequenced samples for G1 and G3 showed the same band patterns by SSCP.

Molecular genetic characterization of different isolates of Echinococcus granulosus in east and southeast regions of Turkey.

We used PCR-RFLP analysis of ribosomal ITS1 fragment using four different restriction enzymes and DNA sequencing of mitochondrial CO1 gene to investigate the genetic characteristics of isolates of Echinococcus granulosus obtained from different hosts (179 sheep, 19 cattle, 7 goat, 1 camel, 1 dog and 1 human) and regions (Elazig, Malatya, Erzurum, Van, Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa) of Turkey. The report represents the most comprehensive genotypic investigation of E. granulosus isolates undertaken in Turkey, with Turkish samples of cattle, goat, camel and dog origin being characterized for the first time. We show that the predominant genotype involved in E. granulosus transmission in Turkey is the common sheep strain (G1 genotype) infecting humans, cattle, sheep, goats, camels as well as the dog definitive host. Nevertheless, we urge that coordinators of local control programs in Turkey should take into consideration the potential occurrence and risk of additional strains of E. granulosus infecting humans and animal hosts, and plan accordingly.

[Echinococcus and strain concepts]. / Echinococcus ve Sus Kavrami.

Hydatid disease (echinococcosis) is one of the most important parasitic zoonoses and remains a public health and economic problem all over the world. Echinococcus granulosus includes a number of genetic variants and, up to date, analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences have identified ten distinct genetic types (genotypes G1-10). This categorization follows closely the pattern of strain variation emerging based on biological characteristics. The extensive variation in E. granulosus may influence life-cycle patterns, host specificity, development rate, antigenicity, transmission dynamics, sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents, and pathology. In this review, the recent genetic characterizations of Echinococcus genus have been summarized.

Seroprevalence of hypodermosis in cattle in some provinces of Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hypodermosis in cattle in the east and southeast of Turkey. For this purpose, a total of 634 sera samples of cattle were collected from Malatya, Elazig and Diyarbakir provinces of east and southeast of Turkey from November 2005 to February 2006. The sera were analyzed using a Hypodermin C antigen by means of indirect ELISA. One hundred and forty eight (23.3%) out of 634 cattle were seropositive for hypoderma antibodies. The highest percentage of seropositivity were detected at Elazig province (26.3%) followed by Malatya (22.3%) and Diyarbakir provinces (22.1%). The seropositivity rate was higher in female (31%) than male (14.1%). When the mean is considered by animal breed, the highest seropositivity was detected at local breed (27.7%) following crossbreed (26.8%) and purebreed (19.7%). There was a positive relation between age and seropositivity. Seropositivity rate was 15.9% in 2 and under ages while these rates were 38.1% and 30.4% in 3-4 ages and 5 and up ages, respectively.

[Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs in the province of Kocaeli]. / Kocaeli yöresi köpeklerinde Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalansi

The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pet dogs and stray dogs in Kocaeli province using the Sabin-Feldman Dye Test. A total of 116 dogs were examined and 81 (69.8%) were found to be positive. Seropositivity was found to be 59.6% in male dogs and 78.1% in female dogs (p<0.05). Seropositivity was 62.5% in pet dogs and 71.7% in stray dogs (p>0.05). The seropositivity was found to be 68.2%, 75.6% and 62.5% in the 0-1, 1-3, and over 3 age groups, respectively. As a result, the high seropositivity of dog toxoplasmosis in Kocaeli province has been found to be important.

[Molecular genetic characterization of genus Echinococcus.]. / Echinococcus cinsinin moleküler genetik karakterizasyonu.

Morphological, biological and epidemiological features of the adult and metacestode stage of the genus Echinococcus have been the most frequently used criteria for the characterization of species. But strain characterization is more complex and is based on the morphological, biological, biochemical, epidemiological and molecular features. Although morphological and biological studies have provided extremely useful information for strain characterization, that these features may be variable must be taken into consideration. They may be influenced by host and environmental factors and may not reflect distinctness at a genetic level. Although, conventional techniques may be affected by the environment or host, molecular techniques allow a direct characterization of the genome of the parasite and they are not affected by environmental factors. In this review, various data concerning molecular typing methods of the genus Echinococcus have been summarized.

[Seropositivity of hydatidosis in cattle with eosinophilia.]. / Eozinofilik sigirlarda hidatidosis seropozitifligi.

The aim of this study was to investigate the seropositivity of hydatidosis in a group of cattle with and without eosinophilia. Of the 597 cattle, 79 (13.2%) were found to have eosinophilia with absolute eosinophilic counts. Out of 79 cattle, 62 (78.4%) and 48 (60.7%) were found to be positive for hydatidosis by ELISA and IFAT, respectively. Out of 79 cattle without eosinophilia, 38 (48.1%) were found to be seropositive by ELISA and 34 (43.1%) by IFAT. Our data indicated that seropositivity of hydatidosis in cattle with eosinophilia was higher than the group without eosinophilia and it will be useful to investigate livestock with eosinophilia for hydatidosis.

[Determination of Hypoderma bovis and Przhevalskiana silenus somatic antigens using SDS-PAGE.]. / Hypoderma bovis ve Przhevalskiana silenus somatik antijenlerinin SDS-PAGE ile tanimlanmasi

The aim of this study was to examine larval antigens obtained from the third instar larvae of Hypoderma bovis and Przhevalskiana silenus using the sodium dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) method. SDS-PAGE separation was performed using 12% separation gel and 5% stacking gel. At the end of the SDS-PAGE examination, 11 and 19 different polypeptide bands were detected between 6-66 kDa and 6-100 kDa in the third instar larvae antigen of H. bovis and P. silenus, respectively.

[Survey of Neospora caninum in cattle in some provinces in the Eastern Anatolian region.]. / Dogu Anadolu bölgesinin bazi illerinde bulunan sigirlarda Neospora caninum'un arastirilmasi

This study was carried out in order to investigate the presence of Neospora caninum in cattle in the Elazig, Malatya, Mus and Bingöl provinces from January 2003- May 2004. Blood samples were collected from 513 cattle and 32 aborting cows that were of various breeds and ages in all provinces. Sera were obtained from these animals and antibodies against N. caninum were investigated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A commercially available competitive ELISA (cELISA) kit (VMRD, Inc., Veterinary Medical Research and Development, Pullman, WA, USA. Product Code 5NO5.20) was used to detect the N. caninum antibodies in the sera. Out of 513 cattle in the region, 36 (7.01 %) were found to be seropositive by cELISA. Seropositivity rates obtained by cELISA were 15.00% in Elazig, 4.00% in Malatya, 4.86% in Mus and 4.69% in Bingöl. One of the 32 aborting cows (3.12 %) was found to be seropositive against N. caninum.