Detection and characterization of the Isospora lunaris infection from different finch hosts in southern Iran.

This study was conducted to investigate the Isosporoid protozoan infections in finch types. Fecal samples were collected from marketed domestic Java sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora), colored and white Zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), and European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) in southern Iran. The coccidial oocysts were recovered and investigated according to the morphological features and the ribosomal gene markers. Additionally, a challenge infection was conducted with 5 × 104 and 5 × 103 sporulated oocysts in four java sparrows to estimate the clinical manifestations. Based on the morphology, the oocysts of Isospora lunaris were identified in all sampled bird types; however, the molecular method revealed the isolates had considerable similarities with some of Isospora and systemic Isospora-like organisms named as Atoxoplasma. Phylogenetic data also constructed an Atoxoplasma/Isospora clade with high sequence identities. High dose of the challenge with the parasite led to severe depression and sudden death, but it did not coincide with remarkable lesions and parasitic invasion in visceral organs. Contrary to molecular results, this feature is consistent with the common Isospora infections in passerines and differs from those described for Atoxoplasma species. Because of the prevalence, possibility of transmission, and clinical consequences, preventive measures are necessary to avoid outbreaks of isosporoid infections among finch type birds.

The Lethal Effect of a Nano Emulsion of Satureja hortensis Essential Oil on Protoscoleces and Germinal Layer of Hydatid Cysts.

BACKGROUND: New scolicidal agents and novel therapeutic drugs are essential for better management of the zoonotic infection, hydatid disease. This study evaluated the effect of a nanoemulsion (NE) of Satureja hortensis essential oil (SHEO) on protoscoleces and germinal layer of hydatid cysts. METHODS: This study was conducted from July to October 2016 in Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were performed to identify the main components of SHEO. To determine the scolicidal power of the NE of SHEO, live protoscoleces of hydatid cysts were exposed to two concentrations (1 and, 2 mg/mL) of the NE and incubated at 37 °C for 10 and 20 min. To evaluate the anti-hydatid effect of the NE of SHEO, the collected hydatid cysts from the abdominal cavities of the experimentally infected mice were immersed in the NE (0.5 mg/ml) and incubated at 22 °C for 24 h. RESULTS: Carvacrol and γ-terpinene were the major components of the SHEO. NE of SHEO at the concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/mL showed 100% scolicidal power after 20 and 10 min respectively. Exposure of the hydatid cysts to the NE of SHEO resulted in crumpling of their germinal layer and detachment of this layer from the laminated layer. CONCLUSION: NE of SHEO showed a strong scolicidal activity as well as a profound lethal effect on the germinal layer of hydatid cysts. Accordingly, this product may be used as a natural scolicidal agent in hydatid cyst surgery. Furthermore, it may be used as a therapeutic tool for treatment of hydatid disease.

Nymphal Linguatulosis in Indian Crested Porcupines (Histrix Indica) in Southwest of Iran.

Linguatula serrata is one of the important zoonotic parasites. Carnivores serve as definitive host. The larvae existed in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), liver, lungs, etc of intermediate herbivores. The definitive host becomes infected by ingesting viscera containing the infective nymphal stage. Humans may be infected with Linguatula either by ingestion of nymphs resulting in a condition called nasopharyngeal linguatulosis or Halzoun syndrome or by ingestion of infective eggs which develop in internal organs resulting in visceral linguatulosis. Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is a common rodent in Middle East. Based on some tradition, consumption of Histrix meat and viscera is common in some parts of Iran. The present study reports the occurrence of Linguatula serrata nymph in H. indica as a new intermediate host from southwest of Iran.

Hydatid cyst formation in male Balb/c mice following the intraperitoneal injection of live protoscoleces and activated oncospheres: a comparative study.

This study was designed to evaluate and compare the infection rate and cyst formation in male Balb/c mice following intraperitoneal injection of protoscoleces and activated oncospheres. Protoscoleces were collected aseptically from the liver of naturally infected sheep. The eggs were obtained from three experimentally infected dogs and activated oncospheres were prepared as described by Heath and Smyth (1970) and Kyngdon et al. (2006). A total of 20 Balb/c mice were divided into two groups of ten animals each. The mice of first and second groups were intraperitoneally infected with 1,500 protoescoleces and 1,500 activated oncosphere respectively. After 8 months of infection, all mice were euthanized, necropsied and the hydatid cysts were removed, counted, measured and weighed. The results showed that nine of ten mice of first group were infected. The maximum number of cysts was 551 in one mouse with mean size of 3.78 ± 2.21 mm and total weight of 25.48 g. The minimum number of cysts was 13 in one mouse with mean size of 3.93 ± 2.18 mm and total weight of 0.564 g. In the second group, only one mouse was infected with two cyst with mean size of 11.15 ± 1.94 mm and total weight of 1.193 g. This study showed that the male Balb/c inbred mouse is more permissive to infection with intraperitoneal injection of protoscoleces than activated oncospheres.

In vitro scolicidal effect of Satureja khuzistanica (Jamzad) essential oil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the scolicidal effect of the Satureja khuzistanica (S. khuzistanica)essential oil from aerial parts of this herbal plant. METHODS: The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation method. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil. Protoscolices were collected aseptically from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst. Protoscolices were exposed to various concentrations of the oil (3, 5 and 10 mg/mL) for 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining. RESULTS: : A total of 19 compounds representing 97.6% of the total oil, were identified. Carvacrol (94.9%) was found to be the major essential oil constituent. Scolicidal activity of S. khuzistanica essential oil at concentration of 3 mg/mL was 28.58, 32.71, 37.20 and 42.02%, respectively. This essential oil at concentration of 5 mg/mL killed 51.33, 66.68, 81.12, and 100% of protoscolices after 10, 20, 30 and 60 min, respectively. One hundred scolicidal effect was observed with S. khuzistanica essential oil at the concentration of 10 mg/mL after 10 min (comparing with 7.19% for control group). CONCLUSIONS: The essential oil of S. khuzistanica is rich in carvacrol and may be used as a natural scolicidal agent.