Prevalence of endoparasites by microscopic analysis in free-range chickens in a Brazilian semiarid region.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and diversity of endoparasitic fauna and the risk factors associated with parasite infections in free-range chickens in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Ten municipalities were visited and, in each of them, ten farms, to collect animal feces and apply epidemiological questionnaires. Feces from 417 poultry were used to perform EPG (eggs per gram) and OoPG (oocysts per gram) tests. Prevalences of 40.52% (169/417) and 39.08% (163/417) were observed for nematodes and coccidia, respectively. In 17% (71/417), mixed infections by nematodes and coccidia were observed. Nematodes of Heterakoidea superfamily were present in 100% of the positive samples (169/169), followed by Trichuris spp. (57.3%; 97/169). All the protozoan oocysts observed belonged to the genus Eimeria (100%; 163/163). The variable of presence of drooping wings was considered to be a factor associated with infection by coccidia (odds ratio = 5.412; confidence interval: 1.179-24.848; p = 0.030). It was concluded that there is high prevalence of nematodes and coccidia in free-range chickens in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Better sanitary management measures, with greater hygiene of facilities, together with chemical control of parasites, can improve productivity by reducing the rate of gastrointestinal parasites.

Prevalence and diversity of Eimeria spp. in free-range chickens in northeastern Brazil.

In tropical regions, family farming is a form of production and work that is highly present in rural areas. Because the production system for free-range chickens has a low level of technification, it frequently presents massive infection by coccidia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in free-range chickens in northeastern Brazil. Fecal analyses were carried out using materials collected from 100 farms, belonging to 10 different municipalities. The sample from each farm was composed of five stool samples collected from different animals. Coproparasitological analyses were performed and, in each positive sample, photomicrographs of 20 oocysts were used for morphological identification of coccidia. The presence of Eimeria spp. was detected in 59% (59/100) of the farms analyzed. Species identification was performed through morphometric analysis of 1,180 sporulated oocysts. The following eight species of Eimeria spp. were found, in decreasing order of prevalence: Eimeria necatrix (25%), Eimeria mitis (18.3%), Eimeria mivati (17.3%), Eimeria tenella (12.4%), Eimeria brunetti (9.9%), Eimeria acervulina (9.1%), Eimeria praecox (4.8%) and Eimeria maxima (3.2%). The prevalence and diversity of Eimeria spp. on farms producing backyard chickens in the semiarid region of Brazil were high, especially the diversity of species. Changing the management, with the adoption of sanitary measures, may be effective in reducing the high prevalence of coccidia on the farms studied.

Laboratory diagnosis of mange-causing mites in dogs using a modified centrifugation-flotation technique in sucrose solution.

Among the skin disorders of dogs, scabies is notable for its high occurrence rate and the need for veterinary interventions. There are two obstacles to making this diagnosis through direct investigation under a microscope (DIM): the continual need to make new slides when the results are negative and the long time needed for reading these slides. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare efficacy between DIM and the technique of centrifugation-flotation in sucrose solution (CFSS) in samples from dogs in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Samples from 136 dogs were used, and three slides were made for each examination (DIM and CFSS). The readings were halted in cases of positivity. Positive samples were obtained from 56.6% of the dogs (77/136), of which 76.6% (59/77) were positive through both techniques, 13% (10/77) only through DIM and 10.4% (8/77) only through CFSS. The positivity rate did not differ statistically between the techniques. CFSS showed higher quality of readings, due to the considerably fewer artifacts on the slides, thereby optimizing the reading time. Sensitivity (85.6%), specificity (88.1%), accuracy (86.8%), positive predictive value (88.1%) and negative predictive value (85.1%) were obtained and the kappa coefficient (0.73) was considered substantial. It was concluded that CFSS showed high diagnostic capacity for scabies, similar to that of DIM, with optimized reading time, fewer artifacts and better display of mites.

Diagnóstico de cinomose canina por meio de teste imunocromatográfico e sua correlação com achados clínicos e hematológicos no semiárido da Paraíba / Diagnosis of canine distemper by immunochromatographic test and its correlation with clinical and hematological findings in the semiarid region of Paraíba

Objetivou-se através deste trabalho, determinar a prevalência de cinomose canina no semiárido da Paraíba, através de testes rápidos imunocromatográficos, correlacionando-a com os principais achados clínicos e hematológicos. Foram analisadas 67 fichas de animais em que foram realizados testes rápidos para pesquisa de antígeno em amostras nasais e oculares no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Observou-se que 47% (32/67) dos cães analisados foram positivos para cinomose canina. As variáveis que apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p<0,05) para a infecção foram animais sem raça definida 60% (21/35), animais não vacinados 70% (29/42), e período seco do ano, sendo o mês de agosto (40%; 13/32), com maior ocorrência. Os principais sistemas afetados foram o respiratório 61% (17/28), oftalmológico 70% (22/31), nervoso 69% (13/19), dermatológico 45% (9/20), e gastrintestinal 42% (6/14). As principais alterações hematológicas foram anemia 66% (23/32), leucopenia 76% (19/25) e linfopenia 48% (15/31). Concluiu-se que foi elevada a ocorrência de cinomose canina em animais com suspeita clínica no Semiárido Paraibano, e animais sem raça definida, não vacinados, no período seco do ano foram mais diagnosticados com a enfermidade.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of distemper canine distemper vírus (CDV) infection in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, using rapid immunochromatographic tests, correlating it with the main clinical and hematological findings. 67 records of animals were analyzed in which rapid tests were performed for antigen research in nasal and ocular from January to December 2019. It was observed that 47% (32/67) of compulsory dogs were positive for canine distemper. The variables that defined difference difference (p <0.05) for infection were mixed breed animals 60% (21/35), unvaccinated animals 70% (29/42), and dry period of the year, being the August (40%; 13/32), with greater occurrence. The main affected systems were the respiratory 61% (17/28), ophthalmological 70% (22/31), nervous 69% (13/19), dermatological 45% (9/20), and gastrointestinal 42% (6/14 )) The main changes were hematological, anemia 66% (23/32), leukopenia 76% (19/25) and lymphopenia 48% (15/31). It was concluded that the occurrence of canine distemper in animals with clinical suspicion in the Semiarid Paraibano was high, and non-vaccinated mixed-breed animals in the dry period of the year were more diagnosed with the disease.

Diagnóstico de cinomose canina por meio de teste imunocromatográfico e sua correlação com achados clínicos e hematológicos no semiárido da Paraíba / Diagnosis of canine distemper by immunochromatographic test and its correlation with clinical and hematological findings in the semiarid region of Paraíba

Objetivou-se através deste trabalho, determinar a prevalência de cinomose canina no semiárido da Paraíba, através de testes rápidos imunocromatográficos, correlacionando-a com os principais achados clínicos e hematológicos. Foram analisadas 67 fichas de animais em que foram realizados testes rápidos para pesquisa de antígeno em amostras nasais e oculares no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Observou-se que 47% (32/67) dos cães analisados foram positivos para cinomose canina. As variáveis que apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p<0,05) para a infecção foram animais sem raça definida 60% (21/35), animais não vacinados 70% (29/42), e período seco do ano, sendo o mês de agosto (40%; 13/32), com maior ocorrência. Os principais sistemas afetados foram o respiratório 61% (17/28), oftalmológico 70% (22/31), nervoso 69% (13/19), dermatológico 45% (9/20), e gastrintestinal 42% (6/14). As principais alterações hematológicas foram anemia 66% (23/32), leucopenia 76% (19/25) e linfopenia 48% (15/31). Concluiu-se que foi elevada a ocorrência de cinomose canina em animais com suspeita clínica no Semiárido Paraibano, e animais sem raça definida, não vacinados, no período seco do ano foram mais diagnosticados com a enfermidade.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of distemper canine distemper vírus (CDV) infection in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, using rapid immunochromatographic tests, correlating it with the main clinical and hematological findings. 67 records of animals were analyzed in which rapid tests were performed for antigen research in nasal and ocular from January to December 2019. It was observed that 47% (32/67) of compulsory dogs were positive for canine distemper. The variables that defined difference difference (p <0.05) for infection were mixed breed animals 60% (21/35), unvaccinated animals 70% (29/42), and dry period of the year, being the August (40%; 13/32), with greater occurrence. The main affected systems were the respiratory 61% (17/28), ophthalmological 70% (22/31), nervous 69% (13/19), dermatological 45% (9/20), and gastrointestinal 42% (6/14 )) The main changes were hematological, anemia 66% (23/32), leukopenia 76% (19/25) and lymphopenia 48% (15/31). It was concluded that the occurrence of canine distemper in animals with clinical suspicion in the Semiarid Paraibano was high, and non-vaccinated mixed-breed animals in the dry period of the year were more diagnosed with the disease.

Diversity of enteric coccidia in pigs from the Paraíba Semiarid Region of Northeastern Brazil.

There is great diversity in swine coccidia, which are responsible for causing intestinal disorders ranging from sporadic diarrhea to severe cases of hemorrhagic enteritis. Thus, determining the species of coccidia that affect the animals of a region and associating them with the characteristics of the farms become extremely important. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of coccidia parasites in pigs reared in a family farming production system in the Semiarid Region of the State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. Fecal samples for analysis were collected from 187 pigs on 51 farms. For morphological analysis, 1,590 sporulated oocysts were used. The prevalence of oocysts in fecal samples was 56.6% (106/187). The most prevalent species were Eimeria suis (21.9%), followed by Eimeria neodebliecki (16.6%), Eimeria perminuta (14.9%), Eimeria polita (12.8%), Eimeria debliecki (10.6%), Eimeria porci (10.1%), Cystoisospora suis (3.7%), Eimeria scabra (1.6%) and Eimeria cerdonis (0.5%). It can be concluded that pigs from the Semiarid Region of the State of Paraíba were parasitized by a diversity of coccidia species, mainly of the genus Eimeria, and predominantly presented with mixed infections occurring in the subclinical form.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with swine gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil.

In northeastern Brazil, with has a predominantly dry climate, farmers seek alternative sources of income and livelihood by the rearing pigs. The gastrointestinal parasites that affect these animals represent an obstacle in the production and can cause significant economic loss. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal nematodes and Coccidia in swine herds in the Sousa microregion, Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study, and the sampling was designed to determine the prevalence of endoparasite-positive farms and pigs. We randomly selected 51 farms and 187 pigs. Fecal samples were collected from each animal, and eggs per gram and oocysts per gram feces were recorded. The data collected in the epidemiological questionnaires were used to determine the possible risk factors associated with endoparasite-positive animal status. The prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and Coccidia in the pigs was 79.5% (149/187). Coccidia were the most prevalent parasite found, with 56.6% (106/187) of the pigs testing positive, followed by nematodes 22.9% (43/187). Strongylidae was the most common nematodes found (67.5%, 29/43), followed by Trichuris sp. (30.2%, 13/43) and Ascaris sp. (2.3%, 1/43). In 29 coprocultures, Strongylidae was identified: Oesophagostomum (82.2%, 25/29), Strongyloides (62.0%, 18/29), and Hyostrongylus (27.5%, 8/29). Mixed nematode and coccidial infection were observed in 72.4% (21/29) of the samples. Relevant risk factors were related to the type of management adopted by family farmers. Changes in management measures could improve the health profile of farms.

Diversity of enteric coccidia in pigs from the Paraíba Semiarid Region of Northeastern Brazil / Diversidade de coccídios entéricos em suínos no Semiárido Paraibano, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract There is great diversity in swine coccidia, which are responsible for causing intestinal disorders ranging from sporadic diarrhea to severe cases of hemorrhagic enteritis. Thus, determining the species of coccidia that affect the animals of a region and associating them with the characteristics of the farms become extremely important. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of coccidia parasites in pigs reared in a family farming production system in the Semiarid Region of the State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. Fecal samples for analysis were collected from 187 pigs on 51 farms. For morphological analysis, 1,590 sporulated oocysts were used. The prevalence of oocysts in fecal samples was 56.6% (106/187). The most prevalent species were Eimeria suis (21.9%), followed by Eimeria neodebliecki (16.6%), Eimeria perminuta (14.9%), Eimeria polita (12.8%), Eimeria debliecki (10.6%), Eimeria porci (10.1%), Cystoisospora suis (3.7%), Eimeria scabra (1.6%) and Eimeria cerdonis (0.5%). It can be concluded that pigs from the Semiarid Region of the State of Paraíba were parasitized by a diversity of coccidia species, mainly of the genus Eimeria, and predominantly presented with mixed infections occurring in the subclinical form.

Resumo Há uma grande diversidade de coccídios que parasitam os suínos, sendo responsáveis por causarem desordens intestinais que variam de diarreias esporádicas a casos severos de enterites hemorrágicas. Assim, determinar as espécies de coccídios que afetam os animais de uma região e associá-los com as características das fazendas torna-se extremamente importante. Objetivou-se determinar a prevalência de coccídios em suínos criados em sistema de produção de agricultura familiar no Semiárido da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram analisados oocistos íntegros e esporulados no período de março a setembro de 2018, oriundos de 187 suínos, em 51 propriedades. Para a análise morfológica foram utilizados 1.590 oocistos esporulados. A prevalência de oocistos de coccídios foi detectada em 56,6% (106/187) das amostras analisadas. A espécie mais prevalente foi Eimeria suis (21,9%), seguida por Eimeria neodebliecki (16,6%), Eimeria perminuta (14,9%), Eimeria polita (12,8%), Eimeria debliecki (10,6%), Eimeria porci (10,1%), Cystoisospora suis (3,7%), Eimeria scabra (1,6%) e Eimeria cerdonis (0,5%). Concluiu-se que os suínos do Semiárido da Paraíba estavam parasitados por uma alta diversidade de espécies de coccídios, principalmente do gênero Eimeria, apresentando predominantemente infeções mistas, que ocorrem sob a forma subclínica.