Prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites on pig farms in Kalasin Province, Thailand.

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections are the foremost and prevalent diseases that affect pigs in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin Province. This study is the first attempt to understand the occurrence of GI parasites in pigs within Kalasin province using fecal samples as the methodology. Materials and Methods: We collected 324 fecal samples directly from the rectums of pigs from May to July 2023. The formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and floatation methods were used to examine these samples. The eggs or oocysts were identified by observing their morphology and size under a light microscope. Results: Of the 324 fecal samples examined, 276 tested positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infections, resulting in a prevalence rate of 85.19%. Nematodes were the most prevalent, with Strongyle-type infections being the highest in 267 cases (82.41%), followed by Ascaris suum in 222 cases (68.52%), and Trichuris spp. in 152 cases (46.91%). Strongyloides spp. infections were also observed in 92 cases (28.40%). However, trematode infection was relatively rare, with only Fasciola spp. found in 15 cases (4.63%). We identified Eimeria spp. in 87 cases (26.85%), Iodamoeba spp. in 70 cases (21.60%), Balantidium coli in 67 cases (20.68%), and Isospora spp. in 52 cases (16.05%). Notably, most of the positive fecal samples showed double infections with a prevalence rate of approximately 38.27%. Single infections were the next most common, accounting for 25.31% of the cases, followed by 3 parasites (14.81%) and 4-5 parasites (6.79%). Conclusion: This study underscores the high endemicity of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin province. To improve prevention and control measures, it is recommended to establish a health monitoring program that includes deworming and emphasizes good hygiene practices. The insights gained from this study will contribute to the enhancement of pig farming practices in Kalasin province, ultimately leading to improved production and profitability. In addition, future research should focus on detecting these parasites in Kalasin and exploring their relationship with human transmission cycle.

Molecular survey and genetic diversity of Plasmodium sp. infesting domestic poultry in northeastern Thailand.

Introduction: Haemosporidian parasites are prevalent worldwide and can cause economic losses in poultry production. These parasites are arousing interest in Thailand and are found in many avian species. There is insufficient information on the genetic diversity of these alveolates from the largest families - Plasmodidae, Haemoprotidae and Leucocytozoidae - specifically parasitising ducks, turkeys, and geese. Material and Methods: Blood samples from 116 backyard poultry (60 ducks, 36 turkeys and 20 geese) in northeastern Thailand were investigated for Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. infections using microscopic examination and molecular approaches. Results: A total of 37/116 birds (31.9%) had confirmed Plasmodium infections. The prevalence was 69.4% (25/36) in turkeys, 18.3% (11/60) in ducks, and 5.0% (1/20) in geese. Of these 37 positives, 86.5% were Plasmodium sp., 10.8% were P. gallinaceum and 2.7% were P. juxtanucleare. Sequence analysis based on the cytochrome b gene identified seven lineages, of which two were new lineages in backyard poultry. Conclusion: This is the first report on the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in backyard poultry in northeastern Thailand. The results provide important data for better understanding the molecular epidemiology of haemosporidian parasites infection in poultry in this region, which will be helpful in controlling these blood parasites.

Molecular identification and genetic diversity of zoonotic hookworm infections in domestic dogs from northeastern, Thailand.

Hookworm infections remain a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, including Thailand. This study investigated the species and genetic diversity of hookworm infections in domestic dogs from northeastern Thailand. The molecular analysis focused on amplifying and sequencing specific regions of ribosomal RNA genes (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene in hookworm larvae recovered from 21 domestic dog stool samples. Among 21 larvae (one larva per infected dog) analyzed, 14 had sequences identical to Ancylostoma caninum, and 7 showed sequences almost identical to Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Phylogenetic analysis of cox1 sequences placed A. caninum and A. ceylanicum in separate clades. The median-joining network of A. caninum cox1 sequences from Thailand showed high haplotype diversity and belonged to the same cluster as sequences from Australia while forming separate clusters from those of A. caninum samples from the USA. The available published A. ceylanicum cox1 sequences (n = 33), in combination with seven sequences in the present study, represented 15 haplotypes distributed among three clusters. Interestingly, A. ceylanicum sequences from dogs and humans shared the same haplotypes. These findings are crucial for recognizing the potential for zoonotic transmission, highlighting the necessity for targeted control measures, and increasing awareness among pet owners and healthcare professionals to mitigate the risk of hookworm transmission to humans.

Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle and assessment of associated risk factors in Northeast Thailand.

Background and Aim: Anaplasma spp. are common rickettsia species described in ruminant hosts, including cattle. The clinical signs of anaplasmosis range from asymptomatic to mortality. However, there are insufficient studies on epidemiology surveys of this blood pathogen. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of anaplasmosis in beef and dairy cattle in Northeast, Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 187 blood samples of beef and dairy cattle were collected from five provinces in Northeast Thailand. Anaplasma spp. infections were screened by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction targeting specific genes (msp4 gene for Anaplasma marginale and 16S rRNA gene for Anaplasma platys and Anaplasma bovis). Moreover, the associated risk factors for the infections were evaluated. Results: Overall, blood samples from cattle revealed that 17.6% (33/187) were positive for Anaplasma spp. by microscopic examination and 20.8% (39/187) were positive by DNA amplification. Of these 20.8%, 17.6% were A. marginale and 3.2% were A. platys. However, A. bovis infection was not detected. Infection with Anaplasma spp. and A. marginale showed a significant association with breed and gender (p < 0.05) while age and packed cell volume levels showed no significant statistical relationship between Anaplasma spp. infected and uninfected animals. Conclusion: This study indicated that anaplasmosis is distributed in beef and dairy cattle in Thailand; therefore, prevention and control strategies for these pathogens should be improved. This information will benefit veterinarians and cowherds by avoiding vector exposure and eliminating tick breeding sites.

Considering the role of the assassin snail Anentome helena as a biological control of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, the first intermediate host of Opisthorchis viverrini

This study aims to investigate whether the assassin snail Anentome helena may serve as a biological control agent of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, the 1st intermediate host of Opisthorchis viverrini. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory, and the results found that A. helena showed the variation and selection of mollusc prey. A. helena can consume B. siamensis goniomphalos, which is remarkable because this snail can compete with other snails and could be used as a biological control. The consumption rate of the predator was compared, and it was found that A. helena prefers to consume Indoplanorbis exustus, followed by Pomacea canaliculata, Melanoides tuberculata, Filopaludina sumatrensis speciosa, Lymnaea sp., and B. siamensis goniomphalos. This is the first report of an experimental study controlling B. siamensis goniomphalos using A. helena. Our data imply that A. helena can control the B. siamensis goniomphalos population with good results, especially in the absence of other snail species.

High Prevalence of Plasmodium Infection in Fighting Cocks in Thailand Determined with a Molecular Method.

Introduction: Avian malaria caused by Plasmodium and the malaria-like parasites of the genus Haemoproteus has been regularly described in multiple regions worldwide. These parasites significantly affect many avian taxa, including domestic chickens and fighting cocks. There are limited epidemiological studies of these blood parasites in vertebrate hosts, especially in Thailand. Material and Methods: This study used microscopic examination of blood samples and PCR amplification exploiting primers for nucleotide sequences of Plasmodium or Haemoproteus species based on the cytochrome b gene to determine the occurrence of Plasmodium spp. in fighting cocks. Results: Examination of 249 blood samples of fighting cocks revealed that 41.37% (103/249) were positive for malaria by microscopic examination and 88.76% (221/249) were positive by DNA amplification. Sequencing and DNA analysis of 61 PCR products revealed that infection by Plasmodium juxtanucleare was the most common avian malaria in fighting cocks in Thailand followed by infections by Plasmodium gallinaceum; however, Haemoproteus infection was not discovered. Conclusion: This study indicated that plasmodiasis is widespread in fighting cocks in Thailand although the prevalence was not clearly determined; therefore, prevention and control strategies for these protozoa should be improved, especially those for avoiding vector exposure and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Molecular identification and characterization of Lumpy skin disease virus emergence from cattle in the northeastern part of Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), a disease transmitted by direct and indirect contact with infected cattle, is caused by the Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). The disease affects cattle herds in Africa, Europe, and Asia. The clinical signs of LSD range from mild to the appearance of nodules and lesions in the skin leading to severe symptoms that are sometimes fatal with significant livestock economic losses. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize LSDV strains in the blood of infected cattle in Thailand based on the GPCR gene and determine the phylogenetic relationship of LSDV Thailand isolates with published sequences available in the database. METHODS: In total, the blood samples of 120 cattle were collected from different farms in four provinces in the northeastern part of Thailand, and the occurrence of LSDV was examined by PCR based on the P32 antigen gene. The genetic diversity of LSDV based on the GPCR gene was analyzed. RESULTS: Polymerase chain reaction assays based on the P32 antigen gene showed that 4.17% (5/120) were positive for LSDV. All positive blood samples were amplified successfully for the GPCR gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that LSDV Thailand isolates clustered together with LSDVs from China and Russia. CONCLUSIONS: The LSD outbreak in Thailand was confirmed, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to infer the branching pattern of the GPCR gene from the presence of LSDV in Thailand. This is the first report on the molecular characterization of LSDV in cattle in Thailand.

Lumpy skin disease: A newly emerging disease in Southeast Asia.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is caused by LSD virus (LSDV). This virus has been classified in the genus Capripoxvirus, family Poxviridae which generally affects large ruminants, especially cattle and domestic water buffalo. The first outbreak of LSD was found in 1929 in Zambia, then spreading throughout Africa and with an ongoing expanding distribution to Asia and Europe. In 2020, LSD was found from Southeast Asia in Vietnam and Myanmar before reaching Thailand and Laos in 2021. Therefore, LSD is a newly emerging disease that occurs in Southeast Asia and needs more research about pathology, transmission, diagnosis, distribution, prevention, and control. The results from this review show the nature of LSD, distribution, and epidemic maps which are helpful for further information on the control and prevention of LSD.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 as inflammatory biomarkers in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Canine monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (CME), a tick-borne disease, leads to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome; it is thus important to assess the intensity of inflammation in order to treat it appropriately. The current study was designed to evaluate hematological, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis compared with those in healthy dogs. We also assessed the relationship among several inflammation-related parameters and considered these parameters for use as inflammatory biomarkers of CME. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight dogs were divided into two groups based on the results of nested polymerase chain reaction for detecting E. canis, comprising a healthy group (n=11) and an infected group (n=17). A blood sample was collected from each dog to evaluate hematological, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters, with the obtained results being statistically compared between the groups. Moreover, the correlations of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were investigated in the 28 dogs. RESULTS: In the infected group, the mean levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were significantly lower than in the healthy group, while the mean lymphocyte and monocyte counts were higher. The mean levels of ESR and CRP were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the infected group, whereas no significant differences were found in IL-6 levels between the two groups. In the correlation analysis, ESR and CRP levels were highly correlated (p<0.01, r=0.531). CONCLUSION: Elevated ESR and CRP levels were found in dogs naturally infected with E. canis, which also presented mild to moderate inflammation in this study. Moreover, CRP was significantly correlated with ESR, so ESR and CRP may serve as inflammatory biomarkers for monitoring CME.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Parasitic infections are one of the major problems to the production of cattle in Thailand. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 333 fecal samples of cattle were collected directly from the rectum. The fecal samples were subjected to formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods for examination. The eggs or oocysts were identified based on the morphology and size of the eggs or oocysts. RESULTS: Out of 333 fecal samples examined, 320 were found positive for GI parasitic infections with a prevalence of 96.09%. Overall, among the prevalence of nematodes, trematodes, and protozoa, the most prevalent parasites were Strongyle-type 278 (84.24%), followed by Strongyloides spp. 54 (16.36%) and Trichuris spp. 75 (22.73%), while Protozoan oocyst recorded Eimeria spp. amounted to 131 (39.7%). Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. were 67 (20.30%) and 81 (24.55%), respectively. Most of the positive fecal samples were infected with the double infection which has the highest prevalence rate of about 40.24%, followed by single, three, and 4-5 types of parasites 30.63, 16.82, and 7.21%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Kalasin Province is highly endemic for GI parasites and this area may be an important source for an outbreak. Therefore, every household should deworm its cattle and eliminate and control snails as intermediate hosts. Findings from this study provide information that will assist in improving the cattle in Kalasin Province for better production and higher profitability.

One Health Approach of Melioidosis and Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections from Macaca fascicularis to Human at Kosumpee Forest Park, Maha Sarakham, Thailand.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gastrointestinal parasitic and melioidosis infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality from infectious disease in rural areas, especially in northeastern Thailand. Both diseases are zoonotic giving rise to health problems in both long-tailed macaques and in humans. In Thailand, macaques have adapted to live and share space with humans and can spread some zoonoses to humans. Therefore, this research aimed to measure the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and melioidosis in long-tailed macaques at Kosumpee Forest Park and measure associated risk factors of their diseases among people in this area. METHODS: This study was conducted at Kosumpee Forest Park, Maha Sarakham, Thailand. Twenty-eight blood samples and 135 fecal samples were collected from free-ranging long-tailed macaques. Blood samples were tested by indirect hemagglutination test and fecal samples were analyzed by formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 respondents who were involved with the Forest Park using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method and performed to measure knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the zoonoses among the respondents. RESULTS: It was found that seroprevalence of melioidosis was 57.1% from macaque samples. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites infection was 35.11% from fecces samples, including Strongyloides spp. (15.27%), Trichuris spp. (22.9%), hookworm (4.58%) and Ascarid spp. (1.53%). KAP study indicated that the level of knowledge related to melioidosis and gastrointestinal parasites of people in the area was very low and moderate, respectively. The attitude of respondents who were aware of the diseases was at a moderate level for melioidosis and a high level for parasitic infection. CONCLUSION: The study therefore emphasizes the importance of one health approach for diagnosis, surveillance and management of zoonotic diseases to promote the development of hygiene measures and to educate people in the community around Kosumpee Forest Park.

Prevalence and molecular identification of Leucocytozoon spp. in fighting cocks (Gallus gallus) in Thailand.

Leucocytozoon has been globally described as avian hosts, and it significantly affects many avian taxa including the fighting cock. The clinical signs of leucocytozoonosis range from asymptomatic to high morbidity leading to increase mortality rates. Interestingly, there are insufficient epidemiological studies of this blood parasite or the molecular identification of infections within the vertebrate host. In this study, 250 blood samples were collected from fighting cocks at 9 districts in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. Leucocytozoon infections were screened by blood examination and nested PCR followed by sequence analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was used to identify Leucocytozoon species. Twenty-two out of 250 (8.8%) samples had confirmed Leucocytozoon infections based on microscopic examination whereas with nested-PCR, 52 samples tested positive. Of these 52, 51 were successfully sequenced among which, one was Plasmodium juxtanucleare, 45 were Leucocytozoon sp. (18%) and 5 were L. schoutedeni (2%). This study is the first report to demonstrate the molecular prevalence of leucocytozoonosis in fighting cock in Thailand. This study indicated that leucocytozoonosis is widespread in fighting cock although the frequency was not determined and needs further study.

Drug resistance in blood parasitic infections in cattle: a review.

Generally the most common blood parasites identified in cattle are protozoa in the genera Trypanosoma, Theileria, Babesia, and rickettsia in the genus Anaplasma. These parasites can cause clinical symptoms and productivity loss which will therefore consequently in economic loss. At present, blood parasite infection in cattle often has poor treatment outcomes and there is an increase of reports which indicating that drug resistance may occur in treating infections. Trypanosoma vivax, T. congolense, and T. brucei have been reported for resistance to isometamidium chloride and diminazene aceturate drug. Babesia bovis is resistant to diminazene aceturate drug, and Anaplasma marginale and A. centrale are resistant to oxytetracycline drug. The most common methods for diagnosing drug resistance are block treatment, in vivo standardized drug sensitivity tests, and molecular tools. Drug-resistant causes a decrease in treatment performance, therefore, new methods have been developed for choosing appropriate treatment of blood parasitic infection including using a primary drug combined with other substance, using herbal extracts, or developing a new effective drug.

Associated risk factors and haematological presentation of Ehrlichia canis infected dogs in Phitsanulok, Thailand.

Ehrlichia canis is the common blood pathogen infected dogs in Thailand that significantly affect dog health and caused canine monocytic ehrlichiosis which leads to anaemia, high morbidity also mortality rates. This study was performed to analyse associated risk factors and evaluate the significance of haematological responses of dogs infected with E. canis in Phitsanulok province, the northern part of Thailand. Blood samples were collected from 94 dogs, 27 (28.7%) dogs have been confirmed E. canis infection by nested PCR method. Mostly of infected dogs had hypohemoglobinemia (<12.1 g/dl), leucocytosis (>15.5×103/µl), neutrophilia (>10.6×103/µl) and thrombocytopenia (<170×103/µl). However, only thrombocytopenia was statistically different between E. canis infected and non-infected groups. Additionally, no significant statistical relationship between E. canis infection rate and sex, age or breed apparent. These data supported that infection with E. canis is endemic in dogs and thrombocytopenia may highlight during infection which reliability to use in the clinical diagnosis of E. canis infection.

Situation and Cercarial Infection of Freshwater Mollusk from Sirindhorn Reservoir, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Most of trematodes need snails to complete their life cycles. Consequently freshwater snails are served as intermediate hosts of many parasites worldwide. There is a lack of report on snail diversity and parasitic infection in snails in Sirindhorn Reservoir, Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. METHODS: Mollusk diversity and trematode cercariae infections were investigated in snails from 120 sampling sites surround Sirindhorn Reservoir from April 2018 to June 2018. Mollusk species were identified based on their shell morphology. The presence of cercariae infections in snails was examined by cercarial shedding methods. The interaction between snail species was analyzed by the correlation method. RESULTS: Overall, 2076 mollusks were collected which comprised six species of snails and two species of bivalves. Snail species were identified as Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, Anentome helena, Filopaludina sumatrensis spiciosa, F. martensi martensi, F. martensi munensis and Pomacea canaliculata. The overall rate of trematode cercariae infection was 1.69% (35/2,076). The cercariae found infecting snails were Cercariaeum cercaria, Virgulate cercaria, Cotylomicrocercous cercaria and Furcocercous cercaria. The most common snails found was the assassin snail, A. helena, which showed the negative relationship among other species interactions. CONCLUSION: This finding indicated infection with animal's parasites in snails in this area are common, besides, we found many species of snails in Sirindhorn Reservoir are potentially be the host of parasite in animal and human.

Molecular evidence of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys and the association of infections with hematological responses in naturally infected dogs in Kalasin, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Tick-borne bacteria, Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis are well recognized as the etiology of anemia and thrombocytopenia in dogs. The clinical signs of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis range from asymptomatic to severe symptoms . There are insufficient studies about epidemiological surveys of these blood parasites, also the association of infections with the hematological study. AIM: This study aimed to screen A. platys and E. canis in naturally infected dogs and the effects of the infection on the levels of packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet count. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 68 blood samples were collected from free-roaming dogs at Nong Kung Sri district, Kalasin Province, Thailand, and examined for A. platys and E. canis infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and measured PCV levels and platelet count. RESULTS: Using nested PCR, 42.65% of dogs were infected with one or two pathogens. The molecular detection of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in this population was 29.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.98-41.71) and 25% (95% CI: 14.4-35.3), respectively. Coinfection occurred at 11.8% (95% CI: 5.22-21.87). Infection with E. canis and coinfection showed significant association with PCV levels (p<0.05) while A. platys infection showed no statistical relationship. Infection with A. platys, E. canis, and coinfection had a non-significant correlation with platelet count (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides data of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in free-roaming dogs which indicated that these zoonotic diseases are widespread and require for disease frequency determination, especially in Kalasin Province of Thailand where data of tick-borne infections in dogs have not been reported.

Cryptosporidiosis: A zoonotic disease concern.

Cryptosporidiosis is considered to be a crucial zoonotic disease caused by worldwide distributing parasitic protozoa called Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidiosis becomes a major public health and veterinary concern by affecting in human and various host range species of animals. Essentially, its importance of infection is increasing because of the high incidence in young children, immunocompromised persons, or immunodeficiency syndrome patients, especially in HIV/AIDS, and it is also one of the most causes of mortality in those patients who infected with Cryptosporidium spp. as well as young animals. All domestic animal, livestock, wildlife, and human can be potential reservoirs that contribute Cryptosporidium spp. to food and surface waters and transmitted to other hosts through fecal-oral route. The oocyst stage of Cryptosporidium spp. can remain infective and resistant to various environmental exposure and also resistant to many general disinfecting agents including chlorination which normally used in water treatment. Therefore, the understanding of these zoonotic pathogens is very essential in both animal and human health. This review focuses on the biology, life cycle, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of this protozoan infection to emphasize and remind as the significant One Health problem.

Suppression of mRNAs encoding CD63 family tetraspanins from the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini results in distinct tegument phenotypes.

The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini infects 10 million people in Southeast Asia and causes cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Fluke secreted and tegumental proteins contribute to the generation of a tumorigenic environment and are targets for drug and vaccine-based control measures. Herein, we identified two tetraspanins belonging to the CD63 family (Ov-TSP-2 and Ov-TSP-3) that are abundantly expressed in the tegument proteome of O. viverrini. Ov-tsp-2 and tsp-3 transcripts were detected in all developmental stages of O. viverrini. Protein fragments corresponding to the large extracellular loop (LEL) of each TSP were produced in recombinant form and antibodies were raised in rabbits. Ov-TSP-2 and TSP-3 were detected in whole worm extracts and excretory/secretory products of O. viverrini and reacted with sera from infected hamsters and humans. Antibodies confirmed localization of Ov-TSP-2 and TSP-3 to the adult fluke tegument. Using RNA interference, Ov-tsp-2 and tsp-3 mRNA expression was significantly suppressed for up to 21 days in vitro. Ultrastructural observation of tsp-2 and tsp-3 dsRNA-treated flukes resulted in phenotypes with increased tegument thickness, increased vacuolation (tsp-2) and reduced electron density (tsp-3). These studies confirm the importance of CD63 family tegument tetraspanins in parasitic flukes and support efforts to target these proteins for vaccine development.

PREVALENCE OF TREMATODE LARVAE IN INTERMEDIATE HOSTS: SNAILS AND FISH IN KO AE SUB-DISTRICT OF KHUEANG NAI, UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE, THAILAND.

Ko Ae Sub-district of Khueang Nai, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand is located in an endemic area for Opisthorchis viverrini and other fish-borne zoonotic trematodes (FZT) infection. This study shows the status in Ko Ae Sub-district of FZT infection based on availability of intermediate hosts and necessary requirements for the transmission of FZT. A cross-sectional survey of intermediate hosts of FZT, including Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos and cyprinoid fish, was conducted from April 2013 to December 2014. Examination of 1,000 snails revealed 3.4% were infected with trematode cercariae, with a density of infection greater than 100 cercariae per infected snail. Six groups of morphologically-distinguishable trematode cercariae were identified, namely, cystophorous, echinostome, furcocercous, mutabile, parapleurolophocercous, and xiphidio, the latter being the most predominant type. Among 250 cyprinoid fish samples with metacercariae present at their caudal fins and examined for FZT by pepsin digestion, metacer- cariae of Haplorchis taichui, H. pumilio, and Centrocestus formosanus were found. Unidentified metacercariae collected from fish caudal fins were subsequently shown using a PCR-based assay to be C. formosanus. No infection by O. viverrini in the intermediate hosts, Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos and cyprinoid fish was evident. The study provides new information regarding trematode larvae infection in the primary and secondary intermediate hosts of FZT in this area of Thailand.

Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Babesia canis vogeli in stray dogs in Mahasarakham province, Thailand.

Canine tick borne diseases showing distribution worldwide have caused morbidity and mortality in dogs. This study observed the mainly tick borne pathogens described for dogs in Thailand, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Babesia canis vogeli. From May to July 2014, blood samples were collected from 79 stray dogs from 7 districts of Mahasarakham province to molecular surveyed for 16s rRNA gene of E. canis and 18s rRNA gene of H. canis and B. canis vogeli. Twenty eight (35.44%) of stray dogs showed the infection with tick borne pathogens. The prevalence of E. canis infection was the highest with 21.5% (17/79). DNA of H. canis and B. canis vogeli were detected at the prevalence of 10.1% (8/79) and 6.3% (5/79), respectively. Co-infection between E. canis and B. canis vogeli were identified in 2 (2.5%) dogs. The results indicated that a wide range of tick borne pathogens are circulation in the canine population in Mahasarakham province. This study is the first report on prevalence of E. canis, H. canis and B. canis vogeli in stray dogs in Mahasarakham, a province in northern part of Thailand. This data providing is important to understand the prevalence of E. canis, H. canis and B. canis vogeli infection in stray dogs in this region, which will assist in the management of these blood parasite.