Prevalence and risk factors of Linguatula spp. in slaughter animals in Tabriz, Iran, and methods for nymphal stage inactivation.

Linguatula is a food born zoonotic parasite in which carnivores and herbivores serve as final and intermediate hosts, respectively. Human infection with Linguatula spp. occurs following consumption of raw or undercooked infected internal organs of the intermediate host and/or consumption of water and/or vegetables contaminated with eggs released from final hosts. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors of Linguatula spp. in sheep, cattle, buffalo, goats and camels slaughtered at the Tabriz abattoir, Iran. In addition, effect of temperature and sodium chloride (NaCl) on survival time of Linguatula spp. nymphs was assessed. For this purpose, 25,520 mesenteric lymph nodes from 2552 animals and the livers and lungs from 656 animals were collected randomly and examined. To evaluate the effect of temperature and NaCl on the survival of Linguatula spp. nymphs in infected livers and lungs, 30 g of each liver and lung with dimensions of 2 × 3 × 4 cm, were exposed to temperatures of -20, 10, 50, 60 and 72 °C and NaCl concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, in triplicate. Based on the mesenteric lymph nodes, 25.7 % (656 of 2552 animals) were infected with Linguatula spp. Of the 656 liver and lungs assessed, 141 (21.5 %) and 62 (9.5 %) were infected with Linguatula spp., respectively. The rate of infection of mesenteric lymph nodes in all animals was significant with age (P < 0.05), with more older animals infected. In regards to sex, except for camels, more female animals were infected than male animals (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in survival of nymphs based on temperature and/or NaCl and time (P < 0.0001). At 72 h, all temperatures assessed except 10 °C, resulted in all nymphs being inactivated. Sodium chloride was more effective against Linguatula spp. nymphs in livers than in lungs with 100 % efficacy only achieved against nymphs in livers at 20 % concentration after 48 h and at 10 and 15 % concentration after 72 h. Based on these results, heating and application of common salt as a food preservative in meat products reduces the survival time of Linguatula spp. nymphs and their use could decrease the risk of food-born microorganisms.

Assessment of Neospora caninum infection in bulls using serological and molecular techniques.

Neospora caninum is a significant cause of abortion and economic losses in cattle worldwide. The main aim of the present work was to detect the prevalence of N. caninum infection in bulls in Hamedan (Iran) using serology and molecular techniques. All blood samples (n = 792) were screened for detecting the antibodies to N. caninum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then seropositive animals were rechecked using the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Also, blood, epididymis, and spinal cord samples were collected from animals for molecular analysis using nested PCR. In serology, using ELISA, 3.91% of animals were seropositive for N. caninum. Additionally, true prevalence based on the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA was calculated 1.25% (95% CI: 0.48-2.02%). Neospora-infection in animals, calculated as the number of bulls seropositive and/or one sample positive to nested PCR, was 3.40%; and 19 bulls tested positive by both serology and molecular diagnostic methods. The overlaps between ELISA and molecular results were observed in 74.19% of whole blood samples, 80.64% of the epididymis, and 87.09% of the spinal cord. Using ELISA, the seroprevalence of N. caninum was detected 1.8% in ≤2 and 5.45% in >2 years old group of animals (p = 0.009, PR = 3.1). In addition, the seropositivity in Holstein and native breed animals was calculated 6.57% and 2.93%, respectively (p = 0.019, PR = 2.3). Seven sequences with 94.9-99.3% similarity were detected in multiple alignments of positive PCR products. Our work was the first comprehensive evaluation of Neospora-infection/neosporosis in Iranian bulls. We detected a low prevalence of infection in animals compared to previous reports. The ELISA is a sensitive serological technique for detecting the highest number of positive bulls in the present investigation and, the nested PCR is a reliable technique to identify Neospora-DNA.

Green synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of gold and silver nanoparticles using Mentha spicata essential oil.

Green synthesis of bioactive nanoparticles (NPs) is getting more attractive in various fields of science including the food industry. This study investigates the green synthesizing and characterization of gold NPs (AuNPs) and silver NPs (AgNPs) produced using Mentha spicata L. (M. spicata) essential oil as well as their antibacterial, antioxidant, and in vitro cytotoxic effects. The essential oil was mixed with both Chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO3) solutions separately and incubated at room temperature for 24 h. The chemical composition of the essential oil was identified by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS). Au and Ag nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The cytotoxicity of both types of nanoparticles was evaluated using MTT assay on cancerous HEPG-2cell line by exposing them to various concentrations of both NPs for 24 h. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated by the well-diffusion technique. The antioxidant effect was determined by DPPH and ABTS tests. According to the results of GC-MS analysis, 18 components were identified, including carvone (78.76%) and limonene (11.50%). UV-visible spectroscopy showed a strong absorption peak of 563 nm and 485 nm, indicating the formation of Au NPs and Ag NPs, respectively. TEM and DLS demonstrated that AuNPs and AgNPs were predominantly spherical shaped with average sizes of 19.61 nm and 24 nm, respectively. FTIR analysis showed that biologically active compounds such as monoterpenes could assist in the formation and stabilization of both types of NPs. Additionally, XRD provided more accurate results, revealing a nano-metal structure. Silver nanoparticles exhibited better antimicrobial activity against the bacteria than AuNPs. Zones of inhibition ranging 9.0-16.0 mm were recorded for the AgNPs, while zones of 8.0-10.33 mm were observed AuNPs. In the ABTS assay, the AuNPs and AgNPs showed a dose-dependent activity and synthesized nanoparticles exhibited higher antioxidant activity than MSEO in both assays. Mentha spicata essential oil can be successfully used for the green production of Au NPs and Ag NPs. Both green synthesized NPs show antibacterial, antioxidant, and in vitro cytotoxic activity.

Use of PCR to determine Toxoplasma gondii in milk samples from camels (Camelus dromedarius), cattle (Bos taurus) and buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) in East Azarbaijan province, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis as a zoonotic condition is developed by an intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii from the Apicomplexa phylum, which imposes economic losses on herds of animals and severe complications in immunocompromised people and pregnant women. This infectious disease can be transmitted to human beings from the contaminated unpasteurized milk, uncooked meat, water and food contaminated with sporulated oocysts and transplacental transmission. OBJECTIVES: This study amid to determine T. gondii DNA in camel, buffalo and cow milks in using the PCR method based on the B1 gene. METHODS: A total of 100 milk samples, including 55 cows, 30 buffalos and 15 camels, were collected from different regions of north-western using direct milking and then transferred to the Food and Aquatic Health Laboratory under refrigerated conditions. RESULTS: The results showed that out of 100 milk samples examined, 5 samples (5%) were contaminated, and T. gondii DNA was detected in the milk samples of 2 (3.63%) cows, 1 (3.33%) buffalos and 2 (13.33%) camels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that raw milk contaminated with T. gondii can be an important route of transmission of infection for human beings.

A review on fish-borne zoonotic parasites in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Fish is a great nutritious food and provides quality protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals. This contributes significantly to the economy and food security in Iran. However, there are safety concerns related to the presence of zoonotic parasites. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is, therefore, to review fish-borne zoonotic parasites in Iran. METHODS: Keywords such as fish-borne, parasites, zoonotic, Iran, and some names of fish-borne zoonotic parasites were searched in databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Google Scholar and the World Health Organization. RESULTS: The most common fish-borne parasites with zoonotic potential identified in reports in the literature were the protozoa Balantidium spp., Myxobolus spp. and Sarcosystis sp.; the trematodes Heterophyes heterophyes and Clinostomum complanatum; the cestodes Ligula intestinalis and Diphyllobothrium latum; the nematodes Pseudoterranova sp., Anisakis spp., Contracaecum spp., Raphidascaris spp., Eustrongylides spp. and Capillaria sp.; and the acanthocephal Corynosoma spp. CONCLUSIONS: The potential risk factors for the transmission of fish-borne zoonotic parasites to humans are consumption of raw or undercooked infected fish, contact with contaminated water and contact with infected fish. There is a need for epidemiological surveillance of fish for parasites with zoonotic potential and of occurrence of infections in humans to better understand the public health significance and design prevention programs.

Molecular detection of toxoplasma gondii DNA in goats (Capra hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and donkey (Equus asinus) milk using PCR in East Azerbaijan province, Iran.

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic infection that is significant for public health (immunocompromised patients, pregnant women) and veterinary medicine (economic losses in the herd), is caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa called Toxoplasma gondii. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and contaminated undercooked meat is a significant source for humans. The present study aimed to determine Toxoplasma gondii DNA in sheep, goats and donkeys Milk kept in East Azerbaijan province using the PCR method based on the B1 gene. For this purpose, 100 milk samples, including 45 sheep, 45 goats and 10 donkeys, were collected from different regions of northwestern Iran using direct milking and then transferred to the Food and Aquatic Health Laboratory under refrigerated conditions. The results showed that out of 100 milk samples examined, 16 samples (16%) were contaminated, and Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 5 (11.11%) sheep, 9 (20%) goats and 2 (20%) donkeys milk specimen, respectively. These findings indicated that Toxoplasma gondii contaminated the raw milk, a human infection source.

Zoonotic parasitic organisms on vegetables: Impact of production system characteristics on presence, prevalence on vegetables in northwestern Iran and washing methods for removal.

Fresh vegetables are essential components of a healthy and nutritious diet, but if consumed raw without proper washing and/or disinfection, can be important agents of transmission of enteric pathogens. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic parasites on vegetables freshly harvested and "ready to eat" vegetables from greengrocers and markets in northwestern Iran. In addition, the effect of cropping system and season on contamination levels were assessed as well as the efficacy of washing procedures to remove parasites from the vegetables. A total of 2757 samples composed of field (n = 1, 600) and "ready to eat" (n = 1157) vegetables were analyzed. Vegetables included leek, parsley, basil, coriander, savory, mint, lettuce, cabbage, radish, dill, spinach, mushroom, carrot, tomato, cucumber and pumpkin. Normal physiological saline washings from 200 g samples were processed using standard parasitological techniques and examined microscopically. A total of 53.14% of vegetable samples obtained from different fields and 18.23% of "ready to eat" vegetables purchased from greengrocers and markets were contaminated with different parasitic organisms including; Entamoeba coli cysts, Giardia intestinalis cysts, Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Fasciola hepatica eggs, Dicrocoelium dendriticum eggs, Taenia spp. eggs, Hymenolepis nana eggs, Ancylostoma spp. eggs, Toxocara cati eggs, Toxocara canis eggs, Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. In both field and "ready to eat" vegetables, the highest parasitic contamination was observed in lettuce with a rate of 91.1% and 55.44%, respectively. The most common parasitic organism was Fasciola hepatica. A seasonal difference in contamination with parasitic organisms was found for field and "ready to eat" vegetables (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the recovery of parasitic organisms depending on the washing method with water and dishwashing liquid being the least effective. Proper washing of vegetables is imperative for a healthy diet as the results of this study showed the presence of zoonotic parasites from field and ready to eat vegetables in Iran.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with amphistome parasites in cattle in Iran.

Amphistomiasis, a neglected trematode infection of ruminants, has recently come up as an important reason for economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine amphistomiasis and associated risk factors such as: age, gender, breed, season, water source, pastureland and grazing system. Between January 2016 and 2017, a total of 1,000 faecal samples and 1,000 rumens of cattle were collected from slaughterhouse of Zabol, Iran ante-mortem and post-mortem, respectively, and examined. The overall prevalence was 34.6% and 19.5% in terms of amphistome adults and eggs respectively. The identified amphistome species and their prevalence were Paramphistomumcervi (13.3%), Cotylophoroncotylophorum (19.5%), Gastrothylaxcrumenifer (5.9%) and Carmyeriusspatiosus (2.7%). The correlation between prevalence and season, age, breed, water source, pastureland and grazing system was significant (p < .0001). The presented information about the prevalence of amphistomes of cattle and individual and management risk factors can be used to design appropriate control measures.

Prevalence of Linguatula sp., a food-borne zoonotic aberrant arthropod, in river buffaloes slaughtered at Tabriz slaughterhouse, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Canids and herbivores are the definitive and intermediate hosts of Linguatula sp., respectively. METHODS: Mesenteric lymph nodes (n=32 525) were randomly collected from 7585 buffaloes from July 2016 to July 2019 and examined macroscopically. RESULTS: Results showed that 388 (5.11%) buffaloes were infected. The intensity of infection was determined to be 3.07±0.07. Significant statistical association was identified between infection rate and age and sex. Although there were no significant differences in the infection rate over different seasons, the highest infection rate was observed in autumn. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the importance of inspection at slaughter.

Ectoparasites and Endoparasites of New Zealand White Rabbits from North West of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits contain several parasites that can be harmful to their health as well as human being's health due to the probability of causing parasitic zoonosis. The present research was designed to study ectoparasites and endoparasites of New Zealand White rabbits in North West of Iran and potential risks of parasitic zoonosis for researchers and owners. METHODS: Totally, 50 rabbits were purchased from rabbit sellers and breeders in suburbs of Urmia and Tabriz between Jul and Dec 2016. The rabbits were assessed for ectoparasites by hair brushing, skin scraping, acetate tape preparation and othic swabs. They were euthanized and inspected for helminths and protozoa infection. Faecal sampling was carried out directly from recti and the oocysts or cysts were isolated using sedimentation and floatation techniques and the sporulated oocyst were identified based on morphological. RESULTS: The following parasites, with their respective prevalence; Nematoda: Passalurus ambigus 54%, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis 42%, Nematodirus leporis 32%, Cestoda: Cysticercus pisiformis 26%, Protozoa: Eimeria steidae 44%, E. magna 30%, E. media 12% and Arthropoda: Sarcoptes scabiei 18% and Cheyletiella parasitivorax 38%. No significant difference was recorded in infection rate between male and female rabbits. CONCLUSION: Both domestic and wild rabbits are a potential source of human parasitic zoonosis, and strict hygienic practices are recommended during and after handling rabbits or in case of exposure to their feces.

Taenia ovis in Small Ruminants in Iran: Prevalence, Pathology, and Economic Loss.

Taenia ovis larvae can result in economic losses in small ruminants due to condemnation of infected tissues or whole carcasses. From 2017 to 2018, the T. ovis prevalence in 16,180 sheep and 7560 goats at the Najafabad slaughterhouse in Isfahan was determined. More sheep (477; 2.9%) than goats (90; 1.2%) were found to be infected, and the prevalence was higher in animals <1 y (p < 0.0001), and higher in spring in sheep (8.2%) and goats (2.2%). Female sheep were more frequently infected than males (p < 0.0001); this did not hold true for goats. Of the tissues examined, T. ovis was found more often in the heart muscle of sheep compared with other tissues; however, infections in the heart muscle, masseter muscle, diaphragm, and triceps were similar in goats. Granulomas and caseous necrosis in the heart muscles were associated with the accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells and the formation of fibrous tissue around the parasite. Based solely on infected tissues found in this study, the economic loss caused by the presence of T. ovis larvae was estimated to be 4167 United States dollars (USD). Control methods, such as proper disposal of infected tissues and anthelmintic treatment of infected dogs, are necessary to decrease infection and prevent economic loss in small ruminants.

In vitro acaricidal activity of essential oil and alcoholic extract of Trachyspermum ammi against Dermanyssus gallinae.

This study aimed to assess in vitro acaricidal activity of essential oil (EO) and alcoholic extracts (AE) of Ajowan against D. gallinae. Using contact and spraying bioassays, different doses of EO and AE were tested. Cypermethrin and thymol (positive controls), and ethanol and distilled water (negative controls) were also tested. The results indicated that effects were method and dose dependent. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference for contact and spraying bioassays and various doses of EO and AE (p < 0.0001) as, the spraying method was more effective than the contact method for acaricidal activity at 24 h post treatment (PT). In this method, Cypermethrin, EO and thymol caused over 90 % mite mortality at 50 µgcm-2, while AE caused this rate at 150 µgcm-2. In the contact bioassay, all tests produced low mortality rates except for Cypermethrin. Thymol was the main constituent of EO (Area = 42.26 %) and AE (Area = 45.8 %). Results of the present study indicated that Ajowan had a satisfactory acaricidal effect against D. gallinae in vitro. It was also found that the spraying method could be used to control the D. gallinae as the most appropriate method.

Pathological characteristics of Linguatula serrata (aberrant arthropod) infestation in sheep and factors associated with prevalence in Iran.

Linguatula serrata is a cosmopolitan zoonotic parasite in which carnivores and herbivores serve as final and intermediate hosts, respectively. The aim of this study was to compare the L. serrata nymphal infection rate and intensity of infection (mean number of nymphs ±â€¯standard error) to the appearance and pathological changes of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) infected with L. serrata using sheep slaughtered in Tabriz, Iran. In addition, the effect of age, sex, and season on the prevalence of L. serrata infection was evaluated. For this purpose, over a four-year period, 31,078 MLNs from 3199 sheep were examined, with 4972 (15.99%) MLNs infected representing 518 (16.20%) sheep. Collected MLNs were categorized by color as normal, red or black and by consistency as normal, soft or hard. L. serrata were found in 8.88% of normal-colored MLNs, 14.45% of red (hemorrhagic) MLNs and 44.57% of black-colored MLNs, with the difference being significant for infection and infection intensity (P < 0.0001). In regards to MLN consistency, 7.98% of normal, 31.52% of soft and 5.42% of hard lymph nodes were found to be infected with the infection rate and intensity in soft nodes being significantly different (P < 0.0001). Pathological changes in MLNs infected with L. serrata nymph with normal color and consistency had calcification of the L. serrata nymph, granulomatous inflammation around the nymph and some neutrophils. Granulomatous inflammation around the L. serrata nymph, haemosiderophage, macrophage and lymph node depletion from lymphocytes were observed in MLNs infected with L. serrata nymph with soft consistency. In addition, MLNs infected with L. serrata nymph with hard consistency and black color contained neutrophils in the capsule's wall, caseous necrotic mass and L. serrata surrounded by a thick capsule. In regards to prevalence, age, sex and season (autumn) were significant (P < 0.0001, P < 0.01, respectively). These study results suggest that targeted meat inspection and targeted animal interventions could be used to decrease human exposure to L. serrata and animal infection.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Linguatula serrata infection in definitive and intermediate hosts in Iran and other countries: A systematic review.

Linguatula serrata is known as a cosmopolitan zoonotic parasite whose adult form inhabits the upper respiratory system, nasal airways and frontal sinuses of dogs, foxes, cats and other carnivores, which are recognized as its final hosts. Its immature form resides in mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, lungs and spleen of herbivorous and other ruminants, which serve as its intermediate hosts. Both adult and nymphal stages of L. serrata can infect humans, which typically occurs via ingestion of eggs of infected dogs or consumption of raw or undercooked infected viscera of contaminated herbivores. The most common form of infection in human is nasopharyngeal linguatulosis, also known as Halzoun syndrome or Marrara syndrome. This paper presents a review of previous studies on L. serrata conducted in Iran from 1969 to 2018 and other countries. It was found that despite the fact that many studies have been conducted in Iran, the rate of infection with this parasite has not been studied in some areas of the country. In addition, the rate of infection with L. serrata increased with the age of ruminant animals and it was significantly higher in some areas. The prevalence of L. serrata nymphal infections in most areas was higher in goats in comparison to the other animals which can be an important risk factor for human infection. Although there was no significant difference in the rate of infection among male and female animals, the prevalence of L. serrata in male animals was typically lower than females. There was no significant difference in the seasonality of nymph infection.

Effect of age, sex, and season on the prevalence of Linguatula serrata infestation in mesenteric lymph nodes of goats slaughtered in Tabriz, Iran.

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection with nymphs of Linguatula serrata in mesenteric lymph nodes of the goats from northwest of Iran. Moreover, the intensity of infection of mesenteric lymph nodes was compared based on gross appearance and the morphological changes in these nodes. In addition, the effects of age, sex, and season on the prevalence of Linguatula serrata were assessed. In this study, mesenteric lymph nodes (n = 16,284) were randomly collected from 2132 goats slaughtered in the abattoir of Tabriz, Iran, from September 2013 to September 2017. The samples were categorized based on their gross appearance (color and consistency) and then were cut into small pieces and immersed in normal saline (0.9% NaCl) solution and left for 5 to 6 h to allow nymphs to come out from the tissue. The results showed that 1241 out of total 2132 (58. 2%) goats and 9282 out of total 16,284 mesenteric lymph nodes (57%) were infested with the nymphal stage of Linguatula serrata. It was also revealed that the infestation rate was age-dependent: as the goats grow older, the infestation increases. Further, the prevalence of Linguatula serrata nymphs in the mesenteric lymph nodes in various seasons was not significant (P > 0.05). The prevalence of infestation rate in female goats was significantly higher than of male goats (P < 0.05). Besides, the infestation rate in the black-colored lymph nodes (75.88%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of hemorrhagic nodes (54.94%) and normal-colored nodes (22.65%). Moreover, the infestation rate of nymphs in the soft lymph nodes (83.91%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in normal (21.85%) and hard (32.43%) lymph nodes. Given the fact that the Linguatula serrata is a zoonotic parasite; thus, the inspection process should be meticulously done in an abattoir, especially in areas where residents consume raw or under-cooked liver and/or visceral organs of herbivores.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, serum trace mineral levels and cholinesterases activity in cattle infected with Anaplasma marginale.

This study was undertaken to assess the influence of an Anaplasma marginale infection on oxidative stress and antioxidant status, trace elements and cholinesterase as markers of the inflammatory process and biomarkers of oxidative imbalance. An infected group comprised of 35 crossbred Holstein cattle, about 2-3 years old, naturally infected with Anaplasma marginale, were divided into 4 subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-10%, 10-20%, >20%) and also 10 healthy cattle as control were selected. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes including erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), median corpuscularfragility (MCF) as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and serum concentrations of antioxidant trace minerals (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were determined. In addition, as an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured. The results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in RBC count, packed cell volume (PCV) and Hb concentration as well as the activities of erythrocyte GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, G6PD, TAC, MCF and AChE and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Se and BchE in the infected cattle. In contrast, significantly increased (P < 0.05) levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility as well as serum concentration of iron were recorded in the infected animals. The significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte osmotic fragility associated with the notable increase in parasitemia indicate increased exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage. Furthermore, decrease of cholinesterase in infection by A. marginale can and directly or indirectly lead to increase acetylcholine levels potent anti-inflammatory molecules, thereby inhibiting inflammation.

Molecular verification of transplacental transmission of Theileria lestoquardi in goat.

Ovine and caprine malignant theileriosis (OCMT), a critical condition in small ruminant production, causes lethal infections. In September 2016, a total number of 400 goats of Marghoz breed (the largest population of goat breed in Iran), in northwest of Iran, were examined for approximately 25 pre-partum abortions and 7 goats' mortality for a period of 3 days. A dead goat and her aborted fetus were brought into the Urmia Veterinary Hospital for further diagnostic investigations. The microbiological assessments including direct microscopical examination of the vaginal discharges and placentome with respect to the differential staining (Gram's staining method), conventional pure culturing, fetal abomasal contents, and the liver were negative. Microscopic examinations of blood smears of the goat and the fetus revealed characteristic of Theileria spp. piroplasms and impression smear samples from goat liver and fetal spleen were positive for Theileria Koch blue bodies. DNA analysis was performed using PCR technique and specific primers derived from the nucleotide sequences of 18S rRNA gene of T. lestoquardi; following extraction from blood samples, placentome, goat liver, and spleen of the fetus. The amplified DNA was sequenced afterwards and the corresponding sequence was registered under GenBank accession number MG208059. The sequence alignment showed that the products of PCR had a homology of 99% to known T. lestoquardi sequence registered under accession numbers of KY352037.1, KC778786.1, and JQ917458.1 in the GenBank. To our knowledge, this is a report demonstrating molecular verification of T. lestoquardi transplacental transmission in a neonatal kid of Marghoz breed of goats, its feasible role in induction of perinatal deaths and abortion in goat flocks.

A behavioral evaluation of the effects of ingestion of Linguatula serrata nymphs in rats.

Nasopharyngeal linguatuliasis known as Halzoun or Marrara syndrome occurs following ingestion of raw or undercooked viscera, including lymph nodes, liver and lung of infected animals. The present study was aimed to investigate the behavioral changes induced by ingestion of Linguatula serrata nymphs in rats. For this purpose, 24 rats were divided into four groups and orally ingested with 0 (control), 15, 30 and 60 L. serrata nymphs, respectively. Sneezing, mouth and tongue movements and mouth opening numbers were counted and the duration of mouth and nose grooming was measured at 10-min blocks for 30 min. Ingestion of 0 (normal saline) number of nymph produced negligible behaviors, whereas 15, 30 and 60 numbers of nymphs increased the above-mentioned behaviors when compared to normal saline (0 nymph) group. In this context, 60 number of nymphs produced more behavioral changes than 15 nymphs. We concluded that ingestion of L. serrata nymphs can produce behavioral changes in orofacial area in rats.

Gastrointestinal Helminths and Ectoparasites in the Stray Cats (Felidae: Felis catus) of Ahar Municipality, Northwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: The stray cats are considered as the sources of emerging humans and domestic livestock pathogens and the zoonoses of public health importance. The present study was aimed to elucidate intestinal helminth infections and infestation with ectoparasites of the stray cats of Ahar City, northwestern Iran. METHODS: Totally, 51 stray cats were randomly trapped from different parts of the city between Mar and Nov 2013. The cats were assessed for ectoparasites by hair brushing, skin scraping, acetate tape preparation and othic swabs. They were euthanized and inspected for helminths infection. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of helminths and flea were 44/51 (86.3%) and 31/51 (60.78%), respectively. The infection rates were significantly different among different age groups (P<0.05). Of the 282 isolated helminths, three species of nematodes (Toxocara cati (86.3%), T. leonina (11.77%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (5.9%)) and four species of cestodes (Taenia taeniaeformis (64.7%), Mesocestoides lineatus (49.02%), Dipylidium caninum (29.41%), T. hydatigena (19.6%)) were identified. The predominant infectious helminths in all the infected cats were T. cati (86.3% with egg per gram of feces 27.75±9). Of the 270 collected fleas, two species of Ctenocephalides felis (80%) and C. canis (20%) were notably frequent in the cats aged 2-3-year-old. The average number of fleas per each infected cat was recorded as 5.29, with no incidence of cross-infection. CONCLUSION: The results indicated the high rate of helminths infections and flea infestation in the urban stray cats of which Toxocara cati and Ctenocephalides felis may play important roles as zoonotic agents in the region.

A survey on the prevalence of strongyles species in working donkeys in North-West of Iran.

Faecal samples for detection of gastrointestinal parasites were collected from 60 donkeys from 6 villages in Marand, North-West of Iran. Faecal samples of 2 donkeys (3.33 %) were negative for parasite eggs. 48 positive donkeys (81.66 %) were infected with a single parasite type, 9 (15.51 %) and 1 (1.66 %) of donkeys had multiple infections with two and three parasites, respectively. The highest prevalence and intensity rate belonged to small strongyles. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites eggs in the positive donkeys were: strongyles 100 %, Parascaris equorum (15.51 %), Habronema spp. 1.72 %. Larval identification showed that small strongyle larvae were most frequent (100 %) followed by Strongylus edentatus (5.17 %), S. equinus (35.71 %) and S. vulgaris (26.66 %). This study revealed that donkeys in Iran are infected with a range of helminths, which are representatives of the important pathogenic parasites found in equids worldwide.