Efficacy of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner for the control of myiasis by Musca domestica in desert tortoises (Gopherus berlandieri).

The efficacy of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner was evaluated in desert tortoises infested with fly larvae. Oral administration of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner eliminated the infestation without generating any evident adverse effects on the tortoises.

L'efficacité de la combinaison de milbémycine oxime et d'afoxolaner a été évaluée chez des tortues du désert infestées par des larves de mouches. L'administration orale de la combinaison de milbémycine oxime et d'afoxolaner traite l'infestation sans générer d'effets indésirables évidents sur les tortues.

A eficácia da associação de milbemicina oxima e afoxolaner foi avaliada em tartarugas do deserto infestadas por larvas de moscas. A administração oral da combinação de afoxolaner e milbemicina oxima eliminou a infestação sem gerar nenhum efeito adverso evidente às tartarugas.

Se evaluó la eficacia de la combinación de milbemicina oxima y afoxolaner en tortugas del desierto infestadas con larvas de mosca. La administración oral de la combinación de milbemicina oxima y afoxolaner eliminó la infestación sin generar efectos adversos evidentes en las tortugas.

Effectiveness of lotilaner against ticks of the genus Amblyomma spp. in three naturally infested cane toads (Rhinella horribilis).

The efficacy of lotilaner was evaluated in three tick-infested cane toads. A single oral administration of lotilaner eliminated all ticks from all three toads from Day (D)1. Environmental samples collected from toad enclosures were negative for ticks until D30.

L'efficacité du lotilaner a été évaluée chez trois crapauds buffle infestés de tiques. Une seule administration orale de lotilaner a éliminé toutes les tiques des trois crapauds à partir du jour (J)1. Les échantillons environnementaux prélevés dans les enclos des crapauds étaient négatifs pour les tiques jusqu'à J30.

Se evaluó la eficacia de lotilaner en tres sapos de caña infestados por garrapatas. Una sola administración oral de lotilaner eliminó todas las garrapatas de los tres sapos desde el día (D) 1. Las muestras ambientales recolectadas de los recintos de sapos fueron negativas para garrapatas hasta el D30.

A eficácia do lotialaner foi avaliada em três sapos-boi infestados por carrapatos. Uma única administração de lotialaner eliminou todos os carrapatos de todos os sapos no Dia (D) 1. Amostras ambientais coletadas dos terrários dos sapos foram todas negativas para carrapatos até o D30.

Risk factors associated with cat parasites in a feline medical center.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to evaluate the risk factors for and presence of intestinal parasites in cats at the feline hospital 'CEME Gatos', Mexico City. METHODS: In total, 528 fecal samples from domestic cats were collected and analyzed in order to diagnose enteroparasites. RESULTS: The parasite with the highest prevalence was Giardia species (21.97%), followed by Cryptosporidium species (7%), Toxocara cati (6.45%), Cystoisospora species (5.11%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.76%). One hundred and twenty-one cats (55.50%) were infected with a single parasite, 80 (36.69%) were infected with two and 17 (14.04%) were infected with three parasites. The results of the prevalence study showed that a liquid consistency of feces was associated with the presence of Giardia species, whereas age <7 months and mucus in the stool were factors associated with the prevalence of Cystoisospora species. Regarding T cati, the associated risk factors were age <7 months, being male, contact with other animal species and access to the outdoors. The last factor was strongly associated with the presence of T cati (eight times more likely) in outdoor cats' feces. Brushing frequency was also an associated factor: T cati was present in cats that were never brushed. The results of the analysis of cats infected with D caninum showed that interaction with other species was a risk factor for infection. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Age <7 months, mucus in feces, living with other animal species, outdoor access and frequency of brushing are risk factors for the presence of parasites.

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton benhamiae in a dog.

Trichophyton benhamiae was diagnosed in a 9-year-old female dog by histopathological evaluation, fungal culture and confirmation by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA. Successful therapy was achieved with itraconazole, bathing with miconazole and chlorhexidine shampoo, and topical application of sodium hypochlorite as a rinse.

Trichophyton benhamiae a été diagnostiqué chez une chienne de 9 ans par examen histopathologique, culture fongique et confirmation par séquençage de la région ITS (internal trasbcriber spacer) de l'ADN ribosomique. Une guérison thérapeutique a été obtenue par de l'itraconazole, des shampooings de miconazole et chlorhexidine et application topique d'hypochlorite de sodium en rinçage.

Trichophyton benhamiae foi diagnosticado em uma cadela de 9 anos através de avaliação histopatológica, cultura de fungos e confirmação por sequenciamento da região espaçadora transcrita interna do DNA ribossomal. Sucesso terapêutico foi obtido com o uso de itraconazol, banho com shampoo à base de miconazol e clorexidina e aplicação tópica de hipoclorito de sódio.

Se diagnosticó infección por Trichophyton benhamiae en una perra de 9 años mediante evaluación histopatológica, cultivo de hongos y confirmación mediante secuenciación de la región espaciadora transcrita interna del DNA ribosómico. Se logró un tratamiento exitoso con itraconazol, baños con champú de miconazol y clorhexidina y aplicación tópica de hipoclorito de sodio como enjuague.

Successful treatment of Ophionyssus natricis with afoxolaner in two Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus).

The efficacy of afoxolaner was evaluated in two captive Burmese python snakes, which were naturally infested with Ophionyssus natricis mites. The administration of a single oral dose of afoxolaner eliminated live O. natricis mites from both snakes by Day 3. Environmental samples collected from the snakes' terrariums were negative for dead mites by Day 30.

L'efficacité de l'afoxolaner a été évaluée chez deux serpents python birmans captifs, naturellement infestés par des acariens Ophionyssus natricis. L'administration d'une dose orale unique d'afoxolaner a éliminé les acariens O. natricis vivants des deux serpents à jour 3. Les échantillons environnementaux prélevés dans les terrariums des serpents étaient négatifs pour les acariens morts à jour 30.

Se evaluó la eficacia de afoxolaner en dos serpientes pitón birmanas cautivas, que estaban naturalmente infestadas con ácaros Ophionyssus natricis. La administración de una sola dosis oral de afoxolaner eliminó los ácaros O. natricis vivos de ambas serpientes en el día 3. Las muestras ambientales recolectadas de los terrarios de las serpientes dieron negativo para ácaros muertos en el día 30.

A eficácia do afoxolaner foi avaliada em duas cobras python birmanesas de cativeiro, que foram naturalmente infestadas com ácaros Ophionyssus natricis. A administração de uma única dose oral de afoxolaner eliminou ácaros O. natricis vivos de ambas as cobras no dia 3. As amostras ambientais coletadas dos terrários das cobras foram negativas para ácaros mortos no dia 30.

Efficacy of afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner alone as treatment for sarcoptic mange in naturally infested dogs.

Sarcoptic mange is a pruritic, contagious, ectoparasitic skin disease that affects mammals, including the domestic dog. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime (NexGard Spectra) and afoxolaner alone (NexGard) as treatments for sarcoptic mange in naturally infested dogs. A total of 142 dogs naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei was evaluated. The dogs were diagnosed by microscopic examinations of skin scrapings. The dogs were divided into 2 groups: 96 dogs were treated with a combined dosage of 2.50 to 5.36 mg/kg body weight (BW) of afoxolaner and 0.50 to 1.07 mg/kg BW of milbemycin oxime and 46 dogs were treated with 2.50 mg/kg BW of afoxolaner alone. The presence or absence of pruritus and lesions were evaluated using an analogous scale on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 after receiving the treatment. Data obtained were analyzed by Student's t-test (P ≤ 0.05). The single oral treatment of afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime resulted in a significant reduction in pruritus of 87.4% at 28 d after treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Resolution of the lesions after treatment was variable, with a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) observed within the first 14 d, although this parameter continued to improve until the end of the study on day 28, when a decrease of 96% was observed. By the end of the study, a single dose of either the afoxolaner alone or the afoxolaner combined with milbemycin oxime was effective in significantly reducing the signs associated with sarcoptic mange during a 56-day evaluation period.

La gale sarcoptique est une maladie cutanée pruritique et contagieuse causée par un ectoparasite qui affecte les mammifères, incluant le chien domestique. L'objectif de la présente étude était d'évaluer et de comparer l'efficacité d'afoxolaner plus oxime de milbemycine (NexGard Spectra) et l'afoxolaner seul (NexGard) comme traitement pour la gale sarcoptique chez des chiens naturellement infestés. Un total de 142 chiens naturellement infestés avec Sarcoptes scabei furent évalués. Les chiens étaient diagnostiqués par examen microscopique de grattages cutanés. Les chiens furent divisés en deux groupes : 96 chiens furent traités avec un dosage combiné de 2,50 à 5,36 mg/kg de poids corporel (BW) d'afoxolaner et de 0,50 à 1,07 mg/kg BW d'oxime de milbemycine et 46 chiens furent traités avec 2,50 mg/kg BW d'afoxolaner seul. La présence ou l'absence de prurit et de lésions furent évaluées en utilisant une échelle analogue aux jours 7, 14 21, 28 et 56 après avoir reçu le traitement. Les données obtenues furent analysées à l'aide d'un test de t de Student (P ≤ 0,05). Le traitement unique avec de l'afloxolaner plus oxime de milbemycine a résulté en une réduction significative du prurit de 87,4 % au jour 28 après le traitement (P ≤ 0,05). Une résolution des lésions après le traitement était variable, avec une diminution significative (P ≤ 0,05) étant observée au cours des 14 premiers jours, bien que ce paramètre continua de s'améliorer jusqu'à la fin de l'étude au jour 28, alors qu'une diminution de 96 % fut observée. À la fin de cette étude, une dose unique de soit de l'afoxolaner seul ou une combinaison afoxolaner-oxime de milbemycie était efficace à réduire de manière significative les signes associés avec la galle sarcoptique durant une période d'évaluation de 56 jours.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Use of afoxolaner for the treatment of lice (Goniodes pavonis) in different genera (Chrysolophus spp, Lophura spp, Phasianus spp, and Syrmaticus spp) and species of pheasants and West Mexican Chachalacas (Ortalis poliocephala).

Lice are ectoparasites capable of affecting birds, and can result in direct and indirect damage to their host. Afoxolaner is an isoxazoline that has been shown to be effective against these ectoparasites without known adverse effects. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of afoxolaner on lice in pheasants and plain chachalacas. A total of 29 pheasants of different genera and species (Chrysolophus pictus, C. amherstiae, Lophura swinghoii, L. nycthemera, Phasianus colchicus, and Syrmaticus reevesii) and 18 West Mexican Chachalacas (Ortalis poliocephala) naturally infested with Goniodes pavonis were used. The birds were allocated to one of two groups: group 1 treated with 2.50 mg/kg of afoxolaner, and group 2 given no treatment. Ectoparasites were collected using the adhesive tape technique and identified. Afoxolaner was administered later as a single dose to group 1, and the clinical assessment to detect ectoparasites was repeated 28 days post-treatment. On day 28 post-treatment, group 1 was found to be negative for the presence of lice. The body weights were compared at the beginning and end of the clinical assessment in both groups and a significant difference in weight of treated birds was found. The mean body weight decreased by 0.017 g in control group, whereas it increased by 0.016 g in treated group. Oral administration of afoxolaner is an effective option for the treatment of Goniodes pavonis infestations in zoo birds.

Evaluation of the effect of afoxalaner with milbemycin 1 oxime in the treatment of rabbits naturally infected with Psoroptes cuniculi.

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi) are very popular as pets. However, problems of otitits caused by Psoroptes cuniculi are one of the main reasons to visit the veterinarian. Isoxazolines are an alternative treatment to treat this mite, and therefore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of oral afoxalaner with milbemycin oxime in rabbits infected with P. cuniculi was carried out. Nineteen rabbits, of New Zealand breed, with otitis due to an infection with P. cuniculi, were treated, whereas six rabbits were left untreated and formed the control group. The ear canals of each individual were examined, through the collection of otic exudate samples with cotton swabs. These were visualized under the microscope to identify the ectoparasite. Each animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg / kg of afoxolaner, and 0.50 mg / kg of milbemycin oxime. Clinical signs and lesions associated with the infection, such as the presence of detritus, cerumen and / or scabs, and erythema, were evaluated. After receiving the treatment, all the lesions were classified as: mild, moderate and intense, with a visual analog scale. A week after providing medication, there was a decrease in the lesions of the group treated with Nexgard Spectra®, without further topical or systemic treatment. The decrease was gradual in the treated group and no recurrence was detected of P. cuniculi infection in both ears. Thus, the administration of a single oral dose of afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime was effective for the treatment of P. cuniculi infection in rabbits.

Morphological characterization and first molecular identification of the eleven Eimeria species that infect sheep from Mexico.

Within livestock production, enteric diseases play an important role, since they cause severe economic losses due to mortality, growth depression, and reduction in the conversion rate. Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease of high morbidity that affects various animal species, including sheep. In sheep, eleven species of Eimeria have been identified mainly through microscopical identification of the oocysts; however, this technique has certain limitations that make it difficult to identify the different Eimeria species. The objective of the present study was to morphologically identify the eleven species of Eimeria that infect sheep in the southeastern region of the State of Mexico, as well as obtain the partial sequence of the ITS-1 rRNA region of each species and analyze it phylogenetically. A total of 412 samples were collected from the 13 municipalities that comprise the region I of the State of Mexico, out of which, 40 had approximately 80% of a single Eimeria species. Among these, the eleven Eimeria species reported in sheep were identified. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the species reported in this study are associated with those reported in rabbits, bovines, and birds. It is suggested that the phylogenetic division of sheep in two clades may be associated with the presence or absence of the residual body. It is proposed that the present methodology can be used effectively for diagnosis and to obtain information about the epidemiology of ovine coccidial infection. The results obtained in this study constitute the first report of the ITS-1 region of the eleven Eimeria species that infect sheep worldwide.

Evaluación del movimiento diafragmático por ultrasonografía mediante la medición del índice de excursión en perros / Evaluation of diaphragmatic movement measuring the excursion index with ultrasonography in dogs / Avaliação do movimento diafragmático pela ultrassonografia através da mensuração do índice de excursão em cães

Resumen El ultrasonido es una técnica portátil y repetible, que permite evaluar de forma dinámica los movimientos del diafragma. Existen muchas causas que pueden generar disfunción diafragmática y parálisis diafragmática como anestésicos, injuria del nervio frénico, postoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca, torácica o abdominal, enfermedades neuromusculares, metabólicas e infecciosas y causas relacionadas al paciente crítico como sepsis y ventilación mecánica prolongada. Se tuvieron en cuenta cuarenta y ocho perros, entre internados y programados para cirugía electiva, sin signos clínicos cardiorrespiratorios a los cuales se les realizó ultrasonido Global FAST, se evaluó el movimiento del diafragma en modo M en tres posiciones y se registró la medida del índice de excursión diafragmática. Tres de los perros internados fueron excluidos, debido a hallazgos en el ultrasonido, los perros programados para cirugía electiva fueron sometidos al mismo protocolo preanestésico en los mismos tiempos. No se presentaron diferencias estadísticas entre las posiciones. Al comparar la medida del índice de excursión diafragmática entre los perros internados y anestesiados en la posición DLD (decúbito lateral derecho) y DD (decúbito dorsal), se observaron diferencias significativas (p<0,01). El ultrasonido en modo M es una buena herramienta para medir el índice de excursión diafragmática, proporciona información cuantitativa para la evaluación de la función dinámica diafragmática, la anestesia puede llegar a causar una disminucion significativa en el índice de excursión diafragmático, el cual puede permanecer oculto y generar complicaciones anestésicas.

Abstract The ultrasonographic examination is a portable, non-invasive, repeatable technique that can assess the dynamic movements of the diaphragm. There are several causes for diaphragmatic dysfunction or paralysis, including anesthetic drugs, phrenic nerve injury, postoperative cardiac, thoracic or abdominal surgery; neuromuscular, infectious or metabolic diseases, critical patient comorbidities such as sepsis or prolonged mechanical ventilation complications. The study included forty-eight dogs that where either hospitalized or admitted for elective surgery without cardiorespiratory disease signs. They were evaluated following Global FAST protocol. The diaphragmatic movement was evaluated in M mode and the excursion diaphragmatic index was measured in three different positions. Three dogs were excluded due to their ultrasonographic findings. The same anesthetic protocol was used for the dogs admitted for elective surgery. There was no statistical difference between the dogs evaluated in the three different positions. The excursion diaphragmatic index of the hospitalized dogs compared to anesthetized dogs in right lateral recumbency (RLR) and dorsal recumbency (DR) was significantly different (p <0,01). Mode M ultrasonographic examination is a useful tool to measure the excursion diaphragmatic index in dogs because it provides quantitative information for the evaluation of the dynamic function of the diaphragm. Anesthetic drugs can cause a significant reduction of the excursion diaphragmatic index which, if not evaluated and detected promptly, can cause complications anesthetic.

Resumo O ultra-som é uma técnica portátil e repetível, que permite avaliar de forma dinâmica os movimentos do diafragma. Muitas causas podem gerar disfunção do diafragma e paralisia diafragmática como anestésicos, lesão do nervo frénico, cirurgia cardíaca, torácica ou abdominal, doenças neuromusculares, e infecciosa e metabólica relacionados para paciente crítico como sepsia e faz com que a ventilação mecânica prolongada. Quarenta e oito cães foram tidos em conta, incluindo estágios e agendada para cirurgia electiva sem sinais clínicos cardio-respiratórias que foram submetidos a ultrasons RÁPIDO global, o movimento do diafragma no modo-M foi avaliada em três posições e medição do índice foi gravado de excursão diafragmática. Três dos cães de embarque foram excluídos porque os resultados de ultrasom, cães agendados para cirurgia eletiva foram submetidos ao mesmo protocolo pré-anestésica, ao mesmo tempo. Não houve diferenças estatísticas entre as posições para a medição. Ao comparar a medida do índice de excursão diafragmática entre os cães admitidos e anestesiados na posição DLD (decúbito lateral direito) e DD (decúbito dorsal), foram observadas diferenças significativas (p <0,01), sendo este valor menor em cães anestesiado. A ultrassonografia modo-M para medir o índice de excursão diafragmática é uma boa ferramenta, pois fornece informações quantitativas para a avaliação da função dinâmica diafragmática. A anestesia pode causar uma diminuição significativa no índice de excursão diafragmática, que pode permanecem escondidos e geram complicações anestésicas.

Effect of oral afoxolaner on naturally occurring infestations of peacocks by the louse Goniodes pavonis.

BACKGROUND: Ectoparasitism of ornamental birds, including captive species kept in zoos, represents a serious health problem. Up to 13 different species of lice have been reported to affect peacocks worldwide and heavy infestation may cause anaemia. Because of this, alternatives to the prevailing treatments have been sought including use of isoxazolines. This class of drugs has been used successfully in poultry without adverse effects on health or production. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of afoxolaner on the peacock louse (Goniodes pavonis). ANIMALS: Twenty-three peacocks (Pavo cristatus) with naturally occurring infestation with G. pavonis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The peacocks were divided in two groups; one was treated once orally with 2.5 mg/kg afoxolaner and the other group received no treatment. Samples were collected using the acetate tape technique, for identification of lice by microscopy. Concomitantly, blood samples were taken to evaluate the haematocrit before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Treatment with afoxolaner significantly decreased the number of peacocks positive for lice (P = 0.02) compared to the control group, in which the number of positive birds did not decrease. The haematocrit improved in the afoxolaner-treated group from a baseline of 46.4%-54.7% at 35 days post-treatment, whereas it decreased in untreated birds (44.6%-40.7%). No adverse effects attributed to afoxolaner treatment were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Oral administration of afoxolaner is an effective treatment for G. pavonis infestation of peacocks.

Efficacy of two anthelmintic treatments, spinosad/milbemycin oxime and ivermectin/praziquantel in dogs with natural Toxocara spp. infection.

Toxocara canis is one of the most important zoonotic parasites of dogs. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of spinosad/milbemycin oxime and ivermectin/praziquantel in dogs naturally infected with Toxocara spp. We studied 200 dogs with a positive diagnosis of Toxocara spp. Through coproparasitoscopic analysis, two study groups of 100 dogs each were assigned: spinosad/milbemycin oxime at a dose of 30-60mg/kg and 0.75-1.0mg/kg, respectively, or ivermectin/praziquantel administered at a dose of 0.2mg/kg and 5mg/kg, respectively. Both groups received a single dose. Three stool samples, one at day 0 before treatment, and at 14 and 28days post-treatment were examined using concentration-flotation techniques. In both treatments, the number of Toxocara spp. eggs decreased; with spinosad/milbemycin oxime treatment, eggs decreased by 87% at 14days (P=0.008) and 94% at 28days after treatment, compared with 71% at day 14 and 88% at day 28 in dogs medicated with ivermectin/praziquantel. The spinosad/milbemycin oxime treated group showed a greater decrease in the number of Toxocara spp. positive dogs compared to the group receiving ivermectin/praziquantel.

Multicausal etiology of the enteric syndrome in rabbits from Mexico / Multicausalidad del síndrome entérico en conejos de México

Enteropathies in rabbits are difficult to diagnose; their etiology involves pathogens that act synergistically, causing damage to the intestine. The aim of the present study was isolate enteric pathogens from rabbits in Mexico. Using parasitological, bacteriological and molecular analyses, we screened 58 samples of the intestinal content of rabbits having a clinical history of enteric disease from the southeastern part of the State of Mexico. Out of the 58 samples analyzed, a total of 86 identifications were made, Eimeria spp. were found in 77.5%, followed by Aeromonas spp. in 15.5% and Escherichia coli in 8.6%, which were identified as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and the presence of the following agents was also confirmed: Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Mannheimia spp. and Rotavirus. The concurrent presence of Eimeria spp. with Aeromonas was frequent (15.5%); there was statistical significance for the presence of an association between the clinical profiles and Eimeria spp. (p = 0.000), Mannheimia spp. (p = 0.001), Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. (p = 0.006).

Las enteropatías en conejos son difíciles de diagnosticar, debido a que en su etiología participan patógenos que actúan en sinergia y causan daño al intestino. El objetivo de este estudio fue el aislamiento de patógenos de cuadros entéricos en conejos de México. Mediante métodos parasitológicos, bacteriológicos y moleculares, se analizaron 58 muestras de contenido intestinal de conejos con el antecedente de cuadro clínico entérico procedentes de granjas cunícolas de la zona suroriente del Estado de México. A partir de las 58 muestras se realizaron un total de 86 identificaciones, los patógenos más frecuentes fueron Eimeria spp. (77,6%), seguidas de Aeromonas spp. (15,5%) y de Escherichia coli (8,6%), identificadas como E. coli enterpatogénicas (EPEC). También se determinó la presencia de otros agentes: Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Mannheimia spp. y Rotavirus. La presencia concurrente de Eimeria spp. y Aeromonas spp. (15,5%) fue la observación más frecuente. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presentación del cuadro clínico en conejos y la presencia de Eimeria spp. (p = 0,000), Mannheimia spp. (p = 0,001), Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp. y Enterococcus spp. (p = 0,006).

Multicausal etiology of the enteric syndrome in rabbits from Mexico.

Enteropathies in rabbits are difficult to diagnose; their etiology involves pathogens that act synergistically, causing damage to the intestine. The aim of the present study was isolate enteric pathogens from rabbits in Mexico. Using parasitological, bacteriological and molecular analyses, we screened 58 samples of the intestinal content of rabbits having a clinical history of enteric disease from the southeastern part of the State of Mexico. Out of the 58 samples analyzed, a total of 86 identifications were made, Eimeria spp. were found in 77.5%, followed by Aeromonas spp. in 15.5% and Escherichia coli in 8.6%, which were identified as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and the presence of the following agents was also confirmed: Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Mannheimia spp. and Rotavirus. The concurrent presence of Eimeria spp. with Aeromonas was frequent (15.5%); there was statistical significance for the presence of an association between the clinical profiles and Eimeria spp. (p=0.000), Mannheimia spp. (p=0.001), Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. (p=0.006).

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxocara canis infection in children.

The objective of this study was to determine seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with Toxocara canis infection. A clinical and epidemiological questionnaire and body mass index were used to assess the risk factors associated with human toxocariasis in 108 children with an age range of 2-16 years. Antibodies against Toxocara canis were detected using an ELISA test kit. Chi-square analysis and odds ratio (OR) were used to identify risk factors associated with Toxocara canis seropositivity. The prevalence of antibodies against Toxocara canis was greater (P = 0.02) in males than females (28.84% and 16.07%, resp.). Chi-square analysis and odds ratio revealed just one variable with P < 0.05, and OR > 1.0 was associated with seropositivity: the possession of dogs under one year old (OR = 1.78). Although not significant, the OR values suggest that other factors may be epidemiologically important for Toxocara presence such as not washing hands before meals, malnutrition, obesity, and use of public parks. Children in the age group >12 and <16 years old had higher seroprevalence to Toxocara canis (17.59%) than the >2 and <11 years old age group (4.62%). Toxocariosis infection needs to be prevented by pet deworming and hygienic measures after contact with dogs.

Soil contamination by Toxocara spp. eggs in a university in Mexico City.

The contamination levels of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil samples from a university campus in Mexico City were evaluated and analysed according to garden size, and were related with the percentage of Toxocara spp. eggs and its viability according to the soil characteristics. A total of 1458 soil samples collected in 15 gardens (six large and nine small) were analysed by sedimentation-flotation with zinc sulphate solution on at 33%. Contamination was low (12.9%), and egg viability was high (65.5%). The size of the garden had no influence on the presence and viability of Toxocara spp. eggs. Contamination was negatively correlated with the percentage of vegetation (r = -0. 61, P < 0.01) and the viability was negatively associated with the percentage of clay in the soil samples (r = -0.51, P < 0.04). The size of the garden did not influence the presence and viability of Toxocara spp. eggs.

Tumor venéreo transmisible en caninos del área metropolitana de la ciudad de México / Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City

Un estudio fue conducido en 9 centros de control de rabia en la zona metropolitana de la ciudad de México, de enero a julio 2007. Los perros muestreados fueron capturados en las calles. Un total de 717 muestras de perros sacrificados fueron evaluadas para determinar la presencia de tumor venéreo transmisible canino, considerando solamente perros mayores de 1 año. La enfermedad fue detectada en 17,48% de las muestras y no hubo diferencia entre el origen, que tuvo un rango de 12,44 a 33,33%. La edad del perro afectó la frecuencia (P<0,05) siendo menor en los perros geriatras (> 7 años; 7,14%), y la más alta en el grupo de 3 a 4 años (20,95). No hubo diferencia entre género (machos 19,13% vs. hembras 15,30%) a pesar de que hubo una tendencia a ser mayor en machos (P=0,07). El tumor venéreo transmisible canino está presente en los perros capturados en las calles de ciudad de México y la presencia de la enfermedad es similar a la reportada en otros países.

A study was conducted at the 9 Rabies Control Centers in the metropolitan zone of Mexico City, from January to July 2007, sampled dogs were captured in the streets. A total of 717 samples were obtained from sacrificed dogs older than 1 year old to determine the presence of canine transmissible venereal tumor. The disease was detected in 17.48% of the samples and there was no difference between origins of sample which ranged from 12.44 to 33.33%. The age of the dog affected (P<0.05) the frequency, being lower in older dogs (>7 years; 7.14%), and the highest in the group from 3 to 4 years (20.95%). There was not difference between sexes (males 19.13% vs. females 15.30%) even when there was a tendency to be higher in males (P=0.07). Canine transmissible venereal tumor was present in street dogs captured in Mexico City and its presence is similar to that reported in other countries.

Contaminación por Toxocara spp. en parques de Tulyehualco México / Contamination for Toxocara spp. in Tulyehualco parks México

La toxocariasis es una parasitosis que afecta a los niños, en particular aquellos que juegan con tierra. Con el objetivo de identificar la presencia o incidencia de huevos de Toxocara spp., en parques de Tulyehualco, México, se realizó un análisis en muestras de suelos, heces depositadas en parques y muestras de heces de perros con propietario mediante un procedimiento de flotación-sedimentación. Los resultados mostraron una elevada contaminación por Toxocara, encontrando una contaminación de 60,0 por ciento en las muestras del suelo colectadas en los parques, 67,5 por ciento en heces colectadas en parques y 63,36 en heces de perros con propietarios. En los perros muestreados, no se encontraron diferencias por edad (P=0,27; menores de un año 65,47 por ciento; mayores de un año 55,55 por ciento), ni por sexo (¨P=0,5; hembras 55,55 por ciento; machos 63,45 por ciento). Se recomiendan algunas medidas para reducir la contaminación en suelos y disminuir la transmisión al hombre.

The toxocariasis is a parasitism that affects children, particularly those who play with soil. In order to identify the presence or egg incidence of Toxocara spp., in parks of Tulyehualco, Mexico; an analysis was conduced in samples of soils, feces deposited in parks and feces obtained from dogs with owners by a flotation-sedimentation procedure. The results demonstrated a high contamination by Toxocara, finding a contamination of in soil samples collected in the parks 60.0 percent, 67.5 percent in fecal samples collected in parks, and 63,36 in those obtained from dogs with owner, respectively. In sampled dogs, there were not differences by age (P=0.27; younger than 1 year 65.47 percent; older than one year 55.55 percent), neither by sex (¨P=0.5; female 55.55 percent; male 63.45 percent). Some measures are recommended to reduce the soil contamination and to diminish the transmission to the men.