High prevalence of pathogenic Eimeria spp. and the main risk factors associated with infection in goats from a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of infections caused by Eimeria spp. in goats bred in an extensive production system in Northeast Brazil. To this end, an epidemiological survey was performed, wherein 350 fecal samples were collected from goats ranging from 3 months to 8 years old across 30 farms. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was counted using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Species were identified based on their morphological and morphometric characteristics. Frequencies between animal categories were assessed using the chi-square test and known risk factors after multivariate analysis. Eimeria oocysts were found in 99.4% (346/348) of samples and 100% (30/30) of the farms. The OPG was influenced by the age of the animals; therefore, young goats (up to 6 months old) eliminated more oocysts (2302.6 + 5454.8) than adult goats (881.7 + 1551.5). Three pathogenic species were identified, with two demonstrating a high prevalence: Eimeria arloingi (88.83%) and Eimeria christenseni (44.7%), in addition to Eimeria caprina (3.72%). In the study, the habit of ground feeding and the use of cisterns as water sources were identified as risk factors, with odds ratios of 4.04 and 9.82, respectively. However, cleaning facilities at shorter intervals was a protective factor (OR = 0.19). We concluded that there was a high prevalence of Eimeria infection in goats bred in extensive production systems, even those in semiarid regions. This high prevalence can be attributed to the congregation of animals in shaded areas and the substantial accumulation of fecal matter at night.

Gastrointestinal parasites in marsupials from Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil / Parasitos gastrointestinais em marsupiais da Mata Atlântica do nordeste do Brasil

Os marsupiais estão envolvidos no ciclo de vida de vários patógenos de interesse médico e veterinário. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais em marsupiais capturados em fragmentos da Mata Atlântica, estado de Sergipe, nordeste do Brasil. De junho de 2017 a janeiro de 2018, marsupiais foram capturados usando-se armadilhas, e foram obtidas amostras fecais frescas após defecação espontânea. Os animais foram identificados morfometricamente e as fezes analisadas pela técnica FLOTAC. Foram capturados 88 animais, sendo 37 Marmosops incanus, 30 Marmosa demerarae, 20 Didelphis albiventris e 01 Marmosa murina. A espécie mais parasitada foi D. albiventris (45,95%) seguida de M. incanus (43,24%) e M. demerarae (23,3%). No geral, ovos de helmintos foram detectados em 47,72% (42/88) das amostras, enquanto oocistos de protozoários em 32,95% (29/88). Ovos de Ancylostoma sp. predominaram sobre outros parasitos. Este estudo aponta para a ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais e contribui para um melhor entendimento do parasitismo em marsupiais que vivem em fragmentos florestais da Mata Atlântica.

Gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats in line with the One Health' approach / [Parasitos gastrointestinais em cães e gatos em linha com a abordagem "Saúde Única"]

Dogs and cats are frequently affected by gastrointestinal parasites of medical and veterinary concern. The correct diagnosis is pivotal to the treatment outcome, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and spreading of these pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of domiciled dogs and cats in an urban area of Northeastern Brazil, as well as to discuss the findings from a "One Health" perspective. Fecal samples (n = 231) of dogs (n = 126) and cats (n = 105) were obtained directly from the environment after spontaneous defecation, and subsequently analyzed through the Mini-FLOTAC and Baermann techniques. Of all samples, 28.14% (65/231) presented immature forms of gastrointestinal parasites, with 31.75% (40/126) and 23.81% (25/105) of dogs and cats positive, respectively (x 2 = 1.413; p = 0.2345). Two genera of helminths (Ancylostoma and Toxocara) and two genera of protozoa (Cystoisospora and Entamoeba) were identified. Additionally, co-infections were observed in 15% (6/40) of positive dogs and 28% (7/25) of positive cats (p = 0.2207). None metastrongyloid larvae were detected. In conclusion, animals herein assessed presented a high prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodes. Therefore, preventive measures against these neglected parasites should be stimulated.

Cães e gatos são frequentemente afetados por parasitos gastrointestinais de interesse médico e veterinário. Em áreas urbanas, onde esses animais apresentam uma relação próxima com o homem, o diagnóstico correto é fundamental para o resultado do tratamento, reduzindo o risco de contaminação ambiental e de disseminação desses patógenos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de parasitos gastrointestinais infectando cães e gatos domiciliados em uma área urbana do Nordeste do Brasil, bem como discutir os achados sob a perspectiva de "Saúde Única". Amostras fecais (n = 231) de cães (n = 126) e gatos (n = 105) foram obtidas diretamente do meio ambiente após a defecação espontânea e, posteriormente, analisadas pelas técnicas Mini-FLOTAC e Baermann. Do total de amostras, 28,14% (65/231) apresentaram formas imaturas de parasitos gastrointestinais (ovos, cistos ou oocistos), com 31,75% (40/126) e 23,81% (25/105) de cães e gatos positivos, respectivamente (x2 = 1,413; P = 0,2345). Dois gêneros de helmintos (Ancylostoma e Toxocara) e dois gêneros de protozoários (Cystoisospora e Entamoeba) foram identificados em cães e gatos. Além disso, coinfecções foram observadas em 15% (6/40) dos cães positivos e em 28% (7/25) dos gatos positivos (P = 0,2207). Nenhuma larva de metastrongilídeo foi detectada. Em conclusão, os animais aqui avaliados apresentaram alta prevalência de nematódeos gastrointestinais de importância zoonótica. Portanto, medidas preventivas contra esses parasitos negligenciados devem ser estimuladas.

Eimeria spp. in naturally infected beef cattle: Dynamics of oocysts excretion, prevalence, and comparison between parasitological diagnostics.

Eimeria spp. infections cause mortality, reduced well-being, and substantial economic losses implications for cattle production worldwide. The present work followed up the excretion of Eimeria spp. oocysts in two naturally infected beef herds, from two different properties, to investigate the dynamics of oocyst excretion and the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in different animal categories and seasons of the year (rainy season - October to April; dry season - May to September). Even that, the species of Eimeria were identified and the parasitological techniques of Gordon and Whitlock modified and Mini-FLOTAC were used. In both herds, animals up to 14 months had a mean total OPG counts higher than older animals (after 15-16 months of age), and the species E. zuernii and E. bovis were more frequently identified, the first species being more frequent in animals from 1 to 2 months of age, while E. bovis prevailed from three months old. On property 1, the highest mean OPG counts (P ≤ 0.05) were obtained between October 2017 and September 2018, with the highest mean OPG counts in October 2017, when the animals were aged between 4-5 months. The prevalence of the pathogen on property 1 was 59.16 % and 43.62 % in the rainy and dry season, respectively, a higher parasitic load (P ≤ 0.05) was verified in the rainy season. On property 2, the mean OPG counts of Eimeria spp. was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in animals between 8-16 months, with the highest peak in November 2019, when they were one year old. The on-site prevalence during the rainy season on property 2 was 53.09 % and 49.79 % on dry season, and no difference (P = 0.92) in the mean OPG counts of Eimeria spp. during the seasons. There was a difference (P ≤ 0.05) in the count of oocysts in females after 18 months of age than males, which was probably due to the increase in animal density. Both tested techniques can be used for quantification of the excretion of oocysts of Eimeria spp. in cattle feces showing the same OPG mean count (r = 0.9287; p = 0.0025; R² = 0.8625). Mini-FLOTAC showed higher prevalence for Eimeria spp., however, can be an obstacle depending on the number of fecal samples that need to be processed.

Occurrence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of rodents and the risk of human infection in different biomes of Brazil.

Rodents are synanthropic mammals adapted to several ecosystems, where they can contribute to the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to study the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites from rodents and discuss the risk of transmission to humans. Fecal samples (n = 110) from different rodent species, namely, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) and Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique. Of the samples examined, 73.6% (81/110) tested positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite. The most commonly identified parasites were Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., and Trichuris spp. eggs, Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae and Entamoeba spp. cysts. The findings of this study demonstrate that rodents living in different Brazilian biomes are parasitized by a wide range of parasites, including some of public health concern. Therefore, the proximity of rodents to human settlements may represent a tangible risk of infection for people living in these areas.

Roedores são mamíferos sinantrópicos adaptados a vários ecossistemas, onde podem contribuir para a transmissão de patógenos zoonóticos, incluindo parasitas gastrointestinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais de roedores e discutir o risco de transmissão ao ser humano. Amostras fecais (n = 110) de diferentes espécies de roedores, a saber, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) e Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), foram analisados pela técnica FLOTAC. Das amostras examinadas, 73,6% (81/110) apresentaram resultado positivo para pelo menos um parasito gastrointestinal. Os parasitos mais comumente identificados foram ovos de Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., Trichuris spp., larvas de Angiostrongylus cantonensis e cistos de Entamoeba spp. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que os roedores que vivem em diferentes biomas brasileiros são parasitados por uma ampla variedade de parasitos, incluindo alguns problemas de saúde pública. Portanto, a proximidade de roedores com assentamentos humanos pode representar um risco de infecção nessas áreas.

An Additional Asset for the FLOTAC Technique: Detection of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Vegetables.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal parasites are considered amongst the most important threats to veterinary and human health worldwide. The transmission of these parasitic diseases usually involves the accidental ingestion of oocysts, cysts, eggs, and larvae, whose detection is generally achieved by classical coproparasitological methods, based on sedimentation and/or flotation techniques. These procedures might be inefficient or display a low sensitivity when performed on food matrices. This study aimed to assess the value of the FLOTAC technique for the detection of different parasitic stages of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic animals in fresh lettuce. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples (n = 100) were purchased from public markets located in the metropolitan region of Recife (Brazil). RESULTS: A total of 79% scored positive for eggs and/or cysts of gastrointestinal parasites. Protozoa and nematodes were detected in 32% (32/100) and 64% (64/100) of samples, respectively, with cysts of the genus Entamoeba (32%) and eggs of nematodes of the order Strongylida (30%) being the most frequently diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings herein reported demonstrate that the FLOTAC technique can be successfully applied for recovering food-borne parasites of medical and veterinary concern in food matrices.

Formalin-ethyl acetate concentration, FLOTAC Pellet and anal swab techniques for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites.

The aim of this study was to compare formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and FLOTAC Pellet techniques for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in human stool samples. The anal swab method was used for the specific detection of Enterobius vermicularis. The study was performed in children and youth from Puerto Madryn (South Argentina). A total of 174 individuals were examined using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT), the FLOTAC Pellet technique with saturated sodium chloride and zinc sulphate flotation solutions and anal swabs. The performance of copromicroscopic techniques was evaluated according to sensitivity, negative predictive value and Kappa index. Overall, 39.1% of the individuals were parasitised. The most prevalent species was Blastocystis sp. (19%) followed by E. vermicularis (17.8%), Giardia lamblia (6.3%), Entamoeba coli (5.7%), Hymenolepis nana and Endolimax nana (1.1%). The FECT was the most sensitive technique for Blastocystis sp., G. lamblia and E. coli infections, whereas FLOTAC Pellet techniques were the most sensitive for H. nana diagnosis. Anal swabs detected the highest percentage of E. vermicularis infection. This was the first time that the FLOTAC Pellet technique was used to detect intestinal parasites in humans. The FECT continues to be a reliable method for detecting protozoa and the FLOTAC Pellet technique gains importance in the diagnosis of helminths. Anal swab test remains the method of choice for the detection of E. vermicularis. However, when comparing techniques, key factors as preservation methods, preservation times and flotation solutions should be taken into account.

Applicability of FLOTAC® technique in recovering equine strongyle larvae in the pasture: A comparison study.

The FLOTAC® technique represents a highly sensitive method for the isolation of oocysts, eggs, and larvae of parasites in faeces. This assay could be used for detecting free-living stages of nematodes in the pasture but no attempt has been assessed so far. Therefore, the performance of FLOTAC® technique for isolating infective larvae of nematodes in the environment was investigated and compared with the spontaneous sedimentation (SST) and centrifugal sedimentation (CST) techniques. The study was conducted in a horse farm located in northeastern Brazil, where the occurrence of strongyle larvae had been previously reported. Pasture samplings were collected monthly from January to May 2016 in a 376 m2 crop area harvested with the Guinea grass Panicum cultivar Massai. The recovery of third-stage larvae (L3) was performed using the FLOTAC®, SST and CST techniques. Values of Cohen's kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of each technique were assessed. Although strongyle larvae were evenly detected, with the FLOTAC® technique yielded the highest number of positive samples (i.e., 41%, 41/100, p < .0001). The main parasites isolated belonged to the Cyathostominae and Strongylinae subfamilies. Based on these results, the FLOTAC® technique should be considered as practical and safe method for the isolation of nematode larvae in the pasture, thus opening a new potential use for this tool in the field.

Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil: frequency and zoonotic risk / Parasitas gastrointestinais em gatos no Brasil: frequência e risco zoonótico

Abstract Gastrointestinal helminths are considered to be the most common parasites affecting cats worldwide. Correct diagnosis of these parasites in animals living in urban areas is pivotal, especially considering the zoonotic potential of some species (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.). In this study, a copromicroscopic survey was conducted using fecal samples (n = 173) from domestic cats living in the northeastern region of Brazil. Samples were examined through the FLOTAC technique and the overall results showed positivity of 65.31% (113/173) among the samples analyzed. Coinfections were observed in 46.01% (52/113) of the positive samples. The most common parasites detected were Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris sp., Dipylidium caninum and Cystoisospora sp. From an epidemiological point of view, these findings are important, especially considering that zoonotic parasites (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.) were the nematodes most frequently diagnosed in this study. Therefore, the human population living in close contact with cats is at risk of infection caused by the zoonotic helminths of these animals. In addition, for the first time the FLOTAC has been used to diagnosing gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil.

Resumo Helmintos gastrointestinais são considerados os mais frequentes parasitos que afetam gatos em todo o mundo. O correto diagnóstico desses parasitos, em animais que vivem em áreas urbanas, é crucial, especialmente quando considerado o potencial zoonótico de algumas espécies (ex. Ancylostoma sp. e Toxocara sp.). Neste estudo, uma pesquisa coproparasitológica foi realizada, utilizando-se amostras de fezes (n = 173) de gatos domésticos da região Nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram examinadas através da técnica FLOTAC, e os resultados gerais mostraram uma positividade de 65,31% (113/173). Co-infecções foram observadas em 46,01% (52/113) das amostras positivas. Os parasitas mais comuns aqui detectados foram Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris sp., Dipylidium caninum e Cystoisospora sp. De um ponto de vista epidemiológico, esses resultados são importantes, especialmente considerando que os parasitos zoonóticos (ex. Ancylostoma sp. e Toxocara sp.) foram os mais frequentes nematódeos diagnosticados neste estudo. Portanto, a população humana, em estreito convívio com esses animais, apresenta risco de infecção por helmintos de caráter zoonótico. Além disso, pela primeira vez, a técnica de FLOTAC tem sido utilizada no diagnóstico de parasitos gastrointestinais em gatos no Brasil.

Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil: frequency and zoonotic risk / Parasitas gastrointestinais em gatos no Brasil: frequência e risco zoonótico

Gastrointestinal helminths are considered to be the most common parasites affecting cats worldwide. Correct diagnosis of these parasites in animals living in urban areas is pivotal, especially considering the zoonotic potential of some species (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.). In this study, a copromicroscopic survey was conducted using fecal samples (n = 173) from domestic cats living in the northeastern region of Brazil. Samples were examined through the FLOTAC technique and the overall results showed positivity of 65.31% (113/173) among the samples analyzed. Coinfections were observed in 46.01% (52/113) of the positive samples. The most common parasites detected were Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris sp., Dipylidium caninum and Cystoisospora sp. From an epidemiological point of view, these findings are important, especially considering that zoonotic parasites (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.) were the nematodes most frequently diagnosed in this study. Therefore, the human population living in close contact with cats is at risk of infection caused by the zoonotic helminths of these animals. In addition, for the first time the FLOTAC has been used to diagnosing gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil.(AU)

Helmintos gastrointestinais são considerados os mais frequentes parasitos que afetam gatos em todo o mundo. O correto diagnóstico desses parasitos, em animais que vivem em áreas urbanas, é crucial, especialmente quando considerado o potencial zoonótico de algumas espécies (ex. Ancylostoma sp. e Toxocara sp.). Neste estudo, uma pesquisa coproparasitológica foi realizada, utilizando-se amostras de fezes (n = 173) de gatos domésticos da região Nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram examinadas através da técnica FLOTAC, e os resultados gerais mostraram uma positividade de 65,31% (113/173). Co-infecções foram observadas em 46,01% (52/113) das amostras positivas. Os parasitas mais comuns aqui detectados foram Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris sp., Dipylidium caninum e Cystoisospora sp. De um ponto de vista epidemiológico, esses resultados são importantes, especialmente considerando que os parasitos zoonóticos (ex. Ancylostoma sp. e Toxocara sp.) foram os mais frequentes nematódeos diagnosticados neste estudo. Portanto, a população humana, em estreito convívio com esses animais, apresenta risco de infecção por helmintos de caráter zoonótico. Além disso, pela primeira vez, a técnica de FLOTAC tem sido utilizada no diagnóstico de parasitos gastrointestinais em gatos no Brasil.(AU)

Use of the FLOTAC technique to diagnosing parasites of the urinary tract of dogs.

Among the nematodes that infect the urinary tract of dogs, the Dioctophyma renale and Capillaria plica are those more frequently reported. For a long time, sedimentation was the only method used to detect eggs of these parasites in urine. The aim of this study was to analyze urine samples (n = 54) of dogs, obtained by bladder catheterization or cystocentesis, by using a modified FLOTAC technique. Animals were divided into two groups, i.e., with (n = 20) and without (n = 34) suspicion of urinary disease. The overall positivity herein observed was 3.8 % (2/54), being all animals (10 %; 2/20) from the group with suspicion of urinary disease. In the first positive sample, a single egg of D. renale was detected, whereas in the second sample two trematode-like eggs were observed. This is the first short survey employed to detect eggs of parasites that inhabit the urinary tract of dogs using a modified FLOTAC technique; in addition, for the first time, eggs of D. renale have been detected using this tool.

New insights into diagnosis of Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) in cats.

Platynosomum fastosum is a hepatic trematode which causes the so-called lizard poisoning in cats. This parasite is reported in tropical and sub-tropical areas infecting the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts of cats. Despite its clinical importance, the diagnosis of P. fastosum has been poorly investigated so far. In this study, three cases of infection by P. fastosum in cats are reported. The FLOTAC technique was utilized for the first time in the detection of eggs of this parasite. Three cats (two males and one female), being one of them with a history of diarrhea and vomiting, were diagnosed positive for the presence of P. fastosum eggs through the FLOTAC technique. In conclusion, this study provides important and new insights into the diagnosis of P. fastosum in cats, expanding the geographical knowledge of this parasite in Brazil.