Helminth infection induces non-functional sensitization to house dust mites.

BACKGROUND: IgE characterizes the humoral response of allergic sensitization but less is known about what modulates its function and why some patients present clinical symptoms for a given IgE level and others do not. An IgE response also occurs during helminth diseases, independently of allergic symptoms. This response could be a model of non-functional IgE. OBJECTIVE: To study the IgE response against environmental allergens induced during natural helminth infection. METHODS: In 28 non allergic subjects from the periphery of Ho Chi Minh city with (H+, n = 18) and without helminth infection (H-, n = 10), we measured IgE and IgG4 against several components of Dermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus (Dpt) and Ascaris (a marker of immunization against nematodes), and determined the IgE component sensitization profile using microarray ISAC biochips. The functional ability of IgE to induce degranulation of cultured mast cells was evaluated in the presence of Dpt. RESULTS: Non allergic H+ subjects exhibited higher levels of IgE against Dpt compared to H- subjects. Dpt IgE were not functional in vitro and did not recognize usual Dpt major allergens. IgE recognized other component allergens that belong to different protein families, and most were glycosylated. Depletion of IgE recognizing carbohydrate cross-reactive determinant (CCD) did not induce a reduction in Dpt IgE. The Dpt IgG4 were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Helminth infections induced IgE against allergens such as Dpt and molecular components that belong to different sources as well as against CCD (such as ß-1,2-xylose and/or ⍺-1,3-fucose substituted N-glycans). Dpt IgE were not able to induce degranulation of mast cells and were not explained by sensitization to usual major allergens or N-glycans.

Across and within breed differences in the relationship between packed cell volume and fecal egg count in growing meat goat and hair sheep males naturally and artificially infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

The relationship between packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg count (FEC) in different breeds of meat goats and hair sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, including Haemonchus contortus, was characterized. Growing males from eight commercial and two research farms (one Kiko, Spanish, Dorper, and St. Croix; three Boer; four Katahdin) in the southcentral United States were evaluated in a central performance test with ad libitum intake of a 50% concentrate pelleted diet. There were 84 Boer, 55 Kiko, and 57 Spanish goats and 52 Dorper, 129 Katahdin, and 49 St. Croix sheep. During adaptation, animals were dewormed then dosed with 10,000 infective H. contortus larvae. PCV and FEC were determined before deworming (i.e., natural infection potentially with multiple internal parasites) and 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days after artificial infection. Effects of species, breed, and year were analyzed with mixed effects models including day of sampling post dosing as a repeated measure and FEC and FEC × breed as covariates. Moreover, differences in correlation coefficients between PCV and logarithmic FEC (lnFEC) among species, breed, year, and day of sampling were evaluated. Breed affected (P ≤ 0.001) PCV in goats (24.8, 27.2, and 26.0% for Boer, Kiko, and Spanish, respectively; SEM = 0.42) and sheep (29.8, 26.7, and 31.0% for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM = 0.28). There were effects of FEC × breed (P ≤ 0.029) on PCV for Boer, Kiko, Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix (-0.31, -0.33, -0.46, -0.46, and - 0.49% per 1000 eggs, respectively) but not for Spanish goats (P = 0.451). With all data, PCV and lnFEC with natural infection were highly correlated (P < 0.001) for Boer and Kiko goats and Dorper and Katahdin sheep (r = -0.59, -0.67, -0.77, and - 0.84, respectively) but not for Spanish goats or St. Croix sheep (P ≥ 0.323). Correlation coefficients for artificial infection with H. contortus were significant (P ≤ 0.002) except for Spanish goats, although values were lower (-0.40, -0.21, -0.23, -0.47, and - 0.28 for Boer, Kiko, Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively) compared with natural infection. In conclusion, PCV was not related to FEC in Spanish goats infected either naturally or artificially, and the nature of the relationship varied among breeds of goats and sheep. Based on the magnitude of the FEC × breed coefficient, sheep incurred a relatively greater reduction in PCV as FEC increased, and correlation coefficients indicate stronger relationships with natural than artificial infection.

Quantification of differences in resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep using a multivariate blood parameter.

Breeding for resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in sheep relies largely on the use of worm egg counts (WEC) to identify animals that are able to resist infection. As an alternative to such measures of parasite load we aimed to develop a method to identify animals showing resistance to GIN infection based on the impact of the infection on blood parameters. We hypothesized that blood parameters may provide a measure of infection level with a blood-feeding parasite through perturbation of red blood cell parameters due to feeding behaviour of the parasite, and white blood cell parameters through the mounting of an immune response in the host animal. We measured a set of blood parameters in 390 sheep that had been exposed to an artificial regime of repeated challenges with Trichostrongylus colubriformis followed by Haemonchus contortus. A simple analysis revealed strong relationships between single blood parameters and WECs with correlation coefficients -0.54 to -0.60. We then used more complex multi-variate methods based on supervised classifier models (including Bayesian Network) as well as regression models (Lasso and Elastic Net) to study the relationships between WECs and blood parameters, and derived algorithms describing the relationships. The ability of these algorithms to classify sheep GIN resistance status was tested using the WEC and blood parameters collected from a different group of 418 sheep that had acquired natural infections of H. contortus from pasture. We identified the most resistant and most susceptible animals (10% percentiles) of this group based on WECs, and then compared the identities of these animals to the identities of animals that were predicted to be most resistant and most susceptible by our algorithms. The models showed varying abilities to predict susceptible and resistant sheep, with up to 65% of the most susceptible animals and 30% of the most resistant animals identified by the Elastic Net model algorithms. The prediction algorithms derived from female sheep data performed better than those for male sheep in some cases, with the predicted animals accounting for up to 50-60% of the actual resistant and susceptible female animals. Heritability values were calculated for blood parameters and the aggregate trait descriptions defined by the novel prediction algorithms. The aggregate trait descriptions were moderately heritable and may therefore be suitable for use in genetic selection strategies. The present study indicates that multivariate models based on blood parameter data showed some ability to predict the resistance status of sheep to infection with H. contortus.

Hematology and condition factor of tui chub and fathead minnow parasitized by nematode from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA.

This study evaluated the hematological profile and condition factor (Kn) of tui chub Siphateles bicolor and fathead minnow Pimephales promelas and their associations with larvae of Contracaecum sp. infection of the heart. A total of 30 tui chub and 17 fathead minnow were collected from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA, measured, and weighed and blood was drawn for hematological analysis. Nematode larvae parasitized tui chub with a prevalence of 50% and mean intensity of 1.40, while 11.8% of fathead minnow were parasitized at a mean intensity of 1.0. Non-parasitized tui chub were significantly larger than the parasitized fish, indicating that small fish could be easily predated by the definitive host, a piscivorous bird. Although the relatively large worm occupied a large portion of the atrium, the presence of the larvae did not affect tui chub Kn, possibly associated with low parasite intensity and a harmonic co-evolution. Only parasitized fathead minnow showed significant differences in red blood cell measurements (greater cell width and larger nuclei) compared to non-parasitized fish. Lymphocytes were the most common white blood cells found in tui chub, followed by neutrophils, monocytes, and periodic acid-Schiff positive granular leukocytes; in fathead minnow lymphocytes were followed by heterophils, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils. This study is the first report of Kn and description of blood cells and hematological parameters in these fish species.

Comparative Analysis of Serum Mineral Levels and Parasite Load in Goats Naturally Infected with Gastrointestinal Nematodes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum mineral levels and parasite load in Saanen (n=37) and Damascus (n=13) goats, which were all approximately 2 months pregnant and naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. METHODS: To determine parasite concentration individually, fecal samples were taken from each goat, and the eggs per gram (EPG) of feces was detected via a modified McMaster technique. To investigate the possible effects of parasite concentration on serum mineral levels, blood was drawn from the goats and serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, and cadmium levels were measured via the ICP-OES technique. RESULTS: In a correlation analysis of the individual EPG values and mineral levels performed on the basis of the species, it was seen that increased egg numbers did not cause a statistically significant increase or decrease in Saanens except for cadmium (significant moderate positive correlation, p<0.05) for both species. A comparison of the mineral element levels with the lower and upper normal limits in the published literature found that manganese and iron were below the normal range, while zinc and calcium levels were close to the lower limits. CONCLUSION: It is estimated that the effect of parasite load, which continuously increases with the progression of pregnancy and deliveries, on blood mineral levels would be much more significant.

Explaining variability in first grazing season heifer growth combining individually measured parasitological and clinical indicators with exposure to gastrointestinal nematode infection based on grazing management practice.

The objective of our study was to explain the variability of average daily weight gain (ADWG) due to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection for 291 non treated first grazing season (FGS) heifers, from 12 independent groups in the western part of France, by combining parasitological and clinical indicators at individual level and grazing management indicators at group level. Parasitological indicators were faecal egg count (FEC), anti Ostertagia ostertagi antibody level (Ostertagia ODR), and pepsinogen level. Clinical indicators were diarrhea score (DISCO) and breech soiling score (BSS). At group level, grazing management practice (GMP), based on three variables (supplementation, month of turnout, grazing season duration), was clustered into three categories reflecting low, medium or high exposure (EXP) to GIN. Depending on the groups, turnout was from mid-March to early July and housing was from mid-October to late November, with a FGS duration ranging from 4 to 8.4 months. At turnout, the mean age of heifers was 8 months (range: 6-16 months) and they weighed between 175 and 268kg. In each GMP category, FEC significantly decreased between the mid-season and the housing, while Ostertagia ODR and pepsinogen level increased gradually throughout the grazing season. In contrast, clinical indicators did not show any seasonal variation. In a multivariate linear model, 22% of the ADWG variability was significantly explained by two individual indicators (Ostertagia ODR: 12.6%, DISCO: 4.8%) and by the group indicator (GMP category: 4.8%). ADWG losses due to GIN exposure (Ostertagia ODR) were estimated up to 39kg per heifer for the overall grazing season. For groups within the low EXP category the difference between animals with low (<697g/day) or high (>697g/day) ADWG was explained by the clinical indicator DISCO. In contrast, for groups within the medium and high EXP categories this difference was explained by a parasitological indicator (Ostertagia ODR). This study highlighted the value of combining both grazing management (group level) and parasitological (individual level) indicators to assess the impact of GIN on ADWG of FGS heifers. As a result, this combination might allow a better discrimination of animals or groups that may be in need of treatment in a targeting selective treatment approach.

Influence of parasitism in dogs on their serum levels of persistent organochlorine compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals, which accumulate in humans and animals, as only few species have the capability of eliminating them. However, some authors have pointed to the possibility that certain species of invertebrates (i.e. nematodes) could metabolize this type of compounds. As certain species of nematodes act as parasites of vertebrates, this research was designed to explore the influence of some of the most common parasites of the dogs in their serum levels of 56 common POPs. The study included three groups of dogs (n=64), which were prospectively recruited in the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): a) control animals, non-parasitized (serologically tested negative, n=24); b) dogs tested positive for intestinal parasites and negative for other parasites (n=24); and c) dogs tested positive for heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and negative for other parasites (n=16). The presence of Dirofilaria immitis was strongly associated with lower serum levels of a wide range of pollutant in their hosts (PCB congeners 28, 52, 118, 138, 153, and 180; hexachlorobenzene, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, anthracene and pyrene). We also found an inverse association between the hosts' serum levels of PCBs and intestinal parasites. We did not find any association with DDT or its metabolites, but this might be explained by the recently suggested ability of dogs for the efficient metabolization of these compounds. According to the results of this study certain forms of parasitism would reduce the bioavailability of the major classes of POPs in dogs. However, further studies are needed to elucidate whether this phenomenon is due to a competence between parasites and hosts or could respond to a possible capability of parasitic nematodes for the metabolization of these POPs.

Changes in biochemical analytes in calves infected by nematode parasites in field conditions.

Parasitic infections caused by nematodes are a major problem in bovines that resulting in losses in animal health and production. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in selected serum biochemical analytes in calves naturally infected with gastrointestinal (GI) and pulmonary nematodes without clinical signs. For this, samples of feces and blood of 86 calves were collected. Fecal egg counts (FEC) were determined using the modified McMaster technique with a sensitivity of 50 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Positive nematode FEC was processed for coproculture using pooled samples to identify Strongylidae infective larvae (L3). First stage-larvae (L1) of Dictyocaulus viviparous were identified by a modified Baermann method. The biochemical analytes determined were: acute phase proteins such as haptoglobin and paraoxonase type 1; the enzymes acetylcholinesterase; butyrylcholinesterase; the lipid profile (triglycerides and total, HDL, and LDL-cholesterol); serum iron profile (iron and unsaturated iron-binding capacity); total protein and albumin; pancreatic profile (amylase and lipase); and minerals (phosphorus and calcium). The calves were divided into four groups according to the results of EPG and the modified Baermann method. Group 1: healthy control animals (n=16); Group 2: calves with only GI parasites (n=51): This group was sub-divided into sub-groups according to the EPG threshold: 2a-GI parasites with low EPG (n=23), and 2b-GI parasites with high EPG (n=28). Group 3: animals with only lungworms (n=5), and Group 4: calves with lung+GI parasites (n=14). The more prevalent genera in all coprocultures were: Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the groups and Dunn's post-test was used for multiple comparisons as the data was not normally distributed (P<0.05). The haptoglobin concentration increased in calves with GI and pulmonary parasites. A significant increase in acetylcholinesterase was observed in calves infected with lungworms. Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL concentrations decreased but lipase concentration increased in calves with GI parasites. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the biochemical effects produced by nematode parasites in calves in field conditions. These findings in calves without any evident clinical signs of disease could provide an indication of GI parasites and lungworm infection, especially in an endemic area for these parasites.

Anthelmintic efficacy, plasma and milk kinetics of eprinomectin following topical and subcutaneous administration to yaks (Bos grumniens).

Eprinomectin is recommended for use as an anti-parasitic agent in livestock, including cattle. Yaks are a member of the cattle family living in the high altitude mountains of China and adjacent countries; however, there have been no clinical trials of the anthelmintic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of eprinomectin in yaks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the endectocidal efficacy and pharmacokinetics of eprinomectin following topical (at 0.5 mg/kg) and subcutaneous (at 0.2 mg/kg) administration in the yak. After topical administration, plasma eprinomectin reached a peak value of 15.31 ± 3.71 ng/ml (Cmax) at 3.01 ± 1.22 days (Tmax). In milk, the Cmax was 3.74 ± 1.05 ng/ml at 3.00 ± 0.88 days. The AUC0-t for plasma was 193.84 ± 26.34 ng d/ml and for milk AUC(0-t) was 46.24 ± 10.37 ng d/ml. The mean residence time (MRT) was 10.74 ± 1.44 days and 10.90 ± 3.87 days in plasma and milk, respectively. After subcutaneous administration, the Cmax was 35.78 ± 10.53 ng/ml at 0.91 ± 0.39 days in plasma and 9.10 ± 3.61 ng/ml at 1.61 ± 1.05 days in milk. The MRTs in plasma and milk were 3.07 ± 1.50 and 3.64 ± 1.15 days, respectively. The AUC(0-t) was 133.71 ± 32.51 ng d/ml for plasma and 43.85 ± 14.16 ng d/ml for milk. Both the pour-on and injectable formulation of eprinomectin were similarly efficacious (minimum egg count reductions of 94% and 96.4%, respectively) at each post-treatment time point. However, Tmax, MRT and t(1/2el) were longer, and Cmax of eprinomectin in the plasma and milk were lower, following topical administration compared to those after subcutaneous administration. In conclusion, these results support the use of eprinomectin in yaks. The pour-on formulation of eprinomectin can be recommended for nematode control in lactating yaks with no milk-withdrawal period because of its low residue profile and good efficacy.

Annual variation in serum antibody concentrations against gastrointestinal nematodes in beef calves from semi-arid rangelands of western Canada.

Sera from calves originating on a 17,000 ha ranch in southeastern Alberta, were collected over three consecutive years (2008-2010) at weaning and analysed for the presence of anti-Ostertagia antibodies using the SVANOVIR(®)Ostertagia ostertagi-Ab ELISA kit. Faecal samples taken at the same time were analysed for presence of nematode eggs using the modified Wisconsin faecal flotation technique. Mean optical density ratio (ODR) values for all calves were similar in 2008 and 2010 while the 2009 values were significantly higher. Similar cumulative frequency distribution profiles were found for 2008 and 2010 while the 2009 profile had an increased number of values in the higher bin categories. This pattern indicates higher nematode transmission on pasture in 2009. There was no significant difference in ODR values between egg positive and egg-negative calves and no significant correlation was detected between individual ODR values and faecal egg output. Significantly higher ODR values in 2009 appear contradictory to general assumptions about the ecological requirements of larval development, as 2009 was a relatively dry year. However, examination of weather data identified 5-6 rainfall events that may have resulted in episodic enhanced survival of nematode larvae.

The transfer of IgA from mucus to plasma and the implications for diagnosis and control of nematode infections.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) activity has been associated with reduced growth and fecundity of Teladorsagia circumcincta. IgA is active at the site of infection in the abomasal mucus. However, while IgA activity in abomasal mucus is not easily measured in live animals without invasive methods, IgA activity can be readily detected in the plasma, making it a potentially valuable tool in diagnosis and control. We used a Bayesian statistical analysis to quantify the relationship between mucosal and plasma IgA in sheep deliberately infected with T. circumcincta. The transfer of IgA depends on mucosal IgA activity as well as its interaction with worm number and size; together these account for over 80% of the variation in plasma IgA activity. By quantifying the impact of mucosal IgA and worm number and size on plasma IgA, we provide a tool that can allow more meaningful interpretation of plasma IgA measurements and aid the development of efficient control programmes.

Deworming of intestinal helminths reduces HIV-1 subtype C viremia in chronically co-infected individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To define the impact of helminthic infestations and their treatment on viral load and T cell subsets in chronic HIV-1-infected patients. METHODS: Two hundred twenty chronic HIV-1-infected Ethiopian patients with (N = 87) and without (N = 133) helminthic infestations were included. To determine the impact of deworming on viral load and T cell subsets, a subset of these patients with (n = 23) and without (n = 20) helminthic infestations were followed longitudinally. Helminth egg loads, plasma HIV RNA levels, and peripheral blood CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were determined at baseline and at 12 weeks after antihelminthic treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, plasma viral load was significantly higher in individuals with (n = 87) than without (n = 133) a helminthic infestation (5.01 log10 vs. 3.41 log10, p < 0.001). Twelve weeks after antihelminthic treatment, plasma HIV RNA levels were reduced in the successfully treated group (p < 0.001). Twelve weeks after antihelminthic treatment, helminth infestations and their treatment had no significant effect on CD4(+) T cell counts. However, helminth-infested individuals had a higher level of CD8(+) T cells at baseline (p < 0.001), which was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) at 12 weeks after antihelminthic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Helminths were found to be associated with an increased HIV RNA level. Successful treatment of intestinal helminths reduced plasma HIV RNA levels in chronic HIV-1 subtype C infection. Considering the high endemicity of helminths in tropical settings, the management of chronically HIV-infected individuals must include deworming.

Markers/parameters for the evaluation of natural resistance status of small ruminants against gastrointestinal nematodes.

The high prevalence of anthelmintic-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) throughout the world has led to the need for alternative worm control strategies. One of the possible substitutes to reduce the problems of drug resistance and residue is the evaluation/breeding of small ruminants for greater resistance to the GINs (organically produced), which in turn would be a helpful tool to predict the performance of an animal. At present, the existing diversity in the genetic potential to resist/tolerate GINs infection both within and between breeds has been validated. Successful selection of animals to define the genotype and identified resistance is related to the employed markers. A number of phenotypic traits such as faecal egg count (FEC), worm burden, serum antibodies, peripheral eosinophilia, packed cell volume, live weight, serum protein and albumin concentrations have been used for this purpose both in natural and artificial infections. Relatively resistant/tolerant animals have also been found to have mastocytosis, globule leucocytes, high levels of histamine and immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgE concentrations. Of these traits, the principal and most practical measurement used to assess resistance status in animals undergoing similar parasite challenges is FEC. FEC has a positive/negative correlation with other biochemical, cellular and immunological parameters; however, the reliability of individual trial is often questioned and valuable information regarding the genetic makeup can be obtained from pooled data of a large number of trials and parameters. This paper covers all the aspects reported in the literature on various parameters considered to evaluate the resistance status of a range of small ruminant breeds.

Serum pepsinogen levels to monitor gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle revisited.

The serum pepsinogen level is widely accepted as a useful parameter for monitoring gastrointestinal nematode infections in first-season grazing calves. However, several aspects, with possible implications for its practicality and the way to use the pepsinogen test, have received little attention to date. The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) the reproducibility of a pepsinogen assay; (2) the required sample size for a reliable diagnosis and (3) the compliance to and effect of advice based on pepsinogen levels determined in year one on the nematode infection levels in the next generation of calves. Despite a high repeatability of the pepsinogen assay within the reference lab, the reproducibility between different labs was poor. There was more variation in pepsinogen levels between herds than between animals within a herd, suggesting that it is most useful to make a herd level diagnosis. Sample size calculation indicated that sampling seven animals sufficed to obtain a reliable indication of calf groups of up to 40 animals. Eighty-two herds were followed-up over two consecutive years and 39 (48%) had followed the advice that was formulated based on pepsinogen levels. Thirty-nine percent of the herds were advised to reduce the intensity of chemoprophylaxis. Samples from animals of those herds showed a higher pepsinogen level in the second year, but none of them had a mean pepsinogen level that is considered excessive. It is concluded that pepsinogen determination at housing from a limited number of animals can contribute to the design of the anthelmintic control strategy in the next year and a more targeted use of anthelmintics. However, more efforts are needed to harmonize the assay between veterinary diagnostic labs.

An atherogenic lipid profile with low serum paraoxonase-1 activity during nematode infection in rats.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with cardiovascular diseases and underlying atherosclerosis. The high density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated paraoxonase-1 (PON1) enzyme is known to be involved in the protection of serum lipids from such oxidation. Nonetheless, the disturbances of lipid profile during nematode-infected model have not yet been studied. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effects of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection in male Wistar rats, a model of human gastrointestinal nematode infections, on hepatic PON1 synthesis and the levels of lipid parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-infected rats fed standard and high-fat diets. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured on day 0, 2, 4, 7, and 14 post-infection (PI). Hepatic PONs and pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression levels were evaluated in a standard diet-fed groups, and the disturbances in lipid profile as well as the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and oxidized-LDL (Ox-LDL) were measured in high-fat diet-fed groups. RESULTS: We found that N. brasiliensis-infected rats fed the standard diet show a significant reduction in serum PON1 activity and down-regulation of hepatic PON1 mRNA expression as well as up-regulation of hepatic IL-1ß, IL-ß receptor (R), TNF-α, and TNFR1 mRNA expressions in association with hepatic recruitments of Kupffer cells and neutrohils. In the presence of the high-fat diet, N. brasiliensis infection increases serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL/VLDL, TBARS and Ox-LDL as well as decreases serum HDL coinciding with a maximum serum PON1 reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection can induce atherogenic lipid profile and reduce serum PON1 activity.

Foodborne nematodal infections in hospitalized patients from a southwestern Romanian county.

OBJECTIVES: Caras-Severin County presented the highest incidence of human trichinellosis (108.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) throughout Romania in 1993. This study aimed at providing an overview of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of persons from this county hospitalized with nematodal infections between 1996 and 2008. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from the medical records of 269 patients admitted to two infectious diseases hospitals and found to have nematode helminthic infections. RESULTS: Of the study group, 250 patients (92.9%) presented with trichinellosis, 10 (3.7%) with ascariasis, 7 (2.6%) with trichuriasis, and 2 (0.8%) with ascariasis and trichuriasis coinfections. Geohelminthic infections prevailed in children (68.4%). Giardiasis, a protozoan parasitic disease, was also found in 21 patients (7.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Although trichinellosis cases decreased in this county, public health authorities must remain aware because new outbreaks may occur at any time as it happened in the neighboring counties. Regarding geohelminthiasis, parents must be aware of the potential risk of acquiring these infections and the major complications that may follow.

Consequences of protein supplementation for anorexia, expression of immunity and plasma leptin concentrations in parasitized ewes of two breeds.

The periparturient relaxation of immunity (PPRI) against parasites in ewes has a nutritional basis. We investigated whether ewes experience a reduction in food intake (anorexia) during PPRI and if the magnitude of anorexia is affected by host production potential and dietary protein supplementation. We also investigated whether nematode infection is linked to plasma leptin concentrations in periparturient ewes. The experiment was a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design. Two breeds of twin-bearing/lactating ewes (Greyface cross, G (n 32) and Scottish Blackface, B (n 32)) were used. Half of the ewes were trickle infected with 30,000 larvae of the abomasal parasite Teladorsagia circumcincta per week and the other half were not. During the experiment, all ewes had ad libitum access to a low-protein diet that provided less protein than the recommended allowance. In addition, half of the ewes received a protein supplement that resulted in protein intakes that exceeded recommendations. Nematode infection resulted in a breakdown of immunity to parasites and a reduction in food intake in both breeds. The breeds differed in the extent of PPRI (G ewes having higher faecal egg counts than B ewes), but not in the magnitude of anorexia. Protein supplementation resulted in a reduction in faecal egg counts, but had no effect on the magnitude of anorexia. Plasma leptin concentrations changed significantly over time, but were not affected by protein supplementation or infection. It is concluded that infection with T. circumcincta in periparturient ewes results in anorexia that is not alleviated by protein supplementation and seems unrelated to plasma leptin concentrations.

The effect of long-term feeding of fresh and ensiled cassava (Manihot esculenta) foliage on gastrointestinal nematode infections in goats.

The benefit of long-term feeding of fresh or ensiled cassava foliage on gastrointestinal parasite in goats was evaluated. Eighteen male goats (15.15 +/- 2.83 kg and between 4-6 months) were randomly allocated into three treatments supplemented with 200 g of wheat bran head(-1) day(-1). All groups were fed ad-libitum on either grass (CO), fresh cassava (CaF) or ensiled cassava foliage (CaS). At the beginning of the trial, each goat was inoculated with 3000 L3 containing approximately 50% Haemonchus contortus. Individual LWt, FEC and PCV were measured at weekly intervals for 10 weeks. At the termination of the experiment all goats were slaughtered for worm recovery and enumeration. The goats in CaF and CaS had similar weight gains while those in CO lost weight (p < 0.05) through the trial. FEC in CaF and CaS were lower (p < 0.05) than CO during the patency of parasite infections, but there was no difference between CaF and CaS goats. PCV of all groups decreased from above 30% to around 25% at the end of the trial. The compositions of established worm burdens were mainly H. contortus (19-40%) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (55-76%). TWB did not differ among the groups, however, CaS significantly reduced H. contortus burdens, as compared to CaF and CO (p < or = 0.005). Thus, ensiled cassava foliage reduced the H. contortus population while the fresh foliage only reduced worm fecundity.

[Haptoglobin, serum amyloid-a and ceruloplasmin concentrations in goats with mixed helminth infection]. / Miks Helmint Enfeksiyonlu Keçilerde Haptoglobin, Serum Amiloid-A ve Seruloplazmin Konsantrasyonlari.

In this study, the concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A and ceruloplasmin were measured in goats with mixed gastrointestinal infections of nematodes and liver trematodes. Twelve patients who were diagnosed as having mixed helminth infection after detection of Trichuris spp., Trichostrongylidae spp. and Fasciola spp. and six healthy controls participated in the study. The concentrations of the acute phase proteins (haptoglobin p< or =0.001; serum amyloid-A p< or =0.05) were significantly higher in the goats with mixed gastrointestinal infection with nematodes and liver trematodes than the control goats. As a result of this study, we determined that the concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid-A increased in goats with mixed helminth infection but further studies of the clinical importance of those increases in relation to prognosis and monitoring therapy of helminthic infections in goats should be made.

Parasites of pigeons (Columba livia) in urban areas of lages, Southern Brazil

The prevalence of ectoparasites and endoparasites was studied in 5 8 free-living pigeons (Columba livia) in urban areas of Lages, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The pigeons were visually inspected and fecal and blood samples were collected to determine the presence of ectoparasites. The serological diagnosis was established through the use of blood smears stained with Quick Panoptic and Giemsa methods. The fecal samples were analyzed using Sheather 's method. The Quick Panoptic andGiemsa methods detected 67.24 percent (39/58) and 46.55 percent (27/58) of Haemoproteussp, respectively. The prevalence rate amounted to 57 percent of 116 smears analyzed (P value=0.0387; odds ratio = 2.357 with a 95 percent confidence interval). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 74.14 percent (43/58). Protozoa (100 percent for Eimeria sp.) were detected in 86.05 percent of the cases and nematodes (Ascaridia sp. and Capillaria sp.) in 32.56 percent, whereas 20.93 percent of the pigeons were infected by multiple parasites. The fly Pseudolynchia canariensis was found beneath the feathers of all pigeons. This is the first report of parasites in C. livia in the state of Santa Catarina.

A prevaléncia de ecto e endoparasitos de 58 pombos (Columba livia) de vida livre foi estudada em áreas urbanas de Lages, estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Os pombos foram submetidos ao exame visual para a coleta e identificação de ectoparasites, coletas de fezes e sangue. O diagnóstico hemoparasitológico foi através de esfregacos sanguíneos corados pelas técnicas de Panótico Rápido e Giemsa. As fezes foram processadas pelo método de Sheather. Entre os hemoparasitos destacou-se o Haemoproteus sp., com 67,24 por cento (39/58) para a técnica de Panótico Rápido e 46,55 por cento (27/58) para a técnica de Giemsa. Dos 116 esfregaços analisados, a prevalência foi de 57 por cento (P = 0,0387; Odds Ratio = 2,357 e Intervalo de Confiaça de 95 por cento). A prevalência de parásitos gastrintestinais foi de 74,14 por cento (43/58) com 86,05 por cento para protozoários (100 por cento para Eimeria sp.), 32,56 por cento para nematódeos (Ascaridia sp. e Capillaria sp.) e 20,93 por cento multiparasitados. A presença da mosca Pseudolynchia canarienses foi observada entre as penas de todas as aves. Este é o primeiro registro destes parásitos em C. livia no estado de Santa Catarina.