A Parasitological Examination on Aquarium Fish Sold in Petshops in Kirikkale.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in aquarium fish sold in local pet shops. METHODS: Totally 502 fish samples from 8 species were obtained from 7 pet shops. Native preparations were prepared from the gills, fins, skin, intestines, and internal organs of fish and examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: It was detected at the end of the study that 62.7% of the fishes examined were infected with one or more parasite species. Among the fish examined, 28.9% were infected with a single parasite, whereas 33.9% were infected with mixed parasites. Chilodonella sp. identified as the most common species. Other species detected included Trichodina sp., Piscinoodinium sp., Ichthyobodo sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Apiosoma sp., Epistylis sp., Vorticella sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Capillaria sp., Camallanus sp., metacercariae, and nematode larvae, Argulus sp., Philodina sp., Euchlanis sp., Aelosoma sp., and Tetrahymena. CONCLUSION: The importance of the present study is that highest number of parasite species were detected in aquarium fish sold in pet shops in Türkiye. The aquarium owners should pay attention to the cleanliness of the aquarium water in order to reduce the rate of parasitic infection in fish; when new fish are purchased, they should be taken from reliable sources, and the quarantine process should be observed.

Investigation of the prophylactic and therapeutic effectiveness of oral thyme extract in rats experimentally infected with cryptosporidium parvum.

In this study, the prophylactic and therapeutic activities of thyme extract at different concentrations against experimental Cryptosporidium parvum infection in immunosuppressed rats were investigated. Thyme extract was prepared at four different concentrations (10%, 30%, 50%, and 100%) and administered as a single oral dose of 1 mL for evaluation of its prophylactic efficacy. Five consecutive days after infection was detected in all rats, therapeutic evaluations were also performed. According to the results obtained by daily counting of oocysts in stools, the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of thyme extract administration were significant in comparison to the control group (P˂0.01). Oocyst shedding continued in the control group at high numbers from the beginning to the end of the study, while oocyst counts in the prophylaxis groups remained low throughout the study. On the other hand, oocyst excretion rates were high in the therapeutic groups and decreased rapidly after thyme extract administration. At the end of the study, oocyst excretion had completely stopped for some rats administered thyme extract. There was no group in which oocyst shedding ceased for all rats. No significant differences were observed in the therapeutic or prophylaxis groups regarding the doses administered (P > 0.01). Renal and hepatic functions were monitored by measuring urea, creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase levels ​​before and after thyme extract administration. As a result, it was concluded that oral thyme extract administration at the doses applied in this study is effective and safe in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of experimental cryptosporidiosis in rats.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti in Cattle in Oguzlar Region

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti in cattle in the Oguzlar district of Çorum province. Methods: Venous blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis of 100 cattle in the Oguzlar region and stored into anticoagulant-free tubes. Serum samples were examined with commercial c-ELISA kits for N. caninum (IDEXX, Switzerland) and B. besnoiti (ID.vet, France). Results: Two of serum samples were found to be N. caninum (2%) and five were B. besnoiti (5%) seropositive. No mixed infection was detected in any of serum samples. Conclusion: In this study, the presence of N. caninum and B. besnoiti was serologically determined in animals that are not imported in the Oguzlar region. This is the first study in the region to identify B. besnoiti in the seropositive cattle and is the third study in Turkey.

Infestation of Chirodiscoides caviae in a Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) at Turkey and Fipronil Treatment

Kirikkale University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Parasitology Department Laboratory has brought a male kobay for 3-4 months with the complaint having a large number of black mites on his hair by a student of the same school. Microscopic examination revealed that this mite was Chirodiscoides caviae. These cases were reported for the first time in Turkey. The animal has been treated with fipronil.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in Dairy Cattle Raised in Çiçekdagi District of Kirsehir Province.

OBJECTIVE: Neospora caninum is one of the most important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide and causes significant economic losses in the meat and dairy industries. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in dairy cattle raised in Çiçekdagi district of Kirsehir province. METHODS: One hundred sixteen serum samples collected from dairy cattle were analyzed for N. caninum antibodies by a commercial Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) kit (VMRD c-ELISA). RESULTS: The seropositivity rate was 18.1% in the cattle examined. The seroprevalence of N. caninum was 23.4% in dairy cattle with fertility problems, 33.3% in cattle with a history of abortion, and 7.8% in clinically healthy dairy cattle (p=0.006). Cattle breeds with highest seropositivity rates were Holstein, Simmental, and Brown Swiss (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: Control measures should be taken for both dogs as final host of the parasite cattle to prevent the spread of neosporosis in cattle in Çiçekdagi district.

Prevalence of Haemoproteus spp. in Tumbler Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Kirikkale Province, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Haemoproteus spp. are common blood parasites of pigeons. They have been reported in pigeons in many regions worldwide, including Turkey. Pigeon breeding is a popular hobby in Kirikkale province, and there is no information about the prevalence of Haemoproteus spp. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Haemoproteus spp. in tumbler pigeons in Kirikkale province (Kirikkale and Yahsihan district). METHODS: Blood samples were taken from the wing vein of pigeons (n: 173) through microcapillary (with/heparin) tubes between February and March 2016. Blood smears were stained with 5% Giemsa solution. Ectoparasites of the pigeons were collected in separate sealed boxes. Epidemiological data of the sampled pigeons (age and sex) were obtained from the breeders. RESULTS: In total, 23 (%13.2) of 173 pigeons were infected with Haemoproteus spp. Parasite was detected in 73.9% of pigeons over 1 year old and 26.1% of pigeon under 1 year age. Haemoproteus spp. was observed in 56.2% of females (13/23) and 43.4% of males (10/23), Sex-related differences were not observed (p = 0.821). Ectoparasites of the pigeons were identified as Columbicola spp. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Kirikkale province that reported the prevalence of Haemoproteus spp. in pigeons.

Role of NETs in the difference in host susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii between sheep and cattle.

The main aim of this study was to compare extracellular traps (NETs) formation by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) of cattle and sheep when exposed to T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro. The effects of parasite concentrations and different incubation periods on NETs development in cattle and sheep PMNs were studied. The effect of NET structures on host cell invasion by tachyzoites was also studied. This is the first report of NETs development by sheep and cattle PMNs against T. gondii in vitro. T. gondii-induced extracellular DNA production from PMNs was dependent on tachyzoite concentrations and incubation time in both sheep and cattle. Many nuclear and cytoplasmic changes were observed in sheep and cattle PMNs after exposure to T. gondii tachyzoites. The typical appearance of NETs, with MPO, NE and histone (H3) attached to extracellular DNA, was observed. Tachyzoites were entrapped within this structure. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was higher in the cattle PMN-tachyzoite co-cultures than sheep. NETs structures released from sheep PMNs caused mechanical immobilisation of T. gondii tachyzoites, however, NET structures released from cattle PMNs may be lethal to tachyzoites. Bovine MPO may have a lethal effect on T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro during a 3h incubation. Besides other mechanisms that effect on host susceptibility to T. gondii in sheep and cattle, extracellular traps formation as a part of immunological reactions may be play a role in host susceptibility to T. gondii.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Cats and Their Importance in Terms of Public Health.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to detect the prevalence of intestinal parasites in cats by fecal examination. METHODS: A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from owned and stray cats in the Kirikkale province. Epidemiological data on the sampled cats (e.g., age, race, and sex) were recorded. The samples were macroscopically investigated for the presence of cestode proglottids. The fecal smears were stained with Giemsa and Carbol fuchsin stains. The samples were prepared by centrifugal flotation with a saturated sugar solution. The slides were examined using light microscopy. RESULTS: Parasites were detected in 47% of feces of cats examined. Protozoa (Isospora spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.) oocysts, gravid proglottid of cestode (Joyeuxiella spp.), and nematode (Toxocara spp. and hookworm) eggs were present in the fecal samples. In this study, 48.9% of cats were infected with one species, and 44.6% and 6.3% of cats were infected with two and three species, respectively. The more prevalent parasite species were Isospora spp. (65.9%) and Toxocara spp. (48.9%). The parasites were found to be more common in stray cats. CONCLUSION: Intestinal parasites were highly prevalent in the cats examined in this study. House cats can have significant parasitic infections, particularly because they are allowed outdoors. House cats should be regularly examined by a veterinarian.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in hamsters and rabbits in some pet shops of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the parasite species carried by hamsters and rabbits purchased from some commercial pet shops in Turkey. METHODS: For this purpose, the fecal samples of clinically healthy Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters, and crossbred rabbits were collected from 22 pet shops randomly selected in Ankara and Kirikkale provinces, located in Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The fecal samples were examined with centrifuge flotation technique using saturated salt solution. RESULTS: Parasitic infection rate was 57.5% in dwarf hamsters, 54.9% in Syrian hamsters, and 56.3% in crossbreed rabbits. Trichurid eggs were the most prevalent parasite in the feces of Syrians hamsters (28.1%). The other parasites of Syrian hamsters were as follows: Eimeria spp. oocysts (15.4%) and the eggs of H. nana (11.2%), Syphacia spp. (11%). and Aspiculuris spp. (5.6 %). Only trichurid eggs were observed in the fecal samples of dwarf hamsters (51.5%). Oocysts of Eimeria spp. (52.7%) and the eggs of P. ambiguus (3.6%) were detected in the feces of rabbits. CONCLUSION: Within the scope of this study, the detection of H. nana eggs, a zoonotic parasite, in the feces of Syrian hamster was quite remarkable for public health.

In-vivo efficacy of toltrazuril on experimentally induced Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts in lambs: a novel strategy for prevention of human exposure to meat-borne toxoplasmosis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate in vivo efficacy of toltrazuril on Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts following induction of chronic toxoplasmosis in 4-week-old lambs (n=27) by inoculation of 1×10(5) T. gondii ME 49 strain oocysts (day 0). Beginning at the 15th day after inoculation, lambs in Group T20 and Group T40 were given toltrazuril orally 2 times, once every week (Baycox 5%, Bayer Animal Health) at a dose of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Positive control (PC) lambs were not given any therapy, and 2 clinically healthy non-infected lambs were used as negative controls (Group NC). Two out of 9 lambs in PC group (oocyst inoculated but non-treated) were killed on toltrazuril treatment days (day 15 and 22) to evaluate the tissue cyst presence in their muscles. On day 90, the remaining 25 lambs were necropsied, and samples from the brain and 11 different muscle groups were collected. The tissues were examined for the presence of tissue cysts by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, nested-PCR and percoll gradient centrifugation. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were screened by IFAT throughout the experiment. The increased T. gondii seropositivity beginning from the 15th day of inoculation remained steady at Day 45 and Day 90 in Groups PC while it was significantly lower at Day 90 in toltrazuril receiving groups. In toltrazuril treated groups, histopathological findings included degenerative changes in the cyst wall, complete macrophage invasion to the cysts, and reduction or removal of the cysts in toto. Four out of 9 lambs (44.4%) in both toltrazuril treated group (Group T20 and T40) did not contain tissue cyst in any examined tissues while all positive control animals had T. gondii tissue cysts at least in one muscle group. The toltrazuril treatment efficacy on the cyst presence was determined as 44.4%. The number of the cysts in the musculature was significantly different between non-treated and toltrazuril treated lambs (X(2)=6.613; p=0.037). For the total number of cysts, the positive control lambs had higher number of cysts compared to both toltrazuril treated lambs (T20 and T40) (X(2)=5.629; p=0.018 and X(2)=5.629; p=0.018, respectively) while there were no differences between Group T20 and Group T40 (X(2)=0.000; p=1.000). According to PCR results, the brain and M. semitendinosus were positive in all 7 control lambs while 12 out of 18 lambs were positive in toltrazuril treated lambs. In conclusion, the results are promising as the toltrazuril treated lambs had markedly less parasite counts compared to those of untreated lambs. Further research should be conducted to reveal if toltrazuril treatment in sheep could be used as a strategy to minimize the cyst exposure of humans through consumption of raw or undercooked mutton.

Antiparasitic efficiency of Artemisia absinthium on Toxocara cati in naturally infected cats.

OBJECTIVE: The first aim of the present study was to determine the efficiency of A. absinthium extract on cats naturally infected with Toxocara cati. The second aim was to determine the efficiency of the extract on the embryonic development of T. cati eggs in vitro. METHODS: Artemisia absinthium extract was orally administrated to cats at the doses of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight in Group 1 and 2, respectively. It was given only once a day and the treatment continued 7 consecutive days. The faeces of the cats were examined both macroscopically and microscopically by flotation procedure with saturated salt solution pre-, during and post- treatment period. The faecal analysis was maintained during 8 days after completing the extract administration. The alteration of faecal egg numbers was performed by using the McMaster technique. RESULTS: The faecal egg numbers per gram were decreased gradually in cats in the trial groups. In the treatment period, the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine were located within the physiological ranges in cats. In in vitro trials with A. absinthium extract, the embryonic development of T. cati eggs was identical in all groups (treatment and control). A. absinthium extract did not inhibit larval development in eggs in in vitro trials. CONCLUSION: This plant extract may be an alternative choice in the treatment of parasitic diseases in future.

[The effect of different temperatures on viability of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus first stage larvae in faeces of cats]. / Cesitli Sicaklik Derecelerinin Kedi Diskisindaki Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus 1. Dönem Larvasinin Canliligina Etkisi.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus lives in the respiratory bronchioles and alveolar canals in the lungs of the cat and causes parasitic pneumonia. In present study, the effect of different temperatures on the viability of first stage larvae in feces of cats naturally infected with A. Abstrusus was investigated. Feces of cats were divided into two portions. One portion was left at room temperature (21-24 degrees C) and the other, left at +4 degrees C for three month-period. The fecal samples were examined by Baermann and McMaster techniques at 15 day-intervals. The number of living first stage larvae detected gradually decreased. The latest time of live larvae found in faeces left at room temperature was the 45th day and at +4 degrees C, the 60th day.

[Protozoons and arthropods found in eyes]. / Göze Yerlesen Protozoon ve Artropodlar.

Protozoons and arthropods can be observed commonly all around the world including our country. These parasites can cause different kind of disorders in human and animals. Some of these can cause eye disorders. The aim of this review was to present information about how the protozoons such as Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Giardia spp., Acanthamoeba spp., Plasmodium spp., the arthropods insects of myiasis, Phthirus pubis, ticks, Demodex folliculorum and Linguatula serrata (under discussion as to which order it beongs) invade the eye of host leading to clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

[Ceratothoa oestroides (Risso, 1826) (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) in black seabream from the Northern Aegean Sea]. / Ege Denizi'nin Kuzeyinden Yakalanan Bir Sarigöz Baliginda Ceratothoa oestroides (Risso, 1826) (Isopoda: Cymothoidae).

Ceratothoa oestroides (Risso, 1826), is an ectoparasite found in a variety of fish species. This parasite was detected on caudal pedoncule of black seabram (Spondyliosoma cantharus) hunted in Balikesir. This is the first report of C. oestroides in the black seabram (Spondyliosoma cantharus).