First record of ectoparasites (Phthiraptera and Acari) from the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Colombia.

Several species of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and mites are closely associated with their hosts. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is globally listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and its population has been steadily declining in recent decades suggesting a potential extinction of associated entomofauna. The purpose of this study was to record the species of ectoparasites infesting three individuals of Andean condor found dead in the 'Páramo del Almorzadero' Santander Department, Northeastern Colombia. One juvenile (male) and two adults (male and female) Andean condors received for necropsy were carefully examined for ectoparasite infestation. Specimens were collected and preserved in ethanol (70%) for taxonomic studies. Morphologic identification and morphometric records were made under light microscopy. Some specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and others were subjected to DNA extraction to amplify and obtain sequences of the cytochrome-C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for phylogenetic analyses. Lice were collected from the juvenile condor and the adult female and identified as Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the juvenile condor (8 females, 19 males and 8 nymphs) and the adult (1 female); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (19 females, 24 males and 1 nymph) and the adult (2 females, 2 males and 3 nymphs); and Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (40 females, 43 males and 15 nymphs) and the adult (1 male and 2 nymphs). Moreover, one mite collected from the juvenile condor was identified as Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 female). Morphometric data was obtained for the adult stages of F. assesor (6 females and 13 males), C. trichosum (9 females and 9 males) and C. zonatus (10 females and 10 males). We obtained the first DNA sequences of COI for F. assessor, and C. trichosum, where phylogenetic tree analysis showed that F. assessor is more closely related to Falcolipeurus marginalis, and C. trichosum to Colpocephalum kelloggi. This represents the first record of parasites in Andean condor from Colombia and contributes to the knowledge of chewing lice and mites associated with an endemic and endangered bird species. Further studies on Andean condor ectoparasites should be focused on documenting host-parasite interactions and potential health impacts in these wild birds.

Varias especies de ectoparásitos, incluidos piojos masticadores y ácaros están estrechamente asociados a sus hospedadores. El cóndor andino (Vultur gryphus) está catalogado por la UICN como una especie vulnerable y su población ha ido disminuyendo constantemente en las últimas décadas, lo que sugiere una posible extinción de la entomofauna asociada. El propósito de este estudio fue registrar las especies de ectoparásitos infestando a tres individuos de cóndor andino encontrados muertos en el Páramo del Almorzadero, Departamento de Santander, Noreste de Colombia. Un cóndor andino juvenil (macho) y dos adultos (macho y hembra) recibidos para necropsia fueron examinados cuidadosamente para detectar infestación por ectoparásitos. Los especímenes fueron recolectados y preservados en etanol (70%) para estudios taxonómicos. La identificación morfológica y los registros morfométricos se ejecutaron bajo microscopía óptica. Algunas muestras también se prepararon para microscopía electrónica de barrido y otras se sometieron a extracción de ADN para amplificar y obtener secuencias del gen de la subunidad I (COI) del citocromo­C oxidasa para análisis filogenéticos. Los piojos recolectados del cóndor juvenil y de la hembra adulta se identificaron como Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) en el cóndor juvenil (8 hembras, 19 machos y 8 ninfas) y en el adulto (1 hembra); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) en el juvenil (19 hembras, 24 machos y 1 ninfa) y en el adulto (2 hembras, 2 machos y 3 ninfas); y Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) en el juvenil (40 hembras, 43 machos y 15 ninfas) y en el adulto (1 macho y 2 ninfas). Además, un ácaro recolectado del cóndor juvenil fue identificado como Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 hembra). Se obtuvieron datos morfométricos para los estadios adultos de F. assesor (6 hembras y 13 machos), C. trichosum (9 hembras y 9 machos) y C. zonatus (10 hembras y 10 machos). Secuencias de ADN basadas en COI para las especies F. assesor y C. trichosum son reportadas por la primera vez, donde el análisis filogenetico mostró que F. assesor está más estrechamente relacionado con Falcolipeurus marginalis y C. trichosum con Colpocephalum kelloggi. Este representa el primer registro de parásitos en cóndor andino de Colombia y contribuye al conocimiento de los piojos masticadores y ácaros asociados a una especie de ave endémica de los Andes y en peligro de extinción. Otros estudios sobre los ectoparásitos del cóndor andino deberían centrarse en documentar las interacciones hospedador­parásito y los posibles impactos en la salud de estas aves silvestres.

Visualization Technologies for Learning and Teaching Veterinary Acarology and Entomology.

Educational technologies are tools and resources used for improving teaching, learning, and creative inquiry. Visualization technologies (VTs) fall within this category and comprise a high diversity of strategies from simple infographics to complex forms of visual data analysis. Traditionally, parasitology has been a challenging subject in medical and veterinary degree courses due to the high number of scientific names, morphological characters, and complex life cycles, among other factors. This has been reinforced by conventional teaching methods with limited innovation strategies. Here we present the design and evaluation of an interactive album of veterinary acarology and entomology, "Álbum Interactivo de Acarología y Entomología Veterinaria" (AIAEV). This tool was assessed through three strategies: (1) a mean grade comparison between veterinary parasitology classes before and after VT implementation, (2) a system usability scale (SUS), and (3) a student/user satisfaction index. The grade value was higher in the class after implementation, the SUS total score was 80.05 (excellent), and 93.75% considered it a useful tool. This is the first study aimed at investigating the use of VTs to teach veterinary acarology and entomology and shows promising results to develop and implement digital technologies in this and other veterinary curricula disciplines.

Parasitologist-level classification of apicomplexan parasites and host cell with deep cycle transfer learning (DCTL).

MOTIVATION: Apicomplexan parasites, including Toxoplasma, Plasmodium and Babesia, are important pathogens that affect billions of humans and animals worldwide. Usually a microscope is used to detect these parasites, but it is difficult to use microscopes and clinician requires to be trained. Finding a cost-effective solution to detect these parasites is of particular interest in developing countries, in which infection is more common. RESULTS: Here, we propose an alternative method, deep cycle transfer learning (DCTL), to detect apicomplexan parasites, by utilizing deep learning-based microscopic image analysis. DCTL is based on observations of parasitologists that Toxoplasma is banana-shaped, Plasmodium is generally ring-shaped, and Babesia is typically pear-shaped. Our approach aims to connect those microscopic objects (Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Babesia and erythrocyte) with their morphological similar macro ones (banana, ring, pear and apple) through a cycle transfer of knowledge. In the experiments, we conduct DCTL on 24 358 microscopic images of parasites. Results demonstrate high accuracy and effectiveness of DCTL, with an average accuracy of 95.7% and an area under the curve of 0.995 for all parasites types. This article is the first work to apply knowledge from parasitologists to apicomplexan parasite recognition, and it opens new ground for developing AI-powered microscopy image diagnostic systems. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Code and dataset available at https://github.com/senli2018/DCTL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Intestinal changes and performance parameters in ticks feeding on calves immunized with subunits of immunogens against Rhipicephalus microplus.

We describe the intestinal changes and biological parameters of the tick species Rhipicephalus microplus exposed to the immune response of calves vaccinated with two subunits of immunogens. The first group of Bos taurus calves was immunized with a synthetic peptide (SBm7462), whereas the second group received an inoculum for synthetic control. The third group was immunized with a recombinant peptide (rSBm7462); an inoculum was injected into a fourth group of calves for recombinant control. Each formulation was administered to these calves during three times at intervals of 30 days. At 21 days after the last immunization, the calves were challenged using a total of 4500 larvae per animal. Indirect ELISA was realized to identify the kinetics of IgGs from samples of calves studied. Naturally detaching ticks were collected for analyses of biological performance and histological changes in the midgut. We dissected randomly detached ticks. The midgut of each of these ticks was removed and processed routinely for histology, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and slow Giemsa. Slides were also subjected to immunohistochemistry. The antibody response showed significant induction of high-affinity IgGs in calves immunized with both peptides in comparison to calves of the control groups. Histological changes included damage of the intestinal epithelium in ticks fed on immunized hosts and intense immunostaining in midgut cells, using the serum of calves immunized with recombinant peptide. There were significant differences in all biological performing parameters of ticks detached from vaccinated calves in comparison with ticks of the control groups. We identified reductions of 87.7 and 93.5% in engorged ticks detached from calves immunized with a synthetic and recombinant peptides, respectively, a 28 and 8.60% lower egg mass in groups immunized with synthetic and recombinant peptides, respectively, and a 38.4% reduction of the value of nutrient index/tick in the group immunized with the recombinant peptide. Our findings show that the immune response induced by small peptides in cattle can modify the digestion and metabolism of ticks fed on vaccinated animals, resulting in changes in tick performance.

[Evaluation of Fusarium spp. pathogenicity in plant and murine models]. / Evaluación de la capacidad patogénica de Fusarium spp. en modelos vegetal y murino.

The genus Fusarium is widely recognized for its phytopathogenic capacity. However, it has been reported as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Thus, it can be considered a microorganism of interest in pathogenicity studies on different hosts. Therefore, this work evaluated the pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. isolates from different origins in plants and animals (murine hosts). Twelve isolates of Fusarium spp. from plants, animal superficial mycoses, and human superficial and systemic mycoses were inoculated in tomato, passion fruit and carnation plants, and in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. Pathogenicity tests in plants did not show all the symptoms associated with vascular wilt in the three plant models; however, colonization and necrosis of the vascular bundles, regardless of the species and origin of the isolates, showed the infective potential of Fusarium spp. in different plant species. Moreover, the pathogenicity tests in the murine model revealed behavioral changes. It was noteworthy that only five isolates (different origin and species) caused mortality. Additionally, it was observed that all isolates infected and colonized different organs, regardless of the species and origin of the isolates or host immune status. In contrast, the superficial inoculation test showed no evidence of epidermal injury or colonization. The observed results in plant and murine models suggest the pathogenic potential of Fusarium spp. isolates in different types of hosts. However, further studies on pathogenicity are needed to confirm the multihost capacity of this genus.

Antimalarial evaluation of alkyl-linked bis-thiadiazine derivatives in murine model infected with two Plasmodium strains.

Background and Purpose: Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax are responsible for most malaria cases in humans in the African Region and the Americas; these parasites have developed resistance to classic antimalarial drugs. On the other hand, previous investigations of the alkyl-linked bis tetrahydro-(2H)-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (bis-THTT) derivatives compounds show satisfactory results against protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma vaginalis, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Leishmania donovani. Therefore, it is possible to see some effect of bis-THTT derivatives on other protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium. Experimental Approach: This study aimed to perform an in vivo biological evaluation of bis-THTT (JH1 to JH6) derivatives compounds as possible anti-malaria drugs in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL strains. In this work, we evaluated the compounds as potential antimalarial drugs in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium strains. Key Results: For each compound, we assess the percentages of parasitemia by smears from tail blood and the humoral response by indirect ELISA test using each compound as an antigen. We also evaluated the B lymphocyte response and the cytotoxicity of the bis-THTT derivatives compounds with MTT cell proliferation assays. Conclusions: Our results show that the bis-THTT derivatives JH2 and JH4 presented effective parasitemia control in mice infected with P. berghei; JH5 and JH6 compounds have similar infection control results as chloroquine in mice infected P. yoelii strain. The evaluation of bis-THTT derivatives compounds in a model of BALB/c mice infected with P. berghei and P. yoelii allowed us to conclude that some of them have an antimalarial effect; however, none of the tested compounds exceeded the efficiency of chloroquine.

Phylogenetic relationships of the Amblyomma cajennense complex (Acari: Ixodidae) at mitogenomic resolution.

The genus Amblyomma is the third most diverse in the number of species within the Ixodidae, with practically half of its species distributed in the Americas, though there are also species occurring in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Within the genus, there are several species complexes with veterinary and public health importance. The Amblyomma cajennense complex, in the Americas, is represented by six species with a wide distribution, from Texas to northern Argentina. We combined two sequencing techniques to generate complete mitogenomes of species belonging to the Amblyomma cajennense complex: genome skimming and long-range PCRs sequencing methods. Thus, we generated seven new mitochondrial genomes for all species of the Amblyomma cajennense complex, except for Amblyomma interandinum. Genetic distances between the mitogenomes corroborate the clear differentiation between the five species of the Amblyomma cajennense complex. The phylogenetic relationships of these species had previously been evaluated by combining partial nuclear and mitochondrial genes and here these relationships are corroborated with a more robust framework of data, which demonstrates that the conjunction of mitochondrial and nuclear partial genes can resolve close relationships when entire genes or genomes are unavailable. The gene order, structure, composition, and length are stable across these mitogenomes, and they share the general characteristics of Metastriata. Future studies should increase the number of available mitogenomes for this genus, especially for those species from the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, by means of a better understanding of their relationships and evolutionary process.

First isolation of Rickettsia amblyommatis from Amblyomma mixtum in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria that are the causative agent of rickettsioses and are spread to vertebrate hosts by arthropods. There are no previous reports of isolation of Rickettsia amblyommatis for Colombia. METHODS: A convenience sampling was executed in three departments in Colombia for direct collection of adult ticks on domestic animals or over vegetation. Ticks were screened for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) amplifying the citrate synthase gene (gltA), and the positive sample was processed for isolation and further molecular characterization by conventional PCR. The absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for several tick species variables. All products from conventional PCR were further purified and sequenced by the Sanger technique. Representative sequences of 18 Rickettsia species were downloaded from GenBank. Consensus phylogenetic trees were constructed for the gltA, ompB, ompA, and htrA genes with 1000 replicates, calculating bootstrap values through the maximum likelihood method and the generalized time reversible substitution model in the MEGA 7.0 software program. RESULTS: One female Amblyomma mixtum collected on vegetation was amplified by qPCR (gltA), indicating a frequency of 1.6% (1/61) for Rickettsia spp. INFECTION: Sequence analysis of a rickettsial isolate from this tick in BLASTn showed 100% identity with gltA (340 base pairs [bp]), 99.87% for ompB (782 bp), 98.99% for htrA (497 bp), and 100% for ompA (488 bp) to R. amblyommatis. Concatenated phylogenetic analysis confirmed these findings indicating that the isolate is grouped with other sequences of Amblyomma cajennense complex from Panama and Brazil within the R. amblyommatis clade. CONCLUSIONS: This paper describes the isolation and early molecular identification of a R. amblyommatis strain from A. mixtum in Colombia.

Extension of the distribution of Amblyomma triste Koch, 1844: Morphological and molecular confirmation of Morphotype I in Colombia.

Ticks of the Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) group are represented by three species: Amblyomma maculatum, Amblyomma tigrinum, and Amblyomma triste. This group is widely distributed throughout the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, from the United States of America (USA) to Argentina. They parasitize several vertebrates, including domestic mammals and humans. Nonetheless, the identification and distribution of the species within the group have been controversial but can be solved with integrative studies on their taxonomy and ecology. In Colombia, a Neotropical country from which up to 58 tick species have been reported, only Amblyomma maculatum Koch, 1844 (sensu stricto - s.s.) - morphotype II - has been molecularly confirmed. Here, specimens of the A. maculatum group from three departments of Colombia were examined by morphological and molecular analyses. The results confirmed the wide distribution of A. maculatum s.s. in Colombia. Furthermore, the presence of A. triste s.s. - morphotype I was confirmed for the first time at the molecular level, which broadens the distribution of this species in the American continent. Considering that both taxa are vectors of pathogens such as Rickettsia parkeri s.s., additional taxonomic, reproductive compatibility and niche distribution studies are needed, as well as the application of new molecular markers due to the controversial taxonomy. This will allow us to explore cryptic diversity within the recently established putative groups.

Diversity of Blastocystis Subtypes in Horses in Colombia and Identification of Two New Subtypes.

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic animals are thought to be reservoirs of Blastocystis subtypes that also infect humans. There are limited studies on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in horses. In this study, 185 fecal samples were collected from horses (1 month to 17 years of age) in four regions of Colombia (Sabana de Bogotá, Costa Atlántica, Llanos Orientales, and Bogotá D.C.). Blastocystis presence and subtypes were determined by PCR and next generation amplicon sequencing. Eighty-one (43.8%) horses were positive for Blastocystis, with positive horses in all four regions. Molecular characterization identified 12 Blastocystis subtypes, 10 known subtypes (ST1, ST3-ST6, ST10, ST14, ST25, ST26), and 2 novel subtypes (ST33 and ST34). The validity of the novel subtypes was confirmed via phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses of the full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences. Mixed subtype infections were common (55.6% of Blastocystis-positive horses). ST10 was the most prevalent subtype, present in 82.8% of Blastocystis-positive horses. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 88.9% of the Blastocystis-positive horses. This constitutes the most comprehensive study of Blastocystis in horses. Our findings indicate that horses harbor potentially zoonotic subtypes and could contribute to the transmission of Blastocystis to humans.

Parasites Circulating in Wild Synanthropic Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): A One Health Approach.

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are affected by a wide range of protozoan and metazoan-derived parasitic diseases. Among parasites of free-ranging capybaras are soil-, water-, food- and gastropod-borne parasitosis, today considered as opportunistic infections in semiaquatic ecosystems. The overlapping of the capybara's natural ecological habitats with human and domestic animal activities has unfortunately increased in recent decades, thereby enhancing possible cross- or spillover events of zoonotic parasites. Due to this, three synanthropic wild capybara populations in the Orinoco Basin were studied for the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasite infections. A total of forty-six fecal samples were collected from free-ranging capybaras in close proximity to livestock farms. Macroscopical analyses, standard copromicroscopical techniques, coproELISA, PCR, and phylogenetic analysis revealed thirteen parasite taxa. In detail, the study indicates stages of five protozoans, four nematodes, one cestode, and three trematodes. Two zoonotic parasites were identified (i.e., Plagorchis muris, and Neobalantidium coli). The trematode P. muris represents the first report within South America. In addition, this report expands the geographical distribution range of echinocoelosis (Echinocoleus hydrochoeri). Overall, parasitological findings include two new host records (i.e., P. muris, and Entamoeba). The present findings collectively constitute baseline data for future monitoring of wildlife-derived anthropozoonotic parasites and call for future research on the health and the ecological impact of this largest semiaquatic rodent closely linked to humans, domestic and wild animals.

Gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasites of working horses from Colombia.

Working equids are used in different countries for numerous purposes and regularly are crucial for multiple communities' income and profit. Historically, in Bogotá D.C. they were used as animal-powered vehicles but in 2013 it was initiated a substitution and adoption program as a result of society pressure and lawful processes. Infectious diseases and mainly parasitic diseases, poses a threat in the health and productivity of these animals. Our aim was to identify, by coproparasitological methods, the gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasite species infecting working horses submitted to the mentioned substitution and adoption program. Between May and December 2013 and February and July 2014, fresh faecal samples were obtained from 1004 and 648 horses from Bogotá D.C. and other Colombian municipalities, respectively. They were processed by flotation and Baermann tests in order to visualize faecal parasitic forms (eggs, oocysts, and larvae). Prevalences were calculated for each gastrointestinal parasite at origin and one year after, at destination, and analysed by age group and coinfection. At origin (Bogotá D.C.), prevalence for at least one parasite species was 87.5% and one year later, at destination (other municipalities), was 89.5%. The most prevalent species were strongyles (86.4-89.4%) followed by Parascaris spp. (0.7-6.2%), cestodes (Anoplocephalidae) (3.7-4.9%) and Oxyuris sp. (2.8-4.3%). Other species detected were Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Dictyocaulus sp. Coinfection by two or more species ranged between 14.4 and 38.3% being strongyle, Parascaris spp., Oxyuris sp. and cestodes (Anoplocephalidae) the most common species involved. Some parasitic infections commonly associated with younger animals (e.g. Parascaris spp.) were detected in all age groups. Flow patterns of parasites linking Bogotá D.C. and other municipalities are presented. Finally, these results support the widespread distribution of most of species and the plausible health and welfare impact of this infections in working equids submitted to particular epidemiological risks.

[Cryptosporidiosis and "One Health"]. / Criptosporidiosis y «Una Salud¼.

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease (zoonotic) caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, which infects the intestine. It occurs in humans and in different pets, farm and wild animals. Its role is underestimated and little is known about its epidemiology, due to the low interest it draws and the limited availability of diagnostic methods. The population health, both human and animal, is related to a close interaction of three factors: the environment, pathogens, and population, which determines the state of health and disease; some of the diseases considered as emerging, that appeared in the last years. The approach, known as "One Health", is a growing global strategy being adopted by a diversity of organizations and policy makers in response to the need for integrated approaches. This approach may be relevant to a wide range of global development goals. There is more and more talk about holistic health. It seems that we are more aware that health is not reduced to something purely biological, but affects the whole person. It is not only seeing the patient globally, it is starting from the complexity of the human being and the whole world crossed by vulnerability and interacting with the totality of the subjects.

Criptosporidiosis es una enfermedad diarreica (zoonótica) causada por el parásito Cryptosporidium, el cual infecta al intestino. Se producen tanto en el ser humano como en diferentes animales de granja, mascotas y animales silvestres. Se subestima su papel y poco se conoce sobre su epidemiología, debido al escaso interés que suscita y la limitada disponibilidad de métodos de diagnóstico. La salud de las poblaciones tanto humana como animal, están relacionadas con una estrecha interacción de tres factores: el ambiente, los agentes patógenos, y las poblaciones, lo cual determina el estado de salud y enfermedad. El enfoque, conocido como «Una Salud¼, es una estrategia global en crecimiento que se está adoptando por una diversidad de organizaciones y responsables de las políticas en respuesta a la necesidad de enfoques integrados. Este enfoque puede ser relevante para una amplia gama de objetivos mundiales de desarrollo. Cada vez se habla más de salud integral, de salud holística. Parece que somos más conscientes de que la salud no se reduce a algo puramente biológico, sino que afecta a toda la persona. No es sólo ver al enfermo globalmente, es partir de la complejidad del ser humano y del mundo entero atravesado por la vulnerabilidad e interaccionar con la totalidad de los sujetos.

[Zoonotic nematode contamination in recreational areas of Suba, Bogotá]. / Contaminación de los Parques Públicos de la Localidad de Suba, Bogotá con Nemátodos Zoonóticos.

OBJECTIVE: Establishing the presence of zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodosin soil samples in recreational areas in Suba (one of the largest localities of Bogotá, Colombia) between July 2005 and June 2006. METHODOLOGY: The presence of several gastrointestinal parasites' eggs, larvae and oocysts were determined by initial soil sedimentation and later flotation with Sheather solution; some of them were responsible for important zoonotic diseases affecting the human population. RESULTS: Parasites were identified in 376 samples: Ancylostoma larvae (10.7%), Ancylostoma eggs (0.6%), Toxocara eggs (5.8%), Strongyloides eggs (3.3%), Dipylidium eggs (0.06%) and Sarcocystis oocysts (0.06%). Other parasites identified were Toxascaris eggs (0.9%), Spirocerca eggs (0.25%) and Isospora oocysts (0.25%). Some larvae and eggs present in 522 samples could not be classified and there was no evidence of parasites in 702 samples (45%). 94.2%, (n=49) of the recreational area was thus polluted. CONCLUSIONS: The high percentage of recreational areas so polluted indicated that these places would constitute a risk factor for the transmission of parasitic diseases to animals and human beings. Due to this sanitary problem's relevance in public health programmes, government policy must be determined involving communities so that people are educated to improve their sanitary practices in recreational places regarding caring for their pets.

Libyostrongylus douglassii (Strongylida: Trichostrongylidae) in ostrich (Struthio camelus) farms from Colombia.

Ostrich farming is an important livestock industry in different world regions with a diverse offer of products and services. In Colombia, as in other countries, this market led the importation of animals from countries like Canada, United States of America and South Africa for breeding objectives. With the animals, specific pathogens for these ratites could be introduced. Libyostrongylus spp. is a strongylid nematode with worldwide distribution, which can induce a severe disease and mortality in infected animals. Limited studies in Colombia have identified parasites in ostrich farming systems. The aim of this study was to identify parasites of the genus Libyostrongylus to a species level in faecal samples from ostrich farms in three departments of Colombia. Five ostrich farms from Boyacá, Meta and Tolima were sampled in 2011 and in 2013 to obtain fresh faecal samples which were further processed by flotation tests for egg visualization and faecal culture for infective larvae identification by morphological and morphometric parameters. One from the five farms, located in Meta department, was positive for strongylid eggs in both sampling periods. After faecal culture, infective larvae were identified as Libyostrongylus douglassii. These results corroborate previous records of Libyostrongylus in ostrich farms from Meta and confirms, for the first time, infection by L. douglassii in ratites from this region. Further studies must identify associated determinants for infection and its effects on the flock health and production.

Epidemiology of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses and Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness in Villeta, Colombia.

Etiology of acute undifferentiated febrile syndrome (AUFS) is often unknown, leading to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. Villeta town has been identified as an endemic area for spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses but little is known about possible amplifier hosts and other Rickettsia species different from Rickettsia rickettsii. Besides, few studies have approached other AUFS etiologies in the region. We investigated the role of dengue, leptospirosis, rickettsioses, human anaplasmosis, and Q fever as possible causes of AUFS in patients from Villeta. Sera specimens and ticks from animals as well as ticks from vegetation were studied for the presence of different Rickettsia spp. Among 104 sera from patients with AUFS, 16.4%, 24.0%, and 2.9% patients seroconverted to dengue, Leptospira, and SFG Rickettsia, respectively, with a case of probable coinfection or cross-reaction with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. None of the samples were reactive for Coxiella burnetii. Sera samples from 74 horses, 118 dogs, and 62 bovines were collected and showed 33.8%, 14.4%, and 50.0% of seroprevalence for SFG Rickettsia, respectively. A total of 1,287 ixodid ticks were collected from animals/vegetation and processed in pools for polymerase chain reaction. Among them, 1.7% was positive for Rickettsia genes, and Rickettsia amblyommii, R. rickettsii, and Rickettsia spp. were found. These results confirm the circulation of dengue, different SFG Rickettsia species and the relevance of other etiologies like leptospirosis and human anaplasmosis. Further studies must identify different epidemiological variables to establish proper surveillance and control programs.

Evaluating Sarconesiopsis magellanica blowfly-derived larval therapy and comparing it to Lucilia sericata-derived therapy in an animal model.

Larval therapy is used as alternative treatment for hard-to-heal chronic and infected wounds. Lucilia sericata is the most used blowfly species. However, it has been shown recently that Sarconesiopsis magellanica larval excretions and secretions have potent antibacterial activity; this blowfly belongs to the Calliphoridae family. The present work has dealt with evaluating larval therapy using S. magellanica on wounds induced in diabetic rabbits and its action was compared to the effect induced by L. sericata. Twelve New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used; they were divided into 4 groups, the first two being treated with larval therapy derived from both aforementioned necrophagous blowflies, an antibiotic was used in the third and the fourth was used as control. All the animals were wounded on the back and infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Samples of the secretion from each animal's infected wound were taken and sown on blood agar. The colony forming units were then counted. The PUSH scale was used for the macroscopic evaluation of the wounds. Bacterial control was encountered 48 h post-treatment in the treatments involving larval therapy and to a lesser extent with the antibiotic. Likewise, wound debridement was quicker and more efficient with larval therapy compared to the antibiotic group; however, wound closing time was 23 days in all treatments. The group treated with S. magellanica larvae had relatively quicker evolution until the proliferation phase and the start of maturation, even though there were no significant differences between both blowfly species evaluated here regarding treatments by the end of the treatment period. The present study has validated the diabetic rabbit model for inducing chronic wounds regarding larval therapy and has likewise confirmed the effectiveness of S. magellanica-derived larval therapy as an alternative for curing and healing wounds.

The effect of Lucilia sericata- and Sarconesiopsis magellanica-derived larval therapy on Leishmania panamensis.

This study's main objective was to evaluate the action of larval therapy derived from Lucilia sericata and Sarconesiopsis magellanica (blowflies) regarding Leishmania panamensis using an in vivo model. Eighteen golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were used; they were divided into 6 groups. The first three groups consisted of 4 animals each; these, in turn, were internally distributed into subgroups consisting of 2 hamsters to be used separately in treatments derived from each blowfly species. Group 1 was used in treating leishmanial lesions with larval therapy (LT), whilst the other two groups were used for evaluating the used of larval excretions and secretions (ES) after the ulcers had formed (group 2) and before they appeared (group 3). The three remaining groups (4, 5 and 6), consisting of two animals, were used as controls in the experiments. Biopsies were taken for histopathological and molecular analysis before, during and after the treatments; biopsies and smears were taken for assessing parasite presence and bacterial co-infection. LT and larval ES proved effective in treating the ulcers caused by the parasite. There were no statistically significant differences between the blowfly species regarding the ulcer cicatrisation parameters. There were granulomas in samples taken from lesions at the end of the treatments. The antibacterial action of larval treatment regarding co-infection in lesions caused by the parasite was also verified. These results potentially validate effective LT treatment against cutaneous leishmaniasis aimed at using it with humans in the future.