In vivo exposure of Albendazole sulphoxide by Haemonchus contortus and correlation between plasma and target tissue or gastrointestinal content dispositions in goats.

Sheep and goats are sharing different helminth parasites including Haemonchus contortus. Control of these helminths is based mainly on the use of anthelmintics. However, in goats, the application of anthelmintics is often carried out mainly at dosages determined for sheep without knowing the real effects and metabolism features. One of the several anthelmintic classes used against these parasites is (pro) benzimidazoles which are still widely in use in small ruminants in many countries. The objective of this study was to determine (i) the correlation between plasma and tissue or gastrointestinal content dispositions of ricobendazole (RBZ) in goats and (ii) the in vivo exposure of ricobendazole by H. contortus. Ten goats were experimentally infected with 10,000 larvae of H. contortus. Four weeks of post-infection, the animals received RBZ subcutaneously at 5 mg/kg body weight. Two goats were sacrificed per time at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 h after drug administration and, blood, bile, urine, liver, lung, muscle and kidney gastrointestinal tissues/fluids were collected. Adult H. contortus were collected from abomasum, and all samples were analysed by HPLC system. Ricobendazole (RBZ) and its sulphone metabolite were extensively excreted by urine and distributed to all tissues and digestive tract, mainly into the abomasum fluid. RBZ concentration in the lung and ABZSO2 in the kidney were relatively higher than those of other tissues, respectively. The parent drug and its metabolite were recovered in both male and female H. contortus. This study indicates that in goats the plasma concentration profiles of RBZ are strongly correlated with those achieved in different target tissues or fluids, which in turn, reflect the amount of drug taken up by parasites.

Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of albendazole sulfoxide in sheep and goats, and dose-dependent plasma disposition in goats.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to compare the pharmacokinetics of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZ-SO, ricobendazole) in goats and sheep at a dose of 5 g/kg bodyweight (BW), after intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administrations, and to investigate the effects of increased doses (10 and 15 mg/kg BW) on the plasma disposition of ABZ-SO in goats following SC administration. A total of 16 goats (Capra aegagrus hircus, eight males and eight females) and 8 sheep (Ovis aries, four males and four females) 12-16 months old and weighing 20-32 kg, were used. The study was designed according to two-phase crossover study protocol. In Phase-1, eight sheep were assigned as Group I and 16 goats were allocated into two groups (Group II and Group III). ABZ-SO was applied to Group I (sheep) and Group II (goats) animals subcutaneously, and to Group III (goats) animals intravenously, all at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg BW. In Phase-2, the sheep in the Group I received ABZ-SO intravenously in a dose of 5 mg/kg BW; the goats in Group II and Group III received ABZ-SO subcutaneously at a dose of 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg BW, respectively. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at different times between 1 and 120 h after drug administrations. The plasma concentrations of ABZ-SO and its metabolites were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: In goats, the area under the curve, terminal half-life and plasma persistence of ABZ-SO were significantly smaller and shorter, respectively, compared with those observed in sheep following both IV and SC administrations at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW. On the other side, dose-dependent plasma dispositions of ABZ-SO were observed following SC administration at increased doses (10 and 15 mg/kg) in goats. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, ABZ-SO might be used at higher doses to provide higher plasma concentration and thus to achieve greater efficacy against the target parasites.

Enterobius vermicularis: Can it be a possible pathogen in Bartholin gland abscess formation?

The most frequent disorders of the Bartholin glands are cysts or abscesses. Bartholin gland abscesses occur generally as a result of polymicrobial infections or agents that cause sexually transmitted diseases. But as far as we know, no parasite has been previously reported among the infectious agents that are detected from the abscesses of the Bartholin gland. Here, we report a 45-year-old woman, in the Bartholin abscess aspirate of whom Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected in between the inflammatory infiltrate by cytological examination.

Acute toxoplasmosis and antioxidant levels in the liver, kidney and brain of rats

Toxoplasma gondii is a common protozoan parasite which causes toxoplasmosis worldwide. There are limited treatment options against T. gondii infection. Once transmitted, T. gondii can spread to many organs in the body, including the brain, liver and kidneys. One of the most common signs of toxoplasmosis is a rise in oxidative stress. Therefore, our aim was to determine the antioxidant levels in the brain, liver and kidney of rats infected with this parasite. In the present study, 2­4-months old Wistar albino rats were infected intraperitoneally with 1 x 104 mL of RH strain of T. gondii dispersed in 0.9% NaCl. Post-infection after 30 days, the experiment was terminated, the rats were sacrified, and the blood, brain, liver and kidney tissues were collected for analyses. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined by ELISA assay. Increased SOD and GSH-Px levels were found in the liver of infected rats compared to controls; however, similar changes were not observed in other tested organs. These results suggest the increased oxidative stress caused by T. gondii infection can be efficiently alleviated, at least in the liver, by increased levels of antioxidant enzymes during post-infection. Further research will be required to determine the potential mechanisms of increasing antioxidant levels in the liver at 30 days post-infection, as well as the potential differences in antioxidant enzyme levels during the acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis.

Investigation of a 6-year seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in Abant Izzet Baysal University Educational Research Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in patients who were admitted in Abant Izzet Baysal University Education and Research Hospital between January 2010 and December 2016 with a suspicion of toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies and IgG avidity test determined by ELISA method in 14,262 serum samples belonging to the Abant Izzet Baysal University Education and Research Hospital were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: IgG was detected in 4079 serum samples with 78% negative, 21% positive, and 0.8% gray zone. IgM was detected in 13,671 cases with 98% negative, 1.2% positive, and 0.5% gray zone. (3.8%, n=540) and neurology (3.4%, n=478) patients who were referred to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic (88.3%, n=12,588) for the majority of the cases requested for the detection of T. gondii antibodies. It has been found that a request has been made. CONCLUSION: The seropositivity of T. gondii has been found to be so large that it should not be ignored. It has come to the conclusion that the events in the risk group should be taken into consideration for this parasite, and awareness should be established. In recent years, this awareness has been observed, especially in neurology clinics.

The effect of Nigella sativa oil against Aspiculuris tetraptera and Hymenolepis nana in naturally infected mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antiparasitic effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on Aspiculuris tetraptera (A. tetraptera) and Hymenolepis nana (H.nana) in mice in January 2005. METHODS: Mice were obtained from the animal house facility of the Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. The natural infections were determined by the cellophane tape method and the centrifugal flotation method of stool samples. The infected mice with A. tetraptera and H.nana were divided into 4 groups; 2 treatment and 2 control groups. Nigella sativa oil was given at the dose of 250 ul/kg body weight orally for 2 consecutive days in the 2 treatment groups. All the mice were sacrificed on the seventh day after the last treatment. Gastrointestinal tract of the sacrificed animals was opened and washed with a serum physiologic. The contents were examined under a stereo microscope for counting and identifying of the parasites. The treatment and the control groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U-Test. RESULTS: Nigella sativa oil reduced both A. tetraptera and its eggs. The difference was significant between Group 1 and Group 3 (p<0.05). Nigella sativa oil reduced H.nana eggs starting from second day of the treatment until necropsy day during 5 days, but it was not significant between Group 2 and Group 4 (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Antiparasitic effect of NSO is related to its stimulating immune system.

Toxoplasma gondii and Epilepsy.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite can be seen in all the vital organ; in the acute phase, it can be found in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, tears, saliva, urine, and in almost all body fluids. Transplasental infection can lead to fetal damage and miscarriage. Its last hosts are felines and intermediate hosts are all mammals, including humans. People infected by the ingestion of meat containing cysts in undercooked or raw, are thrown oocysts with cat felines By taking in water and food, from mother to fetus transplacental way, the infected organ transplantation, blood transfusion, laboratory accidents and kaprofaj transmitted by mechanical vectors of the invertebrates. Suppression of the immune system is being transformed to the shape and texture of the cysts with bradyzoite. The parasite settles in the cells of the tissue cysts and causes change in the cellular mechanisms, such as cytokinin task. Depending on changes and type of neurotransmitter (GABA, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine) levels in CSF in ions (Ca, K, Cl, Mg), it is believed that there is a change in their concentration. In this review, literature about the relationship between T. gondii and epilepsy and epileptiform activity the importance of parasites, which settle in the brain, will be highlighted.

Locomotor differences in Mongolian gerbils with the effects of midazolam administration in the form of eye drops.

BACKGROUND: Midazolam is a sedative-hypnotic agent with amnestic and anticonvulsant properties that can be administrated to mammals through various routes, such as intravenous, intramuscular, oral, intrathecal, rectal, and buccal. Midazolam administration in the form of eye drops through the conjunctiva is not reported in the literature. AIM: This study aims to demonstrate the possible central nervous system effects of midazolam administration as eyes drops in Mongolian gerbils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen gerbils were randomly assigned to one of two equal sized groups. The active arm received 2 ml of 10 mg midazolam as eye drops in both eyes. Control group received a total of 2 ml of physiological saline (0.9% NaCl). We subjected the gerbils to an adapted "Open Field" to determine the possible effects on central nervous system of midazolam. Gerbils were allowed to move freely in the open field. Before and after the drug administration, locomotor activities of each gerbil have been recorded. Frequency of loss of righting reflex was quantified. RESULTS: Conjunctival midazolam administration resulted with the transient loss of righting reflex (p=0.017) and suppressed exploration motion (p=0.018) in the open field test compared to control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, administration of conjunctival midazolam as an eye drop may affect gerbil's locomotor activities and open field behaviors. We argue that, using a sedative and anticonvulsive drug such as midazolam via conjunctival route may be useful in some clinical situations. Therefore, it could be beneficial to develop a new conjunctival formulation of midazolam. Also, there is a need for trials in humans with pharmacokinetic studies.

Antimicrobial effect of garlic (Allium sativum).

Medicinal plants like pumpkin seed, thyme, onion, Nigella sativa, lemon balm, and stinging nettle are used extensively today. One of these plants used most intensively and widespread is garlic. In this context, fresh shape, powder state and oil of garlic have been used all around the world, especially in Far East for centuries. It is scientifically proven that garlic is effectively used in cardiovascular diseases as a regulator of blood pressure, with dropper effects on glycaemia and high blood cholesterol, against bacterial, viral, mycotic and parasitic infections. It's also known that garlic is a wonderful plant having the properties of empowering immune system, anti-tumour and antioxidant effects. In this article, the summary of properties of garlic and its use against bacterial diseases is given. This article is a short review of recent patents on antimicrobial effect of garlic.

Evaluation of the anthelmentic activity of garlic (Allium sativum) in mice naturally infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera.

This study was performed to investigate the anthelmentic (nematodes) effect of garlic in Swiss albino mice naturally infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera. Natural infection was determined by the use of cellophane tape method on the perianal region and by the technique of centrifugal flotation of stool samples. The infected mice were divided into three groups; namely, Group 1: garlic treatment groups (n: 18), Group 2: positive control (treated with ivermectin, n: 19) and Group 3: untreated control group (n: 19). The mice in Group 1 were given orally freshly crushed garlic homogenates every day for 7 days. The animals in Group 2 were treated with ivermectin intramuscular at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight. The mice in Group 3 received only serum physiologic orally. After 8 days of administrations, all mice were killed humanely using inhalation anaesthesia and then the parasites in the intestine were counted. It was observed that garlic and ivermectin were 91.24 % and 78.03 % effective against A. tetraptera in naturally infected mice, respectively. Results obtained from this study were compared statistically and differences were found to be significant (p<0.001). It was found that garlic was efficient along the duration of the treatment in mice. Garlic may be useful as an alternative treatment against nematode parasites in animals and human. This article includes a new research using Allium sativum anthelmentic effect on mouse and has been patented.

[A case of Diplotriaena monticola (Yamaguty, 1935) in the white-spectacled bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos)]. / Bir arap bülbülünde (Pycnonotus xanthopygos) Diplotriaena monticolae Yamaguty, 1935 (Fam: Filariidae) olgusu.

In Hatay, 13 nematodes (8 [female symbol] and 5 [male symbol]) were observed in the thoracic cavity of a white-spectacled bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos). The parasites were cleared with lactophenol and then investigated under the light microscopy and important morphological parts of parasites were measured. The parasites were identified as Diplotriaena monticola Yamaguty, 1935 (Fam.: Filariidae) under the subfamily of Diplotriaeninae. It is important because this case is the first report of this infection in a white-spectacled bulbul in Turkey.

[Garlic (Allium sativum) and traditional medicine]. / Sarimsak (Allium sativum) ve geleneksel tedavide kullanimi.

Medicinal plants such as thyme, onion, blackseed, lemon balm and nettle are intensively used in traditional medicine, today. Garlic is among the most important of these plants. For this purpose, garlic has been extensively used worldwide for centuries, especially in the Far East. Garlic is reported to be a wonderful medicinal plant owing to its preventive characteristics in cardiovascular diseases, regulating blood pressure, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, effective against bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, enhancing the immune system and having antitumoral and antioxidant features. Garlic exerts these effects thanks to more than 200 chemicals. It contains sulfur compounds (allicin, alliin and agoene), volatile oils, enzymes (allinase, peroxidase and miracynase), carbohydrates (sucrose and glucose), minerals (selenium), amino acids such as cysteine, glutamine, isoleucine and methionine which help to protect cells from the harms of free radicals, bioflavonoids such as quercetin and cyanidin, allistatin I and allistatin II, and vitamins C, E and A which help to protect us from oxidation agents and free radicals, and other vitamins such as niacin, B1 and B2 and beta-carotene. In this article, the information about the characteristics of garlic, the diseases on which it is effective and its use against parasitic diseases will be given.

[Some biochemical parameters in sheep infected with endoparasites (Fasciola spp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, hydatid cysts, Trichostrongylidae and Protostrongylidae)]. / Endoparazitli (Fasciola spp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, kist hidatik, Trichostrongylidae ve Protostrongylidae) koyunlarda bazi biyokimyasal parametreler.

This study was performed in order to investigate the variations of some blood biochemical parameters as well as the levels of Vitamin. B(12) and some macro elements in sheep infected with endoparasites. The blood samples were taken from the sheep that were to be slaughtered in the Van Municipality Slaughterhouse while the stool samples were taken after the slaughtering of the same animals. The postmortem examinations were made to investigate for the presence of Fasciola spp., D. dendriticum and cyst hydatid infections. The stool samples were examined helminthologically using native, sedimentation, flotation and Baermann-Wetzel methods. The control group was composed of animals not showing any internal organ parasites or parasites in the stool examination. Following the macroscopic and the stool examination, the animals found to have the same type of parasites were considered to be the study group. According to the analyses performed on the animals, the levels of total protein (in Trichostrongylidae, hydatid cysts), globulin, amylase, chlorine, and Vit.B(12) were found to be increased significantly, while the levels of albumin, magnesium, and phosphorus were found to be decreased significantly. The other parameters analyzed were not significant statistically between the groups.

Comparison of the effects of local and uncontrolled levamisole preparations on mice naturally infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera.

This study was performed to compare effectiveness of two levamisole preparations prepared in two different countries (Iran and Turkey) in mice naturally infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera. For this purpose, natural infection was diagnosed using the cellophane tape method on the perianal region and centrifugal flotation technique on the feces of mice obtained from the experimental Animal Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Yüzüncü Yil, Van. Mice naturally infected with A. tetraptera were then divided in three groups. Animals in Group 1 (8 animals) received levamisole prepared in Iran, animals in Group 2 (8 animals) received levamisole prepared in Turkey and animals in Group 3 (6 animals) were used as untreated controls. Both levamisole preparations were used in a 10 mg/kg dose. After drug administrations, stool samples of the animals in all groups were examined for seven days. On the eighth day, the animals were humanely destroyed using inhalation anesthesia. After euthanasia, parasites in the intestine were also counted. As a result; levamisole coming through uncontrolled border trade from Iran was 69.3% effective against A. tetraptera and the levamisole prepared in Turkey was 91.7% effective in naturally infected mice. Results obtained from this study compared statistically and the differences were found to be significant (p < 0.001).

[Prevalence of helminths in dogs in the region of Van and their potential public health significance]. / Van yöresi köpeklerinde bulunan endoparazitler ve halk sagligi yönünden önemi.

This study was performed in order to determine the prevalence of helminth infections among dogs and to emphasize the importance of this concept for public health. All selected dogs were from the city of Van and a total of 115 fecal samples were examined. Of these, 61 were from stray dogs, 26 were breeders and the final 28 dogs were dogs belonging to institutions. All samples were examined in the laboratory of the parasitology laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University. Fulleborn's flotation method was used. Sixty nine (60.0%) of the dogs were found to be infected by one or more helminth species. Two Cestoda species and 4 Nematoda species were detected. Toxascaris leonina (23.5%), Taenia spp. (14.8%), Ancylostoma caninum (8.7%), Dipylidium caninum (3.5%), Uncinaria stenocephala (0.9%) and Toxocara canis (13.9%) were responsible for infections. Although the rates of infection between stray (59.0%) and official dogs (46.4%) was not significant, the rate was statistically significant according to Duncan's t-test ( < 0.05) in breeder dogs as compared to the previous 2 groups. The results show that helminth infection in dogs in Van is very high. The high prevalence of T. canis, Taenia spp., and A. caninum in dogs in Van is considered to be critical from the view point of public health importance. In conclusion, helminth infection of dogs is still a very serious problem for public health in Van.

[Investigation of helminth infections of cats and dogs in the Hatay province]. / Hatay ilinde bakisi yapilan kedi ve köpeklerde helmint enfeksiyonlari

In this study autopsies and fecal examinations of 8 cats and 6 dogs were performed. The helminth infection rate was founded to be 50.0% in cats and dogs after the fecal examinations. Trichuris sp. eggs were found in feces of one dog, and Ancylostoma sp. eggs in feces of one cat and one dog. Seven (87.5%) cats and 2 (33.4%) dogs were found to be infected with various helminths according to the results of the autopsies. The helminth species and their rates were Toxocara cati (62.5%), Joyeuxiella pasqualei (50.0%), Hydatigera taeniaformis (25.0%), Mesocestoides sp. (12.5%) and Dipylidium caninum (12.5%) in cats; T. canis (16.7%) and D. caninum (16.7%) in dogs during the autopsies. Numerous tetrathyridium larvae of the Mesocestoides sp. were found in the abdominal cavity of one cat. In conclusion, the high prevalence of ascarid infections in cats and dogs may be important for human health.