Sequence and Haplotype Analyses of Ligula intestinalis in Acanthobrama marmid (Cyprinidae) in Turkey.

PURPOSE: Ligulosis caused by Ligula intestinalis adversely affects the fisheries carried out in the lakes and ponds, causing economic losses in the fish industry. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the molecular characterization of L. intestinalis isolates obtained from woodfish (Acanthobrama marmid) in Keban Dam Lake in Elazig province of Turkey by using mt-CO1 gene sequences and to determine the genetic differences and haplotypes between the isolates. METHODS: In the examination made in terms of L. intestinalis, the intestine of the fish was opened with the help of fine-tipped scissors, the contents were allowed to come out, and the parasites were taken into a petri dish containing phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Then, L. intestinalis plerocercoids were taken into 15 ml falcon tubes containing 70% ethanol and stored at - 20 °C until further analysis. From each isolate, total gDNA was extracted from the plerocercoids. A partial (480 bp) mt-CO1 gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced unidirectionally. The final size of the trimmed sequences was 392 bp for 43 sequences. Sequence and haplotype analyses were performed, followed by phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: All isolates were confirmed as L. intestinalis by BLAST analysis. In addition, 87 nucleotide mutation positions were determined among 43 CO1 gene sequences. As a result of the haplotype network performed for the mt-CO1 gene region of L. intestinalis isolates; arranged in a star-like configuration with the main haplotype (Hap05), separated from other haplotypes by 1-6 mutation steps, and 29 haplotypes were identified, covering 13.9% (6/43) of the total isolates. Also, 75 variable (polymorphic) sites were determined, 52 of which were parsimony informative sites. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular characterization of L. intestinalis in woodfish (A. marmid) was identified for the first time in Turkey.

Molecular Characterization and Haplotype Analyses of Lung Hydatid Cyst Isolates of Cattle and First Report of Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7) in Cattle Isolates in Turkey.

PURPOSE: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease, caused by parasite known as Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex, leading to substantial economic losses in rural areas with public health problems. This study was carried out to understand the haplotypic profiles of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (mt-CO1) gene of cattle lung hydatid cyst samples which were obtained from two provinces in Turkey. METHODS: In this study, forty (n = 40) hydatid cyst samples from the lungs of slaughtered cattle were obtained. The germinal layers were taken separately for each individual cyst then stored in 70% ethanol. From each individual cyst sample, total genomic DNA was extracted. Amplification of the partial mt-CO1 gene (875 bp) was performed using a specific primer set by PCR, and then, the amplicons were sequenced. All sequences were analyzed individually, followed by alignment, and haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were then performed. RESULTS: By the sequence alignment process, 39 out of the 40 sequences were characterized as E. granulosus sensu stricto. However, one of them was matched with E. canadensis (G6/G7). The haplotype analyses of the E. granulosus s.s. isolates were arranged in a star-like orientation with a main haplotype, which was separated from other haplotypes by 1-10 mutation steps, and 26 haplotypes were identified. In the mt-CO1 sequences, 29 polymorphic sites were determined, and 34.5% (10/29) of them were parsimony informative. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide the first report of E. canadensis (G6/G7 genotype) among cattle in Turkey.

Occurrence of Liver Hydatid Cysts in a Donkey and Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus equinus.

Larval tapeworms of Echinococcus granulosus have been viewed as the etiological agent for the zoonotic disease cystic echinococcosis, but the species is a complex readily divided into several species and genotypes. Cystic echinococcosis is an important public health issue. Here, the case of liver hydatid cyst in a donkey and molecular characterization of the cyst is presented. The fluid-filled hydatid cyst materials were obtained from the liver of a necropsied donkey. Genomic DNA was extracted and PCR amplification of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene as well as partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene were performed. All cysts were fertile. Traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 12S rRNA and COI yielded bands (254 and 446 base pairs, respectively) for all 3 cyst samples. However, partial COI gene sequences were identical to those reported for Echinococcus equinus (formerly E. granulosus genotype G4). Thus E. equinus is still transmitting among the equids in Turkey but the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene primers may not be sufficient for the molecular characterization of members of the E. granulosus species/genotype complex. Molecular diagnosis must be confirmed by partial COI sequence analysis.

[Investigation of the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in aviary birds in homes in the Van province]. / Van yöresinde evde beslenen kafes kuslarinda bagirsak parazitlerinin yayginliginin arastirilmasi.

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in aviary birds in the Van province. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from aviary birds (6 parrots, 5 nightingales, 24 canaries and 35 lovebirds) in Van. In the parasitology laboratory, seventy fecal samples were examined using the native and sedimentation technique for helminth eggs, Eimeria sp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts. The same samples were examined by modified-acid-fast staining for Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was found to be 8.57% (6/70) in Van. Eimeria sp. oocysts were detected in lovebird (8.57%) and canaries (8.33%). Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were detected only in parrots (16.67%). Helminth eggs and Giardia sp. cysts were not found in aviary birds. However no parasites were detected in nightingales.

[The prevalence of Linguatula serrata (Fröhlich, 1789) nymphs in sheep in the Van province]. / Van Ili Koyunlarinda Linguatula serrata (Fröhlich, 1789) Nimflerinin Yayginligi.

This research was carried out in order to detect the prevalence of Linguatula serrata nymphs in lung and mesenteric lymph nodes of sheep in Van province. For this purpose, mesenteric lymph nodes of 347 sheep and lung lymph nodes of 224 sheep were examined. L. serrata nymphs were found in 18 (5.19%) out of 347 sheep. L. serrata nymphs were not found in the lung lymph nodes of 224 sheep. In infected sheep, a total of 19 L. serrata nymphs were collected and two nymphs of L. serrata were seen in one mesenteric lymph node.

[Prevalence of liver flukes in hair goats slaughtered in Hakkari (Yüksekova) Province]. / Hakkari (Yüksekova) Yöresinde Kesilen Kil Keçilerinde Karaciger Kelebeklerinin Yayilisi.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of distomatosis in 267 hair goats which were slaughtered in the slaughterhouses belonging to butchers located in Yüksekova district of Hakkari province. In the study, distomatosis were detected in 165 (61.80%) of the 267 hair goats. Distomatosis was found in 20/98 (20.41%) hair goats which were younger than one year old and in 145/169 (85.80%) which were older than one year. It was found that the species most often responsible were Fasciola hepatica (41.21%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (42.42%). Mixed infections (F. hepatica+D. dendriticum) were found only in hair goats older than one year (13.94 %). In this investigation, Fasciola gigantica was found to infect only the ones older than one year (2.76%).

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.

Prevalence of Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in calves in the Van province.

This research was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and Giardia cysts in calves less than 6 months of age in Van province. For this purpose, fecal samples were obtained from the rectum of 182 calves. Fecal samples (n: 182) were examined with the modified acid-fast technique for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The same samples were examined by zinc sulphate flotation technique for Eimeria oocysts and Giardia cysts. During the laboratory examination of fecal samples, Eimeria spp. oocysts were identified in 22.53% (41/182), Cryptosporidium oocysts in 13.19% (24/182) and Giardia cysts in 9.34 % (17/182) of the dairy calves examined. The rate of infection was 69.78% (127/182). Single infections (45.05%) and mixed infections (24.73%) were identified.

[Investigation of Cryptosporidium sp. in workers of the Van municipality slaughterhouse and in slaughtered animals]. / Van Belediye Mezbahasinda Calisan Isçilerde ve Kesimi Yapilan Hayvanlarda Cryptosporidium sp.'nin Arastirilmasi.

This study was carried out in order to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in slaughtered animals and workers of the Van municipality slaughterhouse in Van. Animals slaughtered at different times and workers who had been working in different departments of the slaughter house were included in the study for three months. A total of 309 fecal specimens from animals including 167 sheep, 56 goats and 86 cattle and 87 fecal specimens from workers were examined for Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. In slaughtered animals, the modified acid-fast staining method was used to determine the oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. The fecal samples of slaughter workers were examined by using RIDA (R) Quick Cryptosporidium Strip Test (R-Biopharm, Germany) and the modified acid-fast staining method. Fecal samples found to be positive by stripe test were also confirmed with the ELISA method (R-Biopharm, Germany). Oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. were found in fecal specimens of 22 sheep (13.17%), 6 goats (10.71%) and 7 cattle (8.13%). Intestinal parasites were observed in 34 fecal specimens of workers (39.08%). Cryptosporidium sp., Hymenolepis nana, Chilomastix mesnili, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba bütschlii were found in the specimen of one worker (1.14%), Entamoeba coli in 4 workers (4.59%), Blastocystis hominis (9.19%) in 8 workers, and Giardia intestinalis (19.54%) in 17 workers.

[Determination of the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in cattle infected with Dictyocaulus viviparus]. / Dictyocaulus viviparus ile Enfekte Sigirlarda Lipit Peroksidasyon ve Antioksidan Durumunun Saptanmasi.

Endoparasites cause significant economic losses and health problems in domestic animals. In this study, lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant status were investigated in the lung tissue taken from twenty cattle infected with Dictyocaulus viviparus and ten healthy cattle. Malondialdehyde superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, vitamin C and beta-carotene were measured. In comparison to the control group, the concentration of MDA was high (p < 0.001), but the activities of Cu-Zn-SOD and CAT, and the concentration of GSH, vitamin C and beta-carotene were low (Cu-Zn-SOD, CAT, GSH, vitamin C, p < 0.001 and beta-carotene p < 0.05) in the parasite infected group. These results suggested that endoparasitic infection is among the major causes of oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation was observed and the activities and concentrations of antioxidants systems were decreased in the lungs of cattle infected with Dictyocaulus viviparus.

[Prevalence of Eimeria species in sheep in the Bitlis province]. / Bitlis yöresinde koyunlarda Eimeria türlerinin yayginligi.

This study was performed in order to investigate the presence of Eimeria species in sheep in the Bitlis province. For this purpose, 241 stool samples were collected from sheep in the Bitlis City and Hizan City as well as Horozdere and Gülçimen villages in the Bitlis province. During the laboratory examination of fecal samples, nine different Eimeria species were identified in 215 (89.21%) out of 241 sheep in Bitlis province. These species were Eimeria ovina (49.38%), E. ahsata (46.06%), E. parva (45.64%), E. ovinoidalis (43.56%), E. crandallis (35.26%), E. pallida (30.29%), E. granulosa (12.86%), E. faurei (10.78%) and E. intricata (8.71%).

[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.