Helminthologia最新文献

Domestic and wild animals can contract amphistomosis, a disease caused by digenetic trematodes belonging to the superfamily Paramphistomoidea. The importance of these flukes is underestimated worldwide due to their ubiquity and abundance among hosts. Pseudodiscus collinsi is a member of the family Paramphistomatidae that infects the colon of equines and elephants. In the present study, the flukes were recovered from the colon of a dead wild Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus). The flukes were stained using acetyl alum carmine and morphologically identified as P. collinsi based on the presence of oral pouches and position of the testes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) region and sequence analysis were performed. The phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method, based on the Kimura 2-parameter model, revealed the separation of P. collinsi (elephant) as a distinct species from the other amphistomes of different hosts. This is the first molecular marker of P. collinsi to be presented.

Members of the genus Pratylenchus, commonly known as root-lesion nematodes, rank among the most economically important plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide due to their broad host range, wide distribution, and ability to cause significant yield losses in major crops, including rice, maize, and sugarcane. They invade root tissues, creating lesions that impair water and nutrient uptake, reduce plant growth, and increase susceptibility to secondary infections. Pratylenchus parazeae, a root-lesion nematode previously known from sugarcane and maize in China, is reported for the first time in Vietnam, associated with rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Vinh Phuc Province. This study provides an integrative identification of the species based on detailed morphological features and molecular characterization using 18S rDNA and D2-D3 segments of the 28S rDNA. Female specimens exhibited diagnostic characteristics consistent with P. parazeae. No males were observed. The D2-D3 and 18S rDNA sequences showed 98.7 - 99.0 % identity with previously described P. parazeae sequences, and phylogenetic analysis placed the Vietnamese population within a well-supported clade alongside known P. parazeae isolates, distinct from other closely related Pratylenchus species. This first record of P. parazeae on rice in Vietnam expands the known host range and geographic distribution. The findings underscore the need for targeted surveillance and management strategies to mitigate the potential threat of P. parazeae to rice production in Southeast Asia.

Corynosoma pseudohamanni Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Polymorphidae) was described from the intestinal tract of 5 species of seals, including the type and primary host, the Weddell seal Leptonycotes weddellii (Lesson) in the South Shetlands, West Antarctica. Notothenia coriiceps Richardson was the primary paratenic host of 14 fish hosts reported in the original description. We redescribed excysted juveniles from the body cavity of N. coriiceps collected off Galindez Island, Argentine Islands, and included its molecular analysis, SEM images, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA) for the first time. The identity and distribution of mineral elements in the center and edge of anterior, middle, and posterior proboscis hooks establish their taxonomic relevance. Samples were dehydrated through an ascending ethanol series and then critical point dried, mounted on stubs and coated with carbon with a thickness of 20 nm. The specimens were examined and positioned using the LYRA3 FIB-SEM (TESCAN, Brno - Kohoutovice, Czech Republic), equipped with a Phoenix energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (Oxford Instruments, Abingdon, England). X-ray spot and live scan analyses were performed at 15 kV with a spot size 2. The AZtec version 4.3 software system (Oxford Instruments, Abingdon, England) was used. We demonstrated the highest calcium levels in all hooks and hook roots compared to sulfur and phosphorus. Here, for the first time, we report a new aspect of the elemental analysis of hooks, demonstrating the differential distribution of sulfur, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium at the center and margins of anterior, middle, and posterior hooks and hook roots. Calcium was the most prevalent element in roots (root edge and root middle) and the center of middle of all hooks. Phosphorous was equally common but not as prevalent and was highest in the middle of the roots and the middle of all hooks. Sulfur was negligible or absent in the roots and middle of all hooks but highest at hook tips and the edge of the middle hook. The biological and taxonomic importance of this EDXA pattern is discussed, as well as its relevance to hook strength and flexibility, species identity, and comparative systematics. Comparative results were also presented for cystacanths of five other species of acanthocephalans for which EDXA patterns have been studied.

This study was conducted to determine hematological changes in two different age groups of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) experimentally infected with 3 and 5 earthworms, 200 embryonated eggs of Syngamus trachea, and control groups. Comparing the hematological parameters, EPG values, and tracheoscopy findings revealed differences related to the age of the experimental birds. The most significant changes in RBC, Hb, and eosinophils (p <0,05) were found in a group of young pheasants fed with five earthworms, followed by three earthworms, and finally with 200 embryonated S. trachea eggs. In a group of adult pheasants, a decline in RBC and Hb was observed in groups fed 3 or 5 earthworms. The group fed with 200 embryonated eggs showed no significant difference. The hematological results revealed that the mean values of Hb and RBC were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in noninfected birds compared to infected ones. Comparison of the EPG values related to tracheoscopic findings confirmed a higher parasitic burden as well as a higher number of adults. The highest EPG value observed (1500) corresponded with the number of adults of S. trachea (4 pairs) recorded in a group of young pheasants fed five earthworms, with an average of 2.1 adult pairs in the trachea and an average EPG value of 750. Additionally, it was confirmed that young birds are more susceptible to S. trachea infection than adults. Based on the results, it was concluded that some hematological values were influenced by age. The differences between the pheasants and the data obtained in this study could help establish baseline values for hematological parameters in pheasants regarding the parasitic burden caused by S. trachea.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections have a significant impact on the health and productivity of small ruminants, while data on mixed-species grazing systems in Central Europe are scarce. This study aimed to compare GIN species richness and infection intensity in co-grazed dairy sheep and goats under a conventional grazing system in the Czech Republic. Over a 12-month period, 210 goat and 196 sheep faecal samples were analyzed using the McMaster method, followed by larval culture. Both hosts harboured Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia spp., and Oesophagostomum columbianum. Goats exhibited consistently higher egg shedding, with a mean peak egg count of 1240 EPG in June, whereas sheep reached a markedly lower peak of 620 EPG in February. In goats, H. contortus predominated year-round, while in sheep, Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia spp. showed pronounced seasonal fluctuations, comprising up to 60% of larvae in autumn. Differences in infection intensity between species were statistically significant (U = 24 697.5, p < 0.001). These results support the hypothesis that co-grazing does not homogenise parasite burdens between host species and demonstrate species-specific seasonal infection dynamics. Such insights directly address the study's aim of characterising species composition and infection intensity in co-grazed sheep and goats, providing an evidence-based basis for optimising sustainable parasite management in mixed grazing systems.

The existence or lack of natural enemies is one ecological aspect that can have a significant impact on the human burden of environmentally transmitted parasite diseases. First discovered in Lake Naivasha, Kenya, in 1970, red swamp crayfish swiftly expanded throughout the area, overlapping with the range of freshwater snails that act as the intermediate host of schistosomiasis, a trematode disease of poverty that affects up to 250 million people worldwide, 9 million Kenyans, and 23.1 % of Mwea. While mass drug administration is practiced, cases of reinfection occur, hence the need to augment control strategies targeting snails. Using baited crayfish traps and a snail scoop, a baseline survey was carried out to map out canals with and without both the predator and the prey. Specifically, snail and crayfish populations were statistically expressed as percentages and proportions. Snail abundance and Infection rates were compared using percentages and proportions. Prior to the introduction of crayfish, in August 2021, 2703 snails that transmit schistosomes were found in the five sites in the Mwea water environment. While in the other regions, Nice had no snails, Mianya (12.3 %) had high infection rates, which were followed by Nguka (12.3 %), Murinduko (6.3 %), and Nineveh (5.0 %). In certain settings, the prevalence of snails dramatically dropped (p ≥ 0.001) following the introduction of crayfish. The five study environments' infection rates did not differ significantly (p ≥ 0.105). Out of the 218 crayfish captured at the six study locations, Nguka had the most (104), ahead of Nice (82) and Mokou (32), indicating relative abundances of 47.7 %, 37.6 %, and 14.7 %, respectively. During the sampling period, there were no crayfish in Mianya, Murinduko, or Nineveh. Our findings imply that ecological factors like vegetation and human activity significantly influence aquatic-based biological control.

Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous nematode causing substantial economic losses to the livestock industry worldwide. This study aimed to investigate epidemiological determinants, morphometrics, and phylogenetic relationships of Haemonchus in small ruminants (goats and sheep) of Malakand division, Pakistan. Fecal samples (n=878) were randomly collected across four seasons (January to December, 2024) from six districts of the Malakand division to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors. Abomasa from 100 small ruminants were collected for morphometric and phylogenetic studies. Morphological identification was followed by DNA extraction from the adult worms and subsequent PCR amplification of the Cox-1 genetic marker. The overall prevalence of Haemonchus was 25.17 % (221/878), with significantly higher infection rates in small ruminants with poor health 36.19 % (38/105, P= 0.0003), those >5 years old 28.82 % (89/318, P= 0.0391), and untreated small ruminants 29.08 % (171/588, P= 0.0004), based on Chi-square test (P < 0.05), using bivariate analysis. Morphometric analysis revealed that the Haemonchus eggs were oval with an average length of 80.98 μm and a width of 45.04 μm. Male worms measured 11.9 - 13.8 mm long, while females ranged from 15 - 23.8 mm. Phylogenetic analysis based on the Cox-1 gene revealed a close genetic relationship between isolates from the Malakand division and those from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Iran. Furthermore, the study identified two distinct haplotypes, providing further insights into the genetic variability within Haemonchus populations. This study highlights the significant burden of Haemonchus infections in the region, emphasizing health status, treatment, and age as key risk factors. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the development of effective control strategies against Haemonchus infections in small ruminants.

During a routine analysis of a wild boar diaphragm, a significant infestation with Trichinella spp. was found, larvae were identified, with a larval burden of 767 larvae per gram (LPG) of muscle tissue. To our knowledge, this is the largest infection detected to date in Serbia. By employing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the Trichinella britovi was the only species identified. The high LPG levels found in this study suggest that game meat has not been examined for the presence of Trichinella spp. pose a significant risk to human health and could potentially lead to fatal outcomes. Furthermore, this finding confirms the importance of wild boars as a source of infection of T. britovi in Serbia.

The health of the mice used in research experiments is critical to their performance in obtaining correct and accurate data. The current research was done to determine the anthelmintic action of Cinnamomum verum bark extracts (CVBE) in murine infection with Aspiculuris tetraptera. In vitro: The worms were divided into 6 groups: the 1^st control, 2^nd with 10 mg/mL of Albendazole as a reference drug, and the 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th groups were treated with 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL of CVBE, and the test was done at 15, 30, 60, and 120, minutes In vivo: Utilized was twenty-fi ve adult female (C57BL/6) murine, natural infections with A. tetraptera, were sectioned into fi ve treated, each containing 5 murine: 1^St, was the non-treated (negative control), and 2^ed was regaled 100 μg/mL. 3^rd was regaled 200 μg/kg of CVBE for 5 days. 5^th was infection and regaled 10 mg/kg mebendazole for 3 days. The GC-MS analysis of phytochemicals in CVBE alcoholic extract disclosed the availability of 20 effi cacious bioactive compounds accountable for worm death. Mortality was measured a dose- and time-dependent effects starting in 20, 40, 80, 120, and 180 mins. The death rate reached (96 % and 100 %) through 120 and 180 min at engagement 200 and 400 mg/mL of CVE. While the non-treated groups lasted many times without death. This study demonstrated that CVBE was effective and had potent anthelminthic activity.

The aim of present study was to examine the potency of moxidectin solution (Cydectin 1 %; Zoetis) and commercially available oral moxidectin gel (Equest®; Zoetis) to suppress the excretion of strongyle eggs in horses over a 6-week period. The horses naturally infected with strongyle nematodes (>500 eggs/g of feces) were divided into two comparable groups according age, sex and weight. On day 0 of the study, horses in Group OT (oral treatment; N=5) were dewormed with moxidectin gel (Equest®; Zoetis; 0.4 mg/kg of b.w.) according to the manufacturer's instructions, and horses in Group IT (intramuscular treatment; N=4) were dewormed with moxidectin injectable solution (Cydectin 1 %; Zoetis; 0.2 mg/kg of b.w.). Stool samples were collected rectally, on day 0, 17, 28, 35, and 42 of the study and examined using a modifi ed McMaster technique (Roepstorff et al., 1998) with modifi cations. The mean strongyle egg excretion has signifi cantly decreased in Group IT (P<0.01) and Group OT (P<0.001) on day 17 post treatment as compared to those on day 0. The effi cacy of oral gel (99.43 %) and injectable moxidectin (99.32 %) formulations was therefore high and comparable and no resistance of strongylids to moxidectin was recorded. On day 35 (P<0.001) and 42 (P<0.05) post treatment, the mean effi cacy was signifi cantly higher in Group IT as compared to Group OT. The present study contributes to the existing knowledge and providing more information on the use of injectable MOX solution for the treatment of strongylid infection in horses.