Steroid hormone related male biased parasitism in chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra

Parasites are linked with their host in a trophic interaction with implications for both hosts and parasites. Interaction stretches from the host's immune response to the structuring of communities and the evolution of biodiversity. As in many species sex determines life history strategy, response to parasites may be sex-specific. Males of vertebrate species tend to exhibit higher rates of parasites than females. Sex-associated hormones may influence immunocompetence and are hypothesised to lead to this bias. In a field study, we tested the prediction of male biased parasitism (MBP) in free ranging chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra), which are infested intensely by gastrointestinal and lung helminths. We further investigated sex differences in faecal androgen (testosterone and epiandrosterone), cortisol and oestrogen metabolites using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to evaluate the impact of these hormones on sex dependent parasite susceptibility. Non-invasive methods were used and the study was conducted throughout a year to detect seasonal patterns. Hormone levels and parasite counts varied significantly throughout the year. Male chamois had a higher output of gastrointestinal eggs and lungworm larvae when compared to females. The hypothesis of MBP originating in sex related hormone levels was confirmed for the elevated output of lungworm larvae, but not for the gastrointestinal nematodes. The faecal output of lungworm larvae was significantly correlated with androgen and cortisol metabolite levels. Our study shows that sex differences in steroid levels play an important role to explain MBP, although they alone cannot fully explain the phenomenon.

Helminths of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Denmark

An epidemiological study of helminths in 1040 red foxes collected from various localities in Denmark during 1997-2002, revealed 21 helminth species at autopsy, including nine nematode species: Capillaria plica (prevalence 80.5%), Capillaria aerophila (74.1%), Crenosoma vulpis (17.4%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (48.6% from Northern Zealand (endemic area)), Toxocara canis (59.4%), Toxascaris leonina (0.6%), Uncinaria stenocephala (68.6%), Ancylostoma caninum (0.6%), and Trichuris vulpis (0.5%); seven cestodes: Mesocestoides sp. (35.6%), a number of Taeniid species (Taenia pisiformis, T. hydatigena, T. taeniaeformis, T. crassiceps, and unidentified Taenia spp.) (22.8%), and Echinococcus multilocularis (0.3%); four trematodes: Alaria alata (15.4%), Cryptocotyle lingua (23.8%), Pseudamphystomum truncatum (3.6% from Northern Zealand), and Echinochasmus perfoliatus (2.4% from Northern Zealand); one acanthocephalan: Polymorphus sp. (1.2%). Significant difference in prevalence was found for T. canis and A. vasorum according to host sex, and for T. canis, U. stenocephala, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia spp., A. alata, A. vasorum, and Capillaria spp. according to age groups (adult, young or cub). Prevalence and average worm intensity for each helminth species varied considerably according to geographical locality, season, and year. Aggregated distribution was found for several helminth species. The two species E. multilocularis and E. perfoliatus are first records for Denmark.

Prevalence of helminthes in adult dogs in Heilongjiang Province, the People’s Republic of China

The prevalence of helminthes in adult dogs was investigated in Heilongjiang Province, the People's Republic of China, between 1996 and 2004. A total of 178 adult farm dogs from representative geographical locations in Heilongjiang Province were killed and examined for the presence of helminthes using a helminthological approach. The worms were examined, counted, and identified to species according to existing keys and descriptions. A total of 17 species of helminthes were found to infect dogs, and they represented two phyla, three orders, 13 families, and 15 genera. All dogs were infected by more than one helminth species. Clonorchis sinensis (26.4%), Paragonimus westermani (7.9%), and Metagonimus yokogawai (6.2%) were the most common trematode species; Mesocestoides lineatus (20.2%), Taenia hydatigena (19.7%), and Dipylidium caninum (14.6%) were the most common cestodes species; and Ancylostoma caninum (66.3%), Toxocara canis (36.5%), and Trichinella nativa (21.9%) were the most common nematode species. The results of the present investigation provide relevant "base-line" data for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against helminth infection in dogs in Heilongjiang Province, China.

Agricultural restructuring and gastrointestinal parasitism in domestic ruminants on the rangelands of Kazakhstan

In order to evaluate the epidemiology of parasitism in farmed ruminants in the changed agricultural context in Kazakhstan, 505 cattle, sheep and goats were surveyed for gastrointestinal parasitism using coprological examination, and a further thirty sheep and four goats using post mortem extraction of helminths. The dominant helminth genera were Marshallagia, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus. Haemonchus was also present. Faecal egg counts were low (mean abundance 0-115 eggs per gram in different groups), and there was no relationship between faecal egg density and body condition score. Eggs of Nematodirus spp. were more common in sheep less than 1 yr of age, whereas those of the Trichostrongylidae were generally more common in adult sheep. Based on faecal egg counts, sheep grazing on common land close to permanent human settlements were generally no more heavily infected than those grazing the remote open plains. This could be due to a non-linear relationship between livestock numbers and stocking density. We suggest that cessation of strategic nematode control in the region following post-Soviet agricultural reform was offset by a general reduction in stocking density, such that parasite burdens remained low. However, recovery in livestock numbers is likely to lead to increased levels of infection and production loss unless sustainable control strategies are put in place.

Population structure and dynamics of Gammarus fossarum (Amphipoda) upstream and downstream from effluents of sewage treatment plants

Two streams in Germany (Körsch and Lockwitzbach), each with two sampling sites above and below a sewage treatment plant (STP) discharging effluent, were investigated. Sampling sites were characterized, and exposure monitoring for chemicals with known or assumed endocrine disrupting potential was carried out. Both the population structure and the population dynamics of Gammarus fossarum were examined. The physicochemical parameters measured at the sampling sites of the Lockwitzbach and Körsch streams were found not to reach levels having an acute toxic impact on the development of gammarids. The calculated estrogenic potential in the stream water was 22- to 35-fold higher at the downstream site of the Körsch compared with the other sampling sites, mainly because of the concentrations of 17alpha-ethinylestradiol on two sampling dates. At both streams, an influence of the respective STP effluent on the sex ratio of G. fossarum was not observed. Moreover, intersexuality was not induced by these effluents. Differences in the structure and dynamics of G. fossarum populations were more pronounced at the Körsch than at the Lockwitzbach. At the downstream sampling site at the Körsch, gammarids reached their highest abundances. Particularly at the downstream sampling site of the Körsch, the proportion of breeding female gammarids and the proportion of juvenile gammarids in the smallest body length class were decreased compared with upstream. Adult gammarids were larger from the Lockwitzbach downstream site, but they were smaller from the Körsch downstream site compared with the respective upstream site. At the Körsch, the earlier onset of the autumnal reproductive resting period could be caused by the influence of the STP effluent.

Gastrointestinal Helminths of Free-ranging Florida Panthers (Puma concolor coryi) and the Efficacy of the Current Anthelmintic Treatment Protocol

Thirty-five Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi [Bangs, 1899]) collected from six counties in southern Florida between 1978 and 2003 were examined at necropsy for gastrointestinal helminths. The panthers were placed into two groups: 1) treated with anthelmintics (n = 17), and 2) untreated (n = 18). Nine species of helminths (one trematode, six nematodes, and two cestodes) were identified in the untreated panthers. The most prevalent helminths were Alaria marcianae (LaRue, 1917) (100%), Spirometra mansonoides (Mueller, 1935) (91%), and Ancylostoma pluridentatum (Alessandrini, 1905) (89%). Ancylostoma caninum (Ercolani, 1859) is reported from the Florida panther for the first time. The intensities of helminths with prevalences >10% did not differ between untreated panthers collected in 1978-1983 and 1996-2003. Treated panthers had helminth faunas similar to those of untreated panthers. The current anthelmintic treatment being used reduced the intensity of both A. marcianae and A. pluridentatum in panthers < or =6 mo posttreatment (PT); however, treated panthers between 6 and 9 mo PT, and >9 mo PT were similar to untreated panthers. Treatment was less effective on S. mansonoides and Taenia omissa Lühe, 1910. Treated panthers had slightly lower intensities of S. mansonoides at < or =6 mo PT; however, between 6 and 9 mo PT and >9 mo PT they had significantly higher intensities than untreated panthers. At all periods PT, the intensity of T. omissa for the treated panthers was similar to that of untreated panthers. We suggest that Mesocestoides sp. may not be present in the Florida panther population as reported earlier by Forrester et al. (1985), due to parasite misidentification by those authors.

Parasitas gastrointestinais em cães institucionalizados no Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Foi estudada a ocorrência de parasitas gastrointestinais em cães recolhidos e mantidos em instituto público de medicina veterinária no Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Amostras de fezes frescas foram coletadas em março de 2004 e analisadas pelos métodos de flutuação de Willis e centrífugo-flutuação em solução de sacarose. De 204 amostras, 45,6% estavam positivas para helmintos gastrointestinais.

Helminths of Pond-Reared Walleye From Wisconsin

One hundred extended growth walleye fingerlings, Sander vitreus (Percidae), collected on 6 October 2004, from 1 rearing pond at the Lake Mills State Fish Hatchery in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, were examined for parasites. Diplostomum sp. (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae), Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae), Bothriocephalus cuspidatus (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae), and Proteocephalus sp. (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) were the only parasites found. The first 3 species occurred as larval stages. Diplostomum sp. and Contracaecum sp. had similar prevalences, mean intensities, and mean abundances (72%, 2.2, and 1.6 and 71%, 2.1, 1.5, respectively) in walleye fingerlings. A headlamp technique used by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources personnel generated a prevalence of Diplostomum sp. in the lens that overestimated the prevalence of Diplostomum sp. found in a random subsample of 100 fingerlings examined with a microscope. Proteocephalus sp. and B. cuspidatus infected 14 and 12 fingerlings, respectively.

HELMINTHOLOGIC SURVEY OF THE WOLF (CANIS LUPUS) IN ESTONIA, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON ECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS

Carcasses of 26 wolves were collected during the 2000/2001 and 2003/2004 hunting seasons and examined for helminths. Thirteen helminth species were recorded: one trematode (Alaria alata), seven cestodes (Diphyllobothrium latum, Mesocestoides lineatus, Taenia hydatigena, Taenia multiceps, Taenia ovis, Taenia pisiformis, and Echinococcus granulosus), and five nematode species (Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara canis, Trichinella nativa, and Trichinella britovi). The most common species were A. alata and U. stenocephala. Mature Echinococcus granulosus was found and described for the first time in Estonia, and its identity verified using PCR-RFLP analysis. Sequencing a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA NADH dehydrogenase 1 (mtND1) gene showed that the E. granulosus strain from Estonia was identical to strain G10, recently characterized in reindeer and moose in Finland.

[Intestinal parasites in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal symptoms in Santiago, Chile]

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing importance of pet-transmitted infections, some of those are considered emerging infections.

AIM

To determine the species and frequency of intestinal parasites in pets with diarrhea (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis excluded).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive retrospective study. Fecal samples from 972 dogs and 230 cats consulting in two veterinary practices in Santiago, between 1996 and 2003, were studied using Burrows' technique.

RESULTS

Protozoa were found in 64.8% of dogs and in 66.5% of cats; helminthes in 24% of dogs and 45.2% of cats. The species found in dogs were Blastocystis sp. in 36%, Ameba sp. in 31%, Giardia intestinalis in 22%, Toxocara canis in 11%, Chilomastix sp. in 10%, Isospora sp. in 9%, Trichuris vulpis in 9%, Trichomonas sp. in 5%, Sarcocystis sp. in 4%, Dipylidium caninum in 2%, Ancylostomideos in 2%, Toxascaris leonina in 1%, Physaloptera sp. in 1%, Taenia sp. in 0.4%. Species found in cats were Blastocystis sp. in 37%, Ameba sp. in 30%, G intestinalis in 19%, Chilomastix sp. in 12%, Isospora sp. in 12%, Toxocara cati in 10%, D caninum in 7%, Sarcocystis sp. in 5%, Trichomona sp. in 5%, Toxoplasma gondii in 4%, Taenia sp. in 2% and Physaloptera sp. in 1%. Forty eight percent of parasites found in dogs and 49% found in cats have zoonotic potential. In dogs younger than six months Blastocystis sp., Ameba sp., G intestinalis, Chilomastix sp., Isospora sp. and T canis were significantly more common; the same was observed for Isospora in young cats. Approximately 60% of infected animals bore more than one parasite.

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of intestinal parasitism in pets with diarrhea was found; an important proportion of them have zoonotic potential.

Endoparasites in Sphenomorphus jobiensis (Sauria: Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea with description of three new species

One species of digenean, Zeylanurotrema sphenomorphi n. sp., and 2 nematode species, Meteterakis crombiei n. sp. and Physalopteroides milnensis n. sp., from the intestine of Sphenomorphus jobiensis, are described and illustrated. Zeylanurotrema sphenomorphi n. sp. represents the second species, Meteterakis crombiei n. sp. the 18th species, and Physalopteroides milnensis n. sp. the 19th species assigned to each respective genus. In addition, 1 species of cestode, Oochoristica javaensis; 7 nematode species, Abbreviata oligopapillata, Aplectana macintoshii, Aplectana zweifli, Cosmocerca zugi, Maxvachonia adamsoni, Oswaldocruzia bakeri, Parapharyngodon maplestonei; 1 species of acanthocephalan, Acanthocephalus bufonis; and 1 species of pentastome, Kiricephalus sp., were found. With the exception of Abbreviata oligopapillata, Sphenomorphus jobiensis represents a new host record for each species of endoparasite.

Distribution of gastrointestinal helminths in chicken farms in the Gharb region--Morocco

Gastrointestinal tracts of 300 chickens from three villages of the Gharb region, Morocco, were examined for adult helminths during 2002-2005. Helminth species found were: Notocotylus gallinarum (prevalence 0.7%), Hymenolepis carioca (3.7%), Raillietina echinobothrida (5.7%), Hymenolepis contaniana (7%), Raillietina tretragona (9.3%), Raillietina cesticillus (12%), Capillaria obsignata (6%), Subulura brumpti (15.3%), Heterakis gallinarum (10%), Cheilospirura hamulosa (2.7%), Dispharynx nasuta (5.3%), Ascaridia galli (9%), and Tetrameres sp. (3.3%). The prevalence and mean intensity of helminth infections did not differ significantly between male and female chickens.

Pathological findings in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Norwegian and Icelandic waters

A study of 37 by-caught harbour porpoises from Icelandic and Norwegian waters showed that most were in good or moderate nutritional condition and none was severely emaciated. Mild infection with lungworms (Halocercus invaginatus, Pseudalius inflexus, Torynurus convolutus) was found in 84% of the Icelandic and 91% of the Norwegian animals, usually associated with bronchopneumonia which was rarely severe. Most (91%) of the animals had parasites in the stomach and intestine (Anisakis simplex, Contracaecum osculatum, Pholeter gastrophilus), and Campula oblonga was present in the liver and pancreas of 88 and 21%, respectively. Oesophagitis, gastritis, cholangitis, pericholangitis, pancreatitis and lymphadenitis were almost exclusively associated with parasitic infection and usually mild. Bacterial isolates were obtained from 50 to 55% of the animals but were not considered to be clinically significant. There was no indication of morbillivirus infection. Icelandic and Norwegian animals showed a thicker blubber layer and a lower incidence of severe lesions, especially in the respiratory tract, as compared with reports of by-caught animals from the Baltic Sea.

Prevalence of large endoparasites at necropsy in horses infected with Population B small strongyles in a herd established in Kentucky in 1966

Two closed horse herds (Old Lot 4 and Field 24), infected since 1966 with Population B small strongyles resistant to thiabendazole (TBZ) and phenothiazine (PTZ), were terminated in February, March, and May, 2005. At necropsy, only the large endoparasites were identified and counted. The number of horses on pasture was 14 (239 days of age to 23 years old) for Old Lot 4 and two (3 to 20 years old) for Field 24. The time of the last antiparasitic treatment, relative to the year (2005) of necropsy, was 26 years for Old Lot 4 and 9 years for Field 24 horses. Gasterophilus intestinalis third instars (three to 113 specimens/horse) were found in all 16 horses and second instars (one to two) in two horses. Gasterophilus nasalis third instars (one to three) were recovered from five horses. Parascaris equorum infections (23 to 144) were in four horses (239 days to 4 years old). Strongylus vulgaris were present in the large intestine (one to 155) of 13 horses from 239 days to 23 years old and in the cranial mesenteric artery (two to 79) in 10 horses from 239 days to 23 years old. Strongylus edentatus were in the large intestine (two to 101) of 12 horses, ranging in age from 2.5 to 23 years old and in the ventral abdominal wall (one to 53) of six horses from 239 days to 21 years old. Specimens (seven to 872) of Anoplocephala perfoliata were in all horses. Oxyuris equi (one to 129) were recovered from seven horses (330 days to 23 years old). Thelazia lacrymalis (one to 85) infected the eyes of five horses (317 days to 11 years old).

Epidemiological studies on intestinal helminth parasites of the patagonian grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus) in Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia Argentina

The present work was performed to study the intestinal helminths of the patagonian grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus) and to obtain information about its possible role in the sylvatic life cycle of Echinococcu granulosus in Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia Argentina. Eighty-one foxes were captured and subject to post-mortem analysis. Thirty-one foxes (38.3%) harboured helminths. A total of six helminth species were recovered. Only one adult of E. granulosus was found in the studied samples. The current study is the first report of the intestinal helminths of the patagonian grey fox in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and showed that this specie is probably not an important reservoir host for E. granulosus.

Survey of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in quarantined dogs in Taiwan

Intestinal helminth and protozoan infection in the quarantined dogs in Taiwan were examined using fecal examination between January to December, 2004. Of the 376 dogs imported from 11 countries, 63 (16.8%) were found to be infected with at least one species of intestinal parasite. The parasites detected were oocysts of Isospora canis and eggs of Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis and hookworms. Of the 63 infected dogs, 11 were found to have a mixed infection of two different species of parasites. This paper illustrates that parasites are transmitted from one country to another through the transport of animals. Moreover, there is also a possibility of parasitic infection among quarantined dogs as well as the zoonotic potential for quarantine officers during the quarantine period.

Helminth Assemblages of the Turtle Emydura macquarii (Pleurodira: Chelidae) Queensland, Australia

The helminth fauna of 76 Emydura macquarii from 3 river systems in central and northern Queensland was examined. Eleven species were found, including 2 nematodes, 6 trematodes, 1 aspidogastrean, 1 cestode, and 1 monogenean. Analysis of helminth diversity showed that the Fitzroy and Ross River turtles had communities of comparable diversity, but the helminth communities in Proserpine River turtles were much less diverse. The helminth communities in all localities were dominated by trematodes. Polystomoides australiensis was the most prevalent, being found in 60% of the Ross River turtles, 57% of the Fitzroy River turtles, and 46% of the Proserpine River turtles. Notopronocephalus peekayi was the most abundant species, with mean abundances of 5.9 in the Ross River turtles and 9.8 in the Fitzroy River turtles. Species richness, Simpson's Reciprocal Index, was highest, 4.68, for the Ross River helminth community, Sorensen's Qualitative Index showed 95% similarity between the Ross River and Fitzroy River communities, although Sorensen's Quantitative Index indicated only 35% similarity between the 2 sites. Host feeding patterns are likely the most important factor affecting species richness of the helminth infracommunities, as the majority of helminth species are transmitted by food-web interactions involving intermediate hosts.

Seasonal variation in the parasite burden and body condition of working donkeys in East Shewa and West Shewa regions of Ethiopia

A survey of donkeys arriving at markets in three localities in East and West Shewa regions of central Ethiopia was carried out during 2002. Total faecal worm egg counts and body condition scores were measured for a total of 963 donkeys over a 12-month period. Total faecal worm egg counts did not differ significantly between localities but there was significant (p < 0.001) seasonal variation within localities. Levels of helminth infection closely followed rainfall patterns, being lowest (956 eggs per gram of faeces, e.p.g.) at the end of the long dry season (February) and highest (2022 e.p.g.) in the middle of the long wet season (August). Body condition score was associated closely with level of helminth infection (Goodman-Kruskal measure of association 0.60-0.80). Seasonal variation in body condition score reflected the temporal changes in worm burden and the availability of forage. It is suggested that a body condition score of 3 or less could be used as a simple means of identifying donkeys that require therapeutic treatment with anthelmintic. It is further proposed that economically viable strategic control of helminths in donkeys could be achieved by administering a single annual dose of avermectin-based anthelmintic at the start of the long rainy season (May-June). This may allow donkeys to recover body condition when available forage is most abundant and nutritious. It is also recommended that protein-rich feed supplementation be provided during the later part of the dry season (November-January). This may help maintain body condition when forage is scarce and the helminth challenge is at its lowest.

Factors affecting helminths community structure of the Egyptinan lizard Chalcides ocellatus (Forskal, 1775)

The variation in the component community structure of intestinal helminths in the lizard Chalcides ocellatus (Forskal, 1775) was studied in relation to the seasonal variation and host weight and sex. 120 lizards were collected seasonally during year 2004, from Al Firdan, Ismailia governorate, Egypt. The helminths community consisted of six species (five nematodes and one cestode). The various helminths differed according to host sex. The prevalence of total helminths infection was 67.6 % while the prevalences of Thelandros schusteri, Pharyngodon mamillatus, Parapharyngodon bulbosus, Cosmocerca vrcibradici, Spauligodon petersi and Oochoristica maccoyi were 43.4%, 3.9 %, 13.2%, 5.3%, 6.6%, and 14.3%, respectively. The results showed that the season was the main factor affecting infracommunity species richness and parasite abundance. Moreover, there was interaction between season and host sex on abundance of P. bulbosus. The prevalence of intestinal helminths varied significantly in relation to host weight classes and sex in some species. Helminths abundance and intensity were independent from host sex. In addition, correlations were found between total helminths abundance and host weight. In conclusion, the helminths community of C. ocellatus was depauperate and the influence of the studied factors varied from species to another one. We cannot say if the low species richness and infection rates observed in the present study are typical of the host species or if they are due to characteristics of the study area, since no available data on parasite assemblages exist for other C. ocellatus populations.

[Fecal examination of Shami goats from Damascus with respiratory syndrome]

This study was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of helminth species and their relation to the respiratory syndrome in Damascus goats bred in Hatay, Turkey. Fecal samples obtained from 130 Shami goats with respiratory signs including coughing, growling respiration and mucopurulent discharge were examined using the Fulleborne's salt saturated flotation, Benedek sedimentation and Baerman Wetzel methods. Helminth invasions were commonly observed in the goats. Of these goats, 68.46% were found to be infected by various helminth species. Besides this, 30% of the goats were infected with Eimeria species. The percentage of lung nematodes causing respiratory syndrome in goats was found to be 18.46. In conclusion, the goats with respiratory syndrome should also be examined for lung nematodes.

[Occurrence of helminths during spring and autumn months on rudd (Scardinus erythrophthalmus L. 1758) from Kocadere stream (Bursa)]

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of helminth infection in rudd, (Scardinus erythrophthalmus L. 1758) between spring and autumn seasons. A total of 87 rudd fish were investigated. Of these, 66 were infected with four species [Dactylogyrus difformis (Monogenea), Diplostomulum spathaceum metacerceria with Asymplodora markewitschi (Digenea), and Hysterothylacium sp. (Nematoda)]. During the study, it was noted that 46 out of 87 hosts were infected with D. difformis . The level of infection for this species was found to be 93% in the spring but it was 13% in the autumn. For D. spathaceum which was the second dominant species, 365 para-sites were found on 71 of 87 hosts. The maximum infection level for this species was 95% in the autumn. A total of 55 A. markewitschi could be found on 3 fish only during the spring. During the study, the lowest infection rate of the four species was that of Hysterothylacium sp. of which only 8 specimens were found on 7 fish.

[An investigation of parasites of tench (Tinca tinca L., 1758) in Beyşehir Lake]

The aim of this study that was carried out from March 15, 2003 to February15, 2005 was to determine the parasites of tench (Tinca tinca L., 1758) inhabiting the Beyşehir Lake. During the study, a total of 334 tenches (T. tinca ) were caught in different regions of Beyşehir Lake monthly and investigated parasitologically. Endoparasites in tenches were found to be plerocercoids of Ligula intestinalis, Caryophyllaeus laticeps, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi and Proteocephalus torulosus from Cestoda, Asymphylodora tincae from Digenea and Acanthocephalus anguillae from Acanthocephala. Of these parasites, Acanthocephalus anguillae has been recorded for the first time in the tenchs of Turkey.

[Helminth parasites of Hyla arborea (Linneaus, 1758) (tree frog) collected from Bursa, Edirne and Sakarya]

Twenty-seven tree frogs (Hyla arborea ) were collected from 3 different regions of Turkey from 1995-2000 in order to detect helminths . As a result of our survey, 1 Monogenea species and 2 Nematoda species were found. These are Polystoma skrjabini, Cosmocerca ornata and Oswaldocruzia filiformis. This is the second time Polystoma skrjabini has been recorded for this host, while this is the first time Cosmocerca ornata and Oswaldocruzia filiformis have been recorded for this host.

Gastrointestinal Helminths of Feral Raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

The population and distribution of feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) are expanding in Japan after escape or release from animal-owners. Wakayama Prefecture is one of the most typically devastated areas by this exotic carnivore, particularly in the last five years after a latent distribution for more than ten years. Official control measures of feral raccoons commenced in the summer of 2002 by several municipalities, and 531 animals collected in 12 municipalities between May 2003 and April 2005 were submitted for parasitological examination of gastrointestinal helminths. Detected parasites included six nematodes (Physaloptera sp. [prevalence; 5.1%], Contracaecum spiculigerum [0.9%], Strongyloides procyonis [25.5%], Ancylostoma kusimaense [0.8%], Arthrostoma miyazakiense [0.4%], and Molineus legerae [1.1%]), seven trematodes (Isthmiophora hortensis [4.9%], echinostomatid sp. with 34-39 collar spines [1.7%], Metagonimus takahashii [12.4%], M. yokogawai [0.8%], Plagiorchis muris [0.2%], Macroorchis spinulosus [1.9%], and Consinium ten [0.2%]), one cestode (Mesocestoides sp. [0.2%]), and six acanthocephalan spp. (Centrorhynchus bazalenticus [0.2%], Centrorhynchus teres [5.5%], Sphaerirostris lanceoides [2.4%], Plagiorhynchus ogatai [0.6%], Porrorchis oti [1.5%], and Southwelina hispida [1.9%]). Most of the collected parasites are food-borne, indigenous helminth species. Physaloptera sp. has never been recorded in indigenous wild carnivores in Japan, and resembles closely P. rara, prevalent in raccoons of North America, in morphology. The position of a pair of phasmids in the posteroventral region of the adult male, however, could differentiate it from P. rara. Since Strongyloides procyonis is known to cause creeping eruption as well as intestinal infection in a healthy human volunteer, we should be concerned about the rapid increase in the population and distribution of feral raccoons in Japan from the viewpoint of public health as well.

Analysis of the epidemiological factors influencing vulpine trichinellosis in ecologically different regions of Slovakia

INTRODUCTION

In the Slovak Republic, trichinellosis circulates almost exclusively in the sylvatic cycle, with main reservoir host red fox and wild boar and sporadic occurrence of human outbreaks. A detailed study was performed in five ecologically different regions of eastern Slovakia with more profound regard to eco-geographical and anthropogenic influences to natural fox habitat.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total of 689 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) hunted in selected regions in 2005/2006 was examined using artificial digestion method. Larvae obtained from infected samples were on the species level characterised using multiplex PCR analysis.

RESULTS

The study revealed a total prevalence of 15.6%, with most frequent occurrence of infected foxes in the mountain of the Volovské Vrchy (25.2%) where both human habitation and fox population are very dense. High prevalence rates were found in the Kosická Kotlina Basin (19.6%) with urbanised landscape, concentrated human activities and low fox population and in national park of the High Tatras (15.8%) where the inhabitants and fox population are relatively low. In the remote localities of the Nízke Beskydy Highlands that represent ideal fox habitat free of any human impact, 14.2% of foxes harboured Trichinella larvae. The lowest occurrence of infected foxes (6.9%) was found in agrarian areas of the Východoslovenská Nizina Lowland, with relatively low inhabitants and fox population density. In all localities Trichinella britovi was the most important etiological agent of sylvatic trichinellosis.