Prevalence and risk factors associated with amphistome parasites in cattle in Iran

The prevalence and infection rates of amphistome species in intermediate snail hosts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the estimates of the prevalence and infection rates of natural and experimental infections of amphistome species in intermediate host snails (IHs) across different continents. A search of peer-reviewed literature on natural and experimental infections of freshwater snails with amphistome species was conducted from four electronic databases from 1984 to 2023. The estimates of the prevalence and/or infection rates were based on 36 eligible peer-reviewed articles, which met the inclusion criteria and reported on natural and experimental infections of amphistome species in freshwater snails. The results showed that a total of 1,67,081 snail species from the peer-reviewed articles were examined for natural infections and 7,659 snail species for experimental infections. The overall pooled prevalence of amphistome infections from naturally infected snails was 2% (95% CI: 0-4), while the overall pooled prevalence of amphistome infections from infections was 40% (95% CI: 18-64). The highest pooled prevalence of natural infection was 3%, which was recorded in Europe (95% CI: 1-7%). The highest overall prevalence of naturally infected amphistome was 6% (95% CI: 0-20%) for Paramphistomum epiclitum. The Americas had the highest pooled prevalence of experimental amphistome infection among freshwater snails (66%; 95% CI: 26-96%). The highest pooled infection rate of 65% (95% CI: 12-100%) was recorded for Paramphistomum cervi in experimental infections. Galba truncatula was the only snail that qualified for meta-analysis for natural infection with Calicophoron daubneyi, with a pooled prevalence of 3% (95% CI: 1-8%). Galba truncatula infected with C. daubneyi and P. cervi, and Bulinus tropicus infected with Calicophoron microbothrium in the experimental infection qualified for the meta-analysis, with an overall infection rate of 66% (95% CI: 34-92%) and 30% (95% CI: 0-74%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of amphistome species infection in the intermediate host (IH) snails based on detection techniques was higher with PCR compared to the dissection and shedding of cercariae. The results from the quality effects model revealed a high heterogeneity and publication bias between studies. This meta-analysis provided valuable insights into the prevalence and infection rates of amphistome species in snail IHs across different geographical regions.

Tegumental surface change in Paramphistomum epiclitum caused by Bombax ceiba flowers and black pepper seed extract

Rumen flukes, parasites of the superfamily Paramphistomoidea, are found in cattle rumen. Heavy infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and poor body condition, resulting in a decrease in milk and meat production. This study compares the tegumental surface change of Paramphistomum epiclitum as a response to ethanolic extracts of Bombax ceiba flowers and black pepper seeds. Adult flukes were subjected to various concentrations of crude extracts, including 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL for 12, 18, and 24 h incubation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited that the ethanolic extracts of both Bombax ceiba flowers and black pepper seeds caused tegumental surface changes in adult P. epiclitum. Based on the results, Bombax ceiba flower extract has anthelmintic activity, compared with black pepper seed extract, towards adult P. epiclitum due to the deformation of the tegument at lower concentrations than black pepper extract.

Prevalence and geographical distribution of amphistomes of African wild ruminants: A scoping review

This review summarizes published records on the prevalence, species diversity, geographical distribution, mixed infections, co-infections with other trematodes and intermediate hosts (IHs) of amphistomes (rumen flukes) of wild ruminants in Africa. Literature search was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed and JSTOR, using a combination of predetermined search terms and Boolean operators. Of the 54 African countries searched, results showed that occurrence of amphistome infections in wild ruminants have only been reported in 23 countries. A total of 38 amphistome species consisting of the following 11 genera were recorded, viz Bilatorchis, Calicophoron, Carmyerius, Choerecotyloides, Cotylophoron, Explanatum, Gastrothylax, Gigantocotyle, Leiperocotyle, Paramphistomum and Stephanopharynx. These were recorded in 39 wild ruminant species, belonging to the Bovidae family. The genus Carmyerius recorded the highest number of species (n = 13) across nine countries Africa. However, Calicophoron species (n = 9) were more widely distributed, occurring in 17 countries across all regions of Africa. Species of this genus collectively infected 27 wild ruminant species. However, at a species level, Cotylophoron cotylophorum infected the highest number of wild ruminant species. Prevalence of infection based on post-mortem examination ranged from 1.89% in African Buffalo to 100% in Defassa waterbuck from Egypt and Zambia, respectively. The most common mixed infections recorded were those between amphistomes of the same or different genus. Snail intermediate hosts (IHs) were described for 10/38 amphistome species, and these were predominantly species from Plarnobidae family. Despite the richness in diversity of amphistomes infecting wild ruminants in Africa, there is need to further confirm identity of snail IHs and the amphistome species using both morphological and molecular techniques. Furthermore, more studies are recommended to assess the burden of amphistomosis in commercially reared wildlife/game farming, mixed game and livestock farming systems in Africa.

Prevalence of Bovine Trematodiases and Associated Risk Factors in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

Introduction

Trematodiases cause significant financial losses to livestock worldwide and some of which are zoonotic, raising public health concerns. In Rwanda, information on the prevalence of bovine trematodiases is scanty, and this hampers efforts to control and prevent them in the country.

Methods

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine trematodiases in Nyagatare district and associated risk factors. One hundred cattle were randomly selected for this study and faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum to identify trematode eggs using a simple sedimentation technique. To analyze the data, frequencies, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were computed.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of bovine trematodiases was 69%, and Paramphistomum spp. predominated (69%), followed by Dicrocoelium spp. (23%), Fasciola spp. (20%), and Echinostoma spp. (1.0%). The study also recorded mixed paramphistomiasis, fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis (11.6%), paramphistomiasis and fascioliasis (15.9%) as well as paramphistomiasis and dicrocoeliasis (20.3%). The odds of having trematodiasis (mono or mixed fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis) for the cow located in Barija cell (AOR = 0.143; 95% C.I. 0.026-0.793) were 14% lower compared to those of developing such parasitosis for the cow located in Bushoga cell.

Conclusion

Taken together, the study shows that trematodes are a significant contributor to lowering livestock production and productivity and pose a threat to human health. Different approaches should be applied to prevent and control the trematodiases in cows and other livestock (sheep and goats) and reduce the risk of contracting fascioliasis and echinostomiasis in humans in Nyagatare district, Rwanda.

Prevalence of Amphistomes and Fasciola in large ruminants reared by smallholders in Lampung and Banten Provinces, Indonesia

Background and Aim

Parasitic diseases, including trematode invasions, result in losses to livestock in Indonesia, hindering the government's efforts to achieve meat self-sufficiency. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Amphistomes and Fasciola in large ruminants reared by smallholder farmers.

Materials and Methods

Fecal samples from 199 buffalo and cattle were collected from the districts of East Lampung (Lampung Province) and Lebak (Banten Province). Fecal samples were examined for the presence of trematode eggs using a sedimentation technique.

Results

Parasite invasion rate was 48.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.3%-55.2%). Rate of invasion was 63.3% (95% CI: 52.7%-73.9%) in Lampung and 38.3% (95% CI: 29.6%-47.0%) in Lebak-Banten. The prevalence of multiple invasions of both Amphistomes and Fasciola was 20% in buffalo and local cattle, whereas invasion rate was 12.8% in crossbred cattle. Invasion rate of Amphistomes alone was 27.1%, and that of Fasciola was 4.5%. A higher invasion rate of Amphistomes (29.8%) occurred in crossbred animals. There were no significant differences between age groups for trematode invasion. The Chi-square test showed that the prevalence of trematode invasion in females was significantly higher than in males (51.5% and 30.0%, respectively). Amphistomes more commonly infected females than males (29.0% and 16.7%, respectively).

Conclusion

All breeds were vulnerable to invasion by both trematode species and single invasions with different invasion rates. These findings contribute to determining the magnitude of the disease and provide a basis for studies on prevention and treatment of trematode invasion.

The determination and relationship of four coexisting paramphistomes in perspective of integrative taxonomic investigation

Co-infections with Orthocoelium species and other paramphistomes were found in different ruminant hosts from two provinces of Thailand. Whilst O. parvipapillatum coexisted with Paramphistomum epiclitum in the same cattle (Bos taurus) from Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, O. dicranocoelium and Fischoederius elongatus were found in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from Chiang Mai Province. Morphological, histological, and tegumental surface features of both Orthocoelium species were intensively investigated for species differentiation. Statistical analysis of eight morphometric ratios presented morphological differences for three paramphistomes in the Paramphistomidae family and some relationships among paramphistomes in different definitive hosts. The genetic relationships of the co-infecting paramphistomes were investigated using p-distance and phylogenetic tree analyses. Genetic variations in the Orthocoelium co-infecting paramphistomes, P. epiclitum and F. elongatus, were calculated and compared to DNA sequence alignments based on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA markers. In addition, the phylogenetic tree constructions from both DNA markers and their concatenated sequence (ITS2 + COI) were used for species confirmation and the presentation of genetic relationships between co-infecting paramphistomes and other paramphistomes. This study improves the basic taxonomical description and understanding of parasite-parasite and host-parasite interactions from the perspectives of morpho-histological, morphometric, and genetic variation in co-infecting paramphistomes and Orthocoelium species in different hosts.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Domestic Mammalian Hosts in Southeastern Iran

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) are a major cause of disease and production loss in livestock. Some have zoonotic potential, so production animals can be a source of human infections. We describe the prevalence of GIP in domestic mammals in Southeastern Iran. Fresh fecal samples (n = 200) collected from cattle (n = 88), sheep (n = 50), goats (n = 23), camels (n = 30), donkeys (n = 5), horse (n = 1), and dogs (n = 3) were subjected to conventional coprological examination for the detection of protozoan (oo)cysts and helminth ova. Overall, 83% (166/200) of the samples were positive for one or more GIP. Helminths were found in dogs, donkeys, sheep (42%), camels (37%), goats (30%), and cattle (19%), but not in the horse. Protozoa were found in cattle (82%), goats (78%), sheep (60%), and camels (13%), but not in donkeys, dogs, or the horse. Lambs were 3.5 times more likely to be infected by protozoa than sheep (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.05–11.66), whereas sheep were at higher odds of being infected by helminths than lambs (OR = 4.09, 95% CI: 1.06–16.59). This is the first study assessing the prevalence of GIP in domestic mammals in Southeastern Iran.

First recorded outbreak of Paramphistomum cervi in Andaman local goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) from Bay island of India: A brief communication

This communication reports an outbreak of immature paramphistomiosis in Andaman local goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) along with report of mortality and gross as well as histopathological changes. During the month of September, 2021 there was report of 38.57% mortality in goats which was investigated in depth. Outbreak occurred at South Andaman district where goats were reared under semi intensive managerial system and allowed to graze in the morning in surrounding marshy land. The affected animals showed the symptoms of immature amphistomiasis; it was further confirmed on necropsy and identification of causative organism as Paramphistomum cervi based on its typical morphological features. Histopathological examination showed damaged structure of rumen with typical degenerative changes and initiation of necrotic changes of cells with infiltration of inflammatory cells. We report the outbreak of immature amphistomiasis for the first time from Andaman and Nicobar archipelago along with the causative agent.

Rumen Fluke in Cattle and Buffaloes in Asia: A Review

Rumen fluke is a parasitosis that infects ruminant animals across a wide geographical range of countries. It is a severe infection in temperate and tropical climate regions of Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe, which cause significant economic losses. In this review, the available information to date on rumen fluke species infecting cattle and buffaloes in Asian countries is evaluated. The citation search was performed through specific keywords, literature published from 1964 to 2021, retrieved from electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Pub Med, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. Twenty-six (26) rumen fluke species belonging to two families: Paramphistomidae 61.5% (16/26) and Gastrothylacidae 38.4% (10/26), were reported in cattle and buffaloes in fourteen Asian countries. Paramphistomum cervi and Cotylophoron cotylophorum are the most prevalent species with broader distribution in countries than the other genera. The coprological prevalence varies from 0.8% to 98.17% and 0.86% to 78.4% in cattle and buffaloes, respectively. The prevalence of rumen fluke by fluke counts method range between 6.45% to 90.6% and 4.29% to 75.07% in cattle and buffaloes, respectively. The sedimentation method and fluke count are reliable tests for detecting rumen fluke in live and slaughtered animals. In conclusion, the rumen fluke should be considered a critical production disease that affects cattle and buffaloes in Asia. Further studies are necessary to determine the rumen fluke-snail associations, develop diagnostic tests to detect prepatent infections in the definitive host, determine the economic importance of rumen fluke, and determine the efficacy of different anthelmintic in the treatment of patent infections in the definitive host.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in ruminants in Ukraine: a 5-year meta-analysis

The production of environmentally friendly livestock products is currently receiving much attention, especially in the European Union. The problem of monitoring the quality and safety of meat and milk in modern conditions is relevant not only for Ukraine but also for the world community. The scientific substantiation of the methods of research on meat for sale subject to invasive diseases is especially important, as the product may pose risks to the consumer. One of the criteria for assessing the welfare of a herd is the prevalence of helminthiases in cattle. Ruminant parasitoses in Ukraine have always been and remain a separate, often significant, problem for veterinary specialists. Helminths have evolved to use a wide range of ecological niches. In this study, we tried to quantify the prevalence of helminthiases among ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats) in Ukraine. The relevant studies were searched for in the online databases. The meta-analysis included 15 publications from January 2015 to December 2020 which reported the spread of parasites in Ukraine. The research results show that the infestation of ruminants with gastrointestinal helminths on the territory of Ukraine is 56.7%. Egger’s regression test revealed no significant publication bias. During the period of pastured farming, stable parasitocenoses are formed in the body of ruminants. The parasitoses are caused by helminths (gastrointestinal strongyles, liver flukes, paramphistomas, dicrocelia). They are recorded in monoinvasions or mixed invasions. Ruminants, according to helminthological examination in different climatic zones, are constantly infested with trematodes. In Ukraine, the presence of three species of flukes has been confirmed in ruminants: Fasciola hepatica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Paramphistomum cervi. Parasitization by those species negatively affects the profitability of dairy farming. Trematodes cause significant economic losses: reduced milk productivity of cows, reduced live weight gain of young animals, negative impact on reproduction. At the same time, fascioliasis is socially significant and dangerous to humans. According to the analyzed literature sources, two types of cestodes have been registered in Ukraine: Moniezia benedeni and M. expansa. The epizootic situation regarding nematodes is just as fraught. That is the most numerous group of helminths, their fauna is represented by the following species: Strongyloides papillosus, Nematodirus spathiger, Bunostomum spp., Oesophagostomum radiatum, Haemonchus contortus, Toxocara vitulorum, Trichuris skrjabini, T. ovis and T. globulosa. It is proven that in cattle parasitocenoses are recorded more often than monoinvasions. The highest rates of prevalence of infection were observed when polyinvasion included gastrointestinal strongyles, namely from the order Strongylida. Strongyloides papillosus is the most common taxonomic representative, while Fasciola hepatica has the lowest prevalence of infection, especially in sheep. Updated data on helminthiasis will expand the screening strategy to maintain the health of farm ruminants and reduce economic losses.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with amphistome parasites in cattle in Iran

Amphistomiasis, a neglected trematode infection of ruminants, has recently come up as an important reason for economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine amphistomiasis and associated risk factors such as: age, gender, breed, season, water source, pastureland and grazing system. Between January 2016 and 2017, a total of 1,000 faecal samples and 1,000 rumens of cattle were collected from slaughterhouse of Zabol, Iran ante-mortem and post-mortem, respectively, and examined. The overall prevalence was 34.6% and 19.5% in terms of amphistome adults and eggs respectively. The identified amphistome species and their prevalence were Paramphistomumcervi (13.3%), Cotylophoroncotylophorum (19.5%), Gastrothylaxcrumenifer (5.9%) and Carmyeriusspatiosus (2.7%). The correlation between prevalence and season, age, breed, water source, pastureland and grazing system was significant (p < .0001). The presented information about the prevalence of amphistomes of cattle and individual and management risk factors can be used to design appropriate control measures.