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Arapi EA, Reynolds M, Ellison AR, Cable J. Restless nights when sick: ectoparasite infections alter rest-activity cycles of diurnal fish hosts. Parasitology 2024; 151:251-259. [PMID: 38372138 PMCID: PMC11007282 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are timekeeping mechanisms responsible for an array of biological processes. Disruption of such cycles can detrimentally affect animal health. Circadian rhythms are critical in the co-evolution of host–parasite systems, as synchronization of parasite rhythms to the host can influence infection dynamics and transmission potential. This study examines the circadian rhythms in behaviour and activity of a model fish species (Poecilia reticulata) in isolation and in shoals, both when uninfected and infected with an ectoparasite (Gyrodactylus turnbulli). Additionally, the rhythmical variance of parasite activity under different light conditions as well as rhythmical variance in parasite transmissibility was explored. Overall, infection alters the circadian rhythm of fish, causing nocturnal restlessness. Increased activity of gyrodactylids on the host's skin at night could potentially contribute to this elevated host activity. Whilst migration of gyrodactylids across the host's skin may have caused irritation to the host resulting in nocturnal restlessness, the disruption in guppy activity rhythm caused by the expression of host innate immunity cannot be excluded. We discuss the wider repercussions such behavioural responses to infection have for host health, the implications for animal behaviour studies of diurnal species as well as the application of chronotherapeutic approaches to aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy R. Ellison
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, UK
| | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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Dario d'Ovidio, White S, Santoro D. Problem-Oriented Approach in Exotic Companion Mammals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023; 26:309-326. [PMID: 36965873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Dermatologic disorders are some of the most common conditions affecting exotic companion mammals. This article provides a clinical approach of the conditions presenting with alopecia, pruritus, scaling/crusting, erosion/ulceration, and nodules in order to select and interpret the appropriate diagnostic tests to achieve a diagnosis for a successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario d'Ovidio
- Private Practitioner, Via C. Colombo 118, Arzano, Naples 80022, Italy; Anicura Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Samarate, Italy.
| | - Stephen White
- Dermatology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 2108 Tupper Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Yevstafieva V, Khorolskyi A, Kravchenko S, Melnychuk V, Nikiforova O, Reshetylo O. Features of the exogenic development of Passalurus ambiguus (Nematoda, Oxyuroidae) at different temperature regimes. BIOSYSTEMS DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.15421/012207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Passalurosis is a prevalent disease among helminthiases of domestic rabbits. This invasion is caused by the nematode Passalurus ambiguus (Nematoda, Oxyuroidae), which is cosmopolitan and localized in the cecum and colon of rabbits. Passalurosis is highly contagious and capable of unlimited spread, due to the biological characteristics of its pathogen, such as the conditions that ensure maximum preservation of parasites at exogenous stages of their development. Experimental research in the laboratory established the timing of development of P. ambiguus eggs isolated from the gonads of female helminths, depending on temperature regimes and features of their growth and development. According to the morphological features of Passalurus eggs, four stages were distinguished in their exogenous development: zygote, cleavage and formation of blastomeres, formation of larvae and motile larvae. Depending on the cultivation temperature, the duration of embryogenesis ranged from 4 to 9 days, and egg viability ranged from 59.3% to 72.7%. The most favourable temperature regime for the development of P. ambiguus eggs was the temperature of 35 °C, at which 72.7% of eggs with motile larvae were formed within 4 days. At this temperature, the zygote stage lasted for 1 day of cultivation, the stage of cleaving and formation of blastomeres occurred on days 1–2, the stage of larval formation on days 1–3, and the stage of formation of motile larva on days 3–4. At lower temperatures, the term of development of Passalurus eggs increased, and the number of viable eggs decreased. At temperatures of 30 °С and 25 °С, the development of Passalurus eggs took place during 5 and 7 days, respectively, and the viability was 66.7% and 62.7%. At these temperatures, the zygote stage lasted 1–2 and 1–3 days, the stage of cleaving and formation of blastomeres occurred on days 1–3 and 1–4, the stage of larval formation lasted from days 2–4 and 2–6, and the stage of formation of motile larvae took place on days 3–5 and 4–7, respectively. The least favourable temperature for the development of P. ambiguus eggs was the temperature of 20 °С, at which the formation of motile larvae occurred in 9 days, and their viability was only 59.3%. At this temperature, the zygote stage lasted 1–4 days, the stage of cleaving and blastomere formation occurred on days 2–6, and the larval formation stage on days 3–8, and the motile larval stage happened on days 5–9. The growth and development of P. ambiguus eggs was accompanied by significant changes in morphometric parameters, such as the increase in egg width and thinning of egg shell at the egg shell plug. The obtained data will allow preventive measures to be effectively implemented on rabbit farms that are susceptible to pinworms, taking into account the terms of exogenous development of pathogens in different seasons.
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Khorolskyi A, Yevstafieva V, Kravchenko S, Pishchalenko M, Vakulenko Y, Gutyj B. Specifics of the morphological identification of the pathogen of passaluariasis of rabbits. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.15421/022197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Passalurus ambiguus (Nematoda, Oxyuroidae) is one of the most common parasites of digestive tract of domestic and wild rabbits and rodents. Passalurus spp. are cosmopolitan, and the mature nematodes are localized in the appendages and large intestine of animals. The passaluariasis infections remain quite relevant in modern rabbit breeding, because the disease is highly contagious, with the possibility of unlimited spread inducing significant economic losses. The aim of the study was to determine the identifying morphological species characteristics of P. ambiguus nematodes, which were isolated from the colon of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus). The identifying characters of Passalurus include morphological features, namely the presence of a spherical bulb in the esophagus, and the presence of three teeth in the oral capsule. Males of P. ambiguus have a characteristic structure of the tail end, namely the presence of papillary protrusions and a massive narrowed part with a spicule handle, and five papillae around the cloaca. Twenty-eight metric indicators are proposed that characterize the size of the body, oral capsule, esophagus in different parts of it, the tail end, spicules, the location of the cloaca. Two different morphotypes of mature females of P. ambiguus were revealed – short-tailed and long-tailed, which were larger by 19 indicators (by 3.2–43.6%). The morphotypes of P. ambiguus females are characterized; the length of the tail, body length and width in different areas, depth of the oral capsule, esophageal size and its structural elements, the location of the vulva and nerve ring, the width of the caudal process. At the same time, the parameters of esophageal bulb length and caudal process in short-tailed females were higher (by 13.9% and 11.9%, respectively) than in the long-tailed females. A total of 25 morphometric parameters were proposed for the identification of P. ambiguus females. The obtained data indicate the feasibility of further research on the causes of occurrence of such morphotypes in P. ambiguus females and the need to take into account the existence of such forms of females for their differential diagnosis taking into account their proposed morphometric parameters.
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Sioutas G, Evangelou K, Vlachavas A, Papadopoulos E. Deaths Due to Mixed Infections with Passalurus ambiguus, Eimeria spp. and Cyniclomyces guttulatus in an Industrial Rabbit Farm in Greece. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060756. [PMID: 34203975 PMCID: PMC8232700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic rabbits are commercially farmed for their meat whilst gastrointestinal diseases can hinder their production. Passalurusambiguus and Eimeria spp. are two common rabbit intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhoea, among other symptoms, and in severe cases, death. C. guttulatus is a commensal yeast of the rabbits’ stomach that is considered apathogenic but can worsen symptoms in rabbits suffering from coccidiosis. In the present case report, we describe an outbreak of deaths in three different age groups (A: lactating does, B: 58 days old and C: 80 days old) in an industrial rabbit farm in Greece. Symptoms included depression, diarrhoea, inappetence, weight loss, dehydration and ruffled furs. Using a faecal flotation technique, sick rabbits were found to be moderately to heavily infected with P. ambiguus, Eimeria spp. and C. guttulatus. Treatment with fenbendazole and oregano oil combined with hygiene control measures successfully controlled the infections and resolved clinical symptoms. A faecal flotation method or other reliable diagnostic technique should be used regularly in industrial rabbit farms to screen for gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Early diagnosis and control will help to maintain production levels and, therefore, limit financial losses for the farmer while ensuring animal welfare.
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Prevalence, Morphological and Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses of the Rabbit Pinworm, Passalurus ambiguus Rudolphi 1819, in the Domestic Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:316-330. [PMID: 30941669 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00047-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Passalurus ambiguus, a pinworm nematode parasite, infects domestic and wild rabbits, hares, and rodents worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS The current parasitological study was performed during January-December 2016, to investigate helminth parasites infecting the domestic rabbit species Oryctolagus cuniculus at the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. RESULTS Of the twenty rabbit specimens examined for gastrointestinal nematodes, 75% were infected with adult oxyurid species, which were morphologically characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy studies. The oxyurid species had a triangular mouth opening surrounded by simple lips with four cephalic papillae and a pair of lateral amphidial pores with three teeth-like structures, an esophagus divided into a cylindrical corpus and globular bulb supported internally with tri-radiate valvular apparatus, and four caudal papillae distributed on the posterior end of males with a single short protruding spicule and ovijector apparatus opening ventrally by the vulva, surrounded by protruded lips in female worms. The species were compared morphometrically with other Passalurus species described previously; light differences were found in different body part sizes. Molecular characterization based on 18 small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences showed ~ 85% similarity with other Chromadorea species. A preliminary genetic comparison between the 18S rDNA sequences of the isolated parasite and those of other oxyurid species suggested that it belonged to Passalurus ambiguus. The 18S rDNA sequence of the parasite was deposited in GenBank (accession no., MG310151.1). CONCLUSION The 18S rDNA gene of P. ambiguus was shown to yield a unique genetic sequence that confirms its taxonomic position within the Oxyuridae family.
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Mykhailiutenko SM, Kruchynenko OV, Klymenko OS, Serdioucov JK, Dmytrenko NI, Tkachenko VV. Pathomorphological changes in the large intestine of rabbits parasitised by Passalurus ambiguus (Nematoda, Oxyuridae). REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2019. [DOI: 10.15421/021911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Passaluriasis is a common infestation of lagomorphs, which clinically manifests in intense itching around the anus, various disorders of digestion and loss of weight. We performed a study of infested rabbits of the seryi veleten breed, which were kept in individual farms in Poltava Oblast (Ukraine). During the autopsy, in the cavity of the large intestine, there were found small, spindle-like helminths of white colour. Out of 10 rabbits, 846 nematodes were extracted (369 males and 477 females, identified as Passalurus ambiguus (Rudolphi, 1819) Dujardin, 1845. It was determined that the extensity of infestation in female rabbits reached 56.4%, male rabbits – 43.6%. The results of metric parameters of the nematodes are as follows: mean body length of males equaled 4.6 ± 0.4, females – 9.7 ± 1.21 mm, and maximum width – 257.4 ± 17.8 and 546.2 ± 37.1 µm respectively. A common feature of mature nematodes of this species is the presence of a rounded extension (bulbus) at the end of the esophagus. During chronic course of passaluriasis in rabbits, pathomorphological changes developed in the large intestine. The upper epithelium of the large intestine was damaged in some places, certain epithelian cells were found in the lumen of the intestine. The intestinal glands are widened, filled with slimy content of mostly dark blue-violet colour, especially in the upper sections of the glands. In the deep sections of the glands, slime was almost transparent. In deep sections of the glands the slime was almost transparent. In the epithelium cells of the glands, slimy granules were also of basophilic colour. The muscularis mucosae of the mucous membrane, especially between the intestinal glands was swollen, had practically no colour, the collagen fibers were stretched, thinned-out. Edemas were also recorded in the tela submucosa. In some preparations, the muscularis mucosae was notably infiltrated by lymphoid cells and histiocytes. On large extensions, we found some signs of hypersecretion of slime in goblet cells of the intestinal glands as accumulations of granules of slime in the cytoplasm, which had poorly developed colouration. On the side of the muscular and serous membranes, no pathological changes were found. The information presented here indicates the relevance of passaluriasis infestation as an etiological factor of occurrence of chronic catarrhal colitis with lymphohistiocytosis.
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Reece SE, Prior KF, Mideo N. The Life and Times of Parasites: Rhythms in Strategies for Within-host Survival and Between-host Transmission. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:516-533. [PMID: 28845736 PMCID: PMC5734377 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417718904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Biological rhythms are thought to have evolved to enable organisms to organize their activities according to the earth's predictable cycles, but quantifying the fitness advantages of rhythms is challenging and data revealing their costs and benefits are scarce. More difficult still is explaining why parasites that live exclusively within the bodies of other organisms have biological rhythms. Rhythms exist in the development and traits of parasites, in host immune responses, and in disease susceptibility. This raises the possibility that timing matters for how hosts and parasites interact and, consequently, for the severity and transmission of diseases. Here, we take an evolutionary ecological perspective to examine why parasites exhibit biological rhythms and how their rhythms are regulated. Specifically, we examine the adaptive significance (evolutionary costs and benefits) of rhythms for parasites and explore to what extent interactions between hosts and parasites can drive rhythms in infections. That parasites with altered rhythms can evade the effects of control interventions underscores the urgent need to understand how and why parasites exhibit biological rhythms. Thus, we contend that examining the roles of biological rhythms in disease offers innovative approaches to improve health and opens up a new arena for studying host-parasite (and host-parasite-vector) coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Reece
- Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kimberley F. Prior
- Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicole Mideo
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mäkitaipale J, Karvinen I, Virtala AMK, Näreaho A. Prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factor analysis for Eimeria infections in Finnish pet rabbits. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 9:34-40. [PMID: 31014839 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
No previous published prevalence studies exist on gastrointestinal parasites in Finnish pet rabbits; internationally, similar prevalence figures remain uncommon. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pet rabbits as well as to determine the possible risk factors for parasitic infections. We analyzed 2-g faecal samples (n=398) from pet rabbits and internet-based questionnaires (n=363) completed by their owners. Owners sent over-night faecal samples to the laboratory, and the samples were quantitatively analyzed within one week using a modified McMaster method. Eimeria oocysts represented the most common parasite found (27%, mean opg 4212). Nematode Passalurus ambiguus eggs were found in 3% of the samples (mean epg 65), while Trichuris leporis eggs and cestode eggs, respectively, were each found in 1 sample (0.25%). We also conducted a risk factor analysis based on the owner questionnaire and the faecal analysis. We limited this to only Eimeria infection due to the low number of positive results for other parasites. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, we identified a young age, multi-rabbit households (with at least three rabbits) and living somewhere other than in a home-like environment as risk factors for Eimeria infection. In similar low-helminth prevalence conditions, we recommend faecal examination and deworming of rabbits according to examination results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Mäkitaipale
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, P.O. Box 57, 00014, Finland.
| | - Irina Karvinen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Finland
| | - Anna-Maija K Virtala
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Finland
| | - Anu Näreaho
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Finland
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The complete mitochondrial genome of rabbit pinworm Passalurus ambiguus: genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:423-9. [PMID: 26472717 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4778-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Passalurus ambiguus (Nematda: Oxyuridae) is a common pinworm which parasitizes in the caecum and colon of rabbits. Despite its significance as a pathogen, the epidemiology, genetics, systematics, and biology of this pinworm remain poorly understood. In the present study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of P. ambiguus. The circular mt genome is 14,023 bp in size and encodes of 36 genes, including 12 protein-coding, two ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The mt gene order of P. ambiguus is the same as that of Wellcomia siamensis, but distinct from that of Enterobius vermicularis. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes by Bayesian inference (BI) showed that P. ambiguus was more closely related to W. siamensis than to E. vermicularis. This mt genome provides novel genetic markers for studying the molecular epidemiology, population genetics, systematics of pinworm of animals and humans, and should have implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and control of passaluriasis in rabbits and other animals.
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Morphological diversity of Trichuris spp. eggs observed during an anthelminthic drug trial in Yunnan, China, and relative performance of parasitologic diagnostic tools. Acta Trop 2015; 141:184-9. [PMID: 25174679 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The presence of large Trichuris spp. eggs in human faecal samples is occasionally reported. Such eggs have been described as variant Trichuris trichiura or Trichuris vulpis eggs. Within the frame of a randomised controlled trial, faecal samples collected from 115 Bulang individuals from Yunnan, People's Republic of China were subjected to the Kato-Katz technique (fresh stool samples) and the FLOTAC and ether-concentration techniques (sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF)-fixed stool samples). Large Trichuris spp. eggs were noted in faecal samples with a prevalence of 6.1% before and 21.7% after anthelminthic drug administration. The observed prevalence of standard-sized T. trichiura eggs was reduced from 93.0% to 87.0% after treatment. Considerably more cases of large Trichuris spp. eggs and slightly more cases with normal-sized T. trichiura eggs were identified by FLOTAC compared to the ether-concentration technique. No large Trichuris spp. eggs were observed on the Kato-Katz thick smears.
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Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in slaughter rabbits. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:59-64. [PMID: 24100606 PMCID: PMC3898139 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in slaughter rabbits managed in small scale farms and under industrial farming system. The research material included intestines and livers of rabbits slaughtered between years 2007 and 2011. The rabbit carcasses submitted to parasitological examination had passed the sanitary veterinary inspection as fit for human consumption. The samples were collected in spring and autumn seasons. The studies showed no effect of a rabbit farming system, season of the year, or differences in an invasion type in each year. The parasitological test recognized exclusively mixed infestation diagnosed in 79.56 % of the studied animals. Parasitological evaluation of the rabbit internal organs identified the invasions of coccidia (78.83 %), nematoda (16.42 %), cestoda (0.72 %), and cysticerci Cysticercus pisiformis (4.74 %). Coccidian invasions found in intestines were dominant, and their prevalence reached 56.48 %, while the hepatic coccidian extensity was markedly lower, i.e., 3.34 % of the examined rabbits. Invasions were characterized by low intensity. The studies recognized invasions of nematoda (Obeliscoides cuniculi, Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus sp., Strongyloides sp., Passalurus ambiguus, Trichuris leporis), cestoda (Mosgovoyia pectinata), and cysticerci C. pisiformis.
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Platt TR, Hussey GL, Zelmer DA. Circadian Egg Production byEchinostoma caproni(Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in ICR Mice. J Parasitol 2013; 99:179-82. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-3227.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Dipineto L, Capasso M, Maurelli MP, Russo TP, Pepe P, Capone G, Fioretti A, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Survey of co-infection by Salmonella and oxyurids in tortoises. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:69. [PMID: 22640421 PMCID: PMC3488555 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Salmonella spp. and oxyurids are among the most prevalent bacterial and parasitic agents in reptiles. These organisms are routinely isolated in healthy tortoises, although heavy infections may cause significant pathology. Tortoises are considered a common source of reptile-associated salmonellosis, an important zoonosis reported worldwide. A survey of the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and oxyurids in 53 tortoises was conducted in southern Italy and a possible correlation between the two pathogens was therefore investigated. Results Salmonella spp. and oxyurids were detected with a prevalence of 49.1 and 81.1%, respectively. A significant positive correlation between Salmonella spp. and oxyurids was demonstrated. However, confounding factors related to husbandry could have been involved in determining this correlation. Conclusions Our results suggest that caution should be exercised in translocation, husbandry, and human contact with tortoises and other exotic pets. Further studies on the epidemiology, molecular characterization and pathogenesis of Salmonella and oxyurids are needed to assess the actual impact of these organisms, as single or associated infections, on tortoises and on other exotic pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Pathology and Animal Health, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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FLOTAC for the diagnosis of Hymenolepis spp. infection: proof-of-concept and comparing diagnostic accuracy with other methods. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:749-54. [PMID: 22461006 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Hymenolepis nana is the most common cestode parasitizing humans, yet it is under-diagnosed. We determined the optimal flotation solution (FS) for the diagnosis of this intestinal parasite with the FLOTAC method, and compared its diagnostic accuracy with an ether-concentration technique and the Kato-Katz method. Zinc sulphate (specific gravity 1.20) proved to be the best-performing FS. Using this FS, we detected 65 H. nana infections among 234 fixed fecal samples from Tajik and Sahrawi children (prevalence 27.8 %). The ether-concentration technique detected 40 infections (prevalence 17.1 %) in the same samples. Considering the combined results as a reference, the sensitivities of FLOTAC and ether-concentration were 95.6 % and 58.8 %, respectively. The Kato-Katz method resulted in a prevalence of only 8.7 %. In terms of eggs per gram of stool, a significantly (P <0.05) higher value was obtained with the FLOTAC and Kato-Katz techniques compared to ether-concentration. In another study carried out in China, the FLOTAC method detected six Hymenolepis diminuta infections in 302 fecal samples, whereas five samples were found positive with the Kato-Katz technique. We conclude that FLOTAC is an accurate coprodiagnostic technique for H. nana and H. diminuta, two species which join a growing list of intestinal parasites that can be reliably diagnosed by this technique.
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Daş G, Savaş T, Kaufmann F, Idris A, Abel H, Gauly M. Precision, repeatability and representative ability of faecal egg counts in Heterakis gallinarum infected chickens. Vet Parasitol 2011; 183:87-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Morgoglione ME, Musella V, Utzinger J. Ancylostoma caninum: Calibration and comparison of diagnostic accuracy of flotation in tube, McMaster and FLOTAC in faecal samples of dogs. Exp Parasitol 2011; 128:32-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Revised: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Which McMaster egg counting technique is the most reliable? Parasitol Res 2011; 109:1387-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Jeandron A, Abdyldaieva G, Usubalieva J, Ensink JH, Cox J, Matthys B, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Utzinger J. Accuracy of the Kato-Katz, adhesive tape and FLOTAC techniques for helminth diagnosis among children in Kyrgyzstan. Acta Trop 2010; 116:185-92. [PMID: 20800568 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of three copro-microscopic techniques for helminth diagnosis: Kato-Katz, adhesive tape and FLOTAC. A total of 163 children from a peri-urban municipality near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, participated and submitted multiple stool samples and adhesive tapes. Ninety children supplied at least two stool samples and two adhesive tapes. Three stool samples and three adhesive tapes were available from 71 and 64 children, respectively. From each stool sample, a single Kato-Katz thick smear was prepared and examined quantitatively. Additionally, the first stool sample was subjected to the FLOTAC technique and helminth eggs were counted. Adhesive tapes were checked for the presence of Enterobius vermicularis eggs. Using pooled results as a diagnostic 'gold' standard, the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, E. vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were 54.4%, 13.3%, 11.1% and 11.1%, respectively. Infection intensities were low. When compared to triplicate Kato-Katz, a single FLOTAC was more sensitive for the diagnosis of A. lumbricoides (89.5% versus 39.5%) and D. dendriticum (88.9% versus 33.3%), but less sensitive for H. nana (66.7% versus 88.9%). For E. vermicularis, three adhesive tapes showed much higher sensitivity than a single FLOTAC (92.9% versus 14.3%). FLOTAC yielded significantly higher faecal egg counts than Kato-Katz for A. lumbricoides and D. dendriticum. Overall results suggest that, although FLOTAC represents a promising technique for helminth diagnosis in Kyrgyzstan, the repeated adhesive tape test remains so far the method of choice for diagnosing E. vermicularis.
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Vadlejch J, Lytvynets A, Jankovská I, Langrová I. Peptidases of pinworms Syphacia muris and Passalurus ambiguus. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:156-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2009] [Revised: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Fasciola hepatica: Comparison of the sedimentation and FLOTAC techniques for the detection and quantification of faecal egg counts in rats. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:161-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Utzinger J. FLOTAC: new multivalent techniques for qualitative and quantitative copromicroscopic diagnosis of parasites in animals and humans. Nat Protoc 2010; 5:503-15. [DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2009.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Rinaldi L, Veneziano V, Morgoglione M, Pennacchio S, Santaniello M, Schioppi M, Musella V, Fedele V, Cringoli G. Is gastrointestinal strongyle faecal egg count influenced by hour of sample collection and worm burden in goats? Vet Parasitol 2009; 163:81-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2008] [Revised: 03/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gaglio G, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Brianti E, Giannetto S. Use of the FLOTAC technique for the diagnosis of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the cat. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:1055-7. [PMID: 18618146 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a lungworm of the domestic cats distributed worldwide. Its presence, however, is often underestimated due to limitation of common coprological diagnostic techniques. The present study reports, for the first time, the use of the FLOTAC technique for A. abstrusus diagnosis in feline faecal samples with results compared to the following three standard copromicroscopic techniques: the Baermann technique, the McMaster technique and the Wisconsin technique. The comparison study showed that the FLOTAC technique produced mean larvae per gram of faeces significantly (P<0.05) greater than that produced by the other more widely used diagnostic tools. Thus, the FLOTAC technique can be utilised for quantifying lungworm larva burdens in feline faecal samples because of its high sensitivity, as already shown for various parasites of veterinary and human importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gaglio
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy.
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Utzinger J, Rinaldi L, Lohourignon LK, Rohner F, Zimmermann MB, Tschannen AB, N'goran EK, Cringoli G. FLOTAC: a new sensitive technique for the diagnosis of hookworm infections in humans. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2007; 102:84-90. [PMID: 18028969 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2007.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2007] [Revised: 09/07/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Hookworms infect more than 10% of the world's population, but current diagnostic tools have drawbacks. Our objective was to compare the diagnostic performance of three methods (Kato-Katz, ether concentration and FLOTAC techniques) for hookworm diagnosis. Stool samples were obtained from 102 schoolchildren in Côte d'Ivoire. First, a duplicate 41.7mg Kato-Katz thick smear was prepared. Next, a small portion of stool (mean weight 1.8g) was preserved in sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin and forwarded to a European laboratory. These samples were split in three parts, one processed by an ether concentration technique and two by the FLOTAC technique. All samples were examined by experienced technicians for hookworm eggs using light microscopy. The observed hookworm prevalences as assessed by the FLOTAC, Kato-Katz and ether concentration techniques were 65.7%, 51.0% and 28.4%, respectively. Considering the combined results as the diagnostic 'gold' standard, the FLOTAC technique had a sensitivity of 88.2% compared with 68.4% for the Kato-Katz and 38.2% for the ether concentration techniques. The Kato-Katz method resulted in a significantly higher mean number of eggs per gram of stool (155.8 EPG) compared with the FLOTAC (37.7 EPG) and ether concentration (5.7 EPG) methods. The FLOTAC method shows promise as an important new tool for individual hookworm diagnosis and for rigorous monitoring of helminth control programmes. [Clinical Trial No. ISRCTN21782274].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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Rinaldi L, Calabria G, Carbone S, Carrella A, Cringoli G. Crenosoma vulpis in dog: first case report in Italy and use of the FLOTAC technique for copromicroscopic diagnosis. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1681-4. [PMID: 17805573 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Crenosoma vulpis is a metastrongylid nematode that infects the bronchi, bronchioles, and trachea of wild and domestic canids and various other carnivores. It is endemic in the red fox population in the north-eastern parts of North America and in Europe, including Italy. Dogs are susceptible to infection with clinical signs consisting primarily in a chronic cough. The present paper reports-to the authors' knowledge-the first case of spontaneous C. vulpis infection in a dog in Italy. In addition, it also reports, for the first time, the use of the FLOTAC technique for C. vulpis diagnosis in canine fecal samples, with results compared to the following four standard copromicroscopic techniques: the Baermann technique, the McMaster technique, the simple flotation technique, and the Wisconsin technique. The results showed that the FLOTAC technique produced mean larvae per gram of feces greater than that produced by the other more widely used diagnostic tools. After the treatment of the C. vulpis infected dog with a single oral dose of 0.5mg/kg milbemycin oxime, the clinical signs resolved and the shedding of larvae ceased. In conclusion, the discovery of C. vulpis for the first time in a dog in Italy indicates that the fox lungworm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory disease in dogs; in addition, the findings of the comparison study showed that the FLOTAC technique may improve the ability to accurately diagnose canine lungworm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Sanità Animale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II-CREMOPAR Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
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