Prevalence of caprine GI helminths in temperate areas of Jammu & Kashmir

Scientometric Analysis of Gastrointestinal Parasites Prevalence in Sheep and Goats of India

PURPOSE

In the present study, gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) prevalence in sheep and goats from India was estimated by scientometrics.

METHODS

The GIP prevalence studies (86) reported during 1998-2021 was obtained from online databases, and offline literatures, meta-analysis was undertaken by using "meta" package in R-Software.

RESULTS

The pooled GIP prevalence in India was 65% (95% level CI 56-74%, PI 12-96%) in sheep, 74% (95% level CI 66-80%, PI 14-98%) in goats and 68% (95% level CI 62-73%, PI 15-96%) in sheep and goats. Period-wise analysis revealed a higher GIP prevalence during 1998-2010 than the recent periods. Among the zones, GIP prevalence was higher in the Central zone (79%) in sheep, North zone (82%) in goats, and Central zone (78%) in sheep and goats. Based on the state-wise analysis, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in Haryana for sheep, Himachal Pradesh for goats, and Uttarakhand for sheep and goats. In India, a higher prevalence was reported by nematodes than other parasite classes. Based on climatic regions, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in semi-arid Steppe type region (84%).

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence zones, states, species, sample types, parasite classes, parasite species and climate regions of GIP will be useful in decision-making and resource use efficiency by policymakers and stake holders. There is an urgent need to prevent the occurrence of GIP infections in sheep and goats by adopting scientific management practices, effective therapeutic measures, and hygienic practices on farms to augment the economic benefits to sheep and goat farmers in India.

Histopathology and antibody responses describe the seasonal pattern of dicrocoeliosis in small ruminants in the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan

In some parts of the world, Dicrocoelium spp. lancet flukes cause significant production loss in pastoral livestock, and accurate diagnosis of infection is important. The aims of the present study were to describe the histopathology and to investigate the transmission patterns of Dicrocoelium amongst ten sheep and goat farms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The liver histology and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses followed standard procedures. The liver histopathology showed intensive tissue destruction and biliary hyperplasia associated with presence of adult flukes, severe inflammatory cell infiltration, congestion of blood vessels, damaged hepatocytes, and sinusoids in the infected areas. The time of onset of infection was investigated by ELISA detection of antibodies in sheep (n = 164) and goats (n = 152). Colostral transfer of Dicrocoelium antibodies from seropositive mothers was detected in sheep and goats up to 16 weeks of age. In both sheep and goats, the estimated time of infection differed between farms and years. Infection was seen in both sheep flocks and goat herds, with high variation between flocks and herds, and the highest infection rate in lambs. Dicrocoelium infection was most prevalent in sheep and goats in September (n = 84) and August (n = 63) respectively. This study concluded Dicrocoelium causes severe inflammation and necrosis of liver tissues in sheep and goats. Colostral transfer of antibodies can be detected up to about ten weeks of age. Higher infection rates are observed during August and September in sheep than in goats, putatively due to effects of different grazing and browsing behaviors on the ingestion of ants. The results will aid in the development of effective disease control strategies to ensure optimal growth and productivity of sheep and goats.

Spatial Distribution of Dicrocoelium in the Himalayan Ranges: Potential Impacts of Ecological Niches and Climatic Variables

PURPOSE

Dicrocoeliosis can be an important cause of production loss in ruminants due to the cost of liver condemnation at slaughter. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Dicrocoelium infection and to predict the ecological niches and climatic variables that support dicrocoeliosis in the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Dicrocoelium was detected in 33 of 381 liver samples and 238 of 6060 blood samples taken from sheep and goat herds in the area. The prevalence of dicrocoeliosis was higher in sheep than in goats and highest in females aged more than 3 years. An environmental risk map was created to predict active zones of transmission and showed the highest probability values in central parts of the Chitral district in the northwest of Pakistan. Climatic variables of the mean monthly diurnal temperature range (Bio2), annual precipitation (Bio12), and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the presence of Dicrocoelium infection.

CONCLUSION

Together, the findings of this study demonstrate the most suitable ecological niches and climatic variables influencing the risk of dicrocoeliosis in the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan. The methods and results could be used as a reference to inform the control of dicrocoeliosis in the region.

Survey of Dicrocoelium dendriticum infection in imported Romani and local sheep (Ovis aries), and potential epidemiological role in Saudi Arabia

The epidemiology of parasite infection in local and imported breeds is quite an essential topic in the meat industry and human health. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Dicrocoelium dendriticum in local sheep breeds (Naemi, Najdi, and Harri) and imported breeds from Romania (Romani breed) and the epidemiology of the infection in Saudi Arabia. Morphological description, the relationship between dicrocoeliasis and sex, age, and histological changes were also presented. A total of 6845 slaughtered sheep at Riyadh Automated slaughterhouse were investigated and followed up for 4 months between 2020-2021. It included 4,680 local breeds and 2,165 imported Romanian breeds. Fecal samples and livers and gallbladders from slaughtered animals were examined for apparent pathological lesions. The results indicated that the infection rate in slaughtered animals was 10.6% in imported Romani sheep and 0.9% in the local Naeimi breed. After identifying the parasite morphologically, negative results were obtained from examining feces, gallbladders, and livers of Najdi and Harry sheep breeds. The mean number of eggs per 20 µL/gallbladder was low (72.78 ± 17.8: 76.11 ± 5.07), medium (334.59 ± 90.6: 292.91 ± 26.63), and high (1113.2 ± 22.3: 1004 ± 143.4) in imported and Naeime sheep, respectively. Significant differences were found between gender and age (males and females were 3.67% and 6.31%; > 2 years 4.39%, 1-2 years 4.22%, and 1 year 3.53%) respectively. Histopathological lesions in the liver were more pronounced. Our survey confirmed the presence of D. dendriticum in imported Romani and local Naeimi sheep, and the potential role of imported sheep in the epidemiology of dicrocoeliasis in Saudi Arabia.

Prevalence and resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in goats: A review

Gastrointestinal parasitism, particularly nematode infection, is a major health issue affecting goats worldwide, resulting in clinical diseases and productivity loss. Prevalent gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) affecting goats in South Africa are the Strongyloides papillosus, Eimeria spp., and Strongyles, especially the Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. According to the issues discussed in this paper and by other authors, the prevalence and intensity of various GIPs vary with an animal's location, breed, age, sex, and season. Because GIPs easily develop resistance to chemical treatment, selecting and breeding genetically GIP-resistant animals would be a relatively simple and inexpensive strategy for reducing or eliminating the current reliance on chemotherapy. Potential phenotypic indicators for selecting GIP-resistant goats include parasitological, immunological, and pathological phenotypic markers. Synergistic use of these indicators should be encouraged for a more accurate simplified genotype selection of resistant animals. Genes with Mendelian inheritance, particularly those involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, have been identified in goats. Exploring this knowledge base to develop cost-effective molecular tools that facilitate enhanced genetic improvement programs is a current challenge. Future statistical and biological models should investigate genetic variations within genomic regions and different candidate genes involved in immunoregulatory mechanisms, as well as the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms known to affect GIP infection levels.

The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in goats from smallholder farms in Northern Thailand

The present study determined the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants kept in smallholder farms in Phitsanulok, Northern Thailand. A total of 885 goats from 31 smallholder farms were selected randomly between May 2019 to January 2020. Fecal samples were collected to estimate fecal egg counts and oocysts counts using the modified McMaster technique. Furthermore, pooled fecal samples from each of the farms were cultured in order to differentiate third-stage larvae of nematode. Examination of fecal samples revealed that 885 were positive for one or more parasites, giving an overall prevalence of 87.2 %, of which 38.6 % were infected with one and 48.6 % with multiple parasite. Strongyles and Eimeria oocysts were the most prevalent. Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides papillosus were the predominant species based on the percentage of larvae in fecal cultures. Tapeworm eggs were encountered in 14.2 % of all samples. No significant difference in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence was associated with sex of the host. Infection was significantly (P = 0.009) highest in poor body conditioned goats (72.0 %) as compared to moderate (48.9 %) and good body conditioned (50.0 %) goats. This report on prevalence of GI parasites of small ruminants in smallholder farms in Northern Thailand reveals a high endoparasitic infections that appeared well-adapted to environmental conditions. Further studies on endoparasite control are required to establish the impact of parasitism on productive performance, including monitoring control parasite programs are needed for better health and productivity.

Occurrence of GI parasites in ruminants of Kashmir and Ladakh

The study was conducted in Kashmir and Ladakh Divisions of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir to work out the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants. The qualitative faecal examination of 476 samples revealed an overall prevalence of GI parasites to the tune of 80.04% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 96.70% in sheep and 66.27% in goats. In Kashmir overall prevalence of GI parasites was 88.33% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 98.41% in sheep and 100% in goats. Highest prevalence was observed for strongyles (84.00%) followed by Eimeria spp. (31.67%), Moniezia spp. (20.00%), Ascaris spp. (5.33%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.67%). Mixed infection was observed in 37.67% samples. In cattle, the parasites observed were strongyles (68.37%) and Eimeria spp. (13.27%) with mixed infection in 1.02% samples. In sheep highest prevalence was observed for strongylid eggs (97.88%) followed by Eimeria spp. (43.38%), Moniezia spp. (31.74%), Ascaris spp. (8.47%) and Strongyloides spp. (2.64%) with mixed infection in 59.26% samples. Amongst goats, only strongylid eggs (100%) were observed. In Ladakh region overall prevalence of GI parasites was 65.91% with 82.61% in sheep and 63.40% in pashmina goats. Highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (63.64%) followed by strongyles (9.09%) Moniezia spp. (5.11%) and Thysanosoma spp. (1.14%). Mixed infection was observed in 13.07% samples. In sheep, highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (73.91%) followed by strongyles (17.39%) and Thysanosoma spp. (8.70%) with mixed infection in 17.39% samples. In pashmina goats, the prevalence of Eimeria spp. (62.09%) was observed highest followed by strongylid eggs (7.84%) and Moniezia spp. (5.88%) with mixed infection in 12.42% samples.

Prevalence of trichostrongylids in small ruminants of Kashmir valley

The present study was undertaken to work out the population structure of trichostrongylids affecting the small ruminants of Kashmir valley. The faecal samples were collected from each zone and sector of the valley and were examined by qualitative as well as quantitative techniques for presence of trichostrongyle eggs, followed by coproculture using petridish method for harvesting of infective larvae. The overall prevalence revealed Haemonchus spp. to be the most predominant trichostrongyle worm followed by Trichostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Teladorsagia spp., Chabertia spp. and other larvae, the difference being statistically significant. In south Kashmir, a different trend was observed for trichostrongyle worms with predominance of Trichostrongylus spp., followed by Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp. and other larvae, the difference being statistically significant (P<0.05). Teladorsagia spp. and Chabertia spp. were not recorded in the south Kashmir, while as Oesophagostomum spp. and Chabertia spp. were not recorded in the north Kashmir. In small ruminants of Kashmir valley, predominance of Haemonchus spp. was observed in private sector farms than government sector farms, whereas predominance of Trichostrongylus spp. was observed in government sector farms than private sector farms, and both the difference were statistically significant. Non-significantly Teladorsagia spp. was found more in government sector farms than private sector farms. In government sector farms Oesophagostomum spp. and Chabertia spp. were recorded, while as in private sector farms Oesophagostomum spp. and Chabertia spp. were not recorded. It is concluded that trichostrongylid worms are prevalent throughout Kashmir valley in the small ruminants and appropriate control strategies need to be adopted for their control.

Epidemiological study of goat's gastrointestinal nematodes in the North West of Algeria

An epidemiological study of gastrointestinal nematodes was carried out in naturally infected goats in the North West of Algeria. Coprological analyses were performed for 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015.Examination of 1591 goat samples revealed an overall prevalence of parasite eggs in feces of 96%; the values were very similar in both years at 97% in 2014 and 94.96% in 2015. Five types of nematode eggs were identified: strongyle (95.5%), Nematodirus spp. (19.4%), Marshallagia spp. (3.9%), Trichuris spp. (0.6%), and Skrjabinema spp. (2%).Also, fecal cultures showed the presence of Teladorsagia spp. (56%), Trichostrongylus spp. (20%), Chabertia spp. (10%), Haemonchus spp. (9%), and Oesophagostomum spp. (5%).Season, age, type of grazing, and area affected the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats. The season did not influence the prevalence observed in the 2 years, since no significant differences between the four seasons were observed. On the other hand, egg production was highest in winter and spring. The level of infection decreased with the animal's age. There were no significant differences between the prevalence in animals on irrigated and non-irrigated pastures, but there were differences in egg excretion. Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the coastal (Oran) and lowland (Mascara) regions in the prevalence or in average egg excretion.

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites of goats in a goat market in Kathmandu, Nepal

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in goats are predominant around the world. They may be the underlying cause of the pathological and immunological consequences leading to significant economic losses of the goat industry. The main aim of the current research was to reveal the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, including protozoa, trematodes, and nematodes in the fecal samples of goats in the goat market in Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 400 goat fecal specimens were purposively collected from the goat market, and they were processed by direct wet mount, sedimentation, floatation techniques, and acid-fast staining, and were observed under the compound microscope. Out of a total 400 fecal samples, 349 (87.25%) were found to be infected with GI parasites among which Eimeria (80.75%), Strongyle (59.25%), Trichuris (29.75%), Strongyloides (28.75%), Moniezia (21.75%), Entamoeba (20%), Fasciola (10.25%), Balantidium (7.75%), Cryptosporidium (4%), Capillaria (1.75%), Trichomonas (1.25%), Ascaris (1.0%), Cyclospora (1%), Blastocystis (0.75%), Giardia (0.5%), and Paramphistomum (0.5%) were reported. GI parasites like protozoa and helminthes were widely distributed in the goats brought for the meat purposes in Kathmandu Valley, showing a high proportion of the goats were having higher risks of morbidity and mortality around the country.

First isolation of Dicrocoelium dendriticum among cattle in some Northern Algerian slaughterhouses

Background and Aim:

Dicrocoelium dendriticum or small liver fluke often causes unnoticed clinical manifestations in cattle. For a live animal, its diagnosis is mainly based on the detection of eggs by coproscopic examination. The objective of this study was to determine the presence or absence of Dicrocoelium spp. never previously reported in the study area but also to establish its prevalence, as well as an association between dicrocoeliasis and sex, age and season of the year, and histological characteristics.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out in slaughterhouses of three districts (Bouira, Tizi-Ouzou, and Bejaia) from January 2017 to December 2017. To this end, of 4053 cattle, representing more than 10% of the total number of animals slaughtered, stool and bile samples were collected and a liver inspection was carried out to investigate lesions of distomial cholangitis. They were processed for histological analysis. The specimens were morphologically identified according to the orientation of the testicles, the length and width of the body, and the level of the maximum width of the body.

Results:

The total prevalence of dicrocoeliasis obtained of the 4053 cattle inspected is 0.52% with a prevalence of 0.66% in Tizi-Ouzou, 0.54% in Bouira, and 0.27% in Bejaia. About 0.52% of livers had distomial cholangitis (21 of the 4053 livers examined had adult D. dendriticum and 15% had non-distomial cholangitis. About 0.25% of cattle had D. dendriticum eggs in the stool versus 0.52% of cattle had parasite eggs in the bile. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between dicrocoeliasis infection and the season of the year (p>0.05). However, a significant association was found between dicrocoeliasis infection and sex and age of the animal (p<0.05); females and older animals are more likely to have dicrocoeliasis. Histological analysis of the fluke revealed an anterior positioning of the testicles with a slightly oblique tandem orientation, an average body length of 3.69 mm and an average body width of 1 mm. The maximum body width level is either in the middle of the fluke body or in the rear position.

Conclusion:

The histological study confirms that the collected fluke is D. dendriticum. Thus, this work reveals for the 1^st time in Algeria the presence of D. dendriticum in three districts (Bouira, Tizi-Ouzou, and Bejaia). The results indicate that many cattle farms in the North Central Province of Algeria are infested with D. dendriticum.