Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodiasis and coccidiosis in goats from three selected farms in Terengganu, Malaysia

First report on the molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Background and Aim

Bovine coccidiosis, caused by the protozoa Eimeria, is an important parasitic cattle disease that affects animal health and has economic impact worldwide. This study was conducted to report the first molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, and to identify the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection.

Materials and Methods

From July 2020 to October 2021, 296 fecal samples were collected from dairy cattle divided into three age groups, including <3-month-old calves, 3-month-old to 1-year-old calves, and >1-year-old cattle. Eimeria spp. were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying 18S RNA gene and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Information regarding all associated risk factors was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using logistic regression tests in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program.

Results

Polymerase chain reaction results showed that 104 (35.13%) of 296 samples were positive for Eimeria spp. The <3-month-old calves (46.51%) had the highest infection rate. Moreover, multiplex PCR identified five species of Eimeria, namely, Eimeria bovis (32.69%), Eimeria zuernii (18.26%), Eimeria alabamensis (5.76%), Eimeria ellipsoidalis (3.84%), and Eimeria cylindrica (2.88%). An association was observed between risk factors and Eimeria spp. incidence (p < 0.05). DNA sequencing revealed the similarity of each Eimeria spp. with 91%-100% nucleotide identity. Phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated the close relationships of clusters of E. bovis and E. zuernii, E. ellipsoidalis, and E. cylindrica and another cluster of E. alabamensis.

Conclusion

The results confirm that Eimeria spp. are commonly found in dairy cattle, especially calves. The molecular test could be powerful for species identification. This study also provides epidemiological information for developing future strategies to control bovine coccidiosis.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal helminths and coccidian infections in domestic goats, Capra hircus, in Minya, Egypt

Background

Helminth and coccidian infections are among potential parasitic infections in the livestock production. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal helminths as well as Eimeia species in domestic goats.

Results

The overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 50.24% (206/410). Twenty two species of helminth eggs/Eimeria spp. oocysts were revealed. The prevalence of helminths was 21.95% (90/410) and that of Eimeria spp. was 39.27% (161/410). Mixed infection was reported in 10.98% (45/410). The highest prevalence was found in young animals (75.0%; 60/80) followed by yearlings (58.46%; 76/130) and the lowest one was in adults (35.0%; 70/200). The infection rate was higher in females (59.02%; 180/305) than males (24.76%; 26/105). The prevalence was mostly highest in summer (63.85%; 83/130) followed by winter (57.78%; 52/90), autumn (40.0%; 28/70) and the lowest one was in spring (35.83%; 43/120). Age, sex and seasonal variations revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences among examined goats. The infection with both nematodes and Eimeria spp. were detected in 7.32% (30/410). The co-infection with Eimeria spp. and tapeworms were found in 2.93% (12/410). Both trematodes and Eimeria spp. were seen in 0.73% (3/410) of examined specimens. Nine Eimeria species were recorded; Eimeria ninakohlyakim-ovae, E. hirci, E. caprinova, E. caprina, E. christenseni, E. jolchijevi, E. arloingi, E. apsheronica and E. alijevi. The most predominant Eimeria species was E. arloingi (23.17%; 95/410) and the least abundant one was E. apsheronica (0.73%; 3/410). The revealed trematodes were Fasciola spp. (0.49%) and Paramphistomum spp. (0.24%). Among cestodes, tapeworms belonged to Anoplocephalids included Moniezia spp. (7.31%) and Avitellina sp. (0.49%) were detected. Meanwhile, coproculture revealed that the prevalence of nematodes infection was 13.41% (55/410) including nine species; Chabertia ovina, Ostertagia ostertagi, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, Bunostomum sp., Cooperia oncophora, Cooperia curticei and Strongyloides spp.

Conclusion

In the present study, the prevalence of helminths was 21.95% and that of Eimeria spp. was 39.27%, which is considered a high infection rate. Accordingly Strict hygienic measures as well as regular deworming are highly recommended to avoid wide spread of both helminth and coccidial infections.

MULTIPLE ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE AMONG DORPER SHEEP DETECTED WITH PHENOTYPIC MARKERS AGAINST PARASITIC GASTROENTERITIS

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) is a significant disease that affects small ruminant production. PGE is controlled exclusively by chemical anthelmintics but restricted by anthelmintic resistance. Hence, dependence on anthelmintics needs to be reduced. This study aimed to investigate the anthelmintic resistance status of a Dorper sheep farm while determining the phenotypic markers of resistance to PGE. Sheep that met the criteria of the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) were divided into a control and four treatment groups of 11 to 13 animals per group. Faecal and blood samples at pre- and post-treatments were subjected to faecal egg counts (FEC), faecal culture, packed cell volume (PCV) and peripheral eosinophil counts (PEC). The data were analysed by Spearman rank correlation and two-way ANOVA. FECRT showed resistance towards albendazole, levamisole, fenbendazole and ivermectin which was predominated by Haemonchus contortus. Significant negative correlations were observed between FEC and PCV in control (r=-0.88, p<0.01), fenbendazole (r=-0.58, p<0.01) and ivermectin (r=-0.69, p<0.01) groups. Significant positive correlations were detected between FEC and PEC in control (r=0.95, p<0.01) and levamisole (r=0.56, p<0.01) groups. This study shows multiple anthelmintic resistance with promising resistant characteristics against PGE among sheep.

Prevalence and fecal egg load of gastrointestinal parasites of Angora goats in four agro-ecological zones in Lesotho

Background and Aim:

Goats are reared for their meat, mohair and other socio-cultural needs in Lesotho. Helminth infections are some of the major setbacks in the goat production industry due to their negative impact on animals’ health, resulting in significant losses on meat and mohair production and death. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, fecal egg infestation, and morphological identification of gastrointestinal parasites in goats.

Materials and Methods:

Fecal samples were collected from 765 goats and subjected to McMaster egg counting techniques using the flotation method. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v.26.0).

Results:

The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 94.7%, and the identified gastrointestinal parasites were nematodes (64.7%), coccidia (25.8%), and cestodes (4.2%). Haemonchus contortus was identified as the prevalent gastrointestinal nematode species found in goats. The prevalence and fecal egg count of gastrointestinal parasites were significantly higher (p<0.05) in goats located in the highlands and Senqu River Valley, while goats in the lowlands demonstrated a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of H. contortus. Immature goats and kids were more significantly (p<0.05) prone to gastrointestinal parasites.

Conclusion:

The nematodes and coccidia infestations were prevalent in goats located in the highlands and foothills, respectively, whereas nematode and coccidia fecal egg loads were higher in goats located in the foothills and Senqu River Valley, respectively.

Risk Factors and Severity of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Selected Small Ruminants from Malaysia

The productivity of smallholder sheep and goat flocks is constrained by high morbidity and mortality of young stock due to helminthosis and coccidiosis. We hypothesized that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent and may cause severe infections amongst small ruminants in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and December 2019 to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and levels of infection with gastrointestinal strongyle and coccidia in selected smallholder goat flocks in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. A total of 257 blood and fecal samples and management data were collected from four farms in Negeri Sembilan. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected by routine sodium chloride floatation, and the McMaster technique was used to quantify the fecal eggs/oocysts per gram outputs (EPG/OPG). The severity of infection was classified as mild (50–799), moderate (800–1200), or severe (>1200). The packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhematocrit centrifugation and classified as anemic or non-anemic. Coprological examination revealed an overall prevalence of 78.6% (CI = 72.74–83.44) and 100% flock level prevalence of strongyle and coccidia infection among goats from Negeri Sembilan with a higher infection in flock A-Lenggeng (95.6%) than B-Senawang (87.3%), D-Mendom (80.6%), or C-Seremban (60.0%). The co-infections of strongyle + Eimeria (50.6; CI = 44.50 to 56.64) were more common than single infections of either strongyle (16.7%; CI = 12.66 to 21.78) or Eimeria (4.3%; CI = 2.41 to 7.50). Quantitative analysis has revealed different (p < 0.05) patterns of EPG/OPG in various categories of goats. In total, there were 49.8% mild, 8.6% moderate, and 13.6% severe infections of strongyle and 40.1% mild, 6.6% moderate, and 19.8% severe infections of coccidia among goats. The mean PCV of goats with severe strongyle infection (24.60 ± 0.85) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the moderate (26.90 ± 1.15), or mild (28.23 ± 0.50) infections and the uninfected (30.4 ± 0.71). There were increased odds of infection with strongyle and coccidia among female (OR = 3.2) and adult (OR = 11.0) goats from smallholder flocks in Negeri Sembilan. In conclusion, gastrointestinal strongyles and coccidia occur at high frequency among smallholder goats, and there is a higher risk of infection amongst the adult and female stock.

A SURVEY FOR ZOONOTIC AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN PIG IN BALI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Pigs have potentially to transmit zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite disease both caused by protozoa and worm. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites that were potentially zoonotic in pigs in the province of Bali. A total of 100 fresh feces samples was collected from several pig farms in Bali, from Badung and Tabanan districts, each consisted of 50 samples. Pig feces samples were examined for the presence of eggs worms, cysts and oocysts for protozoa based on the morphology and size. Identification for protozoa and worms used native, sedimentation and sucrose flotation methods. Parameters measured were sex, feed and cage management. The result showed that the characteristic parameters for pigs in both district were generally female. Cage management for raising pigs mostly used group cage. Feed that provided in both district mostly used bran and concentrate. All of 100 pig feces samples that examined positive for parasites. There were 8 types of gastrointestinal parasites that have been identified. Four types of protozoa found were Entamoeba sp. (99%), Balantidium sp. (79%), Eimeria sp. (78%), Blastocystis sp. (69%) and four types of worms were Ascaris sp. (20%), Trichuris sp. (20%), Strongyloides sp. (19%), and Oesophagostomum sp. (8%). All pigs were infected with two or more parasites. The prevalence of parasitic gastrointestinal infections was different for each district, six genera (Entamoeba sp., Balantidium sp., Blastocystis sp., Eimeria sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Trichuris sp.)  were higher found in Tabanan district and the two genera (Ascaris sp. and Strongyloides sp.) were higher in Badung district. Oesophagostomum sp. was only found to infect pigs in Tabanan district. The conclusion is gastrointestinal parasites that found in pigs at Badung and Tabanan district Bali Province mostly have zoonotic potential.

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.

A low-cost, automated parasite diagnostic system via a portable, robotic microscope and deep learning

Manual hand counting of parasites in fecal samples requires costly components and substantial expertise, limiting its use in resource-constrained settings and encouraging overuse of prophylactic medication. To address this issue, a cost-effective, automated parasite diagnostic system that does not require special sample preparation or a trained user was developed. It is composed of an inexpensive (~US$350), portable, robotic microscope that can scan over the size of an entire McMaster chamber (100 mm² ) and capture high-resolution (~1 μm lateral resolution) bright field images without need for user intervention. Fecal samples prepared using the McMaster flotation method were imaged, with the imaging region comprising the entire McMaster chamber. These images are then automatically segmented and analyzed using a trained convolution neural network (CNN) to robustly separate eggs from background debris. Simple postprocessing of the CNN output yields both egg species and egg counts. The system was validated by comparing accuracy with hand-counts by a trained operator, with excellent performance. As a further demonstration of utility, the system was used to conveniently quantify drug response over time in a single animal, showing residual disease due to Anthelmintic resistance after 2 weeks.