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Maurizio A, Perrucci S, Tamponi C, Scala A, Cassini R, Rinaldi L, Bosco A. Control of gastrointestinal helminths in small ruminants to prevent anthelmintic resistance: the Italian experience. Parasitology 2023; 150:1105-1118. [PMID: 37039466 PMCID: PMC10801368 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Helminth infections are ubiquitous in grazing ruminants and cause significant costs due to production losses. Moreover, anthelmintic resistance (AR) in parasites is now widespread throughout Europe and poses a major threat to the sustainability of modern ruminant livestock farming. Epidemiological data on the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and liver- and rumen-flukes in Italian small ruminants are outdated and fragmentary. However, anthelmintics are commonly used to control these infections and often without prior diagnosis. Compared to other European countries, few reports of AR in small ruminants against levamisole, ivermectin and benzimidazoles have been published in Italy, but recent studies suggest that this phenomenon is spreading. Increased and integrated research efforts in developing innovative approaches to control helminth infections and AR are needed and must be tailored to the peculiarities of each context in order to be effectively implemented. This manuscript provides an overview on helminth prevalence and distribution, sustainable treatment strategies and integrated control approaches in small ruminants in Italy. The implementation of targeted treatments and targeted selective treatments is discussed based on different parameters, such as fecal egg count, degree of anaemia (FAMACHA© method), milk production and body condition score. In addition, several Italian studies have also investigated the implementation of alternative strategies such as the use of different natural bioactive compounds or genetic selection for resistance and resilience to helminth infections. These concrete solutions for helminth management in small ruminant farms in the country are reported and discussed, representing a valid example for other Mediterranean countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maurizio
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16-35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16-35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
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Castagna F, Britti D, Oliverio M, Bosco A, Bonacci S, Iriti G, Ragusa M, Musolino V, Rinaldi L, Palma E, Musella V. In Vitro Anthelminthic Efficacy of Aqueous Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) Extracts against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121063. [PMID: 33353177 PMCID: PMC7766728 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide increased difficulty to counteract gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in sheep, due to progressing anthelmintic resistance, has led to the evaluation of other alternative helminth control options, mainly from plants. The anthelmintic efficacy of an aqueous Punica granatum macerate was evaluated in sheep naturally infected by GIN in southern Italy. The macerate was chemically characterized by chromatographic analysis coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) and an aliquot was concentrated to obtain a dry extract. A part was characterized, the remaining washed with methanol to obtain an insoluble residue and methanol phase. In the methanol fraction, the quantitatively predominant gallic acid was purified to obtain the pure molecule. The three fractions thus obtained were used for in vitro studies (i.e., egg hatch test) to verify anthelmintic efficacy. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from sheep naturally infected by GINs. Fractions were diluted in H2O/DMSO 0.5% at 1.00, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.05, and 0.005 mg/mL concentrations. Thiabendazole (0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL) and deionized water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Egg hatch test results indicated that all fractions caused a significant (p < 0.05) egg hatch inhibition within 48 h of exposure highlighting a high (>82%) efficacy in vitro at all tested doses. Maximal egg hatching inhibition effect was exhibited by the methanol fraction (99.3% and 89.3% at 1 and 0.005 mg/mL concentrations), followed by the insoluble residue and gallic acid (94.7% and 85.3% and 94.0% and 82.7% at 1 and 0.005 mg/mL, respectively). The current study validated the anthelmintic potential of traditional P. granatum macerate against GIN infection in sheep, thus highlighting the role of gallic acid as principal component and justifying a need to undertake further in vivo studies on these ethno-veterinary remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (V.M.)
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Manuela Oliverio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy; (A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Sonia Bonacci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Iriti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Monica Ragusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Musolino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (V.M.)
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy; (A.B.); (L.R.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (D.B.); (M.O.); (S.B.); (G.I.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
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