Implementation of Mini-FLOTAC in Routine Diagnosis of Coccidia and Helminth Infections in Domestic and Exotic Birds

Mini-FLOTAC (MF) has recently been proposed for the fecal quantification of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in birds due to its higher sensitivity and precision in comparison with the McMaster method. The current research aimed to test the use of MF in routine diagnosis of coccidia and helminth infections in several domestic and exotic bird collections in Portugal. Between July 2020 and April 2021, a total of 142 fecal samples from organic layers, peacocks and ratites were collected in four Portuguese bird collections and processed using MF and fecal cultures to identify and calculate GI parasite shedding and prevalence. The McMaster method was also used to compare the shedding levels obtained for both quantitative techniques. MF’s relative sensitivity and specificity were also assessed, using McMaster as the reference technique. The implementation of MF resulted in an average Eimeria spp. shedding higher in peacocks from bird collection 2 (502 OPG), followed by peacocks from collection 1 (107 OPG) and organic layers (24 OPG) and peacocks from collection 3 (9 OPG). Peacocks were also positive for Capillaria spp., Trichostrongylus tenuis and Strongyloides pavonis, whereas ostriches and emus were infected by L. douglassii. The MF protocol for exotic animals and the McMaster method did not differ significantly for each parasitic agent and bird species, and MF achieved relative sensitivities and specificities higher than 70% for Galliform Eimeria spp., peacock helminths and ratites’ L. douglassii infections. Higher L. douglassii EPG values were identified using the MF protocol for exotic species (2 g of feces/38 mL of sucrose solution), followed by McMaster 2/28, MF 5/45 and MF 2/18. The use of MF allowed for obtaining different intestinal parasitic populations in several bird species and locations, and MF 2/38 is globally proposed as the most suitable protocol for bird fecal samples as an alternative to the McMaster method in the diagnosis of avian intestinal parasitic infections.

Endoparasites of donkeys (Equus asinus) used in commercial skin exploitation in the Northeast of Brazil

The present study identified the main endoparasites present in donkeys (Equus asinus) used in skin exploitation located in Cando municipality, Bahia State, Northeast of Brazil. The samples were collected from September 2019. Feces were collected from the rectal ampulla of 34 animals, macroscopically visualized for parasitic forms, and microscopically evaluated to identify endoparasites forms using the McMaster method. Parasitological results were associated with sex, age, and bodyweight Stata Corp LLC 14. Endoparasites were found in 82.3% of the animals, with the egg count ranging from 50 to 1050 eggs per gram (EPG). The sole presence of superfamily Trichostronglylidae was observed in 67.6% of the donkeys, in 8.8% co-infected by Trichostronglylidae and Eimeria spp., while Trichostronglylidae and Strongyloides westeri was detected in 2.9%, and simultaneous infection by Trichostronglylidae, Strongyloides westeri, and Oxyuris equi was observed in 2.9%. The occurrence of parasitic infections varies according to nutritional status, age, sex, and environmental exposure (p>0.05). A high occurrence of infection was observed in young animals and those with lower body weight.

Prevalensi dan Derajat Infeksi Helminthiasis Gastrointestinal pada Sapi Bali (Bos sondaicus) di Peternakan Rakyat Mutu Desa Sepayung Kecamatan Plampang Kabupaten Sumbawa Besar Nusa Tenggara Barat

Bali cattle is one of the cattle that are more in demand by the community, especially the people ofSumbawa Besar. Healthy cows that are in a state or physiological body functioning normally, which meansthat cattle avoid various diseases, especially Helminthiasis. The purpose of this study was to determine theprevalence and degree of gastrointestinal helminthiasis infection in Balinese cattle (Bos sondaicus) in MutuPeople's Farms in Sepayung village, Plampang sub-district, Sumbawa Besar district, NTB. This research is adescriptive study with Based on Rates or calculation of the prevalence rate and degree of GastrointestinalHelminthiasis infection in bali cattle feces at Mutu People's Farm in Sepayung Village, Plampang District,Sumbawa Besar Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. This research was conducted in February 2020 in theLaboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, West Nusa Tenggara University, examined using the McMaster method and counted the number of worm eggs per gram of feces. Based on the results of laboratorytests conducted on 37 bali cattle feces samples, found 6 samples infected with Trichostrongylus sp. and 2samples were infected with Ostertagia sp. The results of examinations that have been done, the prevalencefound in this study is Trychostrongylus 16.21% while in Ostertagia it is 5.40% with the degree of infection inTrichostrongylus moderate infections and in mild infections Ostertagia. Based on the results of laboratorytests conducted on 37 bali cattle feces samples, found 6 samples infected with Trichostrongylus sp. and 2samples were infected with Ostertagia sp. The results of examinations that have been done, the prevalencefound in this study is Trychostrongylus 16.21% while in Ostertagia it is 5.40% with the degree of infection inTrichostrongylus moderate infections and in mild infections Ostertagia. Based on the results of laboratorytests conducted on 37 bali cattle feces samples, found 6 samples infected with Trichostrongylus sp. and 2samples were infected with Ostertagia sp. The results of examinations that have been done, the prevalencefound in this study is Trychostrongylus 16.21% while in Ostertagia it is 5.40% with the degree of infection inTrichostrongylus moderate infections and in mild infections Ostertagia.

Anthelmintic Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Ivermectin Paste after Oral Administration in Mules Infected by Cyathostomins

Ivermectin (IVM) is an anthelmintic compound commonly used off-label in mules due to its broad-spectrum of activity. Despite the general use of IVM in mules with the same dose and route of administration licensed for horses, significant pharmacokinetic differences might exist between horses and mules, as already observed for donkeys. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and anthelmintic efficacy of an oral paste of IVM in mules naturally infected with cyathostomins. Fifteen adult mules with fecal egg counts (FEC) ≥ 200 eggs per gram (EPG), with exclusive presence of cyathostomins, were included in the study. All mules were orally treated with IVM according to the manufacturer's recommended horse dosage (200 µg/kg body weight). FECs were performed before (day-10 and day-3) and after treatment at days 14 and 28 by using a modified McMaster method. The FEC reduction (FECR%) was also calculated. Blood samples were collected from five animals at various times between 0.5 h up to 30 days post treatment to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. The maximum IVM serum concentration (Cmax) was 42.31 ± 10.20 ng/mL and was achieved at 16.80 ± 9.96 h post-treatment (Tmax), area under the curve (AUC) was 135.56 ± 43.71 ng × day/mL. FECR% remained high (>95%) until the 28th day.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTOR OF STONGYLOIDOSIS IN BEEF CATTLE IN KASIMAN SUBDISTRICT, BOJONEGORO

A pair of cross-sectional studies was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of Strongyloides spp. (threadworm) infections in beef cattle in Kasiman Subdistrict, the Regency of Bojonegoro. A total of 263 and 270 of local beef cattle with various age were selected for faecal sample during dry season (August-October) and wet season (February-March), respectively. Feces were processed for counting the number of eggs per gram feces (EPG) using McMaster method. The prevalence of strongyloidosis was 4.56% and 7.04% in the dry season and the rainy season, respectively. The factors that associated with prevalence and intensity infection were age and sex of cattle. During the dry season and the rainy season, the calf and weaner group (1 year) was more susceptible for Strongyloides infection than cattle with older age and showed higher intensity of infection (based on EPG values). The bulls showed a higher risk and intensity of infection than cows.

Keragaman dan Intensitas Infeksi Endoparasit Gastrointestinal pada Sapi Bali dengan Sistem Ekstensif di Kabupaten Kupang

Tanah Putih Village has the potential for the development of Bali cattle because it has extensive grazing land and the majority of farmers raise Bali cattle. The aim of the study was to obtain data on the diversity and intensity of gastrointestinal endoparasitic infection in Balinese cattle with an extensive breeding system in Tanah Putih Village, Kupang Timur District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Gastrointestinal endoparasitic diversity was identify using sedimentation and flotation methods while the intensity of endoparasitic infection was carried out using McMaster method, while data on the diversity and rates of gastrointestinal endoparasitic infection were analyzed descriptively. The results of the study on the diversity of gastrointestinal endoparasites found there are five types of nematode worm eggs namely Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, and Trichostrongylus axei. Factors that support the diversity of endoparasites are feed sources, livestock populations, and grazing rotation. The average number of worm eggs found based on the total eggs per gram of faeces for Haemonchus contortus as many as 100 eggs and the other four types of worm eggs amounted to 50 eggs. The average number of eggs indicates that endoparasitic infections in these animals fall into the mild intensity category, is influenced by season, feed source, and age of livestock. The five types of gastrointestinal endoparasites found namely Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, and Trichostrongylus axei.

Gastrointestinal parasites as a possible threat to an endangered autochthonous Portuguese sheep breed

Helminth and protozoan infections are responsible for important diseases in grazing sheep, which can be especially threatening in an autochthonous breed at risk of extinction like the Churra Galega Mirandesa Portuguese sheep breed. The aim of the present study was to determine the diversity, prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in these sheep and to assess the effects of deworming practices, cohabiting animals on the farm and feed management. Coprological qualitative and quantitative analysis (flotation, natural sedimentation and McMaster method) were used to identify and quantify gastrointestinal parasites and a questionnaire was designed and applied. A total of 512 faecal samples were collected from 49 flocks, and 49 replies to the questionnaire were received. Parasites were identified in 100% of the flocks, and in 97% of the samples. The genera or species that have been morphologically identified were: strongyle-type, Nematodirus spp., Skrjabinema spp., Moniezia expansa, Moniezia benedeni, Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Eimeria spp., Dicrocoelium spp. and Fasciola hepatica. This is the first report in Portugal of Skrjabinema spp. The burden of parasites’ oocysts and eggs per gram in faecal samples ranged, respectively, from 50 to 17,550 for Eimeria spp., and from 50 to 6250 for strongyle-type eggs. Factors affecting parasitic infections were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression. Grazing time and a lack of anthelmintic treatment were positively associated with Nematodirus spp. infection. This study showed that there is a high prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in the Churra Galega Mirandesa sheep breed.

Prevalence of Haemonchus contortus Infections in Sheep and Goats in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

This study investigated the overall prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep and goats from five purposively selected subdivisions (sectors) of Nyagatare district from January to December 2014, after a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and generalized poor productivity was reported in small ruminants in some districts of Rwanda. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were performed using the Modified Wisconsin Sugar Floatation method and the Fluorescent-labeled peanut-lectin agglutination test while enumerations, as log (FEC), were done using the modified McMaster method. The overall prevalence of H. contortus infection in sheep and goats was 75.7% (n=949). The overall prevalence of H. contortus infection in sheep (83.4%, n=314) was higher than in goats (71.8%, n=635) (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.40-2.79, and p≤0.001). The prevalence of H. contortus infection in female goats (74.2%) was higher than in male goats (64.3%) (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.09-2.36, and p=0.01). The prevalence of H. contortus infection in goats from Nyagatare was higher than in goats from Matimba (OR 3.25, 95% CI: 1.76-5.99, and p≤0.001) and from Katabagemu (OR 3.67, 95% CI: 2.04-6.59, and p≤0.001). The prevalence of H. contortus infection in goats from Karangazi was higher than in goats from Matimba (OR 4.72, 95% CI: 2.40-9.28, and p≤0.001). The overall mean monthly log (FEC) for H. contortus in sheep and goats were highest in April (18.9±0.2 and 14.05±0.1, respectively) and October (19.25± 0.2 and 13.75±0.1, respectively). Though, overall, sheep in Nyagatare district were at greater risk of H. contortus infection and goats from Nyagatare and Karangazi sectors were paradoxically at greater risk of H. contortus infection. It was also apparent that young female goats were at greater risk of H. contortus infection than young male goats. H. contortus infection is endemic in small ruminants in Nyagatare district and possibly other districts in Rwanda. Targeted selective treatment (TST) using FAMACHA with emphasis on low-lying swampy pastures and appropriate anthelmintic drugs may be the most economically viable solution in the short term. In the long term breeding of H. contortus resistant small ruminants and strategic grazing using the concept of refugia may bring about considerable relief from H. contortus infection in Nyagatare district, in particular, and Rwanda at large.

Parasites of Myocastor coypus – a Comparison in Farm Animals and Their Feral Counterparts

The parasitic status in the coypus (nutrias) Myocastor coypus, both farm-bred or free-living on river banks in the Czech Republic, was determined. Faecal samples were collected from 200 coypus originating from 11 farms (farm-bred animals) and from 20 individuals living at 14 natural localities (feral animals). Faeces were examined for nematode eggs and coccidian oocysts using the McMaster method. The evaluation of faeces from farm-bred coypus indicated infection with the following parasites: Trichuris sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Eimeria seidelli, Eimeria nutriae, Eimeria coypi, and Eimeria myopotami. Free-living feral rodents harboured Eimeria nutriae, E. coypi, Strongyloides sp. and in one case also Trichuris sp. An additional visceral examination of 20 coypus originating from five farms revealed two nematode species in the gastrointestinal tracts, namely Trichuris myocastoris and Strongyloides myopotami. The study indicated that feral coypus are far less parasitized than their captive counterparts.

Prevalence of STHs (Soil transmitted helminthes) of school children in Sadar upazila, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) infections are common throughout the tropics and subtropics and represents a major public health problem in developing countries. The rate of STHs infection found in the present study was very high in comparison to other countries of this Subcontinent, though they are taking antihelmintics every 6 months interval under Government National Health Program. The present study was carried out to see the Prevalence of STHs infection among the school children in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 500 stool samples from healthy individuals were collected during April, 2012 to February, 2013 from 20 schools comprising 10 rural and 10 urbans under Sadar upazila, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The samples were examined in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College using saline and iodine preparation microscopy and McMaster technique for the detection of ova of STHs. The STHs prevalence irrespective of the age and sex of the individuals were 37.0% (185) out of 500 specimens where 68.0% (340/500) individuals were male represents the prevalence 38.0% (129/340) and 32.0% (160/500) individuals were female represents the prevalence 35.0% (56/160). Majority of the cases belonged to the age group >5-10 years 50.2% (251/500) of the total, constituted the prevalence 20.2% (101/500) of the total population and 40.2% (101/251) of the individual age group. The distribution of different STHs with their prevalence in the study population where Ascaris lumbricoides (AL) was 63.8% (118), Trichuris trichiura (TT) 37.3% (69), Enterobius vermicularis (EV) 8.1% (15), Ancylostoma duodenale (AD) 7.5% (14), and mixed infection was 15.1% (28). The upper socio-economic class constituted 5.0% (25/500) of the total study population with the prevalence of 20.0% (5/25). The middle socio-economic class constituted 50.0% (250/500) of the total study population with the prevalence of 37.2% (93/250) and the lower socio-economic class constituted 45.0% (225/500) of the total study population with the prevalence of 38.6% (87/225). The urban population constituted 34.0% (170/500) of the total population representing the prevalence 31.2 % (53/170) and rural population constituted 66.0% (330/500) of the total population representing the prevalence 40.0% (132/330). In this study, STHs detection by McMaster method was satisfactory. Thereby, McMaster method could be adapted for rapid detection and quantification of STHs. Moreover, one more frequent administration of antihelmintics with close monitoring of drug administration may reduce the prevalence of STHs infection in Bangladesh. CBMJ 2018 January: Vol. 07 No. 01 P: 04-09