Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in Santa Inês lambs: impact on feed digestibility, blood markers, and nitrogen balance / Infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis em cordeiros Santa Inês: impacto na digestibilidade dos alimentos, marcadores sanguíneos e balanço de nitrogênio

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection on the hemato-biochemical parameters, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance in Santa Inês lambs. Eighteen three-month-old Santa Ines castrated male lambs (16.9 ± 1.43 kg of body weight) were randomly distributed in two experimental treatments: infected with T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) and uninfected (U, n = 9). The I group received a total of 45,000 L3 larvae of T. colubriformis (5,000 infective larvae, three times per week, for three weeks). During the experimental period, blood, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance were evaluated. The I lambs showed a reduction in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and total proteins, as well as an increase in platelets and eosinophils compared to those in the U group (p < 0.05). With the exception of total protein content, these values were within the normal range for the species. Furthermore, lower dry matter and organic matter digestibility were observed in the I lambs (p = 0.08). The present findings highlight that T. colubriformis infection has the potential to impair some hemato-biochemical parameters as well as feed digestibility in lambs, which could affect their productivity.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis nos parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros Santa Inês. Dezoito cordeiros Santa Inês, de três meses de idade e castrados (16,9 ± 1,43 kg de peso corporal), foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos experimentais: infectados com T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) e não infectados (U, n = 9). O grupo I recebeu um total de 45.000 larvas L3 de T. colubriformis (5.000 larvas infectantes, três vezes por semana, durante três semanas). Durante o período experimental, foram avaliadas as variáveis sanguíneas, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio. Os cordeiros I apresentaram redução de eritrócitos, hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio e proteínas totais, além de aumento de plaquetas e eosinófilos, quando comparados ao grupo U (p< 0,05). Contudo, exceto para proteínas totais, os valores estavam dentro do intervalo normal para a espécie. Além disso, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica foi menor no grupo I de cordeiros (p = 0,08). Os presentes achados destacam que a infecção por T. colubriformis teve potencial para prejudicar alguns parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, bem como a digestibilidade aparente da dieta, o que poderia afetar a produtividade dos cordeiros.

Lutzomyia umbratilis from an area south of the Negro River is refractory to in vitro interaction with Leishmania guyanensis

BACKGROUND Lutzomyia umbratilis, the vector for Leishmania guyanensis in northern South America, has been found naturally infected with L. guyanensis only in areas north of the Negro and Amazon rivers. While populations of this sand fly species are also found in areas south of these rivers, these populations have never been reported to be infected and/or transmitting L. guyanensis. However, no studies on the corresponding host-parasite interactions are available. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the interaction between Lu. guyanensis promastigotes and field-collected Lu. umbratilis sand flies from Rio Preto da Eva and Manacapuru, which are located to the north and south, respectively, of the Negro River. METHODS Procyclic and metacyclic attachment was quantified using an in vitro system. FINDINGS Low attachment of parasites to the midguts of insects collected from Manacapuru was detected. Conversely, greater binding of metacyclic parasites was observed in the midguts of insects collected from Rio Preto da Eva, and this attachment was more pronounced than that observed for procyclics (p < 0.03). MAIN CONCLUSIONS The Lu. umbratilis population from an area south of the Negro River has lower in vitro interaction with L. guyanensis. The higher attachment of L. guyanensis to midguts of insects from Rio Preto da Eva may suggest better vector competence. These findings are in accordance with previously reported epidemiological information of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) transmission in the Amazon.

Morphological changes in the digestive system of 322 necropsies of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome: comparison of findings pre- and post-HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy)

ABSTRACT Involvement of the digestive system in AIDS pathologies or injuries is frequent. Aiming at comparing the frequency, the importance that these lesions have for death and the survival time in patients using or not using HAART, we studied 322 necropsies classified as follows: Group A - without antiretroviral drugs (185 cases); B - one or two antiretroviral drugs or HAART for less than six months (83 cases); C - HAART for six months or longer (54 cases). In the overall analysis of the digestive system, changes were present in 73.6% of cases. The most frequent was Candida infection (22.7%), followed by cytomegalovirus (19.2%), Histoplasma capsulatum (6.5%), mycobacteria (5.6%), and Toxoplasma gondii (4.3%). T. gondii infection was more frequent in group A compared with group C, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was more frequent in group A compared with groups B and C (p < 0.05); 2.2% of the deaths were due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Regarding the segments, only in the large intestine, and only cytomegalovirus, were more frequent in group A compared with group C. We conclude that digestive system infections are still frequent, even with the use of HAART. However, the average survival time in group C was more than three times greater than the one in group A and nearly double that of group B, demonstrating the clear benefit of this therapy.

Longevity and viability of Taenia solium eggs in the digestive system of the beetle Ammophorus rubripes / Duração e viabilidade de ovos de Taenia solium no sistema digestivo do besouro Ammophorus rubripes

The present study evaluated the capacity of Ammophorus rubripes beetles to carry Taenia solium eggs, in terms of duration and viability of eggs in their digestive system. One hundred beetles were distributed into five polyethylene boxes, and then they were infected with T. solium eggs. Gravid proglottids of T. solium were crushed and then mixed with cattle feces. One gram of this mixture was placed in each box for 24 hours, after which each group of beetles was transferred into a new clean box. Then, five beetles were dissected every three days. Time was strongly associated with viability (r=0.89; P<0.001) and the calculated time to cero viability is 36 days. The eggs in the intestinal system of each beetle were counted and tested for viability. Taenia solium eggs were present in the beetle's digestive system for up to 39 days (13th sampling day out of 20), gradually reducing in numbers and viability, which was 0 on day 36 post-infection. Egg viability was around 40% up to day 24 post-infection, with a median number of eggs of 11 per beetle at this time. Dung beetles may potentially contribute towards dispersing T. solium eggs in endemic areas.

Este estudo avaliou a duração e viabilidade de ovos de Taenia solium no sistema digestivo do besouro Ammophorus rubripes como portador dos ovos de T. solium. Cem besouros foram distribuídos em cinco caixas de polietileno, contendo um grama de fezes bovina misturada à proglotes grávidas de T. solium trituradas. Após 24 horas, cada grupo de besouros foi transferido para uma caixa limpa e, a cada três dias, cinco besouros foram dissecados para determinar a contagem e viabilidade dos ovos nos intestinos de cada besouro. Ovos de T. solium foram detectados no sistema digestivo até 39 dias (13° dia da amostragem de 20), observando-se uma redução gradativa do número e viabilidade dos ovos, até 36 dias após a infecção. A viabilidade dos ovos foi de 40% após 24 horas da infecção, com uma média de 11 ovos por cada besouro. Besouros coprófagos têm potencial para contribuírem na dispersão dos ovos de T. solium em áreas endêmicas.

Parasitic helminths of the digestive system of wild boars bred in captivity / Helmintos parasitas do sistema digestório de javalis criados em cativeiro

This study aimed to identify the parasites that inhabit the digestive system of Sus scrofa scrofa from a commercial breeding facility in southern Brazil, and reports the first occurrence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis in wild boars. The gastrointestinal tracts of 40 wild boars from a commercial breeding facility were collected and individualized during slaughter in a cold-storage slaughterhouse. Out of this total, 87.5% were parasitized by the helminths Ascaris suum, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum dentatum and Trichuris suis. T. colubriformis presented a prevalence of 45%, mean intensity of 28.4 and mean abundance of 12.8. The data from this study showed that T. colubriformis not only has a capacity to develop in the small intestines of wild boars, but also adapts well to animals raised in captivity, thus representing a possible cause of economic loss in commercial wild boar farming.

O estudo teve por objetivo identificar os parasitos que habitam o sistema digestório de Sus scrofa scrofa provenientes de criatório comercial do sul do Brasil, reportando a primeira ocorrência de Trichostrongylus colubriformis em javalis. Foram coletados e individualizados os tratos gastrintestinais de 40 javalis oriundos de criatório comercial durante abate em frigorífico. Destes, 87,5% estavam parasitados por helmintos, sendo eles, Ascaris suum, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum dentatum e Trichuris suis. T. colubriformis apresentou prevalência de 45%, intensidade média de 28,4 e abundância média de 12,8. Os dados deste trabalho demonstram que T. colubriformis além da capacidade de desenvolvimento no intestino delgado de javalis, adapta-se bem às criações, representando uma possível causa de perdas econômicas nas criações de javalis.

Conocimiento de las madres cuidadoras ante un niño con diarrea aguda en hogares de cuidado diario / Knowledge of mothers with a child care with acute diarrhea in day care

Con el propósito de incrementar el nivel de conocimiento sobre el manejo correcto de los síndromes diarreicos agudos por parte de las madres cuidadoras integrales ubicadas en una barriada, se realizó un estudio analítico, longitudinal, descriptivo, prospectivo de tipo intervención educativa durante 45 días. Universo constituido por 26 madres y una muestra de 23 (88,46 por ciento). Evaluación inicial sobre los conocimientos poseídos sobre manejo de los síndromes diarreicos agudos en los hogares de cuidado diario. Detección de necesidades educativas. Aplicación de intervención educativa según el Programa de Capacitación de Atención Integrada a las Enfermedades Prevalentes de la Infancia de la OPS. Nueva evaluación de conocimientos a los 45 días. Pre-capacitación el 52,17 por ciento sabían definir diarreas; 82,61 por ciento tenían prácticas alimentarias correctas en diarreas infantiles; el 73.91 por ciento dijo no dar alimento al niño durante la diarrea; el 17,9 por ciento daban medicamentos sin prescripción; el 65,22 por ciento dijo que la lactancia materna no protege frente a la diarrea y 69,57 por ciento que la vacuna contra el sarampión tampoco; 56,52 por ciento preparaba correctamente el suero oral y el 100 por ciento no sabe la del suero casero; 86,96 por ciento lo daba con tetero y erraba al no darlo después de cada evacuación (56,52 por ciento) no usar taza (82,61 por ciento), ni cuchara (69,57 por ciento); se equivocan al calificar sin riesgo los ojos hundidos (56,52 por ciento) llanto sin lágrimas (78.26 por ciento) y orinar menos (65,22 por ciento). Todos estos niveles mejoraron en más del 95 por ciento post-capacitación. La capacitación según AIEPI logra mejorar las prácticas en la atención de casos de diarrea por las Madres Integrales de los Hogares de CuidadoDiario.

Cloning and characterization of a V-ATPase subunit C from the American visceral leishmaniasis vector Lutzomyia longipalpis modulated during development and blood ingestion

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious tropical disease that affects approximately 500 thousand people worldwide every year. In the Americas, VL is caused by the parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi mainly transmitted by the bite of the sand fly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis. Despite recent advances in the study of interaction between Leishmania and sand flies, very little is known about sand fly protein expression profiles. Understanding how the expression of proteins may be affected by blood feeding and/or presence of parasite in the vector's midgut might allow us to devise new strategies for controlling the spread of leishmaniasis. In this work, we report the characterization of a vacuolar ATPase subunit C from L. longipalpis by screening of a midgut cDNA library with a 220 bp fragment identified by means of differential display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The expression of the gene varies along insect development and is upregulated in males and bloodfed L. longipalpis, compared to unfed flies.

Single and concomitant experimental infectionsby Endotrypanum spp. and Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in the Neotropical sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Lutzomyia longipalpis females received single and mixed infections with Endotrypanum and Leishmania. Two biological parameters were analyzed: the percentage of infected females and the distribution of flagellates in the gut of the females. The principal comparisons were performed between (1) two strains of Endotrypanum, (2) cloned versus primary sample of one strain of Endotrypanum, (3) Endotrypanum versus Leishmania guyanensis, and (4) the pattern of flagellates behaviour by optical microscopy in females with single or mixed infection versus the identification of parasites isolated from digestive tracts by isoenzyme electrophoresis. Flagellates of Endotrypanum showed distinct patterns of infection suggesting that there is variation between and within strains. The distribution of Endotrypanum and L. guyanensis differed significantly in relation to the colonization of the stomodeal valve. In co-infection with L. guyanensis, a large number of flagellates were seen to be plentifully infecting the stomodeal valve in significantly more specimens than in females infected by Endotrypanum only. However, the electrophoretic profiles of isoenzymes of parasites recovered from all co-infected specimens corresponded to Endotrypanum. This suggests that the mere correlation sand fly infection-biochemical analysis of isolates may induce parasitological incorrect consideration.

Sequential histological changes in Biomphalaria glabrata during the course of Schistosoma mansoni infection

Biomphalaria glabrata, highly susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni, were seen to shed less and less cercariae along the time of infection. Histological examination kept a close correlation with this changing pattern of cercarial shedding, turning an initial picture of no-reaction (tolerance) gradually into one of hemocyte proliferation with formation of focal encapsulating lesions around disintegrating sporocysts and cercariae, a change that became disseminated toward the 142nd day post miracidial exposure. Findings were suggestive of a gradual installation of acquired immunity in snails infected with S. mansoni

Effect of a second bloodmeal on the oesophagus colonization by Leishmania mexicana complex in Lutzomyia evansi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Migration and colonization of the oesophagus by Leishmania mexicana parasites were enhanced after digestion of a second bloodmeal intake in Lutzomyia evansi. This event has epidemiological significance since it affects the infection susceptibility of this sand fly species, which is a proven vector of L. chagasi in Colombian and Venezuelan visceral leishmaniasis foci. Also, it may explain the host seeking behaviour displayed by some partially bloodfed flies found inside houses

Metazoários parasitos do peixe espada trichiurus lepturus osteichthyes trichiuridae do litoral do estado do Rio de Janeiro Brasil / Metazoan parasites of the atlantic cutlassfish trichiurus lepturus osteichthyes trichiuridae from coastal zone of the state of Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Entre janeiro a novembro de 1999 foram examinados 55 espécimenes de Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758 (Osteichthyes: trichiuridae) provenientes do litoral do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, brasil (aprox. 21-23º S, 41-45º O), sendo necropsiados para estudio dos seus metazoários parasitos. Onze espécies de metazoários parasitos foram encontrados: 1 digenético, 1 monogenético, 2 cestóides, 1 acan-tocéfalo, 5 nematóides e 1 copépode. Trichiurus lepturus é um novo registro de hospedeiro para as seguintes espécies: Callitetrarhynchus gracilis. Hysterothylacium sp. e Raphidas-caris sp. Octoplectanocotyla trichiuri e Polymorphus sp. são registrados pela primeira vez no Brasil

Frecuencia de infección por diphyllobothrium sp cestoda diphyllobothriidae en carnívoros silvestres de Argentina / Diphyllobothrium sp cestoda diphyllobothriidae infection frequency in Argentina wild carnivores

With the aims to determine the infection frequency by tapeworms of Diphyllobothrium genus 30 samples from captive wild carnivores were analyzed. A 30 percent of the animal analyzed was positive to the infection. Whereas the family Procionidae has a high percentage of positivity (60 percent). Canidae have lower infection ratio (20-25 percent). The accuracy for the diagnosis of Diphylobothrium was made by the morphology of scolex, proglottids and eggs. This is the first report of the parasite presence in Argentine wild carnivores

Prevalence of trichomonas gallinae from the upper digestive tract of the common pigeon, columba livia in the southern Brazilian State, Rio Grande do Sul

Trichomonas gallinae (Rivolta, 1878) is a parasitic protozoan of the upper digestive tract and various organs of different avian groups, being common among the columbids, was isolated described and its prevalence studies in the southern brazilian state, Rio Grande do Sul. The morphology study of the live speciemens done by examinations of fresh and stained specimens, showed that the T. gallinae isolated has the same morphological characteristics as the upper digestive tract trichomonads previously described by other authors

Biotipos killer del género candidad aisladas de ratones / Killer biotypes of the genus candida isolated from mice

Se determinó la potencialidad killer de diversos tipos de levaduras del género candida aisladas del tracto gastrointestinal de 40 ratones Rockland adultos sometidos a una dieta hiperglúcida, compuesta de harina de graham (49 porciento), sacarosa (49 porciento) y NaCl (2 porciento). Las levaduras de determinaron según la técnica de Rippon y se identificaron mediante las claves de Kreger Van Rij. Para establecer su sensibilidad y potencialidad, se aplicó el sistema killer italiano (SKI), según la técnica de Polonelli et. al. En el tracto gastrointestinal de los ratones, las especies de candida más aisladas fueron c. tropicalis y c. parapsilosis. El biotipo killer en el 97,5 porciento de los casos fue el III y el 65 porciento de las levaduras tuvieron 100 porciento de actividad killer

Major Fasciola hepatica antigens are mainly localized within the digestive tube of the adult

Ejemplares adultos de Fasciola hepática fueron fijados mediante la técnica de Rossman para localizar una proteinasa parcialmente purificada (PPP) del parásito. Se realizaron cortes en secciones tarnsversales y longitudinales del parásito embebido en parafina. Las secciones fueron incubadas con suero de ratón inmunizado o ßuero de paciente infectado y luego teñidas con anti-IgG de ratón o anti-IgG humana marcadas con isotiocianato de fluoresceína (FITC). Se observó una reacción positiva con anticuerpos primarios en el epitelio que bordea el ciego

Protozooses digestivas näo-patogênicas: Revisäo / Intestinal protozoosis not pathogenics: A review

Os autores fazem uma revisäo sobre os protozários digestivos näo-patogênicos, abordando os principais aspectos de sua epidemiologia e clínica

Parasitic infections and gastrointestinal symptoms among preschool children in day care centers in Alexandria, Egypt

There is a considerable amount of speculations concerning the presence of symptoms in various parasitic infections. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of different parasitic infections among children in day care centers [DCCs], and to establish the relation of such infections to gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 623 stool samples were collected from 700 preschool children aged 2-5 years who attended 3 DCCs of different soocial classes in Alexandria. These samples were tested for parasitic infection by the conventional microscopy. Parents were interviewed as regards the gastrointestinal symptoms frequently suffered from by their children included in the sample during the 3 months period preceding the interview. The prevalence rate of parasitic infection was 56.0%. Giardiasis was the. commonest infection [34.7%], followed by Ascariasis [24.4%] and Trichuriasis [4.6%]. Boys showed a significantly higher prevalence than girls [58.3% vs. 52.9%, p < 0.01]. Social. children were more infected with G. lamblia than unsocial ones [39.6% vs. 22.1%, p < 0.01]. Vomiting was strongly associated with 0. lamblia infection [OR = 7.1, p < 0.01], diarrhea with multiple infections [OR = 48.2, p < 0.01], while abdominal pain was not significantly associated with any of these infections. The high prevalence of Giardiasis in DCCs emphasizes the need for increased surveillance for G. lamblia. as a cause of vomiting in Children, especially among active and social boys. Routine and periodic administration of a protozoan treatment to such Children is recommended

Helmintos parasitos de capivaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) na sub-regiäo da Nhecolândia, Pantanal sul-mato-grossense / Helminth parasites of capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) on Sub-region of Nhecolândia, Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul

Foram realizadas 23 necropsias em capivaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) capturadas na parte central da sub-regiäo da Nhecolândia, Pantanal Sul-matogrossense, de dezembro de 1984 a dezembro de 1986. Os helmintos colhidos foram identificados e contados, resultando na seguinte lista, com suas respectivas prevalências e itensidades médias de infecçäo: Trichostrongylus axei - 60,9 e 14; Viannella hydrochoeri - 95,6 e 1031; Strongyloides chapini - 47,8 e 1014; Yatesia hydrochoerus - 44,4 e 6; Cruorifilaria tuberocauda - 40,0 e 8; Capilaria hydrochoeri - 86,9 e 156; Protozoophaga obesa - 100,0 e 7212; Taxorchis schistocotyle -56,5 e 43; Hippocrepis hippocrepis - 34,8 e 3822; Nudacotyle tertius - 8,7 e 133; Monoecocestus hydrochoeri - 54,5 e 62; e Monoecocestus hagmanni - 80,0 e 75. Desses, Y. hydrochoerus foi registrado pela primeira vez no Brasil. Por suas características e intensidades de infecçäo, C. tuberocauda, V. hydrochoeri, S. chapin e H. hippocreps podem causar parasitoses clínicas e subclínicas em capivaras na regiäo estudada. Infecçöes múltiplas ocorreram em 60,8 por cento dos estômagos, 86,8 por cento dos intestinos delgados, 66,6 por cento dos cecos e 27,7 por cento dos colos e retos. Apesar das associaçöes helmínticas predominarem, näo foram observadas interaçöes entre os helmintos parasitos do mesmo órgäo. As prevalências e abundâncias de S. chapini, Y. hydrochoerus e C. hydrochoeri foram influenciadas pela idade do hospedeiro, sendo que S. chapini apresentou valores maiores em animais jovens, enquanto os demais mostraram tendência inversa

Tatu e hanseníase / Armadillus and hanseaniasis

Grande número de hansenianos admite a possibilidade de que o uso da carne de tatu na sua alimentaçäo possa ser meio de transmissäo da hanseníase. Tentando esclarecer se esta crença é verdadeira os autores entrevistaram 205 doentes dos quais 132 eram do sexo masculino e 73 do sexo feminino, indagando pormenorizadamente sobre o hábito alimentar com carne de tatu. Dos 205 doentes entrevistados, 127 referiram o uso da carne, destes 127 doentes, 101 consumiam o alimento antes do início da doença e 26 doentes referiram o seu uso quando já apresentavam manifestaçöes clínicas da moléstia. Os autores realizarma pesquisa bibliografica sobre o assunto estudado e tecem comentários sobre os resultados obtidos e os dados da literatura