Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite in small ruminants of District Dir Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan / Prevalência de parasita gastrointestinal em pequenos ruminantes do distrito Upper Dir, da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão

The present research was planned to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites in small ruminants of Upper Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. For this purpose, the faecal material was collected randomly with gloved fingers directly from the rectum region of sheep and goats and the faecal materials were then put in hygienic plastic bottles with 10% formalin. The overall 315 (n=184 sheep and n= 131 goats) faecal samples were collected out of 315 samples, 281 were found positive for different parasites. Patterns-wise prevalence of GI parasites of the study area was found. Overall Single parasitism 89.20% (281/315) with 94.0% (173/184) in sheep and 82.43% (108/131) in goats. Double parasitic infection in small ruminant recorded in which Fasciola+ Haemonchus. contortus in sheep were found their prevalence was 25.54% (47/184). While in goats, the double parasitic infection in which Haemonchus contortus+Trichuris spp were found and their prevalence were 23.43% (30/131). The species found in the sample of sheep were includes, i.e., Strongyloides papillosus (41.30%), Heamonchus controtus (21.73%), Trichuris ovis (17.39%), and Fasciola hepatica (13.58%), the corresponding value for goat were Strongyloides spp 33.33% (36/108), Haemonchus spp 28.70%, (27/108), Trichuris spp 25.20% (27/184) and Fasciola spp 10.68% (14/184). The sheep of the study area are more infected as compared to goats. This study suggested that gastrointestinal parasites are major health problems of small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, a comprehensive study on species of gastrointestinal parasites circulating in the area, control options, cost-effective strategies and awareness about gastrointestinal parasites among the farmers in the study area should be instituted.

A presente pesquisa foi planejada para avaliar a ocorrência de parasitas intestinais em pequenos ruminantes do distrito Upper Dir, da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Para tanto, o material fecal foi coletado aleatoriamente com dedos enluvados diretamente da região do reto de ovelhas e cabras, e os materiais fecais foram colocados em garrafas plásticas higiênicas com formol a 10%. No total, 315 (n = 184 ovelhas e n = 131 cabras) amostras fecais foram coletadas; destas, 281 foram consideradas positivas para diferentes parasitas. A prevalência de padrões de parasitas GI da área de estudo foi encontrada. Parasitismo global único 89,20% (281/315) com 94,0% (173/184) em ovinos e 82,43% (108/131) em cabras. Infecção parasitária dupla em pequenos ruminantes registrada em Fasciola + Haemonchus contortus em ovinos, sua prevalência foi de 25,54% (47/184). Já em caprinos, a dupla infecção parasitária em que Haemonchus contortus + Trichuris spp foram encontrados e sua prevalência foi de 23,43% (30/131). As espécies encontradas na amostra de ovinos foram: Strongyloides papillosus (41,30%), Heamonchus controtus (21,73%), Trichuris ovis (17,39%) e Fasciola hepatica (13,58%), o valor correspondente para cabra foi Strongyloides spp. 33,33% (36/108), Haemonchus spp. 28,70%, (27/108), Trichuris sp 25,20% (27/184) e Fasciola spp. 10,68% (14/184). As ovelhas da área de estudo estão mais infectadas do que as cabras. Este estudo sugeriu que os parasitas gastrointestinais são os principais problemas de saúde dos pequenos ruminantes na área de estudo. Portanto, um estudo abrangente sobre as espécies de parasitas gastrointestinais que circulam na área, opções de controle, estratégias de baixo custo e conscientização sobre parasitas gastrointestinais entre os agricultores na área de estudo deve ser instituído.

Parásitos gastrointestinales en mamíferos silvestres cautivos en el Centro de Fauna de San Emigdio, Palmira (Colombia) / Gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild mammals at the fauna center from San Emigdio, Palmira (Colombia)

RESUMEN La parasitosis intestinal en mamíferos silvestres es una de las principales complicaciones debido a las condiciones exógenas del cautiverio; predisponen al animal a complicaciones fisiológicas o infecciones secundarias que impiden su rehabilitación y reintroducción. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la presencia de parásitos gastrointestinales en mamíferos silvestres del Centro de Atención y Valoración de Fauna silvestre del Centro de Educación Ambiental San Emigdio, San Emigdio, Palmira (Colombia). Se tomaron muestras fecales de 25 animales cautivos en el Centro de Atención y Valoración y fueron analizadas mediante dos técnicas: a) montaje con solución salina al 0,85 % y solución de lugol al 1% y b) técnica de flotación por solución saturada (Sheather) con densidad de 1.28g/ml, encontrando un 36% de positividad. Se encontró Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola sp., Entamoeba sp. y Ancylostoma sp. El grupo de primates no humanos presentó cargas parasitarias más altas con respecto a felinos, caninos y demás mamíferos del estudio. Los microorganismos identificados son reconocidos como parásitos causantes de complicaciones en animales cautivos y en libertad; al igual, son catalogados como posibles riesgos zoonóticos.

ABSTRACT Intestinal parasitosis in wild mammals is one of the main complications due to the exogenous conditions of captivity. They predispose the animal to physiological complications or secondary infections that prevent its rehabilitation and reintroduction. The objective is to determine the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in wild mammals from the Wildlife Care and Valuation Center of the San Emigdio Environmental Education Center, San Emigdio, Palmira (Colombia). Fecal samples were taken from 25 captive animals in Care and Valuation Center being analyzed using two techniques: a) assembly with 0.85% saline solution and 1% lugol solution and b) saturated solution flotation technique (Sheather) with a density of 1.28g/ml, with a 36% of positivity. Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola sp., Entamoeba sp. and Ancylostoma sp. were found. The group of non-human primates had higher parasitic intensity compared to felines, canines and other mammals in the study. The identified microorganisms are recognized as parasites causing complications in captive animals and in free life; likewise, they are classified as possible zoonotic risks.

Distribution Status of Hybrid Types in Large Liver Flukes, Fasciola Species (Digenea: Fasciolidae), from Ruminants and Humans in Vietnam

The aim of this study is to delineate ‘admixed hybrid’ and ‘introgressive’ Fasciola genotypes present in the Fasciola population in Vietnam. Adult liver flukes collected from ruminants in 18 Provinces were morphologically sorted out by naked eyes for small (S), medium (M) and large (L) body shapes; and human samples (n=14) from patients. Nuclear ribosomal (rDNA) ITS1 and ITS2, and mitochondrial (mtDNA) nad1 markers were used for determination of their genetic status. Total 4,725 worm samples of ruminants were tentatively classified by their size: 6% (n=284) small (S)-, 13% (n=614) medium (M)-, and 81% (n=3,827) large (L)-forms. All the representative (n=120, as 40 each group) and 14 human specimens, possessed maternal mtDNA of only F. gigantica and none of F. hepatica. Paternally, all (100%) of the L-(n=40) and 77.5% (n=31) of the M-flukes had single F. gigantica rDNA indicating ‘pure’ F. gigantica. A majority (90%, n=36) of the S- and 15% (n=6) of the M-worms had single F. hepatica rDNA, indicating their introgressive; the rest (10%, n=4) of the S- and 7.5% (n=3) of the M-flukes had mixture of both F. gigantica and F. hepatica rDNAs, confirming their admixed hybrid genetic status. Fourteen human samples revealed 9 (64%) of pure F. gigantica, 3 (22%) of introgressive and 2 (14%) of admixed hybrid Fasciola spp. By the present study, it was confirmed that the small worms, which are morphologically identical with F. hepatica, are admixed and/or introgressive hybrids of Fasciola spp., and able to be the pathogens of human fascioliasis.

[Identification of Fasciola species by PCR-RFLP assay in northern Iran]

Background and Objective: Identification ofFasciola species is important. Fascioliasis is one of the important diseases in animals and humans caused by genus Fasciola. This study was done to determine the identification of Fasciola species with RFLP-PCR in animal liver in Gorgan City, northern Iran

Methods: In this descriptive study, worms were obtained from the livers of infected sheep and cattle in Gorgan slaughterhouse in northern Iran. DNA of worms was extracted with phenol- chloroform method. Fragment of ITS-1 genome was amplified and TasI enzyme was utilized for amplified fragments then 8 samples were sequenced

Results: A total of 49 Fasciola worms were isolated from infected cattle and sheep. The PCR products of all specimens were affected by the TasI enzyme, and F.hepatica species showed two fragments and F.gigantica species indicated three fragments. The enzyme in F.hepatica species showed a fragment of 151 bp and a fragment of 312, but in the F.gigantica, three fragments were 151, 93 and 219 bp. 36 [73.46%] worms were identified as Fasciola gigantica and 13 [26.53%] worms were identified as Fasciola hepatica. Out of the six infected sheep liver, 22 were isolated from the Fasciola worms, 13 [59.1%] of which were F.hepatica and 9 [40.9%] of them were F.gigantica. Out of the six infected cattle liver, 27 Fasciola worms were identified, all of which were identified as Fasciola gigantica [100%]

Conclusion: This study showed that Fasciola gigantica is the dominant species in infected livers of the cattle in Gorgan city

Human Cases of Fascioliasis in Fujian Province, China

Fascioliasis is a foodborne zoonotic parasitic disease. We report 4 cases occurring in the same family, in whom diagnosis of acute fascioliasis was established after series of tests. One case was hospitalized with fever, eosinophilia, and hepatic lesions. MRI showed hypodense changes in both liver lobes. The remaining 3 cases presented with the symptom of stomachache only. Stool analysis was positive for Fasciola eggs in 2 adult patients. The immunological test and molecular identification of eggs were confirmed at the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China. The results of serological detection were positive in all the 4 patients. DNA sequencing of PCR products of the eggs demonstrated 100% homology with ITS and cox1 of Fasciola hepatica. The conditions of the patients were not improved by broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drugs until administration of triclabendazole.

Fasciola hepatica: Infection Status of Freshwater Snails Collected from Gangwon-do (Province), Korea

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode that causes zoonosis, mainly in cattle and sheep, and occasionally in humans. Few recent studies have determined the infection status of this fluke in Korea. In August 2015, we collected 402 samples of freshwater snails at Hoenggye-ri (upper stream) and Suha-ri (lower stream) of Song-cheon (stream) in Daegwalnyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun in Gangwon-do (Province) near many large cattle or sheep farms. F. hepatica infection was determined using PCR on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2). Among the 402 samples, F. hepatica 1TS-2 marker was detected in 6 freshwater snails; thus, the overall prevalence in freshwater snails was 1.5%. The prevalence varied between collection areas, ranging from 0.0% at Hoenggye-ri to 2.9% at Suha-ri. However, F. gigantica ITS-2 was not detected in the 6 F. hepatica-positive samples by PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the 6 F. hepatica ITS-2 PCR-positive samples were 99.4% identical to the F. hepatica ITS-2 sequences in GenBank, whereas they were 98.4% similar to F. gigantica ITS-2 sequences. These results indicated that the prevalence of F. hepatica in snail intermediate hosts was 1.5% in Gangwon-do, Korea; however the prevalence varied between collection areas. These results may help us to understand F. hepatica infection status in natural environments.

Experimental Life History and Biological Characteristics of Fasciola gigantica (Digenea: Fasciolidae)

This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.

Experimental Life History and Biological Characteristics of Fasciola gigantica (Digenea: Fasciolidae)

This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.

Revisão taxonômica e elaboração de mapas de distribuição geográfica de espécies brasileiras da família Lymnaeidae Rafinesque, 1815 (Gastropoda, Basommatophora)

Moluscos da família Lymnaeidae Rafinesque, 1815, atuam como hospedeiros intermediários do trematódeo Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758, agente etiológico da fasciolose, doença parasitária de importância médica e veterinária. As áreas mais críticas onde a doença representa um problema de saúde pública estão localizadas nos países Andinos (Bolívia, Peru, Chile, Equador), região do Caribe (Cuba), norte da África (Egito) e Europa ocidental (Portugal, França e Espanha). Estima-se que mais de 20 milhões de pessoas encontram-se infectadas em todo o mundo. A variabilidade na morfologia da concha e a uniformidade na anatomia interna são características de vários gêneros e espécies da família as quais dificultam a determinação específica. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram: 1) Analisar a morfologia de espécimes tipo outopótipos das espécies Galba viatrix d'Orbigny, 1835, G. truncatula (Müller, 1774), G.cubensis Pfeiffer, 1839, Lymnaea rupestris Paraense, 1982 e Pseudosuccinea columella(Say, 1817) e compará-las com limneídeos procedentes do Brasil; 2) Elucidar alocalidade tipo de P. columella; 3) Refinar e definir novos caracteres morfológicos que possam ser utilizados na identificação; 4) Rever e retificar a taxonomia dos limneídeos do acervo da coleção Fiocruz-CMM; 5) Elaborar mapas de distribuição geográfica dos limneídeos brasileiros.

Através das análises dos topótipos e de exemplares coletados no Brasil foram confirmadas a presença de G. viatrix, G. truncatula, G. cubensis e P.columella. Um neótipo é proposto para P. columella, considerando o desconhecimento da localidade tipo e a invalidade da série tipo para essa espécie. As diferenças evidenciadas entre as espécies de limneídeos foram encontradas principalmente na concha (microescultura e formato), sistema digestivo (estômago e glândulas salivares) e sistema reprodutor (oviduto, próstata, complexo peniano, vesicular seminal e ovotestis). Após avaliação e retificação, o acervo Fiocruz-CMM ficou composto por sete espécies em um total de 98 pontos de coleta, sendo 64 (65.3%) identificados com exemplares da espécie P. columella, 14 (14.3%) com G. truncatula, oito (8.2%) com G. cubensis, sete(7.1%) com G. viatrix, dois (2%) com L. diaphana King, 1830, dois (2%) com L. peregra (Müller, 1774) e um (1%) com L. stagnalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Após o levantamento da ocorrência das espécies no Brasil registrou-se: P. columella em 400 municípios (95,7%), G. viatrix em 10 (2,4%), G. cubensis em seis (1,4%), G. truncatulaem três (0,7%) e L. rupestris em um (0,2%). Pela primeira vez, foi elaborado mapas de distribuição de limneídeos no Brasil.

Revisão taxonômica e elaboração de mapas de distribuição geográfica de espécies brasileiras da família Lymnaeidae Rafinesque, 1815 (Gastropoda, Basommatophora) / Taxonomic revision and preparation of distribution maps geographic Brazilian species of Lymnaeidae family Rafinesque, 1815 (Gastropoda, Basommatophora)

Moluscos da família Lymnaeidae Rafinesque, 1815, atuam como hospedeiros intermediários do trematódeo Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758, agente etiológico da fasciolose, doença parasitária de importância médica e veterinária. As áreas mais críticas onde a doença representa um problema de saúde pública estão localizadas nos países Andinos (Bolívia, Peru, Chile, Equador), região do Caribe (Cuba), norte da África (Egito) e Europa ocidental (Portugal, França e Espanha). Estima-se que mais de 20 milhões de pessoas encontram-se infectadas em todo o mundo. A variabilidade na morfologia da concha e a uniformidade na anatomia interna são características de vários gêneros e espécies da família as quais dificultam a determinação específica. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram: 1) Analisar a morfologia de espécimes tipo outopótipos das espécies Galba viatrix d'Orbigny, 1835, G. truncatula (Müller, 1774), G.cubensis Pfeiffer, 1839, Lymnaea rupestris Paraense, 1982 e Pseudosuccinea columella(Say, 1817) e compará-las com limneídeos procedentes do Brasil; 2) Elucidar alocalidade tipo de P. columella; 3) Refinar e definir novos caracteres morfológicos que possam ser utilizados na identificação; 4) Rever e retificar a taxonomia dos limneídeos do acervo da coleção Fiocruz-CMM; 5) Elaborar mapas de distribuição geográfica dos limneídeos brasileiros...

Através das análises dos topótipos e de exemplares coletados no Brasil foram confirmadas a presença de G. viatrix, G. truncatula, G. cubensis e P.columella. Um neótipo é proposto para P. columella, considerando o desconhecimento da localidade tipo e a invalidade da série tipo para essa espécie. As diferenças evidenciadas entre as espécies de limneídeos foram encontradas principalmente na concha (microescultura e formato), sistema digestivo (estômago e glândulas salivares) e sistema reprodutor (oviduto, próstata, complexo peniano, vesicular seminal e ovotestis). Após avaliação e retificação, o acervo Fiocruz-CMM ficou composto por sete espécies em um total de 98 pontos de coleta, sendo 64 (65.3%) identificados com exemplares da espécie P. columella, 14 (14.3%) com G. truncatula, oito (8.2%) com G. cubensis, sete(7.1%) com G. viatrix, dois (2%) com L. diaphana King, 1830, dois (2%) com L. peregra (Müller, 1774) e um (1%) com L. stagnalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Após o levantamento da ocorrência das espécies no Brasil registrou-se: P. columella em 400 municípios (95,7%), G. viatrix em 10 (2,4%), G. cubensis em seis (1,4%), G. truncatulaem três (0,7%) e L. rupestris em um (0,2%). Pela primeira vez, foi elaborado mapas de distribuição de limneídeos no Brasil...

Prevalence of infection and molecular confirmation by using ITS-2 region of Fasciola gigantica found in domestic cattle from Chiang Mai province, Thailand

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the infection of Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) in domestic cattle from Chiang Mai province and molecular confirmation using ITS-2 region.@*METHODS@#The liver and gall bladder of Bubalus bubalis (B. bubalis) and Bos taurus (B. taurus) from slaughterhouses were examined adult worms and prevalence investigation. The species confirmation with phylogenetic analysis using ITS-2 sequences was performed by maximum likelihood and UPGMA methods.@*RESULTS@#The total prevalences of infection in B. bubalis and Bubalus taurus (B. taurus) were 67.27% and 52.94% respectively. The respective prevalence in both B. bubalis and B. taurus were acquired from Doi-Saket, Muang, and Sanpatong districts, with 81.25%, 62.50% and 60.00% for B. bubalis and 62.50%, 50.00% and 47.06% for Bos taurus respectively. The species confirmation of F. gigantica and some related species by basing on maximum likelihood and UPGMA methods used, 4 groups of trematodes were generated, first F. gigantica group including specimen of Chiang Mai, second 2 samples of F. hepatica, third group of 3 rumen flukes; Orthocoelium streptocoelium, F. elongatus and Paramphistomum epliclitum and fourth group of 3 minute intestinal flukes; Haplorchis taichui, Stellantchasmu falcatus, Haplorchoides sp. and liver fluke; Opisthorchis viverrini respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These results can be confirmed the Giant liver fluke which mainly caused fascioliasis in Chiang Mai was identified as F. gigantica and specimens were the same as those of F. gigantica recorded in other different countries. Nucleotide sequence of ITS-2 region has been proven as effective diagnostic tool for the identification of F. gigantica.

A Case of Fascioliasis in the Intrahepatic Duct with Concurrent Clonochiasis / 대한소화기학회지

The main causes of biliary obstruction are stones and cancers. Fascioliasis is a very rare case which causes biliary obstruction. Fascioliasis is a zoonosis caused by Fasciola hepatica which infects herbivores like sheep and cattle. F. hepatica lives in the biliary system or the liver parenchyma of a host. In Korea, the occurrence of this infection in human is very rare and only few cases have been reported. A 32-year-old male presented with upper abdominal pain and jaundice. His laboratory finding revealed elevated liver transaminases. Abdomen CT scan showed mild left intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. On ERCP, adult F. hepatica worms were found and were thus removed. Concurrently, clonorchiasis was diagnosed by stool exam and serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Clonorchiasis was treated with praziquantel. Herein, we report a case of intrahepatic bile duct dilatation due to F. hepatica infection with concurrent Clonorchis sinensis infestation.

Lesões parasitárias encontradas em bovinos abatidos para consumo humano / Parasitic lesions observed in cattle slaughtered for human consumption

During a period of 28 months (January 2011-April 2013) periodical visits were made to four cattle slaughter houses to collect samples of lesions found in cattle slaughtered for human consumption. Three hundred and three lesions were collected, 25% of which were caused by six different parasites: The metacestodes of Echinocccus granulosus (hydatid cysts), Fasciola hepatica, the metacestodes of Taenia saginata (Cysticercus bovis), Oesophagostomum radiatum, Eurythrema coelomaticum, and Paramphistomum cervi. Gross and microscopic aspects of the lesions caused by these worms are profusely illustrated and a detailed description of both pathological aspects, gross and microscopic, are provide in the hopes that the neophyte veterinary meat inspector can benefit from them in the task of recognition and interpretation of the significance of these lesion both to human and animal health. In regard to the two latter objectives, the life cycle, and the pathogenicity to the animal and human hosts, and the destination of the affected carcass or organ in the line of inspection are discussed for each parasite.

Durante um período de 28 meses (janeiro 2011-abril 2013) foram feitas visitas periódicas a quarto abatedouros frigoríficos de bovinos para colher lesões regularmente encontradas em bovinos abatidos para consumo humano. Trezentas e três lesões foram colhidas, 25% das quais eram causadas por seis parasitas diferentes: o metacestoide de Echinocccus granulosus (cisto hidático), Fasciola hepatica, o metacestoide de Taenia saginata (Cysticercus bovis), Oesophagostomum radiatum, Eurythrema coelomaticum e Paramphistomum cervi. Os aspectos macro e microscópicos causados por esses vermes são profusamente ilustrados e uma descrição macro e microscópicadas lesões é fornecida na esperança de auxiliar o inspetor de carnes iniciante na tarefa de reconhecer e interpretar o significado dessas lesões tanto para a saúde animal quanto para a saúde humana. Com respeito a esses últimos objetivos, o ciclo evolutivo, e os efeitos nos hospedeiros animal e humano, e ainda a destinação da carcaça ou órgão afetado na linha de inspeção, são discutidos para cada parasita.

Dot-Blot Immunoassay of Fasciola gigantica Infection using 27 kDa and Adult Worm Regurge Antigens in Egyptian Patients

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential role of the 27-Kilodalton (KDa) antigen versus Fasciola gigantica adult worm regurge antigens in a DOT-Blot assay and to assess this assay as a practical tool for diagnosis fascioliasis in Egyptian patients. Fasciola gigantica antigen of an approximate molecular mass 27-(KDa) was obtained from adult worms by a simple elution SDS-PAGE. A Dot-Blot was developed comparatively to adult worm regurge antigens for the detection of specific antibodies from patients infected with F. gigantica in Egypt. Control sera were obtained from patients with other parasitic infections and healthy volunteers to assess the test and compare between the antigens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Dot-Blot using the adult worm regurge were 80%, 90%, 94.1%, and 69.2% respectively, while those using 27-KDa were 100% which confirms the diagnostic potential of this antigen. All patients infected with Fasciola were positive, with cross reactivity reported with Schistosoma mansoni serum samples. This 27-KDa Dot-Blot assay showed to be a promising test which can be used for serodiagnosis of fascioliasis in Egyptian patients especially, those presenting with hepatic disease. It is specific, sensitive and easy to perform method for the rapid diagnosis particularly when more complex laboratory tests are unavailable.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Lymnaeid Snails and Their Potential Role in Transmission of Fasciola spp. in Vietnam

Freshwater snails of the family Lymnaeidae play an important role in the transmission of fascioliasis worldwide. In Vietnam, 2 common lymnaeid species, Lymnaea swinhoei and Lymnaea viridis, can be recognized on the basis of morphology, and a third species, Lymnaea sp., is known to exist. Recent studies have raised controversy about their role in transmission of Fasciola spp. because of confusion in identification of the snail hosts. The aim of this study is, therefore, to clarify the identities of lymnaeid snails in Vietnam by a combination of morphological and molecular approaches. The molecular analyses using the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA clearly showed that lymnaeids in Vietnam include 3 species, Austropeplea viridis (morphologically identified as L. viridis), Radix auricularia (morphologically identified as L. swinhoei) and Radix rubiginosa (morphologically identified as Lymnaea sp.). R. rubiginosa is a new record for Vietnam. Among them, only A. viridis was found to be infected with Fasciola spp. These results provide a new insight into lymnaeid snails in Vietnam. Identification of lymnaeid snails in Vietnam and their role in the liver fluke transmission should be further investigated.

Praziquantel Treatment in Trematode and Cestode Infections: An Update

Status and emerging issues in the use of praziquantel for treatment of human trematode and cestode infections are briefly reviewed. Since praziquantel was first introduced as a broadspectrum anthelmintic in 1975, innumerable articles describing its successful use in the treatment of the majority of human-infecting trematodes and cestodes have been published. The target trematode and cestode diseases include schistosomiasis, clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis, paragonimiasis, heterophyidiasis, echinostomiasis, fasciolopsiasis, neodiplostomiasis, gymnophalloidiasis, taeniases, diphyllobothriasis, hymenolepiasis, and cysticercosis. However, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica infections are refractory to praziquantel, for which triclabendazole, an alternative drug, is necessary. In addition, larval cestode infections, particularly hydatid disease and sparganosis, are not successfully treated by praziquantel. The precise mechanism of action of praziquantel is still poorly understood. There are also emerging problems with praziquantel treatment, which include the appearance of drug resistance in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni and possibly Schistosoma japonicum, along with allergic or hypersensitivity reactions against praziquantel treatment. To cope with and overcome these problems, combined use of drugs, i.e., praziquantel and other newly introduced compounds such as triclabendazole, artemisinins, and tribendimidine, is being tried.

The disease is another: therapeutic itinerary of bovine fascioliosis inRionegro (Antioquia) / La enfermedad es otra: itinerario terapéutico de la fasciolosis bovina enRionegro (Antioquia) / A doença é outra: itinerário terapêutico de fasciolose bovina em Rionegro(Antioquia)

This article presents results of an anthropological research project that was carried out in the municipality ofRionegro in the department of Antioquia, Colombia. The disease caused by hepatic fasciola, a parasite native toEurope, and is now present on every continent and is considered to be the pathogenic disease with the greatestlatitudinal, longitudinal, and altitudinal distribution. There are no specific observable symptoms in infected animals that allow a diagnosis, which must be done in veterinary laboratories, which is scarcely ever the case given that thedisease rarely causes death. Through the use of ethnographic methods the researchers accessed various interlocutors linked to the pecuary field, which relayed their interpretations about bovine fasciolosis and about the common practices dealing with it ranging from lay knowledge to dialogues with expert and professional understanding. Thetext illustrates the therapeutic itinerary that is undertaken when certain changes in behavior and appearance areperceived, it describes the course of action that is followed in order to restore the animals’ health, and it considers the decisions that livestock farmers take when cures fail, all of which are the result of the fact that it is not mandatory to declare bovine fasciolosis. Academics in the field of national veterinary medicine who research the basic aspects related to the parasite’s life cycle are not familiar with the lay knowledge produced about this disease. An analysis of this knoweldge could contribute to the design of control strategies given that it presents in detail the doubts anduncertainties that have historically surrounded fasciolosis. The tendency to conceive it as a “new” disease, and the scarce attention that it has received in comparison with other livestock diseases that are well-defined in sanitation plans work against the control and prevention of fasciolosis in social practices of bovine livestock management inthe area under study.

Se presentan resultados de una investigación antropológica realizada en el municipio de Rionegro, departamentode Antioquia, Colombia. La enfermedad ocasionada por Fasciola hepatica, un parásito originario de Europa, seencuentra en la actualidad en todos los continentes y es considerada la enfermedad patogénica transmitida porvectores de mayor distribución latitudinal, longitudinal y altitudinal. En los animales infectados no se observansíntomas específicos que faciliten el diagnóstico, este debe hacerse en un laboratorio veterinario, al que en muypocas ocasiones se recurre, debido a que la dolencia rara vez causa la muerte. Mediante el método etnográfico los investigadores accedieron a diferentes interlocutores ligados al ámbito pecuario que expresan sus interpretaciones acerca de la fasciolosis bovina y de las prácticas corrientes para enfrentarla desde el conocimiento lego, en diálogo con el conocimiento profesional o experto. El texto ilustra el itinerario terapéutico iniciado al percibir ciertos cambios en el comportamiento y en el aspecto de los animales, describe el curso de acción para restituír la salud de éstos y se detiene en las decisiones que toman los ganaderos ante el fracaso de la cura, todo ello a expensas de que la fasciolosis bovina no constituye una enfermedad de declaración obligatoria.

No presente artigo apresentam-se resultados de uma pesquisa antropológica no município de Rionegro, departamentoou província de Antioquia, Colômbia. A doença produzida pela fasciola hepatica, um parasita originário da Europa,encontra-se atualmente em todos os continentes, sendo considerada uma doença patogênica transmitida por vetores de maior distribuição latitudinal, longitudinal e altitudinal. Nos animais infetados não se observam sintomas específicosque facilitem o diagnóstico, sendo que este dever ser realizado em um laboratório veterinário. Contudo, o diagnóstico é feito com pouca frequência devido a que a doença raramente causa a morte. Mediante o método etnográfico, ospesquisadores entraram em contato com diferentes interlocutores ligados ao âmbito pecuário que expressam suasinterpretações acerca da fasciolose bovina e das práticas mais comuns para enfrentá-la a partir de um conhecimentoleigo que dialoga com o conhecimento profissional ou especializado. Isto tudo à custa do fato de a fasciolose bovina não constituir uma doença que deva ser declarada. Os acadêmicos, no âmbito da medicina veterinária na Colômbia,conhecem os aspectos básicos relacionados com o ciclo de vida do parasita, mas não estão familiarizados como o conhecimento leigo da doença. Um olhar a partir deste aspecto poderia contribuir para a criação de estratégias de controle visto que apresenta, para um público mais amplo, um mundo de dúvidas e incertezas que foi construídohistoricamente em torno da fasciolose. A tendência a concebê-la como uma doença “nova” e a pouca atenção dada,quando comparada com outras doenças do gado definidas nos programas e planos da saúde pública, desfavorecemo controle a prevenção da fasciolose nas práticas sociais de manejo do gado bovino observadas na área de estudo.

Fasciola gigantica Fatty Acid Binding Protein (FABP) as a Prophylactic Agent against Schistosoma mansoni Infection in CD1 Mice

Although schistosomicidal drugs and other control measures exist, the advent of an efficacious vaccine remains the most potentially powerful means for controlling this disease. In this study, native fatty acid binding protein (FABP) from Fasciola gigantica was purified from the adult worm's crude extract by saturation with ammonium sulphate followed by separation on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration using Sephacryl HR-100, respectively. CD1 mice were immunized with the purified, native F. gigantica FABP in Freund's adjuvant and challenged subcutaneously with 120 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Immunization of CD1 mice with F. gigantica FABP has induced heterologous protection against S. mansoni, evidenced by the significant reduction in mean worm burden (72.3%), liver and intestinal egg counts (81.3% and 80.8%, respectively), and hepatic granuloma counts (42%). Also, it elicited mixed IgG1/IgG2b immune responses with predominant IgG1 isotype, suggesting that native F. gigantica FABP is mediated by a mixed Th1/Th2 response. However, it failed to induce any significant differences in the oogram pattern or in the mean granuloma diameter. This indicated that native F. gigantica FABP could be a promising vaccine candidate against S. mansoni infection.

Protective Role of Purified Cysteine Proteinases against Fasciola gigantica Infection in Experimental Animals

Fascioliasis is one of the public health problems in the world. Cysteine proteinases (CP) released by Fasciola gigantica play a key role in parasite feeding, migration through host tissues, and in immune evasion. There has been some evidence from several parasite systems that proteinases might have potential as protective antigens against parasitic infections. Cysteine proteinases were purified and tested in vaccine trials of sheep infected with the liver fluke. Multiple doses (2 mg of CP in Freund's adjuvant followed by 3 booster doses 1 mg each at 4 week intervals) were injected intramuscularly into sheep 1 week prior to infect orally with 300 F. gigantica metacercariae. All the sheep were humanely slaughtered 12 weeks after the first immunization. Changes in the worm burden, ova count, and humoral and cellular responses were evaluated. Significant reduction was observed in the worm burden (56.9%), bile egg count (70.7%), and fecel egg count (75.2%). Immunization with CP was also found to be associated with increases of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 (P<0.05). Data showed that the serum cytokine levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-12, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, revealed significant decreases (P<0.05). However, the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, IL-10, TGF-beta, and IL-6, showed significant increases (P<0.05). In conclusion, it has been found that CP released by F. gigantica are highly important candidates for a vaccine antigen because of their role in the fluke biology and host-parasite relationships.

Purification and biochemical properties of carboxylesterase from fasciola gigantica

Carboxylesterase was purified from Fasciola gigantica through ammonium sulfate precipitation, chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose and gel filtration on a sephacryl S300. Three enzymes [El, EII and EIII] were separated. EII and EIII were purified to homogeneity. The molecular weight of EII and EIII enzyme were 66 and 50 KDa, respectively as detected by gel filtration and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. EII and EIII had Km 1.3 and 1.7 mM of p-nitrophenyl acetate. Affinity of esterase EII and EIII decreased as increasing carbon atom number of the substrates. Esterase EII and EIII had optimum temperature at 40 °C. Esterase EII and EIII had pH optima at pH 7.5 in phosphate buffer and pH 8.0 in Tris-HCl buffer, respectively. Studying effect of metal ions on esterase EII and EIII indicated that Li[+], Mn[++], Ba[++] and Mg[++] had activation effect on each isoenzyme. An activation effects could be detected with N- ethylmalimaide on EII and EIII]. The order of inhibition on EII was beta- mercaptoethanol > PMSF > DTNB > PCMB > iodoacetate. While the order of inhibition on EIII was beta-mercaptoethanol > iodoacetate > DTNB> PCM > PMSF