Oxyurid nematodes of pet rodents in Slovakia - a neglected zoonotic threat / Nematódeos oxiurídeos de roedores de estimação na Eslováquia - uma ameaça zoonótica negligenciada

Abstract The role of rodents as reservoirs of helminths of public health importance is not well known. The zoonotic potential of Syphacia spp. has been confirmed; therefore, the study aimed to estimate the occurrence of oxyurid nematodes in small rodents from pet shops and breeding clubs in Slovakia. Fecal samples of 586 pet rodents kept in 133 cages were collected between 2016 and 2018 and examined by Faust´s flotation method. Four species of oxyurid nematodes, Syphacia muris, S. obvelata, Aspiculuris tetraptera and Paraspidodera uncinata were detected. A. tetraptera was found in the faecal samples of all rodent species included in this survey. The number of positive boxes varied from 5.4% in hamsters to 70.0% with mice. The prevalence of Syphacia muris was highest in Mongolian gerbils where up to 75.0% boxes were positive; S. obvelata was found in 26.7% of boxes with mice, 25.0% of boxes with Mongolian gerbils and 3.2% of boxes with rats. The high prevalence of Syphacia spp. in all animal species points out the infection risk for humans. Animals offered for sale are often in close contact with human beings; therefore they should be regularly tested for parasites and then effectively dewormed.

Resumo O papel dos roedores como reservatórios de helmintos de importância para a saúde pública não é bem conhecido. O potencial zoonótico de Syphacia spp. foi confirmado; portanto, o estudo teve como objetivo estimar a ocorrência de nematóides oxiurídeos em pequenos roedores de pet shops e clubes de reprodução na Eslováquia. Amostras fecais de 586 roedores mantidos em 133 gaiolas foram coletadas entre 2016 e 2018 e examinadas pelo método de flotação de Faust. Foram detectadas quatro espécies de nematódeos oxiurídeos, Syphacia muris, S. obvelata, Aspiculuris tetraptera e Paraspidodera uncinata, A. tetraptera foi encontrado nas amostras fecais de todas as espécies de roedores incluídas nesta pesquisa. O número de gaiolas positivas variou de 5,4% em hamsters a 70,0% em camundongos. A prevalência de Syphacia muris foi maior nos gerbilos da Mongólia, onde até 75,0% das gaiolas foram positivas; S. obvelata foi encontrada em 26,7% das gaiolas com camundongos, 25,0% das gaiolas com gerbilos da Mongólia e 3,2% das gaiolas com ratos. A alta prevalência de Syphacia spp. em todas as espécies animais aponta o risco de infecção para os seres humanos. Animais oferecidos para venda estão frequentemente em contato próximo com seres humanos; portanto, eles devem ser regularmente testados quanto a parasitas e, então, efetivamente desparasitados.

Estudio histopatológico de tejido cardiaco de roedores infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi capturados en barrios suburbanos de Mérida, México / Histopathological study in cardiac tissue of rodents infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, captured in suburbs of Mérida, México

Resumen Introducción. Trypanosoma cruzi es el agente causal de la tripanosomiasis americana, enfermedad endémica en México. Los roedores Mus musculus y Rattus rattus son reservorios del parásito, el cual invade las fibras cardiacas y desarrolla nidos parasitarios produciendo diversas lesiones. Los estudios histopatológicos en roedores naturalmente infectados son escasos. Objetivo. Describir los tipos y las frecuencias de las lesiones microscópicas en muestras de tejido cardiaco de M. musculus y R. rattus infectados con T. cruzi capturados en Mérida, México. Materiales y métodos. Los roedores se capturaron en los barrios suburbanos de Mérida. Se extrajo el tejido cardiaco y se procesó por la técnica de inclusión en parafina y tinción con hematoxilina y eosina. Su examen se hizo con un microscópico convencional y se determinaron todas las lesiones y su grado de afección. Resultados. Se trabajaron ocho muestras de tejido de M. musculus y siete de R. rattus. Se encontraron nidos parasitarios en siete del total de las muestras: en 3 de las 8 de M. musculus y en 4 de las 7 de R. rattus. Se observaron infiltrados inflamatorios en todas las muestras. Otras lesiones fueron la degeneración de las fibras cardiacas (8/15), la congestión de los vasos sanguíneos (6/15) y la necrosis (5/15). Discusión. Las lesiones observadas están descritas en los modelos animales experimentales y en los humanos con tripanosomiasis americana. Los infiltrados inflamatorios se han descrito como la lesión más significativa en los humanos y en los reservorios en la etapa crónica de la enfermedad. Conclusión. Las lesiones observadas están asociadas con la infección con T. cruzi, lo cual confirma que los roedores estudiados son reservorios de este parásito.

Abstract Introduction: Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of the American trypanosomiasis, an endemic disease in México. The commensal rodents Mus musculus and Rattus rattus are reservoirs of this parasite, which invades cardiac fibers and develops parasite nests causing various lesions. Histopathological studies in naturally infected rodents are scarce. Objective: To describe the types and frequencies of microscopic lesions in cardiac tissue of M. musculus and R. rattus infected with T. cruzi captured in Mérida, México. Materials and methods: The rodents were captured in suburban environments of Mérida. Cardiac tissue was extracted and processed by the paraffin inclusion technique and hematoxylin and eosin stained. The observation was made with a conventional microscope and all the lesions, as well as their degree, were identified. Results: Eight tissue samples of M. musculus and seven of R. rattus were studied. Parasite nests were found in 7/15, specifically 3/8 in M. musculus and 4/7 in R. rattus. The inflammatory infiltrate was the most frequent lesion. Other lesions were: Degeneration of cardiac fibers (8/15), congestion of blood vessels (6/15), and necrosis (5/15). Discussion: The lesions we observed have been described in experimental animal models and in humans with American trypanosomiasis. The inflammatory infiltrate has been identified as the most significant lesion in humans and reservoirs in the chronic stage of the disease. Conclusion: The lesions we described are associated with T. cruzi infection, which confirms that the rodents studied are reservoirs of this parasite.

Angiostrongylus (Parastrongylus) cantonensis en huéspedes intermediarios y definitivos en Ecuador, 2014-2017 / Angiostrongylus (Parastrongylus) cantonensis on intermediate and definitive hosts in Ecuador, 2014-2017

Resumen Introducción. Angiostrongylus cantonensis es un serio problema de salud pública y está ampliamente distribuido en el país. Cuando el parásito infecta a los caracoles terrestres Achatina, se enquista en su interior y puede infectar accidentalmente a las personas y otros mamíferos. Objetivo. Establecer la distribución geográfica de A. cantonensis en huéspedes intermediarios (Achatina fulica) y definitivos (Rattus spp.) en Ecuador entre el 2014 y el 2017. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron 2.908 ejemplares de A. fulica en 16 provincias utilizando el método de captura por unidad de esfuerzo durante 30 minutos. Se capturaron 211 ejemplares de las especies huéspedes, de los cuales 20 eran Rattus rattus y 191 R. norvegicus. Los ejemplares fueron transportados para su análisis al Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación en Guayaquil. En los tejidos del caracol se identificaron y se contabilizaron larvas L3 que luego se inocularon en ratas de laboratorio para reproducir el ciclo de vida. En los roedores se disecaron los cerebros, los corazones, las arterias pulmonares y los pulmones, y se identificaron los parásitos por morfología taxonómica. Resultados. De los caracoles recolectados se encontraron 441 positivos para A. cantonensis (15,2 %) y un total de 6.166 larvas L3. En los ejemplaresRattus spp. capturados (211), 77 (36,5 %) estaban infectados con A. cantonensis, con un total de 220 parásitos (larvas L4-L5 y adultos). Conclusiones. Se constató la presencia de A. cantonensis en varias provincias, lo que confirma el carácter endémico de esta zoonosis en el territorio nacional. La presencia de Rattus spp., huésped definitivo del parásito, y de huéspedes intermediarios, indica el potencial zoonótico de esta infección parasitaria.

Abstract Introduction: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a serious public health problem and is widely distributed in the country. When the parasite infects the snails, it becomes deeply embedded in their interior and accidentally, it can infect people and other mammals. Objective: To establish the geographical distribution of A. cantonensis intermediate hosts (Achatina fulica) and definitive hosts (Rattus spp.) in Ecuador from 2014 to 2017. Materials and methods: We collected 2,908 A. fulica specimens in 16 provinces using the capture method per unit of effort for 30 minutes. We captured 211 hosts of which 20 were Rattus rattus and 191 R. norvegicus. The specimens were transported to the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación in Guayaquil where the larvae L3 were identified and counted in the tissues of the snail, which were then inoculated in laboratory rats to reproduce the life cycle. In the rodents, the brains, hearts, lung arteries and lungs were dissected, and the parasites were identified by taxonomic morphology. Results: Of the snails harvested, 441 were positive for A. cantonensis (15.2%) and a total of 6,166 L3 larvae were found; 77 (36.5%) specimens of Rattus spp., were infected with A. cantonensis and a total of 220 parasites (L4-L5 larvae and adult worms) were collected. Conclusions: We confirmed the presence of A. cantonensis in several provinces, which ratifies the endemic nature of this zoonosis in the national territory. Rattus spp. specimens constitute the definitive hosts of the parasite, which together with the presence of intermediate hosts, indicates the zoonotic potential of this parasitic infection.

Leishmania in synanthropic rodents (Rattus rattus): new evidence for the urbanization of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis / Leishmania em roedores sinantrópicos (Rattus rattus): uma nova evidência da urbanização de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Abstract This study aimed to detect parasites from Leishmania genus, to determine the prevalence of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies, to identify circulating species of the parasite, and to determine epidemiological variables associated with infection in rats caught in urban area of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. Animal capture was carried out from May to December 2006, serological and molecular methods were performed. DNA was extracted from total blood, and nested-PCR, targeting SSu rRNA from Leishmania genus, was performed in triplicate. The positive samples were sequenced twice by Sanger method to species determination. In total, 181 rodents were captured, all were identified as Rattus rattus and none showed clinical alterations. Forty-one of the 176 (23.3%) animals were positive for Leishmania by ELISA and 6/181 (3.3%) were positive by IFAT. Nine of 127 tested animals (7.1%) were positive by PCR; seven were identified as L. (L.) amazonensis, one as L. (L.) infantum. Four rats were positive using more than one test. This was the first description of synanthropic rodents naturally infected by L. (L.) amazonensis (in the world) and by L. (L.) infantum (in South Brazil). Regarding L. (L.) amazonensis, this finding provides new evidence of the urbanization of this etiological agent.

Resumo Esse estudo objetivou detectar parasitos do gênero Leishmania, determinar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp., identificar as espécies circulantes do parasito e determinar variáveis epidemiológicas associadas com a infecção em ratos capturados em área urbana de Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. A captura dos animais ocorreu de maio a dezembro de 2006, métodos sorológicos e moleculares foram realizados. O DNA foi extraído do sangue total, uma nested-PCR cujo alvo foi o gene SSu rRNA do gênero Leishmania, foi realizado em triplicata. As amostras positivas foram sequenciadas duas vezes pelo método de Sanger para a determinação da espécie. No total, 181 roedores foram capturados, todos foram identificados como Rattus rattus e nenhum apresentou alterações clínicas. Quarenta e um dos 176 (23,3%) animais foram positivos no ELISA para Leishmania e 6/181 (3,3%) foram positivos na RIFI. Nove dos 127 animais testados (7,1%) foram positivos na PCR; sete foram identificadas como L. (L.) amazonensis, um como L. (L.) infantum. Quatro ratos foram positivos em mais de um teste. Essa é a primeira descrição de roedores sinantrópicos naturalmente infectados por L. (L.) amazonensis (no mundo) e por L. (L.) infantum (no Sul do Brasil). Com relação a L. (L.) amazonensis, esse resultado é uma nova evidência da urbanização desse agente etiológico.

PREVALENCE OF Calodium hepaticum (SYN. Capillaria hepatica) IN Rattus norvegicus IN THE URBAN AREA OF RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL / Prevalência de Calodium hepaticum (sin. Capillaria hepatica) em Rattus norvegicus em área urbana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The nematode Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a zoonotic helminth found mainly infecting rats. It was studied the prevalence of C. hepaticum infection in Rattus norvegicus in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), with low urban planning and sanitation. The presence of C. hepaticum was identified through visible yellowish-white lesions in liver tissue and histological analyses. The total prevalence of infection was 45%, with no significant differences between sex and age. The presence of infected rodents near the peridomestic area poses substantial risk to human health.

O nematóide Calodium hepaticum (sin. Capillaria hepatica) é um helminto zoonótico encontrado infectando principalmente ratos. A prevalência da infecção de C. hepaticum em Rattus norvegicus foi investigada em área urbana do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) com baixo planejamento e saneamento. A presença de C. hepaticum foi identificada através da presença de lesões macroscópicas caracterizadas por manchas extensas de coloração branco-amarelada difusa por toda superfície do tecido do fígado e através de análise histológica. A prevalência total da infecção foi de 45% sem diferença significativa entre o sexo e idade. A presença de roedores infectados próximos do peridomicílio representa um risco substancial para a saúde humana.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodidae) in synantropic rodents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodidae) em roedores sinantrópicos no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, is responsible for maintaining and transmitting various pathogens, both in animals and human beings, and it is of great sanitary importance. This communication reports the first occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato parasitizing Rattus norvegicus in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and it is also the first record of this tick species parasitizing Rattus rattus in Brazil. The rodents were captured from the port area, located in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected 6 larvae of this tick species from 2 male R. rattus individuals, and 3 larvae from 2 female R. norvegicus individuals; parasitized specimens of both rodent species were captured from different sites within the experimental area. This record broadens the number of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato hosts in urban areas, indicating the need for continued monitoring on population density for both R. sanguineus and synanthropic rodents.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, carrapato-vermelho-do-cão, é responsável por manter e transmitir diversos patógenos tanto para animais quanto para o homem, sendo de grande importância sanitária. Essa comunicação relata a primeira ocorrência de Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato parasitando Rattus norvegicus no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul e, pela primeira vez, Rattus rattus no Brasil. Os roedores foram capturados na área portuária da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram coletadas seis larvas desse carrapato em dois machos de R. rattus e três larvas em duas fêmeas de R. norvegicus. As duas espécies de roedores parasitados foram capturadas em pontos distintos na área do experimento. Esse registro amplia o número de hospedeiros de Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato em áreas urbanas, indicando a necessidade de monitoramento contínuo da densidade populacional, tanto de R. sanguineus quanto de roedores sinantrópicos.

Detección de Leptospira sp por PCR en riñones de Rattus sp en la provincia de Atalaya, Ucayali / Detection of Leptospira sp by PCR in kidneys of Rattus sp in the province

La leptospirosis es una enfermedad febril causada por la bacteria Leptospira sp trasmitida especialmente por roedores. Laleptospirosis puede ocasionar muchos casos fatales, especialmente por el compromiso pulmonar y la falla renal en las personas infectadas. Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de Leptospira sp en roedores en la provincia de Atalaya, región Ucayali (oriente del Perú). Métodos: Se realizó una captura de campo utilizando trampa con cebos. A los seis animales capturados se les disectó y colectó los órganos como riñones y pulmones colocándolos en alcohol los cuales fueron enviados al laboratorio central del Instituto Nacional de Salud para la realización del diagnóstico molecular por PCR. Resultados: En dos de los seis animales capturados se encontró positividad en riñones para Leptospira sp por PCR.Conclusiones: La presencia de Leptospira sp en Rattussp fue alarmante por su alta frecuencia en un número pequeño demuestra (dos de seis) , lo que indicaría el potencial riesgo para la salud en la provincia de Atalaya-Ucayali.

Leptospirosis is a febrile illness caused by the bacterium Leptospira sp transmitted especially by rodents . Leptospirosis cancause fatalities , especially for pulmonary and renal failure in infected individuals. Objective: To evaluate the presence ofLeptospira sp in rodents in the province of Atalaya, Ucayali region (eastern Peru). Methods: We conducted a field captureusing baited trap. Six animals were captured, they were dissected and the kidneys and lungs collected, placing them in alcohol for shipment to the central laboratory of the National Institute of Health where molecular diagnosis was performed by PCR. Results: Two of the six animals captured tested positive for Leptospira sp by PCR in the kidneys samples. Conclusions:The presence of Leptospira sp in Rattussp was alarming because of their high frequency in a small number of samples (two of six), indicating the potential health risk in the province of Atalaya, Ucayali.

Identificación morfológica y molecular de Cysticercus fasciolaris aislado de un roedor (Rattus norvegicus) de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina) / [Morphological and molecular identification of Cysticercus fasciolaris isolated from rodent hosts (Rattus norvegicus) in Buenos Aires province (Argentina)].

In a rodent (Rattus norvegicus) survey in Buenos Aires province, metacestodes of tapeworms were found encysted in the liver of the host. The aim of this work was the morphological and molecular identification of this parasite. To achieve the molecular characterization of the parasite, ribosomal (28S) and mitochondrial (COI) DNA were amplified and sequenced. Based on both morphological and molecular data using bioinformatic tools, the metacestode was identified as Cysticercus fasciolaris. The adult form of this tapeworm (Taenia taeniaeformis) commonly infects felid and canid mammalian hosts. This is the first report on the molecular identification of Cysticercus fasciolaris in Buenos Aires province (Argentina).

Calodium hepaticum (Nematoda: Capillariidae) in synanthropic rodents (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) in Eastern Amazonia / Primeiro relato de Calodium hepaticum (Nematoda:Capillariidae) em roedores sinantrópicos (Rattus norvegicus e Rattus rattus) na amazonia oriental

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a trichurid nematode that parasitizes the hepatic parenchyma of rodents and other mammals. Infections in humans are rare, although they have been reported worldwide. A number of factors contribute to the distribution of this zoonosis, particularly the presence of dense populations of rodents associated with relatively poor urban environments, such as those found in parts of the northern Brazilian city of Belém in the eastern Amazon Basin. This study quantified Calodium infections in commensal synanthropic rodents in Belém. Rodents were captured in three neighborhoods characterized by poor public sanitation and the city's highest incidence of human leptospirosis. A total of 50 rodents were captured (26 Rattus rattus and 24 R. norvegicus), and 23 (10 R. rattus and 13 R. norvegicus) presented macroscopic lesions typical of C. hepaticum. Light microscopy of fresh samples and histological specimens permitted the identification of larvae and adult specimens containing numerous eggs with a double-striated shell and bipolar opercula with plugs. This is the first report of C. hepaticum in R. rattus and R. norvegicus from the Amazon Basin, and it shows a considerable risk of transmission to the local human population.

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) é um nematódeo trichurídeo parasito de parênquima hepático de roedores e outros mamíferos. As infecções em humanos são raras, mas são relatadas em diversas regiões do mundo. Numerosos fatores contribuem para a distribuição desta zoonose, particularmente, uma densa população de roedores associada com ambientes urbanos com carência de saneamento básico, tais como aqueles encontrados em algumas cidades da região Norte do Brasil, como a cidade de Belém, localizada na Amazônia Oriental. Este estudo quantifica e demonstra a infecção por Calodium em roedores comensais sinantrópicos, de três bairros da cidade de Belém, Estado do Pará, com carência de saneamento público e alta incidência de leptospirose humana. Um total de 50 roedores foram capturados para análise (26 Rattus rattus e 24 R. norvegicus) e destes, 23 (10 R. rattus e 13 R. norvegicus) apresentaram típicas lesões hepáticas, macroscópicas, causadas por C. hepaticum. A análise de amostras por microscopia de luz direta e histopatológica do fígado dos roedores permitiu a identificação de espécimes desse parasito em fase larvar e adulta, além de numerosos ovos apresentando dupla casca estriada e dois tampões operculares. Este é o primeiro registro da ocorrência de C. hepaticum in R. rattus and R. norvegicus na região Amazônica, alertando para um considerável risco de transmissão para a população humana.

Rattus norvegicus como indicador de la circulación de Capillaria hepatica y Taenia taeniaeformis en la Plaza Minorista de Medellín, Colombia / Rattus norvegicus as an indicator of circulation of Capillaria hepatica and Taenia taeniaeformis on a groceries trade center of Medellín, Colombia

Introducción. Rattus norvegicus cumple un papel epidemiológico en el mantenimiento y dispersión de agentes zoonóticos bacterianos, virales y parasitarios de interés en salud pública. La presencia de infección por helmintos en especies Rattus cercanas a poblaciones expuestas en condiciones ambientales propicias, puede convertirse en un factor de riesgo de transmisión. Objetivo. Reportar la frecuencia de infección con Capillaria hepatica y formas larvarias de Taenia taeniaeformis en ratas silvestres (R. norvegicus) capturadas en una zona urbana de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se capturaron 254 ejemplares de R. norvegicus. Los hígados de 54 ejemplares que presentaron lesión hepática macroscópica durante la necropsia, fueron examinados por histopatología convencional. Resultados. La frecuencia de infección por C. hepatica fue de 20,1 % (51/254). Seis hígados fueron también positivos para larvas de T. taeniaeformis con una frecuencia de 2,4 % (6/254). Los hígados infestados con C. hepatica exhibían parásitos en el estadio adulto o juvenil y huevos ovalados con opérculos bipolares, asociados con hepatitis granulomatosa leve a moderada multifocal y acompañada por infiltrado leucocitario. Se observaron lesiones granulomatosas en resolución y fibrosis residual o calcificada que contenía huevos. Donde se encontraron cisticercos de T. taeniaeformis, el hallazgo más frecuente fueron quistes hepáticos que contenían larvas, y lesiones inflamatorias y fibróticas. Conclusión. Estos resultados indican que helmintos de potencial zoonótico circulan en R. norvegicus de ambientes urbanos. Debe investigarse la verdadera distribución de estos parásitos, para determinar el riesgo potencial que corren las poblaciones animales y humanas expuestas a adquirir este tipo de infecciones.

Introduction. Rattus norvegicus, the Norway rat, plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and spread of several zoonotic bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens of public health interest. The presence of helminthic infections near susceptible human populations can, under appropriate environmental conditions, become a risk factor for their transmission. Objective. Frequencies of infection were reported for Capillaria hepatica and larval forms of Taenia taeniaeformis in wild rats (R. norvegicus) captured in an urban area. Materials and methods. Two hundred and fifty-four adult specimens of R. norvegicus were collected in an urban zone of Medellín, Colombia. The livers of 54 specimens that showed macroscopic hepatic lesions during necropsy were examined by conventional histopathology. Results. The frequency of infestation with C. hepatica was 20.1% (51/254). Six livers (2.4%) were also positive for larvae of T. taeniaeformis. Livers infested with C. hepatica exhibited adult or juvenile parasites and oval eggs with bipolar opercula, and were associated with mild to moderate multifocal granulomatous hepatitis with leucocyte infiltrate. Granulomatous lesions and calcified residual fibroses were found with eggs but without adult parasites. Those animals with cysticerci of T. taeniaeformis showed a high frequency of hepatic cysts containing larvae as well as inflammed and fibrotic lesions. Conclusion. Zoonotic helminths circulate at high frequency in R. norvegicus that occur in urban environments. Further research about the distribution of these parasites will determine the level of health threat they present for susceptible human and domestic animal populations.

Condições higiênico-sanitárias, ocorrência de parvovírus e de parasitos de roedores em colônias de camundongos e ratos de biotérios brasileiros

As condições sanitárias de 17 biotérios de instituições públicas de ensino e/oupesquisa, produção de produtos farmacêuticos e controle de qualidade deimunobiológicos de diferentes regiões geográficas do Brasil e a ocorrência deparvovírus e de parasitos de roedores em colônias de camundongos e ratos foramavaliadas. Dados sobre barreiras sanitárias para evitar a transmissão de doenças e deprograma de monitoramento de saúde animal foram obtidos através da aplicação de umquestionário. Métodos sorológicos (IFI e IHA) e PCR foram utilizados para diagnósticode parvovírus em 563 camundongos e 167 ratos. Métodos parasitológicos foramutilizados para o diagnóstico de ácaros, piolhos, helmintos e protozoários em 611camundongos e 183 ratos

A maioria dos biotérios avaliados não possui instalações ebarreiras sanitárias de proteção apropriadas para evitar a transmissão de infecções einfestações por patógenos. Maior positividade de infecção por parvovírus foi detectadapela técnica de PCR. Nas 563 amostras de camundongos a ocorrência de parvovíruspor métodos sorológicos foi de 18,3% (MVM - 6,2%; MPV - 12,3%) e a positividadevariou de 0,0% a 22,5% nas diferentes regiões geográficas; por PCR foi de: 49,2%(MVM - 12,3%; MPV - 43,5%) e a positividade variou de 16,7% a 100%. Ns 167amostras de rato a ocorrência de parvovírus por métodos sorológicos foi de: 40,7% (H-1- 1,8%; KRV - 3,0%; RPV-1/RMV-1 - 35,9%) e amostras positivas foram dectadassomente na região SE; por PCR foi de: 73,7% (H-1 - 0%; KRV - 6,0%; RMV-1 - 37,7%;RPV-1 - 54,5%) e a positividade vairou de 25,0% a 100,0%. MPV e RPV-1 foram osvírus mais freqüentes e detectados em todas as regiões avaliadas. Biotérios com menornúmero de barreiras sanitárias (Categoria C) apresentaram maior ocorrência deparvovírus. Análises de concordância demonstraram não haver concordância ouconcordância fraca (K=0,036 a 0,514) entre os métodos sorológicos e a PCR paradetecção de infecção por parvovírus. Na região SE, parvovírus foram detectados porPCR em biotérios dos Estados de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais. Em noveinstituições públicas do Estado de Minas Gerais foi observada elevada ocorrência deinfecção por parvovírus (35% a 100%), sendo detectadas co-infecções por MVM e MPVem seis biotérios (75%) e por RPV e RMV em cinco biotérios (71,4%). Alta ocorrênciade parasitas foi observada nos biotérios avaliados, sendo Shypacia spp., Spironucleusmuris, Tritrichomonas muris, Trichomonas minuta e Entamoeba muris os maisfrequentes nas colônias de camundongos e ratos

Condições higiênico-sanitárias, ocorrência de parvovírus e de parasitos de roedores em colônias de camundongos e ratos de biotérios brasileiros / Sanitary conditions, occurrence of parvovirus and rodent parasites in colonies of mice and rats of Brazilian animal houses

As condições sanitárias de 17 biotérios de instituições públicas de ensino e/oupesquisa, produção de produtos farmacêuticos e controle de qualidade deimunobiológicos de diferentes regiões geográficas do Brasil e a ocorrência deparvovírus e de parasitos de roedores em colônias de camundongos e ratos foramavaliadas. Dados sobre barreiras sanitárias para evitar a transmissão de doenças e deprograma de monitoramento de saúde animal foram obtidos através da aplicação de umquestionário. Métodos sorológicos (IFI e IHA) e PCR foram utilizados para diagnósticode parvovírus em 563 camundongos e 167 ratos. Métodos parasitológicos foramutilizados para o diagnóstico de ácaros, piolhos, helmintos e protozoários em 611camundongos e 183 ratos. A maioria dos biotérios avaliados não possui instalações ebarreiras sanitárias de proteção apropriadas para evitar a transmissão de infecções einfestações por patógenos. Maior positividade de infecção por parvovírus foi detectadapela técnica de PCR. Nas 563 amostras de camundongos a ocorrência de parvovíruspor métodos sorológicos foi de 18,3% (MVM - 6,2%; MPV - 12,3%) e a positividadevariou de 0,0% a 22,5% nas diferentes regiões geográficas; por PCR foi de: 49,2%(MVM - 12,3%; MPV - 43,5%) e a positividade variou de 16,7% a 100%. Ns 167amostras de rato a ocorrência de parvovírus por métodos sorológicos foi de: 40,7% (H-1- 1,8%; KRV - 3,0%; RPV-1/RMV-1 - 35,9%) e amostras positivas foram dectadassomente na região SE; por PCR foi de: 73,7% (H-1 - 0%; KRV - 6,0%; RMV-1 - 37,7%;RPV-1 - 54,5%) e a positividade vairou de 25,0% a 100,0%. MPV e RPV-1 foram osvírus mais freqüentes e detectados em todas as regiões avaliadas. Biotérios com menornúmero de barreiras sanitárias (Categoria C) apresentaram maior ocorrência deparvovírus. Análises de concordância demonstraram não haver concordância ouconcordância fraca (K=0,036 a 0,514) entre os métodos sorológicos e a PCR paradetecção de infecção por parvovírus. Na região SE, parvovírus foram detectados porPCR em biotérios dos Estados de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais. Em noveinstituições públicas do Estado de Minas Gerais foi observada elevada ocorrência deinfecção por parvovírus (35% a 100%), sendo detectadas co-infecções por MVM e MPVem seis biotérios (75%) e por RPV e RMV em cinco biotérios (71,4%). Alta ocorrênciade parasitas foi observada nos biotérios avaliados, sendo Shypacia spp., Spironucleusmuris, Tritrichomonas muris, Trichomonas minuta e Entamoeba muris os maisfrequentes nas colônias de camundongos e ratos.

Infestation rate with Polyplax spinulosa [burmeister, 1839] among certain laboratory albino rats [Rattus norvegicus] in relation to different washing agents in two Erbil city universities

The ectoparasite Polyplax spinulosa [Class: Insecta; Sub-Order: Anoplura; Familiy: Polyplacidae] was found to act as a biological vector of some pathogenic virus, bacteria and protozoa. The main objective of the present study was to identify the P. spinulosa parasitizing laboratory rats in two different animal houses [Science College-Salahaddin University and Medicine College-Hawler Medical University] and the effect of washing with different detergent agents on the mean intensity and numbers of the Polyplax spinulosa. In a study from the beginning of February to July 2010, thirty [30] adult Albino rats [15 rats from each Science and Medicine Colleges] randomly were collected from two selected animal houses of two universities in Erbil City. The fur was gently examined and scraped off using a fine brush; hair particles and ectoparasites that dropped off were transferred to a petridish, and examined using magnifying lenses and dissecting microscope before and after washing with two different agents. The ectoparasites collected in small vials were fixed in 70% ethanol. The overall prevalence with the P. spinulosa was 80%, the higher rate of infestation [100%] and mean intensity [13.33] was among rats of Science College, while the lower rate [60%] and mean intensity [4] was among rats of Medicine College. The present study showed that Cis-Cypermethrin has greater role than Cyprimidine in declining the rate of infestation with this ectoparasite. The overall prevalence with the P. Spinulosa was 80%, The higher rate of infestation was among rats of Science College. Cis-Cypermethrin has a role in declining the rate of infestation with this ectoparasite

current status of fleas according to environmental changes in some Governorates in Egypt

A preliminary survey of domestic rodent and their fleas was carried out in different environmental Governorates [Ismailia, Dakahlia, El Fayoum, North Sinai and Matrouh], Egypt. Flea index [number of flea/rodent] and percentage frequency of different flea species were recorded in spring [2009-2010]. The main rodent species found were the Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus, the grey-bellied rat, Rattus rattus alexandrinus, the white-bellied rat, Rattus rattus frugivorus, the house mouse, Mus musculus and the spiny mouse Acomys cahirinus. The common flea species attacking rodents were: the oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, the mouse flea, Leptopsylla segnis, the dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis and the sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacea. The flea index at Ismailia and Matrouh Governorates showed the highest indices [8.93 and 7.68], while El Fayoum and North Sinai Governorates showed the lowest ones [1.09 and 1.68]. Dakhalia showed moderate flea index [4.52]. The highest number of fleas was recorded on R. norvegicus lives in places that are easy to dig buarrows, which are suitable medium for fleas breeding. The lowest number was recorded on Mus musculus and Acomys cahirinus. The oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis was the highest frequency distribution for all domestic rodent species, while, the stick-tight flea, Echidnophaga gallinacea was the lowest which recorded at Ismailia and Dakahlia only

Isoenzyme electrophetic characterization of leishmania major, the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in north and west Saudi Arabia

Several expeditions were carried out to four localities [Al-Madinah Almonawarah, Tabouk region, Al-Jouf and Northern Frontiers regions] in Northern and Western Saudi Arabia for sampling zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] cases from patients and rodents. Biopsy samples were collected from 51 patients complaining of skin lesions, most of which [40 or 78.4%] proved to be ZCL. Amastigotes were detected in 33 patients [64.7%], but only 30 [58.9%] gave successful growth of promastigotes in the culture media. The positive cases were Saudis 14 [35%] and non-Saudis 26 [65%].Five species of rodents were caught, Meriories libycus, Psammomys obesus, Rattus rattus, Jaculus jaculus and Hystrix indica. The first species was the most dominant [90%] in which Leishmania parasites were detected. The Leishmania isolates from man and rodents were identified by isoenzyme electrophoresis and proved to be Zymodeme LON-4

A new record of Paragonimus other than P. westermani in southern Thailand.

Field surveys of Paragonimus in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, revealed a new record of a lung fluke species other than P. westermani. The metacercariae were obtained from the crab, Ranguna smalleyi. The cysts of the metacercariae were spherical in shape and the larval body in the cysts contained pinkish granules. Fully mature adult worms were obtained from experimental infections with a rat and a ferret. The adult worms from the two host animals resembled each other, except for size, and had the anatomical characteristics of P. bangkokensis, ie the cuticular spines were arranged mainly in groups, the ovaries were highly branched, while the testes were more simply divided. Chromosomal preparations of the testes showed a haploid number of 11. As no sequence data of P. bangkokensis has been deposited in the GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ nucleotide database, the ITS2 region was sequenced using the metacercariae as starting material. A similarity search of P. bangkokensis ITS2 sequence using the BLAST program revealed that there was only one base difference between this population and P. harinasutai occurring in central Thailand. The result may suggest a close relationship between P. bangkokensis and P. harinasutai. This is the first description of Paragonimus species other than P. westermani occurring in southern Thailand.

Chronological observations of intestinal histopathology in rats (Rattus norvegicus) infected with Centrocestus caninus.

Intestinal pathological enzyme activity changes were studied chronologically in rats after Centrocestus caninus infection. A single inoculation of 300 metacercariae isolated from the gills of goldfish (Carassius auratus), was orally administered to male rats (n = 15). Uninfected animals were used as controls (n = 5). At days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-infection (PI), three infected rats, and one from each control group, were sacrificed. The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were removed separately and fixed in 10% formalin and 10% cold formal calcium solution for histopathological and alkaline phosphatase activity investigations, respectively. The worms were found intruded into the intervillous space of the mucosa and the mucosa showed villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and stromal inflammation with inflammatory cell accumulations. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity also showed retardation. However, it seemed that these phenomena would return to normal at the end of the experiment. It can be concluded, from our data, that C. caninus could cause mild histopathological alterations and reduce ALP activity in the small intestines.

Parasite biodiversity in Rattus spp caught in wet markets.

Rattus spp trapped in wet markets in Quiapo, Manila and Balayan, Batangas had ectoparasites, Echinolaelaps echidnius (mite), and Polyplax spinulosa (louse). The endoparasites identified were Hymenolepis diminuta; the acanthocephalan Moniliformis moniliformis; Taenia taeniaeformis strobilocercus larvae and Capillaria hepatica in liver; Trichosomoides crassicauda of the urinary bladder; Sarcocystis sp of muscle tissue; and two different species of stronglyloid-looking intestinal nematodes. Rats had 100% infection with C. hepatica and T. taeniaeformis, exhibiting high parasitemia. The co-existence of rats with diverse parasitic species is reflective of the host's capability to support parasites' behavioral, physiological, and developmental needs. Despite heavy infection with intestinal parasites, and marked hepatic tissue damage owing to severe capillariasis and strobilocercus larval infection, all rats appeared healthy and agile, suggestive of a well-established rat host-parasite relationship. In view of the diversity and zoonotic nature of rat parasites, and the impoverished conditions prevailing in communities where Rattus spp survive and proliferate, they can readily facilitate parasite transmission to humans and other susceptible animal hosts.