Histopathologic effects of dirofilaria immitis microfilaria on internal organs of dog confirming by PCR technique

The heartworm disease is an infectious disease of dogs with Dirofilaria immitis combined with cardiovascular and circulatory abnormalities. The heartworm disease can become a serious health risk when associated with a severe infection. In this study, a male, 8 year-old dog that died suddenly was necropsied and all tissues were examined grossly.Major organs including heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, brain, eyes, and testis were fixed in 10% neutral formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5-micro m thickness, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined with a light microscope. For each examined organ, paraffin-embedded tissues were cut and placed in eppendorf tubes for genomic DNA extraction. PCR was performed using two sets of primers for amplification of a 302 bp ITS-2 gene fragment and a 203 bp cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 [CO1] gene fragment of D. immitis. During the necropsy examination, 46 adult D. immitis were found in the portal vein, right ventricle, and atrium of the heart and pulmonary trunk. Microscopically, microfilarias were found throughout the vessels of different organs including lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, brain, and spleen. All tissues examined by PCR were positive for D. immitis ITS-2 and CO1. PCR technique now represents an effective method for identification of D. immitis from formalin-fixed samples

serological survey of cystic echinococcosis in equids in east of Turkey

Cystic echinococcosis [CE], caused by hydatid cysts, is a widespread and hazardous disease in humans and animals worldwide. The disease is very common in Turkey, causing serious economic losses and public health problem. In this study, the seroprevalence of equine CE was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Partially purified cyst fluid antigen from sheep hydatid cyst fluid was used as antigen in ELISA. A total of 250 equids consisting of 206 donkeys and 44 horses from various regions of Erzurum province of Eastern Turkey. Anti- Echinococcus granulosus antibodies were detected in 78 [31.2%] of 250 equids. The prevalence rate was 20.4% for horses and 33.5% for donkeys. There was no statistically difference between sex and ages groups for both horses and donkeys [P>0.05]. Equine CE is quite endemic in Eastern Turkey. The high prevalence of CE suggests that equids in the transmission cycles is possible as a source of infection for definitive hosts