Vertical migration of Haemonchus sp. infectant larvae on Stylosanthes spp. and Brachiaria brizantha (Syn. Urochloa brizantha) cv. Marandu forage

The present work aimed to evaluate the influence of Stylosanthes spp. (Campo Grande© styles) and Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in the vertical migration of Haemonchus spp. infective larvae, in the region of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Seeds of Stylosanthes spp. and Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu were planted in 50 pots of five liters (20 cm diameter) evenly disposed in an area of the Capim Branco Experimental Farm, Federal University of Uberlândia. When both species reached the minimum height of 20 cm, the pots were experimentally contaminated with sheep feces coprocultures. Samplings were performed, with complete removal of the vegetal material contained in the pots, on days one, three, six, 10 and 14 after contamination. Nematoids were recovered from the plant samples by thermo and hydrotropism, counted under an optical microscope and identified. For statistical analysis, the data were analyzed in a completely randomized design (DIC) in a 2X5 factorial scheme (two fodder species X 5 collection dates). No effect of the forage species was observed on the number of L3 of Haemonchus sp. recovered in the feces (p = 0.7790), upper stratum (p = 0.1755) or lower stratum (p = 0.7883) of the forage, however, there was a significant decrease in the number of L3 found with the passing of the days. When comparing the mean L3 recovered in the upper (0.06±0.31 L3) and lower (2.94±0.39) strata, a higher number of larvae was observed in the lower stratum (p < 0.0001). Therefore, in both forage species studied, the upper stratum of the plants, preferably pastured by the animals, remained with less contamination of infective larvae and the contamination tended to decrease over the days.

Chemical composition and acaricidal activity of Ocotea notata (Lauraceae), an endemic species from Brazil, against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus / Composición química y actividad acaricida de Ocotea notata (Lauraceae), una especie endémica de Brasil, contra la garrapata del ganado Rhipicephalus microplus

Rhipicephalus microplus, is one parasites that cause severe productivity losses in the cattle industry of Brazil and shows increasing resistance to conventional pesticides. This research aims to study the chemical composition, and acaricidal activity of the essential oil from Ocotea notata leaves, a brazilian endemic species, against R. microplus. The effect on R. microplus engorged adult females was evaluated using the immersion test. The oil reduced the survival by 90% after incubation for 15 days and there was 100% reduction for posture inhibition and reproductive capacity. These results suggest that the O. notata essential oil has activity on the R. microplus.

Rhipicephalus microplus, es un parásito que causa graves pérdidas de productividad en la industria ganadera de Brasil y muestra una creciente resistencia a los pesticidas convencionales. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar la composición química y la actividad acaricida del aceite esencial de las hojas de Ocotea notata, una especie endémica brasileña, contra R. microplus. El efecto sobre las hembras adultas engordadas de R. microplus se evaluó mediante la prueba de inmersión. El aceite redujo la supervivencia en 90% después de la incubación durante 15 días y hubo una reducción del 100% para la inhibición de la postura y la capacidad reproductiva. Estos resultados sugieren que el aceite esencial de O. notata tiene actividad contra R. microplus.

A cysteine protease from the latex of Ficus benjamina has in vitro anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus / Atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro de uma protease cisteínica do látex de Ficus benjamina contra Haemonchus contortus

Abstract Haemonchus contortus is a gastrointestinal nematode that is responsible for high mortality rates in ruminant herds. The resistance of nematodes to synthetic anthelmintics is widespread and requires a continuous search for new bioactive molecules, such as proteins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of a protease purified from the latex of Ficus benjamina against H. contortus . Fresh latex was collected from plants via small incisions in the green stems, the rubber was removed by centrifugation, and the latex protein extract (LPE) was obtained. After LPE fractionation with ammonium sulfate and chromatography of the fraction containing the highest proteolytic activity on CM-cellulose, a cysteine protease (FbP) was purified. FbP has a molecular mass of approximately 23.97 kDa, and its proteolytic activity was stable between pH 6.0 and pH 10 and over a broad temperature range, with optimum activity at 60 °C. FbP inhibited both the development and exsheathment of H. contortus larvae, with 50% effective concentrations of 0.26 and 0.79 mg/mL, respectively. We conclude that this cysteine protease from F. benjamina latex with anthelmintic activity against H. contortus could be a promising alternative for the development of products for use in parasite control programmes.

Resumo Haemonchus contortus é um nematoide gastrintestinal, responsável por altas taxas de mortalidade em rebanhos de pequenos ruminantes. A resistência dos nematoides aos anti-helmínticos sintéticos está generalizada e requer uma busca contínua por novos compostos bioativos, como as proteínas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial anti-helmíntico da protease purificada do látex de Ficus benjamina contra H. contortus . O látex fresco foi coletado das plantas por pequenas incisões nas hastes verdes e o extrato proteico de látex (EPL) foi obtido. Após o fracionamento do EPL com sulfato de amônio e cromatografia da fração contendo a maior atividade proteolítica da CM-Celulose, uma protease cisteínica (FbP) foi purificada. A FbP tem massa molecular de cerca de 23,97 kDa, a atividade proteolítica foi estável entre pH 6,0 e pH 10 e ao longo de uma ampla faixa de temperatura, com atividade ótima a 60 °C. A FbP inibiu tanto o desenvolvimento quanto o desembainhamento das larvas de H. contortus, com 50% de inibição nas concentrações de 0,26 e 0,79 mg/mL, respectivamente. Concluímos que esta protease cisteínica do látex de F. benjamina, com ação anti-helmíntica contra H. contortus, pode ser uma alternativa promissora para o desenvolvimento de produtos a serem utilizados em programas de controle de parasitos.

“It All Started from Worms”: Korea-Japan Parasite Control Cooperation and Asian Network, 1960s – 1980s / 의사학

The Korea Association of Health Promotion and Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP), and Taiwan's Chinese Foundation of Health all originated from parasite control organizations. Currently these organizations hold no apparent relations to parasite control activities. However, many of the senior leaderships of these organizations including presidents, have parasitology as their background. Kunii Chojiro (the founder of Japan Association of Parasite Control (JAPC) and JOICFP) explained it as “it all started from worms.” In 1949, Kunii Chojiro established JAPC after personally experienced intestinal parasite infection. The JAPC people conducted mass examination and mass chemotherapy focusing on school children, which allowed them to have sustainable income. In 1965, the Korea Association of Parasite Eradication (KAPE) requested JAPC to assist Korea's parasite control activity. In 1968, when Korea-Japan cooperation for parasite control activity established, Japan's operating procedures were directly absorbed by KAPE. With support from JAPC and official development aid through Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency in Japan (now Japan International Cooperation Agency), Korea successfully controlled parasite infection. Post-war and cold-war geopolitics had a significant impact on Korea-Japan cooperation. In 1960s the president of KAPE, Chong-Chin Lee and Kunii Chojiro were well known figures in population control network. They did understand the importance of population control, but did not agree with the approaches taken by western population control experts. From their point of view, it had to be self-initiated, economically self sustainable grass-root activities rather than top-down activities, as experienced in their parasite control in Japan and Korea. This lead to a new Asian model named “Integrated Program”. Together with their influence in population control network, Kunii and Lee manage to secure the fund from IPPF. Emergence of Integrated Program showed how collective experience of Asia, as well as overlap of networking formed ‘Asian Model’ of public health activities. Kunii and Lee shared the same agenda to enable people to have better life through public health measures. While they funneled money from global population control network, they were more interested in securing sustainability of the parasite control activities. This paper focuses on activities and experiences of Kunii Chojiro and Chong-Chin Lee to show interplay of Cold War geopolitics in Asia led to emergence of Asian network.

Prevention and Control Strategies for Parasitic Infections in the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Korea is successfully controlled intestinal parasitic infections owing to economic development and high health consciousness. The Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases (formerly the Division of Malaria and Parasitology) is in the Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has been the governmental agency responsible for controlling and leading scientific research on parasitic diseases. The Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases has conducted and funded basic research and disseminated the research results to various medical fields, ultimately promoting public health in Korea. Among the noteworthy achievements of this division are the national surveillance of healthcare-associated parasitic infections, prevention and control for parasitic infections, and the elimination of lymphatic filariasis from Korea. On a broader scale, the division's research programs and academic supports were influential in preventing and treating infectious parasitic diseases through public policies and laws. In this review, we summarize the past and present role of the Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases in preventing and treating infectious parasitic diseases in Korea.

Aptamers as a promising approach for the control of parasitic diseases

ABSTRACT Aptamers are short single-stranded RNA or DNA oligonucleotides that are capable of binding various biological targets with high affinity and specificity. Their identification initially relies on a molecular process named SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) that has been later modified in order to improve aptamer sensitivity, minimize duration and cost of the assay, as well as increase target types. Several biochemical modifications can help to enhance aptamer stability without affecting significantly target interaction. As a result, aptamers have generated a large interest as promising tools to compete with monoclonal antibodies for detection and inhibition of specific markers of human diseases. One aptamer-based drug is currently authorized and several others are being clinically evaluated. Despite advances in the knowledge of parasite biology and host-parasite interactions from "omics" data, protozoan parasites still affect millions of people around the world and there is an urgent need for drug target discovery and novel therapeutic concepts. In this context, aptamers represent promising tools for pathogen identification and control. Recent studies have reported the identification of "aptasensors" for parasite diagnosis, and "intramers" targeting intracellular proteins. Here we discuss various strategies that have been employed for intracellular expression of aptamers and expansion of their possible application, and propose that they may be suitable for the clinical use of aptamers in parasitic infections.

Nanotechnology: meeting the future of Veterinary Parasitology Research

The field of nanotechnology involves an array of different areas of expertize with the application of innovative products in Medicine, Engineering, and to a less extent to Veterinary Medicine. In our opinion, more research is needed, in special to Animal Parasitology, to develop state of the art products to solve old problems. Livestock, pets and wildlife may benefit from products in nanoscale, such as vaccines, target recombinant proteins, or new drug candidates. Thus, we want to give some food for thought to drive scientific programs into nanotechnology, creating a safer environment to animals and humans...

Avaliação da atividade anti-helmíntica de extratos brutos de plantas da Floresta Amazônica e Mata Atlântica brasileira sobre Haemonchus contortus / Evaluation of the anti-helminthic activity of crude extracts from the Brazilian Amazon and Mata Atlântica plants against Haemonchus contortus

No mundo todo, as verminoses são causa de considerável prejuízo econômico na criação de ovinos. As perdas estão relacionadas ao retardo na produção, custos com tratamentos profiláticos e, em casos extremos, à morte dos animais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a ação anti-helmíntica de extratos vegetais sobre nematoides como alternativa terapêutica no tratamento da verminose em ovinos. Extratos orgânicos e aquosos foram obtidos de plantas nativas da Floresta Amazônica e Mata Atlântica, e foram testados na concentração de 100µg/mL em ensaios de toxicidade in vitro contra ovos de Haemonchus contortus e de 200µg/mL contra suas larvas. Na concentração estabelecida, apresentaram significante atividade relacionada à inibição de eclosão de ovos; em particular, o extrato orgânico de folhas e frutos de Trichilia sp. e o extrato aquoso dos órgãos aéreos de Phyllanthus attenuatus. Os resultados in vitro sugerem que extratos aquosos e orgânicos dessas plantas podem oferecer novas alternativas de controle da verminose em ovinos a partir de produtos naturais...

Helminthosis play a crucial role in small ruminant production leading to enormous economic losses particularly in areas where extensive grazing is practiced. It causes a loss of production through mortality, weight loss, reduced milk and wool production. Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic small ruminant helminthes parasite, which is capable of causing acute diseases and high mortality. Therefore, there is an urgent need to seek alternative or complementary solutions to the control of parasitic nematodes of ruminants. The tropical forests concentrate the highest biodiversity in the world, particularly those located in Brazil, whose species richness is estimated to account for 20% of the total world richness and little is known about the chemical and pharmacological potentialities of Brazilian tropical forests. In this work, organic and aqueous extracts were tested on eggs and in the larval development test on Haemonchus contortus. The organic extract obtained from leaves and fruits of Trichilia sp. and the aqueous extract obtained from the aerial organs of Phyllanthus attenuates showed significant activity related to the inhibition of H. contortus egg eclosion. In vitro results suggest that both extracts, as well as eleven other active extracts, can offer alternatives in sheep worm control...

Caracterização do controle de Haematobia irritans e Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus no Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais / Characterization of Haematobia irritans and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus control in Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais

O controle eficaz de Haematobia irritans (mosca-dos-chifres) e Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (carrapato-do-boi) é um fator crucial à maior rentabilidade da pecuária brasileira, porém ainda constitui-se um desafio. Um maior conhecimento das práticas adotadas no combate destes parasitos faz-se necessário para que se possam estruturar estratégias de controle mais próximas da realidade do produtor rural e mais fáceis de serem executadas. Este estudo caracterizou, através de entrevistas, as práticas adotadas no controle desses ectoparasitos em 23 propriedades da mesorregião do Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais. A maioria dos entrevistados reconheceu a importância desses parasitos para a atividade pecuária, entretanto, diversos problemas relativos ao controle parasitário foram observados. O controle da mosca-dos-chifres e do carrapato-do-boi era uma prática rotineira em, respectivamente, 17,4% e 95,7% das propriedades, geralmente realizado em função de elevado grau de infestação dos animais. Mais de seis aplicações de ectoparasiticidas eram realizadas por ano em todas as propriedades que empregavam tratamentos para o controle da mosca e em 76,5% daquelas que combatiam o carrapato. Os produtos eram aplicados principalmente com bombas costais manuais (63,6%) e sem a contenção dos animais em 45,5% das propriedades. A diluição dos produtos segundo recomendações dos fabricantes era realizada por 45,4% dos entrevistados, porém, 63,6% aplicavam um volume de solução por animal menor do que o tecnicamente recomendado. Utilizava-se principalmente a associação de piretróides e organofosforados para o controle de ambos os parasitos. Apesar de utilizar rotineiramente ectoparasiticidas, o uso de equipamento de proteção individual (EPI) não era comum entre os entrevistados. A maioria dos entrevistados conhecia algumas características epidemiológicas dos parasitos, entretanto, o controle parasitário adotado na maior parte das propriedades tende a comprometer não apenas a eficácia dos tratamentos, mas a suscetibilidade dos parasitos e a sustentabilidade do controle.

The effective control of Haematobia irritans (horn fly) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (cattle tick) is crucial for increasing the productivity of livestock industry in Brazil, but still remains a challenge. A greater knowledge about parasite control in the field is necessary to establish control strategies closer to farmer's reality and easier to be performed. This study characterized the practices adopted for controlling such ectoparasites on 23 cattle ranches from the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba region in the state of Minas Gerais, through interviews. Most interviewees recognized the importance of these parasites to livestock, however, many problems related to parasite control were observed. Control of horn flies and cattle tick was a routine in 17.4% and 95.7% of the ranches, respectively, triggered by high infestations on animals. More than six insecticide/acaricide treatments were applied yearly in all cattle ranches controlling horn flies and in 76.5% of the ranches controlling the cattle tick. Pesticide products were applied mostly by manual backpack sprayers (63.6%) without restraining the animals in 45.5% of ranches. Product dilution following manufacturer's recommendations was performed by 45.5% of interviewees, but 63.6% of them used lower doses per animal than technically recommended. Associations of organophosphates and pyrethroids were the main products used to control both parasites. Although pesticide use was a routine practice, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was not common among surveyed people. Most interviewees were able to recognize epidemiological characteristics of the parasites; however, parasite control measures adopted at most cattle ranches tend to jeopardize the efficacy of products, susceptibility of parasites and sustainability of control programs.

Controle de Neobenedenia melleni (MacCallum, 1927) (Monogenea: Capsalidae) em garoupa-verdadeira, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834), cultivada em tanques-rede / Control of Neobenedenia melleni (MacCallum, 1927) (Monogenea: Capsalidae) in dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834), reared in floating net cages

O diagnóstico precoce de patologias no meio aquático constitui-se em uma necessidade vital para o sucesso dos cultivos. Considerados como parasitos oportunistas, surtos de infestação de monogenóides capsalídeos podem ocasionar mortalidades massivas gerando enormes prejuízos nos cultivos. Exemplares de garoupa-verdadeira Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834), com peso médio de 142,74 ± 38,65 g, apresentaram recusa da alimentação e sintomas como o escurecimento do corpo, natação errática, opacidade dos olhos, exoftalmia e hemorragias em diversas áreas do corpo. Alguns peixes apresentavam lesões no globo ocular e cegueira. Após análises dos peixes foi identificada a ocorrência do parasito Neobenedenia melleni. Este trabalho teve por objetivo testar o efeito de diferentes tratamentos por imersão em diferentes concentrações de formalina e água doce na erradicação de monogenoides capsalideos na garoupa-verdadeira. Foram testados três tratamentos em forma de banhos: T1 (água doce por 10 minutos); T2 (formalina: 1:2.000 por 10 minutos) e T3: (formalina: 1:4.000 por 10 minutos). Os tratamentos foram avaliados através de raspado de tecido epitelial, montados entre lâminas e lamínulas e observado ao microscópio de luz. Observou-se que nas condições testadas o T1 e o T2 foram eficientes na eliminação dos monogenóides capsalídeos na garoupa-verdadeira.

The precocious diagnosis of pathologies in the aquatic way is constituted in a vital need for the success of the cultivations. Considered as parasites opportunists, infestations of monogeneans capsalides can cause missal mortalities resulting in enormous damages in the cultivations. Juveniles of dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834), with medium weight of 142.74 ± 38.65 g, presented refusal of the feeding and symptoms as the darkening of the body, erratic swimming, opacity of the eyes and hemorrhages in several areas of the body. Some fishes presented lesions in the eyeball and blindness. After analyses of the fish the occurrence of the parasite Neobenedenia melleni was identified. This work objective was to test therapeutic treatments seeking the monogenean capsalid eradication in juveniles of dusky grouper. Three treatments were tested in form of baths: T1 (fresh water for 10 minutes); T2 (formalin: 1:2,000 for 10 minutes) and T3: (formalin: 1:4,000 for 10 minutes). The treatments were evalueted by scraping epithelium tissue, mounted in slide glass and cover slip and observed by light microscope. It was observed that in the tested conditions T1 and T2 were efficient in the elimination of the monogeneans capsalids without presenting lethality in the dusky grouper.