Molecular prevalence, phylogenetic characterization, and epidemiological risk factors of pulmonary nematodes in domestic cats in Türkiye.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Oslerus rostratus, and Troglostrongylus brevior are nematodes found in the respiratory system of domestic cats and cause a variety of symptoms. All three parasites use the same hosts and niches, and the morphological measurements of their L1s excreted in faeces overlap with each other. In this study, 300 cats brought to Ondokuz Mayis University Veterinary Teaching Animal Hospital were screened for lungworms by morphological measurements and molecular analyses. The prevalence of the lungworms was found as 1.33% (4/300) for A. abstrusus, 0.66% (2/300) for O. rostratus, and 0.33% (1/300) for T. brevior. Molecular identification of A. abstrusus, T. brevior, and O. rostratus in domestic cats was carried out for the first time in Türkiye within the present study. This study also reveals the risk factors of lungworm positivity in domestic cats in Türkiye.

Investigating intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis throughout Turkey: Focus on voles.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the most important zoonotic diseases. The parasite has a heterogeneous life cycle; more than 40 small mammal species have been determined to be potential intermediate hosts worldwide. Turkey is one of the highest endemic countries for AE, but only limited information is available concerning the transmission biology of E. multilocularis. The study aimed to provide data on potential intermediate host species (focus on genus Microtus) across Turkey involved in E. multilocularis transmission to foxes, which is a risk for public health. Trapping sites have been specially selected considering field voles' habitats and ecological requirements. In total, 843 rodents were collected from 141 locations. The metacestodes and lesions of AE were identified as macroscopy and microscopy and confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Seventeen (2.0%) small mammals from 13 (9.2%) locations were found infected with E. multilocularis. Infected individuals were identified as Microtus irani, Microtus mystacinus, Microtus hartingi, Microtus guentheri, Cricetulus migratorius and Mus macedonicus. M. hartingi and M. macedonicus are documented for the first time as intermediate hosts of E. multilocularis. In conclusion, 15 of 17 infected small mammals were found in the Microtus genus. Therefore, the genus Microtus, which inhabits fields near villages and is potential prey for foxes, could be considered an important intermediate host for E. multilocularis across Turkey.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Eustrongylides excisus larvae (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) in Sander lucioperca (L.) from Northern Turkey.

The genus Eustrongylides Jägerskiöld, 1909 includes parasitic nematodes (Dioctophymatidae) affecting various fish species and piscivorous birds of freshwater ecosystems. Currently, there is little information on the molecular characterization of E. excisus based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA regions. However, before the present study, there had been no reports of characterizing the E. excisus using nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes sequences. In the present study, Eustrongylides spp. larvae were collected from pike-perch Sander lucioperca (L.) in Northern Turkey, and characterized by sequencing of ITS regions, SSU rRNA, and COI markers. Larvae herein morphologically identified as the fourth stage of Eustrongylides spp. were genetically identified as E. excisus based on the ITS sequence analysis. This study is the first record of SSU rRNA and COI sequences for E. excisus in GenBank. This is also a molecular characterization of E. excisus for the first time in Turkey. The ITS, SSU rRNA, and COI sequences of E. excisus can be used to establish the phylogenetic relationships of Eustrongylides species from Turkey and worldwide for further studies.

Novel and known myxobolids (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) infecting Chondrostoma angorense (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae) in Turkey.

Turkey has more than 200 endemic freshwater fish species, one of which is the Ankara nase, Chondrostoma angorense Elvira, 1987 (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae), a food fish in northern Turkey. Like most endemic fish species in Turkey, its myxosporean parasite fauna (Cnidaria: Myxosporea) are not yet described. We surveyed twenty C. angorense from Lâdik Lake in northern Turkey, and identified two myxosporean parasites from gills of these fish: Myxobolus arrabonensis Cech, Borzák, Molnár, Székely, 2015, and a co-infection of a novel species, Myxobolus polati sp. nov. We characterized both infections based on myxospore morphology, morphometry, tissue tropism, small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Plasmodia of both species were observed in gills, but had distinct tropism: M. arrabonensis is an intrafilamental vascular type, and M. polati sp. nov. is an intralamellar vascular type. We identified M. arrabonensis on the basis of myxospore characters and 100% similarity to the type DNA sequence from the closely-related host C. nasus. The small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence of M. polati sp. nov. (1946 base pairs; GenBank Accession number MH392318) had a maximum similarity of 98% with any Myxobolus sp. from other Eurasian cypriniforms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that M. polati sp. nov. is most closely related to gill-infecting Myxobolus diversicapsularis from Rutilus rutilus (L.). The present study is the first record of myxosporean species infecting C. angorense comprising a novel species, M. polati sp. nov. and a known species M. arrabonensis.

Molecular characterization of Calodium hepaticum in grey dwarf hamster (Cricetulus migratorius).

Calodium hepaticum (Bancroft, 1893) Moravec, 1982 (Syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a zoonotic nematode that causes hepatic capillariosis, an uncommon zoonotic infection. The nematode is globally distributed and parasitizes the liver of mammals, mainly Muroidea. Cricetulus migratorius Pallas, 1773 (Cricetinae) was rarely reported as a host for C. hepaticum. In Turkey, C. hepaticum was recorded in three rodent species; Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, and Apodemus flavicollis. In this study, C. migratorius (grey dwarf hamster) has been identified as a new host species for C. hepaticum in Turkey. The parasite was identified by morphological, histological, and molecular methods and the phylogenetic relationships of C. hepaticum collected from different hosts were revealed. This is the first molecular characterization of C. hepaticum from a grey dwarf hamster.

Overview of Echinococcus multilocularis in Turkey and in the World

Echinococcus multilocularis, a heteroxen and zoonotic parasite, is found in the intestine of carnivores, particularly foxes. Adult cestodes are regarded apathogenic in definitive hosts, while metacestode, the alveolar form, is high pathogenic for intermediate hosts. The alveolar cyst causes a maling tumor-like lesions with infiltrative, proliferative and destructive character which locates in the liver primarily, then metastasizes to other organs. If it is not treated in intermediate hosts it causes irreversible symtoms and death after located in vital organs such as liver, lungs, brain. Humans are infected by oral uptake of the viable eggs, accidentally. Because its life-cycle depends on relationship between hunter and hunting, endemic areas of the parasite are limited. The cestoda is found only in the Northern Hemisphere, while some countries are regarded high-endemic, such as Turkey. However, there is a few study on epidemiology of the parasite in Turkey, except human cases. In the review, data on the distribution of E. multilocularis in definitive and intermediate hosts in the world are presented, and the situation of the parasite in Turkey has been evaluated in detail.

Ascaridia galli Case as a Pseudohelminth in a Human Arm Skin

A 25-year-old male patient, who had terminal stage skin cancer (malignant melanocytic neoplasia) on his skin of arm was infected with white, round, worm parasites in the lesion area of the skin. Parasites were collected with a thin forceps in a petri dish, cleaned in warm physiological saline, fixed by 70% hot ethyl alcohol and clarified in lactophenol, respectively. All 14 female and 7 male nematodes, some of which had partial autolysis, were identified as Ascaridia galli, a chicken nematode. Due to the fact that it is a very rare case in the medical literature, we wish to report it.

Investigation of Echinococcus multilocularis in Environmental Definitive Host Feces in the Asian and the European Parts of Turkey.

A study was carried out to investigate the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in two regions of Turkey-central Anatolia (in Asia Minor) and Thrace (in the European part of Turkey). A total of 405 putative fox feces were collected from central Anatolia (186 specimens in 59 locations) and from Thrace (219 specimens in 114 locations). All samples were examined by the flotation and sieving method for taeniid eggs, and positive and putative samples were further analyzed by multiplex PCR. In seven samples from three locations in central Anatolia (5.1%) and in one (0.9%) from Thrace, E. multilocularis DNA was amplified, and this result was confirmed with another PCR specific for E. multilocularis. In addition, Echinococcus granulosus s.l. was found in two (0.5%) of the samples. Although alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is known as a serious zoonosis in Turkey, this is the first field study detecting E. multilocularis in collected fecal samples documenting the environmental contamination with eggs of this zoonotic parasite.

Serologic detection of antibodies against Fasciola hepatica in sheep in the middle Black Sea region of Turkey.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep in the Black Sea region of Turkey. METHODS: Samples from 213 sheep were collected randomly in Samsun, Tokat, and Sinop from September 2005 to January 2007 and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis using F. hepatica excretory-secretory (E/S) antigens. RESULTS: The distribution of ELISA-positive samples for F. hepatica infections out of a total of 213 sheep serum samples was 23/71 (32.4%), 15/59 (25.4%), and 29/83 (34.9%) in Samsun, Sinop, and Tokat, respectively. The immunodominant proteins were determined by Western blot analysis using molecular weight markers of 14 kDa, 20 kDa, 24 kDa, 27 kDa, 33 kDa, 45 kDa, and 66 kDa and extracted from sera of sheep that were positive for Fasciola spp. eggs and also hyperimmune sera from rabbits immunized with E/S antigens. CONCLUSION: The ELISA-positive results were confirmed by Western blot analysis. As a result, seroprevalence of F. hepatica infection was found in 31.4% of sheep from the Karayaka breed in the Middle Black sea region of Turkey.

Molecular identification of Anisakis species (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from marine fishes collected in Turkish waters.

Anisakid nematodes are important etiological agents for zoonotic human anisakiasis (or anisakidosis). These parasites in the Turkish waters still remain unexplored. This study aims the molecular identification of Anisakis species in Turkey's coast from Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Sea and specifically to screen for zoonotic species in commonly commercialized a total of 1145 fish belonging to 31 different species using both polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit II (cox2) gene. A total of 776 Anisakis type I larvae were isolated in 56/1145 (4.8%) fish of 7 species from Turkish waters. The combining all of our results, e.g., morphology, PCR-RFLP, ITS region, and the cox2 gene, conclusively supported the identification of 3 Anisakis spp. taken from marine fish hosts, namely Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis typica and Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (s.str.)/A. pegreffii hybrid genotype. No Anisakis larvae were isolated from the Black Sea whereas A. pegreffii, A. typica and A. simplex s.str./A. pegreffii hybrid genotype was found in the Aegean Sea and A. pegreffii was only isolated from the Mediterranean Sea. This study represents the first identification of A. typica and A. simplex s.str./A. pegreffii hybrid genotypes from Turkish waters. Moreover, in the present study first record of the presence of A. pegreffii is also reported from Turkish coasts of Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. No zoonotic Anisakis species were found in commonly commercialized 1025 fish belonging to 16 different species from the Black Sea, thus Turkish populations who consume captured fish from the Black Sea may have a less risk of human anisakiasis or allergies. However, the prevalence of larvae were 47.1% and 46% and recognized zoonotic A. pegreffii were identified from the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea coast, suggesting a high threat of anisakiasis or allergies for Turkish populations who consume fish originating in these regions.

Occurrence and molecular characterization of Hysterothylacium aduncum (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from Merlangius merlangus euxinus and Trachurus trachurus off the Turkish coast of Black Sea.

A total of 286 larval forms of Hysterothylacium aduncum were collected from Merlangius merlangus euxinus and Trachurus trachurus captured at different sites of the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Prevalence of H. aduncum in M. merlangus euxinus and T. trachurus was 37.4 and 29.3 %, respectively. The fourth-stage larvae from M. merlangus euxinus and T. trachurus of H. aduncum were characterized genetically using a molecular approach. The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS-1, 5.8S subunit, ITS-2) was amplified and sequenced. Two isolates of H. aduncum obtained from M. merlangus euxinus and T. trachurus in Black Sea showed a 100 % nucleotide similarity. Pairwise comparison between the entire ITS fragment including ITS-1, 5.8S, ITS-2 sequences of the H. adumcum isolates of M. merlangus euxinus and T. trachurus from Black Sea (Turkey, JX413596-JX413597) and other H. adumcum isolates from Baltic Sea (Poland, AJ937672), North Sea (Denmark, HM598666), Mediterranean Sea (Tunisia, HQ270427), Japan Sea (Japan, AB277826), Adriatic Sea (Croatia, JQ934878), East Greenland Sea, English Channel, Bay of Biscay, Adriatic Sea, and North Sea showed differences ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 %. With the present study, larvae of H. aduncum infecting M. merlangus euxinus and T. trachurus caught off the Black Sea, Turkey were characterized for the first time by sequencing of the ITS rDNA.

Helminths of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey.

Fifteen roe deer were examined at necropsy from Northern Turkey in the period 2006-2010 for the helminth infections. Totally 6470 helminth specimens were collected and identified by morphological criteria. Twenty-five helminth species were identified (1 of the Class Trematoda, 1 of Cestoda and 23 of Nematoda). Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Prevalence 20%) was found in liver. Cysticercus tenuicollis (6.6%) was found in mesentery. Haemonchus contortus (53.3%), Ostertagia leptospicularis (73.3%), O. leptospicularis (minor morph: kolchida) (53.3%), Ostertagia ostertagi (26.6%), Spiculopteragia spiculoptera (66.6%), S. spiculoptera (minor morph: mathevossiani) (6.6%), Teladorsagia circumcincta (40.0%), T. circumcincta (minor morph: davtiani) (6.6%), T. circumcincta (minor morph: trifurcata) (6.6%), Trichostrongylus axei (66.6%) were found in abomasum. Trichostrongylus andreevi (6.6%), T. colubriformis (6.6%), T. longispicularis (26.6%), T. vitrinus (40.0%), T. capricola (6.6%), Cooperia oncophora (26.6%), C. punctata (6.6%), Nematodirus filicollis (66.6%), and Capillaria bovis (26.6%) were found in small intestine. Oesophagostomum venulosum (46.6%), Chabertia ovina (26.6%), and Trichuris ovis (13.3%) were found in large intestine. Dictyocaulus capreolus (6.6%) was found in lungs.

[Helminths of pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) detected by necropsy and faecal examination in Samsun, Turkey]. / Samsun'da Sülünlerde (Phasianus colchicus) Nekropsi ve Diski Bakisinda Saptanan Helmintler.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed at the Gelemen Pheasant Procreation Farm affiliated to the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Ministry of Forest and Water Affairs. METHODS: A total of 203 faecal samples and 17 necropsies were examined. RESULTS: In the faecal examination, Capillaria spp. accounted for 28.6% and Heterakis spp. for 17.2% of eggs; in necropsy, Capillaria annulata (17.6%), C. bursata (35.3%), C. caudinflata (23.5%), C. contorta (64.7%), C. obsignata (5.9%) and Heterakis gallinarum (58.8%) were detected. DISCUSSION: Syngamus trachea, often reported in helminths in pheasant, could be found neither upon faecal examination nor on necropsy. CONCLUSION: This study is the first extensive research to identify helminths of pheasants in Turkey. Capillaria bursata, C. caudinflata, C. contorta, C. obsignata and H. gallinarum are the first reports from pheasants in Turkey.

[Helminths of some laboratory animals detected by necropsy and fecal examination]. / Bazi Laboratuvar Hayvanlarinda Nekropsi ve Diski Bakisi ile Saptanan Helmintler.

A study was performed in order to determine helminths of laboratory animals. Fecal specimens obtained from 110 mice, 263 rats and 65 rabbits were investigated and 37 rats and 7 rabbits were necropsied. In general, 83.8% rats were found to be infected by necropsy, while 100% of mice,and 81.8% of rats were found to be infected with one or more helminths species by fecal examination. No rabbits were found to be infected by necropsy or fecal examination. In fecal examination of mice and rats, the prevalence of helminths was detected as follows: Syphacia muris, 100%; Aspicularis tetraptera, 53.6%; Syphacia obvelata, 46.4%; and Hymenolepis diminuta 17.9% in mice. The prevalence in rats was H. Diminuta, 62.5%; S. muris, 25%; Hymenolepis nana, 6.8%; and Trichosomoides crassicauda, 6.8%. In necropsy, S. muris was identified in all of infected rats, but only one was infected with A. tetraptera.

Helminths of mammals and birds at the Samsun Zoological Garden, Turkey.

A coprologic study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminth infections at the Samsun Zoo, Turkey. There are 184 animals comprising 45 species or subspecies, including 23 ruminants, three equines, 21 carnivores, 10 rabbits, two primates, two kangaroos, and 123 birds in the zoo. Fecal samples of zoo animals were collected and examined four times from 2006 to 2007: in September, December, March, and June. In four seasons, coprologic analysis revealed that 123 of 338 (36.4%) fecal samples were infected with different helminths types, including one trematode, one cestode, and 12 nematodes eggs or larvae. Species included Dicrocoelium spp. (0.9%), Moniezia spp. (1.1%), Toxascaris leonina (7.1%), Toxocara spp. (8.6%), Uncinaria stenocephala (1.4%), Dictyocaulus filaria (1.9%), Muellerius spp. (14.1%), strongyle type (20.7%), Strongylus edentatus (8.3%), Cyathostomum spp. (66.7%), Trichuris spp. (3.9%), capillarid type (9.5%), Ascaridia spp. (1.9%), and Heterakis spp. (12%).

Check list of the helminths of equines in Turkey.

Helminths of equines are one of the most important agents of parasitic diseases. Therefore, many studies have been conducted on helminths of equines in Turkey. In this article, a check list and prevalence rates of helminths of equines in Turkey have been given.

[In vitro cultivation of Echinococcus granulosus]. / Echinococcus granulosus'un in vitro Kültürü

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by larva of Echinococcus species. It affects animals and humans and is very important from the aspect of health and economy. There have been many studies concerning the biology, physiology and biochemistry of Echinococcus granulosus which is responsible for hydatidosis in both humans and animals in Turkey. Frequently in vitro culture methods have been used in antigen production, vaccine and drug development. In this article, the in vitro culture of E. granulosus has been examined under various headings.

[Alternative control approaches for helminth infections]. / Helmint enfeksiyonlarinda alternatif kontrol yaklasimlari

The prevention strategies for parasite diseases implemented today depended on the medicine treatments. Furthermore it causes many problems about medicines and increasing economic costs. This situation gets it more reasonable to control parasites with alternative methods. In this article alternative approaches in which medicines are not used will be examined.