Evaluation of antioxidant and oxidant status of goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

The present study aimed to assess the antioxidant and oxidant status of goats naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Based upon the parasite burden, infection in goats was categorized as heavy (> 500 worms), mild (100-500 worms) or low (< 100 worms). Abomasal tissues from non-infected and infected goats were used for the determination of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases, acid (ACP) and alkaline (ALP) phosphatases, superoxide content (O2-), protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). A significantly higher level of CAT, GST and GR activity and a lower level of GPx activity were recorded in infected compared to non-infected tissue. A significant increase in the level of AST, ALT, ALP and ACP was found in the abomasal tissue of the infected animals, which was related to the worm burden. The oxidative stress markers were also altered, with a significant decline in GSH levels, whereas MDA, PC and O2- concentrations showed a marked increase. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that haemonchosis in goats resulted in considerable oxidative stress, which was directly related to the worm burden.

Rostellar hook morphology of larval Echinococcus granulosus isolates from the Indian buffalo and Iranian sheep, cattle and camel.

Isolates of Echinococcus granulosus from the Indian buffalo and Iranian sheep, cattle and camels were characterized on the basis of rostellar hook morphology of the protoscolices. Results obtained indicated phenotypic polymorphism among parasites isolated from different host species. Isolates from buffalo are morphologically quite different from those of the more common sheep and cattle isolates and may represent a different strain, adapted to buffalo. In the Sari region of northern Iran, two morphologically distinct forms of E. granulosus, one in sheep and one in camels, were identified. Total length and handle length of both large and small hooks were considered the most variable characteristics which could be used not only for differentiating parasite isolates from different host species but also the origin of infection in the definitive host. We therefore suggest that larval hook morphology may be considered as a valid criterion for the identification of E. granulosus strains in Iran.

Biochemical changes during the development of the miracidium of Gigantocotyle explanatum.

Analysis of various biochemical components during the development of the miracidium of G. explanatum showed marked changes, particularly in glycogen, protein and DNA levels. Though the total lipids remained more or less unchanged, alterations in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids and phospholipid fractions were also recorded. Such changes could be intrinsically programmed for the cellular differentiation and organogenesis in larval amphistomes.

Biochemical characterization of Taenia hydatigena cysticerci from goats and pigs.

Analysis of the major biochemical components of Taenia hydatigena cysticerci collected from goats and pigs showed marked differences, particularly in glycogen, protein, lipid and DNA levels. Differences were also detected in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids. Furthermore, the profile of phospholipid fractions revealed quantitative differences between the two species. It is concluded that the cysticerci of goat and pig origin probably represent two different strains and possibly follow the same pattern of speciation as reported in the related taeniid, Echinococcus granulosus.

Prevalence of human hydatidosis in Uttar Pradesh.

The prevalence of human hydatidosis in eastern U.P. is higher than western U.P. Maximum infection was noticed in liver followed by lungs. The prevalence rate shows considerable variation with respect to sex and age of the patients. Comparison of the present data with previous reports suggests an increasing trend in the prevalence of this disease. Various epidemiological factors responsible for this disease have also been discussed.

Observations on the suitability and importance of the domestic intermediate hosts of Echinococcus granulosus in Uttah Pradesh, India.

The present study investigated the suitability and importance of buffaloes, camels, sheep, goats and pigs in maintaining the life-cycle of Echinococcus granulosus in Aligarh, India. A total of 565 (36%) of 1556 buffaloes, 20 (2%) of 1208 goats, 5 (1%) of 559 pigs, 6 (6%) of 109 sheep and two of three camels were found to harbour hydatid cysts. The frequency distribution of the hydatid cysts in each intermediate host species was over-dispersed and in buffaloes cyst fertility increased with increasing cyst size. Of 2171, 95 and four buffalo, goat, and camel cysts examined 327 (15%), two (2%) and three cysts respectively were fertile. No pig or sheep cysts were found to contain protoscoleces. The unfenced buffalo abattoir and the large number of dogs allowed access to the abattoir coupled to the number of buffalo slaughtered in comparison to the other potential hosts, indicates that the buffalo is the most significant host for maintaining the life-cycle of the parasite in this area of India. Applicable control measures for the region are suggested.