[Treatment of oestriasis and hypodermosis in red deer (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus c. capreolus) with ivermectin (Ivomec)]. / Die Bekämpfung der Oestrinose und Hypodermose bei Rothirsch (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus) und Reh (Capreolus c. capreolus) mittels Ivermectin (Ivomec).

In two test areas in Austria (Burgenland, Lower Austria) ivermectin has been used to control oestrinosis and hypodermosis in red- and roe deer since many years (1985 and 1987, respectively). The results until 1992, using the injectable solution Ivomec-injection 1% only, have been reported (Kutzer, 1994). In continuation of these tests Ivomec-Praemix 0.6% was examined and it turned out that the treatment was extremely successful. In practice Ivomec-Praemix 0.6% has to be given preference due to its stability. The most favourable dosage for red- and roe deer was 2 x 0.4 mg ivermectin/kg bodyweight administered at an interval of one week, although equally good results could be obtained with 1 x 0.3-0.4 mg ivermectin/kg bodyweight. With the above mentioned dosages against Pharyngomyia picta and Cephenemyia stimulator an up to 100% and against Hypoderma actaeon a 100% success of treatment could be achieved. The administration in two doses has the advantage to eradicate intestinal and lung nematodes at the same time if there are any. Finally, it was found that the controlling measures should not be interrupted for more than one year, if no treatment was done in the neighbouring hunting grounds.

Improved disease resistance after Babesia divergens vaccination.

The efficacy of a new inactivated vaccine against Babesia divergens was evaluated by means of inoculation tests. The infection was initiated by i.v. injection of blood containing 2 x 10(9) living parasites into splenectomized and non-splenectomized calves. Clinical status and hematological parameters were determined. Serology examinations for antibodies against B. divergens were carried out by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Non-vaccinated and splenectomized animals exhibited experimental infections. In vaccinated and splenectomized animals, clinical symptoms and prolonged incubation periods were observed.

Efficacy of eprinomectin against mange mites in cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether eprinomectin was effective against mange caused by Chorioptes bovis and Sarcoptes bovis in cattle. ANIMALS: 80 cows naturally infested with C bovis and 30 cattle experimentally infested with S bovis. PROCEDURE: 6 trials were performed to determine efficacy against C bovis, and 2 trials were performed to determine efficacy against S bovis. In each trial, a group of untreated animals or of animals treated with vehicle alone was compared with a group of animals treated with a 0.5% formulation of eprinomectin applied topically (500 micrograms/kg). Number of mites in skin scrapings was determined prior to treatment and at weekly intervals for 8 weeks after treatment. Severity of skin lesions was evaluated when skin scrapings were obtained. In 5 trials, animals were weighed before and 56 days after treatment. RESULTS: Mite counts for treated cattle were significantly less than counts for control cattle from day 14 onwards in trials to determine efficacy against C bovis and from day 7 onwards in trials to determine efficacy against S bovis. Mites were not detected in scrapings collected from treated cattle on day 56. Mean weight gain of treated cattle was not significantly different from mean weight gain of control cattle in trials evaluating efficacy against C bovis but was significantly greater in trials evaluating efficacy against S bovis. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Eprinomectin was highly effective against C bovis and S bovis. Because eprinomectin can be administered to lactating cows, it may be useful for controlling mange in cattle.

[The development of the body weight of calves with sarcoptic mange before and after treatment with Ivomec pour-on]. / Untersuchungen zur Entwicklung der Körpermasse von Kälbern mit Sarcoptesräude vor und nach der Behandlung mit Ivomec Pour-on.

In 2 stages of a trial the bodyweight of 16 calves (6 Fleckvieh female, 6 Braunvieh female, 4 Braunvieh male), experimentally infected with Sarcoptes bovis, was controlled between birth and until 25 weeks after treatment with Ivomec pour-on (5 mg ivermectin/10 kg b.w.). On the day of treatment and before the turnout to the pasture the living Sarcoptes mites and mange lesions were determined. The two stages were characterized by different degrees of mange, which also became noticeable in the daily increase of bodyweight on an average of 200 g and 570 g respectively compared with the untreated calves. After treatment of the animals of the control group the daily increase in bodyweight within a few weeks was identical with the increase of the bodyweight of the earlier treated calves, whereby 16/19 weeks after the turnout to the pasture (female calves) and the possibility to take in grass ad libitum and 16 weeks after beginning of fattening (male calves) respectively the group of earlier treated calves still showed a higher mean bodyweight of about 27 kg and 24 kg.

Histology of the skin and determination of blood and serum parameters during the recovery phase of sarcoptic manage in cattle after avermectin (Ivomec) treatment.

Calves experimentally infested with Sarcoptes bovis were treated 14 weeks post infectionem with an avermectin pour-on preparation (Ivomec). On day 0 before and 14, 28 and 56 days after treatment mite count, scabies lesion score, histological sections of the skin, blood- (number of erythrocytes, PCV, Haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, number of leukocytes, differential blood picture) and serum parameter (GOT/AST, GGT, GLDH, glucose, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, sodium, potassium and chloride) and Sarcoptes specific immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M were determined. 14 days after treatment no mites could be found in skin scrapings and the mange lesions were in recovery stage. 28 days after treatment the skin mostly was macroscopically unchanged. On all examination days in skin biopsies hyperkeratosis, mostly accompanied by epidermal hyperplasia and perivascular infiltration with eosinophil granulocytes and mononuclear cells was observed. The dominance of eosinophil granulocytes in the tissue decreased after treatment, while mononuclear cells increased and dominated in most cases on day 28 over eosinophil granulocytes. The differential blood count in most cases showed elevated lymphocytes on all examination days, increase of neutrophil granulocytes and decrease of eosinophil granulocytes between day 0 and 14. Monocytes on day 28 showed a marked decrease, thereafter on day 56 a marked elevation. Slightly increased serum enzyme activities were seen with GLDH and GOT on day 0 before treatment and with GLDH on day 56 after treatment. The specific antibody titer against Sarcoptes antigen showed decreasing immunoglobulin G titre and increasing immunoglobulin M titre during the investigation.

[The distribution and biology of Capillaria garfiai from Sus scrofa]. / Zur Verbreitung und Biologie von Capillaria garfiai aus Sus scrofa.

The infestation extent of wild boars (Sus scrofa) with Capillaria garfiai Gallégo & Mas-Coma, 1975 in East-Austria and the localisation of the nematodes in the tongue (n = 159) were examined. The infestation extent (prevalence) was between 66.6 and 90.9 percent. Concerning the location of the parasites in the tongue there was a striking difference between C. garfiai males and females. So, the number of C. garfiai females continuously decreased from the first to the fourth quarter of the tongue, whereas C. garfiai males could be found increasingly in the epithelium of the third quarter. Further, we investigated the biology of C. garfiai and could show, that the development is only involving intermediate hosts, which could be identified as earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris, Allolobophora caliginosa, A. rosea). The morphological characteristics of C. garfiai specimens of wild boars and domestic pigs were compared, but no noticeable differences could be detected.

The frequency of shared delusions in delusions of infestation.

The phenomenon of shared delusions was found in 9 (8.4%) of 107 personally investigated patients suffering from delusions of infestation (88 females, 19 males). A greater number of females (ratio of females to males 3.5:1) "induced" others, whereas a gender ratio of 1:1 was evident in the group of affected patients. Since the ratio of blood relations to non-blood relations was 1:2.3, genetic factors seem to play a less important role than the direct impact of deluded patients on their environment. The rare occurrence of shared delusions of infestation leads to the conclusion that only persons with a paranoid predisposition (paranoide Bereitschaft) may be affected. Cases of induced delusions are also described in which attending physicians act as "inducers".

[Capillaria (Nematoda, Trichuridae) of wild swine (Sus scrofa) in Austria]. / Die Capillarien (Nematoda, Trichuridae) des Wildschweines (Sus scrofa) in Osterreich.

Capillaria (Nematoda, Trichuridae) of wild boar in Austria. In a research on Capillaria species with wild boar in Austria 2 species could be found, C. spec. in the stomach and C. garfiai in the tongue. The morphological characteristics of both species were described and represented C. spec. could only be detected in one of 105 stomachs and intestines. C. garfiai, however, could be proved in 77 (= 69%) of 112 examined tongues. C. garfiai which parasitizes in the tongue epithelium causes pathological changes only to a slight degree, so that it is of almost no pathogenic significance. The frequency of infestation with eggs of Capillaria (with a high probability of C. garfiai) was 14.4% of 319 examined samples of faeces. The validity of C. spec. is discussed. Both species were detected at wild boar in Austria for the first time.

[The observation of coccidia in swine]. / Studie zur Kenntnis der Schweinekokzidien.

The coccidia species of domestic pig and wild boar were compared and defined morphologically and the sporogony of both was examined. No difference could be detected between the coccidia species of domestic pig and wild boar. Six Eimeria and one Isospora species were found: Eimeria debliecki, E. polita, E. porci, E. scabra, E. spinosa, E. suis and Isospora suis. E porci could be found in Austria for the first time. E. cerdonis Vetterling, 1965 is a synonym of E. polita Pellérdy, 1949.

[Psychiatric and parasitologic aspects of dermatozoon delusion]. / Psychiatrische und parasitologische Aspekte des Dermatozoenwahns.

Patients suffering from delusional parasitosis are not only seen by psychiatrists, but more often by dermatologists and parasitologists. Previous results published by researchers of differing specialities led to somewhat contradictory opinions concerning these patients. The main goals of the present study were, on the one hand, to examine the various and partly controversial hypotheses, which were mostly based on single case observations in a substantial sample of 107 patients with delusional parasitosis and, on the other hand, to investigate possible differences between patients who consulted the parasitologist initially and those who saw the dermatologist first and were subsequently treated by a psychiatrist. Hence, 34 patients treated by one of the authors (M.M.) at a special outpatient clinic for patients with delusional parasitosis of the Second Dermatological University Department, Vienna, have been compared with 73 patients who consulted the other author (E.K.) at the Institute of Parasitology of the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. Some similarities, but also marked differences were found between the two groups: the sex ratio was similar in both groups but they differed with regard to age, social background (size of household) localisation of "parasites" and the mode of "infection". The results demonstrate the necessity of developing differentiated medical care programmes which take into account these differences.

A comparison of fluconazole and ketoconazole in the oral treatment of vaginal candidiasis; report of a double-blind multicentre trial.

One hundred and eighty three patients with vaginal candidiasis were randomly allocated to treatment with either fluconazole in a single oral 150 mg dose, or ketoconazole, 200 mg twice daily for 5 days. Favourable clinical responses were obtained in 92% of the patients in the fluconazole group and in 89% of those in the ketoconazole group after 5-16 days. Long-term evaluation at 27-62 days showed favourable clinical responses in 86 and 88%, respectively. Candida was eradicated from the vagina in 77% of both treatment groups at the long-term evaluation. The relapse or reinfection rate was similar for both groups, ranging between 4-8%. One hundred and thirty two of the 160 patients who had rectal swabs cultured for yeast at baseline, gave positive results. Of the 27 patients in the fluconazole group whose rectal cultures remained negative at the long-term evaluation, 26 maintained mycological cure of their vaginal candidiasis. In contrast, patients with positive rectal cultures at this time were much less frequently associated with mycological cure. The results were similar for the patients in the ketoconazole group. Treatment-related side effects in both groups were few and minor. This double-blind multicentre study showed that a single oral 150 mg dose of fluconazole was as effective as 5 days of oral ketoconazole medication in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

[Parasite fauna of Austrian owls (Strigiformes)]. / Zur Parasitenfauna österreichischer Eulenvögel (Strigiformes).

During the examination of 182 owls--Asio otus (51), Strix aluco (44), Bubo bubo (34), Nyctea scandiaca (15), Athene noctua (14), Otus scops (9), Tyto alba (4), Aegolius funereus (3), Glaucidium passerinum (2), Asio flammeus (2), indigenous "owls" (4)--5 protozoan species, 3 trematode species, 1 cestode species, 6 nematode species, 3 acanthocephalan species, 2 acaride species and 7 insect species could be discovered. Dermanyssus hirundinis was proved on the Long-eared Owl and Carnus hemapterus on the Barn Owl for the first time. The infestation frequency of endo- and ectoparasites was from medium to intense on an average, whereas the infestation intensity was from small to medium. The highest rates of infestation were found at nematodes. A case of "pseudoparasitism" was detected and the significance of the analyses of stomach-contents as a guarantee of diagnosis was pointed out.

[Seasonal rhythm of the discharge of Dictyocaulus viviparus, Varestrongylus sagittatus and Elaphostrongylus cervi larvae from the red deer (Cervus elaphus)]. / Jahresrhythmus in der Larvenausscheidung von Dictyocaulus viviparus, Varestrongylus sagittatus und Elaphostrongylus cervi bei Rotwild (Cervus elaphus).

The discharging of the first larvae of Distyocaulus viviparus, Varestrongylus sagittatus and Elaphostrongylus cervi is regulated by a seasonal rhythm. This rhythm was studied in a deer population of 150 +/- 10 animals over a period of 4 years. The maximum discharges of D. viviparus are in May and June and those of the 2 other species are in the time from February to April. Very good results of treatment were achieved with 3 X 7.5 mg and 5 X 3 mg Fenbendazole/kg live weight against D. viviparus and E. cervi. A dose of 5 X 3 mg Fenbendazole proved to have quite a good effect against V. sagittatus. The most favourable time of treatment is late November or early December.

[Parasites of Austrian birds of prey (Falconiformes)]. / Zur Parasitenfauma österreichischer Greifvögel (Falconiformes).

During the examination of 158 birds of prey -- Buteo buteo (85), Falco tinnunculus (30), Accipiter gentilis (19), Accipiter nisus (18), Circus aeruginosus (2), Circus pygargus (1), Pandion haliaetus (1), Pernis apivorus (1), Falco subbuteo (1) and faeces samples of Falco tinnunculus 4 protozoan species, 1 trematode species, 2 cestode species, 13 nematode species, 2 acanthocephalan species and 5 mallophaga species could be detected. In the buzzard, kestrel and goshawk a new species of Capillaria could be found and described as Eucoleus suppereri spec. nov. A new species of Synhimantus, Synhimantus (Dispharynx) falconis spec. nov. was diagnosed. The infestation frequency of endo- and ectoparasites was relatively high, whereas the infestation intensity was small or mediocre on an average. The highest rate of infestation was found with trematodes and cestodes. The significance of the analysis of crop- and stomach-cntents as a guarantee of diagnosis "psuedoparasitism" was pointed out.

[The problem of parasites in game animals in Austria]. / Problematik der Parasiten in Wildbeständen, unter Berücksichtigung der Situation in Osterreich.

The parasitical diseases are among the game diseases the most wide spread. Since the interest of keeping game healthy is of great universal importance, the problem of the prevention of serious losses caused by parasites arises. Today this is in many cases possible by the exploration of all present prophylactical and therapeutical avenues. The presupposition in this respect is the thorough knowledge of parasite and host. Only then antiparasitical drugs can be employed at the right time. Furthermore the biotop, the agricultural and the forestry conditions have to be considered. Although population losses caused by parasites can be very heavy, a game population can never be decimated so far that its continuance will be endangered. Owing to the hitherto existing knowledge a qualitative population regulation is not caused by the parasites. Detrimental effects with domestic animals caused by game parasites or vice versa in hunting grounds is certainly possible but dependent upon the species greatly different, and practically without essential meaning in Austria.

[Notes to the hare-whipworm Trichuris leporis (Zeder, 1803) (author's transl)]. / Bemerkungen zum Hasen-Peitschenwurm Trichuris leporis (Zeder, 1803).

In this study of the whipworm Trichuris leporis (Zeder, 1803) mistakes, which were made in the literature of this kind in the course of time, have been pointed out and put right. The first that gave this species its name was Zeder and not Froehlich. Trichuris sylvilagi Tiner, 1950 is a synonym of Trichuris leporis (Zeder, 1803). The description of the species Trichuris leporis which was given by Tiner (1905) refers to another species for which the name Trichuris tineri is suggested.