ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Eimeria infection in sheep in Rudsar, North of Iran, in period of 1 year (March 2011 to March 2012). The samples (approximately 3-5 grams of faeces) were collected from the rectum of 270 sheep and transferred to the parasitology laboratory. Eimeria species were identified following sporulation of faeces in a thin layer of 2.5 % potassium dichromate for one or 2 weeks at 27 °C. Out of 270 faecal samples examined, 170[(63.0 %; 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 56.9-68.7)] were positive for Eimeria spp. Five species of Eimeria, including E. ahsata, E. ovina, E. crandallis, E. parva and E. ovinoidalis were identified in faecal samples by modified McMaster technique. The most frequent species was E. crandallis. Sheep were considered in four age groups (less than 1 year old, 1-2 years old, 2-3 years old and over 3 years old).The results also indicated that less than 1 year old sheep have greater infection ratio as compare with older animals. Female had significantly higher prevalence of Eimeria than male. Higher infection was seen in females compare to males and in winter compare to summer. Parasitological gross and microscopic examinations revealed Eimeria infection is common in sheep of Rudsar, North Iran.
ABSTRACT
Ticks are obligatory bloodsucking arthropods, and probably the most harmful ectoparasites that may cause some tick born diseases. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, diversity and seasonal distribution of ticks and using a nested Trans PCR to identify Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from small ruminants in Sistan and Balouchestan province, southeast Iran. A total 1305 ticks were collected from 272 Sheep and 253 Goats during May 2014 to April 2015. Prevalence of ixodid tick infestation in small ruminants was 58.4%. Of all examined ticks, nine tick species were identified as follow: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (30.3%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (21%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (19%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (9%), Rhipicephalus bursa (6.7%), Hyalomma detritum (4.7%), Hyalomma dromedarii (4.4%), Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum (4.4%) and Hyalomma marginatum (0.5%). The nested Trans PCR examination of ixodid ticks revealed that Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were infected with C. burnetii. The results of the present study revealed that ixodid ticks infestation was widespread and shows their role as putative vectors and reservoirs for this pathogenic agent in southeast Iran. Hence; Q fever should be considered a significant public health threat in this region.
ABSTRACT
Ticks are obligatory bloodsucking arthropods, and probably the most harmful ectoparasites that may cause some tick born diseases. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, diversity and seasonal distribution of ticks and using a nested Trans PCR to identify Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from small ruminants in Sistan and Balouchestan province, southeast Iran. A total 1305 ticks were collected from 272 Sheep and 253 Goats during May 2014 to April 2015. Prevalence of ixodid tick infestation in small ruminants was 58.4%. Of all examined ticks, nine tick species were identified as follow: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (30.3%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (21%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (19%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (9%), Rhipicephalus bursa (6.7%), Hyalomma detritum (4.7%), Hyalomma dromedarii (4.4%), Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum (4.4%) and Hyalomma marginatum (0.5%). The nested Trans PCR examination of ixodid ticks revealed that Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were infected with C. burnetii. The results of the present study revealed that ixodid ticks infestation was widespread and shows their role as putative vectors and reservoirs for this pathogenic agent in southeast Iran. Hence; Q fever should be considered a significant public health threat in this region.
