Exploring the anthelmintic activity of Olea europaea L (Olive) leaves extract and oleuropein in mice naturally infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera.

Oxyuriasis, caused by the nematode Enterobius vermicularis, is one of the cosmopolitan intestinal infections of humans. Aspiculuris tetraptera commonly infects mice and it is morphologically similar to E. vermicularis. Parasitic resistance reduces the efficiency of synthetic drugs and poses economic impacts on the dairy sector, thus necessitating novel anthelmintic agents. Olea europaea L. (Olive) is a bioactive plant with potent pharmacological activities. However, its effects on oxyurids are poorly known, and no studies are currently exploring olives' anthelmintic potential. In this study, we investigated the pharmacokinetic behaviors of O. europaea leaves extract (OLE) and its phenolic compound oleuropein in mice infected with A. tetraptera, in comparison with Albendazole (ABZ), a standard drug used to treat parasitic worms. Fecal flotation method was used to identify the infestation with A. tetraptera eggs by examining the stool samples from mice. Infected animals were divided into 7 groups. 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses of OLE, 5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg doses of oleuropein, 10 mg/kg of ABZ and tap water were orally administered by gavage for 7 days during treatments. Drug efficacies and statistical differences between the treatments and controls were evaluated. Our results revealed 92.43 % efficacy of ABZ, similar to 92.19 % efficacy of 1000 mg/kg of OLE. At the same time, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg concentrations of OLE remained 70.03 % and 63.18 % effective in reducing worm counts. Efficacy percentages of 5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of oleuropein were 9.27 % and 70.56 %, respectively. Statistical analysis of ABZ was significant compared to 1000 mg/kg of OLE, which was almost equal but insignificant. In general, our results confirm the anthelmintic potential of OLE and oleuropein against mice pinworms and open the way for targeted extraction of bioactive compounds from plants to optimize its use in human and veterinary medicine.

Response to doxycycline and oxytetracycline treatments in cats infected with Mycoplasma spp. and analysis of haemato-clinical findings and risk factors.

This study was planned to determine the efficacy of doxycycline and oxytetracycline in the treatment of feline Mycoplasma spp. infections and to analyze risk factors as well as clinical and haematological findings. Cats accepted to the clinic with complaints such as weakness, loss of appetite and fever were routinely examined. Clinical history of animal was demanded from the owner. An interview and a short questionnaire were conducted to owner to evaluate the risk factors associated with possible Mycoplasma status of animal. During the interview, the age, sex, breed, housing, flea infestation, worm control, external parasite control, other accompanying infections and vaccination status of cats were asked and the data recorded. Peripheral blood smears were stained with the DIFF-QUICK. Fifty positive cats were included in the study, 16 of which were treated with doxycycline (orally, 5 mg/kg twice a day) while other 34 with oxytetracycline (intramuscular injection, 10 mg/kg once a day). It was determined that all (100%) cats with Mycoplasma spp. infection had a flea infestation. Majority of cats (94%) did not receive the regular antiparasitic application and only 6 (12%) of them had complete vaccinations. Mycoplasma spp. infection was associated with younger age and outdoor access. Among the feline breed, striped cat (74%) was more prone to infection. The most common clinical signs encountered in cats were weakness (94%) and anorexia (84%). Haematological parameters revealed thrombocytopenia (86%), and anaemia (40%) in infected cats. At the end of the treatment, recovery rates for doxycycline and oxytetracycline groups were 87.5% and 67.6%, respectively. General status of these cats indicated significant improvement on the 4th day of treatment, and clinical symptoms are restored on the th day. Mycoplasmosis is an important infection for cats having anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Flea infestations are risk factor for contamination of the disease. Based on our results, we recommend doxycycline treatment (5 mg/kg) for up to 21 days for elimination of Mycoplasma spp. in the blood of infected cats.

Response to doxycycline and oxytetracycline treatments in cats infected with Mycoplasma spp. and analysis of haemato-clinical findings and risk factors

@#This study was planned to determine the efficacy of doxycycline and oxytetracycline in the treatment of feline Mycoplasma spp. infections and to analyze risk factors as well as clinical and haematological findings. Cats accepted to the clinic with complaints such as weakness, loss of appetite and fever were routinely examined. Clinical history of animal was demanded from the owner. An interview and a short questionnaire were conducted to owner to evaluate the risk factors associated with possible Mycoplasma status of animal. During the interview, the age, sex, breed, housing, flea infestation, worm control, external parasite control, other accompanying infections and vaccination status of cats were asked and the data recorded. Peripheral blood smears were stained with the DIFF-QUICK. Fifty positive cats were included in the study, 16 of which were treated with doxycycline (orally, 5 mg/kg twice a day) while other 34 with oxytetracycline (intramuscular injection, 10 mg/kg once a day). It was determined that all (100%) cats with Mycoplasma spp. infection had a flea infestation. Majority of cats (94%) did not receive the regular antiparasitic application and only 6 (12%) of them had complete vaccinations. Mycoplasma spp. infection was associated with younger age and outdoor access. Among the feline breed, striped cat (74%) was more prone to infection. The most common clinical signs encountered in cats were weakness (94%) and anorexia (84%). Haematological parameters revealed thrombocytopenia (86%), and anaemia (40%) in infected cats. At the end of the treatment, recovery rates for doxycycline and oxytetracycline groups were 87.5% and 67.6%, respectively. General status of these cats indicated significant improvement on the 4th day of treatment, and clinical symptoms are restored on the 7th day. Mycoplasmosis is an important infection for cats having anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Flea infestations are risk factor for contamination of the disease. Based on our results, we recommend doxycycline treatment (5 mg/kg) for up to 21 days for elimination of Mycoplasma spp. in the blood of infected cats.

The effects of different ages and dosages on the plasma disposition and hair concentration profile of ivermectin following pour-on administration in goats.

The effects of different ages and dosages on the plasma disposition and hair concentration profile of ivermectin following pour-on administration in goats. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 70-75. The effects of different ages and dosages on the plasma disposition and hair degradation of ivermectin (IVM) were investigated following pour-on administration in goats. Twenty-eight female Saanen goats allocated into two groups of 14 animals according to their ages as young (5-6 months old) and old (12-24 months old) groups. Each age group was divided into two further of seven goats and administered pour-on formulation of IVM topically at the in recommended dosage rate of 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight The recommended cattle dosages rate of 0.5 mg/kg or at the higher dosage of 1.0 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected at various times between 1 h and 40 days. In addition, hair samples (>0.01 g) were collected using tweezers from the application sites and far from application sites of the all animals throughout the blood sampling period. The plasma and hair samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detection following solid and liquid phase extractions, respectively. Dose- and age-dependent plasma disposition of IVM were observed in goats after pour-on administration. In addition, relatively high concentration and slow degradation of IVM in hair samples collected from the application site and far from the application site were observed in the present study. The differences between young and old goats are probably related to differences in body condition and/or lengths of haircoat. The systemic availability of IVM following pour-on administration is relatively much lower than after oral and subcutaneous administrations but the plasma persistence was prolonged. Although, the longer persistence of IVM on hairs on the application site may prolong of efficacy against ectoparasites, the poor plasma availability could result in subtherapeutic plasma concentrations, which may confer the risk of resistance development in for internal parasites after pour-on administration in goats.

Helminth infections of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in the Bursa province of Turkey.

The present study aimed to investigate the status of helminth infections in wild boars in the Bursa province of Turkey. For this purpose, during 2007-2008, 27 wild boars were necropsied and examined for helminths. Individual samples of tongue and diaphragm from 27 necropsied wild boars and an additional 22 tongue and diaphragm samples provided by hunters were examined by trichinoscopy and artificial digestion for Trichinella spp. larvae. Twenty animals (74%) were identified as being infected with at least one helminth species. Twelve species of helminths were detected, with the following prevalence rates: Metastrongylus apri (59%), Metastrongylus salmi (52%), Metastrongylus pudendotectus (52%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (33%), Globocephalus urosubulatus (22%), Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (19%), Gongylonema pulchrum (11%), Physocephalus sexalatus (7%), Trichuris suis (7%), Ascarops strongylina (4%), Hyostrongylus rubidus (4%) and Taenia hydatigena larvae (4%). Generally, lungworms were the predominant helminths. The highest mean abundance was observed for M. pudendotectus, and the lowest was determined for T. hydatigena larvae. Significant differences in the prevalence and intensity were found for D. dendriticum with respect to host age and sex, respectively. The mean intensity of M. pudendotectus was significantly influenced by the sex and age of the wild boars. This study is the first report describing the presence of M. salmi, M. pudendotectus, D. dendriticum, G. urosubulatus, M. hirudinaceus, P. sexalatus, A. strongylina and H. rubidus in wild boars in Turkey. All analysed muscle samples were negative for Trichinella spp. larvae.

Pharmacological assessment of netobimin as a potential anthelmintic for use in horses: plasma disposition, faecal excretion and efficacy.

This study aimed to determine the plasma disposition and faecal excretion of netobimin (NTB) and its respective metabolites as well as the efficacy against strongyles in horses following oral administration. Netobimin (10mg/kg) was administered orally to 8 horses. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 1 to 120h post-treatment and analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using a chiral phase-based HPLC, plasma disposition of ABZSO enantiomers produced was also determined. Faecal strongyle egg counts (EPG) were performed by a modified McMaster's technique before and after the treatment. Neither NTB nor ABZ were present and only albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) and sulphone metabolites (ABZSO(2)) were detected in the plasma samples. Maximum plasma concentration of ABZSO (0.53+/-0.14microg/ml) and ABZSO(2) (0.36+/-0.09microg/ml) were observed at (t(max)) 10.50 and 19.50h, respectively following administration of NTB. The area under the curve (AUC) of the two metabolites was similar to each other. Netobimin was not detected, and ABZ was predominant in faecal samples. The maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of (-)ABZSO was significantly higher than (+)ABZSO, but the area under the curves (AUCs) of the enantiomer were not significantly different each other in plasma samples. The enantiomers of ABZSO were close to racemate in the faecal samples analyzed. Netobimin reduced the EPG by 100%, 100%, 77%, 80% and 75% 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks post-treatment, respectively. The specific behaviour of the two enantiomers probably reflects different enantioselectivity of the enzymatic systems of the liver which are responsible for sulphoxidation and sulphonation of ABZ. Considering the pharmacokinetic and efficacy parameters NTB could be used as an anthelmintic in horses.

Infectivity of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices under different conditions of temperature and humidity.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different temperatures and humidities on the infectivity of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices. Eighteen dogs (6 groups, n = 3 each) were fed with offal mince harbouring approximately 20,000 protoscolices of E. granulosus of different viabilities. Dogs were infected with E. granulosus protoscolices of: (1) 5% viability at -10 degrees C and 50% relative humidity (RH); (2) 30% viability at 0 degrees C and 60% RH; (3) 20% viability at +10 degrees C and 65% RH; (4) 15% viability at +30 degrees C and 75% RH; (5) 11% viability at +40 degrees C and 80% RH; (6) 68% viability (control group). Dogs in each group were necropsied at 29-49 days post-infection. Mean intensities of E. granulosus recovered from dogs were 256.7 +/- 60.3 in the second group; 32.7 +/- 7.1 in the third group; 40.3 +/- 15.5 in the fourth group and 1533 +/- 513 in the control group. However, no parasites were recovered from the first and fifth groups. Results obtained in the present study show that larval stages could be infective for 1 to 4 weeks during spring, autumn or winter months when maximal temperatures are approximately 0-10 degrees C. In conclusion, cold-storage depots in slaughterhouses and abattoirs where sheep carcasses might be discarded should be kept at -20 degrees C for 2-3 days, dogs should be properly controlled and adequate control programmes must be established in areas where the disease is endemic.

Plasma disposition and faecal excretion of netobimin metabolites and enantiospecific disposition of albendazole sulphoxide produced in ewes.

Netobimin (NTB) was administered orally to ewes at 20 mg/kg bodyweight. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 1 to 120 h post-treatment and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using a chiral phase-based HPLC, plasma disposition of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) enantiomers produced was also determined. Neither NTB nor albendazole (ABZ) was present and only ABZSO and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO(2)) metabolites were detected in the plasma samples. Maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) of ABZSO (4.1 +/- 0.7 microg/ml) and ABZSO(2) (1.1 +/- 0.4 microg/ml) were detected at (t(max)) 14.7 and 23.8 h, respectively following oral administration of netobimin. The area under the curve (AUC) of ABZSO (103.8 +/- 22.8 (microg h)/ml) was significantly higher than that ABZSO(2)(26.3 +/- 10.1 (microg h)/ml) (p < 0.01). (-)-ABZSO and (+)-ABZSO enantiomers were never in racemate proportions in plasma. The AUC of (+)-ABZSO (87.8 +/- 20.3 (microg h)/ml) was almost 6 times larger than that of (-)-ABZSO (15.5 +/- 5.1 (microg h)/ml) (p < 0.001). Netobimin was not detected, and ABZ was predominant and its AUC was significantly higher than that of ABZSO and ABZSO(2), following NTB administration in faecal samples (p > 0.01). Unlike in the plasma samples, the proportions of the enantiomers of ABZSO were close to racemic and the ratio of the faecal AUC of (-)-ABZSO (172.22 +/- 57.6 (microg h)/g) and (+)-ABZSO (187.19 +/- 63.4 (microg h)/g) was 0.92. It is concluded that NTB is completely converted to ABZ by the gastrointestinal flora and absorbed ABZ is completely metabolized to its sulphoxide and sulphone metabolites by first-pass effects. The specific behaviour of the two enantiomers probably reflects different enantioselectivity of the enzymatic systems of the liver that are responsible for sulphoxidation and sulphonation of ABZ.

Intestinal nematode infections in Turkish military dogs with special reference to Toxocara canis.

The prevalence and potential zoonotic risk factors of intestinal nematodes of military working dogs, which are used for different military purposes, were assessed. Faecal samples from 352 defined-breed Turkish military dogs were investigated and 107 (30.4%) dogs were found to be infected with one or two nematode species. The following nematodes, with their respective prevalences, were diagnosed in the faecal samples: Toxascaris leonina (21.8%), Toxocara canis (13.3%), Trichuris vulpis (2.9%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (1.2%). Toxocara canis infections were more frequently seen in puppies (0-6 months old). The prevalence of T. canis was significantly higher in male than in female dogs and also higher in dogs which were exercised daily than in those without exercise. The highest prevalence was found in Belgian malinois breed dogs. Toxocara canis infections were not influenced by the floor type of the kennels (i.e. concrete or soil floor). There was no difference in the occurrence of T. canis infection when the last anthelmintic treatment was carried out less or more than 3 months prior to sampling. It is suggested that T. canis infected military dogs would be a threat not only for dog trainers but also for military personnel, notably during national and international operations.

Effect of age, sex and season on the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) from Bursa Province, Turkey.

The one-year study reported in this paper was carried out from April 2002 to March 2003 in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) of Bursa Province (Turkey) to determine the occurrence of helminth species and to evaluate the effect of host age, sex and season on their prevalence and intensity. A total of 100 (31 young and 69 adult) domestic pigeons were necropsied and examined. The results of necropsies revealed that 74 pigeons harboured helminth infections. Three helminth species were identified: Baruscapillaria obsignata (63%), Ascaridia columbae (42%) and Raillietina echinobothrida (1%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of B. obsignata and A. columbae by host age and sex. Significantly the highest prevalence rate of A. columbae was observed in the autumn months, but there was no significant difference in the seasonal prevalence of B. obsignata. The mean intensity of B. obsignata and A. columbae was higher in adults than in young pigeons but it did not differ significantly between the two sexes. The highest mean intensity rate of B. obsignata was observed in the autumn, while there was no significant difference for A. columbae with regard to season. From the data obtained in this study it can be concluded that in regions with similar climatic conditions as those in the present study area, pigeon breeders should be cautioned especially of B. obsignata and A. columbae infections of adult pigeons in the autumn months.

Investigations on the seasonal patterns of strongyle infections in grazing lambs, and the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance on sheep and goat farms in western Anatolia, Turkey.

The seasonal patterns of strongyle infections in untreated, weaned lambs were determined on four governmental farms during a grazing season. In three farms, the infection level (predominantly Teladorsagia spp. and Trichostrongylus spp.) measured by egg counts or worm burdens remained low throughout the study; higher egg counts mainly caused by Haemonchus contortus were transiently recorded on the fourth farm. Significant body weight gains were observed in all groups, but they varied between farms irrespective of the level of strongyle infections, suggesting that the economic effectiveness of anthelmintic treatments of weaned lambs is doubtful under the extensive grazing conditions and the hot, dry climate in the region. In the second part of the study, faecal egg count reduction tests were performed for albendazole, thiabendazole, tetramisole and ivermectin on 12 sheep and goat farms to provide first information on anthelmintic resistance in trichostrongyles of small ruminants in Turkey. There was no hint of benzimidazole resistance, and unequivocal evidence of ivermectin resistance was missing. In contrast, tetramisole resistance was detected on one sheep farm.