Modification of gDNA extraction from soil for PCR designed for the routine examination of soil samples contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs.

A modification of gDNA extraction was developed for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, intended for the detection and differentiation of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil or sediments. Sand samples from sandpits confirmed as being contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs by the flotation technique were analysed by PCR. The use of proteinase K made it possible to obtain genomic DNA from the sample without needing to isolate eggs using flotation or to inactivate PCR inhibitors present in the sand. Specific primers in the PCR reaction allowed discrimination between T. canis and T. cati eggs. The modification simplified the procedure, thanks to eliminating the step of gDNA isolation from eggs, which is both laborious and difficult.

[Influence of environmental factors and host on survival of first stage larvae of Muellerius capillaris]. / Wplyw warunków srodowiskowych 1 zywiciela na przezywalnosc pierwszego stadium larwalnego Muellerius capillaris.

The authors studied the resistance of the first stage larvae of Muellerius capillaris for 75 days period. The survival of larvae was estimated on larvae in faeces and in water. The environmental factor investigated were different temperatures: -18 degrees C, 3 degrees C and 20 degrees C. M.capillaris L1 showed the most tolerance to -18 degrees C. Survival of larvae in water differed from that estimated in faeces. 23,0 -100% larvae in faeces at -18 degrees C have survived 30 days, while about 50% larvae kept in water at 4 degrees C or 20 degrees C survived 28 days. Age of the host was the important factor, which influenced survival of L1 as well. Larvae in faeces from young goats have survived 10 days at -18 degrees C, while larvae in faeces from old goats survived 75 days in the same condition.

Prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in dogs in the Warszawa area.

The evaluation of Toxocara canis infection in stray dogs from two shelters and private owners dogs in the Warszawa district was the aim of this study. In 1998 five hundred faecal samples were examined. The homeless dogs were found more infected than those kept as pets. T. canis was recorded in 3.4% and 8.8% of stray dogs from the shelters and in 0.4% of animals from flats. The higher prevalence of infection in homeless dogs was due to high density of dogs population, worse environmental condition and irregular anthelmintic treatment in the shelters when compare with housed dogs.

Ultrastructure of pulmonary macrophagic system.

A mature AMF, ready for phagocytosis, is a relatively large cell with an oval nucleus, with indentations of a nuclear envelope of varying depth. Evenly distributed chromatin forms beneath the nuclear envelope a rim of heterochromatin. There is a prominent nucleus with a distinct nucleolonemma. The cytoplasm is differentiated into a continuous ectoplasmic zone with numberous finger-like processes and pseudopodia. The organelles are formed by scattered round or oval mitochondria, a description is given of the Golgi apparatus in the juxtanuclear position, in certain sites multifocal in form, of the centriolar apparatus, scarce profiles of endoplasmic granular reticulum, dispersed free polyribosomes and microfilaments in varying amounts. The most outstanding feature is the rich lysosomal apparatus of varying structure depending on the functional state. Dynamics of the maturation of AMF was studied in intermediate phases, described here. The peribronchovascular connective tissue is the seat of free macrophages of a structure analogous with that of AMF. Fixed macrophages are anchored in the loose connective tissue by processes of different shape and length. The prevailing component of the cytoplasm are numerous vesicular structures and vacuoles as well as a marked lysosomal apparatus. Fixed macrophages phagocytize foreign material in situ. The septal cell exists in normal state as an element with numerous intricated processes pervading the fibrillar substrate. Numerous free polyribosomes and vacuoles are its most marked component. Activation of septal cells was demonstrated under experimental conditions. Their transformation into free macrophages is probable. In the pulmonary intersitium, in the perivascular loose connective tissue particularly free cells of a similar structure as blood monocytes were shown in normal state. Under experimental conditions an increased number of monocytes is present in pulmonary capillaries, e.g. 24 hours after an intratracheal instillation of India ink colloid solution. At the same interval a number of free cells of the monocyte structure was found in the perivascular connective tissue and also in the alveolar lumen, with phagocytized carbon. An increased number of monocytes transforming into macrophagic cells was visualized in this localization as late as 14 days after the instillation of India ink colloid solution. The experimental study with an intratracheal instillation of India ink colloid solution in the mouse gave evidence of a high readiness of AMF. The carbon particles were seen phagocytized at an interval of 5 minutes after instillation. In all intervals during which free carbon particles were present in the alveolar epithelium mature AMF were observed with no or very low phagocytic activity, their lysosomal apparatus being prominent. On the contrary, in the phagocytizing AMF, the lysosomal apparatus disappeared in the greatest part of the cytoplasm. The clearance of AMF occurs predominantly by the air route...