Helminthes detected from wild sika deer (Cervus nippon centralis) in Kanto-Chubu region, Japan.

The helminth fauna of 105 sika deer (Cervus nippon centralis) captured in Yamanashi, Kanagawa and Nagano Prefectures, Japan was investigated during 2014-2019. As a result, 12 helminthes, i.e. 3 digeneans (Ogmocotyle sikae, Dicrocoelium chinensis and D. dendriticum), 8 nematodes (Gongylonema pulchrum, Dictyocaulus sp., Pygarginema sp., Spiculopteragia houdemeri, Chabaudstrongylus ninhae, Trichuris discolor, Oesophagostomum sikae and Oes. asperum), and 1 cestode (Moniezia sp.) were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Pygarginema sp., Cha. ninhae, and Oes. asperum from sika deer in Japan. Some helminthes detected in the present study can infect livestock. Considering the possibility of the spread of the helminthes to livestock through deer excrement, it is important to promote understanding the parasite fauna in wild deer.

Gastrointestinal parasites in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) calves from Fennoscandia: An epidemiological study.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) host numerous parasites. Although there is a general knowledge about parasite diversity in reindeer, detailed baseline information about parasitic infections is limited. Detailed knowledge of parasite prevalence and diversity provide a pathway for more targeted parasite control, an increasing need expected in the future. The main aim of our cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in semidomesticated reindeer calves. The 480 reindeer calves included in our study were aged 6-7 months, originated from 9 reindeer herding cooperatives in Finland and 1 in Norway, and were slaughtered during September-November 2015 in 10 reindeer slaughterhouses. All the reindeer calves passed meat inspection, and the detected parasitic infections were subclinical. As the reindeer included in this study were young animals intended for slaughter, they had never been administrated any antiparasitic treatment. Assessments of gastrointestinal parasitism among these reindeer calves were based on fecal examination and morphological identification of coccidian oocysts or helminth eggs. Individual fecal samples collected from the rectum of each of the reindeer were examined using a modified McMaster method. Most (78.3%) of the reindeer calves had eggs or oocysts of at least one parasite species in their feces, and more than half (53.5%) had a mixed infection. Strongylid eggs were detected in 75.6%, Eimeria sp. oocysts in 50.6%, Moniezia sp. eggs in 28.1%, Nematodirus sp. eggs in 22.1%, Capillaria sp. eggs in 9.4%, and Trichuris sp. eggs in 0.6% of the samples. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was similar or higher relative to previous estimates from the region; the proportion of reindeer calves shedding strongylid eggs and the proportion of reindeer calves shedding Moniezia sp. eggs had increased. Prevalence varied by geographical region, which may reflect different herding practices or environmental parameters. Higher reindeer density was a risk factor for testing positive for Eimeria sp. oocysts, and the odds of testing positive for Nematodirus sp. eggs were higher if a peroral route was used for antiparasitic treatment in the reindeer herding cooperative. The mean proportion of reindeer estimated to receive antiparasitic treatment in Finland was 86% in 2004-2005 and 91% in 2014-2015. During the historical time frames of current management practices, this routine annual antiparasitic treatment of breeding reindeer has not decreased the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in reindeer calves, which can be seen as sentinels or indicators of the infection pressure.

Biotransformation of anthelmintics and the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the tapeworm Moniezia expansa.

The sheep tapeworm Moniezia expansa is very common parasite, which affects ruminants such as sheep, goats as well as other species. The benzimidazole anthelmintics albendazole (ABZ), flubendazole (FLU) and mebendazole (MBZ) are often used to treat the infection. The drug-metabolizing enzymes of helminths may alter the potency of anthelmintic treatment. The aim of our study was to assess the activity of the main drug-metabolizing enzymes and evaluate the metabolism of selected anthelmintics (ABZ, MBZ and FLU) in M. expansa. Activities of biotransformation enzymes were determined in subcellular fractions. Metabolites of the anthelmintics were detected and identified using high performance liquid chromatography/ultra-violet/VIS/fluorescence or ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Reduction of MBZ, FLU and oxidation of ABZ were proved as well as activities of various metabolizing enzymes. Despite the fact that the conjugation enzymes glutathione S-transferase, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase and UDP-glucosyl transferase were active in vitro, no conjugated metabolites of anthelmintics were identified either ex vivo or in vitro. The obtained results indicate that sheep tapeworm is able to deactivate the administered anthelmintics, and thus protects itself against their action.

Effect of lead in water on the absorption of copper, iron, manganese and zinc by sheep (Ovis aries) infected with sheep tapeworm (Moniezia expansa).

The sheep tapeworm (Moniezia expansa) and its host Ovis aries were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for their copper, iron, manganese, zinc and lead levels. Element concentrations in cestode parasites were compared to those in various organs (liver, kidney, and muscle) of sheep. Tapeworms in the small intestine of sheep that were administered 2g of Pb(CH(3)COO)(2) per os daily (7 days) had significantly higher lead concentrations than sheep tissues. Cu levels significantly increased after Pb administration in sheep muscle and sheep tapeworms. Contrarily, Zn content significantly decreased in sheep muscle, but significantly increased in sheep tapeworms. However, Mn content significantly decreased after Pb administration in sheep tapeworms. Furthermore, Fe content significantly decreased after Pb administration in sheep liver and kidneys.

Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infection in goats raised in Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infection in goats raised in Nakhon Pathom Province. Fecal samples from 190 goats in 12 herds were collected per rectum. Questionnaires focusing on the general information about the farm and farmers, and management practices on farms were completed. Modified McMaster counting technique was performed to detect eggs of intestinal parasites. Each egg found was classified into three groups of parasites based on its characteristics. Individual and herd prevalence were calculated. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to analyze risk factors of infection. Herd prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 100%, while individual prevalence was 79.47%. Strongyle group was the most common intestinal parasite found in this study. Moniezia spp. (8/190) and Trichuris spp. (1/190) were also found. The average number of eggs found was 1,176 eggs per gram of feces. Risk factors for intestinal parasite infection were housing system, deworming interval, and type of goat in herd. Goats housed in groups had higher infection rates compared with goats housed individually (odds ratio (OR) = 6.34; P value = 0.009). Goats in herds in which anthelmintic drugs were administered in intervals of greater than 3 months were more likely to become infected with intestinal parasites (OR = 33.07; P value <0.001). Goats in herds that kept only dairy goats were less likely to become infected than herd that kept only meat goats or kept both dairy and meat goats (OR = 46.20 and 8.75; P value <0.001 and 0.011, respectively).

Movable computer ruler (MCR): a new method for measuring the size of Toxoplasma gondii cysts, tachyzoites and other selected parasites.

A new method for measuring the size of parasites and other objects using optical microscopy was developed using a specifically designed movable computer ruler (MCR) derived from digital images of a stage micrometer. Subsequently, MCR can be superimposed on images of parasites to measure their size. MCR derived from the stage micrometer under a particular objective lens can be used to measure the size of an object acquired by the same lens/microscope/camera system. The conditions are fixed for every superimposed image including width, height, pixel number and density. The MCR was tested using selected parasites, and shown to be as accurate as the ocular micrometer disk, screw micrometer eyepiece and image analysis software. The lower technical complexity of the MCR method makes it applicable even in laboratories with limited resources.

Gastrointestinal parasites in goats from Monte Castelo, Santa Catarina, Brazil / Parasitas gastrintestinais em caprinos de Monte Castelo, Santa Catarina, Brasil

This study was carried out with the aim of estimating the degree of gastrointestinal helminth infection in goats on the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina. Twelve young females and 11 adult females were used. Every 28 days, feces samples were taken to quantify the nematode eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Larval culturing was performed on a pool of positive samples from the same group. The fecal egg counts (FECs) ranged from zero to 10,400 EPG in the young group and zero to 7,600 EPG in the adult group. The mean FECs were between 583.3 and 4441.7 in the young group and between 418.2 and 2181.8 in the adult group. Eggs of the order Strongylida and genera Moniezia and Toxocara, and oocysts of Coccidia, were observed. The young animals were more affected and Haemonchus was the most prevalent genus in the samples.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de estimar o grau de infecção dos helmintos gastrintestinais em um rebanho caprino criado no Planalto Norte Catarinense. Foram utilizadas 12 fêmeas jovens e 11 adultas, das quais, a cada 28 dias, foram coletadas amostras de fezes diretamente do reto, totalizando 12 coletas, para quantificação de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) e cultivo de larvas através de "pool" das amostras positivas do mesmo grupo. A contagem de OPG variou de zero a 10.400 nos animais jovens e de zero a 7.600 nos adultos. As médias do OPG entre as coletas foram de 583,3 a 4.441,7 no grupo jovem e de 418,2 a 2.181,8 nos adultos, sendo observados ovos da ordem Strongylida, dos gêneros Moniezia e Toxocara, bem como oocistos de coccídeos. Os animais mais jovens foram os mais acometidos, sendo o gênero Haemonchus o mais prevalente.

Studies on monieziasis of sheep I. Prevalence and antihelminthic effects of some plant extracts, a light and electron microscopic study.

Out of 2,343 examined sheep throughout the whole year, 271 were found to be infected with tapeworms (11.5%). The highest infection rate (22.1%) was recorded in autumn, while the lowest (6%) occurred in summer. Six species of cestodes were identified according to their prevalence: Moniezia expansa (74%), Moniezia denticulata (8.5%), Moniezia benedeni (4.8%), Moniezia trigonophora (2.7%), and Thysaniezia giardi (2.7%), T. giardi was recorded in Egypt for the first time. M. expansa was found throughout the year with two peaks in January (92.3%) and June (88.5%). SEM examination revealed that M. expansa scolex has four triangular suckers guarded by an X-shaped fibrous band that makes them open permanently. Also, there is a Y-shaped apical part at the scolex center which may be an embryonically non-developed rostellum. The whole worm body surface is covered with unidirectional microtriches. TEM showed that the tegument is underlaid by a thick fibrous interstitial layer below which an outer circular and an inner longitudinal muscular layer are arranged. Beneath these structures the subtegumental cells are found which have spherical electron-dense inclusions and various other cell organelles. Moreover, M. expansa has interproglottidal glands which contain secretory vesicles and secretions. For biological control of this parasite, different concentrations of crude plant extract of Artemisia cina were used in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the results indicated that the plant extract is efficacious at all concentrations tested. Electron microscopic examination showed that many structures of the treated worms were affected. The most affected sites were the scolex and the microtriches of the outer tegumental surface. In vivo, treatment of heavily infected animals showed an antihelminthic effect, since the complete absence of eggs was recorded 9 days after treatment when fecal investigations were done.

Experimental studies on the cadmium accumulation in the cestode Moniezia expansa (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) and its final host (Ovis aries).

The tapeworm Moniezia expansa and naturally infected sheep were investigated with respect to their cadmium accumulation. Cadmium chloride (CdCl(2), 0.2 g) was added to 10 ml of distilled water and administered orally to the sheep every day for a period of 1 week. The cadmium content of M. expansa was lower than that in the liver tissues of sheep, although this difference was not significant. The highest mean cadmium concentrations were found in the liver of sheep infected with M. expansa (24.5+/-11.5 mgkg(-1) dry weight). The mean cadmium concentration measured in M. expansa was 21.5+/-19.2 mgkg(-1) dry weight, which was 31 and 1.5 times higher than levels determined in the muscle and kidney of the host, respectively, but 0.9 times lower than levels determined in the liver of host. Sheeps with M. expansa infection always had higher cadmium concentrations in the tissues (with the exception of the blood) than their uninfected conspecifics.

Experimental studies on the lead accumulation in the cestode Moniezia expansa (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) and its final host (Ovis aries).

The tapeworm Moniezia expansa and naturally infected sheep were investigated with respect to their lead accumulation. Lead-Pb(CH(3)COO)(2) was added to the distilled water and administered orally to the sheep every day for a period of 1 week. After the exposure period the sheep were killed and the metal levels were determined in the muscle, liver, kidney and blood of the sheep as well as in the cestode parasites (Moniezia expansa). The impact of an infection with the cestode Moniezia expansa and a simultaneous Pb exposure, on the concentrations of heavy metals in the host kidney, liver, muscle, blood and cestodes was studied. The concentration of lead in the cestodes was on average 458, 5 and 4-fold higher in the cestodes than in the muscle, liver and kidney of the host, respectively. Parasitised sheep accumulated significantly less lead in their tissues than their uninfected conspecifics (ANOVA test, P < or = 0.05). Also the differences between host's tissues and tapeworms were found to be significant (ANOVA test, P < or = 0.05). Thus, this study reveals that lead accumulation also occurs in cestodes parasitizing mammals. The host-parasite-system sheep-Moniezia expansa appears to be a useful and promising bioindication system especially in farming (rural, agricultural) and the natural ecosystem.

Generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags from a cDNA library of Moniezia expansa.

The Moniezia expansa is a parasite of sheep that causes diarrhea and fleshless leading to stockbreeding losses. A genomic resource for large-scale molecular studies in this parasite is lacking. To study the gene expression including development, digestion and reproduction organs of M. expansa, a cDNA library had been constructed and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) had been analyzed, which were helpful for the development of a powerful microarray platform which are used to analyze gene expression in this species. cDNAs are useful resources in annotating genes and providing functional analysis of genes. In this study, a cDNA library from adult cestode of M. expansa was created and 2642 ESTs from 5'-ends of the cDNA clones representing 1081 unigenes were obtained. Cluster analysis of these ESTs allowed identification of 1081 unique sequences containing 351 contigs and 730 singletons. BLASTX searches identified 780 significant (E-value<10(-5)) hits and further Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used to annotate these genes. All the EST sequences were deposited under dbEST in GenBank (GenBank: FE905224-FE905315, FE942104-FE942773, FE969189-FE969190, FF677548-FF677734, FF848124-FF848253). Although we only obtained 1081 unigenes, the set of ESTs identified represents a significant proportion of the M. expansa and provides molecular resource for the development of microarrays for gene expression studies concerning development, metabolism and reproduction.

Occurrence of Moniezia expansa (Rud, 1810) Blanchard, 1891 (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758) in Perú.

The presence of Moniezia expansa (Rud, 1810) Blanchard, 1891, is reported in domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica Linnaeus, 1758). Four tapeworms were collected and identified as M. expansa. This is the first report of M. expansa collected in a domestic pig in Perú.

Paleoparasitological records in a canid coprolite from Patagonia, Argentina.

In this note, organic remains identified as a canid coprolite were examined. The material was dated at 6540 +/- 110 B.P.; it was collected in the Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Paleoparasitological analysis was performed following standard procedures. Coprolite fragments were rehydrated in a trisodium phosphate aqueous solution and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation for microscope analysis. Eggs of nematodes identified as Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Uncinaria sp., and an ascaridid (probably Toxascaris sp.) or spirurids (presumably Physaloptera sp.), plus a cestode (Anoplocephalidae), presumably Moniezia sp., were found.

Drug transport mechanisms in helminth parasites: passive diffusion of benzimidazole anthelmintics.

Anthelmintic molecules must reach their receptors inside target parasites to exert the pharmacological effect. Available data suggest that the main route of entry of antiparasitic drugs into helminth parasites would be through their external surface. However, it is unclear if trans-tegumental/cuticular penetration is the most important way of entry of benzimidazole (BZD) anthelmintics into their target parasites compared to oral ingestion. The relative involvement of active and passive transport mechanisms has not been defined. The goal of the work reported here was to determine the main processes involved in the entry of BZD anthelmintic molecules into the three main classes of helminth parasites. Adult specimens of Moniezia benedeni (cestode), Fasciola hepatica (trematode) and Ascaris suum (nematode) were incubated in Kreb's Ringer Tris buffer (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C) (1g parasite/10 ml incubation medium) for 15, 45, and 90 min, respectively, in the presence of a concentration gradient of either fenbendazole (FBZ), oxfendazole or triclabendazole sulphoxide (TCBZSO) (1-30 mol/ml, n=4). Dead helminth specimens were also incubated with the same drug concentration gradient. Specimens of F. hepatica with the oral route closed off by ligation were incubated with TCBZSO in the presence or absence of bovine serum albumin. After the incubation time elapsed, samples of parasite material were chemically extracted and prepared for high performance liquid chromatography analysis to measure drug/metabolite concentrations. Equivalent drug concentrations were measured within ligated and non-ligated liver flukes, demonstrating that BZD do mainly penetrate by trans-tegumental diffusion. The higher the concentration of BZD molecules in the incubation medium, the greater their concentration recovered within the helminth parasites. High correlation coefficients (>0.98) were obtained between initial drug concentration in the incubation medium and those measured inside the nematode, cestode, and trematode parasites. FBZ concentrations recovered from tissues of dead cestodes/nematodes over time were significantly greater compared to those measured in living parasites. These differences in drug diffusion may be related to the morphological/functional properties of the parasite's external surfaces. The outcome of the work reported here indicates that passive drug transfer through the external helminth surface is the main transport mechanism accounting for BZD accumulation into target parasites.

Efficacy of Commiphora molmol (Mirazid) against sheep naturally infected with monieziasis expansa in Al-Santa Center, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt.

The efficacy of Commiphora molmol or Myrrh (Mirazid) was evaluated in treating sheep naturally infected with Moniezia expansa. Total doses of one, two or three capsules (300 mg each) were given for one, two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight successive days on an empty stomach an hour before offering their breakfast. Every day the stools of the three groups were examined microscopically and macroscopically for eggs and/or gravid segments. When the stool was negative, the treatment was stopped. That sheep group was examined macroscopically after being slaughtered for adult worms in intestine. A total dose of 3600 mg given as three capsules per days for four days gave a cure rate of 100.0% with no clinical side effects. A dose of 4800 mg given as two capsules per day for eight days gave a cure rate of 100.0% with no clinical side effects. On the other hand, a total dose of 2400 given as one capsule per day for eight days gave a cure rate 40.0%. Consequently, Myrrh extract of the medicinal plant, Commiphora molmol (Mirazid) proved to be safe and very effective in sheep monieziasis expansa.

Human Monieziasis expansa: the first Egyptian parastic zoonosis.

This paper reports the first Egyptian zoonotic infection with the common tapeworm of sheep, Moniezia expansa. Perhaps this is the first human monieziasis expansa in the sheep raising countries worldwide. Diagnosis was based on recovery of the characteristic eggs from the stool of a fifteen-years-old shepherd. A single dose of Niclosamide one gram proved effective.

Laboratory and field studies on oribatid mites as intermediate host of Moniezia expansa infecting Egytptian sheep.

Three species of oribatid mites, Scheloribates zaherii, Zygoribatula tadrosi and Z. sayedi from pure colonies were experimentally exposed to infection by allowing them to feed on stool sheep infected with Moniezia expansa. The mites were followed up to the development of the infective cysticercoids. M. expansa was able to achieve sucessfully its larval development in the three species of oribatid mites under laboratory conditions. These were demonstrated after 84, 73 & 69 days post infection, respectively. Z. tadrosi is recorded as inter-mediate host for the first time in Egypt. Six species of oribatid mites, Oppiella nova, S. laevigatus, S. zaherii, Xylobates souchiensis, Epilohmannia pallida aegyptiaca and Z. sayedi, recovered from the sheep infested farm soil, were found naturally infected with different developmental stages of M. expansa.