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The NLRP3 receptor can assemble inflammasome platforms to trigger inflammatory responses; however, accumulating evidence suggests that it can also display anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we explored the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain pyrin-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) in Taenia crassiceps experimental infection, which requires immune polarization into a Th2-type profile and peritoneal influx of suppressive macrophages for successful colonization. NLRP3 deficient mice (NLRP3−/−) were highly resistant against T. crassiceps, relative to wild-type (WT) mice. Resistance in NLRP3−/− mice was associated with a diminished IL-4 output, high levels of IL-15, growth factor for both innate and adaptive lymphocytes, and a dramatic decrease in peritoneum-infiltrating suppressive macrophages. Also, a transcriptional analysis on bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to Taenia-secreted antigens and IL-4 revealed that NLRP3−/− macrophages express reduced transcripts of relm-α and PD-1 ligands, markers of alternative activation and suppressive ability, respectively. Finally, we found that the resistance displayed by NLRP3−/− mice is transferred through intestinal microbiota exchange, since WT mice co-housed with NLRP3−/− mice were significantly more resistant than WT animals preserving their native microbiota. Altogether, these data demonstrate that NLRP3 is a component of innate immunity required for T. crassiceps to establish, most likely contributing to macrophage recruitment, and controlling lymphocyte-stimulating cytokines such as IL-15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisheries play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, a resource with ecological and economic importance. Measuring parasite prevalence is necessary to assess these fish species' health and well-being. Within the Sistan region, this study sought to estimate the prevalence and intensity of infection with plerocercoid Ligula intestinalis (L. intestinalis) in seven fish species and identify factors such as fish weight, seasonality, and fishing location that might influence infection rates. 2800 fish from seven species were obtained in the Sistan region throughout four seasons. Fish samples from three weight categories (<200gr, 200–400gr, 400gr<) were examined parasitologically. Ligula intestinalis was detected in 96/2800 (3.4%) of fishs. There was a variation in prevalence among fish species. Alburnus charusini (A. charusini), Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (H. molitrix), Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (H. nobilis), and Schizocypris altidorsalis (S. altidorsalis) showed no infection. Schizothorax zarudnyi (S. zarudnyi) showed a prevalence of 1.5% (6/400), Cyprinus carpio (C. carpio) 15% (60/400), and Ctenopharyngodon idella (C. idella) 7.5% (30/400). It was found that infection prevalence was significantly influenced by fish weight in C. carpio and C. idella. A higher prevalence was found in fish with lower weight. Infection rates significantly fluctuated with season across species, but fishing locations had no significant difference. The present study highlights the significant prevalence of L. intestinalis infections in fish populations within Iran's Sistan region, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and research to inform effective fishery management strategies. Future studies should focus on long-term monitoring efforts and consider the broader global context of fish parasitology to understand parasite-host interactions better and inform conservation measures worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to investigate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of methanolic leaf extract of Solanum spirale (Solanaceae), a traditionally used anthelmintic plant in India, on poultry gastrointestinal tapeworm, Raillietina echinobothrida. S. spirale methanol leaf extract was tested in vitro at 10, 20 and 30 mg/ml concentration against R. echinobothrida. Praziquantel (1 mg/ml) was used as the reference drug. The effects of extract were monitored on physical activity of parasites, besides on the tegument by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histochemical localization of major tegumental enzymes of parasite. The study demonstrated the highest efficacy of extract at 30 mg/ml concentration, wherein paralysis of worms occurred in 8.73 ± 0.09 h and mortality in 9.76 ± 0.13 h. SEM of extract-treated worms showed damage to the scolex, with distorted suckers and shrunken body segments with distorted microtriches. The histochemical studies on tegumental enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase revealed a depletion in the intensity of specific stains of these enzymes in the extract-treated worms as compared to the controls. S. spirale leaves possess significant anthelmintic properties which validates their use in traditional medicine. The results from structural and histochemical studies suggest that tegument and its associated enzymes appear to be the key targets for anthelmintic activity of extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tapeworms of Avitellina spp. are among those gastrointestinal parasitic helminths which infect wild and domestic ruminants worldwide leading to various clinical manifestations in the ruminant hosts, thereby causing considerable economic losses in livestock production. While these worms are among the major constraints in ruminant livestock raising, there is very meagre molecular information available making their identity error-prone. This study aimed to provide insights into the genetic characterization of these economically important tapeworms. Methods: In the present study, we examined 480 guts of slaughtered goats (n = 413) and sheep (n = 67) of which 74 guts were found infected with anoplocephalid cestodes (sheep gut:18; goat gut:56). A total of 27 Avitellina lahorea worms (19 from goat and 8 from sheep) were isolated, fixed, relaxed and stained using Gower's carmine stain. For molecular analyses, the genomic DNA was extracted and fragments of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, internal transcribed spacer1-5.8S ribosomal RNA (ITS1-5.8S rRNA) gene, and small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene were amplified and sequenced. Results: Based on snail-shaped paruterine organs and other morphological and morphometric features, the worms were identified as Avitellina lahorea. The phylogenetic analyses, based on our original cox1 gene sequence and those available from NCBI GenBank, showed Avitellina tapeworms as a sister lineage of Thysaniezia with 14 to 17% genetic divergence. Molecular analyses of 18S rRNA gene sequences depicted the present isolate as one of the species of the genus Avitellina clustering with A. centripunctata as a separate species in the phylogenetic tree with 92% homogeneity in sequences. In conjunction with existing data of internal transcribed spacer1-5.8S rRNA (ITS1-5.8S rRNA) gene, the phylogenetic analysis placed the present isolate among the anoplocephalids as one of the species. Conclusion: The present study is the first molecular report on A. lahorea isolated from sheep and goats with the simultaneous use of a morphological approach, and certainly contributes to bridging the existing gaps in the understanding of these economically important parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first cestode genomes were obtained by an international consortium led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute that included representative institutions from countries where the sequenced parasites have been studied for decades, in part because they are etiological agents of endemic diseases (Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, USA, Japan, and China). After this, several complete genomes were obtained reaching 16 species to date. Cestode genomes have smaller relative size compared to other animals including free-living flatworms. Moreover, the features genome size and repeat content seem to differ in the two analyzed orders. Cyclophyllidean species have smaller genomes and with fewer repetitive content than Diphyllobothriidean species. On average, cestode genomes have 13,753 genes with 6 exons per gene and 41% GC content. More than 5,000 shared cestode proteins were accurately annotated by the integration of gene predictions and transcriptome evidence being more than 40% of these proteins of unknown function. Several gene losses and reduction of gene families were found and could be related to the extreme parasitic lifestyle of these species. The application of cutting-edge sequencing technology allowed the characterization of the terminal sequences of chromosomes that possess unique characteristics. Here, we review the current status of knowledge of complete cestode genomes and place it within a comparative genomics perspective. Multidisciplinary work together with the implementation of new technologies will provide valuable information that can certainly improve our chances to finally eradicate or at least control diseases caused by cestodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disruption of different host species by their parasites is an oft-neglected topic in the field of ecotoxicology. Several endocrine disrupting chemicals, both synthetic and natural, are reported to influence host-parasite interactions in various ways. This review highlights different aspects of endocrine disruption by a diphyllobothriidean (previously pseudophyllidean) cestode Ligula intestinalis and its effect on its wide range of fish hosts. Although this cosmopolitan cestode with a three-host life cycle can damage the host physiology by reproductive, phenotypic, behavioural, haematological, growth and mortality related alterations, the most significant of these effects is parasitic castration, i.e., reducing the fecundity by damaging the reproductive system. The effects of endocrine disruption by other helminth infections and interactions with polluting agents are also discussed. It is concluded that the potential bioaccumulation of the effects in the hosts at higher trophic levels and consequent threat towards human, especially in Indian context, need to be studied in depth to control or reduce the detrimental effects of parasite-induced endocrine disruption in the hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of human taeniosis can be achieved through coproscopy, ELISA or PCR. An important limitation of these methods is the high turnaround time for stool sample collection and preparation, indicating the need for a straightforward sampling strategy. Due to the high metabolic activity and reproductive potential of Taenia spp., we hypothesise that parasite DNA (cells and eggs) present in the peri-anal region of the host can be exploited as a target for molecular diagnosis. We evaluated the feasibility of recovering parasite DNA from the peri-anal area of foxes naturally infected with Taenia spp. Before necropsy, cotton swabs were rubbed at the peri-anal region of foxes. DNA was extracted using alkaline lysis coupled with a commercial DNA isolation kit (method A) or alkaline lysis alone (method B). DNA was used in the multiplex-PCR assay (previously described and called here swab-PCR) and a novel LAMP assay detecting Taenia spp. commonly found in foxes (swab-LAMP). The results of these assays from 105 foxes were compared with the presence of intestinal helminths determined at necropsy and by the sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). The sensitivity of swab-PCR for detecting Taenia (n = 68) was 89.8% (95% CI, 77.7–96.6) and 89.5% (66.9–98.7) using methods A and B, respectively. The sensitivity of the swab-LAMP assay was 83.7% (70.3–92.7) using method A and 89.5% (66.9–98.7) with method B. We postulate that peri-anal swab sampling followed by simplified DNA extraction and LAMP might be a suitable strategy for surveillance of human taeniosis in resource-limited settings in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection of non-indigenous pumpkinseed (Lepomisgibbosus, Centrarchidae) with the bothriocephalidean cestode Bothriocephalusclaviceps (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) was confirmed at several sites in the lower Oder river basin in Poland. The preferred host for this cestode species is the European eel (Anguillaanguilla), with a wide range of other fish species serving as paratenic hosts. The pumpkinseed showed a relatively high prevalence and abundance of larvae, along with several mature and gravid specimens, thereby confirming development of B.claviceps to the adult stage in an alternative host. As such, the pumpkinseed may represent an additional definitive host for this cestode, in addition to its role as a paratenic host, as previously recorded in other European regions. Our results indicate that inclusion of pumpkinseed as an additional definitive host in the cestode's life cycle, high infection of pumpkinseed with B.claviceps larvae and inclusion of pumpkinseed in the eel's diet could potentially lead to increased parasite pressure on native fish hosts. Further comparative studies or experimental testing will be required to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although many batoid species, known as final hosts of lecanicephalidean cestodes, exist in the Persian Gulf, no knowledge regarding this cestode order is available for this region. This study is the first one focusing on this order in the Persian Gulf. Methods: A total of 11 cowtail stingrays, Pastinachus sephen (Forsskål), were collected from the north eastern Persian Gulf. Isolated cestodes were fixed in 10% seawater-buffered formalin and stored in 70% ethanol. For morphological examinations, worms were stained using acetic carmine; a subset was prepared for SEM. Results: A new species of Polypocephalus Braun, 1878 was described. Polypocephalus barsami sp. nov. is the only species within its genus reported outside the waters of Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and Egypt in the Indian Ocean. Since the microtriches were not described in the generic diagnosis of Polypocephalus, the description of the microtriches is added based on the standardised terminology. Furthermore, the characteristics of this new species were discussed and compared within Polypocephalus, many species of which have poor descriptions. Conclusions: Polypocephalus barsami sp. nov. is the first report of the genus Polypocephalus in the Persian Gulf and the 15th valid species of its genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation aims to evaluate the effect of leaf extract of the anthelmintic medicinal plant Lysimachia ramosa and its n-butanol fraction on glycogen concentration and carbohydrate related metabolic enzymes viz. hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), malic enzyme (ME) and fumarate reductase (FR) in the cestode Raillietina echinobothrida. Following exposure to crude leaf extract and n-butanol fraction at a dose of 6 mg/ml of phosphate buffered saline, glycogen concentration decreased by 26–51% post paralysis whereas in terms of carbohydrate related metabolic enzymes, highest inhibition was seen in case of MDH (66–75%) followed by FR (64–66%), PEPCK (54–64%), LDH (48–60%), ME (33–38%) and PK (27–36%). The decrease in the enzyme activities of HK, LDH and MDH were also demonstrated histochemically. The result indicates that the intrusion of the phytoconstituents in the function of enzymes of energy generating pathway of R. echinobothrida, perhaps dispossesses the parasite from energy production leading to paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During an investigation, a rare cestode species belonging to the genus, Oochoristica were found in Meerut, UP, India, from the intestine of the host, Hemidactylus brookii Gray, 1845 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae). The tapeworms were found to be similar in their morphological characters with Oochoristica hemidactyli Johri, 1955 (Cestoda: Linstowiidae). Materials and Methods: The host Hemidactylus brookii used in this analysis was caught from May to July 2018 from Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut (UP), India. Parasites were examined by microscopy. 18S and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of ribosomal RNA were sequenced and analyzed for the molecular study. Results: This paper provides the first trustworthy confirmation about the occurrence of O. hemidactyli inferred with molecular data using ribosomal 18S and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene cluster DNA sequences. Molecular analysis shows that the studied specimens were clustered separately and did not show a close relationship with any other cestode spp., represented in the GenBank. Conclusion: This is the foremost molecular characterization of any species of Oochoristica and of O. hemidactyli after 64 years of its original description that contributing to the systematic analysis of the helminthological biodiversity of reptilian hosts. These results provide a reference for future molecular study of species of Oochoristica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diphyllobothriasis is a parasitic fish-borne disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Dibothriocephalus (=Diphyllobothrium). The majority of reported cases are attributed to D. latum, based on morphological identification of eggs or proglottids. However, numerous reports in recent years suggested that other Dibothriocephalus species could be involved in human infections, mainly after consumption of salmonid fish. Among these, D. nihonkaiense has been predominantly reported from Eastern Asia and probably underestimated in the rest of the world. We report here a clinical case of D. nihonkaiense in a French patient (without history of travel abroad) after consumption of salmon. Suspected on morphological characteristics, the final identification of D. nihonkaiense was performed using molecular methods by sequencing nad1, cox1, and 5.8S rRNA (containing ITS1 and 2) genes sequences. The patient was successfully treated by a single dose of praziquantel. Reports of diphyllobothriasis due to D. nihonkaiense are rare outside Asia, but worldwide demand of seafood could lead to the globalization of cases and reflect the need to monitor the distribution of Dibothriocephalus species. Thus, clinical parasitologists should be aware of this risk and able to raise the possibility of infections by non-endemic Dibothriocephalus species in order to use the proper molecular tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has many key roles in the development of animals, including a conserved and central role in the specification of the primary (antero-posterior) body axis. The posterior expression of Wnt ligands and the anterior expression of secreted Wnt inhibitors are known to be conserved during the larval metamorphosis of tapeworms. However, their downstream signaling components for Wnt/beta-catenin signaling have not been characterized. In this work, we have studied the core components of the beta-catenin destruction complex of the human pathogen Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis. We focused on two Axin paralogs that are conserved in tapeworms and other flatworm parasites. Despite their divergent sequences, both Axins could robustly interact with one E. multilocularis beta-catenin paralog and limited its accumulation in a heterologous mammalian expression system. Similarly to what has been described in planarians (free-living flatworms), other beta-catenin paralogs showed limited or no interaction with either Axin and are unlikely to function as effectors in Wnt signaling. Additionally, both Axins interacted with three divergent GSK-3 paralogs that are conserved in free-living and parasitic flatworms. Axin paralogs have highly segregated expression patterns along the antero-posterior axis in the tapeworms E. multilocularis and Hymenolepis microstoma, indicating that different beta-catenin destruction complexes may operate in different regions during their larval metamorphosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Orygmatobothrium Diesing, 1863 was discovered from Mustelus mosis Hemprich et Ehrenberg in the north-eastern Persian Gulf. Orygmatobothrium persiense n. sp. is the fourth valid species of its genus and differs from its congeners by the number of the proglottids. In addition, the testes distributed in 3–4 rows deep in cross sections, the length of the cephalic peduncle, and a conspicuous bothridial cleft above the apical sucker distinguish the new species, respectively, from O. juani, O. musteli, and O. schmittii. This is the first time that a species of Orygmatobothrium is described and reported outside the Atlantic Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, from August 2015 to July 2016, a total of 159 specimens of Wallago attu Bloch and Scheider, 1801 vern. mully were collected from the Ropar wetland, Punjab, India and were examined for the presence of intestinal tapeworms. The infection rate was 12.5%, out of which, two fishes were heavily infected with a proteocephalidean cestode belonging to the genus Gangesia in the month of February. Gangesia punjabensis sp. nov. was identified and described on the basis of morphology and partial amplification of LSUrDNA (28S rDNA). The histopathogenesis caused by these parasites have also been studied in histological sections. About 9-35 number of worms were collected from a single host. The length of worms ranged from 6.0 to 6.2 cm. The strobila consisted of an armed scolex, neck, immature proglottids (approximately 90 in number) and mature proglottids (approximately 7 in number) and gravid proglottids were not detected. Analysis of 28S large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequence of the isolate of G. punjabensis n. sp. demonstrated maximum similarity of 99% with G. bengalensis, 98% with G. vachai, 97% with G. macrones. The phylogenetic tree based on the final edited alignment (822 bp) with Neighbour-Joining showed the highest bootstrap value of 100 and placed G. punjabensis n. sp. with G. bengalensis and G. macrones in the same clade showing them to be a species complex. The intestinal mucosal lining exhibited blister formation, haemorrhagia and inflammation due to the presence of deeply embedded scolices. Histopathology caused was evident due to disruption of villous surface and cellular infiltration. This is the first report of cestodes belonging to the genus Gangesia from Ropar wetland, Punjab, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senna alexandrina Mill. has been used for antimicrobial activity. In the present study, the crude ethanolic extract of the plant and a synthetic compound Sennoside were tested in vitro on Hymenolepis diminuta to evaluate its potential anthelmintic efficacy through ultrastructural changes. Worms were maintained between rat model and beetle and the test parasites were exposed to different concentrations of crude ethanolic leaf extracts of S. alexandrina. Praziquantel was used as a reference drug. Dose dependent efficacy was observed in terms of motility and time of mortality in all treated parasites. Ultrastructural micrography revealed irrevocable destruction all over the body tegument accompanied with sloughing of microtriches and swellings of the basal lamina. Vacuolization of the syncytium along with sparsely cytoplasmic cytons and depletion of parenchymatous layer were observed accompanied by deformities in the cell organelles. Extensive deformities in the tegument indicates that the plant extract alter membrane permeability of the parasite leading to paralysis and subsequent death. Thus, S. alexandrina can be regarded as a potential anthelmintic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides the first ultrastructural data of the vitellogenesis in a cestode species of the cyclophyllidean family Paruterinidae, aiming to expand the limited data on the vitellogenesis in cyclophyllidean cestodes and to explore the potential of ultrastructural characters associated with vitellogenesis for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of this order. The process of vitellocyte formation in Dictyterina cholodkowskii follows the general pattern observed in other tapeworms but exhibits several specific differences in the ultrastructure of vitelline cells. The vitellarium contains vitellocytes at various stages of maturation. The periphery of the vitellarium and the space between maturing vitellocytes are occupied by interstitial cells. Differentiation into mature vitellocytes is characterized by high secretory activity, which involves the development of granular endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, mitochondria and vitelline globules of various sizes. During vitellogenesis, the progressive fusion of these globules results in the formation of two large membrane-limited vitelline vesicles that eventually fuse into a single large vesicle. Mature vitellocytes are composed of a single vitelline vesicle, a high content of cytoplasmic organelles and have no nucleus. No traces of lipid droplets and glycogen granules are detected in the cytoplasm of mature vitellocytes, which might be related to biological peculiarities of this family, i.e. the release of eggs into environment within the tissues of the paruterine organ, which may serve as a source of nutrients for embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid synthesis is an important process in most organisms as well as in helminths. The present observation shows the variation of lipid and fatty acid uptake among cestode, Raillietina ( Fuhrmannetta) echinobothrida; nematode, Ascaridia galli and their host, Gallus domesticus, the common country fowl. Total lipid (TL), neutral lipid (NL), glycolipid (GL), phospholipid (PL) and their fatty acid of cestode, nematode and liver and intestinal fluid of the host were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and gas liquid chromatography respectively. The result shows that liver take more TL, PL and GL except NL. Utilization of lipid from intestinal fluid when compare between the parasites, it is found that TL and PL content of cestode are higher than nematode, whereas, nematode absorbs more NL and GL than cestode. The percent of cholesterol is more in cestode than nematode. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic are the predominant fatty acids among all the samples. The present study reveals that the cestode having large surface area is more opportunistic in the resource utilization over the nematode as well as the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish constitute a major component of diet for the people of Northeast India and they are extensively used as a protein-rich food for human consumption. The present studies incorporate the spectrum, composition and diversity of the parasitic species in freshwater fishes in Meghalaya, Northeast India, with a view to identifying the species recovered by morphological criteria based on light microscopy. The collection sites included sixteen foci from eleven districts of Meghalaya for parasites occurring in the common food fishes (Cypriniformes, Channiformes, Silurformes, Symbranchiformes and Anguilliformes). The helminth parasite spectrum recovered from the various piscine host species in the study area comprised of a total of 19 taxa: 2 monogenean, 8 trematode (4 adult and 4 metacercarial stages), 12 cestode (11 adult and a metacestode stage), 6 nematode (3 adult and 3 larval stages) and a single acanthocephalan species. A checklist of the parasite species with short remarks for each is provided herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrate models provide several important advantages over their vertebrate counterparts including fewer legislative stipulations and faster, more cost-effective experimental procedures. Furthermore, various similarities between insect and mammalian systems have been highlighted. To obtain maximum use of invertebrate models in pharmacology, their fidelity as analogues of vertebrate systems requires verification. We utilised a flour beetle ( Tenebrio molitor)-tapeworm ( Hymenolepis diminuta) model to evaluate the efficacy of known anthelmintic compounds, praziquantel, mebendazole and levamisole against H. diminuta cysticercoid larvae in vitro. Inhibition of cysticercoid activity during the excystation procedure was used as a proxy for worm removal. The effects of the three compounds mirrored their relative efficacy in treatment against adult worms in mammalian systems; however, further study is required to determine the fidelity of this model in relation to dose administered. The model precludes comparison of consecutive daily administration of pharmaceuticals in mammals due to cysticercoids not surviving outside of the host for multiple days. Treatment of beetles in vivo, followed by excystation of cysticercoids postdissection could potentially allow for such comparisons. Further model validation will include analysis of pharmaceutical efficacy in varying H. diminuta isolates and pharmaceutical dilution in solvents other than water. Notwithstanding, our results demonstrate that this model holds promise as a method to efficiently identify promising new cestocidal candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the anthelminitic activity of ginger and curcumin on the cestode Raillietina cesticillus. Live parasites were collected from intestine of naturally infected chickens in PBS 0.9 % and then incubated at 37 °C in media containing ginger extract at three different concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg); every concentration was dissolved in 10 ml media. The curcumin extract was used at three different concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 mg); each was dissolved in 10 ml media. Praziquantel at a concentration of 600 mg was added to 10 ml media. A control one without extract was reported. Regression of worms increased gradually in all concentrations. At 500 mg ginger (50 ± 0 %), worms were regressed at 48 h post-exposure (h.p.e.). Also (50 ± 1.8 %), worms were regressed at 1000 mg curcumin at the same time. On the other hand, praziquantel showed the highest regression (65 ± 2.3 %). The extract efficacy was exhibit as concentration-time-dependent mainly at higher concentrations used after 48 h. In vivo effects of ginger and curcumin were lower than those in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2008 to 2011, faecal samples, ear swabs, and ectoparasites obtained by full body search and total body comb were collected from 252 cats originating from the greater Tirana area. Faecal samples were examined using the McMaster and Baermann techniques, and a subset of 58 samples was tested for Giardia-specific antigen using a coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ear swabs were examined for the presence of parasitic mites. Overall, almost 93 % of the cats were identified harbouring one or more parasites: 59.1 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 53.0-65.0) and 86.9 % (95 % CI, 82.7-91.1) of the cats tested positive for ecto- or endoparasites, respectively; 53.2 % of the cats had evidence for concomitant ectoparasite infestation and endoparasite infection. For ectoparasite infestation, prevalence was 52.0 % for total fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis, 51.2 %; Ctenocephalides canis, 2.0 %; and Leptopsylla segnis, 0.4 %), 8.3 % each for Felicola subrostratus and Otodectes cynotis and 4.0 % for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The most prevalent endoparasites were Toxocara ascarids (48.0 %), followed by Aelurostrongylus lungworms (39.7 %), Capillaria spp. (31.7 %), hookworms (32.9 %), dipylidiid cestodes (27.8 %), Cystoisospora spp. (23.4 %) and taeniid cestodes (2.0 %). One animal was found shedding Pseudamphistomum truncatum eggs. Giardia-specific antigen was detected in 29.3 % of the 58 cats tested. Mixed infections with up to six endoparasites concurrently (excluding Giardia) and mixed infestations with two or three species of ectoparasites were recorded in 73.1 and 22.8 % of the parasite-positive cats, respectively. Cats ≤9 months of age were more frequently tested ( p < 0.05) positive for Toxocara and Cystoisospora infections than cats >9 months while these cats tested more often ( p < 0.05) Aelurostrongylus-positive compared with the younger cats. The prevalence of infestation with ectoparasites did not differ between the cats of these two age groups. Given the impact that some of the parasites may have upon animal health as well as the zoonotic potential of some of them, measures should be taken to minimise the transmission of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nodular tapeworm, Raillietina echinobothrida is a well studied avian gastrointestinal parasite of family Davaineidae (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea). It is reported to be the largest in size and second most prevalent species infecting chicken in north-east India. In the present study, morphometrical methods coupled with the molecular analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA were employed for precise identification of the parasite. The annotated ITS2 region was found to be 446 bp long and further utilized to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and its species-interrelationships at the molecular level. In phylogenetic analysis similar topology was observed among the trees obtained by distance-based neighbor-joining as well as character-based maximum parsimony tree building methods. The query sequence R. echinobothrida is well aligned and placed within the Davaineidae group, with all Raillietina species well separated from the other cyclophyllidean (taeniid and hymenolepid) cestodes, while Diphyllobothrium latum (Pseudophyllidea: Diphyllobothriidae) was rooted as an out-group. Sequence similarities indeed confirmed our hypothesis that Raillietina spp. are neighboring the position with other studied species of order Cyclophyllidea against the out-group order Pseudophyllidea. The present study strengthens the potential of ITS2 as a reliable marker for phylogenetic reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infection rate by Ligula intestinalis has been studied in 14 fish species ( Varicorhinus beso, Garra dembecha, Labeobarbus intermedius, L. crassibarbis, L. tsanensis, L. megastoma, L. brevicephalus, L. nedgia, L. acutirostris, L. gorgorensis, L. dainellii, L. macrophthalmus, Barbus humilis, and B. tanapelagius) from Lake Tana (Ethiopia). Plerocercoids have been found only in the fishes of gg. Labeobarbus and Barbus. Ligula has been found in seven out of ten studied large barbels. Barbels larger than 23 cm are not infected with ligula. It is revealed that a specific 'synergism' exists between Ligula intestinalis and cestode Khawia sp. parasitizing the intestine of barbels. This synergism is manifested as a regular cooccurrence of these parasites. In juvenile Labeobarbus, fish coparasitized by Khawia sp. and L. intestinalis occurred more often than fish infected with each of this parasite separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been studied the activity and properties of fructose bisphosphatase (FBPase) of Bothriocephalus scorpii parasitizing in pyloric appendages of the goby Myoxocephalus brandti. All subcellular fractions of B. scorpii (12 g/cytosol, 105 g/cytosol, mitochondria, and microsomes) have the FBPase activity. The enzyme has a high affinity to substrate and needs the presence of bivalent cations (Mg2+ or Mn2+). AMP inhibits the enzyme significantly. Action of various effectors has been studied. The monovalent (Na+, K+, Li+, NH4 +) and bivalent cations (Zn2+ and Cu2+) inhibit the enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ia oxyphylla has been used traditionally by the natives of Mizoram against intestinal worm infections. In the present study, the crude methanolic extract of the plant was tested in vitro on the cestode parasite Raillietina echinobothrida to evaluate its potential anthelmintic efficacy. The test parasites were exposed to varying concentrations of the plant extract in phosphate buffered saline and they all slipped into a flaccid paralytic state at varying periods of time post incubation. Ultrastructural observations on the paralysed worms revealed wide scale destruction of the parasite tegument with intense vacuolization of the syncytium and swellings of the basal lamina accompanied by deformities in the cell organelles. To determine the exact mode of action of the botanicals on the parasite body surface, the tegumental enzymes viz. acid phosphatase (AcPase), alkaline phosphatase (AlkPase) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were investigated. A prominent decrease in the phosphatase activity, in comparison to the untreated control parasites was noticeable. In view of the alterations in the structural and functional integrity of the tegument, occurring in the treated parasites, it may be assumed that the changes transpire because of a compromise in the permeability of the tegument under the influence of the test plant-derived active chemical principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrastructure studies of internuncial processes (IP) in the tegument for different body zones in a cyclophyllid davaineid adult cestode, Raillietina (Fuhrmannetta) echinobothrida infecting the small intestine of country fowl, Gallus domesticus in Naihati area of West Bengal, India have been investigated. Transmission electron microscopic observation reveals that the type, distribution, diameter, and overall characteristics of the IP along the zones of the strobila differ greatly. Contrary to the existing findings the IPs in this cestode have been recorded as thin and broad type. Thin type IP is common in all the body zones except the mature proglottides. Broad type IP is not found in the gravid proglottides. This type of IP is elaborately established in the mature proglottides. Development of broad type IP has been studied for the first time. In the gravid proglottides, IPs are either in receding nature or altogether absent. The genesis of these two types of IPs has been put forward and their functions are assigned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the Hox gene complement in parasitic platyhelminthes (Neodermata). With the aim of identifying Hox genes in this group we performed two independent strategies: we performed a PCR survey with degenerate primers directed to the Hox homeobox in the cestode Mesocestoides corti, and we searched genomic assemblies of Echinococcus multilocularis and Schistosoma mansoni. We identified two Hox genes in M. corti, seven in E. multilocularis, and nine in S. mansoni (including five previously reported). The affinities of these sequences, and other previously reported Hox sequences from flatworms, were determined according to phylogenetic analysis, presence of characteristic parapeptide sequences, and unusual intron positions. Our results suggest that the last common ancestor of triclads and neodermatans had a Hox gene complement of at least seven genes, and that this was probably derived by gene loss from a larger ancestral Hox complement in lophotrochozoans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host immunocompetence assessed by spleen size and response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection may give some indications on the control of parasite infection and on host mediation effect, through immunity, on parasite community structure. We investigated the helminth community and immunocompetence of the white-toothed shrew in a small area to test the relationship between immunocompetence and intensity of helminth infection. At the proximate level and if spleen mass and PHA response reflect the level of immunocompetence, we expected that individuals with a large spleen or a high PHA response should harbour a lower parasite load than individuals with relatively small spleen or low PHA response. In addition, we predicted that the structure of the helminth community should be mediated by the host’s immune defence. Spleen mass was linked to helminth infection. Nematodes and cestodes were negatively associated within hosts. PHA response was not related to total helminth intensity of infection but was negatively related to cestode intensity and positively to nematode intensity. This result suggests either a differential modulating effect on immunity by the two groups of worms or the existence of an antagonistic association between nematodes and cestodes mediated by the immune response of the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diploid chromosome number of the proteocephalid cestode Acanthotaenia multitesticulata is reported for the first time to be fourteen from mitotic as well as meiotic stages of gametogenesis. A chiasma frequency of 2.42 was found. Variation in chromosome numbers in cestodes with reference to this parasite is discussed from an evolutionary point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The caecum and the adjacent 30 cm lengths of ileum and large colon of 201 horses from two different regions of Norway (Østlandet and Trøndelag) were examined for the presence of Anoplocephala perfoliata. In all, 20% of the horses were infested with the cestode (27% in Østlandet and 7% in Trøndelag). The mean number of worms in infected horses from the two regions was 18 and 6, respectively. Information was obtained on the age, sex, breed, type of pasture and anthelmintic treatment after the grazing season for 183 of the 20 horses. The degree of infestation with A. perfoliata was not influenced by age, breed or sex. The odds ratio (confidence limits) for using permanent pastures that had been grazed by horses for at least the 5 last years in succession was 8.8 (3.2-24.4). There was a significantly higher prevalence of A. perfoliata infestation in Østlandet (odds ratio 3.1 (1.1-9.1). The relatively low prevalence of A. perfoliata infestation in Norwegian horses compared to the reported prevalences in other countries and the differences in the prevalence between Østlandet and Trøndelag are discussed. Gross pathological examination identified lesions such as mucosal thickening, hyperaemia and/or erosions. These lesions were found in all of the infected horses, compared with only 5% of the non-infected horses. Examination of faecal samples from 26 of the infected horses detected cestode eggs in only three cases. It was concluded that faecal examination is an inadequate method for the diagnosis of A. perfoliata infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was made to determine the prevalence of endoparasites in free range blue peacocks living in and around the premises of College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Mathura. Faecal samples of peacocks were collected randomly and brought to the divisional laboratory for faecal sample examination. During the coprological examination, eggs and oocysts of cestodes and coccidia belonging to Eimeria and Isospora species were identified, respectively based on the morphology and micrometry of these parasitic stages. The present study has generated an important data regarding the else while parasitologically neglected national bird of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4-y-old boy presented with a history of episodes of gripping abdominal pain and intermittent shedding of segments of a worm in stool, which used to actively change in size and shape. On the basis of measurements of the segments and characteristic features of the eggs, the worm was identified as Bertiella studeri. The characteristic morphological details of the worm, the pitfalls in its identification and the zoonotic potential of this rare cestodal infection are discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cestodes are common gastrointestinal parasites of humans and livestock. They attach to the host gut and, without a mouth or intestinal system, absorb nutrients through their epidermis. Here we show that despite this simplified anatomy and sessile lifestyle, they maintain a complex neuromuscular system. We used fluorescently labelled phalloidin as a specific probe for filamentous actin to define the overall organisation of several distinct muscle systems in the cyclophyllidean Moniezia expansa. Like all flatworms, the body wall musculature below the neodermis of this intestinal parasite of sheep is characterised by outer circular and inner longitudinal muscle fibres. Diagonal fibres, typically found in free-living and trematode platyhelminths, on the other hand, are notably absent. Prominent longitudinal sheaths dominate the parenchyma and provide retractor muscles to the four acetabula in the scolex; they attach at the bottom of each cup-shaped holdfast. Within sexually mature proglottids, circular fibres dominate the duct walls of the male and female reproductive systems. Nerve cells and fibres that express serotonin or neuropeptide F supply well-developed innervation to several of the described muscle systems: emanating from the central nervous system, fibres in the periphery develop pervasive nerve nets that anastomose within body wall musculature as well as the parenchymal longitudinal and oblique muscle fibres, and innervate the sexual organs and gonopore in mature proglottids. Using homology searches, we provide evidence for 20 neuropeptide precursors together with four prepropeptide processing enzymes as well as several 5-HT signalling components to be represented in the Moniezia transcriptome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]