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Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an important food borne zoonosis worldwide. Although goat meat constitutes an important dietary protein source, improperly cooked meat is a potential source of infection to humans. Data on prevalence of toxoplasma in goat is scanty from India. Serological detection is the practical option for prevalence studies on T. gondii, as no biological stage of the parasite is present in the clinical materials from the intermediate hosts. The present study was undertaken in the Jharkhand state of India which is largely inhabited by economically weaker aborigine population, who depend largely on animal husbandry for livelihood. A total of 445 serum samples were collected for testing, which represented goats under intensive and free range system of rearing. T. gondii specific IgG antibodies were detected in 42.47% (n = 189) samples by rSAG1 based indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence data were analyzed in respect of age, sex, breed of the goats and altitude of the study area as well as rearing conditions of the animals to establish correlation, if any. Though age and sex of the animals had a direct correlation with infection, the same could not be established with the other factors. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic ELISA were compared with IFAT, as well as with a commercially available ELISA kit. The rSAG1-ELISA had 92.66% sensitivity and 90.67% specificity with a positive predictive value of 86.77% and negative predictive value 94.92% when compared with IFAT, whereas when compared with the commercial ELISA kit, 87.50% sensitivity and 90.91% specificity with a positive predictive value of 91.30% and negative predictive value 86.96% were observed. Inter rater agreement (kappa) was calculated. rSAG1-ELISA showed good agreement with IFAT (kappa = 0.824) and commercially available ELISA Kit (kappa = 0.783). Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, revealed a larger area under curve (AUC) of 0.99 (95%CI, 0.97–1.0) when compared with IFAT as gold standard and a highest relative sensitivity 91.30 (95% CI 72–98.3) and specificity 1.0 (95% CI 85.2–100) for the cut off value of 0.6005. The present study revealed high seroprevalence of T. gondii in goats from Jharkhand, which has public health significance.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The seven Eimeria spp. recognised to infect chickens are present globally. • Cryptic Eimeria operational taxonomic units (OTUs) are common in the southern but not northern hemisphere. • Parasite population structure appears to vary between Eimeria spp., The phylum Apicomplexa includes parasites of medical, zoonotic and veterinary significance. Understanding the global distribution and genetic diversity of these protozoa is of fundamental importance for efficient, robust and long-lasting methods of control. Eimeria spp. cause intestinal coccidiosis in all major livestock animals and are the most important parasites of domestic chickens in terms of both economic impact and animal welfare. Despite having significant negative impacts on the efficiency of food production, many fundamental questions relating to the global distribution and genetic variation of Eimeria spp. remain largely unanswered. Here, we provide the broadest map yet of Eimeria occurrence for domestic chickens, confirming that all the known species (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria brunetti, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria mitis, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria tenella) are present in all six continents where chickens are found (including 21 countries). Analysis of 248 internal transcribed spacer sequences derived from 17 countries provided evidence of possible allopatric diversity for species such as E. tenella (FST values ⩽0.34) but not E. acervulina and E. mitis, and highlighted a trend towards widespread genetic variance. We found that three genetic variants described previously only in Australia and southern Africa (operational taxonomic units x, y and z) have a wide distribution across the southern, but not the northern hemisphere. While the drivers for such a polarised distribution of these operational taxonomic unit genotypes remains unclear, the occurrence of genetically variant Eimeria may pose a risk to food security and animal welfare in Europe and North America should these parasites spread to the northern hemisphere.

Trypanosomosis, caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is an economically significant disease of livestock. Systematic antigenic variation by the parasite has undermined prospects for the development of a protective vaccine that targets the immunodominant surface antigens, encouraging exploration of alternatives. The paraflagellar rod (PFR), constituent proteins of the flagellum, are prominent non-variable vaccine candidates for T. evansi owing to their strategic location. Two major PFR constituent proteins, PFR1 (1770bp) and PFR2 (1800bp), were expressed using Escherichia coli. Swiss albino mice were immunized with the purified recombinant TePFR1 (89KDa) and TePFR2 (88KDa) proteins, as well as with the mix of the combined proteins at equimolar concentrations, and subsequently challenged with virulent T. evansi. The PFR-specific humoral response was assessed by ELISA. Cytometric bead-based assay was used to measure the cytokine response and flow cytometry for quantification of the cytokines. The recombinant TePFR proteins induced specific humoral responses in mice, including IgG1 followed by IgG2a and IgG2b. A balanced cytokine response induced by rTePFR 1 and 2 protein vaccination associated with extended survival and improved control of parasitemia following lethal challenge. The observation confirms the immunoprophylactic potential of the covert antigens of T. evansi.

We conducted a retrospective study and reviewed the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-related papers published in a leading international journal, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, between January 2014 and December 2015. The study was conducted to ascertain and compare the trends of articles being published in the years 2014 and 2015. A total of 28 articles were reviewed, of which most of the full-length articles were on clinical management and outcomes and the role of radiology. The bulk of the studies were prospective, and less interest was shown in experimental research. A thorough review and analysis thus gives the impression that there is a great need for well-designed clinical studies on TMJ.

A total of 480 suspected blood samples were collected from cattle (n=254) and buffaloes (n=226) during the study period from September 2011 to December 2014 for determination of prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasites from South Western Gujarat (Junagadh). The conventional optical microscopy of Giemsa stained blood smears revealed that 37% of cattle and 38.93% of buffaloes were infected with haemoprotozoan parasites including Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, Trypanosoma evansi and Theileria annulata. The animals infected with haemoprotozoan diseases showed lower total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and higher total leukocyte count (TLC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Incidence of haemoprotozoan infection between the breeds differed significantly (P0.05). The prevalence of B. bigemina in bovines was associated with various risk factors namely age, season and breed (p£0.05). Sex wise females recorded apparently higher infection rates than males. The multivariate logistic regression models showed that the risk of babesiosis was significantly higher in rainy season (OR=5.18, P=0.003) followed by summer (OR=3.9, P=0.019) compared to winter season. Conversely, in buffaloes, the risk of babesiosis was significantly higher in summer season (OR=9.0, P=0.004) followed by rainy (OR=7.43, P=0.008) compared to winter season. The risk for anaplasmosis in buffaloes increased by 3.46 times (OR=3.64, p=0.027) in non descriptive breed compared to well defined breed.

Toxocara canis is one of the most common parasitic helminth worm of dogs and also a causative agent of zoonotic disease in humans. This pilot study was conducted to determine the presence of T. canis infection in dog population in and around Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 558 faecal samples both from stray and owned dogs were screened and overall 24.3 % dogs were found positive for T. canis. A comparison between owned and stray dogs suggests that the higher prevalence was observed in the latter group. The age of the dogs had a considerable influence on prevalence, with a much higher proportion of younger dogs being infected. Among the stray dogs, the infection rate is much higher (62.79 %) in pups, as compared to 7.8 % in adult. Similarly, of the owned dogs screened 41.74 % pups were infected while the infection rate in adults was only 3.38 %. The higher rate of prevalence of this parasite in dogs could be the source of soil contamination for transmission of Toxocariasis which is of public health importance in this region.

A seven-year-old Labrador retriever dog was presented to VetLab Meerut with a history of vomiting, anorexia, fever and weakness for 15 days. Clinical examination revealed pyrexia, pale conjunctival and oral mucous membranes. Haemato-biochemical evaluation revealed anemia (Hb-8.4g/dl, RBC-4.25 106/μl, PCV-28.2%), leukocytosis (23.32×103/μl), thrombocytopenia (1.62 lakhs/μl), hypoalbuminemia (1.83 g/dl), hyperglobulinemia (4.91 g/dl) and elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (48.2 mg/dl), creatinine (3.12 mg/dl), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (121.3 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (69.6U/L). On blood smear examination Hepatozoon canis gamonts in the neutrophils were found. Subsequently, animal was treated with a combination therapy including single dose of Inj. Imidocarb dipropionate (6.6 mg/kg, SC) and Tab. Doxycycline (5 mg/kg, PO, BID) for 21 days. Supportive treatment was done with antiemetics, hepatoprotectants, hematinics, plasma expanders and acaricides. An uneventful recovery was noticed after 21 days of treatment. Our present report highlights the successful effect of combination therapy including imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline drugs, fighting against the infection.

Results Porcine cysticercosis caused by a metacestode of zoonotically important cestode parasite is transmitted to humans through the ingestion of raw or undercooked pork. A more severe manifestation of infection in humans is development of neurocysticercosis (NCC) [1-3]. Pigs acquire infection through consumption of human faeces, or through feed and drinking water contaminated with ova. In pigs, the cysticerci commonly develop in skeletal muscles, tongue, diaphragm, heart and other organs, including brain and eye [4, 5]. The infection is endemic in many developing countries of Latin America [6, 7], Africa [8] and Asia [9] and the economic loss resulting from condemnation of infected pork is substantially high [5, 10-12]. Specific diagnosis of porcine cysticercosis is critical for identification of endemic regions and for development of strategies to control the infection [13]. Further, prevalence of porcine cysticercosis is suggestive of an active transmission of the parasite between pigs and humans [14]. Though prevalence of cysticercosis has been reported from several parts of India, information from the Bareilly region is scanty. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to study the level of prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Bareilly region of northern India. The investigation was carried out in local makeshift slaughter houses of Bareilly District, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the northern part of India. Bareilly District is located between latitude 28 and longitude 78 and 79 47 east. The climate is hot, humid and subtropical, however, during winters the temperature deeps to 2 to 15 C. The annual rainfall is around 500–700 mm.

Cryptosporidium spp. are recognized as one of the most important enteric pathogens causing enteritis and severe diarrhoea in calves up to 1 month of age. Although the infection may be responsible for some mortality, its impact is mainly associated with the impairment of gastrointestinal functions and lower performance of animals. A female buffalo calf of 25 days old was presented to OPD section, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, SVPUA&T, Meerut, with the symptoms of severe voluminous watery cholera like diarrhea with mucous and blood tinge since 4–5 days. On physical examination, calf was dehydrated, weak, and emaciated with normal temperature. Parasitological examination of the faeces by the direct smear and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining technique revealed presence of high number of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The affected female buffalo calf was treated with azithromycin and provided supportive care. Diarrohoeal symptoms were stopped from 3rd day and animal returned to normal condition by 7th day post treatment.

A 11 month old female goat was presented to Polyclinic, IVRI with the history of swelling in the left hind leg on the inner aspect of thigh and inguinal region. Physical and radiological examination revealed a large fluctuating fluid filled bladder with distinct dimension. The cyst was successfully removed along with its membrane and parasitological examination revealed it as a Coenurus gaigeri, the intermediate stage of T. multiceps gaigeri. The animal recovered completely by 10th postoperative day without any complications. This is being described in detail as under.

Coprological examination of 416 bovine faecal samples revealed the presence of parasitic stages of Toxocara vitulorum, strongyles, Strongyloides spp., Fasciola spp., amphistomes, coccidia (Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.) and Buxtonella sulcata. About 42 % (n = 302) faecal samples from cattle and 36 % (n = 114) samples from buffaloes were positive for gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections. Both cattle (14.57 %) and buffalo (15.79 %) had the highest incidence of Buxtonella sulcata, respectively. The overall incidence of GI parasitic infections in young animals (below 1 year) was higher followed by older (more than 5 years) and adult animals (1–5 years) and the difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). Season wise GI parasitic infections were recorded to be non-significantly (p > 0.05) higher in monsoon (48.38 %) followed by summer (39 %) and winter (34.61 %) in cattle. There was no significant variation of GI infections in buffaloes in relation to season though highest prevalence was documented in monsoon (44.89 %) followed by winter (35.71 %) and summer (24.32 %). Similarly, sex wise females recorded higher infection rates than males in bovines and the difference being statistically non-significant (p > 0.05).

Toxocara canis is an important gastrointestinal nematode of dogs and also a causative agent of visceral larva migrans in humans. Arginine kinase (AK) gene is one of the important biomolecule of phosphagen kinase of T. canis which is emerging as an exciting novel diagnostic target in toxocarosis. The present study was carried out to clone and characterize AK gene of T. canis for future utilization as a diagnostic molecule. Total RNA was extracted from intact adult worms and reverse transcription was done with oligo dT primers to obtain complementary DNA (cDNA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out using cDNA as template with specific primers which amplified a product of 1,202 bp. The amplicon was cloned into pDrive cloning vector and clone was confirmed by colony PCR and restriction endonuclease analysis. Sequence analysis of the gene showed 99.8 and 77.9 % homology with the published AK gene of T. canis (EF015466.1) and Ascaris suum respectively. Structural analysis shown that the mature AK protein consist of 400 amino acids with a molecular wt of 45360.73 Da. Further expression studies are required for producing the recombinant protein for its evaluation in the diagnosis of T. canis infection in humans as well as in adult dogs.

Toxocara canis is one of the most common helminth worm of dogs which continues to stimulate both public health concern alongside the higher scientific interest. It may cause visceral and ocular damage in humans especially in children. The identification of specific antigens of T. canis is important so as to develop better diagnostic techniques. Excretory-secretory (ES) antigens were prepared by culturing the adult T. canis worms in RPMI 1640 medium without serum supplementation followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation. These antigens were separated using sodium dodecyl sulphate-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Recovered proteins ranged from 30 to 384 kDa. The specific reactivity of the T. canis excretory-secretory (TC-ES) proteins was checked by western blotting. The immuno-reactivity of the naturally infected dog sera with the TC-ES antigens showed five bands at 43, 57,105, 139 and 175 kDa. The immuno-reactivity of the hyper immune serum raised in rabbits against TC-ES antigens was observed with ten polypeptides of 21, 25, 30, 37, 45, 50, 57, 69, 77 and 105 kDa. Common antigens band were observed at 57 and 105 KDa. These antigens merit further evaluation as candidate for use in diagnosis of toxocariasis in humans and adult dogs.

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the possible extent of soil contamination at different public places with Toxocara species eggs. Materials and Methods: A Total of 327 samples of soil were collected and examined from different locations which are of public health importance like public parks, playgrounds, door mat dusts, Sidewalks or road sides, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, to establish the prevalence of Toxocara eggs. Samples were also categorised in to sandy type (225) and clay type (102) which were examined by Dunsmore modified technique. Results: 42 samples out of 327 (12.84%) were found to be contaminated with the Toxocara spp.eggs and public parks were more contaminated than the other sites we studied. Clay type soil samples were found to be more contaminated than sandy type with a prevalence of 17.64%. Conclusions: The prevalence of this zoonotic parasite in soil has implications for the spread of human disease in these areas. The authors believe that this may constitute a significant health risk, particularly to children. [Vet World 2013; 6(2.000): 87-90]