Search

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a lizard species commonly kept as a pet worldwide. Endoparasites are among the most important pathogens affecting bearded dragons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoparasites in captive P. vitticeps in Italy. Faecal samples from 30 P. vitticeps were analysed by fresh faecal smears, flotation tests, the Mini-FLOTAC technique, and a rapid immunoassay to detect Cryptosporidium spp. To search for microsporidia, PCR and sequencing were performed on the faecal samples. Data were statistically analysed. The overall positivity rate for endoparasites was 83.3% (25/30). The identified endoparasites were oxyurids (17/30, 56.7%), Isosospora amphiboluri (13/30, 43.3%), Encephalitozoon pogonae (4/18, 22.22%), and Cryptosporidium sp. (1/30, 3.33%). The positivity for protozoa was significantly higher in juveniles compared to adults. Moreover, the frequency of clinical signs was significantly higher in the positive animals. The results obtained here emphasize the importance of regular veterinary examinations of captive P. vitticeps, aimed at the diagnosis, treatment, and control of endoparasites. This study is one of the largest surveys on microsporidia infections in living bearded dragons, suggesting that E. pogonae may be widespread in this lizard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhabditis (Rhabditella) axei is a free-living, pseudoparasitic, necromenic, and parasitic nematode, depending on the host. This species feeds mainly on bacteria present in decaying organic matter, soil, and other substrates; however, in its parasitic form, it can colonize some species of snails. Moreover, the presence of R. axei has also been detected in birds and mammals, including humans. In 2021–2023, during monitoring of the palm borer Paysandisia archon in Central Italy, R. axei emerged from dead larvae of this alien invasive moth and was extracted from palm fibres of Trachycarpus fortunei in three independent sites. The nematode was identified by morphological and morphometric analyses. Molecular analyses using SSU and LSU gene fragments were used to confirm the identification and to perform Bayesian reconstruction of the phylogeny. Each sampling site showed a unique haplotype. Concerning the pathogenicity of this nematode against insects, the test performed on Galleria mellonella larvae did not show any entomopathogenic effect. This is the first time that R. axei was found associated with P. archon, and this recurrent association was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This systematic review focuses on the occurrence of fish-borne zoonotic helminths, including Clinostomum complanatum, Contracaecum rudolphii, Dibothriocephalus latus, Eustrongylides excisus, Opisthorchis felineus, and Pseudamphistomum truncatum, in freshwater fish populations of Italy and neighbouring countries. The study outlines the biological aspects and investigates the factors involved in the geographical expansion of these parasitic species. By synthesizing existing knowledge, we aim to compile epidemiological information concerning fish-borne zoonotic helminths and highlight the consumer risks. In conclusion, we encourage a One-Health approach in the context of food safety among EU countries to manage sanitary issues of all fish-borne zoonoses. In recent years, the consumption of fish products has surged in European countries, being an essential part of a healthy diet. Despite representing a small part of EU production, freshwater fisheries hold considerable significance for lake-dwelling populations and tourists seeking traditional dishes. This increased fish consumption has brought to light potential health risks associated with fish-borne zoonotic helminths (FBZHs), now acknowledged as global food-borne parasites. Fish-borne zoonotic helminths belong to various taxonomic groups, including nematodes (Anisakidae), trematodes (Opisthorchiidae and Heterophyidae), and cestodes (Diphyllobothriidae). More than 50 species of FBZH are known to cause human infections, derived from eating raw or undercooked aquatic foods containing viable parasites. Despite increased attention, FBZHs remain relatively neglected compared to other food-borne pathogens due to factors like chronic disease progression and under-diagnosis. This systematic review concentrates on the prevalence of six freshwater FBZHs (Clinostomum complanatum, Contracaecum rudolphii, Dibothriocephalus latus, Eustrongylides excisus, Opisthorchis felineus, and Pseudamphistomum truncatum) in Italy and neighbouring countries. The study explores the expansion of these parasites, analysing their biological and epidemiological aspects, and the factors that influence their proliferation, such as the increased cormorant population and the lake eutrophication phenomena. In summary, this research highlights the necessity for further research, the development of spatial databases, and the establishment of a unified European policy to effectively manage these multifaceted health concerns. It strongly advocates adopting a One-Health approach to address the growing incidence of parasitic zoonoses within the context of food safety in EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminth infection was analysed at necropsy and coprology in a total of 54 roe deer from the province of Grosseto (central Italy) between 2018 – 2020. Age and sex data were recorded for each deer for a total of 31 adults (23 females, 8 males) and 23 juveniles (11 females, 12 males). The results on the small intestine (51 samples) highlighted that nematodes belonging to the species Trichostrongylus colubriformis were the most prevalent parasite (41.2 %), followed by the cestode Moniezia expansa (7.8 %). The large intestine results (52 samples) showed Trichuris spp. (53.8 %), Oesophagostomum venulosum (50 %) and Chabertia ovina (26.9 %). In the abomasum, only Ostertagia ostertagi (17.9 %) was found. Of the 34 samples analysed by bronchopulmonary, only the lung of an adult female was positive for Dictyocaulus spp. In two livers out of 33 samples analysed, nematodes of the species Setaria tundra were found on the surface. Copropositivity was observed in 45 of the 52 faecal samples analysed. The results of the present study indicate that the roe deer is host to several species of parasites, which are also common in other cervids and domestic ruminants. Statistical testing highlighted a significant difference between mean intensities in males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutria (or coypu, Myocastor coypus), is a semi-aquatic rodent that is native to South America and has been introduced almost all over the world since the end of the 19th century. In Europe, this rodent is considered an invasive species. In this report, we analyzed nutria fecal samples in a small coastal wetland of Central Italy, using different techniques (fresh smear, direct immunofluorescence, Baermann technique, flotation, ethyl acetate sedimentation) to obtain an arrangement of eukaryote endoparasites (Protozoa and Helminths) and compare them with data available in the literature for both Italy and worldwide. We recorded five taxa, with a dominant occurrence (>70%) of nematodes of the genus Strongyloides. Moreover, we reported for the first time in nutria a bronchopulmonary strongyle nematode (Muellerius vel. Angiostrongylus) and, for the first time in Italy, protozoans of the genus Cryptosporidium. Since nutria co-occurs with humans and domestic animals in the study area, we highlighted possible sanitary and management implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematodes of the genus Dictyocaulus are the causative agents of parasitic bronchitis and pneumonia in several domestic and wild ungulates. Various species have been described in wild cervids, as the case of Dictyocaulus cervi in red deer, recently described as a separate species from Dictyocaulus eckerti. In Italy, information on dictyocaulosis in wildlife is limited and often outdated. In this work, 250 red deer were examined for the presence of Dictyocaulus spp. in two areas of the Italian Alps (n = 104 from Valle d'Aosta, n = 146 from Stelvio National Park), and the retrieved lungworms were molecularly characterized. Lungworms were identified in 23 and 32 animals from Valle d'Aosta and Stelvio National Park, respectively. The nematodes, morphologically identified as D. cervi, were characterized molecularly (18S rDNA, ITS2, and coxI). Consistently, almost all specimens were found to be phylogenetically related to D. cervi. Three individuals, detected from both study sites and assigned to an undescribed Dictyocaulus sp., clustered with Dictyocaulus specimens isolated from red deer and fallow deer in previous studies. Within each of D. cervi and the undescribed Dictyocaulus sp., the newly isolated nematodes phylogenetically clustered based on their geographical origin. This study revealed the presence of D. cervi in Italian red deer, and an undetermined Dictyocaulus sp. that should be more deeply investigated. The results suggest that further analyses should be focused on population genetics of cervids and their lungworms to assess how they evolved, or co-evolved, throughout time and space and to assess the potential of transmission towards farmed animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Four dead Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis specimens from Southern Italy coasts were examined for Contracaecum sp. detection. 181 Contracaecum sp. larvae and adults were found in the viscera of all the P. carbo sinensis examined. The PCR-RFLP analysis showed the presence of Contracaecum rudolphii A and B. A co-infestation of C. rudolphii A and B was found in P. carbo sinensis from Leporano Bay. This study provides a first report of the presence of Contracaecum sp. in P. carbo sinensis from Southern Italy. In this study, four dead great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (Blumenbach, 1978) specimens, collected from the coasts and lakes of Southern Italy, were examined by necropsy for the detection of Contraceacum sp. The adults and larvae found were subjected to morphological analysis and molecular identification by PCR-RFLP. A total of 181 Contracaecum specimens were detected in all of the four great cormorants examined (prevalence = 100%), showing an intensity of infestation between nine and ninety-two. A co-infestation by adult and larval forms of Contracaecum rudolphii was found only in one of the great cormorants examined. Following molecular investigations, 48 specimens of C. rudolphii A and 38 specimens of C. rudolphii B were detected, revealing co-infestation solely for the great cormorant from Leporano Bay (Southern Italy). Our results showed an opposite ratio between C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B in Pantelleria and in Salso Lake (Southern Italy) compared to what was reported in the literature, probably due to migratory stopovers and the ecology of the infested fish species, confirming the role of Contracaecum nematodes as ecological tags of their hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Inappropriate use of regular anthelmintic drugs has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) and consequently caused huge economic losses. Therefore, researchers worldwide are making efforts in finding novel strategies to control these parasites, which are mostly based on the rational use of synthetic drugs and the use of various alternatives, such as botanical anthelmintics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of the essential oil (EO) of oregano (Origanum vulgare (L.)) against sheep GINs and to demonstrate the possibility of its use in veterinary practice. For obtaining clear results, both in vitro (egg hatch test) and in vivo efficacy tests (fecal egg count reduction test), as well as toxicity studies, on the hosts (clinical examination, blood count, and liver or kidney function test) were performed. The egg hatch test demonstrated the anthelmintic potential of the tested EO with an efficacy of 71.3%–93.7%, which was also demonstrated in the fecal egg count reduction test with an efficacy of 60.1% in total (on the second farm, 78.26%) shown on day 14 after treatment. Moreover, no negative or side effects of the applied EO formulation to the sheep were noticed in toxicity studies. The obtained results indicate the high potential of the O. vulgare EO for use in veterinary practice to control sheep GINs, as a part of an integrated strategy aimed to reduce the use of conventional anthelmintics. Therefore, these results may be significant for the future management of these infections. The development of anthelmintic resistance in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) requires novel strategies for the sustainable control of these parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of the Origanum vulgare (L.) essential oil (EO) against sheep GINs and to evaluate the possibility of its use in control practice. The in vitro egg hatch test was conducted at eight different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195, 0.049, 0.025, and 0.0125 mg/mL) of the tested EO. For the in vivo fecal egg count reduction test, the EO of O. vulgare was administrated orally at a mean single dose of 150 mg/kg to sheep from two farms in Southern Italy, whereby potential toxic effects to the hosts were also evaluated. In the egg hatch test, the inhibition of egg hatchability varied from 71.3% to 93.7%, depending on the concentration used. The high anthelmintic potential was confirmed in the fecal egg count reduction test with an average reduction of nematode eggs in feces of 43.2% and 60.1% on days 7 and 14 after treatment, respectively. In addition, no toxic effects were noticed during the clinical examination of sheep or by observing blood count and liver or kidney function test results. The obtained results suggest the strong activity of the O. vulgare EO against sheep GINs, probably due to a high percentage of carvacrol (76.21%), whereby it can be considered safe for sheep at the dose tested in vivo. Therefore, it is suitable for use in veterinary practice as a part of an integrated strategy for the control of sheep GINs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary selection is an important process for the maintenance of health homeostasis. From the potential food items available in one's environment, choices must be made to assure a proper balance of nutrients for energy, growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Sometimes, animals select plants also for their medicinal properties. This behaviour constitutes what is called the medicinal diet, and it consists of items with beneficial bioactive properties. In primates and other species investigated so far, it has been found that 15–25% of the plant items consumed have antiparasitic properties. We investigated the dietary habits of three non-overlapping populations of crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) in Central Italy and identified medicinal food species, their potential antiparasitic benefits, and the seasonality of parasite infections in relation to their ingestion. The three study areas were characterised by contrasting degrees of "natural" and agricultural landscapes. In total, 44 food items were recorded from 43 plant species based on macro- and microscopic faecal analyses (N = 22, 24 spp., respectively) or stomach contents from necropsied roadkill specimens (N = 11 spp.). The dietary variation between groups could be attributed to differences in human land use patterns, affecting the relative accessibility to cultivars and wild growing plants. The relative proportion of plants in the diet with antiparasitic properties varied between study areas 1, 2, and 3, accounting for 72%, 48%, and 27%, respectively. Porcupines were found to be infected by 7 species of ectoparasites (ticks and fleas) and 7 species of endoparasites (strongyle nematode, protozoa, and bacteria) in the cold and rainy months. The consumption of medicinal foods in all three groups coincided with the highest detected prevalence of I. ricinus, P. irritans, P. melis, G. duodenalis, and A. italicus in autumn and winter. This study adds to our general understanding of factors influencing dietary selection and presents the first evidence for a link between medicinal food consumption and parasite infection seasonality in crested porcupines of Europe. Future research is required to ascertain the impact of these parasites on infected hosts, potential modes of action of these medicinal foods on them and the gut microbiota, and host health and nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The spread of helminths resistant to the most common classes of anthelmintic drugs in sheep and the presence of drug residues in the environment has prompted research to find sustainable alternative solutions for gastrointestinal nematodes control. This study reports the results of in vivo studies on the efficacy of an aqueous Punica granatum-based macerate, used in southern Italy for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. The anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated in parallel in sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, using, as a positive control, the treatment with Ivermectin and Albendazole. The results of the study show a good anthelmintic efficacy, suggesting the use of this ethnoveterinary macerate as an alternative and sustainable therapeutical remedy for the helminthiasis control in the sheep. Parasites, in particular, gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) represent one of the main burdens affecting small ruminant farming and pose a serious threat to their health, welfare, productivity, and reproduction. The correct management of animals and the correct use of anthelmintic drugs are the pillars of the GIN control programs for small ruminants. However, globally due to the indiscriminate use of synthetic anthelmintics, there is a significant increase in anthelmintic resistance phenomena to one or more classes of drugs. Even if such a problem never represented a serious threat in southern Italy because of the favourable environmental conditions and because of the good farm management, the phenomenon is actually showing a steep increasing trend and requires alternative treatment measures and constant monitoring. The use of phytotherapies is considered a valuable alternative approach for GIN control in small ruminants and could help with reducing the amount of synthetic drugs used and the forthcoming anthelmintic resistance. From this perspective, the Calabria territory offers a wide number of plants with anthelmintic efficacy that could be helpful for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) macerate compared to the treatment with Ivermectin and Albendazole in sheep naturally infected with GINs. The pomegranate macerate derives from the ethnoveterinary knowledge of the Calabria region, Southern Italy. The anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated according to the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRt) using the FLOTAC techniques in two sheep farms in Southern Italy. The FECR was calculated from individual samples using the formula FECR = 100 × (1 − [T2/C2]). The treatment with Albendazole in the first farm showed an efficacy of 99.8% after 14 days and 94.8% after 21 days, while the treatment with Ivermectin in the second farm showed an efficacy of 99.9% after 14 days and 96.5% after 21 days of treatment. The pomegranate macerate, in both farms, showed a value of efficacy of around 50% from day 7 to day 21 after the treatment. Previous studies highlighted the presence of gallic acid as the main component in the pomegranate macerate, and its efficacy in nematode control has been as well previously demonstrated in other plant extracts. This in vivo study demonstrated the unequivocal efficacy of plant macerate in easily reducing 50% of the number of GIN eggs in sheep faeces. These results, obtained without the use of synthetic anthelmintics, indicate the use of green veterinary pharmacology as a sustainable alternative to the use of synthetic drugs to reduce the increase in drug resistance phenomena and the environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For a long time known as the oriental eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode that infects the eyes of a wide range of vertebrate hosts including dogs, cats, wildlife carnivores, lagomorphs, and humans. The high occurrence of this infection in Europe and the first cases in the United States have increased scientific interest in the parasite, as it also represents a risk for people living in endemic areas. Therefore, treatment and prevention of thelaziosis in canine population are advocated to reduce the risk of human infection as well. Here, we assessed the efficacy of a formulation containing sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel (Simparica Trio®) administered orally at monthly intervals, for the prevention of establishment of infection with T. callipaeda in naturally infected dogs. In this formulation, moxidectin is expected to have efficacy against eyeworms, whereas sarolaner and pyrantel are not. Methods: The study was conducted in eyeworm endemic areas of Italy and France, where dogs (n = 125) were assigned into two groups consisting of a negative control group (G1; n = 62), in which animals were treated monthly with a control product (sarolaner; Simparica®), and a treatment group (G2; n = 63) in which animals were treated monthly with Simparica Trio (sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel) from day 0 to day 150. In total, nine animals were withdrawn from the study (two animals became positive at day 30, and seven for reasons unrelated to eyeworm infection), resulting in 116 animals (n = 58 for G1; n = 58 for G2). Results: In G1, 16 out of 58 animals (27.6%) were observed with eyeworms during the study, and none of the animals from G2 were ever observed with eyeworms, resulting in 100% efficacy (P < 0.0001) in the prevention of establishment of T. callipaeda infection. Adult nematodes and fourth-instar (L4)-stage larvae were recovered from the eyes of positive animals, counted, and morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. In addition, specimens from Italy were molecularly confirmed as belonging to the haplotype 1 (i.e., the only one circulating in Europe so far). Conclusions: Data presented herein demonstrated 100% efficacy of Simparica Trio for the prevention of T. callipaeda eyeworm infection in dogs from highly endemic areas of France and Italy. The use of this formulation is advantageous, as it is a licensed product in Europe with a wide efficacy spectrum against other nematodes, multiple tick species, and fleas. In addition, preventing the development of infection in dogs could also be a prophylaxis measure for zoonotic T. callipaeda infection in humans inhabiting endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The European pilchard is one of the most frequently consumed fish species in Mediterranean countries, especially in Italy and Spain, and has been reported as the cause of at least eight human anisakidosis cases in Spain since 1991, the parasitic disease caused by the ingestion of fish or cephalopods infested by the larval stage of anisakid nematodes. With the aim to shed light on the potential human parasitosis risk posed by these nematode larvae, we helminthologically analyzed a total of 350 sardines (European pilchard) captured in the Atlantic Ocean (175 sardines) and the Mediterranean Sea (175 specimens), acquired in various Spanish nationwide supermarket chains. The statistical analysis of some helminth parameters revealed a higher presence of nematodes belonging to the genus Hysterothylacium (frequency of parasitation of 24.29%; total mean parasite burden of 2.36), usually considered non-parasitic for humans (only three cases reported worldwide), when compared to nematodes of the genus Anisakis (5.71%; 0.16). The human anisakidosis risk after the consumption of raw or undercooked sardines and the role of Hysterothylacium, the most frequent nematode, is discussed, providing information to consumers. To avoid human infection by anisakid larval nematodes, the established preventive measures are confirmed and new ones are proposed. The European pilchard is one of the most frequently consumed fish species in Mediterranean countries, especially in Italy and Spain, and has been reported as the cause of at least eight human anisakidosis cases in Spain. With the aim to shed light on the potential human parasitosis risk posed by nematode larvae belonging to families Anisakidae or Raphidascarididae, a total of 350 sardines captured in the Atlantic Ocean (175 specimens) and the Mediterranean Sea (175 specimens), acquired in various Spanish nationwide supermarket chains, were helminthologically analyzed. The statistical analysis of some helminth parameters revealed a higher presence of nematodes belonging to the genus Hysterothylacium (prevalence 24.29%; mean abundance of 2.36), usually considered non-parasitic for humans (only three cases reported worldwide), when compared to nematodes of the genus Anisakis (5.71%; 0.16). The human anisakidosis risk after the consumption of raw or undercooked sardines and the role of Hysterothylacium, the most frequent nematode, is discussed, providing information to consumers. To avoid human infection by anisakid larval nematodes, the established preventive measures are confirmed and new ones are proposed, such as the consumption of sardines preferably caught in the Mediterranean and of small-sized specimens available, and the immediate evisceration after fishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Super-high density olive orchards are spreading in Italy to reduce production costs and increase yields per hectare. The objective of this study was to assess the orchards' effect on the soil nematode community in five sites located in the main Italian olive cultivation areas compared to the adjacent traditional olive orchard system. Super-high density olive orchard management combined with conventional tillage and mineral fertilization decreased total organic carbon compared to traditional management. The soil nematode community was affected by the depletion of organic matter, especially for plant-parasitic nematodes, which increased. Moreover, this investigation evidenced that the Super-high density olive orchard management system could change the soil plant-parasitic nematode composition of olive orchards. In fact, the families Telotylenchidae, Paratylenchidae, Meloidogynidae, and Criconematidae were favored in the Super-high density olive orchard system, while Longidoridae, Heteroderidae, and Pratylenchidae were disadvantaged. However, conservative and sustainable soil management might maintain or improve the soil nematode community functionality and reduce plant-parasitic nematodes. The soil nematode community plays an important role in ecosystem services. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Super-high density (SHD) olive orchards on the nematode community in five sites with different soils, climates, and cultivars. At each site, the SHD management system was compared to the adjacent olive orchard traditional (TRAD) system, in which the same soil management and phytosanitary measures were applied. Soil management was assessed by total organic carbon content (TOC), while the soil nematode community was evaluated using the nematode taxa abundances and soil nematode indicators. TOC was significantly decreased in the SHD olive orchard system compared to TRAD in the sites characterized by conventional tillage and mineral fertilization. The two-way ANOSIM analysis on nematode abundance showed no difference between the two olive management methods, instead showing only a significant difference per site mainly due to variabilities in plant-parasitic nematode assemblage. However, a negative impact of SHD management was evident in environments stressed by summer droughts and conventional tillage: the ratio of obligate plant-parasites to bacterivores and fungivores (Pp/(B+F)) was significantly higher in SHD than in the TRAD olive orchard system, and the prey-to-predator θ mass ratio showed the lowest values in the sites under organic fertilization or green manure. The canonical correspondence analysis showed that the free-living nematodes were only slightly affected by SHD olive orchards; instead, the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes families such as Telotylenchidae, Paratylenchidae, Meloidogynidae, and Criconematidae was favored, in comparison to Longidoridae, Heteroderidae, and Pratylenchidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nematode infections can pose a health risk to mammals housed in zoos and faunistic parks, where they live in environmental conditions far away from those of conspecifics in nature. To manage nematode infections, it is often necessary to adopt group prophylactic strategies by anthelmintic drugs. With the present study, it was possible to observe the effects of two prophylactic treatments with ivermectin adopted in a faunistic park in northern Italy and highlight the differences according to the different taxonomic groups of hosts and parasites. Nematode infections of mammals can spread in zoos and faunistic parks and lead to disease in humans and animals. Group treatment strategies with anthelminthic drugs are common. Still, their effectiveness should be verified by sensitive and specific copromicroscopic analyses. This study assessed longitudinal parasitological monitoring, by FLOTAC® dual technique, in mammals housed in an Italian faunistic park, in order to verify the effectiveness of the two adopted ivermectin prophylactic treatments. Twenty-one species of herbivorous mammals from ten families were treated twice per year with ivermectin in an in-feed formulation (medicated feed containing 1.7 g/ton ivermectin daily, for 30 days in March and November), while 13 species of carnivores and primates from five families were treated once a month with oral or subcutaneous administrations of ivermectin (200 μg/kg body weight (b.w.), from March to November). Fecal samples were collected in June–July and October 2019 (late spring–early summer and autumn sampling groups, respectively). All nematode infections, sustained by Nematodirus spp., Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp., Parascaris spp. and Strongylida, were detected in samples collected from herbivores, presenting prevalence rates of infection of 17.3% (9/52), 15.4% (8/52), 15.4% (8/52), 5.8% (3/52), and 3.8% (2/52), respectively. All carnivores and primates tested negative. The general linear mixed model showed that nematode eggs' excretion in herbivores were influenced by sampling and sampling-host family interaction. Results showed that frequency and dose of prophylactic treatments in herbivores should be improved according to host and parasite taxonomic groups. The treatment adopted in carnivores and primates, together with hygienic management, was effective in nematode control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infestation represents a limiting factor for sheep farming and milk production in Italy. The development of anthelmintic resistance to conventionally used drugs suggests the path towards the use of natural remedies as a possible alternative. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extracts of basal leaves (It-BL), cauline leaves (It-CL) and flowers (It-F) of Isatis tinctoria (Brassicaceae), a spontaneous Sicilian species renowned as an important source of bioactive compounds. The dry extracts of the different parts of the plant were tested using the egg hatch test (EHT) in vitro to verify the efficacy against ovine GIN at different concentrations (1.00, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 mg/mL). Thiabendazole and deionized water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The results obtained from EHT indicated that all the I. tinctoria extracts were highly effective (p < 0.0001) in inhibiting egg hatching within 48 h of exposure. The in vitro inhibitory effect was never less than 84% in all doses tested, and it was only slightly lower than the standard drug thiabendazole (95.6%). The current study documents the anthelmintic activity of I. tinctoria against sheep's GIN, suggesting its application as alternative natural method to limit the use of antiparasitic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Eustrongylides includes zoonotic nematodes that infect fish species and fish-eating birds of freshwater ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Eustrongylides in the paratenic host Perca fluviatilis (European perch) and in the definitive host, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (great cormorant), in Lake Annone, a shallow eutrophic lake located in the pre-mountainous area of the Alps in northwest Italy where wintering cormorants coexist with new breeding colonies. A total of 114 European perch and 48 cormorants were examined for the occurrence of Eustrongylides. All parasites collected were identified with microscopic examination and molecular analysis. Overall, 11 specimens of European perch (9.6%) and 13 individuals of cormorants (27%) harbored nematodes identified as fourth-stage larvae and adults of Eustrongylides excisus. The observed prevalence of Eustrongylides spp. appears to be intermediate between the higher values in cormorant breeding areas in northern Europe and the lower prevalence observed in their wintering sites in southernmost Europe. Considering the eutrophication status of freshwater ecosystems and the increasing population of the cormorants, Eustrongylides has an increasing potential range of dispersion in Europe, including Italy; thus an extensive surveillance should be carried out, especially given the zoonotic potential of this nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. This parasite has been reported from many countries all over the world, after translocation of its natural host outside its native geographic range, North America. In the period between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were cage-trapped and euthanized in Tuscany (Central Italy), in the context of a plan aimed at eradicating a reproductive population of this non-native species. All the animals were submitted for necroscopic examination. Adult ascariids were found in the small intestine of seven raccoons (prevalence 33.3%). Parasites have been identified as B. procyonis based on both morphometric and molecular approaches. The aim of the present article is to report the first finding of this zoonotic parasite from Italy, highlighting the sanitary risks linked to the introduction of alien vertebrate species in new areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods: Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk. Results: The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment. Conclusions: Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human–animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of resistance to commercial anthelmintics, particularly in different species of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), requires the search for alternatives. Within that context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal activity of five different essential oils (EOs): Origanum vulgare, Satureja hortensis, Thymus vulgaris, Mentha x piperita and Helichrysum arenarium against sheep GINs. For this purpose, the nematode eggs were collected from naturally infected sheep by GINs in two farms located in southern Italy. The egg hatch test (EHT) was performed at six different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195 and 0.049 mg/mL) for each EO. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry chemical analyses of tested EOs, as well as coproculture examination of tested faecal samples, were also conducted. The results of EHT showed the greatest ovicidal activity of O. vulgare EO with a maximum effect on egg hatching (100%) for all tested concentrations. A similar effect was also shown by S. hortensis and T. vulgaris EOs with an activity of 99.3-100% and 98.5-100%, respectively. M. piperita EO showed medium, dosedependent ovicidal activity with an inhibitory effect of 72.5-99.8% on the egg hatchability, while the least effective was H. arenarium EO with an activity of 59.8- 69.3%. For the anthelmintic activities of the tested EOs are responsible their ingredients, above all carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. The present study demonstrated the significant anthelmintic potential of the tested EOs and emphasizes the possible importance of medicinal plant products for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal venting is rather prevalent in many marine areas around the world, and marine shallow vents are relatively abundant in the Mediterranean Sea, especially around Italy. However, investigations focusing on the characterization of meiofaunal organisms inhabiting shallow vent sediments are still scant compared to that on macrofauna. In the present study, we investigated the meiobenthic assemblages and nematode diversity inhabiting the Secca delle Fumose (SdF), a shallow water vent area located in the Gulf of Naples (Italy). In this area, characterized by a rapid change in the environmental conditions on a relative small spatial scale (i.e., 100 m), we selected four sampling sites: one diffusive emission site (H); one geyser site (G) and two inactive sites (CN, CS). Total meiofauna abundance did not vary significantly between active and inactive sites and between surface and deeper sediment layers due to a high inter-replicate variability, suggesting a pronounced spatial-scale patchiness in distribution of meiofauna. Nematofauna at site H presented the typical features of deep-sea vents with low structural and functional diversity, high biomass and dominance of few genera (i.e., Oncholaimus; Daptonema) while from site G we reported diversity values comparable to that of the inactive sites. We hypothesized that site G presented a condition of “intermediate disturbance” that could maintain a high nematode diversity. Environmental features such as sediment temperature, pH, total organic carbon and interstitial waters ions were found to be key factors influencing patterns of meiofauna and nematofauna assemblages at SdF. Even though the general theory is that nematodes inhabiting shallow vent areas include a subset of species that live in background sediments, this was not the case for SdF vent area. Due to a marked change in nematode composition between all sites and to the presence of many exclusive species, every single investigated site was characterized by a distinct nematofauna reflecting the high spatial heterogeneity of SdF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contracaecum rudolphii (s. l.) is a complex of sibling species of anisakid nematodes having the fish-eating birds belonging to the Family Phalacrocoracidae as final hosts. The great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis is parasitized by C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B. Adults and L4 specimens of C. rudolphii (s. l.) (N = 3282) were collected in cormorants from brackish and freshwater ecosystems of Central Italy. Third-stage larvae of Contracaecum (N = 882) were obtained from the fish species Dicentrarchus labrax, Anguilla anguilla, Aphanius fasciatus, Atherina boyeri, Leuciscus cephalus, Barbus barbus, and Carassius carassius captured in the same geographical areas of cormorants' standings. Contracaecum rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B were identified by a multilocus genetic approach: allozymes, sequences analysis of the mtDNA cox2, and ITS region of rDNA gene loci. Differential distribution of the two parasite species was observed in different aquatic environments. Contracaecum rudolphii B outnumbered C. rudolphii A in wintering cormorants from freshwater ecosystems; the opposite trend was found in cormorants from brackish water. Analogously, C. rudolphii A larvae were more prevalent in brackish water fish, while C. rudolphii B larvae were found infecting only freshwater fish. The findings seem to confirm that C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B would have a life-cycle adapted to brackish and freshwater environments, respectively. A differential feeding behavior of wintering cormorants, the ecology of the infected fish species, and abiotic factors related to early stages of the parasites are supposed to maintain the distinctiveness of the two parasite species' life cycles in the two different aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-ranging grey wolves (Canis lupus), which are presently recolonizing Italy, can be parasitized by a diversity of helminths, but have rarely been subject to studies of their parasites. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of road-killed grey wolves from the Piedmont region of Italy. Forty-two wolves were collected and examined for the presence of helminths. We recorded 12 helminth species: nine Nematoda and three Cestoda. The nematodes were: Ancylostoma caninum (7.1%), Capillaria sp. (2.4%), Molineus sp. (2.4%), Pterygodermatites affinis (11.9%), Physaloptera sibirica (9.5%), Toxocara canis (9.5%), Toxascaris leonina (2.4%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (26.2%); the cestodes were: Dipylidium caninum (4.8%), Mesocestoides sp. (4.8%) and Taenia multiceps (76.2%). Physaloptera sibirica had the highest mean intensity and T. multiceps had the highest prevalence. Based on age and sex, no differences in the intensity or prevalence of helminth species were found among the hosts. Molineus sp. was recorded for the first time in wolves from the Palearctic region; P. affinis and P. sibirica are respectively reported for the first time in wolves from Europe and Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron is one of the most precious spices in the world. It is derived from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus L. flowers. This plant is triploid sterile and propagated by corms. As a subterranean organ, the corm can come into contact with different nematodes. In this contribution Bursaphelenchus fungivorus was reported for the first time in Italy. It was found associated with C. sativus corms and characterized based on morphological and morphometrical characteristics for this species. The identification was confirmed using molecular analyses. Moreover, a review of nematodes associated with C. sativus worldwide is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive cultivation is of great economic, ecological, and cultural interest in Italy, as well as in the rest of the Mediterranean basin. Among the pests of olive trees, several groups of insects, mites, and nematodes have been reported. Phytoparasitic nematodes especially of the genera Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Xiphinema, Tylenchulus, Rotylenchulus, and Heterodera have usually been extracted from roots and soil around trees. On the other hand, no information is available concerning nematodes directly associated with the wood. At the end of September 2018, in a high-density cultivated olive grove in Tuscany (central Italy), several olive trees with decline symptoms were observed. Three Bursaphelenchus species, B. fungivorus, B. minutus, and B. sexdentati were extracted from the wood of one dead tree. Even though these species had already been reported in Italy, these findings were the first ones recorded in olive wood. Moreover, another undescribed Bursaphelenchus species was found associated with the bark beetle Hylesinus fraxini collected from olive trunks and branches. Further research is needed to investigate the role of insects and Bursaphelenchus spp. in the decline processes of olive trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of nematodes associated with the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus was conducted in southern Italy in 2015 and 2016 in order to create a species inventory and obtain data about nematode biodiversity. A total of 70 insect samples (pupae and adults) were collected from infested Phoenix canariensis, Phoenix dactylifera, and Chamaerops humilis palms in three Italian Regions: sampling took place at 11 locations in Apulia, 1 in Basilicata, and 1 in Sardinia regions. Individual insects were dissected to determine nematode presence, and different nematode species were also recovered from red palm weevil cocoons collected at the sites in Apulia. Individual nematodes were molecularly identified by sequencing the ITS, D2‐D3 expansion domains of the 28SrRNA gene and the mitochondrial COI and inferring the phylogenetic relationships. The insect‐associated nematofauna identified belonged to the families Rhabditidae, Cephalobidae, and Diplogastridae. Just two nematode species, Teratorhabditis synpapillata and Mononchoides macrospiculum, were always found in association with adult insects and cocoons taken from all sampling sites. This paper reports on the biodiversity of the nematodes associated with R. ferrugineus and on current knowledge of the specific habitat of specialized and divergent entomophilic nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystidicola farionis is a nematode of the swim bladder that parasitizes Salmonidae and Osmeridae families, with a range of diffusion in Europe, Asia, and North America. During a fish health monitoring performed in July 2017 in a trout farm located in northwest Italy, a prevalence of 70% for C. farionis was recorded in rainbow trout from a unique tank. In order to clarify the first occurrence of this parasite in northwest Italy, a total of 180 specimens were analysed in different seasons to obtain prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance of infestation. Moreover, amphipods were also sampled during each fish sampling campaign. Only fish sampled in August 2017 were positive for C. farionis, since fish were then sold and replaced with a new batch. All isolated nematodes were identified by morphological criteria as subadults (L4), but not sexually matured. All examined amphipods (genus Gammarus) resulted negative for the presence of the parasite. The most probable explanation of this report was due to the movement of a single fish batch from northeast Italy, previously described as an endemic area for this parasite. The absence of the parasite in the amphipods and consequently in other fish batches from other tanks are due to the lifetime cycle of the parasite that had no time to infect new hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Orobic goat is a hardy breed native to the Orobic Alps (Lombardy, northern Italy). The aim of the study was the assessment of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) egg excretion in Alpine and Saanen (cosmopolite breeds) and Orobic grazing goats, after a strategic treatment with eprinomectin in late June. Individual faecal samples from a mixed flock of cosmopolite and Orobic goats were collected and analysed by the FLOTAC double technique every three weeks from June to September. Strongylida was the primary GIN infection observed in goats that grazed on Alpine pastures; a strategic treatment with eprinomectin led to a prolonged reduction of egg excretion during the whole study period. Egg excretion was also influenced by breed. Pluriparous Orobic does were able to control reinfection better than the pluriparous cosmopolite does. Regarding Nematodirus sp. eggs per gram of faeces (EPG), the autochthonous Orobic breed presented higher values than the cosmopolite breeds. However, cosmopolite goats presented higher EPG values of Strongyloides papillosus than their Orobic counterparts in August. Further studies on genetic features of local autochthonous goats, such as the Orobic breed, are needed, since they could reveal peculiar characteristics of susceptibility, resistance or resilience to GIN infection, providing genetic resources for selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A new species of Bursaphelenchus , extracted from unprocessed logs of Milicia excelsa from Cameroon and arriving in the port of Leghorn, Tuscany, Central Italy, is described. Bursaphelenchus irokophilus n. sp. is based upon morphological and molecular characters and is characterised by the two-lined lateral field, mitten-shaped spicule possessing cucullus and well-developed and slightly dorsally curved condylus with narrowly rounded tip, female vulva with side flap, and long, smoothly tapering and strongly ventrally recurved female tail. The new species belongs to the abietinus -group and is similar to, but distinguished from, B. abietinus and B. rainulfi by the position of secretory-excretory pore, longer and slender female tail and some morphometric values. In addition, the phylogeny based on SSU and D2-D3 LSU regions shows that this species belongs to the abietinus -group, the relationship among the species of this group being discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Canine and feline extra-intestinal parasites are stably present in Italy. • Parasite-sharing between wildlife and domestic animals may spur the spreading of these parasites. • Cardio-pulmonary nematodes are of major epidemiological and clinical importance for dogs and cats. Abstract Extra-intestinal nematodes of companion animals are of growing concern in veterinary medicine for their pathogenic potential and the current expansion throughout Europe. The present study has evaluated the occurrence of major canine and feline extra-intestinal nematodes in regions of Italy having epidemiological relevance. Associations of various recorded parameters related to the examined animals have been statistically evaluated, along with a comparative analysis with the most recent epidemiological data. Overall, 1055 dogs and 1000 cats were tested. Among extra-intestinal nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most common in dogs followed by Capillaria aerophila and Dirofilaria spp.; Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most recorded parasite in cats, followed by C. aerophila and Troglostrongylus brevior. The statistical analysis revealed that outdoor access is associated with A. vasorum , A. abstrusus and T. brevior infections, that were also more prevalent in animals with cardio-respiratory signs. Moreover, cats aged less than 12 months had more chances to be infected by lungworms. The data herein presented confirm the occurrence and the possible risk of expansion of different extra-intestinal parasitoses of dogs and cats in Italy, underlining the importance of a constant epidemiologic vigilance and of appropriate control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen (Compositae), well-known as jambú, is a medicinal herb of pungent taste, native to Brazil but cultivated in different parts of the world due to its aromatic and pharmacological properties. In folk medicine, the plant has been used against parasites and to combat insects and mites. No data are available on the insecticidal activity of jambú essential oil. Aim of the study To test the jambú essential oil obtained from A. oleracea cultivated in central Italy against the filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus , the Egyptian cotton worm, Spodoptera littoralis , and the housefly, Musca domestica. Materials and methods The chemical composition of the essential oil was achieved by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. Acute toxicity experiments were conducted on larvae of the filariasis vector C. quinquefasciatus and S. littoralis and adults of M. domestica to determine the LC 50 (LD 50) and LC 90 (LD 90) values of the oil, along with the positive control, α-cypermethrin. Results (E)-caryophyllene (20.8%), β-pinene (17.3%), myrcene (17.1%) and caryophyllene oxide (10.0%) were the major volatile constituents. Interestingly, the oil contained little amounts (3.9%) of the insecticidal spilanthol. Jambú essential oil exerted relevant effects on C. quinquefasciatus (LC 50 = 42.2 mg L−1, LC 90 = 73.6 mg L−1) and S. littoralis 3rd instar larvae (LD 50 = 68.1 µg larva-1, LD 90 = 132.1 µg larva-1). High acute toxicity was also detected testing the jambú oil against adult females of M. domestica , achieving a LD 50 value of 44.3 µg adult-1 and a LD 90 value of 87.5 µg adult-1. Conclusions Taken together our data support the traditional use of jambú as an insecticidal agent and represent the scientific basis for the industrial exploitation of the essential oil in the fabrication of green insecticides. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report 74 patients in Italy infected with Mansonella perstans nematodes, a poorly described filarial parasite. M. perstans nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with eosinophilia from disease-endemic countries. Serologic analysis is useful for screening, and testing for microfilaremia in peripheral blood should be performed for parasite-positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Ancylostoma spp; ancylostomiasis; video capsule EN Ancylostoma spp ancylostomiasis video capsule 1 2 2 01/24/22 20220101 NES 220101 A 41-year-old Pakistani man came to the emergency department for dyspnea and dyspepsia. Graph: Figure 1 class="chapter-para">Panels A-F: video capsule endoscopy visualization of adult hookworms. [Extracted from the article]

Parasitic infections such as Strongylida and Eimeria still represent a major health problem of dairy cattle impacting their health, welfare, and productivity. In view of the scarcity of data on risk factors contributing to the spread of parasitic infections in cattle breeding, an epidemiological study in intensive dairy farms in northern Italy was planned. 495 animals (lactating and dry cows, heifers, and calves) from 19 farms were enrolled in the study. Individual fecal samples were analyzed by a quantitative copromicroscopic analysis to detect the number of Strongylida eggs or Eimeria oocysts per gram of faeces (EPG/OPG). Data concerning management, sanitary and biosecurity measures were collected using a questionnaire; a management measures score (MMS) was also calculated. The possible influence of risk factors on Strongylida and Eimeria was thus assessed by statistical analysis using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Eimeria spp. was the most frequently detected parasitic taxon (herd and individual prevalence: 89.5% and 46.2%, respectively), followed by Strongylida (herd and individual prevalence: 63.1% and 16.6%, respectively). The presence of Strongylida resulted associated to the productive category (p -value = 0.028), with heifers and dry cows at higher risk of infection than lactating cows and calves, and to the MMS (p -value = 0.007). Higher prevalence values were recorded in farms with intermediate or low MMS compared to those with optimal MMS. As regard Eimeria infection, a greater effect of MMS on OPG was recorded in calves when compared to those recorded in heifers (OR = 0.228, p -value = 0.003) and dry cows (OR = 0.241, p -value = 0.009). Gastrointestinal parasitic infections still remain an underestimated problem in intensive dairy cattle breeding. MMS may help in the choice of strategies aimed at minimizing the impact of parasites on animal health, thus improving the productivity of the entire herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Micipsella comprises three species of filariae to date identified in lagomorphs only, whereas the other genera belonging to the subfamily Splendidofilariinae are described as parasites of birds, reptiles and mammals. In the present study seven specimens of Micipsella numidica (Seurat, 1917), collected from the hare Lepus europaeus in Italy, were characterized genetically by molecular amplification of the mitochondrial genes (12S rDNA; cox1) and the 5S rDNA gene spacer region. Phylogenetic trees inferred using available sequences from filariae and those identified in this study evidenced a close relationship between M. numidica and Splendidofilariinae of other mammals and reptiles (Rumenfilaria andersoni and Madathamugadia hiepei). The present findings, apart from adding new data about the hosts in Italy, support the taxonomic position of M. numidica and highlight the substantial biological and molecular differences existing between Splendidofilariinae and other Onchocercidae. The study also contributes to our knowledge of the molecular/genetic diagnosis of filarial parasites of veterinary and medical concern in any vertebrate or invertebrate host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the macroparasite fauna of Pallas's squirrel, Callosciurus erythraeus, native to SE Asia, recently introduced to Italy and co-occurring with the native Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris. A total of 161 Pallas's squirrels harboured a poor macroparasite fauna, characterized by two main ectoparasite species, the flea Ceratophyllus ( M.) sciurorum sciurorum (prevalence 50%, mean intensity 1.0 ± 0.1) and the tick Ixodes ricinus (prevalence 47%, mean intensity 3.0 ± 0.7), and a few helminths ( Rodentoxyuris sciuri, Trichuris muris, Strongyloides callosciureus) all with prevalence below 10%. All parasites, except S. callosciureus, are native to Europe and were acquired in the invaded range. The loss of native parasites might have contributed to their successful invasion. The acquisition of local parasites C. sciurorum and Trichuris sciuri, and the introduction of the Asiatic nematode S. callosciureus may lead to spill-back and spill-over processes towards red squirrels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montecristo Island is an integral natural reserve of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Central Italy), characterized by a peculiar assemblage of flora and fauna, with several endemic taxa, and also with a high number of alien species. During a soil survey, we found an alien Oscheius tipulae Lam &Webster, 1971 isolate, phylogenetically close to others from South America. In this article, we examined the possible pathways of introduction of this nematode. Because of the high number of alien plants in this protected area and the low desiccation survival ability of O. tipulae, we hypothesized that the presence of this alien nematode isolate may be related to the soil of introduced plants, although historical association with plant-associated invertebrates is also possible. Further studies with more populations and marker molecules are necessary to investigate the distribution of O. tipulae and the possible impact on this natural reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several juvenile and adult nematodes were isolated after dissection of pupae and adults of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, recovered from an infested Phoenix canariensis Chabaud exemplar in Bari, Italy. Two species of nematodes were recovered, Teratorhabditis synpapillata and Mononchoides macrospiculum n. sp. which is described herein. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI), the ITS-containing region, the 18S rRNA gene (SSU) and the D2-D3 expansion domains of the 28S rRNA gene (LSU) were amplified and sequenced. The new species, M. macrospiculum n. sp., is described at morphological and molecular level. Phylogenetic analyses using SSU and LSU sequences placed M. macrospiculum n. sp. together with M. composticola and M. striatus. The sequences of the Italian population of T. synpapillata are identical to those of T. synpapillata from Japan. This is the first report on the association of M. macrospiculum n. sp. and T. synpapillata with the red palm weevil in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a metastrongyloid nematode infesting the respiratory system of domestic cats worldwide. Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus, two lungworms thought to infest wild felids, have been found recently in domestic cats from Spain and Italy. These unexpected findings have raised doubts about the assumed past and present occurrence of Troglostrongylus spp., especially T. brevior, in domestic hosts and suggest that there may have been missed detection or misdiagnosis. The present retrospective study evaluated the presence of lungworms in cats from Italy with a diagnosis of respiratory parasitism or with compatible lung lesions from 2002 to 2013. Sixty-eight samples of DNA and larvae from cats with a diagnosis of aelurostrongylosis, and 53 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung samples from cats confirmed as lungworm infested or with compatible lesions, were investigated using two DNA-based assays specific for A. abstrusus or T. brevior. All DNA and larval samples were positive for A. abstrusus and one was additionally positive for T. brevior. Most paraffin-embedded lung tissues were positive only for A. abstrusus, but two samples tested positive for both lungworms and one for T. brevior only. This study supports the major role of A. abstrusus in causing feline respiratory parasitism in endemic areas of Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Three species of the genus Cercopithifilaria have been morphologically and molecularly characterized in dog populations in southern Europe: Cercopithifilaria grassii (Noè, 1907), Cercopithifilaria sp. sensu Otranto et al., 2011 (reported as Cercopithifilaria sp. I), and Cercopithifilaria sp. II sensu Otranto et al., 2012. The adults of Cercopithifilaria sp. I have remained unknown until the present study. Methods: The material originated from a dog from Sardinia (Italy) diagnosed with dermal microfilariae of Cercopithifilaria sp. I. The holotype and three paratypes of Cercopithifilaria bainae Almeida & Vicente, 1984, described from dogs in Brazil, were studied as comparative material. A cox1 (∼689 bp) and 12S (∼330 bp) gene fragments were amplified and phylogenetic analysis carried out. Results: The highest numbers of adult nematodes (82%) were collected in the sediment of the subcutaneous tissues of the trunk (n = 37) and forelimbs (n = 36). The morphology of the adult nematodes and microfilariae collected from the dog in Sardinia corresponded to those of C. bainae. All cox1 and 12S gene sequences showed a high homology (99-100%) with sequences from microfilariae of Cercopithifilaria sp. I. Conclusions: The morphological and molecular identity of the microfilariae of C. bainae overlap those described previously as Cercopithifilaria sp. sensu Otranto et al., 2011 (=Cercopithifilaria sp. I). Therefore, the present study reports the occurrence of C. bainae in Europe, for the first time after its description and the single record in Brazil. C. bainae appears to be highly diffused in dog populations in southern Europe. The phylogenetic analyses based on cox1 and 12S do not reveal the three species of Cercopithifilaria parasitizing dogs as a monophyletic group, which suggests that they have derived independently by host switching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cases of gastric anisakiasis caused by the zoonotic parasite Anisakis pegreffii are increasing in Italy. The disease is caused by ingestion of larval nematodes in lightly cooked or raw seafood. Because symptoms are vague and serodiagnosis is difficult, the disease is often misdiagnosed and cases are understimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether canine faecal contamination may represent a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara canis eggs within the urban area of Florence, a total number of 754 dog faeces were collected in 7 public places and examined by routine floatation technique during one-year period. The total prevalence of intestinal nematode eggs was 8.6 %. Trichuris vulpis (4.6 %) eggs were the most prevalent followed by T. canis (3.6 %) and Ancylostomidae (1.7 %) eggs. Mixed infections included T. canis/ T. vulpis (0.7 %), Ancylostomidae/ T. canis (0.4 %), and Ancylosto-midae/ T. vulpis (0.3 %). Total prevalence of intestinal nematode eggs was significantly higher in spring than in winter (OR = 2.06). Our results indicate a low prevalence of T. canis eggs suggesting that dog faeces left on soil are unlikely to cause high environmental contamination with T. canis eggs in the town of Florence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italian hare Lepus corsicanus De Winton, 1898, is a true species living in simpatry with Lepus europaeus in mainland Italy and with Oryctolagus cuniculus in Sicily, where L. europaeus is absent. Up to date, nobody has studied the helminths of this endemic Italian Mammal. Therefore, in order to describe Italian hare gastro-intestinal helminths, gastro-intestinal tract of 29 Italian hares, coming from mainland Italy (#14) and from Sicily (#15) were collected between 1997 and 2009. Twentyfive hares were positive for at least one parasite (86 %). Six parasite species were isolated, 2 cestodes ( Cittotaenia pectinata, prevalence 3 %) and Paranoplocephala sp., 3 %) and 4 nematodes ( Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, 86 %, Graphidium strigosum, 14 %, Trichuris sp., 10 % and Teladorsagia circumcincta, 7 %). Both Teladorsagia circumcincta circumcincta and Teladorsagia circumcincta trifurcata morphotypes were identified. Comparison with available data regarding L. europaeus and O. cuniculus in Italy is provided. Being not T. circumcincta and Paranoplocephala sp. typical parasites of leporids, a description of the observed specimens is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the meiobenthic nematode assemblages from three Italian Marine Protected Areas (Miramare, Adriatic Sea; Porto Cesareo, Ionian Sea; and Capo Caccia, Western Mediterranean Sea) was carried out at three different depth ranges from the low intertidal to the shallow subtidal. Nematode community composition was analysed at the genus level, and diversity and taxonomic distinctness were studied to detect possible differences among the MPAs and between intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. There were differences in granulometric variables between sampling depths: medium and coarse fractions were often dominant in the sites at the low intertidal and shallow subtidal, while very shallow subtidal sites were characterised by fine and very fine sand. Nematode densities and diversities were generally high in all sampling areas. Nematode communities changed when different depths were compared. This was due to a decrease in deposit-feeding nematodes coupled with a higher abundance of predators and epigrowth feeders with increasing depths, from the low intertidal to the shallow subtidal. The shallow subtidal is characterised by the presence of a stout nematode community (Length/Width ratio <15) dominated by Epsilonematidae (39%), Desmoscolecidae (16%) and Selachinematidae (9%). The high dominance of the epsilonematids is probably due to the occurrence of coarse sediments. Our study also reveals a possible relationship between body proportions and feeding groups. Changes in depth and sand grain size do not seem to cause drastic variations of diversity. Both Δ+ and Λ+ seem to be more sensitive than other diversity indices in discriminating among different sites, as a consequence of different environmental physical features. The concept of isocommunities might explain the similarities found in the three Italian Marine Protected Areas nematode assemblages; in fact, the same dominant families and genera were recorded in geographically spaced sites at similar depth ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Silva Lusitana is the property of Unidade de Investigacao de Silvicultura e Productos Florestais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ninety-four Alpine springs in Trentino, from 170 to 2792 m a.s.l., were studied and compared for their nematode communities. No nematode species appeared typical for Alpine springs (crenobionts or crenophiles); all the identified species were common in freshwater habitats, with a wide geographical range on a continental scale. The only notable, rare species was Eumonhystera tatrica Daday, 1896, a very small nematode that has apparently never been found since it was first described. Eighty springs with more than 7 specimens were retained for statistical analysis. Distinctness indices Δ+ and Λ+ showed that only a few springs exceeded the funnel limits for such indices. The relationships between habitat features and community composition, and nematode ecology (c-p value, size, trophy) were investigated. The major abiotic factors influencing nematode community composition were water temperature and lithology (carbonate vs. crystalline). In addition, nematode communities from mosses differed from those sampled from other substrata in the same spring. The nematode-based Maturity Index increased with crenic water temperature, in contrast to other indices, such as Shannon diversity and Berger-Parker index, suggesting that r-strategist nematode species replace K-strategists along the temperature gradient. Lithology did not alter species richness, but the relative abundance of species present on carbonate and in non-carbonate substrata varied. The 4th-corner analysis showed significant correlations between temperature and species trophic group. In conclusion, nematodes are good ecological indicators of polluted vs unpolluted waters, but at least in this case, cannot be used to differentiate between unpolluted habitats such as Alpine springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context The impact of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections on the milk production of mature dairy cows has been the subject of scientific research since the 1970s. Most of these studies on dairy cows have been conducted in lowland, mainly pasture-based dairy systems with Holstein cows, but there are also important commercial dairy areas in more marginal, upland and alpine regions. The characteristics of dairy farming in these areas -- low-intensity, transhumance, small herd sizes and using regional breeds -- means that caution needs be applied in extrapolating the results of research to these systems. Two studies have been published in which the effects of treatment with the anthelmintic eprinomectin have been evaluated under alpine conditions. In those studies, animals were not systematically sampled for GIN, and so attributing the increase in milk yield to elimination of GIN could only be speculated upon. On the basis of these previous observations, the major aim of this randomised, controlled field trial was to assess the effect of a treatment with eprinomectin on milk yield, somatic cell counts (SCCs) and milk composition of regularly grazed multiparous dairy cows under alpine grazing conditions. Main conclusion This study confirmed that the effect of eprinomectin treatment on the milk yield of dairy cows, which has been reported in lowland dairy herds, can also be observed in cows that are grazed in alpine regions, and supports the hypothesis that this effect is predominantly due to the elimination of GIN. The effects of treatment on SCC were modest but consistent with some other reports in the literature. Approach The effect of a treatment with pour-on eprinomectin on milk yield, milk composition and SCC was studied in 105 dairy cows kept on seven farms in South Tyrol, Italy. The farms were chosen according to their history of pasturing the dairy cattle during the grazing season. On each farm, half of the animals were treated with eprinomectin and the other half formed an untreated control group. Allocation of cattle to one of the two groups was random. Three test-day records per animal were obtained before treatment (on a median days -117, -75 and -33) and another three testday records were obtained after treatment (median days 22, 62 and 131). Test-day records comprised milk yield, milk composition, SCC and days in milk (DIM). On the day of treatment, faecal samples were taken from the rectum for a coprological analysis for GIN, Moniezia species, Eimeria species and Fasciola hepatica, and blood samples were taken at the same time for F hepatica serology. Mixed-effects models to model hierarchical data (farm and cow within farm) were computed to examine the effects of several predictors of milk yield, milk fat and milk protein. The models contained the dichotomous information about when the treatment was applied relative to the test day and dichotomous information about the presence of coprologically detected GIN as fixed effects at the categorical scale, and days in milk (DIM), DIM², age (in months) and 305-day milk yield predicted from the previous lactation as fixed effects at the continuous scale. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of GIN, Eimeria species, Moniezia species and F hepatica (in faeces as well as seroprevalence) between cattle allocated to the treatment or control group. Overall, half of the cows had positive GIN faecal egg counts and Eimeria species oocysts were found in over half of the faecal samples. Tapeworm segments and eggs were also observed in some samples. Positive egg counts for liver fluke were seen in 25 per cent of the animals, and 58 per cent were positive serologically. There were highly significant positive effects of treatment on the second test day (day 62:+1.90 kg, P=0.002) and third test day (day 131: +2.63 kg, P< 0.001) after treatment compared with the control animals. SCC was significantly lower (P=0.020) in the treated animals on the second post-treatment test day. Interpretation and notes of caution The increase in milk yield after treatment with eprinomectin might have been due to a reduction in GIN infection, as the presence of gastrointestinal strongyles was estimated to significantly lower milk production by 0.90 kg/day over the entire study period. Given that only half of the animals were treated and that in these animals only half of the testday records were recorded after treatment, the estimates for GIN infection reflect the estimates for the overall effect of the eprinomectin treatment accurately. The prevalence of GIN at the time of treatment was similar in the control and treatment groups. The two groups were not perfectly balanced for age and days in milk, mainly due to the farm structures in the trial area. To minimise potential bias, days in milk and age were included into the multivariate mixedeffects models. Whether the fact that treated animals were younger than control animals influenced the effect of treatment on milk yield and, if so, whether this resulted in an under- or overestimation cannot be determined. On the one hand, one could argue that older cows have generally been more exposed to GIN than younger cows during their lifetime, resulting in better immunity to GIN in older cows, which might lead to an overestimation of the treatment effect if treated cows are younger. On the other hand, younger animals yield less than older animals, which would result in an underestimation of the treatment effect if one would assume that the treatment effect is proportional to the total milk yield. Significance of findings This study revealed a positive effect of eprinomectin treatment at autumn housing on the milk yield of dairy cattle that grazed on alpine pastures during the summer months (May to October). Because the presence of gastrointestinal strongyles was estimated to lower milk production significantly over the entire study period, this study supports the hypothesis that the effect was predominantly due to the elimination of GIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema vulcanicum n. sp., is described from the slopes of Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy). It was recovered from soil in a chestnut wood. Molecular and morphological data indicate that the new species belongs to the glaseri group of Steinernema spp. The new species can be distinguished from the other described species of the group by morphological characteristics, crossbreeding tests and by the DNA sequences of ITS1 rDNA, 12S and cox1 mitochondrial loci. Steinernema vulcanicum n. sp. is characterised by the long and slender male spicules, with manubrium wider than long, velum prominent, rounded tip with ventral concavity and tail without mucro. The female has double epiptygmata in both generations. The third-stage infective juveniles have an average body length of 1200 μm, excretory pore generally located level with posterior part of the pharyngeal corpus (D% = 47-68), lateral field pattern of variable formula and hyaline part of tail forming ca 50% of its length. The DNA sequences, life cycle and the endosymbiotic bacterium of S. vulcanicum n. sp., Xenorhabdus kozodoii, indicate the similarity of the new species with S. arenarium, S. apuliae and S. boemarei, from which it can be distinguished by both morphological and molecular characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of free-living nematodes in the Foce del fiume Irminio nature reserve in Sicily (Italy), a new species of the genus Prodorylaimus, P. irminii sp. n., was found, which is here described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by medium-large size (L = 1.8-2.5 mm), slender body, lip region marked by a depression, lips amalgamated, prominent labial and cephalic papillae, odontostyle 19.5-25 μm long (1.3-1.4 lip region diam.), odontophore rod-like, 30-42 μm long, female reproductive apparatus amphidelphic, with short ovaries, long oviduct, long uterus distally provided with pars dilatata, longitudinal vulva, vagina with sclerotised pieces, male genital system diorchic, spicules 37-50.5 μm long, 15-16 contiguous ventromedian supplements, tail relatively short, elongate conoid and gradually tapering in female while abruptly narrowing and distally filiform in male. Prodorylaimium taebekensis (Choi & Khan, 1999) comb. n. (syn. Prodorylaimus taebekensis Choi & Khan, 1999) is proposed. A diagnostic table of characters and key to the species of the genus are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meiofauna assemblages of three Italian Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Miramare (Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia), Porto Cesareo (Lecce, Apulia) and Capo Caccia (Sassari, Sardinia), were investigated. Sediment samples were collected during summer 2005 in the shallow subtidal (1-4 m depth). The meiofauna was primarily represented by Nematoda and Copepoda. The results showed that significant differences in meiofauna communities abundances were found among the three Italian MPAs, and in particular between Capo Caccia and Porto Cesareo (3840 ± 422 SE individuals·10 cm-2 at Miramare, 5716 ± 857 SE ind.·10 cm-2 in Porto Cesareo, and 1063 ± 289 SE ind.·10 cm-2 in Capo Caccia). These differences were mainly due to a clear change in nematodes and copepods abundances in the two MPAs. Meiofauna diversity was not significantly different among the three MPAs. The analysis on nematode communities showed a dominance of deposit feeders in Porto Cesareo (Anoplostoma, Daptonema and Theristus), while in the marine reserves of Miramare and Capo Caccia epigrowth feeding nematodes, and predators/omnivores were dominant (Mesacanthion, Marylynnia). The results reported here represent a new contribution to the knowledge of the Mediterranean meiofauna and nematode assemblages structure and composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]