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Little is known of helminth parasites in Micronesia in archaeological contexts. This study presents a parasitological analysis of soil and sediment samples from Ebon Atoll in the Marshall Islands, eastern Micronesia. Microscopic eggs of the dog (Canis lupus familiaris) nematode Toxocara canis, which could have adversely affected the health of local people as well as their dogs, were found at two sites, in one example in habitation layers dated to 1830–1625 calBP (95% CI), extending the date for the known presence of dogs in the Marshall Islands by at least 600 years. This study represents the first confirmed evidence of pre‐European helminth parasites in Micronesia. As similar Melanesian and Polynesian studies have previously been reported, the study also completes the initial, pre‐contact helminth record for the three main island regions of Oceania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence worldwide. Molecular tools have significantly improved the diagnosis of these helminthiases, but the selection of genetic markers for PCR or metabarcoding purposes is often challenging because of the resolution these may show. Methods Nuclear 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacers 1 (ITS-1) and 2 (ITS-2), mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial rRNA genes 12S and 16S loci were studied for 30 species of the mentioned families. Accordingly, their phylogenetic interspecies resolution, pairwise nucleotide p-distances and sequence availability in GenBank were analyzed. Results The 18S rRNA showed the least interspecies resolution since separate species of the Ascaris, Mansonella, Toxocara or Ancylostoma genus were intermixed in phylogenetic trees as opposed to the ITS-1, ITS-2, cox1, 12S and 16S loci. Moreover, pairwise nucleotide p-distances were significantly different in the 18S compared to the other loci, with an average of 99.1 ± 0.1%, 99.8 ± 0.1% and 98.8 ± 0.9% for the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families, respectively. However, ITS-1 and ITS-2 average pairwise nucleotide p-distances in the three families ranged from 72.7% to 87.3%, and the cox1, 12S and 16S ranged from 86.4% to 90.4%. Additionally, 2491 cox1 sequences were retrieved from the 30 analyzed species in GenBank, whereas 212, 1082, 994, 428 and 143 sequences could be obtained from the 18S, ITS-1, ITS-2, 12S and 16S markers, respectively. Conclusions The use of the cox1 gene is recommended because of the high interspecies resolution and the large number of sequences available in databases. Importantly, confirmation of the identity of an unknown specimen should always be complemented with the careful morphological examination of worms and the analysis of other markers used for specific parasitic groups. Graphical Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this work was to increase the knowledge of the parasitic helminths of the Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens. Methods: Two specimens of the Crane hawk were captured in Formosa province, Argentina, their viscera were preserved in 10% formalin and examined in the laboratory. Results: Helminthological analysis revealed the presence of six helminth taxa (one Trematoda, four Nematoda, and one Acanthocephala). The morphometric study of these helminths and its comparison with previous reports, allowed us to describe a new species of Parastrigea (Digenea: Strigeidae) and report new host-parasite associations and geographical records. Parastrigea labiata n. sp. is mainly characterized by having forebody not divided and two long trumpet-shaped projections of dorsal lip, which emerge through the opening. Five taxa, previously known, Synhimantus (Dispharynx) resticula, Synhimantus (Synhimantus) rectus, Microtetrameres sp., Porrocaecum sp. and Centrorhynchus sp. are briefly described. Conclusions: Previous parasitological studies on G. caerulescens were carried out on material collected between 1817 and 1955, and seven species of helminths were reported. In this study, the six taxa of helminths found constitute new host records, which shows the importance of contemporary studies about this host. All helminths found have heteroxenous life cycles and birds are infected by trophic transmission. Crane hawk's diet includes small vertebrates and to a lesser extent large arthropods. The finding of five helminth species that use invertebrates as intermediate hosts could indicate an important consumption of invertebrates. This research expands the helminthological inventory of Argentinean birds and the knowledge of the helminths of G. caerulescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence worldwide. Molecular tools have significantly improved the diagnosis of these helminthiases, but the selection of genetic markers for PCR or metabarcoding purposes is often challenging because of the resolution these may show. Methods: Nuclear 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacers 1 (ITS-1) and 2 (ITS-2), mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial rRNA genes 12S and 16S loci were studied for 30 species of the mentioned families. Accordingly, their phylogenetic interspecies resolution, pairwise nucleotide p-distances and sequence availability in GenBank were analyzed. Results: The 18S rRNA showed the least interspecies resolution since separate species of the Ascaris, Mansonella, Toxocara or Ancylostoma genus were intermixed in phylogenetic trees as opposed to the ITS-1, ITS-2, cox1, 12S and 16S loci. Moreover, pairwise nucleotide p-distances were significantly different in the 18S compared to the other loci, with an average of 99.1 ± 0.1%, 99.8 ± 0.1% and 98.8 ± 0.9% for the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families, respectively. However, ITS-1 and ITS-2 average pairwise nucleotide p-distances in the three families ranged from 72.7% to 87.3%, and the cox1, 12S and 16S ranged from 86.4% to 90.4%. Additionally, 2491 cox1 sequences were retrieved from the 30 analyzed species in GenBank, whereas 212, 1082, 994, 428 and 143 sequences could be obtained from the 18S, ITS-1, ITS-2, 12S and 16S markers, respectively. Conclusions: The use of the cox1 gene is recommended because of the high interspecies resolution and the large number of sequences available in databases. Importantly, confirmation of the identity of an unknown specimen should always be complemented with the careful morphological examination of worms and the analysis of other markers used for specific parasitic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known of helminth parasites of tropical Remote Oceania, in either archaeological or modern contexts. This study presents a parasitological analysis of soil samples from Lapita and Polynesian contexts in Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, the Marquesas Islands, and the Gambier Islands. Microscopic eggs of the dog (Canis familiaris) nematode Toxocara canis , which could have adversely affected local people and their dogs, were found at all sites. We comment on the variability in size and appearance of T. canis eggs found in archaeological contexts and compare these differences to modern reference eggs. The study represents the first confirmed record of pre-European helminth parasites in tropical Remote Oceania, and the first confirmed physical evidence of dog in Vanuatu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we examined the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer1 (ITS1) region, the partial small ribosomal RNA gene (18S), and mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) genes of Seuratascaris schmackeri sp. nov., a member of ascaridoids, exhibiting characteristics of Ascaridoidea sensu Chabaud (1965) identified through microscopy. This new species was collected from the small intestine of the Chinese frog species Odorrana schmackeri Boettger, 1892, acquired from four regions of Anhui Province, southeastern China. To our knowledge, one species of the Seuratascaris genus, namely Seuratascaris numidica (Seurat, 1917) Sprent 1985, has so far been recorded. The morphology of S. schmackeri sp. nov. differs from that of S. numidica and exhibit a few unique characteristics, including more denticles in the lip, shorter intestinal caecum, longer spicular, more caudal papillae, and pre-, ad-, and post-cloacal caudal papillae pairs in the ratio of 3: 1: 6-7. BLAST analyses of the COI sequences show 59.31% nucleotide divergence with Seuratascaris numidica (Seurat, 1917) (GenBank acc. no. MG434691 and MG434692). Through morphological and molecular characterization of S. schmackeri sp. nov., we generated new data on the Seuratascaris genus, providing a crucial scientific basis for future studies on the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Free-range chickens are predisposed to diverse parasitic infections during scavenging. Accurate identification of these parasites using morphological characters has been a challenge. Therefore, this study aimed to identify nematodes from the Heterakidae and Ascarididae family infecting free-ranging chickens from KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa using a combination of morphological and molecular techniques. Forty-two free-ranging adult indigenous chickens were purchased from randomly selected households in Shongweni (n=12), Umzinto (n=10), Gingindlovu (n=10) and Ozwathini (n=10) rural villages and examined for nematodes of the Heterakidae and Ascarididae family. Collected specimen were identified morphologically and confirmed using mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal markers. Results showed that Ascaridia galli was common, occurring at all sampling locations with an overall prevalence of 58.3%, while Heterakis gallinarum and H. beramporia occurred in three locations. Ascaridia galli had high prevalence in Shongweni (58.3%), followed by Gingindlovu (40%), Ozwathini (20%) and Umzinto (10%). Heterakis gallinarum infection was prevalent in three locations, with an overall prevalence of 90% in Gingindlovu, 80% in Ozwathini and 58.3 % in Shongweni. Heterakis gallinarum and H. beramporia were not recorded in Umzinto. Heterakis beramporia was recorded in low prevalence in Gingindlovu (20%), Ozwathini (10%) and Shongweni (8.3%) villages. Mixed infections of A. galli and H. gallinarum were recorded in Gingindlovu, Ozwathini and Shongweni, and H. gallinarum and H. beramporia in Gingindlovu. Molecular analysis confirmed identification of A. galli, and further showed close relationship with the GenBank-derived South African isolates. Haplotype network further confirmed their ancestral history, where all South African A. galli isolates formed five novel haplotypes corresponding with the structure of the phylogenetic tree. Similar structure was observed with Heterakis isolates, where analysis of the cox1 gene showed that H. gallinarum formed a well-supported monophyletic clade with other Heterakis species. The ITS marker identified three specimens from Gingindlovu, Ozwathini and Shongweni as H. beramporia, which formed strongly supported sister clade to H. indica and this is the first report confirming the occurrence of H. beramporia in South Africa.

Trichuris vulpis and Toxocara canis are worldwide parasitic nematodes affecting dogs and mammals of the Canine family. Due to the special structure of the shells, the eggs of these geohelminths can maintain their viability in soil, sand, water and the environment for a long time. The study involved young (6–12 months old) and adult (1.5–8.0 years old) dogs affected by co-infection of T. vulpis + T. canis; the control group consisted of dewormed healthy animals of the same age. Parasitological examination of dogs' faeces was performed using a "Counting Chamber for Ovoscopic Researches"; morphological parameters, indicators of nutrient metabolism, mineral metabolism and activity of enzymatic systems were determined in blood and serum. According to the results of parasitological research on the dogs, it was found that young animals are more prone to toxocarosis, and adults – trichurosis. The co-infection of nematodes T. vulpis + T. canis in dogs develops several changes in haematological parameters: a significant decrease in erythrocytes, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and haematocrit, leukocytosis with basophils and eosinophilia in young infected animals; and eosinophilia and basophilia (15.9 times) in adults, compared with healthy dogs of the same age. Among the changes in serum biochemical parameters, young infected dogs showed a decrease in the concentration of total protein and albumin content, an increase in the content of "acute phase" proteins (α-1, α-2 and β-globulins), an increase in cholesterol and total bilirubin; in adult infected dogs, a decrease in albumin content, an increase in the content of α-1, α-2, and β-globulins, an increase in the concentration of cholesterol and total bilirubin, a decrease in the concentration of urea in comparison with healthy animals were determined. Also, among the indicators of mineral metabolism, a decrease in the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the serum was found in young infected dogs. Among the changes in the enzyme metabolism in the serum of infected dogs, there was an increase in the activity of all studied enzymes in animals of both research groups: ALT, AST, α-amylase, GGT and ALP. Thus, co-infection with nematodes T. vulpis + T. canis has a complex pathogenic effect on the body of dogs of all ages, which manifested itself in multiple changes in haematological parameters. In the future, the authors’ team plan to develop comprehensive measures to combat nematode infections in different living conditions of dogs, taking into account the results of the current research.

Fifteen helminth species—the acanthocephalan Moniliformis moniliformis, the cestodes Hymenolepis cf. diminuta and Paroniella sp., and 11 nematode species identified at least to subfamily and 1 to family—were found in the digestive tracts of 10 individuals of Rattus mordax (Muridae) from Papua New Guinea. Of the nematode morphotypes, 6 were identified to genus: a larval stage of the ascaridid Ophidascaris robertsi and adults of the chabertiid Cyclodontostomum purvisi, the physalopterid Physaloptera sp., the spirocercid Mastophorus muris, the strongyloidid Strongyloides venezuelensis, and the trichurid Trichuris sp. However, the remaining specimens were in poor condition and could not be fully identified. This study represents the first survey of the helminths of R. mordax, and all helminths are new host records. Ophidascarius robertsi and S. venezuelensis have not been reported previously from other Rattus spp. from Papua New Guinea. A bootstrap analysis estimated that 73% of possible species in the nematode component community of the helminth assemblage were recovered. The dominant species in the helminth assemblage was the spirocercid M. muris. It was the only species found in more than 1 individual, occurring in 50% of the hosts examined. By contrast, the dominant species in the assemblages of Rattus giluwensis, Rattus niobe, Rattus novaeguineae, Rattus steini, and Rattus verucundus were a heligmosomoid, a heligmonellid, an oxyurid, and a heterakid, or a spirurid, respectively. With the exception of R. giluwensis, heligmonellids were present at a low prevalence and intensities in each of the host species. Differences in habitat, diet, and behavior may account for the differences encountered between the helminth assemblages of R. mordax and R. niobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occasionally, abnormal forms of parasitic helminth eggs are detected during routine diagnostics. This finding can prove problematic in diagnosis because morphologic analysis based on tightly defined measurements is the primary method used to identify the infecting species and molecular confirmation of species is not always feasible. We describe instances of malformed nematode eggs (primarily from members of the superfamily Ascaridoidea) from human clinical practice and experimental trials on animals. On the basis of our observations and historical literature, we propose that unusual development and morphology of nematode and trematode eggs are associated with early infection. Further observational studies and experimentation are needed to identify additional factors that might cause abnormalities in egg morphology and production. Abnormal egg morphology can be observed early in the course of infection and can confound accurate diagnosis of intestinal helminthiases.

In wildlife, endoparasite burden can be affected by host life history stage, environmental conditions, host abundance, and parasite co-infections. We tested the effects of these factors on gastrointestinal parasite infection in plains zebras (Equus quagga) in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania, using fecal egg counts of two nematode families (Strongylidae and Ascarididae) and the presence/absence of cestode (Anoplocephalidae) eggs. We predicted higher egg counts of Strongylidae and Ascarididae, and increased likelihood of Anoplocephalidae infection in individuals (1) during energetically costly life history stages when resource allocation to immune processes may decrease and in young zebras after weaning because of increased uptake of infective stages with forage, (2) when climatic conditions facilitate survival of infective stages, (3) when large zebra aggregations increase forage contamination with infective stages, and (4) in individuals co-infected with more than one parasite group as this may indicate reduced immune competence. Strongylidae egg counts were higher, and the occurrence of Anoplocephalidae eggs was more likely in bachelors than in band stallions, whereas Ascarididae egg counts were higher in band stallions. Strongylidae and Ascarididae egg counts were not increased in lactating females. Strongylidae egg counts were higher in subadults than in foals. Regardless of sex and age, Ascarididae infections were more likely under wet conditions. Co-infections did not affect Strongylidae egg counts. Ascarididae egg counts in adult females were higher when individuals were co-infected with Anoplocephalidae. We present evidence that parasite burdens in plains zebras are affected by life history stage, environmental conditions, and co-infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baylisascaris procyonis is a helminth parasite of raccoons Procyon lotor and represents a health concern in paratenic hosts, including humans and diverse domestic and wildlife species. In North America the helminth is expanding its geographic range. To better understand patterns of infection in the Ozark region of the USA, raccoons (n = 61) were collected in 2013-2014 from five counties in Missouri and Arkansas, USA and necropsied. We documented B. procyonis in all surveyed locations. The overall prevalence of B. procyonis was 44.3 % (95 % CI = 31.9 - 57.4) and was significantly higher in females than males. There were also significant differences in prevalence among raccoons sampled north and south of the Missouri River. Mean intensity was 9.9 (CI = 5.44 - 17.22), and parasites were highly aggregated among hosts such that approximately 20 % of hosts harbor 90 % of parasites. These levels of parasitism indicate that B. procyonis is common in the region and its impacts on paratenic hosts could be qualitatively similar to effects observed in other localities.

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Graphical abstract Highlights • The study provides evidence that Toxascaris leonina is a species complex. • Genetic distances value supports hypothesis about cryptic speciation in T. leonine. • Three Toxascaris clades from different hosts: dogs, felids and foxes were identified. Abstract Toxascaris leonina (Ascarididae) is a cosmopolitan and polyxenical parasite whose host are canids and felids. To date, molecular phylogenetic studies included toxascarid representatives collected only from dogs or felids, therefore the intra-species differences between T. leonina collected from different host species has not been noticed. In this paper, we test the hypothesis of cryptic speciation in the T. leonina complex based on extended sequence data (ITS1 , nad1 , cox1) and individuals collected from dogs, felids and foxes. Phylogenetic analysis clustered T. leonina representatives into three well-supported clades depending on their host species, i.e. dogs and wolves, wild felids and foxes. Both genetic distances and the barcoding-gap analysis strongly support the species status of populations inhabiting different hosts. The results suggest additional genetic separation in felids. However, to determine the actual size of the Toxascaris complex, it would be necessary to analyse individuals collected from other canid and felid Toxascaris leonina host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Among the geohelminths, parasites from the Ascarididae family have a significant role in the human and animal health. This research aims to determine the prevalence of Ascarididae species in the soil in different areas located in a city of Minas Gerais State, Brazil (South America). The study was developed in squares, parks, sports clubs, orchards and municipal children's schools. Samples of sand/soil/grass were collected from January to August 2014. The optical microscope screening was performed through formal-ether and spontaneous sedimentation techniques. Out of the 183 collected samples, eight (4.4%) belonged to parks, 16 (8.7%) to sports clubs, 76 (41.5%) to squares, 23 (12.6%) to orchards, and 60 (32.8%) to schools. Out of the total, 28 (15.3%) contained Ascarididae eggs. Higher levels of positivity were demonstrated in the raining season (25.0%), in samples collected in the southern region of the town (25.1%), on ground soils (27.3%). Twenty-three (12.6%) were detected by the formal-ether sedimentation technique and 10 (5.5%) by spontaneous sedimentation technique. Therefore, it was concluded that the soils in the city of Uberlandia are contaminated with eggs and larvae of geohelminths, enabling dissemination of illnesses among animals and human beings.

Present study was performed to describe the morphological and molecular characterization of Toxocara tanuki (Nematoda: Ascaridae) from Korean raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, naturally infected in the Republic of Korea (Korea). Juvenile and adult worms of T. tanuki were recovered in 5 out of 10 raccoon dogs examined and the larval worms were detected in 15 out of 20 muscle samples (75%). Small lateral alae were observed on the cranial end of the body in male and female adults and 2 long spicules (3.0-3.5 mm) were characteristically observed in the posterior end of males. In SEM observation, 18 pairs of proximal precloacal, a precloacal median, a postcloacal median and 5 pairs of postcloacal papillae were uniquely revealed in the posterior portion of males, but the proximal papillae were not shown in the lateral ends of females. Molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA partial DNA sequences was revealed the same finding in both samples, adult worms and muscle larvae, which are closely related to T. tanuki. In conclusion, it was confirmed for the first time that T. tanuki is indigenously distributed, the Korean raccoon dog is acted as the natural definitive host of this nematode in Korea and the morphological characteristics of T. tanuki were shown in specific structure for single postcloacal median papilla in male. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagochilascariosis is an emerging parasitic disease limited to the American continent, caused by nematodes of the genus Lagochilascaris. Its life cycle is heteroxenous, involving natural definitive hosts (wild carnivores), accidental hosts (domestic carnivores and humans), and intermediate hosts (rodents). Here we report, for the first time, the occurrence of Lagochilascaris major in female of a Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) which was found in the Mar Chiquita basin, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. At necropsy, multiple Lagochilascaris larvae and several adults (1 female and 5 male) were observed inserted in the mucosa of the trachea and a male was also collected in the stomach. The diagnosis was made by observing the different stages with optical microscopy, by scanning electron microscopy of adult males and coproparasitological analysis. Although cases of lagochilascariosis have been reported in wildlife in different countries of the American continent, in Argentina, cases are really rare and were only found in domestic cats.ᅟLagochilascariosis is an emerging parasitic disease limited to the American continent. In Argentina, sporadic cases of Lagochilascariosis were reported in domestic cats but this work represents the first record in a wild carnivore (L. gymnocercus) naturally infected with L. major. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occasionally, abnormal forms of parasitic helminth eggs are detected during routine diagnostics. This finding can prove problematic in diagnosis because morphologic analysis based on tightly defined measurements is the primary method used to identify the infecting species and molecular confirmation of species is not always feasible. We describe instances of malformed nematode eggs (primarily from members of the superfamily Ascaridoidea) from human clinical practice and experimental trials on animals. On the basis of our observations and historical literature, we propose that unusual development and morphology of nematode and trematode eggs are associated with early infection. Further observational studies and experimentation are needed to identify additional factors that might cause abnormalities in egg morphology and production. Abnormal egg morphology can be observed early in the course of infection and can confound accurate diagnosis of intestinal helminthiases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the variation of stomach nematode intensity and species richness of Alligator mississippiensis from coastal estuarine and inland freshwater habitats in Florida and Georgia, and integrated prey content data to predict possible intermediate hosts. Nematode parasitism within inland freshwater inhabiting populations was found to have a higher intensity and species richness than those inhabiting coastal estuarine systems. This pattern potentially correlates with the difference and diversity of prey available between inland freshwater and coastal estuarine habitats. Increased consumption of a diverse array of prey was also correlated with increased nematode intensity in larger alligators. Parasitic nematodes Dujardinascaris waltoni, Brevimulticaecum tenuicolle, Ortleppascaris antipini, Goezia sp., and Contracaecum sp. were present in alligators from both habitat types. Dujardinascaris waltoni, B. tenuicolle, and O. antipini had a significantly higher abundance among inland inhabiting alligators than hosts from estuarine populations. Our findings also suggest that host specific nematode parasites of alligators may have evolved to infect multiple intermediate hosts, particularly fishes, crabs, and turtles, perhaps in response to the opportunistic predatory behaviors of alligators.

Among the geohelminths, parasites from the Ascarididae family have a significant role in the human and animal health. This research aims to determine the prevalence of Ascarididae species in the soil in different areas located in a city of Minas Gerais State, Brazil (South America). The study was developed in squares, parks, sports clubs, orchards and municipal children's schools. Samples of sand/soil/grass were collected from January to August 2014. The optical microscope screening was performed through formal-ether and spontaneous sedimentation techniques. Out of the 183 collected samples, eight (4.4%) belonged to parks, 16 (8.7%) to sports clubs, 76 (41.5%) to squares, 23 (12.6%) to orchards, and 60 (32.8%) to schools. Out of the total, 28 (15.3%) contained Ascarididae eggs. Higher levels of positivity were demonstrated in the raining season (25.0%), in samples collected in the southern region of the town (25.1%), on ground soils (27.3%). Twenty-three (12.6%) were detected by the formal-ether sedimentation technique and 10 (5.5%) by spontaneous sedimentation technique. Therefore, it was concluded that the soils in the city of Uberlandia are contaminated with eggs and larvae of geohelminths, enabling dissemination of illnesses among animals and human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Classical faecal egg counts (FEC) provide less reliable diagnostic information for nematode infections in chickens. We developed an ELISA based on Ascaridia galli antigens and tested two hypotheses, as follows: (i) IgY antibodies developed against A. galli will also be useful to identify Heterakis gallinarum infections, and (ii) circulating antibodies stored in egg yolks are as good as plasma samples, so a non-invasive diagnosis is possible. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the ELISA system with FEC, using both plasma and egg yolks from experimentally infected hens. In addition, naturally infected animals were evaluated to validate the assay. Results: The assay quantified large differences (P < 0.001) in plasma or in egg-yolk IgY concentrations between infected and uninfected animals in two experiments, each performed with either of the nematode species. The assay performed with high accuracy as quantified with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of > 0.90 for both nematodes using either plasma or egg yolks. Sensitivity of the assay was 94 and 93% with plasma and egg yolk samples, respectively, whereas FEC yielded in a sensitivity of 84% in A. galli experiment. Total test accuracy of the assay with plasma samples (AUC = 0.99) tended to be higher (P = 0.0630) than FEC (AUC = 0.92) for A. galli, while the assay with either sample matrix performed similar to FEC (AUC ⩾ 0.91) for H. gallinarum. Among the three tests, the FECs correlated better with A. galli burden than the ELISA. Although 90% of naturally infected hens were correctly identified by the ELISA, 45% of the infected hens tested negative with FEC, indicating the validity of the higher test accuracy of the ELISA. Conclusions: Antigens of A. galli can be used successfully to identify H. gallinarum-infected animals, indicating that chickens develop cross-reactive antibodies against the two closely related species. Egg yolks are as informative as plasma samples, so that animal welfare-friendly sampling is possible. Although the assay with plasma samples reveals qualitative information of higher quality than FECs on the infection status of naturally infected birds, the latter is still a better tool to assess the intensity of A. galli but not of H. gallinarum infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascaris is a large roundworm parasite that infects humans and pigs throughout the world. Molecular markers have been used to study parasite transmission in Ascaris-endemic and -nonendemic regions of the world. In the United States, ascariasis still persists in commercial swine and has been designated a neglected disease of poverty in humans. However, relatively few data are available for evaluation of zoonotic transmission. In the present study, we obtained adult worms from abattoirs and characterized each worm on the basis of the gene encoding nuclear internal transcribed sequence (ITS) and mitochondrial cox1 Restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis of ITS revealed swine, human, and hybrid genotypes. cox1 sequences were compared to all complete sequences available in GenBank, and haplotype analysis demonstrated 92 haplotypes worldwide. Sequences from the parasites in this study represented 10 haplotypes, including 6 new haplotypes that have not been previously described. Our results indicate that anthropozoonotic transmission has occurred in the past, resulting in the presence of human genotypes in pigs and supporting further investigation of zoonotic Ascaris transmission in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we the report the first documented occurrence in the wild of Toxocara cati in the sole representative of the genus Otocolobus, the Pallas' cat. The identity of the parasite was confirmed by morphological characteristics and by genetic barcoding of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA. The morphological measures of the T. cati specimens from the Kyrgyz Pallas' cat were comparable to values reported. We discuss the conservation implication of our find. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study summarizes the postmortem examination of a specimen of Oxyrhopus guibei (Serpentes, Colubridae) collected in Iguazu National Park (Argentina), and found deceased a week following arrival to the serpentarium of the National Institute of Tropical Medicine (Argentina). Although the snake appeared to be in good health, a necropsy performed following its death identified the presence of a large number of roundworms in the coelomic cavity, with indications of peritonitis and serosal adherence. Additional observations from the necropsy revealed small calcifications in the mesothelium of the coelomic cavity; solid and expressive content in the gallbladder; massive gastrointestinal obstruction due to nematodes; and lung edema and congestion. Histopathological analyses of lung sections also showed proliferative heterophilic and histiocytic pneumonia. Parasites isolated from both the intestine and coelomic cavity were identified as Hexametra boddaertii by a combination of light and scanning electron microscopic examination. Results from this necropsy identify O. guibei as a new host for H. boddaertii , and is the first report of a natural infection by Hexametra in Argentina. Since Hexametra parasites may contribute to several pathological conditions in humans, and with the recent availability of O. guibei specimens through the illegal pet trade, it is necessary to consider the possibility of zoonotic helminth transmission of Hexametra from snake to human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study summarizes the results of the necropsy of a python found dead in a zoo in Sistan, Iran. Two nematodes, ultimately identified as Ophidascaris sp., were extracted from the python's body. Nematode of Ascarididae family, Ophidascaris sp., is principally found in pythonid and colubrid snakes. Nematodes often cause gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary lesions. Ascarid nematoda is an important pathogen for snakes, and infestation can be fatal. In this study, the Ophidascaris filaria species was isolated from an Indian python ( Python molurus), in Sistan. To the author's knowledge, O. filaria is recorded for the first time from a python in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902) is a most common intestinal parasite of various animals in Felidae and Canidae. In the present paper, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the morphological aspects of adult worms of this nematode in detail, based on the material collected from Panthera leo (Linnaeus) and Felis lynx (Linnaeus) (Carnivora: Felidae) in China. The results showed that there were some morphometric differences between the present material and the previous studies, including the body size, the width and length of cervical alae, the number of denticles on each lip and the tail length of the female. Previously unreported morphological features were also revealed. These supplementary morphological and morphometric data contributed to a more accurate identification of this worldwide distributed ascarid nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the variation of stomach nematode intensity and species richness of Alligator mississippiensis from coastal estuarine and inland freshwater habitats in Florida and Georgia, and integrated prey content data to predict possible intermediate hosts. Nematode parasitism within inland freshwater inhabiting populations was found to have a higher intensity and species richness than those inhabiting coastal estuarine systems. This pattern potentially correlates with the difference and diversity of prey available between inland freshwater and coastal estuarine habitats. Increased consumption of a diverse array of prey was also correlated with increased nematode intensity in larger alligators. Parasitic nematodes Dujardinascaris waltoni, Brevimulticaecum tenuicolle, Ortleppascaris antipini, Goezia sp., and Contracaecum sp. were present in alligators from both habitat types. Dujardinascaris waltoni, B. tenuicolle , and O. antipini had a significantly higher abundance among inland inhabiting alligators than hosts from estuarine populations. Our findings also suggest that host specific nematode parasites of alligators may have evolved to infect multiple intermediate hosts, particularly fishes, crabs, and turtles, perhaps in response to the opportunistic predatory behaviors of alligators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe a new nematode species, Baylisascaris potosis n. sp., isolated from captive kinkajou, Potos flavus, from the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The nematode was found in fecal specimens, identified morphologically, and confirmed genetically. The new species is similar to Baylisascaris procyonis, Baylisascaris columnaris, and other Baylisascaris species, but is distinguished by the position of the male phasmidial pole. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence analyses confirmed that the new species is phylogenetically distinct from all the members of the genus Baylisascaris, and groups with B. procyonis and B. columnaris. This nematode is the 10th species assigned to the genus Baylisascaris. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The enteric nematode parasite Ascaridia galli modulate the immune system, of the hosts and eventually leads to malnutrition in the chicks which eventually results in the decreased return of products derived from poultry. The accurate interpretation of avian plasma proteins and the dramatic changes in protein fraction are important events in several diseases and may help in procuring a diagnosis .The present work was carried out to investigate the immunological alteration of serum protein profiles, induced along with different doses of A. galli infective eggs. The albumin concentration was found to be highly significantly (p<0.005) decreased in comparison to control group. The statistical analysis revealed highly significant (p<0.005) fall in IgA1 antibodies as compared to the control group. The IgA2 antibodies were found to be significantly (p<0.005) increased as compared to control group, depicting increased humoral immune response. The concentration of beta globulins were observed to be significantly (p<0.005) decreased as compared to control group. The IgG antibodies showed a significant (p<0.005) elevation in humoral immunity as compared to control group. The possible influence of the parasite induced alteration in immune responses in WLH Chicks is discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family: Ascaridae as a whole is distributed among Africa and adjacent regions and in many areas of the world. The nematode Ascaridia galli is one of the most pathogenic and economically important parasites of poultry. The adult affect the small intestine of the hosts feeding on digested food materials. Its control costs million dollars annually. The genomic DNA was extracted from nematode parasites, A. galli, from specific host, native chickens. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to ensure that the DNA content aids in the further studies. Two primers were used in the PCR reactions. The two primers were screened, only the second primer gave total amplified fragment markers 818 bp. The gene sequences obtained from Egyptian A. galli was compared with another one of accession number (AY587609) showing that the sequence was similar in some points from 346 to 1244 sequence, to make a phylogenetic relationships of A. galli with other nematodes on the data base showing that it was to some extent similar to Heterorhabditis spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nematode species that are of most clinical significance to the horse owner are the large redworms (particularly Strongylus vulgaris) small redworms (Cyathostomins), ascarids (particularly Parascaris equorum) and the pinworm ( Oxyuris equi). They have a direct life cycle (no intermediate host) and the females are capable of producing thousands of eggs that can pass out in the faeces and then subsequently contaminate pasture and cause infection in susceptible horses. There are many factors that contribute to the clinical relevance of these species and much research has been undertaken into the factors that cause disease in susceptible equine populations. Many control strategies (for example faecal egg counts) and anthelmintic treatment programmes have been recommended in order to limit the clinical effects of these intestinal parasites; however due to the lack of clinical signs seen in horses most owners have relied on the routine prophylactic use of anthelmintics, and as a result anthelmintic resistance has become a growing concern. A better understanding by veterinary staff of the current research in this area would give them the ability to provide targeted therapeutic advice so that owners have a cost-effective and efficacious means of parasite control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paleoparasitological survey to detect helminth eggs was performed in archaeological sites of Jeolla-do and Jeju-do, the Republic of Korea. Total 593 soil samples were collected in 12 sites of Jeolla-do and 5 sites of Jeju-do from April to November 2011, and examined by the methods of Pike and coworkers. A total of 4 helminth eggs, 2 eggs each for Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris sp., were found in soil samples from 1 site, in Hyangyang-ri, Jangheung-eup, Jangheunggun, Jeollanam-do. The egg-recovery layer was presumed to represent a 19th century farm, which fact suggested the use of human manures. This is the third archaeological discovery of parasite eggs in Jeolla-do. Additionally, no helminth eggs in archaeological sites of Jeju-do is an interesting problem to be solved in the further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region spanning 5.8S rDNA and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of Baylisascaris schroederi isolated from the Qinling subspecies of giant panda in Shaanxi Province, China were amplified and sequenced. Sequence variations in the two rDNA regions within B. schroederi and among species in the family Ascarididae were examined. The lengths of B. schroederi 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA sequences were 156bp and 327bp, respectively, and no nucleotide variation was found in these two rDNA regions among the 20 B. schroederi samples examined, and these ITS-2 sequences were identical to that of B. schroederi isolated from giant panda in Sichuan province, China. The inter-species differences in 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA sequences among members of the family Ascarididae were 0–1.3% and 0–17.7%, respectively. Phylogenetic relationships among species in the Ascarididae were re-constructed by Bayesian inference (Bayes), maximum parsimony (MP), and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses, based on combined sequences of 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA. All B. schroederi samples clustered together and sistered to B. transfuga with high posterior probabilities/bootstrap values, which further confirmed that nematodes isolated from the Qinling subspecies of giant panda in Shaanxi Province, China represent B. schroederi. Because of the large number of ambiguously aligned sequence positions (difficulty of inferring homology by positions), ITS-2 sequence alone is likely unsuitable for phylogenetic analyses at the family level, but the combined 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA sequences provide alternative genetic markers for the identification of B. schroederi and for phylogenetic analysis of parasites in the family Ascarididae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It has been recognized that other than habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, the infection of the roundworm Baylisascaris schroederi (B. schroederi) is one of the major causes of death in wild giant pandas. However, the prevalence and intensity of the parasite infection has been inconsistently reported through a method that uses sedimentation-floatation followed by a microscope examination. This method fails to accurately determine infection because there are many bamboo residues and/or few B. schroederi eggs in the examined fecal samples. In the present study, we adopted a method that uses PCR and capillary electrophoresis combined with a single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR/CE-SSCP) to detect B. schroederi infection in wild giant pandas at a nature reserve, and compared it to the traditional microscope approach. The PCR specifically amplified a single band of 279-bp from both fecal samples and positive controls, which was confirmed by sequence analysis to correspond to the mitochondrial COII gene of B. schroederi. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the amount of genomic DNA was linearly correlated with the peak area of the CE-SSCP analysis. Thus, our adopted method can reliably detect the infectious prevalence and intensity of B. schroederi in wild giant pandas. The prevalence of B. schroederi was found to be 54% in the 91 fecal samples examined, and 48% in the fecal samples of 31 identified individual giant pandas. Infectious intensities of the 91 fecal samples were detected to range from 2.8 to 959.2 units/gram, and from 4.8 to 959.2 units/gram in the fecal samples of the 31 identified giant pandas. For comparison, by using the traditional microscope method, the prevalence of B. schroederi was found to be only 33% in the 91 fecal samples, 32% in the fecal samples of the 31 identified giant pandas, and no reliable infectious intensity was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]