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Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus causes considerable livestock production losses. Knowledge of the traits that influence tick resistance contributes to the development of breeding strategies designed to improve herd productivity. Within this context, this study evaluated the resistance of Caracu, a tropically adapted cattle breed, to R. microplus. Tick count, hair length, coat thickness, and coat color were evaluated in 202 naturally tick-infested females (cows and heifers) over a period of 18 months. Blood samples were collected from all animals during the winter season for hematological analysis. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, generalized linear models, and principal component analysis. Correlation coefficients of tick count with coat color, coat thickness, and hair length were estimated within each season. Hematological parameters were only included in the winter season analysis and were analyzed by the restricted maximum likelihood method using log-transformed data. No differences in blood parameters were observed between animals with and without ticks. However, tick count was negatively correlated with erythrocytes (-0.29) and hematocrit (-0.24) and positively correlated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin (0.21) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (0.25). These findings suggest that higher tick counts lead to a decrease in erythrocytes but also to an increase in the amount of hemoglobin per erythrocyte, which could reduce the damage caused by low erythrocyte levels due to tick hematophagy, delaying or preventing anemia. Although tick infestation on pasture was demonstrated by the infestation of all staff members during herd management, none of the animals exhibited high tick counts, providing evidence of resistance of Caracu animals to R. microplus. Tick infestation was influenced by age class (cows > heifers), season (spring and summer > fall and winter), coat thickness (>1.5 mm > <1.5 mm), and hair length (>6 mm > <6 mm). Three components were extracted by principal component analysis, which accounted for 69.46% of data variance. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of efficient strategies aimed at reducing economic losses due to tick infestation and could be applied in animal breeding to select for tick resistance traits, reducing chemical control strategies and consequently improving sustainable livestock production., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Malaria has been for millennia one of the best known and most destructive diseases affecting humans. Its high impact has aroused great interest for the development of new effective and reliable diagnostic techniques. Recently it has been recently published that hairs from mammal hosts are able to capture, hold and finally remove foreign DNA sequences of Leishmania parasites. The aim of this study was to check if Plasmodium falciparum ( P. falciparum ) DNA remains stable in blood samples deposited in Whatman paper after suffering different transport and storage conditions, and to compare the sensitivity of these results with those offered by thick a smear and Rapid Diagnostic Test, and besides to examine whether P. falciparum DNA would be detected and quantified by Real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) from hairs of people with different types of malaria. P. falciparum Histidine Repeat Protein II (pHRP-II) antigen detection and P. falciparum DNA were detected in 18 of 19 dry blood samples adhered to Whatman paper (94.74%), besides, Plasmodium DNA was also detected in seven out of 19 hair samples analyzed (36.84%), remaining stable until analysis for several months under the exposure to different environmental conditions. Although the sensitivity of PCR for the diagnosis of malaria in hair samples is not as high as blood analysis, the study of Plasmodium DNA presence in blood and hair could constitute a complementary tool with numerous advantages in sample collection, transport and storage. We suggest that the method could be also applied to medical, forensic and paleo-parasitological diagnosis, not only for malaria but also for searching many other pathogens in hair samples.

Background: Coconut is an important commodity in Kelantan, and pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) have been traditionally used for coconut-plucking for over a century. Most of these animals were sourced from the wild population, and the parasitic status of these macaques is unknown, plus the impacts caused by these parasites are usually underestimated by the owners., Methods: A total of 30 macaques were sampled for blood, faeces and hair plucks to detect parasite., Results: Out of 21 faecal samples examined, 11 (52%) were determined positive for one or more gastrointestinal parasites, namely Trichostrongylus spp., Strongyloides spp., Anatrichosoma spp., Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp. and Paramphisotomum spp. Filaria was detected in one (3%) of the blood samples. For ectoparasites, only lice, Pedicinus sp., were found in 9 (30%) macaques., Conclusions: It is imperative that the parasitic status of these animals be determined so that necessary actions and preventive measures can be implemented to prevent zoonotic transmissions., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) remains a serious public health problem in Brazil. Dogs are the main hosts of the parasite, developing canine leishmaniosis (CanL), hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis of the animals. Recently, the application of qPCR method to non-invasive samples obtained from dogs with CanL has shown high sensitivity. Thus, we analyzed by qPCR blood, hair (from healthy zones and cutaneous lesions) and cerumen of 16 dogs with confirmed leishmaniosis from Araçatuba, a Brazilian endemic area. Cerumen-qPCR showed the highest sensitivity (87.5%), followed by hair (lesions: 78.57%, healthy skin: 62.5%), and blood (68.75%). We also analyzed blood, hair and cerumen of 5 healthy dogs from a non-endemic area, obtaining 100% of specificity in all samples. The use of cerumen and hair for qPCR analysis provides high reliability, taking into account the sensitivity and total specificity of the method. The non-invasive sampling procedure without the need of specific conditions of storage and transport support the usefulness of hair and cerumen for the diagnosis of CanL., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Pediculus humanus (P.h.) capitis infestation in school children in Sücüllü Village, Isparta., Methods: The study was conducted from April to May 2016 in Sücüllü Village. Hair of 204 students were examined for eggs, nymphs, and adults of P.h. capitis. Data regarding age, sex, family's type of living were recorded for each child., Results: It was found that 9.3%of students were infested by P.h capitis. The prevalence of infestation was significantly higher in girls (17.4%) than in boys (p<0.05). School children in the age group of 8-9 years exhibited higher prevalence rates. Infestation rate was also high in livestock families (p<0.05)., Conclusion: This study revealed that socioeconomic status is a major factor that influences the occurence of pediculosis among students of both sexes in Isparta. Infestation is more common in crowded families.

Myobia sp. and Demodex sp. are two skin mites that infest mice, particularly immunodeficient or transgenic lab mice. In the present study, wild house mice from five localities from the Barcelona Roberstonian system were analysed in order to detect skin mites and compare their prevalence between standard (2n = 40) and Robertsonian mice (2n > 40). We found and identified skin mites through real-time qPCR by comparing sequences from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and the nuclear 18S rRNA genes since no sequences are available so far using the mitochondrial gene. Fourteen positive samples were identified as Myobia musculi except for a deletion of 296 bp out to 465 bp sequenced, and one sample was identified as Demodex canis. Sampling one body site, the mite prevalence in standard and Robertsonian mice was 0 and 26%, respectively. The malfunction of the immune system elicits an overgrowth of skin mites and consequently leads to diseases such as canine demodicosis in dogs or rosacea in humans. In immunosuppressed mice, the probability of developing demodicosis is higher than in healthy mice. Since six murine toll-like receptors (TLRs) are located in four chromosomes affected by Robertsonian fusions, we cannot dismiss that differences in mite prevalence could be the consequence of the interruption of TLR function. Although ecological and/or morphological factors cannot be disregarded to explain differences in mite prevalence, the detection of translocation breakpoints in TLR genes or the analysis of TLR gene expression are needed to elucidate how Robertsonian fusions affect the immune system in mice.

Diagnosis of infection with Leishmania infantum by DNA detection in the hair has been recently demonstrated in dogs and wild animals. Our objective was to investigate if polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in hair might be used to identify infectious dogs. Thus, we assessed the infectiousness to Lutzomyia longipalpis by xenodiagnosis in comparison with the detection of L. infantum DNA by PCR in the hair, and with serology for anti-Leishmania IgG by ELISA in 15 positive dogs for L. infantum infection. Eight healthy dogs were included as negative controls. Among the 15 infected dogs, 13 were found positive in the ELISA (87%), 12 were PCR positive in the hair (80%), and 10 were positive in xenodiagnosis (67%). Positivity in the hair was associated with positivity in spleen (p=0.0003), seropositivity for antibodies (p=0.0006) and parasite transmission to L. longipalpis (p=0.0028). Considering the benefits to animal welfare and feasibility of hair sampling method, studies in larger and more diverse populations of naturally infected dogs from endemic areas should be conducted to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of PCR using hair as a possible biomarker of infectiousness in dogs., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lynxacarus radovskyi has been observed in cats in Malaysia; previously treatment with fipronil and moxidectin/imidacloprid spot-on has been described., Objectives: To compare the efficacy of two spot-on treatments of moxidectin/imidacloprid, two weeks apart to a single oral dose of fluralaner against Lynxacarus radovskyi and evaluate time to re-infestation., Methods: Thirty cats were assigned to three groups of ten cats each. Group 1 received one 250 mg fluralaner tablet. Group 2 received two doses of moxidectin/imidacloprid spot-on two weeks apart. Group 3 consisted of untreated controls. For each cat, three plucks of about 50 hairs each were collected from three sites (dorsal neck, lateral thigh and perineal/tail region) for a total of nine pluckings every two weeks. Severity of infestation was scored from 0 (no parasite), to 1 (only nonhatched eggs), 2 (both hatched and nonhatched eggs), 3 (<50 mites) and 4 (>50 mites). Efficacy was compared between treatment groups and over time in the same group, and results analysed statistically. Re-infestation was defined as the identification of new eggs or mites on hair pluckings., Results: Moxidectin/imidacloprid spot-on and oral fluralaner achieved 100% eradication within 28 days. No significant difference was observed between groups 1 and 2; re-infestation occurred by Day 56 in both treatment groups., Conclusion: A single dose of oral fluralaner or two moxidectin/imidacloprid spot-on treatments two weeks apart are efficacious in the eradication of L. radovskyi in cats and able to prevent re-infestation for at least 42 days post-treatment., (© 2016 ESVD and ACVD.)

Rhipicephalus australis (formerly Boophilus microplus) is a one host tick responsible for major economic loss in tropical and subtropical cattle production enterprises. Control is largely dependent on the application of acaricides but resistance has developed to most currently registered chemical groups. Repellent compounds that prevent initial attachment of tick larvae offer a potential alternative to control with chemical toxicants. The repellent effects of Melaleuca alternifolia oil (TTO) emulsions and two β-cyclodextrin complex formulations, a slow release form (SR) and a modified faster release form (FR), were examined in a series of laboratory studies. Emulsions containing 4% and 5% TTO applied to cattle hair in laboratory studies completely repelled ascending tick larvae for 24h whereas 2% and 3% formulations provided 80% protection. At 48h, 5% TTO provided 78% repellency but lower concentrations repelled less than 60% of larvae. In a study conducted over 15 days, 3% TTO emulsion applied to cattle hair provided close to 100% repellency for 2 days, but then protection fell to 23% by day 15. The FR formulation gave significantly greater repellency than the emulsion and the SR formulation from day 3 until the end of the study (P<0.05), providing almost complete repellency at day 3 (99.5%), then decreasing over the period of the study to 49% repellency at day 15. Proof of concept is established for the use of appropriately designed controlled-release formulations to extend the period of repellency provided by TTO against R. australis larvae., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cryptosporidiosis, microsporidiosis, and giardiasis contribute significantly to the high burden of zoonotic diarrhea worldwide. Goats constitute an important species in animal agriculture by providing cashmere wool, meat, and dairy products for human consumption. However, zoonotic pathogens with the potential to cause morbidity and to degrade production have been reported frequently in goats recently. The present study examined 629 fecal specimens from goats, including 315 cashmere goats, 170 dairy goats and 144 meat goats, in multiple cities of Shaanxi and Henan provinces, northwestern and central China, to investigate the infection rate and species/assemblages/genotypes of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Of these samples, 274 (43.6%) were positive for three zoonotic pathogens, including 80 (12.7%), 104 (16.5%) and 179 (28.5%) for G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi, respectively. Infections with G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi existed in meat, dairy and cashmere goats, with the highest infection rate of each pathogen being observed in meat goats. DNA sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene from 104 Cryptosporidium-positive specimens revealed existence of Cryptosporidium xiaoi, and the zoonotic parasites Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum. Genotyping of G. duodenalis based on the triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) gene identified parasites from zoonotic assemblage A in four cashmere goats and the animal-adapted assemblage E in a group of 76 goats that included cashmere, dairy and meat animals. Polymorphisms in the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer characterized E. bieneusi genotype CHG1 and a novel genotype named as SX1 in both dairy and cashmere goats, genotypes CHS7 and COSI in meat goats, the genotype CHG2 in dairy goats, and the human-pathogenic genotype BEB6 in dairy and meat goats. This is the first detailed study to compare infection rate of the zoonotic protozoan pathogens in cashmere, dairy and meat goats in China. Our research discovered Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi infections, each with zoonotic potential in meat goats, and G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in cashmere goats raising a significant public health concern., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Canine leishmaniasis treatment focuses on the reduction of parasite load, the clinical improvement of the animal, and the avoidance of relapses, in a scenario where the definitive parasite clearance is not achievable. Therefore, monitoring is crucial during the treatment of this disease. Quantitative PCR has been shown as an ideal tool for the treatment monitoring when quantifying parasite load in target organs such as lymph node or bone marrow, tissues that are too invasive for regular evaluation. This study aims to prove the potential of hair parasite load in the treatment monitoring of canine leishmaniasis. Six dogs were treated with meglumine antimoniate and monitored up to four months after the end of the treatment. Parasite loads in bone marrow, blood, lymph node and hair were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 antibody titres were analysed by immunofluorescent assay and a clinical assessment was carried out. Treatment consisted of two 28-day courses of meglumine antimoniate (100mg/kg/day) separated by an one-month interval. Analyses were performed before (day 0), during (day 60) and after treatment (day 120), and at the end of a follow-up period (day 210, four months after the end of treatment). Hair parasite load turned out to be strongly correlated with bone marrow, lymph node and blood parasite loads and with the clinical score and the IgG1 antibody titre. The evolution of this biomarker reflects the evolution of the parasitological, immunological and clinical state of the dog, highlighting its potential as a non-invasive marker for the treatment monitoring in canine leishmaniasis., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most widespread and important helminthic zoonoses, caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. However, to date there is little information about the disease in West Africa. Faecal and fur samples from 193 dogs, the main final hosts, were collected in 2010 and 2011 in Bamako, Mali. Taeniid eggs were found microscopically in 28/118 (24%) and 80/223 (36%) faecal and fur samples, respectively. One faecal and one fur sample from the same dog were positive for E. granulosus s. l. DNA. In the remaining 27 faecal (96%) and 77 fur samples (96%) only Taenia DNA was detected. Three microscopically positive fur samples were negative by PCR. Sequence analysis of part of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene identified the parasite as E. granulosus (genotype G6; Echinococcus canadensis). This is the first study to focus on the final host of E. granulosus s. l. in Mali and the first report of E. canadensis in Mali., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present study evaluated the occurrence of zoonotic parasites in feces and on fur of stray and private dogs living in Italy. Individual fecal samples collected from 117 and 385 kenneled (i.e., rescue shelter) and privately owned dogs, respectively, were examined by conventional copromicroscopy. Samples positive for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were subjected to further genetic characterization. Additionally, 174 fur samples of private and kenneled dogs living in the same area, 27 of which were also subjected to copromicroscopical examinations, were examined for the presence and viability of parasite elements. Out of 502 fecal samples, forty-one (8.2%) scored positive for G. duodenalis cysts while one (0.2%) for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Nine private dogs were molecularly positive for G. duodenalis assemblage C (n. 7), assemblage D (n. 1), and assemblages C + D (n. 1), while 11 kenneled dogs were positive for assemblage C (n. 8), assemblage D (n. 1), and assemblages C + D (n. 2). Cryptosporidium spp. were identified as C. canis in a private dog. One hundred and seventy-two dogs (34.3%), i.e., 92 private and 80 kenneled, were positive for zoonotic nematodes: Toxocara canis (6.6 %), Ancylostoma caninum (6.8%), and Capillaria aerophila (0.6%). Unviable eggs of Toxocara spp. were found on the hair of five (2.9%) private dogs. The present findings indicate that canine feces from both private and kenneled animals may contain zoonotic parasites and may be a potential risk for humans and other animals, especially when they contaminate the environment. The role of dog fur as source of human infections should be further investigated.

Seasonal variations in hair length, tick loads, cortisol levels, haematological parameters (HP) and temperature humidity index (THI) in Nguni cows of different colours raised in two low-input farms, and a commercial stud was determined. The sites were chosen based on their production systems, climatic characteristics and geographical locations. Zazulwana and Komga are low-input, humid-coastal areas, while Honeydale is a high-input, dry-inland Nguni stud farm. A total of 103 cows, grouped according to parity, location and coat colour, were used in the study. The effects of location, coat colour, hair length and season were used to determine tick loads on different body parts, cortisol levels and HP in blood from Nguni cows. Highest tick loads were recorded under the tail and the lowest on the head of each of the animals (P < 0.05). Zazulwana cows recorded the highest tick loads under the tails of all the cows used in the study from the three farms (P < 0.05). High tick loads were recorded for cows with long hairs. Hair lengths were longest during the winter season in the coastal areas of Zazulwana and Honeydale (P < 0.05). White and brown-white patched cows had significantly longer (P < 0.05) hair strands than those having a combination of red, black and white colour. Cortisol and THI were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in summer season. Red blood cells, haematoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell volumes, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils were significantly different (P < 0.05) as some associated with age across all seasons and correlated to THI. It was concluded that the location, coat colour and season had effects on hair length, cortisol levels, THI, HP and tick loads on different body parts and heat stress in Nguni cows.

A study of head lice infestations among young people, adults and elderly individuals was conducted from August 2010 to July 2013 in Manaus, AM, Northern Brazil. Hair samples collected from 1,860 individuals in 18 barber shops and beauty parlors were examined for the ectoparasite. The occurrence of pediculosis and its association with factors, such as sex, age, ethnicity, hair characteristics and the socioeconomic profile of salon customers, salon location and seasonal variation were determined. The overall occurrence rate was 2.84%. Occurrence was higher in hair samples from non-blacks and the elderly. Higher occurrence was also observed during kindergarten, elementary and junior education school holidays. The results indicate that the occurrence of head lice among young people, adults and the elderly in Manaus is relatively low compared to that determined in children and in other regions of the country. After children, the elderly were the most affected. The study also indicated the need to adopt additional procedures to improve surveys among the population with low or no purchasing power, which is usually the most affected by this ectoparasitic disease.

This study was designed to compare the therapeutic and residual efficacy for 1 month of three topical ectoparasiticides on mixed-bred dogs against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Adult dogs (n = 32, 10.8-18.4 kg BW) were allocated to 4 groups (n = 8) and infested with 50 adult ticks on days -8, -2, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Within each group, dogs were treated topically on day 0 with a control solution (CS), Vectra 3D (DPP), Frontline Plus (FM), or K9 Advantix (IP). Ticks were enumerated on dogs 24 h after treatment and each subsequent tick infestation by in situ thumb count assessment without removal and at 48 h by combing and removal. Acaricidal efficacy was calculated using arithmetic means for all 24 and 48 h tick count assessments. From 42 to 56% of the total, infested ticks were found on dogs 48 h post-challenge in the CS group. Therapeutic efficacy for all treatments ranged from 45.5 to 64.6% after 48 h of infestation. Residual efficacy after FM treatment was consistently lower compared to DPP or IP treatments at the 24 h assessments on days 8, 22, 23, and 29. Residual efficacy measured at this last time point was 94.8% for DPP, 83.1% for IP, and 46.9% for FM. This study demonstrates that permethrin-based formulations (DPP and IP) provided a quicker onset of residual protection against brown dog ticks compared to FM. Although DPP and IP are both permethrin-based formulations, DPP exhibited consistently higher residual acaricidal efficacies and was the only treatment that provided >90% protection for 1 month at 24 h post challenge.

Objective: This study was performed in order to study the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis (P. h. capitis)., Methods: The study was carried out on pupils between 5-15 years old in a school and kindergarden belonging to the Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Stock Exchange Organization in Van City between November-December 2007. The hair of 863 pupils (especially the neck and the back of head areas), 385 girls and 478 boys, were examined for eggs, nymphs and adults of P. h. capitis. A questionnaire was given to the pupils, which was collected the following day. Lice and their eggs/nits, which were removed from the head of children were transferred to a bottle containing 5% glycerin in 70% ethyl alcohol. Later they were sent to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Health Research and Training Hospital of Yüzüncü Yıl University., Results: Eggs/nits were found in 164 (42.6%) of the girls and in 34 (7.1%) of the boys (overall 198 (22.9%) infested pupils). The prevalence of P. h. capitis was high, especially in girls., Conclusion: The infestation rates observed and the evaluation of the questionnaire showed that there is a statistically significant relationships between pediculosis capitis and sex, level of family income, education level of the mother, number of baths taken per weekly, number of family members living in the same home, room number per capita, and hair length (p<0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between pediculosis capitis and cleaning materials used to wash the head (p>0.05).

Head lice lay eggs in human head hairs in order to reproduce. There is a difficulty associated to the process of detaching these eggs: they are tightly gripped to the hair by a secretion produced by female head lice. The physical removal of eggs has become an important part of treatment of louse infestations. The finding of new products to loosen the eggs is necessary to avoid mistaken diagnosis or reinfestations. This work aimed to compare different kinds of pediculicide formulations in order to find if their presentations represented differences in the egg remover effect. We also wanted to present a new device to test the efficacy of the egg remover formulations. Products with creamy presentations (Bio infant lice and egg remover and hair conditioner) and one containing dimethicone (Nyda) showed the lower mean forces compared with the control (lower mean forces represented best removal activity). Whereas, the Biferdil egg remover (gel) and Nopucid Tribit (hydroalcoholic lotion) had no egg removal effect, presenting the highest mean forces (177.82 and 189.99 mN, respectively) compared with the control. Additionally, we proposed a removal index (RI) to compare the efficacy of different products on the egg removal activity (RI > 0, good performance). The higher index values were for Bio infant lice and egg remover (0.72) and Biferdil hair conditioner (0.58). The lowest index values were for Biferdil egg remover (-0.26) and Nopucid Tribit (-0.35).The formulation of over the counter pediculicides in the egg remover effect was discussed.

The data presented in this paper describe the application of a method for a reliable and non-invasive diagnosis of leishmaniosis in wild reservoirs, based on the detection of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) in hair samples by Real Time PCR (qPCR). The study has been performed on 68 ear/leg hair samples from 5 different wild species (Vulpes vulpes, Canis lupus, Martes foina, Rattus norvegicus and Erinaceus europaeus) from several geographic areas of West and North Spain. The presence of Leishmania kDNA was detected in 14 of the 68 analyzed samples, being the highest quantity of DNA observed in foxes. This is the first report of the presence of Leishmania in a hedgehog. The kDNA remained stable under the exposure of hair to different environmental conditions (freezing or high temperature, ultraviolet rays or treatment with tanning salts). This detection method could constitute a suitable alternative for the search of the parasite in wild hosts, due to the numerous advantages that hair samples present for collection, transport and storage processes., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hair can accumulate foreign chemical or biological substances. Recently, it has been reported that parasite DNA can also be detected in the hair of Leishmania infantum infected dogs. The aim of this work has been to find out whether parasite DNA incorporates in the hair of Leishmania major experimentally infected animals. For this purpose, a group of 4 BALB/c mice, intradermally inoculated in both ears with 1000 L. major V1 strain promastigote forms, was monitored for parameters associated to the infection during 35 days. Weekly, ear swelling was measured, and hair samples from ears and leg were collected. Blood samples were obtained before challenge and at day 35 post infection, when parasite load was measured in ear, lymph node and spleen by limit dilution. Ear swelling and other parameters observed in the infected mice were consistent with those described for this model. The presence of parasite kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was detected by Real Time PCR in all ear and leg hair samples at the final timepoint. These data suggests that hair is a specialized tissue in the sequestration and removal of foreign DNA. Detection of DNA in hair could be, therefore, a useful tool to chronologically record the infection process during experimental mice assays., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Humans (Homo sapiens) are unique primates due to a lack of a thermally insulating fur covering, typical of all other primates. Our primary goal was to examine the "ectoparasite avoidance mediated by mate choice hypothesis" suggesting that women prefer men lacking chest hair in order to avoid ectoparasite loads. We predicted that women living in areas with high prevalence of pathogens (n = 161) would be less likely to show a preference for a male with chest hair in comparison with women living in areas with low pathogen prevalence (n = 183). We found that overall preference for man chest hair was low, but there were no significant associations between perceived vulnerability to diseases or disgust sensitivity and preference of men who have had experimentally removed chest hair. Women who lived in an environment with a high parasite prevalence rate (Turkey) showed a similar preference for man chest hair as did women from an environment with low parasite prevalence (Slovakia). The participants biological fathers' chest hair had no significant effect on their preference for men with chest hair. Women living in a high-parasite-prevalence environment reported a higher disgust score in the sexual domain and more recent experiences with illnesses, suggesting that parasites influence sensitivity to sexual disgust. These results provide no support for the ectoparasite avoidance hypothesis mediated by mate choice and suggest that shaved men bodies are preferred more by women.

The identification of Demodex injai as a second Demodex species of dog opened new questions and challenges in the understanding on the Demodex-host relationships. In this paper, we describe the development of a conventional PCR technique based on published genome sequences of D. injai from GenBank that specifically detects DNA from D. injai. This technique amplifies a 238-bp fragment corresponding to a region of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA of D. injai. The PCR was positive in DNA samples obtained from mites identified morphologically as D. injai, which served as positive controls, as well as in samples from three cases of demodicosis associated with proliferation of mites identified as D. injai. Furthermore, the PCR was positive in 2 out of 19 healthy dogs. Samples of Demodex canis and Demodex folliculorum were consistently negative. Skin samples from seven dogs with generalized demodicosis caused by D. canis were all negative in the D. injai-specific PCR, demonstrating that in generalized canine demodicosis, mite proliferation is species-specific. This technique can be a useful tool in the diagnosis and in epidemiologic and pathogenic studies.

Toxocara spp. eggs require a period of time under appropriate environmental conditions to become infective to definitive and paratenic hosts. Temperature and humidity are important factors known to affect the levels of development in soil. We aimed to investigate whether the eggs of T. canis could embryonate in dog hair under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity and, if so, to what degree. No previous work had been carried out on embryonation in hair under controlled conditions. Soil samples exposed to the same conditions as the hair samples were considered a suitable comparison in order to investigate differing levels of development. Development at two temperatures (10°C and 20°C) and the addition of water to samples was investigated over a period of 8 weeks. Importantly, we demonstrated that unembryonated T. canis eggs are capable of development in hair under controlled conditions. The rate of development is lower than that observed in soil, but remains biologically significant in terms of the overall numbers of potentially infective embryonated eggs present. Temperature is responsible for the rate of embryonation while moisture is essential for encouraging development and maintaining egg viability in general. In light of these findings the transmission of Toxocara spp. as a result of direct contact with well-cared-for owned dogs seems unlikely, but should not be ignored.

It is known that hair can accumulate environmental toxics and excrete foreign chemical or biological substances. In this context, we hypothesized that foreign DNA could be found in the hair of an infected organism, and thus, be detected by Real Time PCR in the hair of Leishmania infantum naturally infected dogs. A population of 28 dogs living in Leishmania endemic areas was divided into two groups: A (13 Leishmania infected dogs) and B (15 healthy dogs). Blood, lymph node and ear hair samples from all of them were tested for the presence of parasite kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). For the same purpose, hair of several body areas and hair sections of two infected dogs were also analyzed. Epidermal keratinocytes from an infected animal were also analyzed for reactivity against Leishmania antigens by ELISA and for the presence of kDNA. Regarding to dogs from group A, parasite kDNA was detected in the 100% of lymph node samples. The sensitivity of Real Time PCR in ear hair was similar to that obtained in blood (9 positive out of 13 versus 8 positive out of 13, respectively). Moreover, the presence of L. infantum kDNA was also detected in the hair of all the analyzed body zones, in all hair sections and in epidermal keratinocytes. In infected dogs, parasite kDNA could be detected and quantified from just one single hair, whereas it was not detected in any of the samples of the healthy dogs. This work describes a new method for a reliable and non-invasive diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis using hair samples of infected animals. The data presented also provide some insights for the understanding of the physiology of keratinocytes and the role of hair as a specialized tissue in the kidnapping and removal of foreign DNA., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pediculosis capitis is a ubiquitous parasitic skin disease caused by Pediculus humanus capitis. Head lice are highly specialised parasites which can propagate only on human scalp and hair. Transmission occurs by direct head-to-head contact. Head lice are vectors of important bacterial pathogens. Pediculosis capitis usually occurs in small epidemics in play groups, kindergartens and schools. Population-based studies in European countries show highly diverging prevalences, ranging from 1% to 20%. The diagnosis of head lice infestation is made through the visual inspection of hair and scalp or dry/wet combing. The optimal method for the diagnosis of active head lice infestation is dry/wet combing. Topical application of a pediculicide is the most common treatment. Compounds with a neurotoxic mode of action are widely used but are becoming less effective due to resistant parasite populations. Besides, their use is restricted by safety concerns. Dimeticones, silicone oils with a low surface tension and the propensity to perfectly coat surfaces, have a purely physical mode of action. This group of compounds is highly effective and safe, and there is no risk that head lice become resistant. The control of epidemics requires active contact tracing and synchronised treatment with an effective and safe pediculicide.

Human head lice, Pediculus (humanus) capitis, infest people worldwide and are most prevalent in children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of head lice, in relation to socioeconomic status of the family and hygienic practices in the home. The prevalence rate was determined in 27 primary schools that had 810 students in Sanandaj city who were selected by multistage, systematic random sampling. A total of 38 students from all grades were infested with different rates of infestations. In addition, standard questionnaire recorded information about demographic features of each student were fulfilled. Children aged 10-11 years were the most frequently affected, there was a significant relationship between head louse infestation, family income and parents education level (α=5%). Pediculosis is a public health problem in many parts of the world. Pediculosis was found to be more prevalent among children of fathers with lower level of education and socioeconomic status, it is necessary to give health education to families in order to prevent pediculosis in this area.

The cat fur mite, Lynxacarus radovskyi Tenorio, 1974 (Acarina: Astigmata: Listrophoridae) is reported from cats, Felis catus from three sites in peninsular Malaysia. The first site is a Malay village, Kampong Menteri in Taiping, Perak, where the mites were found on local pet cats. The other two sites are urban cities of Kuala Lumpur, in the Federal Territory and Georgetown, in the island of Penang. Mites from the urban areas were collected from stray cats. Although several ectoparasites (fleas, mites, ticks and lice) have been previously reported, L. radovskyi is recorded herein for the first time on cats from peninsular Malaysia.

Tick infestations in cattle and sheep pose serious health problems when agents of diseases are transmitted. In addition, blood feeding of ticks induces enormous economic losses due to reduced weight gain of infested animals. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of exposure to hairs clipped from cattle and sheep treated with flumethrin (Bayticol®) on European ticks. The dose used was 10 ml/100 kg body weight for both animal species. At intervals of 7 days (days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35), hairs were cut off from treated and untreated animals along the backline and from the feet just above the claws. These hairs were mingled with stages of the tick species Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. It was found that in the cases of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus, all specimens died within 5-12 h when coming into contact with cattle hair from the feet or back of animals treated 3 weeks ago and within 6 to 9 h after contact to sheep hair from back or feet. After 4 weeks, the specimens of both tick species that had contact with hair of treated sheep and cattle, independent from the origin backline or feet, were dead after 8 h except for one tick that had contact to hair from feet of cattle. It remained fully motile after a 12-h contact even for the observation time on another 5 days. When having contact to hair of animals treated 5 weeks before, several specimens of Ixodes and Dermacentor survived an exposition of 12 h. There were more survivors in the case of ticks tested on hair of the feet than in the case of contacts with hair of the backline. The exposure of R. sanguineus to hair obtained from animals treated 2 weeks earlier resulted in death in 2-4 h. However, most R. sanguineus ticks when coming in contact with treated hairs (collected from animals treated 3, 4 or 5 weeks earlier) from back or feet survived for atleast 5 days even after exposure for 12 h. These experiments confirmed the positive protection results obtained in former studies with typical cattle ticks in the tropics and/or subtropics. In addition to the killing effects described above, it was noted that flumethrin had a significant repellent effect. If ticks were mingled with treated hair, they tried to flee away and did not seek shelter inside the hair as the controls did in untreated hair.

Mites of 3 genera-Myobia, Myocoptes, and Radfordia -continue to plague laboratory mouse facilities, even with use of stringent biosecurity measures. Mites often spread before diagnosis, predominantly because of detection difficulty. Current detection methods have suboptimal sensitivity, are time-consuming, and are costly. A sensitive serodiagnostic technique would facilitate detection and ease workload. We evaluated whether total IgE increases could serve as a serodiagnostic marker to identify mite infestations. Variables affecting total IgE levels including infestation duration, sex, age, mite species, soiled-bedding exposure, and ivermectin treatment were investigated in Swiss Webster mice. Strain- and pinworm-associated effects were examined by using C57BL/6 mice and Swiss Webster mice dually infested with Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera, respectively. Mite infestations led to significant increases in IgE levels within 2 to 4 wk. Total IgE threshold levels and corresponding sensitivity and specificity values were determined along the continuum of a receiver-operating characteristic curve. A threshold of 81 ng/mL was chosen for Swiss Webster mice; values above this point should trigger screening by a secondary, more specific method. Sex-associated differences were not significant. Age, strain, and infecting parasite caused variability in IgE responses. Mice exposed to soiled bedding showed a delayed yet significant increase in total IgE. Treatment with ivermectin reduced total IgE levels within 2 wk. Our data suggest that increases in total IgE in Swiss Webster and C57BL/6 mice warrant investigation, especially because mite infestations can rapidly elevate total IgE levels. We propose that using total IgE levels routinely in serologic panels will enhance biosecurity.

Pediculosis capitis is a worldwide infestation caused by Pediculus humanus capitis ectoparasite that only lives on the hairs of the scalp. As a result of severe itching excoriation, secondary bacterial infection, cervical and occipital lymphadenopathy are seen frequently where, sometimes bite reaction, viral exanthema mimicking hypersensitivity eruption and conjunctivitis may occur. Hereby, with the presentation of a quite rarely seen pediculid case, characterized with common autosensitization dermatitis as an -id reaction to pediculosis capitis, the importance of exploring the source of the infection and/or infestation on the patients who have presented with generalized pruritic maculopapular eruption, is emphasized.

Fur mites were diagnosed in a colony of mice at our research institution. In the current study, we compared the effectiveness of PCR and tape test in a small population of mice at the onset of diagnosis and throughout treatment. Samples were collected 1 d prior to treatment with permethrin impregnated cotton balls and 6 and 12 wk after treatment. PCR confirmed the presence of Myocoptes musculinus and Radfordia affinis or Myobia musculi, but tape test confirmed only the presence of Myocoptes spp. The results of the PCR and tape test agreed 97.2% of the time during active infection on day 1, but only 59.5% and 48.4% of results coincided at 6 and 12 wk after treatment, respectively. At 6 wk, 11 of the 37 samples were PCR-negative but tape-test-positive, compared with 9 of the 31 samples at 12 wk. Our results show that PCR is a reliable diagnostic method during active fur mite infection but that false-negative results are possible after treatment. Negative PCR results after treatment should be interpreted carefully, and a secondary diagnostic method should be considered.

Infections of dogs with Toxocara canis and Echinococcus multilocularis pose an infection-risk particularly for contact persons. We examined specimens of hair coat and faeces of 124 farm dogs, 118 household dogs, 49 kennel dogs, 15 puppies from two litters, and 46 red foxes. Microscopically identified eggs of Toxocara or taeniids were further investigated by species-specific PCRs. In farm dogs, eggs of E. multilocularis or T. canis were identified in each 2.4% of faecal samples, eggs of T. cati (gastrointestinal passage) in 7.3%, respectively. Household dogs excreted eggs of T. canis (0.8%) and of T. cati (2.5%). In kennel dogs, eggs of T. canis (4.1%), but not of T. cati were detectable. Coat samples contaminated with eggs of Toxocara spp. were found from farm dogs (5.6%), household dogs (1.7%) and kennel dogs (2.0%). Taeniid eggs were isolated from the coat samples from only two farm dogs (1.6%); a molecular species determination was not achieved. In six intrauterinely infected puppies, Toxocara-eggs were found in 17/38 samples taken within six weeks. No intact Toxocara eggs could be isolated from the coat of nine puppies from a second litter 13 days after deworming. Of the 46 red foxes investigated (dissection and faecal samples) 13 (28.3%) were infected with E. multilocularis and 20 (43.5%) with Toxocara. Eggs of taeniids and Toxocara were found in 13% (in three cases confirmed as E. multilocularis) and 21.7%, respectively, of the coat samples. None of the retrieved Toxocara eggs in the coat samples were embryonated. Thus, an infection of humans through the transmission of E. multilocularis eggs after direct contact with dogs or foxes is conceivable, whereas a corresponding infection risk by Toxocara eggs must be critically challenged.

Indigenous Nguni cattle are adapted to the semiarid rangeland and appear to be resistant to ticks; however, the mechanism for tick resistance is yet to be established. To understand tick resistance in cattle, relationships among skin thickness, hair length, coat score, and tick counts were estimated in Nguni (n=12) and Bonsmara (n=12) heifers on semiarid rangelands of South Africa. The tick species observed to infest the heifers were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (frequency: 76%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (9%), Amblyomma hebraeum (5%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (5%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (3%), and Hyalomma marginatum (2%). Nguni heifers had lower (P<0.05) log(10) (x+1)-transformed coat scores (0.6±0.01), hair length (1.4±0.01), and tick counts (1.4±0.03) than Bonsmara heifers whose log(10) (x+1)-transformed coat score, hair length, and tick count values were 0.7±0.01, 1.5±0.01, and 1.8±0.02, respectively. The skin thickness between the two breeds were similar (P>0.05). There was a positive linear (P<0.05) relationship between log(10) (x+1) tick counts and log(10) (x+1) coat score in the Nguni (y=1.90x-0.40) and a quadratic relationship in the Bonsmara (y=-7.98x(2)+12.74x-3.12) breed. It was concluded that the smooth coats may be one of the important mechanisms of tick resistance in the indigenous Nguni breed. Determination of genetic resistance to ticks in the Nguni breed is recommended as this will give more specific indication to the mechanism of host resistance in this breed., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

A collection of laelapine mites from small mammals in the Galapagos Islands are identified and their host distributions reviewed. Two species of native rodents, Aegialomys galapagoensis and Nesoryzomys narboroughii, were infested only with laelapine species typical of Neotropical oryzomyine rodents; Rattus rattus was infested with Laelaps nuttalli, a host-specific ectoparasite endemic to Old World Rattus. A synopsis of Gigantolaelaps Fonseca is provided and we describe a new laelapine mite, Gigantolaelaps aegialomys n. sp., from the pelage of the rodent A. galapagoensis on Santa Fe Island. The new species has strong morphological affinities with a subgroup of Gigantolaelaps associated with a group of semiaquatic oryzomyine rodents ( Holochilus, Nectomys, Sooretamys, Pseudoryzomys , Oryzomys palustris). The other nominal species of this group, Gigantolaelaps mattogrossensis (Fonseca, 1935) and Gigantolaelaps goyanensis Fonseca, 1939 , are characterized by 10 setae on Tibia IV, large metapodal shields, and spiniform setae on Coxae I. Gigantolaelaps aegialomys is distinguished from these species by a lack of clearly spiniform setae on Coxa I, with setiform distal seta longer than the proximal; metapodal shields about the same size as the stigma; less than 100 µm separating the first pair of sternal setae.

The aim of the study was to assess whether the hair of stray and domestic dogs in Egypt was contaminated with the eggs of the zoonotic parasite Toxocara canis, and also to identify risk factors for T. canis for contamination. Paired samples of hair and feces were collected from 53 stray and 47 domestic dogs, and hair samples were obtained from a further 11 stray and 9 domestic dogs. All samples were examined to identify T. canis eggs and, if eggs were found, their maturation stage. Eggs were identified in 26.6% of stray and 10.7% of domestic dog's hair samples. A significantly increased risk of embryonated T. canis eggs in hair samples was found in stray dogs (p=0.04), stray dogs had 3.18 (95% CI: 1.04-9.74) times the odds of having T. canis eggs present compared with domestic dogs. There was also a significant difference (p=0.02) between the mean quantity of eggs per gram in stray (77.6±6.54) and domestic (48.7±6.65) dog's hair. Fecal examination found a T. canis egg prevalence of 35.8% and 21.3% in stray and domestic dogs, respectively. As no domestic dogs which were positive from hair samples had negative fecal samples, this indicates that the presence of T. canis eggs in hair is probably due to self contamination. Two stray dogs had positive hair samples but negative fecal samples indicating that contamination may also be environmental. As both non-embryonated and embryonated T. canis eggs were found in the hair of domestic dogs, direct contact with dogs may be a potential risk factor for transmission of T. canis eggs to humans., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fur mites are one of the most common ectoparasites of laboratory mice and traditionally are diagnosed through surveillance of individual colony animals. Although multiple diagnostic modalities exist, few recommendations suggest optimal testing methods, target colony populations, or sampling sites. We compared the fur pluck and sticky paper techniques for the diagnosis of Myocoptes musculinus in naturally infested immunocompetent mice and evaluated the effect of mouse age and sampling site on the efficacy of fur plucks. We found that the sticky paper technique was more likely to detect fur mites than were fur plucks. Housing mice individually increased the incidence of false-negative fur pluck tests, whereas sensitivity was equivalent for preweanling and adult mice. The ventral abdomen was the most likely single sampling location to detect evidence of any stage of Myocoptes musculinus, but fur mite eggs were overrepresented on the neck. We found that the surface temperature of the murine neck surface was warmer than was the rump and therefore may represent a unique microenvironment for fur mite egg development. Given our findings, we recommend that group-housed adult or preweanling mice should be selected for Myocoptes musculinus evaluation and that the ventral abdomen should be sampled. When possible, the postmortem sticky paper technique should be used rather than the antemortem fur pluck method.

Ticks are known to be able to transmit a broad spectrum of agents of diseases in cattle or sheep. Therefore, measurements are needed to keep ticks away from the body of any ruminant belonging to the agricultural life stock. The present study dealt with investigations to measure the efficacy of the insecticide deltamethrin (Butox® 7.5 pour on) against specimens of two important species (Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Four sheep and four young cattle were treated lege arte along the vertebral column with 10 ml Butox® (deltamethrin) per sheep or 30 ml Butox® per cattle. Day 7, 14, 21, and 28 after the treatment, hair was shaved off from the head, ears, the back, belly, and the feet being collected in separate, suitable plastic bags, and transported to the institute, where these hair were brought into close contact with either adult and/or nymph stages of I. ricinus and R. sanguineus. As results, strong, acaricidal effects were seen, which varied according to the parasite species, the origin of the hair (e.g., head, leg, etc.) and according to the period after the treatment. In sheep, the acaricidal effect was noted for the whole period of 28 days along the whole body with respect to adults and nymphs of I. ricinus, while the acaricidal effects of deltamethrin were reduced for R. sanguineus stages beginning at day 21 after treatment. In cattle, the full acaricidal effect was seen for 21 days in I. ricinus stages and for 14 days in R. sanguineus, while the acaricidal efficacy became reduced after these periods of full action-beginning at the hair taken from the legs. Only R. sanguineus adults did not show any reaction on day 28 after treatment. Besides these acaricidal effects, repellent effects were also noted. Full repellency for both species was seen during the first 14 days in sheep and cattle against Ixodes and Rhipicephalus, while the repellency was later reduced, especially in contact with hair from the legs. As conclusion, deltamethrin, besides its very good effects against biting insects, brings acaricidal as well as repellent effects against ticks, thus protecting the sheep and cattle from transmission of agents of diseases.

The present study reports the development of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Demodex canis DNA on different tissue samples. The technique amplifies a 166 bp of D. canis chitin synthase gene (AB 080667) and it has been successfully tested on hairs extracted with their roots and on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded skin biopsies. The real-time PCR amplified on the hairs of all 14 dogs with a firm diagnosis of demodicosis and consistently failed to amplify on negative controls. Eleven of 12 skin biopsies with a morphologic diagnosis of canine demodicosis were also positive. Sampling hairs on two skin points (lateral face and interdigital skin), D. canis DNA was detected on nine of 51 healthy dogs (17.6%) a much higher percentage than previously reported with microscopic studies. Furthermore, it is foreseen that if the number of samples were increased, the percentage of positive dogs would probably also grow. Moreover, in four of the six dogs with demodicosis, the samples taken from non-lesioned skin were positive. This finding, if confirmed in further studies, suggests that demodicosis is a generalized phenomenon in canine skin, due to proliferation of local mite populations, even though macroscopic lesions only appear in certain areas. The real-time PCR technique to detect D. canis DNA described in this work is a useful tool to advance our understanding of canine demodicosis.

The hair samples of Ferdinand II of Aragon (1467-1496), King of Naples, whose mummy is preserved in the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples, showed a high content of mercury, with a value of 827ppm. Furthermore, examination using a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of head and pubic hairs of Ferdinand II, revealed a lice infestation. The reasons for the massive presence of the mercury in the king's hair are discussed and contemporary literature regarding the use of this metal in medical therapies and in cosmetic practices is analysed. As a result, the high value of mercury in the hair of Ferdinand II can be attributed to antipediculosis therapy, applied as a topic medicament. This case represents an important finding for the history of medicine, because demonstrates that in the Renaissance mercury was applied locally not only to treat syphilis, as well attested by direct and indirect sources, but also to prevent or eliminate lice infestation.

This case has been filed as a 21-year old male patient who was diagnosed with P. pubis present in his tibial hair. The agent was not found in body parts of the patient other than both lower extremities. The infestation is thought to stem from using second-hand furniture which had been bought the day before the case developed; as other possible ways of infection such as transmission through the rest of the residents of the house were ruled out in our medical investigation. It is understood that second-hand furniture pieces such as mattresses, quilts, carpets, and sofas might be a source of infection of P. pubis including tibial hair areas. The conclusion is that, in infested people or those who are exposed to such a risk, this possibility should be taken into account.

Objective: This study was carried out to detect the prevalence and evaluate risk factors of Pediculus capitis infestation in four primary schools in Iğdır in April and May, 2010., Methods: The study was performed on 2222 students (6-15 years old), 1116 female and 1106 male. The hair of the students, especially from the neck and back of the head, were examined for egg, nymph and imago of P. capitis. The samples taken from the students were brought to the Medical Laboratory of Health Services Vocational School of Iğdır University for examination. Each student answered a questionnaire containing some questions related to the infestation., Results: The imago, nymph or eggs of the parasite were encountered in 22.9% of females and in 3.2% of males. Prevalence of infestation in all students was 13.1%., Conclusion: It was determined that there was a significant relation between head louse infestation and gender, socioeconomic status of the schools, hair length, number of people living in the home and the number of rooms in the house. In most comparisons, relations between prevalence of pediculosis capitis and education level, income level and job of the children's father and education level of the children's mother were found significant at different levels.

Head lice are endemic worldwide. Resistance to permethrin and doubts about the safety of pesticides promoted the use of physical therapies (wet-combing, dry-on suffocation). The aim of our study was to test the pediculicidal and ovicidal effects of one application of a silicon-oil complex composed of dimethiconol and castor oil. The study was a prospective cohort of 108 infested patients (11 males, 97 females; 58 children, 50 adults), in Sri-Lanka. Pediculicidal efficacy was evaluated as the percentage of patients free of live lice one hour after the application of the treatment and at day 1 (wet combing). Ovicidal efficacy was calculated as the proportion of subjects without larval stages at days 1 and 7 among subjects followed up all over the study. In normal conditions of use, in this open cohort, a pediculicidal effect of a dimethiconol-castor-oil lotion was.shown one hour after application in 99/108 (91.7%) treated subjects and at day 1 in 86/99 (87%) subjects and an ovicidal effect at day 7 in 79/108 (73.2%) treated subjects. A second application of the same product was necessary to increase the cure rate to 79.6% (86/108) at day 8. In our study, the second application of the same product was performed seven days later, but the best time for additional applications should be defined in further studies. However, the efficacy of this safe physical treatment was similar to that of chemical pediculicides (malathion, permethrin).

The close contact between dogs and humans poses a high risk of exposure to Toxocara canis eggs, which can lead to Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) syndrome. The objective of this study was to investigate the existence of these nematode eggs on the hair of the perianal region in stray and owned dogs. Samples of hair from 104 dogs of different ages were collected: 25 (24%) were positive for T. canis eggs, with mean of 614.8 eggs per gram of hair. Puppies were responsible for 99% of the total number of eggs. The ages of the animal and hair length were factors that influenced the intensity of the observed eggs. This study showed that dog hair contaminated by T. canis eggs in different developmental stages represents a potential source of VLM infection for humans., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Toxocara canis is one of the most common gastrointestinal helminthes of dogs. Humans can become infected through ingestion of infective eggs. Infection often causes few symptoms but in rare cases blindness can occur. It is generally accepted that human infection is caused as a result of direct contact with contaminated soil. However, recently, the eggs of Toxocara spp. have been found in the hair of dogs, implicating them as a possible additional route of transmission. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the hair of owned dogs was contaminated with the eggs of Toxocara. Samples were taken from the head, neck, back and anus of 184 dogs. Eggs were recovered from the hair using a previously standardised detection method. Eggs were found on the hair of 8.8% of the sampled dogs. None of the eggs found were embryonated. There was no significant difference found between the numbers or prevalence of eggs taken from the head, neck, back and anus. Older dogs were significantly more likely to possess eggs on their hair than those under 1 year of age. The low prevalence and the lack of potentially infective embryonated eggs suggests that direct contact with well cared for owned dogs poses a low risk of infection with T. canis., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fur mite outbreaks remain a persistent problem in laboratory mouse colonies. All currently published treatment methods are labor-intensive, expensive, or unreliable. During a recent outbreak with Myobia musculi and Myocoptes musculinus in a large colony (approximately 30,000 cages), we developed a feed-based treatment regime in which ivermectin was the active ingredient. Rodent feed was compounded with 3 different concentrations of ivermectin (12, 24, and 48 ppm) and γ-irradiated. Postcompounding analysis revealed loss of ivermectin during manufacturing, but the remaining drug was stable for at least 6 mo. In an 8-wk toxicity study in a C57BL/6NTac mouse breeding colony, ad-libitum feeding of the 3 diets yielded estimated doses of 1.3, 2.7, and 5.4 mg/kg. Adult mice lacked adverse clinical effects, except that 1 of the 144 mice in the 48-ppm group developed tremors and ataxia and was euthanized. No significant differences between doses were revealed by CBC, serum chemistry, body weight, or gross necropsy. Plasma drug concentrations plateaued at a dose-dependent level 7 to 10 d after initiation of treatment and decreased to undetectable levels 6 to 9 d after its discontinuation. Fertility of the P0 generation was unaffected. Pup mortality was higher in the 24- and 48-ppm groups, reaching 100% at the higher dose. Animals exposed to ivermectin as neonates had normal weaning weights, but mice receiving 24-ppm feed had lower adult weights. Our results indicate that using feed containing 12 ppm ivermectin (estimated ingested dose, 1.3 mg/kg) was safe in a C57BL/6NTac breeding colony.

We determined the efficacy of ivermectin-compounded feed against fur mites in mice and describe its use to eradicate mites in vivaria holding approximately 30,000 cages. C57BL/6NCrl mice infested with Myobia musculi and Myocoptes musculinus were treated with ivermectin-compounded feed (approximate ingested dose, 1.3 mg/kg) for 1, 4, or 8 consecutive weeks. Regardless of treatment duration, all treated mice, as well as contact sentinels, remained free of fur mites for as long as 21 wk after treatment. No adverse effects were observed. Subsequently, facility-wide treatment was implemented in an attempt to eradicate fur mites from 3 vivaria housing approximately 120,000 mice. Medicated feed was provided for 8 wk to ensure that all cages and mice were treated. A single investigative group reported adverse effects in their colony 4 wk after treatment was initiated; mortality was attributed to ivermectin toxicity after an intracranial injection at 1 d of age. Naïve pups were unaffected. No other adverse effects were noted. Approximately 14,500 skin scrape samples were evaluated during the 12-mo posttreatment surveillance period. All samples were negative for mites. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful eradication of fur mites from a mouse colony of this large size.

Fur mites are a persistent problem in contemporary laboratory mouse colonies. We conducted several studies to evaluate fur mite diagnostic methodologies and interpretation of results. Retrospective analysis of test results from sentinel mice exposed to soiled bedding collected from colonies infested with Myobia musculi and Myocoptes musculinus revealed the skin scrape test to be more reliable than pelt examination, provided that both the head and dorsal thoracolumbar regions were sampled. To assess their diagnostic accuracy, 3 commercial laboratories were sent positive control slides containing mites, mite parts, or eggs in sets of slides containing diagnostic skin scrapings in varying ratios. Laboratory B correctly identified the positive control slide. Laboratory A identified 1 of 3 positive control slides, whereas laboratory C failed to identify both positive control slides submitted. To determine the time required for a mouse to shed its entire hair coat, fur of Crl:CD1(ICR), BALB/cAnNCrl, and Crl:CFW(SW) albino mice was dyed black and the presence of dyed fur evaluated monthly for 8 mo. Limited dyed hair was still present at 8 mo; therefore, finding eggs or egg casings many months after treatment cessation does not necessarily imply treatment failure. To evaluate the effectiveness of soiled bedding sentinels for detection of fur mites in a mite-infested colony, we exposed naïve mice to varying amounts (100%, 50%, 25%, 2.5%, and 0%) of soiled bedding in clean bedding. As little as 2.5% soiled bedding resulted in detection of a positive sentinel within a 2-mo period.