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Background: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has become a widely used technique for the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria, mycobacteria and certain fungal pathogens in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Thus far, only few attempts have been made to apply the technique in clinical parasitology, particularly regarding helminth identification. Methods: We systematically reviewed the scientific literature on studies pertaining to MALDI-TOF MS as a diagnostic technique for helminths (cestodes, nematodes and trematodes) of medical and veterinary importance. Readily available electronic databases (i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched from inception to 10 October 2018, without restriction on year of publication or language. The titles and abstracts of studies were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Relevant articles were read in full and included in the systematic review. Results: A total of 84 peer-reviewed articles were considered for the final analysis. Most papers reported on the application of MALDI-TOF for the study of Caenorhabditis elegans, and the technique was primarily used for identification of specific proteins rather than entire pathogens. Since 2015, a small number of studies documented the successful use of MALDI-TOF MS for species-specific identification of nematodes of human and veterinary importance, such as Trichinella spp. and Dirofilaria spp. However, the quality of available data and the number of examined helminth samples was low. Conclusions: Data on the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the diagnosis of helminths are scarce, but recent evidence suggests a potential role for a reliable identification of nematodes. Future research should explore the diagnostic accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of (i) adult helminths, larvae and eggs shed in faecal samples; and (ii) helminth-related proteins that are detectable in serum or body fluids of infected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing attention on the complex interactions occurring between gastrointestinal parasitic helminths and the microbial flora (microbiota) inhabiting the host gut. However, little is known about the occurrence, structure, and function of microbial populations residing within parasite organs and tissues. In this article, we argue that an in-depth understanding of the interplay between parasites and their microbiomes may significantly enhance current knowledge of parasite biology and physiology, and may lead to the discovery of entirely novel, anthelmintic-independent interventions against parasites and parasitic diseases. Highlights In spite of a plethora of evidence supporting key roles of resident bacteria for parasite fitness and survival (i.e., in filarial nematodes and whipworms), little is known of microbial populations inhabiting organs and tissues of gastrointestinal nematodes of major socioeconomic significance. To date, one of the few well characterised examples is the symbiotic relationship between bacteria of the genus Wolbachia and filarial nematodes. Notably, our understanding of this symbiosis has already been successfully exploited for therapeutic purposes. The relentless advancement in sequencing techniques, together with the rise of novel microbiome editing tools provide unprecedented opportunities to investigate helminth microbiomes and exploit parasite–microbiome relationships for the development of novel strategies of parasite control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An elicitation exercise was conducted to collect and identify pressing questions concerning the study of helminths in livestock, to help guide research priorities. Questions were invited from the research community in an inclusive way. Of 385 questions submitted, 100 were chosen by online vote, with priority given to open questions in important areas that are specific enough to permit investigation within a focused project or programme of research. The final list of questions was divided into ten themes. We present the questions and set them briefly in the context of the current state of knowledge. Although subjective, the results provide a snapshot of current concerns and perceived priorities in the field of livestock helminthology, and we hope that they will stimulate ongoing or new research efforts. Highlights Important questions on helminths of livestock were elicited across the research community and prioritised by online vote. The approach contrasts with traditional review formats and seeks to identify questions agreed to be both important and feasibly addressed by focused research projects. A shortlist of 100 questions is presented with supporting text to provide perspective. The article is intended to stimulate new and ongoing research on helminth infections, in support of sustainable global livestock health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A replicated field trial was conducted to measure the effect on liveweight gain of failing to adequately control anthelmintic resistant populations of Cooperia oncophora and to determine whether populations, and hence production losses, increased with time. Eight mobs of 10 Friesian-Hereford calves were run on independent farmlets from January to December, over each of two years. All mobs were routinely treated with a pour-on formulation of eprinomectin every six weeks, which controlled parasites other than Cooperia . Four mobs also received six weekly treatments with an oral levamisole plus albendazole combination anthelmintic to control Cooperia . Liveweights, condition scores, faecal egg counts and larval numbers on pasture were measured throughout. In the first year animals treated with eprinomectin alone were 12.9 kg lighter in November than those treated with eprinomectin plus albendazole and levamisole, however, in the second year there was no difference between the treatment groups. The data, therefore, support the view that while C . oncophora is less pathogenic than other cattle parasite species it can still cause production losses when present in sufficient numbers. In the first year of the study, parasite load, as measured by faecal nematode egg count and larval numbers on herbage, tended to be higher and calf growth rates lower than in the second year. In both years, counts of infective larvae on herbage declined over winter–spring to be at low levels before mid-summer. This suggests that the carry-over of infection from one crop of calves to the next was relatively small and hence that the level of challenge to the young calves at the start of each year was largely due to the effectiveness of the quarantine treatments administered when the animals arrived on the trial site. Low survival of larvae on pasture between grazing seasons, resulting in small larval populations on pasture when drenching programmes start each summer, might help to explain the widespread development of anthelmintic resistance in this parasite under New Zealand grazing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue-dwelling helminths are known to induce intestinal and systemic inflammation accompanied with host compensatory mechanisms to counter balance nutritional and metabolic deficiencies. The metabolic and immune responses of the host depend on parasite species and tissues affected by the parasite. This study investigated metabolic and immuno-inflammatory responses of mice infected with tissue-dwelling larvae of Trichinella zimbabwensis and explored the relationship between infection, metabolic parameters and Th1/Th17 immune responses. Sixty (60) female BALB/c mice aged between 6 to 8 weeks old were randomly assigned into T. zimbabwensis-infected and control groups. Levels of Th1 (interferon-γ) and Th17 (interleukin-17) cytokines, insulin and blood glucose were determined as well as measurements of body weight, food and water intake. Results showed that during the enteric phase of infection, insulin and IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in the Trichinella infected group accompanied with a reduction in the trends of food intake and weight loss compared with the control group. During systemic larval migration, trends in food and water intake were significantly altered and this was attributed to compensatory feeding resulting in weight gain, reduced insulin levels and increased IL-17 levels. Larval migration also induced a Th1/Th17 derived inflammatory response. It was concluded that T. zimbabwensis alters metabolic parameters by instigating host compensatory feeding. Furthermore, we showed for the first time that non-encapsulated T. zimbabwensis parasite plays a role in immunomodulating host Th1/Th17 type responses during chronic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four geographical strains of Galba truncatula living on riverbanks (the first on a sedimentary soil and the other three on an acid soil) were subjected to bimiracidial exposures with Fasciola hepatica to study their aptitude for cercarial shedding and to count metacercariae in snails dissected at day 42 post-exposure. All snails were reared in 14-cm Petri dishes at 24°C, with the same spring water (60–73 mg/l of Ca2+) and the same diet (grass and lettuce leaves). Metacercariae of F. hepatica were noted in the four populations after a cercarial shedding or after snail dissection. However, in spite of the breeding method used, the characteristics of snail infections varied with the origin of each geographical strain. For example, the shell heights of infected snails at day 42 were close to those found for the corresponding adults in the field (6.8–8.0 mm for the population living on the sedimentary soil, but only 4.6–5.5 mm for another strain originating from the acid soil). This variability may be explained by assuming that the diet of these riverbank G. truncatula would be different from that of snails living in swampy meadows. However, another hypothesis based on the influence of snail habitat on the characteristics of snail life cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of nitenpyram for the treatment of screwworm myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in naturally infested dogs. Seven Beagle dogs presenting with myiasis were treated with nitenpyram twice at an interval of 6h. The animals received dosages between 1.43 and 4.42mg/kg body weight of nitenpyram in each given treatment. The criteria used to determine the drug efficacy were larval expulsion and fall. These were quantified at 15min intervals within the first hour followed by 2, 3, 4, 6, and 18h post-treatment. The highest larval expulsion happened between 1 and 2h post-treatment. The spontaneous larval expulsion percentages were 86% and 94.11% for 6 and 18h after the first treatment, respectively. Larvae were expelled until 18h post-treatment. After this period the remaining dead larvae were mechanically removed. Nitenpyram showed 100% efficacy on the treatment of myiasis by C. hominivorax in naturally infested dogs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 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 &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on clinical observation of a flock of approximately 5000 sheep (breed Merino) from southern Brazil, the failure of anthelmintic treatments was suspected. The sensitivity of the gastrointestinal nematodes that infected these sheep to nine drugs (Levamisole, Moxidectin, Albendazole, Ivermectin, Nitroxynil, Disophenol, Trichlorphon, Closantel, and a combination of Ivermectin, Levamisole and Albendazole) was evaluated. None of the drugs reduced the count of nematode eggs per gram of feces (EPG) in the sheep to an adequate extent (defined as a 95% reduction in EPG). Therefore, we found multiple parasite resistance to all classes of anthelmintic drugs available for small ruminants in the Brazilian market. The genera Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Ostertagia spp. had various degrees of resistance (or natural tolerance) to each of the drug treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The prevalence of spargana infection in frogs (Rana nigromaculata) was investigated in China''s central Hunan Province, from March 2007 to October 2009. 59 of 292 (20.2%) wild-caught frogs were found to be infected with plerocercoids (spargana) of the genus Spirometra. Spargana were recovered from the skeletal muscle of the hind limb. The infection rate ranged from 4.5% to 27.4%, and the infection intensity was 1–15 spargana per frog. To identify the species identity of the collected spargana, a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Sequence variations for cox1 among all the examined spargana were 0.0–3.1%, with 14 variable sites being identified in sequences obtained (3.1%, 14/446), representing 6 different cox1 sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the spargana isolates in Hunan province represented Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. This is the first report of S. erinaceieuropaei infection in frogs in Hunan province, China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Peaks in epizootics of sea lice (mostly Caligus chiastos) and blood flukes (Cardicola forsteri) among Southern Bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) appear to coincide with the onset of an increased mortality. The mortality event occurs 6–12 weeks after T. maccoyii have been transferred into static ranching pontoons from the wild. However, to date available data on parasite occurrence before commercial harvesting begins, are scant. This research gathered epizootiological data from weeks 4 to 13 post-transfer, for 153 T. maccoyii sampled from two research and four commercial pontoons. Counts of both parasites in the research pontoons reached levels far heavier than previously documented in ranched T. maccoyii. For sea lice, the prevalence in most pontoons was 100%; the highest intensity reached 495 individuals, and mean counts at the peak of the infection exceeded 265 lice per fish. Almost all of the 5407 individual lice counted were identified as adult C. chiastos (89.44% female, 10.14% male); adult females of two other species were also present, C. amblygenitalis (0.13%), in addition to an undescribed species, C. sp. (0.04%). Lice counts were correlated positively with gross eye pathology scores (r s,151df =0.3394, p =0.0000), negatively correlated with condition index (r s,151df =−0.5396, p =0.0000), and positively correlated with plasma cortisol (r s,131df =0.3906, p =0.0000) and glucose (r s,131df =0.2240, p =0.0096). For the blood fluke, prevalences were less uniform than those of sea lice, with lower rates of infection at the beginning (ranging from 10% to 40%), reaching 100% mid-study, and declining again (40% in one pontoon). The highest intensity reached 441 individual flukes. Fluke counts were negatively correlated with plasma haemoglobin (r s,151df =−0.2436, p =0.0051) and positively with lysozyme (r s,151df =0.3013, p =0.0019). Fluke counts were also correlated with sea lice counts (r s,150df =0.3143, p =0.0000). Peaks in these epizootics occurred near the onset of elevated mortalities, which started after 7 weeks of ranching. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of Eucalyptus staigeriana essential oil (EsEO). The in vitro effects of EsEO were determined through the egg hatching test and the inhibition of larval development of Haemonchus contortus. The oil was subjected to acute and subacute toxicity rodents. The in vivo effects were determined through fecal egg count reduction test in goats. 1.35 and 5.4mgml−1 EsEO inhibited 99.27 and 99.20% H. contortus egg hatching and larval development. In subacute toxicity of EsEO, all parameters were found to be in the normal range, and histopathological analysis of organs did not present alterations. EsEO efficacy against goat gastrointestinal nematodes was 76.57% at 15th day after treatment. E. staigeriana essential oil showed in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Factors associated with parasitism by helminths and protozoans in 500 dogs presented to three veterinary clinics in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro from November 2003 to September 2004 were evaluated. Dogs were submitted to physical examination and owners were interviewed about the animal''s management. One fecal sample from each dog was examined by centrifugal flotation and sedimentation methods followed by the safranin–methylene blue staining technique. Positive results for gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 46.4% of the examined samples. Infection with protozoans (29.6%) was more frequent than with helminths (23.2%). Cryptosporidium sp. (26.2%) and Ancylostoma sp. (15.2%) were the most frequent parasites. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (p <0.001), access to soil (p <0.001), hygiene of the environment (p =0.001), illness (p =0.007), owner''s level of education (p <0.006) and veterinary clinic (p =0.043) were associated with gastrointestinal parasite infections in dogs. Treatment and control are especially important for puppies. Adult dogs should be submitted to fecal examination before treatment, placing special emphasis on those that present one or more factors associated with infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the production losses due to cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle, sheep and goats in Turkey. For this purpose, official records and previously published data in the literature were used. The weighted mean prevalence rates of the disease were calculated to be 7.4% in cattle, 46.3% in sheep and 10.9% in goats. The financial losses were estimated in US$ at 2008 current prices under expected (mean value), optimistic (mean value lowered by 10%), and pessimistic (mean value increased by 10%) scenarios. The production losses in an infected ruminant were estimated as US$ 139.2 (125.3–153.2, under optimistic–pessimistic scenarios) for cattle, US$ 13.7 (12.3–15.1) for sheep, and US$ 13.9 (12.5–15.3) for goats. The nation-wide annual losses due to CE were estimated as US$ 32.4 million (26.2–39.1) for cattle, US$ 54.1 million (43.8–65.5) for sheep and US$ 2.7 million (2.2–3.3) for goats. The nation-wide production losses due to CE in Turkey in 2008 were calculated as US$ 89.2 million (72.2–107.9). The results of this study may provide information to assist decisions of the policy makers in prioritising the allocation of scarce resources in controlling animal diseases in Turkey. However, alternative disease control-eradication programmes and cost-benefit analyses of them are needed for the future studies of this kind to provide better decision support in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The climate in the UK is changing, with a trend towards increased rainfall in the autumn and winter and warmer average temperatures throughout the year. There has also been a 4-week extension of the herbage growing season over the past 40 years. These changes may have implications for the epidemiology of sheep helminth parasites. Here, we describe production-limiting disease outbreaks caused by Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus battus, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Fasciola hepatica in sheep flocks in south eastern Scotland. The occurrence and timing of these disease outbreaks could not have been predicted in this region highlighting changes in the epidemiology of helminth infections from the patterns historically described. These cases are used to introduce discussion regarding the potential effects of climate change on the epidemiology of helminth parasites and the implications for sheep farming in the UK. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study reports the prevalence, effects of treatment and cost benefit analysis of bovine fasciolosis in five districts of Punjab Province viz Sargodha, Jhang, Muzaffargarh, Lodhran and Layyah. From each of the five districts, 80 animals were selected and fortnightly screened through standard coprological procedures for a period of one year for the presence of eggs of Fasciola species. Of 4800 faecal samples analyzed, 1222 (25.46%) were found positive for fasciolosis. The occurrence of Fasciola (F.) gigantica (22.40%) was higher (P <0.05) than F. hepatica (3.06%). Highest month-wise prevalence (P <0.05) of fasciolosis was found in winter (39.08%) followed in decreasing order by spring (29.50%), autumn (20.33%) and summer (12.92%). District-wise prevalence of fasciolosis was highest (P <0.05) in Sargodha (40.31%) and lowest in Layyah (11.77%) while other districts were having intermediate values of prevalence of fasciolosis. Species-wise prevalence of fasciolosis was found higher (P <0.05) in buffaloes (30.50%) as compared to cattle (20.42%). However, there were no age and sex-related differences (P >0.05) in prevalence of fasciolosis. A strong positive association of grazing (OR=1.81), mixed farming of small and large ruminants (OR=1.39), stagnant pond bathing (OR=2.24) and river/canal bathing (OR=2.06) was found with the prevalence of fasciolosis as compared to stall feeding, separate farming of small and large ruminants and rivers/canal/ tap water bathing, respectively. Post-treatment average milk increase of 0.62L per animal per day with 0.35% higher fat was observed in fasciolicide-treated animals with the cost benefit ratio of 3.9. The results provided significant data on the epidemiology of five districts of Punjab province which may be helpful for the planners and small holder dairy farmers for control of fasciolosis in the study districts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To investigate and detect internal parasites in Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae), a novel nested polymerase chain reaction with high level of sensitivity and specificity was developed. Specific PCR primers that target partial DNA sequences of mitochondrial Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene were designed to differentiate between nematode (Heterakis isolonche) and trematode (Glaphyrostomum sp.) found in the intestine of Okinawa rail. Nested PCR assay was established based on primers design and applied to seven fecal samples from road killed birds containing nematode and/or trematode eggs. The results indicated this new nested PCR protocol was available for the identification of parasites and of value to clinical application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) parasitism is the greatest threat to economic sheep and goat production in the southern USA, and there is widespread prevalence of GIN resistance to broad-spectrum anthelmintics in this region. A natural alternative for controlling GIN in small ruminants is feeding hay of sericea lespedeza [SL, Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours., G. Don)], a perennial warm-season legume high in condensed tannins. To determine the level of SL needed to reduce GIN infection, a confinement study was completed with 32 Spanish/Boer/Kiko cross yearling bucks offered one of four diets with 75% hay and 25% concentrate (n =8, 2pens/treatment, 4 goats/pen). The hay portion of each diet consisted of a combination of ground SL (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of the diet) and bermudagrass [BG, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.; 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% of the diet]. The bucks were allowed to acquire a natural GIN infection on pasture prior to moving to the pens. After a 3-week adjustment period in the pens, the goats were stratified by fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), randomly assigned to treatments and pens, and then fed the treatment diets for six weeks. During the experimental period, fecal and blood samples were collected from individual animals weekly to determine FEC and PCV, respectively. Adult worms from abomasum and small intestines were collected for counting and identification of species at slaughter. Goats fed SL hay at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the diet had 45.3% (P =0.2048), 66.3% (P =0.0134), and 74.5% (P =0.0077) lower FEC than control animals (75% BG hay) after 21 days. The 50% and 75% SL goats had 84.6% (P =0.0625) and 91.9% (P =0.0340) lower FEC than controls by day 42. The 75% SL-fed goats tended to have higher (P =0.0624) PCV and had fewer (P =0.035) abomasal worms than control animals, while PCV and adult worm numbers of the 50% and 25% SL goats were not different from controls. The optimum level of SL hay in the diet for reducing worm numbers of small ruminants appears to be 75%, whereas 50–75% SL reduces FEC, which could lead to reduced larval infection on pasture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Resilience to parasitism is considered to be the maintenance of growth and production during infection, probably associated with an immune response with lesser detrimental effects on the host relative to adverse effects on the parasite. Resilience to infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta was investigated in lambs from a flock selected for forty generations for high fleece weight (HFW), but with higher FEC and worm burdens than their unselected control (C) flock run in parallel. After recovery from surgery to implant abomasal cannulae, four parasite-naïve lambs from each flock were infected intraruminally at 6.5 months-of-age with 50,000 T. circumcincta L3, then from Day 35 to 70 post infection with 10,000 larvae at weekly intervals. Blood, abomasal fluid and faecal samples were collected daily to Day 35 and thence twice weekly for measurement of serum gastrin and pepsinogen concentrations, blood eosinophils, abomasal pH and FEC. Abomasal worm counts were made after necropsy on Day 94. Skin biopsies were collected weekly for estimation of the percentage of wool follicles containing paracortical cells. Total serum immunoglobulin and IgG1, IgG2, IgA and IgM titres specific for T. circumcincta antigens were estimated twice weekly to Day 42 p.i., then weekly. After the primary challenge, FEC were higher in the HFW lambs, whereas neither group shed many eggs during the 5-week trickle infection; worm burdens were small at post mortem. Resilient HFW lambs showed a lesser inflammatory response, but relatively small differences in abomasal secretion. Circulating eosinophil counts increased moderately in both groups, less in the HFW lambs, during the primary infection and more markedly during the subsequent trickle infection, when the increase in the C lambs became significantly greater. All measured serum antibody titres were low in both groups throughout. Selection for HFW altered the wool characteristics of parasite-naïve lambs (fewer follicles containing paracortical cells). There was a slower increase in the percentage of follicles containing these cells after primary infection. Abomasal function was similar in the two groups, both exhibiting typical increases in abomasal pH and serum gastrin and pepsinogen concentrations. The most marked differences in the HFW lambs were a greater rise in serum pepsinogen during the primary infection and the 2-day delay in onset of hypoacidity. Resilience to parasitism in this flock is consistent with maintenance of wool quality and small differences in abomasal secretion resulting from an attenuated immune response causing fewer detrimental effects on host tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gastrointestinal nematodes were recovered from thirty four Gracilinanus agilis from forty four collected in Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Two hundred seventy four spirurids were recovered from the esophagus, stomach and intestines, comprising three species from three different genera. These were identified as Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) jägerskiöldi, Spirura guianensis and Physaloptera herthameyerae n. sp. is first described. This is the first record of nematodes of the genera Physaloptera and Spirura in hosts of the genus Gracilinanus. The high prevalence of spirurids in 72.3% of the G. agilis collected probably is influenced by the arboreal and diet behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gastrointestinal (GI) strongyle infections remain one of the main constraints to goat production worldwide. Although several indicators of GI strongyle infections have been proposed, faecal egg count (FEC) techniques are the most common approaches for the estimation of prevalence and intensity of these parasites. However, FEC may be subjected to a within-individual variation due to factors such as weather, season, random day-to-day variation and phase of the parasitic infection. A longitudinal study of GI strongyle FEC was conducted on 63 dairy goats to evaluate the effects of hour of sample collection on FEC and the relationship between FEC and worm burden. The goats were naturally infected with Teladorsagia circumcincta, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Oesophagostomum venulosum. Every 3 weeks for 14 months faeces were collected every 2h for 24h from three individually caged goats. The faeces were those passed by the goats during the 2h preceding each collection. For each goat a sample from this material was analyzed using the Flotac double technique. To explore relationships between FECs and adult parasite counts, on the day following sampling, the three goats were euthanized and the nematodes present in the abomasa and intestines were recovered, identified and counted. The results of the general linear model did not show any significant effect of the hour of faecal sample collection on GI strongyle FEC, whereas a significant effect of the month of faecal sample collection was found. The results of the Pearson correlation showed a significant (P =0.000) positive relationship between FEC and worm burden (r =0.6), in particular regarding H. contortus (r =0.9). In conclusion, the present study showed that the hour of sample collection does not influence the GI strongyle FEC and that there is a good relationship between FEC and total GI strongyle worm burden in goats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article explores population density, or crowding, to determine its effects on the morphometric variability of Echinostoma Carponi in ICR mice. Discriminant function analysis yielded a 100% correct classification based on infection size, which is consistent with studies on distinct species of Echinostoma. The low recovery from the mouse infected with 300 metacercariae indications inflammatory expulsion of juvenile worms and the likelihood of immunity as a factor in the crowding effect.

The article attempts to pinpoint the early stages of Taenia solium metacestodes in pigs. Twelve pigs were each fed with 100,000 viable eggs and later killed and necropsied at different times after infection. At 2 days postinfection (dpi), structures compatible with onchospheres were found in the lumen of the small intestine, and in the mesenteric blood vessels and lymph nodes. At 4 dpi, these same structures were seen in the small intestine, the liver, and skeletal muscles.

Abstract: The presence of the cestode Bertiella mucronata (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) is described from the small intestine of two Titi monkeys Callicebus oenanthe, from the Indañe community in Moyobamba, Peru. Six additional cestodes were studied and identified as B. mucronata. This finding constitutes the first report of the cestode in Peru and demonstrates that C. oenanthe is a new definitive host for this parasite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present investigation was carried out in one hundred goats in and around Bikaner city. The faecal samples were examined by floatation and sedimentation methods for detection of any of parasitic infestation based on the presence of parasitic eggs/oocysts by any or both of these methods. On the basis of faecal examination an overall prevalence of helminth parasitism was observed as 30 per cent (30/100) in goats. Prevalence of Strongyles (Haemonchus spp., Bunostomum spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Trichostrongyles spp., Nematodirus spp. etc.) infestation was observed in 26 per cent (26/100) goats. In seven per cent cases (7/ 100) Trichuris spp. and in four per cent cases (4/100) Strongyloides spp. were observed. One per cent (1/100) goats were found to be infested with Moniezia spp. Out of the positive cases intensity of Strongyles was 86.66% (26/30), Strongyloides spp. 13.33% (4/30), Trichuris spp. 23.33% (7/30) and Moniezia spp. 3.33% (1/30). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of chronic hepatitis in a captive poisonous Russell's viper in India. A detailed necropsy of the dead snake revealed chronic hepatitis coupled with intestinal helminthosis affecting the kidneys. Histopathological examination of Haematoxylin and Eosin stained liver sections revealed massive infiltration of lobules by chronic inflammatory cells which caused the viper's death.