A case study of soil nematode populations under intensive cucumber monoculture in Hungary
A 25-year-old intensive monoculture of cucumber ( 'Monolit F1') has been chosen for monitoring the effect of continuous fertilization, drip irrigation and various soil disinfection on free-living nematodes in soil. Densities, relative abundance of nematode genera, trophic groups and c-p classes, in addition, numerous nematological indices were determined besides certain soil properties. Concerning the nematological indices, all the values proved a stressed, depleted and unstable environment with degraded food web condition. The exaggerated application of fertilizers through irrigation caused high salinity values (0.62 %) which is much higher than the indicated toxicity threshold (0.4 %) for cultivated plants. The number of individuals of the bacterivore and genera, which have a very high stress tolerance, was outstanding in the area. Besides juveniles, the appearance of males was also recorded which could lead to a change in the genetic composition of the population to adapt to environmental stressors. All these changes may result from salt stress indicated by intensive drip irrigation and the use of artificial fertilizers.
Diversity of gastrointestinal parasites of turkeys () under different housing systems in Bessarabia, Ukraine
The development of turkey farming is significantly restrained by parasitic diseases, which have become widespread and cause significant economic losses to specialized- and homestead farms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of endoparasites in turkeys of different age groups under different maintenance systems and the nature of patho-anatomical changes depending on the course of the disease. A total of 1,869 samples of fecal from turkeys were studied. From turkeys kept in poultry houses, 925 fecal samples and 944 fecal samples from free-range turkeys were examined. In turkeys that were kept in a poultry house, the total infection with endoparasites was 59.8 %, while in free range, it was 63.3 %. The most common in turkeys 30-60 days old from poultry houses are (21.5 %), spp. (11.5 %) and (15.5 %) and in free-range turkeys - (15.6 %), spp. (7.2 %) and (10.8 %). was not observed in turkeys 360 days old or older. was most frequently recorded in turkeys 90 - 120 days old from poultry houses (3.8 %) and turkeys 150 - 180 days old in free range (3.7 %). is most common in free-range turkeys 90 - 120 days old (11.8 %) and turkeys 150 - 180 days old from poultry houses (9.5 %). was primarily recorded in turkeys 150 - 180 days old under both systems of keeping with a value range from 16.2 to 17.2 %. Infestation of 150 - 180-day-old free-range turkeys by cestodes and was 15.0 % and 12.9 %, respectively. Thus, the diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal tract invasions depend on the age and housing system of the poultry.
A contribution on first report of morphogenetic characterization of parasitizing Indian sand whiting, from Central west coast of India
The search for hitherto undiscovered larvae of sp. from marine habitat in the Indian sub-continent yielded (Dujardin) larvae hitherto unconfirmed. The present study is the maiden attempt to report 3 stage larvae of from the reef-associated in Arabian Sea off the coast of Goa, which has been identified recently as reef-populated area within the maritime boundary of India. The morphometry of 3 stage larvae has been presented with a record of molecular characterization. In the context of current study, the natural prevalence of larvae in marine piscine hosts of Arabian Sea in India was 6.84 % and of co-occurring (Yadav, Kapoor and Malhotra) in the same fish was 13.65 %. The roundworms were confirmed to be by application of the molecular and genetic characterization based on ITS1, ITS2 and 18S rDNA sequence analysis. The infestation of reef-associated fishes in this study by anisakid worms study provided an opportunity to explore mechanism of ecological associations of coral reefs with parasitization in future.
- still a mysterious parasite
The recent publication entitled "Possible zoonotic implications of the discovery of the advanced third stage larva of (Spirurida: Gnathostomatidae) in a Mexican fish species" by Mosqueda-Cabrera ., appeared in Helminthologia, 2023; 60(1): 112-116. was extremely interesting and informative showing potential zoonotic natue of . However, discovery of only one larva from one out of 17 fish rather indicate that this fish is an accidental host of . Whether this and other fish act as the second intermediate host in the life cycle of requires more field survey using both compression and digestion methods. Also, many biological events of such as intrahepatic maturation in the final hosts and the seasonal changes with self cure are remained unsolved. More extensive survey on intermediate and paratenic hosts for and biological research on unique features of is necessary.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes present in Việt Nam against brown marmorated stink bug () under laboratory conditions
The brown marmorated stink bug (), a native of Asia, has become an invasive pest in North America and Europe. Given the severity of and the need for better and environmentally-friendly control methods for this pest, we evaluated the virulence four entomopathogenic nematode species (, and ) that occur naturally in soils in southern Việt Nam and compared them with that of a commercially available strain of . We report for the first time the pathogenicity of towards BMSB. The commercial strain of was most virulent against BMSB. However, the strain of isolated from soil in southern Việt Nam has potential for the biological control of this pest. To achieve this potential, further work is needed including evaluation in the field and with the formulation of the nematode inoculum.
Morphological identification of hookworm species in five regions of Cameroon
Infections with hookworms ( and ) remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. However, the information about the distribution of each species is inaccurate in many countries since their traditional diagnosis is based only on the identification of eggs in stool under a microscope. We aimed to identify the prevalence of hookworm species using morphological stools to identify L3 larvae to gain insights into the distribution of both species in five regions of Cameroon. Samples were collected from schoolchildren in five regions and 34 subdivisions of Cameroon and examined using the Kato-Katz method. We randomly selected a total of 157 samples among hookworm's positive stool samples. They were cultured using the Harada-Mori test-tube technique. The morphological identification of a total of 8063 isolated hookworm filariform larvae L3 was conducted following established criteria. The sensitivity rate to the Harada-Mori technique was 58 %. Among the 8063 L3 larvae identified during this study, 230 (2.95 %) of L3 larvae were identified as , and 7833 (97.15 %) of L3 larvae were identified as . was observed only in the Mouanko subdivision in the Littoral region. The complementary use of the Kato Katz and the Harada-Mori culture techniques to screen hookworm infections contributes to the differentiation of and as the two hookworm species in Cameroon. An extended molecular study in the localities where only has been identified is necessary to reach more conclusions on the distribution of hookworm species in Cameroon.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Erbil, Iraq
Infections with intestinal parasites are the major cause of infectious disease globally and have been described as a public health issue in developing countries.
Shedding light on neurocysticercosis misinformation in the media
Jozef Kazimír Macko, a distinguished Slovak parasitologist, has passed away
Identifying potential drug targets in the kinomes of two monogenean species
Protein kinases are enzymes involved in essential biological processes such as signal transduction, transcription, metabolism, and the cell cycle. Human kinases are targets for several drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, the identification and classification of kinases in other organisms, including pathogenic parasites, is an interesting subject of study. Monogeneans are platyhelminths, mainly ectoparasites, capable of causing health problems in farmed fish. Although some genomes and transcriptomes are available for monogenean species, their full repertoire of kinases is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify and classify the putative kinases in the transcriptomes of two monogeneans, and , and then to predict potential monogenean drug targets (MDTs) and selective inhibitor drugs using computational approaches. Monogenean kinases having orthologs in the lethal phenotype of but not in fish or humans were considered MDTs. A total of 160 and 193 kinases were identified in and , respectively. Of these, 22 kinases, belonging mainly to the major groups CAMK, AGC, and TK, were classified as MDTs, five of which were evaluated further. Molecular docking analysis indicated that dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, and lomitapide have the highest affinity for the kinases BRSK and MEKK1. These well-known drugs could be evaluated in future studies for potential repurposing as anti-monogenean agents. The present study contributes valuable data for the development of new antiparasitic candidates for finfish aquaculture.
Gastrointestinal parasitic helminths of bats from a cave in Luzon Island, Philippines
Bats are often associated with several zoonotic diseases, including helminth infections. Despite their potential detrimental effects on both human and bat populations, information on helminth parasites of Philippine bats remains scarce. Here, we identify gastrointestinal helminths parasitizing bats collected from a cave complex in Cavinti, Laguna Province, Philippines, determine their prevalence (P) and mean intensity (MI), and investigate relationship of helminth prevalence and intensity with bat host characteristics including sex, diet, age, and roosting habit. We isolated 581 individuals of helminths representing six taxa (three trematodes, two nematodes, one cestode) from the gastrointestinal tract of sampled bats. Helminths were observed in 82 out of 172 bats captured (P = 47.67%), with having the highest infection rate (P = 91.3%) and highest MI (18 ± 4.5/infected bat). Helminths parasitizing endemic bat species from the Philippines, such as , , , and were reported here for the first time. We provide new host records for other helminth species and report the presence of two parasites, sp. and sp., known for their zoonotic potential. These data will contribute to efforts in identifying parasites and diseases harbored by bats in the country and develop additional conservation measures for bats.
Gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds in Mineiros, Goiás, Brazil
Studying parasites in captive wild birds is vital for their health, well-being, biodiversity preservation, species conservation, and safeguarding of both individual birds and ecosystems. It holds significance for public health by identifying potential zoonotic risks. We aimed to describe the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds from a Conservation Institute in Brazilian Cerrado biome. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 17 captive wild birds (, , , , , , , and ) at a Conservation Institution in Mineiros, state of Goiás. The samples were processed for Willis' simple flotation and Hoffman's spontaneous sedimentation examinations to identify parasitic forms of gastrointestinal endoparasites. Macaw aviary birds (, and ) showed higher positivity, with all six fecal samples positive for helminths or protozoa. In contrast, captive toucans showed only two positive results ( and ). showed Ascarididae, Capillarinae and Trematoda eggs; whereas had Ascarididae eggs. Regular parasitological examinations are essential for the timely detection and treatment of gastrointestinal infections in captive birds, thereby enhancing overall bird management.
Molecular characterization of infecting a primate in South India
spp. is a mite-borne cestode parasite that inhabits the small intestine of wide range of mammals, including non-human primates. In the present study, the morphological and molecular analysis of recovered from the small intestine of a bonnet macaque () from Wayanad, Kerala (South India) was performed. Acetic alum carmine staining identified the cestode morphologically based on the characters like broader proglottids, which contain irregularly alternating genital pores, single set of reproductive organs, 280 testes and a tubular transverse uterus. Molecular characterization was done using 18SrRNA, ITS1-5.8S and COX1 genes. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA X based on the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method (Hasegawa-Kishino-Yano (HKY) model). Cytochrome oxidase I gene could detect the existence of genetic variation in the parasite from two different hosts viz., monkey (Kerala, Argentina, and Kenya) and human (Sri Lanka). A minimum spanning network of haplotypes was generated by the haplotype networking with the above sequences using the popARTv1.7. Haplotype analysis based on COX1 revealed that the parasite haplotype was different in each country with highest population frequency in Sri Lanka.
Morphological, ultrastructural, and phylogenetic analysis of infecting domestic pigeons ()
species are the most common nematodes infecting pigeons. The current study investigated specific identity of nematode parasites collected from domestic pigeons () in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. Out of 354 pigeons, 13.3 % were infected with nematode parasites. The morphological structure and genetic relationship of nematode worms were studied using conventional methods (Light and scanning electron microscopes) coupled with the newly introduced molecular method. Microscopical and ultrastructure observations showed that the present nematode worms belong to the genus and have all the characteristic features of . Moreover, Random Amplifier morphometric (RAPD) PCR analysis revealed that the present had a close identity of up to 98.3 % to JX624729 for Cox-1 gene regions, and up to 98.3 % to LC057210, and EF180058 for ITS1-5.8s- ITS2 rDNA gene regions. Phylogenetic analysis supported the placement of this species within Ascaridiidae family with close relationships to other nematode species obtained from GenBank. Finally, our study recommends using molecular analysis in helminths identification as the main methodology for correct identification especially in closely related species.
Microscopic examination of internal parasites in Iraqi camels () with molecular focus on spp
The camel has played a role in human civilization since its inception and holds significant importance in the customs and agricultural practices of various nations. This study examined the prevalence of internal parasitic infestations in camels within the Al-Diwaniyah and Al-Najaf provinces of Iraq from December 2021 to September 2022. A total of 200 fecal samples were randomly collected from farm camels, revealing that these animals were affected by one or more types of intestinal parasites. exhibited the highest prevalence at 56 %, followed by at 28.5 %, at 14.5 %, and at 1 %. Among these parasites, . had the highest percentage at 33 %, followed by (12.5 %), (10.5 %), . (8 %), . (7 %), . (6 %), and . (6 %). Furthermore, mixed-species or single-species infections in camels were observed, including (4 %), . (3.5 %), . (3 %), (2.5 %), . (2 %), and (1 %). Additionally, nested PCR was employed to identify ., with 45.4 % of camels testing positive for this particular parasite.
ACV with/without IVM: a new talk on intestinal CDX2 and muscular CD34 and Cyclin D1 during infection
The current study assessed the efficacy of Acyclovir (ACV) and Ivermectin (IVM) as monotherapies and combined treatments for intestinal and muscular stages of spiralis infection. One-hundred Swiss albino mice received orally 250 ± 50 infectious larvae and were divided into infected-untreated (Group-1), IVM-treated (Group-2), ACV-treated (Group-3), combined IVM+ACV (Group-4), and healthy controls (Group-5). Each group was subdivided into subgroup-A-enteric phase (10 mice, sacrificed day-7 p.i.) and subgroup-B-muscular phase (10 mice, sacrificed day-35 p.i.). Survival rate and body weight were recorded. Parasite burden and intestinal histopathology were assessed. In addition, immunohistochemical expression of epithelial CDX2 in the intestinal phase and CyclinD1 as well as CD34 in the muscular phase were evaluated. Compared, IVM and ACV monotherapies showed insignificant differences in the amelioration of enteric histopathology, except for lymphocytic counts. In the muscle phase, monotherapies showed variable disruptions in the encapsulated larvae. Compared with monotherapies, the combined treatment performed relatively better improvement of intestinal inflammation and reduction in the enteric and muscular parasite burden. CDX2 and CyclinD1 positively correlated with intestinal inflammation and parasite burden, while CD34 showed a negative correlation. CDX2 positively correlated with CyclinD1. CD34 negatively correlated with CDX2 and CyclinD1. IVM +ACV significantly ameliorated CDX2, CyclinD1, and CD34 expressions compared with monotherapies. Conclusion. infection-associated inflammation induced CDX2 and CyclinD1 expressions, whereas CD34 was reduced. The molecular tumorigenic effect of the nematode remains questionable. Nevertheless, IVM +ACV appeared to be a promising anthelminthic anti-inflammatory combination that, in parallel, rectified CDX2, CyclinD1, and CD34 expressions.
Visceral cysticercosis in a Kunekune sow: description and molecular identification of
A 2-year-old Kunekune sow was submitted for necropsy following death after peritonitis and sepsis. In addition to peritonitis, numerous fluid-filled cysts were identified in the mesentery and hepatic parenchyma, which contained an approximately 1 cm metacestode (cysticercosis). Subsequent molecular characterization confirmed the presence of a non-zoonotic cestode species. To our knowledge, visceral cysticercosis caused by has not been previously documented in Kunekune pigs. is a differential diagnosis of public health importance in cases of cysticercosis. Although is not commonly reported nor endemic in the United States, its zoonotic potential warrants consideration in the initial diagnostic assessment. Clinicians should be aware of the presence of in its definitive and intermediate hosts.
Ovarian balls (Floating ovaries) of Mohamadain, 1989 from the Nile perch Linnaeus, 1758; an electron microscope study
In Acanthocephala, the ovarian balls (floating ovaries) are distinctive structures found suspended in the fluid-filled metasoma of females and are responsible for egg production and maturation. Those structures have not been studied in . We aimed to investigate their ultra-structure by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A total of 30 fish individuals were collected by fishermen from the River Nile, Egypt, and the isolated adult female specimens were processed for electron microscopy studies. The ovarian balls are elongated and lobulated structures freely scattered in the metasoma. They exhibited three distinct primary structural zones, a central oogonial syncytium, a peripheral cellular zone and a surrounding somatic supporting syncytium. The oogonia, within the central syncytium, give rise to developing oocytes that transform into mature oocytes. The latter enclose some inclusions such as large yolk granules and smaller egg-shell granules. We also describe the process of fertilization within the ovarian ball. The structure of the ovarian ball and the steps of fertilization in are described, for the first time, in the present study.
Morphological and genetic identification of the gill monogenean parasite () that infects Twobar Seabream Fish () in the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia
Ectoparasites, particularly monogeneans, negatively affect fish health and growth. This study identified monogenean parasites in the twobar seabream, (Sparidae), inhabited the Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia). Following that, forty fish samples were visually examined for monogeneans. Parasite species were collected from the gills and then analyzed morphometrically, morphologically, and molecularly using the partial regions of the large subunit of ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. Fish species were also identified using a DNA barcoding approach based on the COI gene. The monogenean species of (Diclidophoridae) were found in 45% of the fish species studied. The generic features of the genus distinguish this species. This species discriminated itself from congeners by having a muscular bulb with 17 grooved and recurved hooks, 218±10 (184-267) post-ovarian testes, and four pairs of pedunculated clamps of relative sizes. Partial 28S rRNA sequencing from monogeneans revealed that they grouped with members of the genus , forming a monophyletic group that supported the morphological descriptions. Molecular identification revealed that has a unique barcode made up of a COI sequence. The host identity was established as based on the COI gene sequences. Furthermore, a molecular phylogenetic study was performed to determine the phylogenetic affinity of parasite species and fish hosts. This study on species is considered the first record of this genus in the examined area.
Evaluation of anthelminthic and antiprotozoal activity of myrrh () methanolic extract
To treat and control parasitic infections, traditional medical remedies using plant products are utilized as antiparasitic agents rather than standard synthetic chemicals due to drug resistance. Myrrh, a resinous exudate of (Burseraceae), is a powerful antioxidant with a variety of medicinal uses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the myrrh methanolic extract (MyE) of three concentrations (100, 50, and 25 mg/ml) on the sporulation of oocysts and as an anthelminthic effector via study. Characterization of the plant was done by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The earthworm, , is used as a model worm to evaluate the anthelminthic activity of MyE. -like oocysts are used as a model protozoan parasite in anticoccidial assays. The sporulation and inhibition (%) of -like were assessed by MyE compared to other chemical substances. FT-IR revealed the presence of twelve active compounds. Our results showed that paralysis and death of earthworms at MyE (100 mg/ml) were 7.88 ± 0.37 and 9.24 ± 0.60 min, respectively, which is more potency when compared to mebendazole (reference drug). In all treated worms, microscopic examinations revealed obvious surface architecture abnormality. This study shows that MyE affects oocysts sporulation in a dose-dependent manner. At 24 and 36 hr, a high concentration of MyE (100 mg/ml) inhibits sporulation by 90.95 and 87.17 %. At 36 hr, other concentrations of MyE (50 and 25 mg/ml), as well as amprolium, Dettol, and phenol inhibits oocyst sporulation by 40.17 %, 29.34 %, 45.09 %, 85.11 %, and 61.58 %, respectively. According to our research, the MyE extract had powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial properties.
Prevalence of sp. among cooks in the region of Fez-Meknes (Morocco)
Cooks have an important role in the dissemination and transmission of enteropathogenic microorganisms, including intestinal parasites such as sp. responsible for blastocystosis. Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic, eukaryotic protist that colonizes the intestinal tract of many hosts. It is the most common parasite found in human stool. It can be the cause of acute digestive disorders which could lead to chronic syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of this protozoan in cooks in the Fez-Meknes region. This is a retrospective descriptive analytical study carried out in the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes. Out of a total of 200 parasitological examinations of cooks' stools, 88 (44 %) cases were positive for intestinal parasites. sp. is the most frequently encountered protozoan in our study. It represents 39.78 % of those infected. It is associated in 48.57 % of cases with another intestinal parasite. () is the most found in 31.43 % of co-infections, respectively followed by () (8.57 %), () (5.71 %) and () (2.86 %). Our results showed a high prevalence of sp. in the kitchen staff population. These workers must be considered as reservoirs of this microorganism, and therefore a source of infection in those around them. Consequently, preventive measures are necessary, including raising awareness among this population in order to effectively fight against the infestation by this protozoan in particular and other parasites in general.