Nodular presentation of Dirofilaria repens infection in a cat mimicking a fibrosarcoma

A cat with multiple subcutaneous nodules suggesting a soft tissue sarcoma by physical and computed tomographic examination was diagnosed as being affected by subcutaneous filariosis based on cytologic and ultrasonographic assessments. Nodules were surgically removed and extracted nematodes were identified by PCR as Dirofilaria repens. Furthermore, DNA of Dipetalonema dracunculoides (syn. Acantocheilonema dracunculoides) was detected by PCR, with no evidence of circulating microfilariae. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this represents the first report describing adults of D repens in multiple subcutaneous nodules in a cat. Cytopathologic examination allowed characterization of the parasitic nature of the nodules. Veterinary practitioners should be aware of the possible nodular presentation of D repens in cats and should include D repens in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous neoformations in the cat.     

A Comparison of the Prevalence and Burdens of Helminth Infections in Growers and Adult Free-Range Chickens

Matched samples of 100 chickens of each of growers and adult rural free-range chickens in Morogoro, Tanzania, were purchased from the beginning to the end of the long rainy season. At necropsy, the trachea, the gastrointestinal tract and the oviduct were examined for helminth infections. The helminth species isolated comprised 18 nematodes and 8 cestodes but no trematodes. Tetrameres fissispina is a new record in Tanzania. All the chickens harboured at least three different helminth species. Growers contained 4–14 and adults 3–12 helminth species. The number of species isolated per chicken increased as the rainy season advanced. The prevalence of the following species were significantly higher in growers than in adults (p<0.05); Ascaridia galli (69% of growers, 29% of adults); Syngamus trachea (14%, 3%); Tetrameres americana (94%, 82%); Trichostrongylus tenuis (43%, 7%); Choanotaenia infundibulum (15%, 6%); Davainea proglottina (9%, 2%); and Raillietina tetragona (36%, 21%). Allodapa suctoria (3%, 20%) and Capillaria annulata (1%, 10%) had a significantly lower prevalence in growers than in adults (p<0.05). There were significantly higher worm burdens (p<0.05) in growers than in adults for A. galli, Capillaria caudinflata, R. tetragona, S. trachea, T. americana, T. fissispina and T. tenuis. Conversely, A. suctoria and C. annulata showed significantly higher worm burdens in adults (p<0.05). The sex of the chickens influenced the burdens of Heterakis brevispiculum (p<0.05). There was an interaction effect such that growing males and adult females had statistically higher (p<0.05) burdens of T. tenuis and A. suctoria, respectively.     

Study on Infection of 4 Kinds of Internal Parasites in Yaks in Hongyuan and Litang County of Northwest Sichuan Province

To understand the infection of main internal parasites in yaks, total of 402 fecal samples of yaks were collected from Hongyuan county in Aba prefecture and Litang county in Ganzi prefecture, the morphological characteristics of 4 kinds of internal parasitic eggs or oocysts were observed and the numbers of them were counted using the modified Liao's counting method. The results showed that in yaks of Hongyuan county, the average infection intensities of EPG or OPG of nematodes, cestodes, trematodes and coccidian were 11.59, 23.77, 42.45 and 14.72, respectively, and the total number of infections was 92.53 (48.91 to 154.90); The average infection rates of eggs or oocysts of these 4 kinds of parasites were 18.01%, 36.62%, 44.68% and 17.37%, respectively, and the total infection rate was 76.39%, which proved that trematodes was the dominant parasitic species and cestodes was also an important one in this area. In yaks of Litang county, the average infection intensities of EPG or OPG of nematodes, cestodes, trematodes and coccidian were 52.38, 13.10, 20.24 and 1.19, respectively, and the total number of infections was 86.90, the average infection rates of eggs or oocysts of these 4 kinds of parasites were 52.38%,19.05%,23.81% and 2.38%, respectively, the total infection rate was 78.57%, which proved that nematodes was the dominant parasitic species in this area. The infection patterns of internal parasitic eggs or oocysts in yaks in Hongyuan and Litang county were all mainly the single and double infection, the sums of these two patterns were 69.31% and 78.57%, respectively, which accounted for 90.73% and 100% of the total infection rate, respectively. The results in this paper showed that the parasitic disease in yaks was still an important disease harmful to yak production and herdsman health, meanwhile these results enriched the epidemiological data of the internal parasitic disease of yaks in Northwest plateau of Sichuan province and provided a theory basis for prevention and control of parasitic diseases in yaks in this area.     

川西北红原县和理塘县牦牛4类体内寄生虫感染的研究

采集川西北阿坝州红原县和甘孜州理塘县总计402份牦牛粪便样本,采用廖氏计数法（改良）对4类常见体内寄生虫虫卵进行形态学观察并计数,以了解该地区牦牛体内寄生虫感染情况。结果表明,红原县牦牛体内线虫、绦虫、吸虫、球虫虫卵或卵囊（EPG或OPG）的平均感染量分别为11.59、23.77、42.45和14.72,总感染量为92.53（48.91~154.90）;平均感染率分别为18.01%、36.62%、44.68%、17.37%,总感染率为76.39%,表明吸虫是红原的优势寄生虫虫种,绦虫也是重要虫种。理塘县牦牛线虫、绦虫、吸虫、球虫的虫卵或卵囊（EPG或OPG）的感染量分别为52.38、13.10、20.24和1.19,总感染量为86.90;感染率分别为52.38%、19.05%、23.81%和2.38%,总感染率为78.57%,表明线虫为该地区的优势虫种。红原县和理塘县两地牦牛体内寄生虫虫卵感染主要以单一感染和二重感染为主,二者的总和分别为69.31%和78.57%,分别占总感染率的90.73%和100%。本研究结果证实牦牛寄生虫病目前仍是危害牦牛生产和当地牧民健康的一类重要疫病。该研究丰富了川西北高原地区牦牛体内寄生虫病的流行病学资料,为该地区牦牛寄生虫病的防控提供了理论依据。     

The ant,Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Mayr) as an intermediate host for the poultry cestode,Raillietina tetragona (Molin)

The role of several species of ants as intermediate hosts for poultry cestodes in the Sudan was investigated by a search for cysticercoids in specimens from poultry houses in various localities in the country. Pachycondyla sennaarensis, Messor galla and Acantholepis sp. were the only species collected from the areas surveyed. All these ants were examined for cysticercoids of poultry tapeworms but only P. sennaarensis was found to carry cysticercoids, all of which were identical to those of the poultry cestode, Raillietina tetragona. This tapeworm was recovered from all chicks fed the cysticercoids obtained from P. sennaarensis. R. tetragona cysticercoids were present in 63.3% of the P. sennaarensis sampled with 1–40 cysticercoids per ant, which is the heaviest recorded infestation of an ant species with these cysticeroids.     

An initial coprological survey of parasitic fauna in the wild Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)

The Amur leopard, one of nine recently recognized subspecies of leopard, is still the most threatened by a stochastic procession of extinction. Evaluation of the potential danger to the conservation of the Amur leopard originating from disease urgently needs to be studied. Unfortunately, research on the potential risk to Amur leopards caused by disease is rare. In terms of parasitic diseases that affect this species, even basic data for parasitic fauna are absent. The aim of this study is to acquire this knowledge to improve the general understanding of Amur leopard parasites. Seven parasite species, including 3 nematodes (Toxocara cati, a capillarid‐type parasite, and a Metastrongyloidea‐type parasite), 2 cestodes (Spirometra sp. and Taenia sp.), 1 trematode (Paragonimus sp.), and 1 protozoan (Cystoisospora felis), were found in this research. Toxocara cati occurred most frequently, followed by Spirometra sp.     

Helminths of guineafowls in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Between July 2005 and November 2006 the gastro-intestinal helminths of 15 Helmeted guineafowls and a single Crested guineafowl from Musina, Limpopo Province were examined, and in July and August 2005 helminths were collected from five Helmeted guineafowls from Mokopane in the same province. The acanthocephalan Mediorhynchus gallinarum, the cestodes Abuladzugnia gutterae, Davainea nana, Hymenolepis cantaniana, Numidella numida, Octopetalum numida, Ortleppolepis multiuncinata, Porogynia paronai, Raillietina angusta, Raillietina pintneri, Raillietina steinhardti and Raillietina sp. and the nematodes Ascaridia numidae, Cyrnea parroti, Gongylonema congolense, Hadjelia truncata, Sicarius caudatus, Subulura dentigera, Subulura suctoria, Subulura sp., Tetrameres numida and an unidentified subulurid were recovered. A single trematode species, Dicrocoelium macrostomum, was present in the liver. Mediorhynchus gallinarum, A. gutterae, O. multiuncinata, H. truncata and S. caudatus are recorded for the first time from Helmeted guineafowls, as well as from South Africa. South Africa is a new geographic record for D. macrostomum, G. congolense and D. nana. Subulura suctoria, G. congolense and H. truncata from the Crested guineafowl constitute new host-parasite associations.     

神木县羊寄生蠕虫种类及感染情况初步研究

为了解神木县羊寄生虫的感染情况,2011年7月～8月,采用蠕虫学完全剖检法抽样检查30只羊。共发现寄生虫11种,其中线虫8种:粗纹食道口线虫(Oesophagostomum asperum)、捻转血矛线虫(Haemonchus contortus)、毛尾线虫(Trichuris sp.)、细颈线虫(Nematodirus sp.)、羊仰口线虫(Bunosto-mum trigoncephalum)、毛圆线虫(Trichostrongylus sp.)、美丽筒线虫(Gongylonema pulchrum)、尖尾线虫(Oxyuris sp.);吸虫1种:矛形歧腔吸虫(Dicrocoelium lanceatum);绦虫2种:莫尼茨绦虫(Monieziasp.)、细颈囊尾蚴(Cysticercus tenuicollis)。其中线虫、绦虫感染率高,感染强度大。捻转血矛线虫感染率80%,粗纹食道口线虫感染率45%,细颈囊尾蚴感染率45%,为优势种。     

Helminths of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in Bashkir ASSR

Guinea fowl from different regions of Bashkir Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (BASSR) were examined for helminths. Of the 547 fowl examined, 451 (82.4%) harboured at least one species of helminth. A total of 56,772 helminths were collected and classified. Of this number seven were found to be trematodes, 25 cestodes and 56,740 nematodes. Five species of helminths were identified. Amongst infected birds, trematodes were present in three (0.7%), cestodes in eight (1.8%) and nematodes in 451 (100%). Of all recorded helminths, the incidence of Heterakis gallinarum (Gmelin, 1790) was highest. Pre-patent periods for seven species of trematodes were observed in guinea fowl for the first time.     

A parasitological survey of wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the province of Guadalajara, Spain

An epizootiological survey of leishmaniosis, coccidiosis and parasitic helminths in 67 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) was conducted in Guadalajara (central Spain). Examination for parasitic protozoa revealed prevalences of 74% Leishmania (determined by molecular methods) and 2.9% coccidia oocysts (fecal flotation). Survey of parasitic helminths (fecal flotation/necropsy) demonstrated the presence of nine species, including six nematodes, two cestodes and one trematode. Nematodes were the most common parasites of foxes, followed by cestodes and trematodes. Greater levels of nematodes like Uncinaria, with a free-living stage in its life-cycle, were found in foxes in areas where moist soils were likely to exist, in contrast to areas of semiarid characteristics, where Toxascaris leonina or Trichuris vulpis were predominant. With regard to helminths of importance as human pathogens, trichinoscopy revealed the presence of a relatively high number of foxes (8.9%) infected with Trichinella spiralis. Finally, Toxocara canis infection was less frequent (4.4%) than trichinellosis.     

Gastrointestinal parasites of working donkeys of Ethiopia

The general prevalence and population composition of gastrointestinal and pulmonary helminths of working donkeys were studied. For the purpose 2935 working donkeys were coprologically examined for nematode and cestode, and 215 donkeys for trematode infections. Seven donkeys that died due to various health problems or were euthanased on a welfare ground were necropsied and the parasites were recovered and identified to the species level. The study was conducted during the periods 1996-1999. Coprological examination revealed 99% strongyle, 80% Fasciola, 51% Parascaris, 30% Gastrodiscus, 11% Strongyloides westeri, 8% cestodes and 2% Oxyuris equi infection prevalence. Over 55% of donkeys had more than 1000 eggs per gram of faeces (epg). Forty two different species of parasites consisting of 33 nematodes, 3 trematodes, 3 cestodes and 3 arthropod larvae were identified from postmortem examined donkeys. Among the nematodes 17 species of Cyathostominae and 7 species of Strongylinae were identified. Other parasites identified include, Habronema muscae, Draschia megastoma, Trichostrongylus axei, Strongyloides westeri, Anoplocephala perfoliata, Anoplocephala magna, Anoplocephaloides (Paranoplocephala) mamillana, Parascaris equorum, Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, Oxyuris equi, Probstmayria vivipara, Gasterophilus intestinalis, Gasterophilus nasalis, Rhinoestrus uzbekistanicus and Setaria equina. This study revealed that working donkeys in Ethiopia are infected with a range of helminths and arthropod larvae, which are representatives of the important pathogenic parasites found in equids worldwide.     

Parasitic helminths in the digestive tract of six species of owls (Strigiformes) in Spain

A survey was carried out in Catalonia, Spain to determine the prevalence of parasitic helminths infesting the digestive tract of nocturnal raptors (Strigiformes). One hundred birds belonging to six owl species were examined. The number of birds examined ranged between three and 30. The overall level of infestation was 65% and the most frequent helminths present were nematodes, followed by trematodes, cestodes and acanthocephalans. Strigiformes showing the highest levels of infestation were little owls (Athene noctua), 86.7% of which were infested. Helminths with the highest prevalence were Synhimantus spp., intestinal capillarids, Brachylaima spp., cestodes and Centrorhynchus aluconis.     

Identification of parasites in Puffinus puffinus (Birds, Procellariiformes) from Northeastern Brazil

Studies on the parasitic fauna of migratory sea birds of the Puffinus genus are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify parasites of 16 specimens of Puffinus puffinus (Procellariiformes, Procellariidae) that died during the period of June 2011 to December 2011 at the Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS) of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Resources (IBAMA) in Cabedelo, Paraíba. During necropsy, biting lice and/or gastrointestinal helminths were collected in seven (43.7?%) birds. Lice were collected in five (31.2?%) birds, and the species identified were Halipeurus diversus, Trabeculus aviator, Austromenopon paululum), Saemundssonia sp. and Naubates sp. The prevalence of helminths was also 31.2?%. The nematodes species were Seuratia shipleyi and Contracaecum sp., and cestodes were Tetrabothrius sp. This is the first record in Brazil of Naubates sp., Seuratia shipleyi, Contracaecum sp., and Tetrabothrius sp. in Puffinus puffinus.     

Prevalence of parasites of the local scavenging chickens in a selected semi-arid zone of Eastern Kenya

A study to identify and estimate the prevalence of parasites of local chickens in a semi arid area of Kenya was conducted between March 2005 and August 2006. Three hundred and sixty (360) local chickens purchased from Yathui division of Machakos were examined. Of those, 93.3% had helminths. Nematodes were recovered in 268 (74.4%) chickens whereas 245 (68.1%) had cestodes. Tetrameres americana (37.7%), Ascaridia galli (33.3%) and Heterakis gallinarum (22.8%) were the most important nematode species identified. Raillietina echinobothrida (33.3%) and Davainea proglottina (19.4%) were the two most important cestode species identified. Two coccidia species, namely Eimeria necatrix (6.7%) and E. tenella (16.7%) were isolated and identified as per location in the digestive system. Important ecto-parasites identified included Echidnophaga gallinacea (76.7%), Menacanthus stramineus (79.4%) and Dermanyssus gallinae (60.0%). Endo-parasites (helminths and coccidia) occurred in significantly (p < 0.05) higher frequencies during the wet season than during the dry season. On the contrary, ecto-parasites were significantly (p < 0.05) more fequent during the dry season. Male chickens generally exhibited increased odds for the occurrence of parasites than female birds. Further investigations are required to establish a plausible explanation for this. Overall, parasitism was a big constraint to chicken productivity in the study area. Urgent integrated parasite control approaches should be initiated to address parasitism in chickens in the Yathui cluster.     

Clinical disorders observed in anteaters (Myrmecophagidae,Edentata) in captivity

The major health problems found in 103 captive lesser anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), family Myrmecophagidae, are presented and correlated with management. The most common of 200 recorded clinical disorders involved the digestive system (26%), nutritional deficiency (20%), injury (15.5%), respiratory system (10%), skin (7%) and circulatory system (4.5%), but 13% of the cases were inconclusive. Parasites were identified in 48.5% of faecal samples, mainly the eggs of nematodes (40%), of which the commonest wereTrichuris spp (28%) andStrongyloides spp (11%); protozoa (16%), of which the commonest wereEimeria spp (10%),Entamoeba spp (5%) andGiardia spp (1%); and cestodes (8%) and acanthocephalids (1%). Bacteria cultured from the various materials includedSalmonella enteritidis, S. cholerasuis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptococcus spp andStaphylococcus spp. The ectoparasites found wereAmblyomma spp andOtodectis spp (Arthropoda, Acaridae).     

HELMINTH PARASITES AND ARTHROPODS OF FERAL CATS

SUMMARY The prevalence (%) of helminth parasites in 327 mainly adult feral cats from 3 habitat groupings in Victoria and New South Wales was determined. The cestodes Taenia taeniaeformis (33%) and Spirometra erinacei (33%) were common; Dipylidium caninum was rare (2%). The nematodes Toxocara cati (28%), Cyathospirura dasyuridis and Cylicospirura felineus combined (27%) and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (14%) were common but their prevalence differed markedly between habitats. Ollulanus tricuspis (5%), Gnathostoma spinigerum (<1%) and an Acanthocephala, Onicola sp (19%), also occurred. Arthropod parasites were collected from 204 of these cats, Ctenocephalides felis (16%) and Echidnophaga spp. (28%) were common. Spilopsyllus cuniculi (3%) and Ctenocephalides canis and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (<1% each) were rare. Other rare ectoparasites were the louse, Felicola subrostrata (4%), the mites, Otodectes cynotis, Cheyletiella sp and a trombiculid (<1% each); and the tick Ixodes tasmani (<1%). There was no correlation between degree of parasitism and general condition of the cats.     

Survey on wild rodents for endoparasites in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Wild rodents (58 Apodemus speciosus, 29 A. argenteus and 7 Microtus montebelli) were surveyed for endoparasites in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, from October to December 1995 and from April to October 1996. Two trematodes (Echinostoma macrorchis, Plagiorchis muris), 4 or more cestodes (Hymenolepis diminuta, Raillietina coreensis, Cladothyridium spp., Cysticercus fasciolaris), 12 nematodes (Carolinensis minutus, Eucoleus sp., Heligmosomoides kurilensis, H. protobullosus, H. speciosus, Heterakis spumosa, Rhabditis (Pelodera) orbitalis, Rictularia cristata, Syphacia emileromani, S. frederici, S. montana, Trichuris sp.) and 3 protozoans (Giardia sp., Trichomonas sp., Trypanosoma sp.) were identified. The two species of Apodemus were similar to each other, but they were extremely different from M. montebelli in parasite fauna.     

Ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens in the Goromonzi District in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens from the Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe. Fifty young and 50 adult birds were selected randomly. All chickens harboured ecto- and endoparasites, and 32% were infected with haemoparasites. Eight different ectoparasites were identified; the more prevalent ones had the following prevalences (young, %; adult, %): Argas persicus (6; 14), Cnemidocoptes mutans (6; 32), Echidnophaga gallinacea (72; 74), Goniocotes gallinae (0; 22), Menacanthus stramenius (90; 88) and Menopon gallinea (24; 66). The prevalences of C. mutans, G. gallinae and M. gallinae were higher in adults compared to young chickens. The mean (+/-S.D.) number of helminth species per chicken was 6.7+/-2.0 for young chickens and 6.4+/-2.0 for adult chickens with a range of 1-10 for young chickens and a range of 1-11 for adult chickens. The most prevalent nematodes identified were (with prevalence in % for young/adult birds): Allodapa suctoria (76; 72), Ascaridia galli (48; 24), Gongylonema ingluvicola (28; 56), Heterakis gallinarum (64; 62) and Tetrameres americana (70; 62). For cestodes the prevalences were: Amoebotaenia cuneata (60; 68), Hymenolepis spp. (62; 80), Raillietina echinobothrida (66; 34), Raillietina tetragona (94; 100) and Skrjabinia cesticillus (50; 76). The young chickens had higher prevalences of A. galli and R. echinobothrida compared to adults, but lower prevalence of G. ingluvicola and S. cesticillus. Eimeria spp. oocysts were isolated in 36% of 47 investigated samples. The prevalence was 47% for young chickens and 18% for adult chickens. Prevalences (in %) of haemoparasites in young and adult chickens were: Aegyptinella pullorum (7; 6), Leucocytozoon sabrazesi (3; 1), Plasmodium gallinaceum (8; 6) and Trypanosoma avium (2; 3).     

Helminth parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana

Twelve adult domestic pigeons from Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana, were examined for the presence of helminth parasites. The cestode genus Raillietina and two species of nematodes, Dispharynx spiralis and Ascaridia columbae were recovered. Most pigeons (75 %) were infected with Raillietina spp. often in concurrence with A. columbae.     

A wide diversity of zoonotic intestinal parasites infects urban and rural dogs in Neuquén,Patagonia, Argentina

The presence of parasites was investigated by the examination of 1944 dog faecal samples collected from urban (n = 646) and rural (n = 1298) areas of the province of Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina. Parasitic agents (PA) were found in 37.86% of samples. A total of 15 different PA were detected, including Toxocara canis (16.35%), Taenia spp./Echinococcus spp. (12.65%), Trichurisvulpis (6.06%), Giardia spp. (1.29%), Toxascaris leonina (0.56%), Ancylostomacaninum (0.41%), Dipylidium caninum (0.31%), Diphyllobothrium spp. (0.10%), among others. Several of these PA are recognized as zoonotic agents. Therefore, the results of this investigation revealed that local population is exposed to a broad spectrum of zoonotic parasites by means of environmental contamination with dog faeces. Prevalence of PA was slightly higher in rural (40.06%) than in urban (33.44%) locations. Distribution of groups of PA (cestodes, nematodes, and protozoa) showed statistical differences between both habitats. Prevalence of cestodes (18.18%) and protozoa (11.86%) was significantly higher in the rural environment than in urban areas and nematodes (29.10%) were more frequent in urban locations. Infection of dogs with Linguatula serrata and Cryptosporidium sp. was demonstrated for the first time in Neuquén. Rural dogs of the study area are under hydatic disease control program, which includes treatment with praziquantel every 6 weeks; thus, the finding of high level of cestode infection in these areas is of great relevance. The epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infections in urban and rural dogs showed different patterns and, in consequence, different control measurements should be applied in each location.