Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi from large-scale cattle farms in Anhui Province, China

To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi from large-scale cattle farms in Anhui Province, 955 fecal samples were collected from 16 cattle farms from March to October 2018, which included six dairy farms (526), seven yellow cattle farms (323), and three water buffalo farms (106) in different regions of Anhui Province. PCR was conducted on all fecal samples using the 18S ribosomal RNA of Cryptosporidium spp. and internal transcribed spacer gene of E. bieneusi to detect these two pathogens, and the positive samples were sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that 23 (2.4%) and 40 (4.2%) out of the 955 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi, respectively. There were 11 (2.1%), 10 (3.1%), and 2 (1.9%) positive samples of Cryptosporidium spp. and 16 (3.0%), 23 (7.1%), and 1 (0.9%) positive samples of E. bieneusi collected from dairy cattle, yellow cattle, and water buffalo, respectively, and no co-infection was identified in this study. All positive samples of Cryptosporidium spp. were C. andersoni with some variations. Ten E. bieneusi genotypes were obtained, including two known genotypes, J and CHN11, and eight new genotypes, named AHDC1 and AHYC1-7. The genotype CHN11 belonged to zoonotic Group 1, and the other nine genotypes belonged to Group 2, which is mainly documented in ruminants. These results indicated that Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi infections were present in large-scale cattle farms in Anhui Province. Therefore, attention should be paid to the development of containment strategies of these two pathogens in cattle.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in feral cats (Felis silvestris catus) in Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Cryptosporidium spp. are common intestinal protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, including humans and livestock, worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy calves in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and the potential for transmission of this parasite between dairy calves and humans. Fecal samples were collected from 183 dairy calves from 11 farms in Prince Edward Island. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in these animals was determined by examining for the presence of oocysts in the fecal samples, using immunofluorescence microscopy. Molecular characterization was done using a nested-PCR protocol to amplify fragments of the Cryptosporidium heat-shock protein 70 gene, followed by DNA sequencing. Ten calves (6.2%), representing 4 out of 11 farms tested, were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. DNA sequence analysis on five PCR positive samples demonstrated that Cryptosporidium parvum was the only species present in the calves tested, suggesting that there is a potential risk of zoonotic transmission between dairy calves and humans in this region.     

Statewide Cross-Sectional Survey of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in California Cow-Calf Herds

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are common protozoal parasites in livestock including beef cattle on rangeland and irrigated pasture. A statewide cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, species or genotype, and risk factors for fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium and Giardia by cattle from California cow-calf operations. Species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were determined by molecular fingerprinting. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium (19.8%) and Giardia (41.7%) in fecal samples from calves were approximately twice as high as fecal samples from cows (9.2% and 23.1%, respectively). In addition to age, multivariable logistic regression showed that higher stocking density and a higher number of replacement heifers were positively associated with fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium while longer calving interval, a winter/spring calving season, and higher numbers of replacement heifers were positively associated with shedding of Giardia. The dominant species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in feces from these cow-calf herds were Cryptosporidium ryanae (75%) and assemblage E for Giardia duodenalis (90%), which have low impact on public health compared with other zoonotic species/genotypes of these two parasites. We identified host and potential management practices that can be used to protect cattle health and reduce the risk of surface water contamination with protozoal parasites from cow-calf operations. In addition, this work updated the scientific data regarding the predominance of low zoonotic genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia shed in the feces of commercial cow-calf herds on California rangeland and irrigated pasture.     

Cow–Calf Herds in Eastern Germany: Status Quo of Some Parasite Species and a Comparison of Chemoprophylaxis and Pasture Management in the Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes

Infections with gastrointestinal parasites (Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Buxtonella sulcata, Fasciola hepatica, Moniezia spp. and trichostrongyles) and lungworms were monitored in five cow–calf herds in the north German lowlands. Estimated prevalences of infections with Eimeria spp. (predominantly Eimeria bovis) ranged between approximately 2 and 48 %. The highest prevalences were found during late summer and autumn. On one farm Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in July and August (prevalence: 8.5 ± 2.7 % and 6.7 < 2.0 %). The latter finding coincided with diarrhoea in many calves. Buxtonella sulcata was found during the entire study period in highly variable estimated prevalences ranging between zero and 73 %, but without any obvious association with clinical disease. Fasciola hepatica was detected on four out of five farms at estimated prevalences of approximately 1–20 %. Lungworm infections played a minor role in at least three of five study herds. The estimated prevalence of trichostrongyle infections rose from August until November whereas the intensity of infection did not change significantly. No difference in the intensity of infection could be detected between one farm on which infections with gastrointestinal nematodes were controlled only by moving the animals to an uninfected pasture in July, and three other herds on which strategic anthelmintic control was in place.     

Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in water buffaloes from northeast Thailand

The objectives of this study were to determine the individual and herd-level prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium and to identify putative risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infections in water buffaloes in northeast Thailand. Fecal samples from 600 water buffaloes of 287 farms in six provinces were collected and tested using DMSO-modified acid-fast staining and polymerase chain reaction. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in buffaloes was 5.7 and 8.7 % among individual animals and herds, respectively. The provinces with highest infected Cryptosporidium were located in the Sakon Nakhon Basin in the northern part of the region. In addition, higher herd prevalence was observed among farms with more than five buffaloes (30 %) than those with five or less animals (16.2 %). Thirty (88.2 %) of the 34 Cryptosporidium-positive samples were Cryptosporidium parvum and four (11.8 %) were Cryptosporidium ryanae.     

A retrospective investigation of feline gastrointestinal parasites in western Canada

Between 1998 and 2008, feline fecal specimens were submitted to provincial veterinary diagnostic laboratories in Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for sucrose centrifugation-flotation (n = 635), parasite identification (n = 17), and/or Giardia (n = 283) or Cryptosporidium (n = 266) commercial direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The most commonly detected parasites on flotation were Toxocara cati (4.7%), Isospora (3.8%), and taeniid eggs (Echinococcus or Taenia) (1.3%). Cats less than 2 years of age were twice as likely to have a positive parasite test as cats older than 2 years. Using IFA, Giardia was detected in 9.9% of samples, and Cryptosporidium in 2.3% of samples. Relative to IFA, flotation had sensitivity values of 39% and 50% for detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium, respectively. Giardia and Isospora were detected in a higher proportion of samples in our study population than reported in the general cat population in western Canada. This study highlights the importance of sensitivity when interpreting diagnostic tests and provides information to guide region-specific recommendations for helminth parasite prevention and treatment.     

Dynamics of infections with gastrointestinal parasites and Dictyocaulus viviparus in dairy and beef cattle from Costa Rica

A longitudinal survey was carried out to determine and describe the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasite infections and Dictyocaulus viviparus in a dairy and a beef cattle farm of two different ecological zones in Costa Rica. The influence of anthelmintic treatment, age and meteorological factors (rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures) on gastrointestinal nematodes and D. viviparus counts was determined. Calves were subjected to monthly sampling of feces and blood between April 2002 and March 2003. Coprological techniques were used to detect gastrointestinal helminthes, protozoan and D. viviparus. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies to D. viviparus by ELISA. The most prevalent gastrointestinal parasites detected on both farms (dairy cattle, A; beef cattle, B) were Eimeria spp. (94.7%, 93.7%), Strongylidae (75.0%, 81.4%), Buxtonella sulcata (38.0%, 21.6%) and Strongyloides papillosus (29.8%, 31.7%), whereas Moniezia benedeni (4.8%, 9.1%), Trichuris spp. (7.3%, 13.2%), Toxocara vitulorum (0.0%, 1.8%) and Entamoeba bovis (2.5%, 1.1%) were less prevalent. Mean fecal egg counts (FEC) showed highest values of Strongylidae in April, May and July (>335.3 eggs/g feces) on farm A, and April, May and August (>304.3 eggs/g feces) on farm B. S. papillosus presented low FEC throughout the year on farm A, on farm B the highest values were obtained in April (303.0 eggs/g feces). Trichuris spp. presented maximum FEC values in May (328.6 eggs/g feces) on farm A and in June (157.5 eggs/g feces) on farm B. Treatment and age had significant influence on infection intensity of Strongylidae (farms A and B), S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm A). Rainfall had significant effect on S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm B). Maximum temperature showed significant effect on S. papillosus (farm A) and Trichuris spp. (farms A and B). Minimum temperature had significant influence on Strongylidae (farm A), S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm B). Haemonchus spp. (57%, 66%) and Cooperia spp. (30.0%, 30.7%) were the most prevalent genera identified by coproculture on both farms, in contrast, Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. were less frequent. Patent lungworm infections were low on both farms (10.8%, 1.8%). On farm A, high prevalence of antibodies against D. viviparus was determined only at the beginning of the study, in contrast, on farm B the seroprevalence fluctuated throughout the year. Treatment, age and maximum temperature had significant effect on D. viviparus counts on farm A, but not on farm B.     

Enteric parasites of free-roaming,owned, and rural cats in prairie regions of Canada

The objective of this study was to determine prevalence, intensity, and zoonotic potential of gastrointestinal parasites in free-roaming and pet cats in urban areas of Saskatchewan (SK) and a rural region in southwestern Alberta (AB). Fecal samples were analyzed using a modified double centrifugation sucrose flotation to detect helminth eggs and coccidian oocysts, and an immunofluorescence assay to detect Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Endoparasite prevalence was higher in samples from rural AB cats (41% of 27) and free-roaming SK cats (32% of 161) than client-owned SK cats (6% of 31). Parasites identified using morphological and molecular techniques included Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina, Baylisascaris-type eggs, Eucoleus aerophilus, Taenia taeniaeformis, Isospora spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and zoonotic genotype A of Giardia duodenalis. This study demonstrates significant differences in endoparasite prevalence in feline populations, and the value of molecular techniques in fecal-based surveys to identify and determine parasite zoonotic potential.     

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia on beef farms and water sources within the vicinity of the farms on Prince Edward Island, Canada

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and assemblages of Giardia and species of Cryptosporidium on beef farms in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, including the water sources associated with the farms, and to determine risk factors for infection of cattle with these parasites. Twenty beef farms were selected based on the presence of surface water < 500 m from the barn. Prevalence was determined by direct immunofluorescence microscopy, while genotyping and species determination were performed by nested-PCR and DNA sequencing. Giardia was detected in 42% (95% CI: 38-46%) of fecal samples from 100% farms while Cryptosporidium was detected in 17% (95% CI: 14-19%) of fecal samples from 80% of farms. The most predominant Giardia assemblage isolated was the livestock specific assemblage E (89%). The zoonotic assemblages A and B were found in 4 and 7% of the Giardia isolates that were genotyped, respectively. The Giardia assemblages were detected equally between the cows and calves examined. Overall, the most common Cryptosporidium species detected in this study was Cryptosporidium andersoni (49%), predominantly found in cattle >6 mo of age, while most Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium pestis (previously Cryptosporidium parvum ‘bovine genotype’) isolates were detected in calves ≤ 6 mo of age. All Cryptosporidium ryanae isolates (four) were found in calves. Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 14 and 93% of surface water samples of 14 farms, respectively. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in three (15%) ground water samples of 20 farms. One Cryptosporidium-positive water sample, which was the only surface water sample amenable to genotyping, contained C. parvum. The farm-level risk factors investigated in this study, age of animals and location of the farm, were not associated with the risk of infection in cattle with either Cryptosporidium spp. or Giardia duodenalis.We conclude that beef cattle are a potential reservoir of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis that could contaminate source water. There is the possibility of further transmission to humans on PEI if the source water is not properly treated prior to consumption.     

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.     

Occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in dairy cattle,beef cattle and water buffaloes in China

Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are important protists in a wide range of vertebrate hosts, causing diarrheal diseases. Cattle are considered potential reservoirs of Cryptosporidium infection in humans, although their role in the transmission of E. bieneusi is not clear. In the present work, 793 fecal specimens from dairy cattle, native beef cattle, and water buffaloes on 11 farms in China were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi using nested PCR targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of E. bieneusi. For Cryptosporidium, 144/446 (32.3%) dairy cattle, 44/166 (26.5%) beef cattle, and 43/181 (23.8%) water buffaloes were PCR-positive. Sequence analysis was successful for 213 of the 231 Cryptosporidium-positive isolates; among them 94 had Cryptosporidium andersoni, 61 had Cryptosporidium bovis, 54 had Cryptosporidium ryanae, 2 had a Cryptosporidium suis-like genotype, and 2 had mixed infections of C. bovis and C. ryanae. In dairy and beef cattle, C. andersoni and C. bovis were the most common species, whereas C. ryanae was the dominant species in water buffaloes. The latter species produced SSU rRNA sequences different between cattle and water buffaloes. For E. bieneusi, the infection rate of E. bieneusi in dairy cattle, beef cattle and water buffaloes was 4.9%, 5.4% and 2.2%, respectively. All 35 E. bieneusi-positive specimens were successfully sequenced, revealing the presence of four genotypes: three Group 2 genotypes previously reported in cattle as well as humans (I, J and BEB4) and one Group 1 genotype recently reported in yaks (CHN11). Genotypes I and J were the most common genotypes in dairy and beef cattle, while genotype CHN11 was the only genotype seen in water buffaloes. Thus, the distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in water buffaloes might be different from in dairy and beef cattle in China. These findings indicate that some of the Cryptosporidium species and all four E. bieneusi genotypes identified in bovine animals in the study areas may have zoonotic potential.     

Factors associated with gastrointestinal parasite infection in dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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.     

Effects of supplemental feeding on gastrointestinal parasite infection in elk (Cervus elaphus): preliminary observations

The effects of management practices on the spread and impact of parasites and infectious diseases in wildlife and domestic animals are of increasing concern worldwide, particularly in cases where management of wild species can influence disease spill-over into domestic animals. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA, winter supplemental feeding of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) may enhance parasite and disease transmission by aggregating elk on feedgrounds. In this study, we tested the effect of supplemental feeding on gastrointestinal parasite infection in elk by comparing fecal egg/oocyst counts of fed and unfed elk. We collected fecal samples from fed and unfed elk at feedground and control sites from January to April 2006, and screened all samples for parasites. Six different parasite types were identified, and 48.7% of samples were infected with at least one parasite. Gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes (Nematoda: Strongylida), Trichuris spp., and coccidia were the most common parasites observed. For all three of these parasites, fecal egg/oocyst counts increased from January to April. Supplementally fed elk had significantly higher GI nematode egg counts than unfed elk in January and February, but significantly lower counts in April. These patterns suggest that supplemental feeding may both increase exposure and decrease susceptibility of elk to GI nematodes, resulting in differences in temporal patterns of egg shedding between fed and unfed elk.     

Occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in pigs on Prince Edward Island, Canada

In a cross-sectional study of 633 pigs from 21 herds on Prince Edward Island, Canada (PEI), the prevalence of infection with Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and the genotypes and species of isolates were determined in order to establish the zoonotic potential of pigs in this region. As determined by direct immunofluorescence microscopy (DFA), 18 herds (86%) and 163 animals (26%; 95% CI: 22-29%) tested positive for Cryptosporidium, while just 3 herds (14%) and 6 animals (1%; 95% CI: 0.4-2%) tested positive for Giardia. Cryptosporidium spp. isolates were detected in 39% (95% CI: 34-44%) of weanlings (1-3 months of age) and 9% (95% CI: 6-13) of sows (>8 months of age). Molecular characterization using the 18S rDNA and HSP70 gene fragments revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. pig genotype II, C. suis, C. parvum, and Cryptosporidium sp. mouse genotype. Among the 113 isolates of Cryptosporidium spp. successfully genotyped, pig genotype II (61%) predominated, with C. suis (36%) being the next most prominant isolate. C. parvum (2%; two isolates) and Cryptosporidium sp. mouse genotype (0.9%; one isolate) were only occasionally isolated. The only two Cryptosporidium-positive genotyped isolates from sows included one each of C. suis and Cryptosporidium sp. pig genotype II.All but one of the six Giardia positive isolates were detected in weanling pigs. None of the Giardia-positive isolates was amenable to PCR. This study demonstrates that Cryptosporidium spp. are highly prevalent in pigs on PEI, Canada, are found mostly in weanlings (1-3 months of age). Furthermore, the pigs are primarily infected by the host-specific genotypes and species, Cryptosporidium sp. pig genotype II and C. suis, whereas the zoonotic C. parvum is rare. Giardia duodenalis is only occasionally found in pigs. These findings suggest that domestic pigs on PEI, Canada, likely do not pose a significant health risk to humans from these parasites.     

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium species isolated from HIV/AIDS patients in southwest of Iran

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and species of Cryptosporidium among HIV/AIDS patients in southwest of Iran. Two hundred fifty faecal samples from HIV patients were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts using a conventional coproscopic approach. Such oocysts were detected in 18 (7.2%) out of 250 faecal samples. Genomic DNAs from 250 samples were then subjected to a nested-PCR-RFLP technique targeting different loci of 18S rRNA gene for species identification. Out of 250 samples, 27 (10.8%) were positive for different Cryptosporidium spp; Restriction patterns resulting from the digestion of the nested amplicon with restriction endonucleases VspI and SspI showed that C. parvum (70.38%) was the most prevalent species, followed by C. hominis (25.92%) and C. meleagridis (3.7%), respectively. The mean CD4+ T-cell count was 215 cells/μL. There was a strong association between cryptosporidiosis and CD4+ T-cell count (P = 0.000) with the highest prevalence recorded among patients with CD4+ T-cell count < 200 cells/μL. This confirms that there is a low opportunity for this parasite to get established as the patients CD4+ T-cell count increases. Also HIV infection increased the risk of having Cryptosporidium. Our epidemiological findings are useful for any preventive intervention to control disease diffusion.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and genotyping of Giardia intestinalis in pet shop puppies in east Japan

The current study examined the prevalence of intestinal parasites and genotypes of Giardia intestinalis in puppies from nine pet shops in east Japan. Fresh fecal samples from 1794 puppies (≦3 months old) were collected on one occasion. Giardia spp. was examined for specific coproantigen using ELISA kit (SNAP^®Giardia, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., USA). Other intestinal parasites were detected microscopically using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Genotyping was determined for the random 29 stool samples identified as Giardia spp. positive using PCR and direct sequencing of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene. Overall prevalence of protozoan Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. revealed 23.4% and 11.3%, respectively. Prevalence of ascarids, Strongyloides spp. and hookworms were recorded 1.8%, 1.1% and 0.1%, respectively. Protozoan Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp., thus, represent important pathogens among pet shop puppies. All genotyped G. intestinalis isolates were belonged to assemblage C or D, identified as dog-specific genotypes. Zoonotic assemblage A and B were not demonstrated. The result suggests that the risk of zoonotic transmission of G. intestinalis from pet shops puppies to humans may be quite low in Japan.     

Intestinal parasite infections in dogs affected by multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy

Prevalence and species composition of intestinal parasites were evaluated in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy and in control healthy dogs. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was 33.3%. In lymphoma dogs, the prevalence of protozoa infections (46.7%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of helminth infections (6.7%) and Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Neospora caninum, Cystoisospora ohioensis-complex, Entamoeba sp. and Spirocerca lupi were identified. In the control group, only 3/15 dogs (20%) were found positive and no statistically significant differences emerged regarding helminth (hookworms and Toxocara canis) and protozoa (G. duodenalis) infections. Results from this study may suggest a potential higher prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoa, including some potentially zoonotic species, in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma, emphasizing the need to monitor lymphoma-affected dogs for these protozoa, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.     

Evaluation of Three Treatment Modalities against Isospora amphiboluri in Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is an economically important lizard in herpetoculture, with an annual estimate of 500,000 juvenile bearded dragons produced in the United States. Within the last few years, Isospora amphiboluri has been recognized as an important disease-causing parasite of bearded dragons; this is associated with significant mortalities in juvenile dragons. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of 3 different treatment modalities (a probiotic, a sulfonamide, and an herbal extract) against I. amphiboluri in bearded dragons. Sixty juvenile bearded dragons that were positive for I. amphiboluri were used in this study. Each group was treated daily for 21 consecutive days with 1 of 4 treatments: isotonic saline solution, sulfadimethoxine, a probiotic, or essential oil of oregano. Fecal samples were collected during this period and screened for the presence of I. amphiboluri. There was no significant difference in the positive status of the control (P = 0.99), probiotic (P = 0.39), or oregano (P = 0.11) groups over time. There was a significant difference in the positive status of the sulfadimethoxine group over time (P = 0.0001). The results of this study demonstrate that sulfadimethoxine may be used to eliminate or significantly reduce oocyst shedding in a majority of bearded dragons after a 21-day treatment period. Additional testing with other sulfonamides, higher doses of sulfadimethoxine, and/or longer treatment duration with sulfadimethoxine may also prove useful. Because some changes in oocyst numbers were observed in the other 3 treatment groups, it is possible that parasite control through the other treatment modalities tested in this study may also have value.     

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs in Iqaluit,Nunavut, Canada

There are few epidemiologic studies on the role of dogs in zoonotic parasitic transmission in the Circumpolar North. The objectives of this study were to: (a) estimate the faecal prevalence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs; (b) investigate potential associations between the type of dog population and the faecal presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.; and (c) describe the molecular characteristics of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs in Iqaluit, Nunavut. We conducted two cross‐sectional studies in July and September 2016. In July, the team collected daily faecal samples for 3 days from each of 20 sled dogs. In September, the team collected three faecal samples from each of 59 sled dogs, 111 samples from shelter dogs and 104 from community dogs. We analysed faecal samples for the presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. using rapid immunoassay and flotation techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of target genes were performed on positive faecal samples. Overall, the faecal prevalence of at least one of the target parasites, when one faecal sample was chosen at random for all dogs, was 8.16% (CI: 5.52–11.92), and for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., prevalence was 4.42% (CI: 2.58–7.49) and 6.12% (CI: 3.88–9.53), respectively. The odds of faecal Giardia spp. in sled dogs were significantly higher than those in shelter and community dogs (OR 10.19 [CI: 1.16–89.35]). Sequence analysis revealed that 6 faecal samples were Giardia intestinalis, zoonotic assemblage B (n = 2) and species‐specific assemblages D (n = 3) and E (n = 1), and five faecal samples were Cryptosporidium canis. Giardia intestinalis is zoonotic; however, Cryptosporidium canis is rare in humans and, when present, usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals. Dogs may be a potential source of zoonotic Giardia intestinalis assemblage B infections in residents in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada; however, the direction of transmission is unclear.     

Efficacy of moxidectin 0.5% pour-on against naturally acquired nematode infections in cattle in the Mexican tropics

The efficacy of 0.5% moxidectin pour-on in cows with naturally acquired nematode infections was evaluated. The study was carried out in a ranch in Veracruz, Mexico. Four groups of 15 cows were randomly allocated. Animals in the treated group received 0.5% moxidectin pour-on at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight on a single occasion. The other two groups remained as untreated controls. Fecal samples from all cattle were taken on days 0 (pre-treatment), 7, 14, 28 and 60 (post-treatment, PT). Fecal egg-counts were determined using a modified McMaster technique and fecal cultures were performed to identify gastrointestinal nematodes infected larvae (L(3)). Treatment with moxidectin was associated with a significant reduction in fecal trichostrongyle egg-counts compared with the controls; efficacy was 100% at 28 days PT. Haemonchus spp. and Strongyloides spp. were the two genera identified from coprocultures.