Cerebral cysticercosis by Taenia crassiceps in a domestic cat.

Cerebral cysticercosis by Taenia crassiceps was diagnosed in an adult female domestic shorthair cat. The animal was euthanized 6 weeks after the initial presentation with signs of vomiting, lethargy, and ataxia. The disease took an intermittent relapsing course with the neurological signs progressing eventually to recumbancy and coma. At necropsy, numerous cysticerci were found in the dilated left lateral ventricle and the adjacent brain parenchyma. The cysticerci were identified as metacestodes of T. crassiceps larvae based on size and morphology of the cysts; shape, number, and size of the rostellar hooks; and mode of proliferation, including endogenous and exogenous budding. Cerebral cysticercosis by T. crassiceps is rare in atypical intermediate hosts and has not been described in cats.     

In vivo cross-reactivity of Taenia saginata and Taenia crassiceps antigens in bovine cysticercosis

Steers sensitized or infected with Taenia saginata exhibited similar delayed-type dermal hypersensitivity (DTH) responses after intradermal inoculation with T. saginata or T. crassiceps skin test antigens. Steers sensitized to T. crassiceps cysticerci exhibited similar DTH responses to intradermal inoculation with T. crassiceps, T. saginata whole worm and T. saginata cysticerci antigens. No correlation existed between the DTH responses and the number of cysticerci in the carcasses. One sensitized/infected and one infected steer harbored cysticerci but exhibited no DTH responses. Infection with cysticerci did not elevate DTH responsiveness in sensitized animals.     

Cryptosporidium scrofarum n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa)

We describe the morphological, biological, and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium pig genotype II and propose the species name Cryptosporidium scrofarum n. sp. to reflect its prevalence in adult pigs worldwide. Oocysts of C. scrofarum are morphologically indistinguishable from C. parvum, measuring 4.81–5.96 μm (mean = 5.16) × 4.23–5.29 μm (mean = 4.83) with a length to width ratio of 1.07 ± 0.06 (n = 400). Oocysts of C. scrofarum obtained from a naturally infected pig were infectious for 8-week-old pigs but not 4-week-old pigs. The prepatent period in 8-week-old Cryptosporidium-naive pigs was 4–6 days and the patent period was longer than 30 days. The infection intensity of C. scrofarum in pigs was generally low, in the range 250–4000 oocysts per gram of feces. Infected pigs showed no clinical signs of cryptosporidiosis and no pathology was detected. Cryptosporidium scrofarum was not infectious for adult SCID mice, adult BALB/c mice, Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), southern multimammate mice (Mastomys coucha), yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), or guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit rRNA, actin, and heat shock protein 70 gene sequences revealed that C. scrofarum is genetically distinct from all known Cryptosporidium species.     

Gallus gallus domesticus: Paratenic host of Angiostrongylus vasorum

Angiostrongylus vasorum, a parasite of the cardiorespiratory system in canids, has a heteroxenous biological cycle in which the intermediate hosts are terrestrial and aquatic mollusks. Generally, canids become infected by ingesting the intermediate host or paratenic hosts, such as amphibians, that contain infective larvae (L3). However, there are no reports of birds as paratenic hosts of A. vasorum. To evaluate the susceptibility and viability of Gallus gallus domesticus as a paratenic host of A. vasorum, 17 Cobb chickens were randomly divided into two groups. The animals in group A were inoculated with third stage larvae of A. vasorum, and those in group B ate snails inoculated with A. vasorum L3. At 30 days post-infection, the chickens were killed, and the muscles and organs were placed in a pepsin–HCl solution (1% HCl (37%), 1% pepsin) for 3 h in an oven at 40 °C to recover the L3. In group A, 1863 L3 were recovered per chicken. In group B, 2585 L3 were recovered. A dog that ingested organs and tissues from a chicken from group A released first-stage larvae of A. vasorum in its feces 51 days after infection; the dynamics of this process were monitored for 107 days, when treatment with 25 mg fenbendazole/kg body weight was performed for 21 days. Chickens nourished with infected snails or with infective L3 may be a source of infection for dogs indicate that G. gallus is a potential paratenic host for this parasite.     

Epidemiology of Leishmania infantum,Toxoplasma gondii,and Neospora caninum in Rattus rattus in absence of domestic reservoir and definitive hosts

Isolated environments are privileged settings to study transmission of infection. Montecristo is a small island where no wild or domestic carnivores are present. Invasive Black rats Rattus rattus (n = 78) were captured and tested by PCR for Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. We wanted to test, for these parasites, the existence of a sylvatic cycle independent of reservoir or definitive hosts. None of the rats tested positive by PCR for either T. gondii or N. caninum. We recorded a 15.5% prevalence (CI95% 8–26%) of L. infantum in the rats and Phlebotomus mascittii was captured in Montecristo, leading us to identify it as possible vector of the parasite.     

Complex epidemiology and zoonotic potential for Cryptosporidium suis in rural Madagascar

Cryptosporidium spp. is the most important parasitic diarrheal agent in the world, is among the top four causes of moderate-to-severe diarrheal disease in young children in developing nations, and is problematic as an opportunistic co-infection with HIV. In addition, Cryptosporidium is a persistent challenge for livestock production. Despite its zoonotic potential, few studies have examined the ecology and epidemiology of this pathogen in rural systems characterized by high rates of overlap among humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife. To improve our understanding of the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium species in the rural tropics, we screened humans, livestock, peridomestic rodents, and wildlife using PCR-RFLP and sequencing-based approaches to distinguish species of Cryptosporidium in rural southeastern Madagascar. Cryptosporidium of multiple species/genotypes were apparent in this study system. Interestingly, C. suis was the dominant species of Cryptosporidium in the region, infecting humans (n = 1), cattle (n =  18), pigs (n= 3), and rodents (n = 1). The broad species range of C. suis and the lack of common cattle Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium andersoni) in this system are unique. This report represents the fifth confirmed case of C. suis infection in humans, and the first case in Africa. Few rural human and livestock populations have been screened for Cryptosporidium using genus-specific genotyping methods. Consequently, C. suis may be more widespread in human and cattle populations than previously believed.     

Genotyping of Streptococcus agalactiae strains isolated from fish,human and cattle and their virulence potential in Nile tilapia

Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B; GBS) is a pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis in fish, mastitis in cows, and neonatal sepsis in humans. The objective of this study was to characterize S. agalactiae isolated from fish (n = 27), cows (n = 9), and humans (n = 10) using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and to investigate the virulence of the identified strains in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The PFGE types were determined by dendogram analyses and the in vivo virulence was evaluated by experimental infection (using i.p. and immersion routes) of Nile tilapia. Among the fish strains, 5 different PFGE patterns were observed and 21 strains showed the same genetic pattern. In some farms two or three profiles occurred simultaneously. The bovine and human strains exhibited high genetic diversity and few relationships were established among S. agalactiae strains from the three host origins analyzed. Eight S. agalactiae strains from fish caused high mortality of Nile tilapia. Three bovine strains infected Nile tilapia (by i.p. route) and two of those strains caused clinical signs of meningoencephalitis. All human strains (n = 5) infected Nile tilapia (by i.p. route) and meningoencephalitis was induced by one strain (by both i.p. and immersion routes). In conclusion, the analyzed strains from the three natural hosts did not show genetic relatedness, yet some of the bovine and human strains were able to infect fish and cause meningoencephalitis. We suggest that genetic linkage is not a prerequisite for S. agalactiae to cross the host-specific barrier.     

Oxidative stress in dairy cows seropositives for Neospora caninum

Bovine neosporosis is caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum and is one of the major causes of abortion in cows. Cattle are intermediate hosts of this parasite and may have asymptomatic or symptomatic infections. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress marker reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARS) levels, glutathione S-transferase (GST), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities in dairy cows seropositives for N. caninum (asymptomatic or symptomatic). Dairy cows (n = 90) were tested by immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) for N. caninum and divided accordingly into three groups: the group A (seronegatives, n = 30), the group B (seropositives and asymptomatic, n = 30), and the group C (seropositives and symptomatic, n = 30). It was observed increased levels of TBARS and reduced (P < 0.05) BChE activity in seropositives either asymptomatic or symptomatic animals. ROS levels and ADA activity increased, and GST activity decreased (P < 0.05) only in seropositives symptomatic dairy cows (the group C) compared to seronegatives dairy cows (the group A). Based on these results, it was observed that seropositive animals showed cell damage associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, mainly in those with symptomatic infections. Increased seric ROS levels and BChE activity may have influenced N. caninum pathogenesis in symptomatic animals due to increased cell damage and exacerbated inflammatory response, leading to the development of clinical signs.     

Entamoeba infections in different populations of dogs in an endemic area of Lahore,Pakistan

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that affects humans and other primates all over the world. It is a common waterborne pathogen in endemic areas that have fecal oral transmission cycle. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of E. histolytica and other Entamoeba species cysts in three different dog populations. Fecal samples from 600 dogs were collected and processed to detect Entamoeba cysts using the triple fecal test (light microscopy) and fecal antigens of E. histolytica were detected using a fecal antigen ELISA (TechLab E. histolytica II). Because it is impossible to differentiate E. histolytica from Entamoeba dispar and E. moshkovskii, using light microscopy we referred to all cysts morphologically consistent with E. histolytica as E. histolytica/dispar/moskovskii to reflect this uncertainty. Samples from 197 household dogs without clinical signs, 122 samples from household dogs exhibiting clinical signs of diarrhea, dysentery and vomiting and 281 stray dogs with no specific clinical signs were examined. Entamoeba histolytica-like cysts were observed in 94 (15.6%, 95% CI = ±3.88) by triple fecal test microscopy and E. histolytica antigens were demonstrated in 66 (11%, 95% CI = ±4.41) by fecal antigen ELISA in 600 fecal samples. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in prevalence were found between the three populations. Twenty (10.1%, 95% CI = ±7.86) and 11 (5.6%, 95% CI = ±7.70) of 197 fecal samples from household dogs without clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Twenty-nine (23.8%, 95% CI = ±6.58) and 23 (18.8%, 95% CI = ±7.81) of 122 the fecal samples from household dogs with clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Forty-five (16.01%, 95% CI = ±5.62) and 32 (11.3%, 95% CI = ±6.38) of 281 fecal samples from stray dogs were positive by microscopy and by fecal antigen ELISA, respectively. Dogs from the youngest age group (6 months to 1 year) were more likely to be E. histolytica antigen positive than were dogs from the other two older age groups, with a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between all age groups. Statistically, no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference of prevalence was seen in male and female dogs. The local dogs had the highest prevalence rate of E. histolytica antigens (36 of 246, 14.2%, 95% CI = ±6.32) followed by imported breeds (11 of 115, 9.5%, 95% CI = ±10.4) and crossbred (19 of 239, 8.3%, 95% CI = ±7.47), indicating a significant (P ≤ 0.05) trend of positivity between various breeds of dogs. These findings suggest that dogs may play an important role in the epidemiology of this pathogen.     

Humoral immune response of mice infected with low doses of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae

Serological techniques are frequently used to detect parasite status and to monitor epidemiology and disease prevalence in important reservoir hosts of zoonotic diseases. Small mammals present the most important link in the epidemiological chain in the spread of trichinellosis. In experimental studies, high infective doses are used to provoke strong immune response of laboratory animals. Wild animals, however, could be infected with very low numbers of Trichinella larvae. The aim of this work was to reveal the size of infective doses that can evoke an adequate immune response with detectable level of specific antibodies in mice. Sixty inbred (Balb/c) mice were infected with 50 L1 and 60 outbred (ICR) mice were infected with 5 L1 T. spiralis. The total larval burdens (TLB) in the intestinal and muscle phases, reproductive capacity index (RCI), and the kinetics of development of specific antibodies by iELISA with different conjugates were determined. In the first 10 days post infection (dpi), more adults were found in the intestines of inbred mice. In both mice strains, the first muscle larvae were observed at 20 dpi. The RCI was significantly higher in outbred mice. Sero-conversion of IgM antibodies was detected at 30 dpi. The IgG antibodies appeared at 40 dpi in inbred mice, and at 50 dpi in outbred mice. Using a polyvalent conjugate, the earliest sero-conversion was recorded at 30 dpi. Antibody levels increased until the end of the experiment (80 dpi). Our results support the suitability of ELISA in large epidemiological surveys to detect low-level infection in naturally infected small mammals, and are useful in epidemiological studies of the sylvatic circulation of trichinellosis to determine likely modes of transmission.     

Expression of trefoil factor genes in the duodenum and colon of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy dogs

Trefoil factors (TFF) are small peptides produced by goblet cells, which are crucial for epithelial restitution. In humans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), TFF expression is up-regulated as part of an unspecific repair mechanism. The goal of this study was to assess TFF gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract from dogs with IBD compared to healthy controls. Preliminary assessment by PCR revealed TFF1 and 3 expression in the small and large intestine, whereas TFF2 was amplified only in the stomach. Subsequent RT-qPCR (with relative quantification against 3 reference genes) on endoscopic duodenal (IBD n = 22, healthy controls n = 18) and colonic (IBD n = 12, controls n = 11) biopsies revealed that TFF1 expression was significantly up-regulated in the duodenum from IBD dogs (Mann–Whitney p = 0.001), whereas TFF3 expression was significantly lower in IBD colon compared to controls (t-test p = 0.018).This study demonstrates evidence for dysregulation of TFF gene expression in canine IBD. Up-regulation of TFF1 could signify ectopic expression as a compensatory repair-mechanism, whereas down-regulation of TFF3 could contribute to defective epithelial barrier function, respectively. Whether this is a cause or consequence of IBD could not be established.     

Gastrointestinal parasitism reduces the plasma availability of doramectin in lambs

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of parasitism on plasma availability and pharmacokinetic behaviour of doramectin (DRM) in lambs. Fourteen parasitised grey face Suffolk lambs (26.9 ± 1.5 kg bodyweight) were selected for the study. Seven pairs of lambs were allocated to two groups to obtain an approximately even weight distribution. Group I (non-parasitised) was pre-treated with three repeated administrations of 5 mg/kg fenbendazole to maintain a parasite free condition. In group II (parasitised), the lambs did not receive any anthelmintic treatment. After the 85-day pre-treatment period, both groups of animals were treated with DRM by subcutaneous (SC) injection in the shoulder area at 200 μg/kg. Throughout the experimental period, both groups were maintained together under similar feeding and management conditions. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture at different set times between 0.5 h and 60 days post-treatment. After plasma extraction and derivatisation, samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. A computerised kinetic analysis was performed and the data were compared using the Student’s paired t test.The parent molecule was detected in plasma between 30 min and either day 20 (parasitised) or day 35 (non-parasitised) post-DRM treatment. The AUC values of the parasitised group (143.0 ± 18 ng d/mL) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those observed in the parasitically naïve animals (229.6 ± 21.7 ng d/mL). The mean residence time (MRT) in the parasitised group (3.4 ± 0.3 days) was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) than in the healthy group (6.6 ± 0.6 days). Study results have shown that parasitic disease, through alteration in the body condition, can produce significant changes in the plasma disposition of DRM when administered SC to parasitised lambs.     

A vaccine formulation combining rhoptry proteins NcROP40 and NcROP2 improves pup survival in a pregnant mouse model of neosporosis

Currently there are no effective vaccines for the control of bovine neosporosis. During the last years several subunit vaccines based on immunodominant antigens and other proteins involved in adhesion, invasion and intracellular proliferation of Neospora caninum have been evaluated as targets for vaccine development in experimental mouse infection models. Among them, the rhoptry antigen NcROP2 and the immunodominant NcGRA7 protein have been assessed with varying results. Recent studies have shown that another rhoptry component, NcROP40, and NcNTPase, a putative dense granule antigen, exhibit higher expression levels in tachyzoites of virulent N. caninum isolates, suggesting that these could be potential vaccine candidates to limit the effects of infection. In the present work, the safety and efficacy of these recombinant antigens formulated in Quil-A adjuvant as monovalent vaccines or pair-wise combinations (rNcROP40 + rNcROP2 and rNcGRA7 + rNcNTPase) were evaluated in a pregnant mouse model of neosporosis. All the vaccine formulations elicited a specific immune response against their respective native proteins after immunization. Mice vaccinated with rNcROP40 and rNcROP2 alone or in combination produced the highest levels of IFN-γ and exhibited low parasite burdens and low IgG antibody levels after the challenge. In addition, most of the vaccine formulations were able to increase the median survival time in the offspring. However, pup survival only ensued in the groups vaccinated with rNcROP40 + rNcROP2 (16.2%) and rNcROP2 (6.3%). Interestingly, vertical transmission was not observed in those survivor pups immunized with rNcROP40 + rNcROP2, as shown by PCR analyses. These results show a partial protection against N. caninum infection after vaccination with rNcROP40 + rNcROP2, suggesting a synergistic effect of the two recombinant rhoptry antigens.     

Susceptibility of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus to ivermectin (200, 500 and 630 μg/kg) in field studies in Brazil

The present study aimed to determine the susceptibility of 17 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus populations, originating in the Southeast and Southern regions of Brazil, to different ivermectin concentrations (200, 500 and 630 μg/kg), administered through subcutaneous or topical (pour-on) routes. R. (B.) microplus populations from the states of Minas Gerais (seven populations), São Paulo (seven populations) and Paraná (three populations) were chosen for the tests. The selected cattle were allocated to treatment groups on day 0, and block formation was based on the arithmetic mean of female ticks (4.5–8.0 mm long) counted on three consecutive days (−3, −2 and −1). To evaluate the therapeutic and residual efficacies of these formulations, tick counts (females ranging from 4.5 to 8.0 mm long) were performed on days 3, 7 and 14 post-treatment, and continued on a weekly basis thereafter until the end of each experiment. The results obtained throughout this study, utilizing field efficacy studies, allowed us to conclude that the resistance of R. (B.) microplus against 200 and 500 μg/kg ivermectin is widely disseminated because all tick populations that had contact with these specific concentrations were diagnosed as resistant. However, it is possible to infer that R. (B.) microplus resistance against 630 μg/kg ivermectin was also widespread, diagnosed at six of ten analyzed properties. Resistance of these ectoparasites to 630 μg/kg ivermectin is most likely emerging in three other populations of R. (B.) microplus. Strategies of resistance management need to be quickly determined to keep the selection pressure at a minimum level in Brazil.     

Calicophoron daubneyi (Paramphistomidae) in slaughtered cattle in Castilla y León (Spain)

The prevalence and aetiology of natural paramphistomosis was investigated in cattle slaughtered in the Castilla y León region (Spain) over a 3 year-period. The overall prevalence of positive animals was 6.20%. The parasite burden per animal ranged from 8 to 8005 (median = 144) and the ruminal atrium had the highest parasite burden whereas the ruminal dorsal sac the lowest. The prevalence and parasite burden increased with age while these parameters were lower in cattle under intensive management. Calicophoron daubneyi was the only Paramphistomidae species identified using morphoanatomical, histological and molecular methods in the studied animals.     

Western European epidemiological survey for parvovirus and coronavirus infections in dogs

An epidemiological survey for canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV) infections was conducted in Western Europe. A total of 156 faecal samples were collected from dogs with diarrhoea in Spain (n = 47), Italy (n = 39), France (n = 26), Germany (n = 21), the United Kingdom (n = 8), Belgium (n = 10), and the Netherlands (n = 5). Using molecular assays for virus detection and characterisation, CPV and CCoV were found to be widespread in European dog populations, either alone or in mixed infections. In agreement with previous reports, the original type CPV-2 was shown not to circulate in European dogs. The recently identified virus variant CPV-2c was predominant in Italy and Germany and present at high rates in Spain and France but was not detected in the UK or Belgium. Except for the UK, CCoV genotype I was identified in all European countries involved in the survey, albeit at a lower prevalence rates than CCoV genotype II.     

Simultaneous detection of the feline lungworms Troglostrongylus brevior and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus by a newly developed duplex-PCR

In addition to Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Strongylida: Angiostrongylidae), referred to as the feline lungworm, Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) has recently been identified as an agent of bronco-pulmonary infestations in cats. These two parasites have a similar biology, share ecological niches, potentially co-infesting cats, but are difficult to be differentiated due to the morphological similarities of their first-stage larvae (L1). This paper describes a molecular tool, based on single-step duplex polymerase chain reaction (duplex-PCR) on the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS-2) for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of T. brevior and A. abstrusus. L1 of both species were collected from faecal samples, morphologically identified, and single larval specimens isolated. An aliquot of faeces was used as a test sample for a case of mixed natural infestation. The duplex-PCR was performed using species-specific forward primer sets for the ITS-2 region (i.e., A. abstrusus: 220 bp; T. brevior: 370 bp). The detection limit of the molecular assay was also assessed by serial dilutions of DNA from single larvae of both species (from ～4.0 to 4.0 × 10^?5 μg/μl). The duplex-PCR carried out on individual DNA samples was able to detect as low as 5.2 × 10^?3 μg/μl of DNA for A. abstrusus, 4.9 × 10^?3 μg/μl for T. brevior, and as low as 4.0 × 10^?3 μg/μl for samples containing both species. Species-specific bands of the expected sizes and two bands were simultaneously amplified from the faecal sample containing both species. The phylogenetic analyses of the ITS-2 sequences here examined and those available for other metastrongyloids were concordant in clustering them with those of other Troglostrongylus brevior and A. abstrusus sequences available in GenBank database. This molecular approach proved to be effective and highly sensitive for the simultaneous detection of the two lungworms species and it might be used for molecular epidemiological studies and for monitoring therapeutic protocols.     

Experimental tuberculosis in the European badger (Meles meles) after endobronchial inoculation with Mycobacterium bovis: II. Progression of infection

The aim of the study was to describe, over a period of 24 weeks, the pathological and bacteriological changes in badgers experimentally infected with Mycobacterium bovis. The badgers were infected by endobronchial instillation of 2.5 × 10⁴ colony forming units (cfu) M. bovis. After infection, the badgers were examined at 3 weekly intervals when blood and tracheal aspirates were collected. At 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks post-infection (pi) three animals were euthanized and a detailed pathological and bacteriological examination was performed to assess the nature of the experimental disease. During the course of the study only one badger developed clinical signs of disease: a subcutaneous swelling on its head, first observed at 18 weeks pi. At post-mortem examination gross and histological lesions of tuberculosis were observed and M. bovis was recovered from all, except one badger. In the majority of badgers the endobronchial route of inoculation resulted in the establishment of infection that over 24 weeks was non-progressive with limited dissemination of infection from the thoracic cavity, mainly to the hepatic and mesenteric lymph nodes. However, in one of the badgers examined at 18 weeks pi and one at 24 weeks pi, infection was widely disseminated. The disease induced by the endobronchial inoculation displayed the characteristics of disease observed in naturally infected badgers.     

Detection of trichinellosis in a historically Trichinella-free area of Argentina

The aim of the present work was to determine the presence of human and porcine trichinellosis in an area of Argentina historically regarded as Trichinella-free. Human blood donors (n = 216) and swine destined for consumption (n = 57) were evaluated by serological techniques (ELISA, immunofluorescence, and/or Western Blot). Muscle tissues from 26 of the pigs were evaluated for the presence of Trichinella larvae by the artificial digestion method. A questionnaire was used to collect and evaluate data on eating habits of the human population under study and on swine-raising conditions. The survey showed that 98.1% of the individuals (n = 212) were regular consumers of pork in the form of stuffed products such as sausages produced by local butchers. The seroprevalence (positive sera by at least two of the three methods) was 8.3% (n = 18) for human trichinellosis and 24.5% (n = 14) for porcine trichinellosis. Trichinella spiralis larvae were found in 2 of the 26 pigs (7.7%) with parasite loads of 0.33 and 2.4 muscle larvae per gram. Twelve swine found positive by serological and/or parasitological tests were raised under poor sanitary conditions (presence of rubbish in the surroundings, with cannibalism and scavenging behaviors, presence of rodents, etc.). Our study confirms the existence of porcine trichinellosis in an area regarded as Trichinella-free, provides supporting serological evidence of human infection in this area, and indicates that failure to report cases of trichinellosis based on inadequate surveillance can result in incorrect prevalence classification of an area.     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of an injectable cephalexin suspension in beef cattle

This study describes and compares the pharmacokinetics of a single 7.5 mg/kg dose of cephalexin monohydrate oil-based 20% suspension after its administrations to six cows by the intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) routes, and to five calves by the i.m. route. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher peak plasma concentrations (5.6 ± 0.79 μg/ml versus 3.93 ± 1.24 μg/ml) and lower half-life (1.81 ± 0.56 h versus 4.21 ± 0.82 h) and mean residence time (4.12 ± 1.07 h versus 6.63 ± 0.85 h) were obtained after i.m. administration when compared to the s.c. administration to cows. No differences were found between pharmacokinetic parameters calculated for cows and calves. Cephalexin plasma concentrations remained above 0.5–0.75 μg/ml for 11–14 h and 8–9 h after the s.c. and i.m. administrations, respectively. Thus, route of administration may be an important issue to be considered when calculating dosage schedules for successful treatments and safe withdrawal times for veterinary medicines.