Results of parasitological examinations of faecal samples from horses, ruminants, pigs, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and rabbits between 1998 and 2002

The results of coproscopical examinations in horses, ruminants, pigs, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and rabbits between 1998 and 2002 are presented. In 4399 samples from horses 37.4% stages of strongylids, 1.4% anoplocephalids, 1.3% Strongyloides westeri, 0.9% Parascaris equorum, 0.04% Oxyuris equi, 0.04% Eimeria sp. and 0.04% Fasciola hepatica were found. In 998 samples of cattle 22.1% stages of strongylids, 11.2% of Eimeria spp., 3.5% of cryptosporidium, 2.9% of Moniezia spp., 1.3% of Trichuris spp., 0.7% of Dictyocaulus sp., 0.6% of Fasciola hepatica, 0.6% of Strongyloides sp., 0.5% of Nematodirus spp. and 0.4% of Capillaria sp. could be detected. In 524 samples of sheep 60.7% eggs of strongylids, 43.1% oozysts of Eimeria spp., 11.1% stages of Nematodirus spp., 9.5% of Moniezia spp., 7.8% of Trichuris spp., 6.7% of Strongyloides sp., 1.7% of Fasciola hepatica, 1% of Capillaria spp., 0.4% of protostrongylidae, 0.2% of Skrjabinema sp. and 0.2% of Dictyocaulus sp. were found. 33.9% of the 118 samples of goats that were examined were positive for oocysts of Eimeria spp., 30.5% for eggs of strongylids, 6.8% for Nematodirus spp., 4.2% for Trichuris spp., 3.4% for Moniezia spp., 0.8 for protostrongylids and 0.8% for Strongyloides sp. 5.7% of 1427 samples of pigs contained stages of strongylids, 1.5% of Ascaris suum, 0.4% of Isospora, 0.3% of Eimeria spp., 0.3% of Trichuris sp., 0.1% of Giardia sp., 0.1% of cryptosproidium as well as 0.1% of metastrongylids. In 1281 of the samples of dogs 2.3% Giardia sp., 2.3% Isospora sp., 2.2% Toxocara canis, 1.4% ancylostomids, 0.8% taeniids, 0.6% larvae of Crenosoma sp., 0.2% Capillaria sp, 0.2% Trichuris vulpis and 0.2% Hammondia-like oocysts were found. In 441 samples of cats 10.7% stages of Isospora sp., 3.9% eggs of Toxocara cati, 1.6% of ancylostomids, 1.4% of taeniids, 1.1% of Giardia sp., 0.7% of Toxoplasma-like oocysts, 0.7% of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, 0.5% of Toxascaris leonina and 0.2% of Capillaria spp. were found. Furthermore 0.2% of the samples contained proglottids of Mesocestoides and 0.2% stages of Dipylidium sp. Eggs of Capillaria sp. were found in 33% of the 106 samples of hedgehogs, larvae of Crenosoma striatum in 27.4%, oocysts of Isospora sp. in 5.7% of the cases. In 232 samples of rabbits 56.9% oocysts of Eimeria sp., 4.8% stages of Passalurus ambiguus, 1.3% of strongylids, 0.9% of Strongyloides sp., 0.4% of trematodes were found.     

尧山白山羊肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解河南省尧山白山羊肠道寄生虫感染情况,本试验采用离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法、饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对河南省鲁山县某羊场尧山白山羊的63份新鲜粪便样品进行检查。结果共查出17种肠道寄生虫,总感染率为98.4%,分别为艾美耳球虫(9种)、隐孢子虫、贾第虫、阿米巴原虫、圆线虫、细颈线虫、鞭虫、莫尼茨绦虫和吸虫,其中以球虫感染率最高,为95.2%。对检出球虫进行种类鉴定,发现9种艾美耳属球虫,多呈混合感染,最多可达5种。结果表明,该品种羊肠道寄生虫较为普遍,且存在人兽共患寄生虫,应加强其综合防控措施。     

Intestinal parasitism in the animals of the zoological garden "Peña Escrita" (Almuñecar, Spain)

Gastrointestinal parasites cause serious diarrhoea in captive animals. Therefore, we have undertaken this study to establish programmes to prevent, control, and treat intestinal parasitism in the animals of the zoological garden "Pe?a Escrita" of Almu?ecar (Granada). An annual survey was conduced to estimate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and the seasonality of this parasitism. Between June 2006 and May 2007, 432 samples were collected from primates, carnivores, perissoodactyla, artiodactyla, rodentia, diprotodontia, galliformes, anseriformes and struthioniformes. One or more intestinal parasites were identified in 72.5% of the animals. The most frequent pathogenic endoparasites were Eimeria spp. (17.3%), Trichuris spp. (5.1%), Strongyloides spp. (4.5%), Cyclospora spp. (4.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.2%) and Isospora spp. (2.6%). Iodamoeba butschlii, Parascaris equorum and Trichuris spp. did not vary with season and Cryptosporidium spp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Metastrongylus spp. and Cylicospirura spp. appeared exclusively in Artiodactyla. Multiple parasitic infections were common, 70% of animals presented with at least two parasites (maximum=6). The most frequent cases of multiple parasitism were Eimeria spp. plus Blastocystis spp. and Eimeria spp. plus Nematodirus spp., in the last case the animals presented explosive diarrhoea. In accord with our results, after each sampling, some of the affected animals were treated and the corresponding programmes of prevention and control were designed.     

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.     

Gastrointestinal parasites of mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda.

Ninety-eight fecal samples were collected from 74 free-living mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) from the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda, between July 1995 and January 1997 and examined for parasites by Sheather's sugar and zinc sulfate flotation methods, trichrome staining, and larval cultures. All samples contained at least one parasite. Seventeen endoparasites were identified, including eight protozoa, seven nematodes, one cestode, and one trematode. Two species of arthropod mite were also recovered from the fecal samples. Parasites observed on fecal examinations included strongyle/trichostrongyle-type eggs (72/74) (representing Oesphagostomum sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Hyostrongylus spp., and possibly Murshidia sp.), Strongyloides sp. (1/74), Trichuris trichiura (2/74), Probstmayria sp. (7/74), Anoplocephala sp. (63/74), Entamoeba hartmanni cysts and trophozoites (19/70), Endolimax nana cysts (31/70), Iodamoeba buetschlii cysts (11/70), Endolimax nana or Iodamoeba buetschlii trophozoites (63/70). Entamoeba coli cysts and trophozoites (14/70), Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite (1/70), Chilomastix sp. cysts and trophozoites (31/70), and Giardia sp. cysts (2/70). In addition, one ascarid and one trematode egg were seen. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of parasites between males and females and between age groups: however, infants and juveniles appeared to have a lower prevalence of Anoplocephala gorillae, and the silverbacked males appeared to have a higher prevalence of Probstmayria sp. Parasite prevalence was consistent among the five social groups studied except Susa group had a significantly lower prevalence of Anoplocephala gorillae. Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides sp., Chilomastix sp., and Endolimax nana were identified for the first time in this population, and it is possible that these parasites were of human origin. Although there were no obvious clinical effects due to the presence of these parasites, six parasites identified (Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides sp., Oesphagostomum sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia sp.) could potentially be pathogenic. Some of the parasite products and cultured larvae could not be speciated.     

The Establishment and Use of Field Laboratories: Lessons from the Conservation Through Public Health Gorilla Research Clinic,Uganda

Conservation Through Public Health, a grassroots, Uganda-based Non-Governmental Organization, in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority, established a field clinic for mountain gorillas and other animal species in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 2005. This was an initial step in the effort to establish a long-term wildlife health-monitoring system in Uganda. This wildlife health-monitoring system is to act as an early warning system for disease outbreaks. The clinic primarily analyzes gorilla fecal samples for parasites and, since its establishment in 2005, has grown to include in its remit livestock, park staff, and symptomatic humans from the Bwindi community. The diagnostic testing capability of the field clinic has expanded to include Giardia spp and Cryptosporidium spp. One policy outcome of this project has been the adoption of regular gorilla fecal sample collection as a health-monitoring intervention in the Uganda Wildlife Authority's annual operational plan. Conservation Through Public Health is also planning to erect a “One Health” Gorilla Center, to accommodate extra tests, including polymerase chain reaction, for more accurate detection of cross-species transmission of bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens. The main challenges for the clinic personnel are associated with the building's remote location at the national park. Consequently, the diagnostic facility is not connected to the national electricity grid, which necessitates the use of a more expensive option for power, solar with the aid of a backup generator.     

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs of the Plateau and Rivers States, Nigeria

Faecal samples were collected from a total of 1,000 pigs from the Port Harcourt and Jos areas of the Rivers and Plateau States, respectively, between January 1987 and March 1988. In the Jos area the parasite incidence was: Ascaris suum 53.1%, Trichuris suis 8.5%, Hyostrongylus rubidus 13.1%, Metastrongylus salmi 3.7%, Strongyloides ransomi 87.7%, Oesophagostomum dentatum 35.1% and Eimeria spp. 2.4% while in Port Harcourt the incidence rate was Ascaris suum 10.4%, Trichuris suis 47.2%, Oesophagostomum dentatum 50%, Hyostrongylus rubidus 2%, Ancylostoma duodenale 83.2% and Eimeria spp. 3.6%. The high rate of parasitic infections was due to poor management practices as shown by poor sanitary conditions. Access to human faeces, poor feeding and lack of deworming were also very evident. The different rates in the incidence of parasites in Jos and Port Harcourt areas were due to the varying moisture conditions in these states.     

Gastrointestinal parasites of shepherd and hunting dogs in the Serres Prefecture, Northern Greece

A total of 281 faecal samples from owned shepherd and hunting dogs were collected in the Serres Prefecture, Northern Greece and were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of parasitism was 26% and the 11 species found were: Toxocara canis (12.8%), Trichuris vulpis (9.6%), Giardia spp. (4.3%), Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp. (3.9%), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (2.8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (2.8%), Alaria alata (2.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.8%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (1.1%), Toxascaris leonina (0.7%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.3%). The prevalence of T. canis and Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp. was significantly higher in young than in adult dogs (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in prevalence between genders, except for T. canis, which was more common in male dogs (p < 0.05).     

Prevalence of selected zoonotic and vector-borne agents in dogs and cats in Costa Rica

To estimate the prevalence of enteric parasites and selected vector-borne agents of dogs and cats in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica, fecal and serum samples were collected from animals voluntarily undergoing sterilization. Each fecal sample was examined for parasites by microscopic examination after fecal flotation and for Giardia and Cryptosporidium using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Giardia and Cryptosporidium IFA positive samples were genotyped after PCR amplification of specific DNA if possible. The seroprevalence rates for the vector-borne agents (Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) were estimated based on results from a commercially available ELISA. Enteric parasites were detected in samples from 75% of the dogs; Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis, Giardia, and Toxocara canis were detected. Of the cats, 67.5% harbored Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Ancylostoma tubaeforme, or Toxocara cati. Both Cryptosporidium spp. isolates that could be sequenced were Cryptosporidium parvum (one dog isolate and one cat isolate). Of the Giardia spp. isolates that were successfully sequenced, the 2 cat isolates were assemblage A and the 2 dog isolates were assemblage D. D. immitis antigen and E. canis antibodies were identified in 2.3% and 3.5% of the serum samples, respectively. The prevalence of enteric zoonotic parasites in San Isidro de El General in Costa Rica is high in companion animals and this information should be used to mitigate public health risks.     

Detection of zoonotic intestinal parasites in public parks of Spain. Potential epidemiological role of microsporidia

Several studies have demonstrated that the soil of public parks presents an important source of infection which has a significant impact on public health. Children are the main group affected by accidentally ingestion of contaminated soil. This study was performed in order to identify the presence of zoonotic parasites in dog and cat faecal and soil samples from public parks of Madrid, Spain. Six hundred twenty-five and seventy-nine soil and faecal samples (presumably from dogs and cats) respectively were collected from 67 parks. Intestinal parasites were identified in 27 parks (40.3%), which were contamined with Giardia sp. (19.4%), microsporidia (19.4%), Toxocara spp. (16.4%), Cryptosporidium sp. (6%), Entamoeba histolytica (3%) and Ancylostomidae (3%). Combinations of two or more intestinal parasites were found in 11 parks, and it was common to find Giardia and microsporidia together in samples. Intestinal parasites were detected in 18% (112/625) of soil samples. The most frequent parasite species found in the examined soil samples were Toxocara spp. (16.4%), followed by Giardia sp. (4.5%) and Strongyloides sp. larvae (3%). The zoonotic parasites found in the 79 faecal samples were Giardia sp. (17.7%), Cryptosporidium sp. (9%), E. histolytica (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis (1.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and microsporidia spores (28%). Microsporidia characterization by amplification of DNA confirmed 10 samples as positive, eight for E. bieneusi and two for E. hellem by PCR. The role of those parasites in the environment are discussed.     

Prevalence of Microsporidia, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. in beavers (Castor canadensis) in Massachusetts.

Feces from 62 beavers (Castor canadensis) in Massachusetts were examined by fluorescence microscopy (IFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Microsporidia species, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. between January 2002 and December 2004. PCR-positive specimens were further examined by gene sequencing. Protist parasites were detected in 6.4% of the beavers. All were subadults and kits. Microsporidia species were not detected. Giardia spp. was detected by IFA from four beavers; Cryptosporidium spp. was also detected by IFA from two of these beavers. However, gene sequence data for the ssrRNA gene from these two Cryptosporidium spp.-positive beavers were inconclusive in identifying the species. Nucleotide sequences of the TPI, ssrRNA, and beta-giardin genes for Giardia spp. (deposited in GenBank) indicated that the four beavers were excreting Giardia duodenalis Assemblage B, the zoonotic genotype representing a potential source of waterborne Giardia spp. cysts.     

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from Prague, rural areas, and shelters of the Czech Republic

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was evaluated by examination of dog faecal samples in the Prague city centre, agricultural areas, and two shelters. The overall prevalence of parasites (i.e., protozoa and helminths, mentioned below) in Prague was 17.6%. Toxocara canis was the most common parasite, and was recovered from 6.2% of dogs, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (2.4%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.4%), Trichuris sp. (1.1%), Taenia-type (1.0%), Giardia spp. (0.1%), Toxascaris sp. (0.9%), Dipylidium sp. (0.7%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.6%), Capillaria spp. (0.6%), Neospora/Hammondia spp. (0.5%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.4%), Uncinaria sp. (0.4%), and Spirocerca sp. (0.2%). The prevalence of infections with helminths and protozoans in two animal shelters in Prague was examined at the dog's admittance ir reception to the shelters and during housing. T. canis eggs (6.5%), Cystoisospora (4.4%), and Giardia (3.3%) cysts were the most prevalent. Significant increases in the prevalence of some parasites were found after a stay in the shelter. Giardia spp. showed an 11-fold increase in prevalence of dogs placed in the shelters for a longer time; Cryptosporidium spp. had a 7-fold increase, Capillaria spp. a 5-fold, Spirocerca sp., Neospora/Hammondia spp., and Cystoisospora spp. a 4-fold increase over dogs examined at the time of admittance to the shelter (p<0.01). Dog in rural areas were infected significantly more frequently (p<0.01) than those in Prague. In 540 faecal samples from rural areas, the overall prevalence of parasites (i.e., protozoa and helminths mentioned below) was 41.7%. The prevalence of T. canis was 13.7%, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (8.0%), Taenia spp. (3.5%), Sarcocystis spp. (3.0%), Giardia spp. (2.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (2.0%), Trichuris sp. (1.7%), Toxascaris sp. (1.7%), Dipylidium sp. (1.3%), Neospora/Hammondia spp. (1.3%), Spirocerca sp. (1.1%), Uncinaria sp. (0.9%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.7%), and Capillaria spp. (0.6%). Examinations of dogs in urban and rural areas showed, with the exception of Trichuris sp. in Prague, a higher occurrence of nematode infection in autumn, notably T. canis (chi2>8.3, d.f.=3, p<0.04).     

Intestinal parasites in various animals at a zoo in Malaysia

A survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites from different groups of mammals housed in a zoological garden in Malaysia. A total of 197 faecal samples were collected randomly from various primates (99), hoofed mammals (70) and feline (28). It was discovered that 89.3% of feline, 54.5% of primates and 45.7% of hoofed mammals were infected with intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites found in primates were Balantidium coli (19.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (14.1%), hookworm (10.1%), Trichuris spp. (5.1%), Ascaris (4.0%) and Blastocystis spp. (2.0%). For hoofed mammals, hookworm had the highest prevalence (34.3%) followed by Trichuris spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.7%). Meanwhile, for feline, Toxocara cati was the most prevalent (64.3%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (14.3%), Spirometra spp. (7.1%), and hookworm (3.6%). Animals that were infected were all asymptomatic with low parasite load. Routine monitoring of the presence of parasites in animals kept in the zoo is imperative in assisting zoo management in the formulation and implementation of preventive and control measures against the spread of infectious parasitic diseases among animals within the zoo or to humans.     

Investigation of Intestinal Parasites in Dairy Cattle in Parts of Hebei Province and Tianjin

In order to understand the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dairy cattle in Hebei and Tianjin near to Bohai area, the centrifugal precipitation, Sheather's sugar flotation, and Lugol's iodine staining techniques were used to examine 1 040 fecal samples from 12 dairy cattle farms in Hebei and Tianjin areas. The overall infection rate was 61.63%, with the prevalence being 59.78% and 66.12% in Hebei and Tianjin, respectively. Eight parasite species were identified, including Coccidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., amoeba, Strongylus spp., Trichuris spp., cestode and trematode, and the infection rates were 40.96%, 1.63%, 8.46%, 33.27%, 2.02%, 3.56%, 0.96% and 0.96%, respectively. Coccidia spp. and amoeba were the predominant parasites. The present study indicated the prevalence of intestinal parasites were universal in dairy cattle in Hebei and Tianjin areas. Thus, the farms should take necessary prevention and control measures.     

河北及天津部分地区奶牛肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解河北及天津近渤海地区奶牛肠道寄生虫感染情况,本试验采用离心沉淀法、饱和蔗糖漂浮法及卢戈氏碘液染色法对河北和天津地区12个奶牛场1 040份奶牛粪便样品进行显微镜检测。结果显示,寄生虫总感染率为61.63%,其中河北及天津地区寄生虫感染率分别为59.78%和66.12%。共检测出8种寄生虫,即球虫、贾第虫、隐孢子虫、阿米巴、圆线虫、鞭虫、绦虫及吸虫,感染率分别为40.96%、1.63%、8.46%、33.27%、2.02%、3.56%、0.96%和0.96%,其中球虫与阿米巴为优势虫种。本试验结果表明,河北及天津地区奶牛肠道寄生虫感染比较普遍,养殖场需采取必要的防控措施。     

Risk factors and control of intestinal parasite infections in sled dogs in Poland

Training and racing constitute serious challenges for working sled dogs. Attainment of the highest levels of stamina and speed are possible only by completely healthy dogs. Infections with nematodes as whipworm Trichuris sp. or hookworms Uncinaria/Ancylostoma can significantly reduce the fitness of working dogs leading to anemia or even to death. In the middle of the racing season, between December 2009 and April 2010, 108 individual fecal samples were collected from 25 sled dog kennels situated in different regions of Poland. Saturated salt flotation was performed for helminth egg detection. The immunofluorescent assay MeriFluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia and nested PCRs on 18S rRNA (Cryptosporidium spp.) and TPI gene (Giardia spp.) were carried out for detection of intestinal protozoa. Overall prevalence of 6 species of intestinal parasites was 68% in sled dogs (73/108). In 51 samples the eggs of a single species of helminth were detected (47%), two nematode species were detected in 13%, three species of nematodes were found in two dogs. The most prevalent helminths were the hookworms Uncinaria/Ancylostoma-identified in 36% of kennels, and in 34% of sled dogs. Toxocara eggs were detected in 36% of kennels, in 17% of dogs. Trichuris sp. eggs were found in 20% of kennels (5/25), in 13% of dogs. Cysts/oocysts of intestinal protozoa were detected in 31% of sled dogs. The most prevalent was Giardia spp. infection-in 54% of kennels [13/24], in 28% of dogs. Cryptosporidium spp. infections were identified in 37.5% of kennels [9/24], in 13% of dogs. Two sequenced Giardia isolates presented 100% homology with G. intestinalis Assemblage C isolate (AY228641.1), specific for dogs. A range of factors was shown to affect the prevalence of intestinal parasites in sled dogs. The highest prevalence of parasites was found among dogs from large kennels (housing >3 dogs), in dogs less than 2 years old, and in kennels, where prophylactic treatment was carried out 1-4 times a year. The present study has demonstrated a high prevalence of intestinal parasites in working sled dogs in Poland, including the zoonotic human pathogens Toxocara or Cryptosporidium.     

Comparison of direct immunofluorescence, immunoassays, and fecal flotation for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in naturally exposed cats in 4 Northern California animal shelters

BACKGROUND: Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are common intestinal protozoan parasites in domestic cats. Few studies have critically evaluated the performance characteristics of commercially available immunoassays for detection of these organisms in the cat. HYPOTHESIS: Human-based immunoassays are suboptimal for the detection of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats. ANIMALS: Three-hundred-and-forty-four cats with diarrheic and nondiarrheic fecal specimens at 4 northern California animal shelters. METHODS: A fecal specimen was collected from each cat in a case-controlled fashion. Fecal specimens were tested for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. by using centrifugation flotation and 5 commercially available immunoassays (SNAP Giardia, ProSpecT Giardia Microplate Assay, ProSpecT Cryptosporidium Microplate Assay, ImmunoCard STAT! Cryptosporidium/ Giardia Rapid Assay, and Xpect Giardia/Cryptosporidium). Results were compared with a reference standard, the MeriFluor direct immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Overall prevalences of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were 9.8 and 4.7%, respectively. The ProSpecT Microplate Assay had the highest sensitivities and specificities for Giardia spp. (91.2 and 99.4%) and Cryptosporidum spp. (71.4 and 96.7%), respectively. The SNAP Giardia antigen assay was easier to use and equally sensitive (85.3%) and specific (100%) to fecal flotation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Caution should be exercised when using human-based immunoassays for the diagnosis of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats. Fecal flotation remains a useful method for detection of Giardia spp., can be used to detect other parasites, and has a sensitivity of 97.8% for detection of Giardia spp. when combined with the SNAP Giardia immunoassay.     

宠物毛丝鼠肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解宠物毛丝鼠肠道寄生虫感染情况,采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法、改良抗酸染色法和卢戈碘液染色法对郑州某宠物市场宠物毛丝鼠96份粪便样品进行检查。结果共查出2种原虫和1种蠕虫。寄生虫总感染率为46.9％,贾第虫感染率最高,为37.5％,球虫和短膜壳绦虫感染率次之,分别为8.3％和2.1％。贾第虫感染率与动物年龄（P>0.05）和性别（P>0.05）均无统计学相关性。这是国内首次报道宠物毛丝鼠肠道寄生虫感染情况。     

Survey of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. infections in various animals at a zoo in Japan.

A total of 284 fecal samples of 89 species (43 mammalian species and 46 avian species) were examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts from 1999 to 2002. Each sample was collected at the zoo located at Osaka in Japan and examined by microscopy after performing the sucrose flotation method and by two immunofluorescent assay kits for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Cryptosporidium spp. was found only in a raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and Giardia spp. was detected in a mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) and two ruddy shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea). In this study, the prevalences of these parasites were found to be low. However, these results suggested that the infected animals could serve as a source of contamination for surface water. This is the first report about the survey of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. at a zoo in Japan.     

A survey of intestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Fresh fecal samples from 124 apparently healthy dogs and 333 random source canine fecal samples from dog walking areas were analyzed by centrifuged flotation in Sheather's solution to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fecal flotation was positive in 4.4% of samples. Roundworm species were found in 1.5% of samples, hookworm species were found in 0.4% of samples, whipworm species were found in 0.7%, Strongyloides spp. were found in 0.6%, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Alaria spp. were found in 0.4% of samples.