Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> infection in yaks (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos grunniens</Emphasis>) in northwestern China

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in yaks (Bos grunniens) was surveyed in Qinghai Province, northwestern China in May and June 2010. A total of 650 serum samples were collected from six counties and assayed for T. gondii antibodies by an indirect hemagglutination test. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 35.08% (228/650) with the highest rate of 55.34% in Chengduo County. The results of the present survey indicated that infection with T. gondii in cattle is widely spread in China, including yaks in Qinghai Province.     

Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> antibodies from slaughter pigs in Chongqing,China

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii which infects most genera of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pigs in Chongqing Municipality, southwest China. Slaughterhouse pigs’ serum samples collected from six different regions in Chongqing were assayed for T. gondii antibodies by an indirect hemagglutination test. The average seroprevalence of T. gondii were found in 30.6% (278/908) in slaughter pigs, ranging from 21.6% to 40.9% among different sampling sites. The results indicated that toxoplasmosis in swine of Chongqing Municipality was relatively serious, and the pork may be an important source for human infection with T. gondii. Comprehensive measures are needed to strengthen further prevention and control of the disease in Chongqing.     

Prevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neospora caninum</Emphasis> infections in sheep from Federal District,central region of Brazil

Serum samples from 1028 sheep were collected from 32 herds within Federal District, in the central region of Brazil. The samples were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) using sera diluted 1:64 and 1:50 as cut-off values for the detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, respectively. The observed prevalence for T. gondii infection was 38.22% (26.81%<CI 0.95<49.62%), and the titers ranged from 64 to 65536. The observed prevalence for N. caninum infection was 8.81% (7.08%<CI 0.95<10.53%). The titers ranged from 50 to 51200. The reactant sera to both pathogens corresponded to 4.67% of the samples. The risk factors were not determined because of the absence of negative herds for T. gondii and the high proportion of positive herds for N. caninum (87.50%). The prevalence for T. gondii infection was significantly higher among males than in females. The present work is the first report on seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in sheep from Federal District and shows that infection by both parasites is widespread in the ovine population from this region.     

Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> infection in breeding sows in Western Fujian Province,China

The objective of the present investigation was to estimate the seroprevalence T. gondii infection in breeding sows in Western Fujian Province, the People’s Republic of China. Sera collected from breeding sows during 2006–2007 from 6 different regions in Western Fujian Province were assayed for antibodies to T. gondii by an indirect hemagglutination antibody (IHA) test. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 87 (14.38%) of 605 breeding sows. Differences in seroprevalence were observed between sampling regions, ranging from 10.14% to 37.50%. The present investigation demonstrated that the prevalence of T. gondii infection in breeding sows in Fujian Province was high. Integrated control strategies and measures should be implemented to prevent and control T. gondii infection in breeding sows, which in turn will have significant implications for the control of human infection with T. gondii in this province.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Theileria</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">equi</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia caballi</Emphasis> Infections in Horses in Galicia,Spain

The control of equine piroplasmosis is becoming increasingly important to maintain the international market open to the horse industry. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the occurrence of equine piroplasmosis (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi) in Galicia, north-west Spain, and to compare haematological and serum biochemistry parameters between non-parasitaemic horses and horses parasitaemic with T. equi and B. caballi. Sixty serum samples (control group) were taken from healthy horses pastured on two farms, and examined for evidence of equine T. equi and B. caballi infection by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of the 60 samples, 24 (40%) and 17 (28.3%) samples were positive for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Twelve (20%) samples were positive for both parasites. Haematology and serum biochemistry were compared between controls and a series of 36 horses clinically affected by T. equi (25) or B. caballi (11). Compared with the healthy group, there was a 43% and 37% decrease in the haematocrit for T. equi and B. caballi infection, respectively. Parasitaemic horses presented an intense anaemia and serum biochemistry signs of liver damage. The anaemia was more severe in T. equi-infected than in B. caballi-infected horses. Our results suggest that equine piroplasmosis is widespread in the region and is a cause for concern.     

Prevalence and molecular diagnosis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trypanosoma evansi</Emphasis> in Nili-Ravi buffalo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>) in different districts of Punjab (Pakistan)

The prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi was investigated in 1,250 Nili-Ravi buffaloes of mixed age and sex by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the first time in Pakistan. DNA of the trypanosomes was isolated with TRIREAGENT®. The assay was employed using primers ESAG 6/7, specific for a 237-bp fragment from T. evansi genomic DNA. The samples were screened for the presence of T. evansi also by stained thin smear. Forty-four (3.5%) samples were positive by microscopy, while 97 (7.7%) samples were identified by PCR, indicating the high sensitivity of PCR for surveying the disease in epidemiological studies.     

Pathological,serological, and virological findings in sheep infected simultaneously with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bluetongue</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peste-des-petits-ruminants</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sheeppox viruses</Emphasis>

In this study, pathological, serological and virological examinations were performed on 15 sheep from a flock of 250 sheep and lambs that suffer from simultaneous naturally occurring BTV, PPRV and SPV outbreaks. SPV was diagnosed macroscopically and histopathologically, BTV was diagnosed by ELISA, and PPRV was diagnosed pathologically and by ELISA. Clinically fever, diarrhea, depression, polypnea, conjunctivitis, lacrimation, rhinitis, erosive stomatitis, edema of eyelids, photophobia, cutaneous eruption with erythematous areas especially noticeable in wool-free parts of the body and axilla lesions evolving into papules were observed. At necropsy, the most effected organs were lungs and gut. Subepicardial hemorrhages were also commonly seen. While typical pox lesions were observed in some lambs, usually fibrinous pleuropneumonia was more prominent lung lesion. SPV and PPRV lesions were seen at the histopathological examination of the lesioned tissues, BT lesions were mild than SPV and PPRV microscopically. Serum and leukocyte samples of 15 animals were examined for PPRV and BTV by ELISA; 5 samples were positive for PPRV and 6 BTV, 4 were positive for both PPRV and BTV simultaneously. One hundred animals died, most were lambs. Mortality rates were 100% in lambs and 80% in the herd.     

Immunoprotection of recombinant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eg</Emphasis>.P29 against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinococcus granulosus</Emphasis> in sheep

Objective

This study aims to investigate the immunoprotection of recombinant Eg.P29 (rEg.P29) vaccine and analyze the underlying mechanism in sheep.

Methods

Three groups of male sheep were immunized subcutaneously with rEg.P29 and PBS, Freund’s complete adjuvant as controls, respectively. After prime-boost vaccination, the sheep were challenged with encapsulated Echinococcus granulosus eggs. The percentage of protection in sheep was determined 36 weeks after the infection. Humoral immune response was analyzed for specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgM and IgE levels. Moreover, cytokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4,and IL-10 were also evaluated.

Results

Immunization with rEg.P29 induced protective immune responses up to 94.5 %, compared with immunoadjuvant group. The levels of specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgE as well as IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 significantly increased after two immunizations (P < 0.05); however, the levels of IgM and IL-10 did not show difference.

Conclusion

rEg.P29 showed Immunoprotection and induced Th1 and Th2 immune responses; hence, rEg.P29 is a potential vaccine for E. granulosus infection.

     

Control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haemonchus contortus</Emphasis> in sheep using basidiocarps of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agaricus blazei</Emphasis> Murril

Objective

This study evaluated the effects in vitro and in vivo of Agaricus blazei against Haemonchus contortus in sheep.

Methods

The in vitro efficacy of aqueous extract on egg hatching inhibition (EHI) was investigated and after 72 h incubation with varying concentrations the effects on, blastomeres, embryonated eggs, and first stage larvae (L1) were evaluated. Larval development inhibition (LDI) for dry powder and the aqueous extract were evaluated in fecal cultures of sheep infected with H. contortus. In vivo efficacy was determined by reduction in fecal egg count (FEC). Lambs were treated with powder A. blazei (11.4 g/kg pc) or trichlorfon, or were untreated and the possible toxicity of this fungus was monitored by plasmatic enzyme analysis.

Results

Concentrations equal to and higher than 3.62 mg/mL and of aqueous extract were 100% effective in the EHI test. In the LDI test, LC90 was estimated for 5.66 and 106.0 mg/g fecal culture for aqueous extract and powder, respectively. The mean FEC in lambs 14 days post-treatment with A. blazei powder was significantly lower than observed for the negative control, and the serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were normal.

Conclusion

The fungi supplementation promotes, respectively, high and moderate anthelmintic efficacy with in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively, suggesting it as an alternative or complementary treatment for haemonchosis in sheep.

     

Experimental infection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peste des Petit Ruminant</Emphasis> virus and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mannheimia haemolytica</Emphasis> A2 in goats: immunolocalisation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mannheimia haemolytica</Emphasis> antigens

Nigerian strain of Peste des Petit Ruminant (PPR) virus and Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) biotype A serotype 2, was used successfully to reproduce a concurrent disease in West African Dwarf goats. The development of the various pathological features were studied at regular intervals following infection. The acute inflammatory reaction which had developed by day 3 after initial infection was characterised by flooding of the alveoli by neutrophils, oedema, hemorrhage and syncytial cells together with a moderate bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial necrosis. This progressed to a milder acute broncho interstitial pneumonia with giant cells. At this stage, the mucosal immunity were well developed especially the aggregate form of NALT and more of nodular forms of BALT. The organisms were demonstrated with strong immunostaining in the necrotic center, necrotic alveolar wall, fibrin, serous exudate, and degenerated leukocyte in the alveoli and respiratory airways. The bacterial antigens were observed as a strong immunostaining in the blood vessels of the nasal septum, sinusoid in the liver and interstium of the kidney, cytoplasm of alveolar macrophages, pneumocytes, bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium, in the monocytes in the blood vessels. These findings confirmed the enhancement of MH tropism especially in the respiratory tract, liver and kidney. It also showed that West african dwarf goats are highly susceptible to the intratracheal combined infection of PPR virus and MH. The fact that the infection induces strong mucosal responses, this phenomenon can be explored in Africa with the use of combined PPR virus and MH intranasal vaccines to curtail the menace of pneumonia associated with the combined infection on field.     

Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anaplasma marginale</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia bigemina</Emphasis> infections and associated risk factors in Machakos County,Kenya

Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina are important tick-borne pathogens of cattle. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of A. marginale and B. bigemina infections and identify associated risk factors on traditional smallholder farms in Machakos County, Kenya. A total of 421 cattle from 127 farms from four divisions in the county were sampled and visited between September and November 2007. The farms were selected by a proportional allocation approach based on the number of farms in the four divisions previously selected by stratified random sampling method. Information on animal and individual farm management variables was obtained using standardized questionnaires. Prevalence of serum antibodies due to A. marginale and B. bigemina pathogens was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The relationship between the seropositivity and associated risk factors was assessed by multivariable analyses using standard logistic regression models. The overall estimation (and their 95% confidence intervals) of A. marginale and B. bigemina seropositivity at the animal level was 53.4% (48.5%, 58.2%) and 40.6% (35.8%, 45.4%), respectively. Two variables, “animal age” and “administrative division,” were significantly associated with the A. marginale seroresponse. Three variables, “animal age” “grazing system” and “administrative division” were significantly associated with the B. bigemina seroresponse. These findings suggest possible indicators of existence of endemic instability for the two infections. The study identifies characterization of environmental suitability for the vectors and how they interact with grazing systems to cause the infections as an area for further studies, for improved understanding of the infections and in designing disease control programs.     

Occurrence of anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> antibodies in female cattle in south-west of Iran

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant disease in livestock and humans. In Iran, studies shows that T. gondii infection in humans is relatively high and prevalence is associated mainly with consumption of undercooked meat or meat products. We have examined 450 serum samples from female cattle distributed over all Ahvaz, the center of Khouzestan province, south-west of Iran. IgG antibodies to T. gondii were assayed by the modified agglutination test using whole tachyzoites of T. gondii, and found in 71 (15.77%) of 450 cattle with titers of 1:25 in 38, 1:50 in 18, 1:100 in 11, 1:200 in three and 1:400 in one. Titers of antibodies were decreased in cattle over 2 years old. These results indicate that T. gondii infection in cattle of Khouzestan is relatively considerable, but not very high and consumption of beef may be a source of infection for humans in south-west of Iran.     

Prevalence of thin-walled <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocystis cruzi</Emphasis> and thick-walled <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocystis hirsuta</Emphasis> or <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocystis hominis</Emphasis> from cattle in Iran

Bovine sarcocystosis is caused by Sarcocystis cruzi and is known to cause considerable morbidity and mortality in cattle. This species is distributed worldwide in cattle and is the most prevalent of the Sarcocystis species infecting cattle. There is high infection rate of sarcocyst in cattle in Iran, but to our knowledge, there is no study about identification of Sarcocystis species. This work aimed to survey prevalence of S. cruzi cyst in slaughtered cattle of Isfahan, Iran. In this study, esophageal and diaphragmatic muscles of 100 cattle were collected from Fesaran abattoir of Isfahan and examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. cysts macroscopically and microscopically. No macroscopic sarcocysts were found in any of the samples. In light microscopy, 89 out of 100 cattle (89%) had thin-walled cysts of S. cruzi, while 21 out of them (21%) had thick-walled sarcocysts. In addition to light microscopy, ultrastructural features of the thin-walled cyst confirmed the presence of S. cruzi.     

Prevalence of anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> antibodies in sport horses from Qazvin,Iran

In the present study, the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in sport horses of Qazvin was examined using modified agglutination test (MAT). On 52 horse sera totally examined for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, 37 horses (71.2%) were seropositive by MAT. Results of the present study showed a high rate of Toxoplasma infection in horses in Qazvin area. More comprehensive study on equine toxoplasmosis is recommended.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oestrus ovis</Emphasis> larval myiasis among sheep and goats in Central Oromia,Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence, larval burden, and associated gross pathological lesions of Oestrus ovis in sheep and goats slaughtered at Luna export abattoir in Central Oromia from November 2007 to March 2008. For this purpose, a total of heads of 431 goats and 369 sheep were thoroughly examined for the presence of first (L1), second (L2), and third (L3) larval stages according to standard procedures. O. ovis larvae were detected in 349(94.6%) sheep and 381(88.4%) goats. All three larval instars were observed in each study months. Statistically significant variation (χ ² = 29.2676, df = 6, P < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of O. ovis among small ruminants of different origins. Likewise, statistically significant (χ ² = 68.3, df = 4, P < 0.05) difference was recorded in the prevalence of O. ovis in sheep and goats among different study months. The overall monthly prevalence ranged from 77.7% in November to 98.8% in March. The prevalence of O. ovis in small ruminants of less than 1 year of age was significantly (χ ² = 8, df = 1, P < 0.05) higher than those with greater than 1 year of age. An overall proportion of 33.8%, 40.1%, and 26.1% were recorded for L1, L2 and L3, respectively. Whereas 6.8 monthly mean larval burden per individual infested animal was noticed. Out of the total infested heads in goats, 33.6% had catarrhal discharges, 16.8% purulent exudates, 64.83% rhinitis, 68.77% sinusitis, 14.2% pharyngitis, and 9.2% bloody exudates. Similarly, of the total infested heads of sheep, 18.9% purulent exudates, 80.8% rhinitis, 71.9% sinusitis, 13.5% pharyngitis, and 7.7% bloody exudates gross lesions were recorded.     

Biological control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ascaris suum</Emphasis> eggs by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pochonia chlamydosporia</Emphasis> fungus

Ascaris suum is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of swines. The aim of this study was to observe Pochonia chlamydosporia fungus on biological control of A. suum eggs after fungus passage through swines gastrointestinal tract. Eighteen pigs, previously dewormed, were randomly divided into three groups: group 1, treated with the fungus isolate VC4; group 2, treated with the fungus isolate VC1 and group 3 did not receive fungus (control). In the treated groups, each animal received a 9 g single dose of mycelium mass containing P. chlamydosporia (VC1 or VC4). Thereafter, animal fecal samples were collected at the following intervals: 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after treatment beginning and these were poured in Petri dishes containing 2% water-agar culture medium. Then, 1,000 A. suum eggs were poured into each dish and kept in an incubator at 26°C and in the dark for 30 days. After this period, approximately 100 eggs were removed from each Petri dish and morphologically analyzed under light microscopy following the ovicidal activity parameters. The higher percentage observed for isolated VC4 eggs destruction was 57.5% (36 h) after fungus administration and for isolate VC1 this percentage was 45.8% (24 h and 72 h) (p > 0.01). P. chlamydosporia remained viable after passing through the gastrointestinal tract of swines, maintaining its ability of destroying A. suum eggs.