Intestinal parasites of parrots

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine a parasitic species composition, prevalence and intensity of infection in selected parrots. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies were carried out on faecal samples of budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus (n = 36), cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus (n = 21), grey parrots Psittacus erithacus (n = 18), eastern rosella Platycercus eximius (n = 10) and senegal parrots Poicephalus senegalus (n = 10) using the Willis-Schlaff and McMaster's methods. RESULTS: Protozoans (Isosporidae and Eimeriidae) and nematodes (Ascarididae, Capillaridae and Heterakidae) were detected in the tested samples. Coccidian oocysts were detected in all examined parrots. Isospora and Eimeria oocysts were found in 52.9% Melopsittacus undulatus, 60% Poicephalus senegalus and 66.7% Psittacus erithacus. Mean number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was high: from about 270 to 1500 depending on both parasite and host species. Three species of parrots were infected with the nematodes (Nymphicus hollandicus and Poicephalus senegalus were free from this infection), but only Ascaridia platycerci was present in these hosts, with the highest prevalence (20%) and highest mean number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG = 1242) in Platycercus eximinus. Heterakis gallinarum was observed only in Psittacus erithacus; 16.6% individuals were infected, and EPG was 212. The highest intensity of infection with nematodes of Ascarididae and Capillaridae was in Platycercus eximius. EPG in this species of parrots was 1242 and 2480, respectively. The obtained results show that introduction of parasitological prophylaxis programs is necessary, especially in the larger birds' farmings and zoological shops.     

Intestinal parasites infection of horses from riding clubs in Kraków area

The studies were carried out in 2001 and 2002 on horses from riding clubs in Krakow area. On the basis of McMaster method EPG (eggs per gram) and prevalence of infection (%) was evaluated. The most common parasites were strongyles (Strongylidae). In the first year of study in dynamics of strongyles eggs output of horses kept on paddocks two peaks were observed: in May (450 EPG) and January (427 EPG), in comparison with horses under pasture system where the highest level of strongyles eggs output were in May (832 EPG), from August (420 EPG) to October (385 EPG) and in March (482 EPG). In the second year of study seasonal mean prevalence (from April to October) as well as EPG were higher in horses under pasture system (73.9% and 781 EPG) than in horses on paddocks with grass (42.1% and 251 EPG) and horses on paddocks without grass (19.2% and 157 EPG).     

Prevalence of important zoonotic parasites in dog populations from the Slovak Republic

Summary Dogs serve as the vectors of serious parasitic diseases with a zoonotic character. In a one-year-study, we collected and examined 752 faeces of dogs. In these faecal samples, 11 different species of intestinal endoparasites were detected, as follows: Toxocara spp. eggs (21.9 %), eggs from the family Ancylostomatidae (18.4 %), coccidia oocysts (10.4 %), eggs of Trichuris spp. (10.0 %), Toxascaris leonina (7.3 %), Capillaria spp. (5.9 %), Taenia type eggs (3.2 %) and Giardia spp. cysts (1.6 %). Echinococcus multilocularis was detected in one sample. Toxocara spp. eggs were dominant in all dog categories, but in hunting dogs they occurred at the highest rate (45.1 %). Faecal samples of dogs from rural ecosystems showed 66.0 % prevalence of intestinal helminths. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was found in 25.0 % of sand samples.     

Parasitic infections of the European brown hare (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepus europaeus</Emphasis> Pallas, 1778) in south -western Slovakia

A total of 74 European brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778), hunted during the winter seasons of 2006 and 2007, were examined by dissection for the presence of helminths and coprologically for protozoa. The animals came from five districts with a high population density of this species. Our results revealed 54.5 % of specimens being infected with one or more helminth species and a high prevalence of eimeriid coccidia (91.89 %). The most prevalent helminth species was Trichuris leporis (55.41 %). Lower prevalence was found for Passalurus ambiguus (12.16 %) and Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (6.76 %). The intensity of infection was low for all parasite species. As for coccidia, Eimeria semisculpta (74.35 %) and E. leporis (61.54%) were recorded in all districts. Other coccidia showed lower prevalence rates: E. robertsoni (15.38 %), E. europaea (12.82 %), E. babatica (12.82 %), E. hungarica (5.13 %) and E. towsendi (2.56 %), occurring only in some districts. The highest infection rate was observed in E. semisculpta, 7657.8 oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG). The potential effect of protozoan infection on hare mortality is discussed.     

Nematode infections in Slovak children hospitalised during 2008–2009

A study involved 1800 hospitalised children (age: 9 months to 16 years) examined by ovoscopic analyses and confirmed the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in 46 patients (2.55 %). Of these, 30 patients had Ascaris infection, 13 were positive for both nematodes and 3 patients had Trichuris infection. The mean count of A. lumbricoides eggs in positive cases was 1050 eggs per gramme (EPG) in range 150–4450 EPG. The mean count of T. trichiura eggs was 150 EPG (50–250 EPG). The highest intensities of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections occurred in children 3–5 years of age living in poor hygienic conditions. Most common clinical conditions in all the patients included anaemia combined with complicated bronchopneumonia, colitis and gastritis. The strongest correlation between the parasite burden and selected laboratory test data (eosinophil count, haemoglobin, total serum iron) was found in children of 2 years of age (P < 0.05) and decreased with age.     

The influence of different management systems on the infection level of some gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in southern Poland

On the basis of the fecal egg counts, larval cultures and necropsies the infection of coccidia, tapeworms and gastrointestinal nematodes in dams and lambs under extensive and intensive management systems were estimated. During 1994 and 1995 total of 1740 coproscopic analyses were done. It was state, that in extensive farms the prevalence and EPG of gastrointestinal nematodes was higher in comparison with intensive management system (38.2-86% and 13.9-71.9% and 105-355 EPG and 33-131 EPG respectively). Similarly prevalence of tapeworms 0-18.2% and 1.3-8.3% respectively. Prevalence and intensity of coccidia was lower in extensive farms (20-78,5% and 83-482 OPG) comparing with intensive management system (38.2-88% and 139-2846 OPG). Predominant nematode species in both management systems were those from genes Haemonchus, Teladorsagia, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia and Nematodirus. One species--Nematodirus battus was found new for Poland.     

广西贵港市2 175例华支睾吸虫病住院病例分析

目的 了解广西贵港市华支睾吸虫病住院病例流行病学分布特点，为控制该病流行提供参考。 方法 1985-2007年采集每例患者新鲜粪便30～50 g, 用水洗自然沉淀集卵法检查虫卵确诊。在虫卵阳性者中随机抽取61例，用Stoll法计数克粪虫卵数（EPG）, 划分感染度。EPG≤500为轻度感染，501～5 000为中度感染，＞5 000为重度感染。 结果 确诊华支睾吸虫病患者2 175例, 其中有合并症者1 244例占57.2%。中、重度感染占55.7%(34/61)。EPG平均为3 055。农村1 430例，其中890例(占62.2%)分布在23乡(镇)(主要在三里镇、石卡镇)及1个农场[占总乡(镇)和农场数的80%(24/30)]。患者年龄为3～76岁，其中以20～49岁青壮年为主。男女比例为3.6 ∶ 1, 农民990例占45.5%, 壮族1 308例占60.1%。患者就医人数各阶段年度构成比呈逐渐上升趋势。有明确食鱼生史者1 435例占66.0%。 结论 贵港市华支睾吸虫病流行广泛，就医人数年度构成比呈上升趋势。     

洞庭湖渔民血吸虫感染情况及化疗效果分析

目的　调查洞庭湖渔民感染血吸虫的严重程度,评估其化疗防治效果。　方法　 2 0 0 1年11月选择湖南省岳阳县麓角镇洞庭湖水上作业渔民,询问血吸虫感染与化疗史。用改良加藤法检查虫卵和毛蚴孵化法检查毛蚴,酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)和间接血凝试验(IHA)检测抗可溶性虫卵抗原(SjSEA)的抗体,B超检查肝/脾病变程度。人群顿服吡喹酮40mg/kg,一个感染季节过后复查。用SPSS软件进行分析。 　结果　①询问调查渔民268人,“经常”或“间常”接触疫水的人数占907%;近5年每年平均化疗人数占240%,从未化疗者占394%;②粪检阳性率为681%(111/163),克粪虫卵数(EPG)为4877,男性均显著高于女性。 11～20岁阳性率最高(83 3 %),“经常”或“间常”接触疫水与从未化疗的两种人群阳性率分别为 763 %(106/139)和797%(51/64);③IHA检测阳性率为880%,ELISA检测阳性率为787%,均明显高于粪检阳性率;④肝/脾受损率为774%(82/10 6),其中,肝实质呈Ⅱ～Ⅲ级纤维化病变者占377%,肝肿率为585%,脾肿率为198%;⑤多次化疗人群感染率和EPG显著低于从未化疗人群;⑥复查结果表明,化疗人群粪检阳性率(354%)和EPG(3613)较未化疗人群(565%和684     

Morphological diversity of Trichuris spp. eggs observed during an anthelminthic drug trial in Yunnan,China, and relative performance of parasitologic diagnostic tools

The presence of large Trichuris spp. eggs in human faecal samples is occasionally reported. Such eggs have been described as variant Trichuris trichiura or Trichuris vulpis eggs. Within the frame of a randomised controlled trial, faecal samples collected from 115 Bulang individuals from Yunnan, People's Republic of China were subjected to the Kato–Katz technique (fresh stool samples) and the FLOTAC and ether-concentration techniques (sodium acetate–acetic acid–formalin (SAF)-fixed stool samples). Large Trichuris spp. eggs were noted in faecal samples with a prevalence of 6.1% before and 21.7% after anthelminthic drug administration. The observed prevalence of standard-sized T. trichiura eggs was reduced from 93.0% to 87.0% after treatment. Considerably more cases of large Trichuris spp. eggs and slightly more cases with normal-sized T. trichiura eggs were identified by FLOTAC compared to the ether-concentration technique. No large Trichuris spp. eggs were observed on the Kato–Katz thick smears.     

Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium and soil-transmitted helminth infections among school children in Loum, Cameroon

Prevalence and abundance of Schistosoma haematobium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) were assessed among a total of 1600 pupils (urine, n = 1190; faecal samples, n = 1454) attending five schools in Loum, Littoral Province, Cameroon, with the specific aim of assessing the extent of polyparasitism and the extent to which infections were focused in particular subsets of the study group. Prevalence of S. haematobium was 62.8% with an abundance (arithmetic mean of egg counts) of 54 eggs/10 ml urine. For the STH these were 47.7% and 619 eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) for Trichuris trichiura, 65.5% and 3636 EPG for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 1.4% and <0.1 EPG for hookworms. Most children (90.3%) were infected with at least one of these four species, the largest proportion (34.3%) carrying two species; 27.4% carried three and 1.1% carried concurrently all four species of parasites. The average number of species harboured increased with age, as did the prevalences of S. haematobium and T. trichiura but not that of A. lumbricoides. All STH showed marked differences in prevalence between the five schools but only T. trichiura varied significantly between sexes. Mean abundance of infection varied significantly between age classes, among schools and between the sexes, with females showing heavier mean EPGs for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura and males higher mean eggs/10 ml urine for S. haematobium infections. A highly significant association was detected between A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura, that was not context-dependent. This was confirmed in quantitative analyses after controlling for differences in abundance between schools, sexes and age classes. A weaker context-dependent association (prevalence data) was detected between S. haematobium and A. lumbricoides (sex- and age-dependent) but quantitative associations between these two species, as well as between S. haematobium and T. trichiura, were not convincing.     

广西人体华支睾吸虫感染现状调查分析

目的了解广西人群华支睾吸虫病流行现状和态势。方法按流行程度和水系流域进行分层整群随机抽样。用改良加藤厚涂片法粪检虫卵并计数。结果调查了9个县(市)27个点13990人,华支睾吸虫平均感染率为9.76%,平均EPG为1083,有6个县(市)查出感染者,其中3个县感染率超过20%。男性平均感染率和EPG分别为13.09%和1320;女性分别为5.89%和658,差异均有显著性。各年龄组人群均有感染,以成人感染为重。蒙古族居民感染率最高,为16.67%;汉族感染率为11.56%,高于壮族的8.17%;壮族感染者EPG最高,为1470。职业分布以医生、教师、农民和行政干部感染为重。结论1989年以来广西华支睾吸虫感染率显著上升,疫情快速蔓延,已经成为一个严重的公共卫生问题,应积极开展综合性防治工作。     

Contamination of the soil by eggs of geohelminths in rural areas of Lodz district (Poland)

Contamination of soil with helminth eggs in the samples of fields, kitchen gardens, yards and composts in rural areas of Lodz district (Poland) was investigated. In this study, helminth eggs were found in 60–100 % of field samples, in 20–100 % of yards samples, in 0–20 % of kitchen gardens samples and in 10–100 % of composts. The highest average density of helminth eggs in 100 g of soil was detected in composts (44.0), then fields (28.5) and yards (18.0). In samples taken from kitchen gardens the average density of eggs was 0.4/100/g of soil. The comparison of frequency of positive samples from fields, kitchen gardens and yards did not exhibit significant difference (p > 0.05). The soil samples of fields contained mainly eggs of Ascaris spp. (87.7 %), less frequently Toxocara spp. (7.7 %) and Trichuris spp. (3.5 %). In samples from yards among detected eggs the most often were Toxocara spp. (73.9 %), and there were statistically significant differences in comparison with fields (7.7 %) and composts (0.3 %). The highest prevalence of eggs with moving larva was noted in yards (25.6 %), which differ statistically significantly from analogous value for fields (p < 0.05) and composts (p < 0.0001).     

Baylisascaris procyonis (Nematoda: Ascaridae) in raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Orange County,California

Baylisascaris procyonis is one of the common nematodes of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), being well recognized as a cause of visceral, ocular, and neural larval migrans in many species of wild and domestic birds and mammals, including humana. Between January 15 and December 31, 2000 in Orange County, CA, 640 raccoons (P. lotor) were live-trapped in four spatial distributions zones, and B. procyonis egg shedding prevalence and fecal egg per gram (EPG) counts were determined in relation to spatial distribution zones, season of the year, age, and sex. Egg shedding prevalence rates were not statistically different between zones, but the EPG count in the primarily residential Zone D differed significantly from other zones. Egg shedding prevalence and EPG counts exhibited a significant rise in the fall and decline in the winter and were significantly higher in juvenile and male raccoons than in adult and female raccoons. The overall fecal egg shedding prevalence was 72.0 +/- 1.8% (461/640), and the overall EPG count was 27,982 +/- 1,006.     

2006–2018年镇江市土源性线虫病监测结果分析

目的　了解2006–2018年镇江市土源性线虫病流行动态,为制定有针对性的防治措施提供依据。方法　2006–2018年以镇江市辖区内≥ 3周岁的常住居民及在本地居住满1年以上的外来人口作为监测对象,采集其粪便样本,采用改良加藤厚涂片法（1粪3检）检测粪便中土源性线虫虫卵,12周岁及以下儿童加做透明胶纸肛拭法以检测蛲虫;计算各年各虫种感染率和感染度,并收集该期间内全市土源性线虫病驱虫服药数据。结果　2006–2018年全市累计粪检202 880人·次,共检出土源线虫感染者946例,平均感染率为0.47%;人群总感染率从2006年的1.10%降至2018年的0.11%,总体呈下降趋势（P < 0.01）;各市（区）总感染率存在差异（P < 0.01）,以润州区最高（1.65%）,新区最低（0.04%）。全市人群蛔虫、钩虫、鞭虫平均感染率分别为0.33%、0.09%和0.04%,且呈逐年下降趋势（P 均< 0.01）;感染均以轻度为主。2006–2018年全市累计检查45 427名儿童,共检出蛲虫感染者145例,平均感染率为0.32%;儿童蛲虫感染率从2006年的1.33%降至2018年的0.22%,总体呈下降趋势(P < 0.01)。土源性线虫感染者以单虫种感染（97.46%）为主,两虫混合感染主要集中在2007年前。2006–2018年全市累计驱虫服药535 089人·次,人群不良反应出现率为0.002%。结论　目前镇江市人群土源性线虫病已处于低流行状态,感染率总体呈逐年下降趋势。后续应进一步加强土源性线虫病监测和健康教育,以巩固防治成果。     

江西省人群蛔虫感染的现状

１９８８—１９８９年对我省６个片区，２３个县、市中的１００个调查点５２０４２人进行了粪检，蛔虫总感染率为７１．２％。男、女感染率分别为６９％（１８０７０／２６１８８）和７３．４％（１８９７７／２５８５４）。经χ２检验，两者间差别具有显著意义（χ２＝１２２．７７３３，Ｐ＜０．０１）。５岁以下年龄组感染率为６２．６％，虫卵计数，ＥＰＧ随年龄增长有明显下降趋势。８０％的抽查县的人群蛔虫感染率＞６０％，属重流行区。但根据虫卵计数，６８．９％的蛔虫感染者属轻度。     

Seasonal prevalence of parasitic infection of yaks in Arunachal Pradesh,India

ObjectiveTo investigate seasonal prevalence of parasitic infection of yak in two yak rearing districts (West Kameng and Tawang) of Arunachal Pradesh, India.MethodsStudy was based on identification of parasitic ova/oocysts through coproscopy and isolation and identification of organisms on necropsy. During the period under report a total of 895 faecal samples were collected and samples were examined both by floatation and sedimentation techniques.ResultsOut of 895 sample faecal samples, 5.47% samples were positive for protozoa and helminth infections. Infection was the highest during spring followed by rainy, autumn and winter seasons. The highest prevalence was of Strongyle (51.02%) followed by Eimeria (34.69%), Trichuris globulosa (14.28%), Strongyloides (10.20%), Dicrocoelium and Mammomonogamus laryngeus (8.16% each) amphistome and Toxocara vitulorum (6.12% each) and Fasciola gigantica (4.08%). On necropsy unilocular cysts of Echinococcus granulosus and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica were isolated and identified.ConclusionAnalysis of data revealed that, infection was more in unorganised herd compared to organised herd. In this communication report of Mammomonogamus laryngeus seems to be the first report from India.     

Occurrence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strongyloides papillosus</Emphasis> associated with extensive pulmonary lesions and sudden deaths in calves on a beef farm in a highland area of South Bohemia (Czech Republic)

Summary Prevalence and intensities of excretion of Strongyloides papillosus eggs were determined in a highland area of South Bohemia (Czech Republic) in cattle of beef herds under three types of management systems (pasture, semipasture, cowshed during winter season). Strongyloides papillosus infection was found on 6 of 9 examined farms and from the 1902 fecal samples, 4.3 % were positive. Eggs excretion intensities were generally low. The high prevalence (57 %) and high intensities of excretion (more than 5.000 EPG) were found on one cowshed farm associated with 25 % mortality of calves without previous clinical signs was observed. Pulmonary pathological changes caused by migration of larvae were histologically characterized as suppurative granulomatous inflammation with young connective tissue and predominance of eosinophils in inflammatory infiltrates. The cause of death of calves was determined as the sudden death syndrome.     

Prevalence,intensity of infection and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis in preschool and school aged children in Guma Local Government Area,Nigeria

Objective:To determine the prevalence and intensity of infection and the risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis in pre—school and school aged children in Cuma Local Government Area of Benue State,Nigeria.Methods:Urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters was employed to process urine specimens and to determine presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine.Questionnaires were also administered to children to collect information on socio-demographic data and water-contact activities.Results:An overall prevalence of 55.0%(165/300)was recorded out of the 300 urine samples examined.Prevalence of infection varied between 36.0%-64.0%with a significant difference(X~2=11.59,P=0.041)between the different communities visited.Males were more infected(60.6%,103/170)than females(47.7%,62/130)with a significant difference(X~2=4.95,P=0.026).The age-related prevalence showed higher prevalence(70.5%,36/52)in the 11-15 year old children than that in the 1-5 year old ones(44.9%,53/118).A significant difference was observed in the prevalence between the age groups(X~2=10.56,P=0.014).The prevalence of light intensity of infection(1-49 eggs/10 mL of urine)(86.6%)was significantly higher than that of heavy intensity of infection(5=50 eggs/10 mL of urine)(13.3%)in the area(t=16.48,P=0.000).Water contact activities of the children revealed that children that were involved in irrigation and those that went swimming in water bodies were observed to be at higher risk of becoming infected with urinary schistosomiasis in the area with odd ratios(risk factors)of 2.756(1.334-5.693)and 2.366(1.131-4.948)respectively at P0.05 level.Conclusions:The study revealed the hyperendemicily of urinary schistosomiasis in the preschool and school aged children in Guma Local Government Area.It is therefore recommended that praziquantel should be administered to children in the area and systematic epidemiological studies should be undertaken in the whole Local Government Area and the State at large to discover new foci of infection.     

江西农村社区蛔虫感染动态一年纵向研究

目的 :了解未加控制措施干预下农村社区蛔虫感染与传播动态。方法 :由 6次横断面调查组成的一年纵向研究。结果 :当地人群感染率常年稳定在 60 %以上 ,但年内社区感染率与感染度 ( EPG)有显著性波动。年龄分层分析进一步表明 ,感染的波动仅在部分儿童具显著性 ,而在几乎所有成人组波动不具显著性。蛔虫在土壤内的发育率变化与年内月平均温度的变化相一致。结论 :该地蛔虫感染呈相对稳定的地方性传播但存在明显季节波动 ,此种波动与季节对土壤中虫卵发育的影响有关 ,儿童是构成社区蛔虫感染波动的主要人群。     

Reinfection with Schistosoma haematobium following school-based chemotherapy with praziquantel in four highly endemic villages in Côte d'Ivoire

We present the comparative evaluation of school‐based chemotherapy with praziquantel on Schistosoma haematobium reinfection patterns, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after systematic treatment of schoolchildren in four villages of south‐central Côte d’Ivoire. At baseline, very high S. haematobium infection prevalences of 88–94% were found in Taabo Village, located adjacent to a large man‐made lake, and in Batera and Bodo, where small dams were constructed. In Assinzé, a village with no man‐made environmental alterations, the baseline infection prevalence was significantly lower (67%). The parasitological cure rate, assessed 4 weeks after praziquantel administration in the village with the highest prevalence and intensity of infection, was high (82%), and showed a clear association with infection intensity prior to treatment. Six months after chemotherapy, significant reductions in the prevalence and intensity of infection were observed in all villages. However, infection prevalence was again high in Taabo Village (63%) and in Batera (49%). Different patterns of reinfection occurred in the four villages: rapid reinfection in Taabo Village to reach almost baseline infection prevalence 12 months post‐treatment; slow but gradual increase in the prevalence and intensity of infection in Bodo; marked increase in prevalence and intensity of infection during the second year of the follow‐up in Assinzé; and prevalence and intensity of infection that remained almost constant between 6 and 24 months post‐treatment in Batera. Our study confirms that S. haematobium reinfection patterns largely depend on the local epidemiological setting, which is of central importance to tailoring treatment strategies that are well adapted to these different settings.