Ectoparasites of goats in three agroecologies in central Oromia, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for ectoparasites infestation in 979 goats in three agroecologies in central Oromia, Ethiopia from October 2009 through April 2010. The results of the study showed that of the total goats examined 487 (49.7 %) of them were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The ectoparasites identified were (16.5 %) Linognathus spp., 8.8 % Sarcoptes, 5 % Ctenocephalides spp. 11.8 % Amblyomma variegatum, 5.9 % Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, 4.3 % Rhipicephalus pravus, 1.6 % Boophilus decoloratus, 1.8 % Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 1.3 % Rhipicephalus praetextatus, and 0.4 % Hyalomma truncatum. Statistically significant (OR?=?0.477, p?=?0.000) difference was observed in prevalence of Linognathus stenopsis among highland, lowland and midland. Significantly higher prevalence of tick infestation in the lowland than both the midland and highland agroecology was recorded. The risk of tick infestations in lowland and midland was 2.841 and 5.635 times, respectively, higher than in highlands. Age-related variation was not observed in the prevalence of both Linognathus and tick infestations in examined goats. Significantly (OR?=?7.864, p?=?0.000) higher prevalence of sarcoptic mange in the lowland than the midland was observed. Goats in lowland were 7.864 times at higher risk for sarcoptic mange than those in the midlands. Sex-related variation in the prevalence of ectoparasites was never recorded in goats. Significantly higher prevalence of sarcoptic mange (OR?=?0.266, p?=?0.000) and Ctenocephalides spp. (OR?=?2.430, p?=?0.005) on young than adult goats was recorded. The logistic regression results showed statistically significant difference in prevalence of tick infestations (OR?=?0.565, p?=?0.000) and sarcoptic mange (OR?=?0.582, p?=?0.003) between goats with poor and good body condition. Further studies on role of ectoparasites in transmission of diseases to goats, comparative prevalence and load, and the importance of goats as alternative hosts in different agroecology and management systems in Ethiopia are recommended so as to design applicable control program in the country. Furthermore, the threat of ectoparasites on overall productivity of goats and the tanning industry warrants detail studies and urgent control intervention.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Demodex caprae based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequence

Demodex caprae infests the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of goats worldwide, which not only seriously impairs goat farming, but also causes a big economic loss. However, there are few reports on the DNA level of D. caprae. To reveal the taxonomic position of D. caprae within the genus Demodex, the present study conducted phylogenetic analysis of D. caprae based on mt16S rDNA sequence data. D. caprae adults and eggs were obtained from a skin nodule of the goat suffering demodicidosis. The mt16S rDNA sequences of individual mite were amplified using specific primers, and then cloned, sequenced, and aligned. The sequence divergence, genetic distance, and transition/transversion rate were computed, and the phylogenetic trees in Demodex were reconstructed. Results revealed the 339-bp partial sequences of six D. caprae isolates were obtained, and the sequence identity was 100 % among isolates. The pairwise divergences between D. caprae and Demodex canis or Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis were 22.2–24.0 %, 24.0–24.9 %, and 22.9–23.2 %, respectively. The corresponding average genetic distances were 2.840, 2.926, and 2.665, and the average transition/transversion rates were 0.70, 0.55, and 0.54, respectively. The divergences, genetic distances, and transition/transversion rates of D. caprae versus the other three species all reached interspecies level. The five phylogenetic trees all presented that D. caprae clustered with D. brevis first, and then with D. canis, D. folliculorum, and Demodex injai in sequence. In conclusion, D. caprae is an independent species, and it is closer to D. brevis than to D. canis, D. folliculorum, or D. injai.     

Molecular identification of Theileria and Babesia in sheep and goats in the Black Sea Region in Turkey

This study was carried out to investigate presence and distribution of Theileria and Babesia species via microscopic examination and reverse line blotting (RLB) techniques in sheep and goats in the Black Sea region of Turkey. For this purpose, 1,128 blood samples (869 sheep and 259 goats) were collected by active surveillance from sheep and goats in different provinces of various cities in the region in the years 2010 and 2011. Smears were prepared from the blood samples, stained with Giemsa, and examined under the light microscope for Theileria and Babesia piroplasms. The genomic DNAs were extracted from blood samples. The length of 360–430-bp fragment in the variable V4 region of 18S SSU rRNA gene of Theileria and Babesia species was amplified using the gDNAs. The polymerase chain reaction products were hybridized to the membrane-connected species-specific probes. A total of 38 animals (3.37 %) including 34 sheep (3.91 %) and 4 goats (1.54 %) were found to be positive for Theileria spp. piroplasms in microscopic examination of smears while Babesia spp. piroplasm could not detected. Infection rates were 34.64 % in sheep, 10.04 % in goats, and totally 28.99 % for Theileria ovis while 0.58 % in sheep and totally 0.44 % for Babesia ovis. However, Theileria sp. OT3 was detected in 2.65 % of sheep and 2.04 % of all animals; besides Theileria sp., MK had 0.58 % prevalence in sheep and 0.77 % in goats, with a total 0.62 % with RLB. Although T. ovis and Theileria sp. MK were determined in both sheep and goats, B. ovis and Theileria sp. OT3 were observed only in the sheep. These results provide the first detailed molecular data for sheep and goat theileriosis and babesiosis in the region.     

Ectoparasitic insects and mites on Yunnan red-backed voles (Eothenomys miletus) from a localized area in southwest China

Ectoparasitic insects and mites on Yunnan red-backed voles (Eothenomys miletus) in Dali prefecture, Yunnan Province, southwest China, were studied between 2003 and 2004. In total, 34,389 individuals of 86 species of ectoparasitic insects (seven species of fleas and five species of sucking lice) and mites (23 species of gamasid mites and 51 species of chigger mites) were collected from 916 individual hosts. The diversity of ectoparasites on this single rodent species in such a small area was much higher than in previous reports, which concerned more host species and greater geographical areas. The majority of the ectoparasites were chigger mites, which accounted for 59.3 % of the parasite species and 87.4 % of the individual parasites. Most voles harbored parasites with an overall prevalence (P) of 82.5 % and mean abundance (MA) of 37.5 parasites per host. The dispersion coefficient (C) and patchiness index (m*/m) were used to study the spatial patterns of the seven dominant parasite species, and all seven had aggregated distributions. The species abundance distribution of the ectoparasites on the vole was fitted by Preston’s lognormal distribution (R ²?=?0.82), and the total expected parasite species was estimated from this plot as 167 species. Yunnan red-backed voles harbor many ectoparasites as revealed by examination of a large host population. Future field investigations should sample large numbers of host individuals to assess ectoparasite populations.     

Staphylococcus caprae bone and joint infections: a re-emerging infection?

Staphylococcus caprae has been recently classified as a human pathogen, but the incidence of S. caprae in human bone and joint infections (BJIs) is under-reported. In this study, we report 25 cases of S. caprae BJI, and we review the 31 cases published in the literature. Molecular techniques and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry improved the identification of clinically relevant S. caprae strains. In this study, 96% of S. caprae BJIs were localized to the lower limbs, and 88% of the cases involved orthopaedic device infections. S. caprae joint prosthesis infections (JPIs), internal osteosynthesis device infections (I-ODIs) and BJIs without orthopaedic device infections were recorded in 60%, 28% and 12% of cases, respectively. Ten (40%) S. caprae BJIs were polymicrobial infections. These infections were associated with past histories of malignancy (p 0.024). Of the 14 bacterial species related to S. caprae BJI, 57% were staphylococci. I-ODIs were significantly associated with polymicrobial infections (p 0.0068), unlike JPIs, which were monomicrobial infections (p 0.0344). Treatment with rifampicin and fluoroquinolone was recorded in 40% of cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 76% of cases, e.g. prosthesis removal (36%), osteosynthesis device removal (24%), and surgical debridement (16%). Thirty per cent of cases were not treated. Relapses were observed mainly in the patients treated by surgical debridement only (p 0.033). In summary, S. caprae BJI is an underestimated hospital-acquired emerging infection. S. caprae BJI is correlated with infections in orthopaedic devices, which must be removed to control the infection.     

In vitro pediculicidal activity of herbal shampoo base on Thai local plants against head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer)

Head lice infestation, a worldwide head infestation caused Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, is an important public health problem in Thailand. Several chemical pediculicides have lost in efficacy due to increasing resistance of lice against insecticide. Therefore, non-toxic alternative products, such as natural products from plants, e.g. plant extract pediculicides, are needed for head lice control. The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential of pediculicidal activity of herbal shampoo base on three species of Thai local plants (Accacia concinna (Willd.) DC, Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. and Tamarindus indica Linn.) against head lice and to compare them with carbaryl shampoo (Hafif shampoo®; 0.6 % w/v carbaryl) and non-treatment control in order to assess their in vitro. Doses of 0.12 and 0.25 ml/cm² of each herbal shampoo were applied to filter paper, and ten head lice were place on the filter paper. The mortalities of head lice on the filter paper were recorded at 1, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min by sterio-microscope. All herbal shampoos at 0.25 ml/cm² were more effective pediculicide than carbaryl shampoo with 100 % mortality at 5 min. The median lethal time (LT₅₀) of all herbal shampoos at 0.25 ml/cm² showed no significant differences over at 0.12 ml/cm² (P?<?0.01). The most effective pediculicide was T. indica extract shampoo, followed by Av. bilimbi extract shampoo and Ac. concinna extract shampoo, with LT₅₀ values <1.0 min. Our data showed that all herbal shampoos have high potential of pediculicide to head lice treatments for schoolchildren.     

Efficacy of herbal shampoo base on native plant against head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer,Pediculidae: Phthiraptera) in vitro and in vivo in Thailand

Head lice infestation (or pediculosis) is an important public health problem in Thailand, especially in children between the ages 5 and 11 years. Head lice resistance is increasing, chemical pediculicides have lost their efficacy, and, therefore, alternative pediculicides such as herbal shampoos have been proposed to treat head lice infestation. Thus, the present study investigated the efficacy of three herbal shampoos based on native plants in Thailand (Acorus calamus Linn., Phyllanthus emblica Linn., and Zanthoxylum limonella Alston) against head lice and compared them with carbaryl shampoo (Hafif shampoo®, 0.6 %?w/v carbaryl), malathion shampoo (A-Lice shampoo®, 1.0 %?w/v malathion), and commercial shampoos (Babi Mild Natural’ N Mild® and Johnson’s baby shampoo®) in order to assess their in vitro and in vivo efficacy. For in vitro study, doses of 0.12 and 0.25 ml/cm² of each herbal shampoo were applied to filter paper, then 10 head lice were place on the filter paper. The mortalities of head lice were recorded at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min. The results revealed that all herbal shampoo were more effective on pediculicidal activity than chemical and commercial shampoos with 100 % mortality at 15 min; LT₅₀ values ranged from 0.25 to 1.90 min. Meanwhile, chemical shampoos caused 20–80 % mortality, and LT₅₀ values ranged from 6.50 to 85.43 min. On the other side, commercial shampoos showed 4.0 % mortality. The most effective pediculicide was Z. limonella shampoo, followed by A. calamus shampoo, P. emblica shampoo, carbaryl shampoo, malathion shampoo, and commercial shampoo, respectively. In vivo results showed that all herbal shampoos were also more effective for head lice treatment than chemical and commercial shampoos with 94.67–97.68 % of cure rate after the first treatment; the second treatment, 7 days later, revealed that the cure rate was 100 %. Meanwhile, chemical shampoo showed 71.67–93.0 % of cure rate and, unfortunately, commercial shampoos were nontoxic to head lice and showed 0 % of cure rate after the first and the second treatments. Our data showed that three herbal shampoos of native plants in Thailand in this study are suitable to be used as pediculicides for Thai children since it is safe for children and there is no side-effect after application.     

Prevalence of Linguatula serrata in lymph nodes of small ruminants: case from Iran

This survey was carried out on prevalence rates of Linguatula serrata in small ruminants in Hamedan, Iran during September till March 2011. The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), livers, and lungs of 75 goats (2 females and 73 males) and 225 sheeps (19 females and 206 males) were examined for L. serrata nymphs. Animals were categorized into three age groups, i.e., under 12 months, 12–24 months, and over 2 years. The results showed that 30.6 % of goats and 10.2 % of sheeps were infected with L. serrata nymphs. The infection in females was significantly higher than that of males (p?<?0.05). Age had no significant effect on the prevalence of the parasite. The results revealed the urgency of a more thorough investigation of MLNs and lung lymph nodes’ inspection in small ruminants of the region.     

Intramuscular and subcutaneous coenurosis in goats and sheep in south-east Iran

A 1-year study was conducted in a Kerman slaughterhouse over four seasons between 2009 and 2010. In this study, 66,114 slaughtered sheep and 47,805 slaughtered goats were carefully inspected for the presence of intramuscular or subcutaneous coenurosis cysts. Additionally, the skull of infected animals was also inspected for the presence of brain cysts. Suspected samples were transported in formalin to the food hygiene controlling lab. For each sample, characteristics of the coenurosis cyst such as number, size and scolex were determined. According to the results, 36 (0.03 %) carcasses were infected, 32 goats (0.07 %) and four sheep (0.01 %). There was a significant difference in size (length and width) of the cyst and number of scolex between goats and sheep (p?<?0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence rate of infected animals according to age and season (p?>?0.05). This is the first report of non-cerebral coenurosis in sheep in Iran.     

Serological survey of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in cats,goats, and sheep in Kerman,Iran

The present study was carried out to determine, the presence of antibodies to toxoplasmosis in cats as reservoirs and in sheep and goats as meat sources in this area. Serum samples from 108 stray cats, 114 goats, and 90 sheep were tested for antibody to Toxoplasma gondii by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies were found in 2.7 % of cats, 1.7 % of goats, and 3.3 % of sheep, at a dilution of ≥1:16 and more. T. gondii was isolated by bioassay in mice in two (66.6 %) of three brain samples, of IFAT-positive cats. There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of antibodies based on the gender of the cats, goats, and sheep (p?>?0.05). In conclusion, the study revealed that cats can be significant reservoirs for the spread of the disease in this region.     

Anthelmintic effect of heather in goats experimentally infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis

The effects of heather (composed primarily of Calluna vulgaris with a smaller content of Erica umbellata and Erica cinerea) consumption on the establishment of incoming infective larvae (experiment 1, preventive treatment) and an adult worm population (experiment 2, curative treatment) were investigated in Cashmere goats experimentally infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis. In experiment 1, 12 castrated male goats were divided into two groups: heather-supplemented vs. non-supplemented animals. After 2 weeks of adaptation to the diet, all goats were experimentally infected per os with 6,000 T. colubriformis third-stage larvae. Three weeks post-infection, the goats were slaughtered, and worm counts as well as female worm fecundity and development were determined. Heather consumption was associated with a close to significant (P?=?0.092) reduction (mean 14 %) in larvae establishment. No effect on fecundity was observed, but the length of female worms in supplemented goats was greater (P?<?0.001). In experiment 2, 15 non-lactating does were experimentally infected with 6,000?T. colubriformis third-stage larvae. At 6 weeks post-infection, three groups were established: control, heather-supplemented and heather-supplemented with polyethylene glycol. Individual faecal nematode egg output was measured twice weekly to assess gastrointestinal nematode egg excretion. The goats were slaughtered 5 weeks after heather administration (11 weeks post-infection), and worm counts as well as female worm fecundity and development were subsequently determined. Heather administration was associated with a significant (P?<?0.001) decrease (between 47 and 66 % compared with control group) in egg excretion from 45 to 76 days post-infection. Although worm counts and female fecundity were lower in supplemented goats, no significant differences were observed. Overall, the results showed a reduction in T. colubriformis larvae establishment and a decrease in nematode egg excretion when heather was administered in experimentally infected goats. The heather plus polyethylene glycol treatment reduced nematode egg excretion levels at the same proportion as heather, thereby suggesting that the threshold of tannins required for an anthelmintic effect is most likely quite low.     

Community of arthropod ectoparasites of two species of Turdus Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

This study was aimed at describing the community of arthropod ectoparasites associated with sympatric populations of Turdus amaurochalinus and Turdus rufiventris and analyzing the aggregation patterns of the chewing lice species, during reproductive and nonreproductive periods, of both Turdus species in three areas of the Atlantic forest in southern Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), Brazil. Altogether, we captured 36 specimens of T. amaurochalinus and 53 specimens of T. rufiventris. We identified two families of chewing lice, Menoponidae and Philopteridae, with Myrsidea and Brueelia as the most prevalent and abundant on both host birds. The lowest aggregation levels of chewing lice Myrsidea and Brueelia occurred during the reproductive period of both host species, suggesting a reproductive synchronization and a dispersion period. The most prevalent feather mite on T. amaurochalinus was Proctophyllodes weigoldi, and on T. rufiventris, Trouessartia serrana. Analges sp. and Pteronyssoides sp. were not observed on T. rufiventris. We identified three species of ticks; Ixodes auritulus was the most prevalent and abundant on the birds. Ornithoica vicina was the only hippoboscid fly collected, and only on T. amaurochalinus. The richness of ectoparasites was greater on T. amaurochalinus than on T. rufiventris. For T. amaurochalinus, the mean richness was lesser in winter compared to spring and autumn; however, we observed no variation in the mean richness of ectoparasites for T. rufiventris during the same seasons.     

Livestock trypanosomosis in Uganda: parasite heterogeneity and anaemia status of naturally infected cattle, goats and pigs

The prevalence and pathogenic effects of trypanosomosis were determined in cattle, goats and pigs reared in Kasese, Jinja and Rakai districts, Uganda; presence of trypanosomes was detected by buffy coat technique (BCT). The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle was 7.6 % (144/1,891), 0.7 % in goats (4/573) and 2.3 % in pigs (9/386). Internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of ribosomal DNA polymerase chain reaction was utilised to identify trypanosomes to species level and revealed infections in 108 of the 144 trypanosome-positive cattle while all infected goats and pigs gave amplicons. Trypanosoma vivax was the most prevalent trypanosome species in cattle in single and mixed infections compared to infections involving Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei; in pigs, eight were mixed infections with one single T. vivax infection. No predominant trypanosome species was detected in goats. Anaemia, the main trypanosomosis pathological feature, was investigated by determining packed cell volume (PCV). Mean PCV values by t test in infected individuals were significantly lower than non-infected individuals (P?<?0.05) for all animal species. However, the proportion of anaemic animals was not significantly different in infected and non-infected individuals. In addition, the percent of infected animals by Fisher’s exact test depended on district of origin and species but not sex. These findings show that trypanosomosis is a major cause of anaemia in livestock in endemic areas. Cattle were the major animal species affected by trypanosomosis; similar genotypes of trypanosomes were detected in the three animal species. BCT was more effective than ITS1 rDNA detecting trypanosomes in naturally infected cattle.     

Relationship of faecal egg count with packed cell volume and anaemia in Sahel sheep and goats in semi-arid northeastern Nigeria

Sahel sheep and goats, under extensive or semi-intensive management in smallholder farms in semi-arid northeastern Nigeria (Maiduguri), were evaluated to determine the relationship between faecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) with associated anaemia and whether concurrent haemoparasitic infections would confound the variables. Faecal and anticoagulated blood samples from Sahel sheep (n?=?227) and goats (n?=?415) were collected January–December 2006, after conjunctival colour was estimated as FAMACHA score (FS) as follows: red (1), red–pink (2), pink (3), pink–white (4) or white (5). Presumed level of helminth infection, based on FEC with modified McMaster technique, was graded as mild (<600/g), moderate (600–1,500/g) or severe (>1,500/g). Out of 642 animals, 276 (43.0 %) had helminth infection based on FEC. More goats (11.5 %) were severely infected than sheep (1.3 %). PCV was decreased by only severe helminth burden. FS correlated with PCV (r?=??0.69, ?0.86; p?Babesia, 0.8 %; Anaplasma, 5.6 %) was observed in 16 (2.5 %) animals and did not have confounding effects on FEC and PCV. This report has provided preliminary information needed for further evaluation of the diagnostic criteria for helminthiasis and the associated anaemia in a semi-arid environment.     

Molecular identification and phylogenetic study of Demodex caprae

The DNA barcode has been widely used in species identification and phylogenetic analysis since 2003, but there have been no reports in Demodex. In this study, to obtain an appropriate DNA barcode for Demodex, molecular identification of Demodex caprae based on mitochondrial cox1 was conducted. Firstly, individual adults and eggs of D. caprae were obtained for genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction; Secondly, mitochondrial cox1 fragment was amplified, cloned, and sequenced; Thirdly, cox1 fragments of D. caprae were aligned with those of other Demodex retrieved from GenBank; Finally, the intra- and inter-specific divergences were computed and the phylogenetic trees were reconstructed to analyze phylogenetic relationship in Demodex. Results obtained from seven 429-bp fragments of D. caprae showed that sequence identities were above 99.1 % among three adults and four eggs. The intraspecific divergences in D. caprae, Demodex folliculorum, Demodex brevis, and Demodex canis were 0.0–0.9, 0.5–0.9, 0.0–0.2, and 0.0–0.5 %, respectively, while the interspecific divergences between D. caprae and D. folliculorum, D. canis, and D. brevis were 20.3–20.9, 21.8–23.0, and 25.0–25.3, respectively. The interspecific divergences were 10 times higher than intraspecific ones, indicating considerable barcoding gap. Furthermore, the phylogenetic trees showed that four Demodex species gathered separately, representing independent species; and Demodex folliculorum gathered with canine Demodex, D. caprae, and D. brevis in sequence. In conclusion, the selected 429-bp mitochondrial cox1 gene is an appropriate DNA barcode for molecular classification, identification, and phylogenetic analysis of Demodex. D. caprae is an independent species and D. folliculorum is closer to D. canis than to D. caprae or D. brevis.     

M. bovis and M. caprae infections in Aquitaine: A clinico-epidemiologic study of 15 patients

The agent of bovine tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, is a zoonosis which can be transmitted to human beings. In France, the prevalence of tuberculosis due to M. bovis has drastically decreased, both for animals and humans, since public health measures were introduced to prevent its transmission. However, a new outbreak of the disease is noted among cattle in several French areas and more particularly in Aquitaine. In 2008, 40% of bovine tuberculosis French cases provided from Aquitaine. From November 2004 to October 2008, 15 cases were registered at Bordeaux's academic hospital (CHU). Thirteen of them were due to M. bovis and two to Mycobacterium caprae. It represents 2.9% of tuberculosis due to tuberculosis complex. An analysis of the 15 patients’ medical files showed that it occurred either to old people who reactivated a former infection, or to younger ones who were born in countries with a strong M. bovis endemic disease. Extrapulmonary forms and especially ganglionics ones are the most frequent. M. caprae seems to be an emergent species among animal mycobacteries transmissible to human being. An epidemiological monitoring seems to be necessary to establish a relation between the regional outbreak of bovine tuberculosis and human tuberculosis.     

Assessment of leukocyte activity in mice devoid of the glucocorticoid receptor in the noradrenergic system (GRDBHCre)

Disturbances in brain monoamines, overactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and pro-inflammatory tendency in the immune system are the key features of depressive disorders. Recently, several murine lines with mutations in glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) have been generated and these animals may be utilized for study depressive-like disorders. In the present study, we have investigated whether selective ablation of GRs in noradrenergic neurons affects functional properties of leukocytes and redirects them towards pro-inflammatory activity.Transgenic mice selectively devoid of GRs on noradrenergic cells were constructed using the Cre/loxP approach. Peritoneal leukocytes were collected from mutant and wild type (WT) animals of both sexes and were cultured in vitro for 24 h both in basal conditions and after application of selected pro- or anti-inflammatory stimuli. Metabolic activity and adherence were measured in basal conditions. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and arginase (ARG) activity were assessed as the markers of functional status of the cells. Because adult mutant mice lack adrenal medulla and thereby peripheral adrenaline, we modulated pro- and anti-inflammatory culture conditions by addition of noradrenaline (10–6 M). Finally, effects of in vivo pro-inflammatory challenge (with intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide) on properties of leukocytes were assessed 24 h (in both sexes) and 48 h later (in males only).The experiments indicated that selective ablation of GR in noradrenergic neurons did not affect fundamental properties of peritoneal leukocytes and exerted effects only under conditions of selected pro- or anti-inflammatory stimuli in vitro. Stronger response to pro-inflammatory stimulation in terms of NO synthesis and ARG activity may suggest pro-inflammatory tendency in mutant mice. In vivo inflammatory challenge failed to show any effect of GR ablation on selected parameters of leukocyte activity. Both in vitro studies and in vivo challenge revealed mainly sex-related differences in leukocyte activity.     

Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and tick-transmitted bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in one selected goat farm in Slovakia

Parasitic diseases of livestock together with poor welfare conditions can negatively affect the health status and production of small ruminants. Protozoan parasites and tick-borne infectious agents are common threat of livestock including small ruminants mostly during the pasture season. Therefore the priority of the study was to analyse the circulation and presence of two protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum as well as tick-transmitted bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum in one selected goat farm in Eastern Slovakia. Throughout a three-year study period we have repeatedly screened the sera and blood of goats and dogs from monitored farm. In total, 343 blood serum samples from 116 goats were examined by ELISA. The mean seropositivity for T. gondii was 56.9% (66/116, CI (95%) = 48–66.0) and 15.5% (18/116, CI (95%) = 9.3–22.7) for N. caninum. The permanent occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Neospora antibodies was detected in repeatedly examined goats during the whole monitored period. The presence of both parasites in the flock was analysed by PCR. DNA of T. gondii was confirmed in 12 out of 25 Toxoplasma-seropositive goats and N. caninum in 14 samples out of 18 Neospora-seropositive animals; four goats were co-infected with both pathogens. The risk of endogenous transmission of both parasites was pursued by examination of 41 kid’s sera, where seropositivity for toxoplasmosis was 31.7% and for neosporosis 14.6%. In dogs 61.1% seropositivity for T. gondii and 38.9% for N. caninum was found, however, their faeces were negative for coccidian oocysts. Eight out of 108 tested animals were infected with A. phagocytophilum, the causative agent of tick-borne fever. Seven of them were simultaneously infected with T. gondii and A. phagocytophilum, out of which four goats were concurrently infected with all three pathogens.     

Cathepsin L1 mimotopes with adjuvant Quil A induces a Th1/Th2 immune response and confers significant protection against Fasciola hepatica infection in goats

Thirty goats were randomly allocated in five groups of six animals each, for immunization with 1?×?10¹⁴ phage particles of clones 11, 13, and 13 with Quil A adjuvant and wild-type M13KE phage at the beginning and 4 weeks later. The control group received phosphate-buffered saline. All groups were challenged with 200 metacercariae at week 6 and slaughtered 14 weeks later. The mean worm burdens after challenge were reduced by 46.91 % and 79.53 % in goats vaccinated with clones 13 and 13 with Quil A (P?<?0.05), respectively; no effect was observed in animals immunized with clone 11 and M13KE phage. Animals receiving clones 11, 13, and 13 with Quil A showed a significant reduction in eggs output. Vaccinated animals produced parasite-specific total IgG antibody which were boosted after challenge with metacercariae of F. hepatica. Furthermore, levels of anti-phage total IgG increased rapidly within 2 weeks of the first vaccination and were always significantly higher in all vaccinated goats than in the infected control group. The fluke burden of goats immunized with clones 13 and 13 with Quil A was significantly correlated with IgG2 and total IgG. Goats vaccinated with phage clones produced significantly high titres of IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies indicating a mixed Th1/Th2 response. These data indicate that cathepsin L1 mimotopes has a potential as a vaccine candidate against Fasciola hepatica, whose efficacy will be evaluated in other host species, including those of veterinary importance.     

Genetic diversity of caprine Blastocystis from Peninsular Malaysia

Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite found in humans and animals. The possibility of zoonotic transmission to humans from livestock especially goats led us to investigate the genetic diversity of caprine Blastocystis sp. obtained from five different farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Moreover, there is a lack of information on the prevalence as well as genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in goat worldwide. Results showed that 73/236 (30.9 %) of the goats were found to be positive for Blastocystis infection. The most predominant Blastocystis sp. subtype was ST1 (60.3 %) followed by ST7 (41.1 %), ST6 (41.1 %), and ST3 (11.0 %) when amplified by PCR using sequenced-tagged site (STS) primers. Four farms had goats infected only with ST1 whereas the fifth showed mixed infections with multiple STs. The proximity of the fifth farm to human dwellings, nearby domesticated animals and grass land as opposed to a sterile captive environment in the first four farms may account for the multiple STs seen in the fifth farm. Since ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST 7 were previously reported in human infection worldwide in particular Malaysia, the potential of the zoonotic transmission of blastocystosis should not be disregarded. The implications of different farm management systems on the distribution of Blastocystis sp. STs are discussed.