bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monoamine oxidase in adult Ascaridia galli
Authors: Mishra S. K. , Sen Ramanuj , Ghatak S.
Published: June 2009

Monoamine oxidase (MAO), catalysing oxidative deamination of biogenic monoamines, has been detected in adult Ascaridia galli. MAO was present in mitochondria and deaminated noradrenaline at the maximal rate, although serotonin, adrenaline, tyramine and dopamine were also degraded but more slowly. Of the organs studied, the body wall, female reproductive organ and intestine, the body wall (containing neuronal structures) showed highest MAO activity. Km value for chick ascarid mitochondrial MAO using tyramine as substrate was 1·66 x 10−3 M and it was most active at 2·5 mm tyramine concentration, pH 7·5 and 40°C. MAO of A. galli appeared to be thermolabile as nearly 80% of its activity was lost when the incubation temperature was increased 5° above optimum.
Efficacy of various anthelmintics against third-stage larvae of Ancylostoma caninum in the brain of mice
Authors: Bhopale G. M. , Bhatnagar B. S.
Published: June 2009

In an experimental larval infection of Ancylostoma caninum in mice, the efficacy of various anthelmintics against the larvae migrated and established in the brain is reported for the first time. Albendazole and flubendazole were the most effective drugs. Thiabendazole, benacil, phenacizole, oxfendazole and mebendazole showed significant larvicidal activity. Tetramisole, levamisole, fenbendazole, Sch 18099, pyrantel pamoate, morantel tartrate and oxantel pamoate did not show any significant activity even at relatively high dose levels.
The tissue reactions of mice to infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus
Authors: Cypess R. H. , Lucia H. L. , Dunsford H. A. , Enriquez F. J.
Published: June 2009

The intestines of normal and resistant LAF mice were subjected to histologic study to determine the timing and mechanisms of resistance to reinfection by Heligmosomoides polygyrus. During reinfection third-stage larvae are less able to penetrate the intestinal wall.

Larvae which are able to encyst develop at a slower rate and provoke an increase in nonspecific inflammation around their cysts. After emergence from intestinal cysts, preadults are rapidly lost, but at no time were injured or destroyed larvae or adults noted.

Exsheathed larvae were injected via tail vein into control, sensitized and resistant BALB/c mice. The inflammatory response around entrapped larvae in the lung was measured at 1, 2, 4, and 8 days. A heightened inflammatory response, consisting primarily of polymorphonuclear cells with some round cells which peaked in size on day 2, was observed in both sensitized and resistant mice. A similar heightened inflammatory response was also observed in both AKR (non-resistant) BALB/c (resistant) mice vaccinated subcutaneously with exsheathed larvae.
Prevalence of hydatid in buffaloes in India and report of a severe liver infection
Authors: Singh B. P. , Deorani V. P. Sharma , Srivastava V. K.
Published: June 2009

Of 3200 buffaloes examined at Bareilly abattoir 915 (28·6%) were positive for hydatidosis. The hydatid infected organs were lungs (60%), liver (32%), spleen (4%), kidneys (2%), heart (0·9%) and brain (0·1%). The number of hydatid cysts encountered in lungs of an individual buffalo was 1–9 and 1–7 in liver. One buffalo liver showed severe hepatomegaly, cirrhosis and had an exceptionally high number of hydatid cysts. Infectivity studies in pups showed 16–29 per cent worm establishment with the presence of shelled eggs within the uterus of the parasite on day 45 post-infection.
The effect of constant and changing temperatures on the development of the eggs and larvae of Oswaldocruzia filiformis (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea)
Authors: Griffin Christine T.
Published: June 2009

The free-living stages of Oswaldocruzia filiformis were cultured in tapwater under constant and changing temperature regimes. Embryonation and hatching proceeded at constant temperatures from 6° to 32°C; development of larvae to the third (infective) stage occurred between 6° and 34°C. The duration of development decreased with increased temperatures up to 28°C. The duration of development of egg and larval stages under changing temperatures was compared with values predicted from constant temperature experiments. The rate of development of eggs to hatching was significantly accelerated under regimes of both sudden and gradual temperature changes. The effect of fluctuating temperatures on larval development was less consistent; both acceleration and retardation effects were recorded. Frog tadpoles (Rana temporaria) were experimentally infected with O. filiformis; early parasitic development proceeded significantly faster at room temperature than at 9–10°C.
Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the tegument ofOrthocoelium scoliocoeliumandParamphistomum cervi(Trematoda: Digenea)
Authors: Sharma P. N. , Hanna R. E. B.
Published: June 2009

The tegument ofOrthocoelium scoliocoeliumandParamphistomum cerviwas examined using histochemical techniques and electron microscopy. On the basis of the distribution of acid and alkaline phosphatase (E.C. 3.1.3.2, E.C. 3.1.3.1), non-specific esterase (E.C. 3.1.1.1), cholinesterase (E.C. 3.1.1.7) and succinate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.3.99.1) at light microscope level two distinct regions were recognized, an outer and an inner zone. Electron microscopy revealed that the tegument comprises an outer surface syncytium underlain by a thick subsyncytial zone and musculature. Deeper still occur the nucleated “tegumental cells”. The latter are in cytoplasmic continuity with the surface syncytium via vacuolated cytoplasmic trabeculae which traverse the muscle layers and the subsyncytial zone. Three types of tegumental cells each lacking mitochondria were observed. The T1cells synthesize discoid and electron dense T1bodies while T2cells produce oval and electron lucent T2bodies. The third type of tegumental cells apparently produce no secretory bodies and may represent an embryonic cell type. The surface syncytium contains T1and T2secretory bodies and is bounded apically by a plasma membrane invested externally by a fuzzy and filamentous glycocalyx. The surface syncytium lacks mitochondria and is traversed by infoldings of the basal plasma membrane. Beneath the surface syncytium the subsyncytial zone is largely comprised of fibrous interstitial material. This zone, which is particularly thick in the amphistomes, is traversed by trabeculae and extensions of underlying parenchymal cells which usually contain mitochondria and lysosomes. The subsyncytial zone overlies numerous circular and longitudinal muscle fibres. The absence of mitochondria and enzymes associated with active transport suggests that the amphistome tegument may be mainly specialized for protection of the worm against mechanical and chemical conditions prevailing in the rumen. Active uptake of nutrients is probably not a primary function.
Effects of praziquantel and oxamniquine on a Saudi Arabian strain of Schistosoma mansoni in mice
Authors: Ghandour A. M. , Banaja A. A. , Shalaby I. M.
Published: June 2009

The prophylactic and curative effects of praziquantel and oxamniquine on a Saudi Arabian strain of Schistosoma mansoni in MF-1 mice were assessed. The drugs were administered orally. At 240 mg/kg praziquantel, there was a reduction of 89·1% in adult worm recovery and a marked reduction in tissue deposited eggs. The reduction in adult worm recovery after dosing with 50 mg/kg oxamniquine was 89·2%. At low doses (40 mg/kg praziquantel and 30 mg/kg oxamniquine) administered at 11 days, 5 days and 3 h before and 5, 21 and 49 days after infection, the reduction in adult worm recovery was 0·0%, 65·1%, 58·8%, 33·6%, 0·0% and 76·0% for praziquantel and 0·0%, 66·0%, 60·0%, 41·3%, 10·8% and 79·0% for oxamniquine. Numbers of lung schistosomula and the size of hepatic granulomata were also reduced.
Effect of flubendazole on the number of first-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis released in the faeces of treated rats
Authors: Maki Jun , Yanagisawa Toshio
Published: June 2009

The effect of flubendazole orally administered at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days (the 11th, 20th or 40th post-infection) on the number of first-stage larvae (L1) of Angiostrongylus cantonensis released in the faeces of rats each infected with 40 third-stage larvae was determined. Faecal examination for 5 months, the period from medication to dissection of rats, showed that L1 release ceased in all the rats of medicated groups by about 1 week after the termination of dosing and resumed 1–2 months later in 86% of the rats which were dissected at the end of experiments with the recovery of adult worms of both sexes. Throughout the period of 5 months, about 2–4×104 L1/gram of fresh faeces was recorded in non-medicated control groups. There was a 38–79% reduction in adult worms at the dissection. Microscopic examination of the uteri of the remaining adult worms and lung tissues of rats confirmed no normal egg production in the adult worms from rats of medicated groups, except the rats with the resumption of faecal L1 release.
Antifilarial activity of intravenous suramin and oral diethylcarbamazine citrate on subperiodic Brugia malayi in the leaf-monkey, Presbytis cristata
Authors: Mak J. W. , Lam P. L. W. , Choong M. F. , Suresh K.
Published: June 2009

The known filaricides, suramin and diethylcarbamazine citrate, were tested against subperiodic Brugia malayi infection in the leaf-monkey, Presbytis cristata. As expected, intravenous suramin at 10 mg/kg daily × 5 days or 17 mg/kg weekly × 5 weeks, did not show any microfilaricidal activity, but substantially reduced the recovery of live adult worms to 50·6% and 13·6% of controls respectively. Oral diethylcarbamazine citrate at 6 mg/kg daily × 6 or 10 days reduced final microfilarial counts to 30% of initial counts four weeks post-treatment and adult worm recovery was reduced to 4·5% and 0% of controls respectively. Although the antifilarial activity of these drugs against the infection in this non-human primate model appears to be similar to that seen in man, these results have to be confirmed using larger groups of animals.
Apparent absence of genetic differences among species of Teladorsagia (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae)
Authors: Andrews R. H. , Beveridge I.
Published: June 2009

The technique of allozyme electrophoresis was applied to three species of Teladorsagia present in sheep to determine the extent of genetic variation among species. Thirty-four enzyme loci were established of which 22 were invariant and 12 were shown to be polymorphic. No fixed allelic differences were detected among the species and the level of polymorphism was within the range found commonly between populations of a single species. Therefore, the genetic data support breeding data and existing morphological evidence that T. circumcincta, T. davtiani and T. trifurcata as currently recognized do in fact belong to a single species.
On the biological and biochemical nature of cloned populations of Strongyloides ratti
Authors: Viney M. E. , Matthews B. E. , Walliker D.
Published: June 2009

Seven geographically varied isolates of Strongyloides ratti were cloned. Each clone was examined for the degree of homogonic development of the free-living generation and by enzyme electrophoresis. Considerable variation was found between the clones in the degree of development that was homogonic. In Contrast, the clones were indistinguishable by enzyme electrophoresis.
Cryptocotyle lingua in mullet, Chelon labrosus; significance of metacercarial excretory proteins in the stimulation of the immune response
Authors: Matthews R. A. , Matthews B. F.
Published: June 2009

‘O’ group mullet, Chelon labrosus. were experimentally infected with Cryptocotyle lingua (Heterophyidae) by tail dip in a suspension of cercariae. Metacercariae were excised after 1 and 24 hours and prepared for TEM and post-embedding immunogold labelling. Antisera to cercariae of C. lingua were raised in adult mullet by natural infection via the skin and by intra-peritoneal injection of sonicate. The membrane-bound vesicles within the syncytial lining of the metacercarial excretory vesicle were found to be intensely antigenic with both antisera: the epidermal secretory bodies type 5 within the cystogenousglands gave a positive response. Penetration gland contents were not found to be antigenic with either antiserum. Discharge of the membrane-bound vesicles coinciding with both the reorganization of the lining of the metacercarial excretory vesicle and with cyst wall formation appears to be of significance in the initiation of the host immune response. That the term ‘excretory vesicle’ in Digenea may be a misnomer is discussed in the light of current information regarding the wide range of functions attributed to this structure.
The effect of infection with Schistosoma margrebowiei on the growth of Bulinus natalensis
Authors: Raymond K. , Probert A. J.
Published: June 2009

Three age groups of Bulinus natalensis, immature, mature but not yet egg-laying and mature egg-laying, were infected with miracidia of Schistosoma margrebowiei. The growth of infected, exposed but showing no signs of infection, and uninfected control groups, were examined at weekly intervals for ten weeks post exposure. Snails exposed to infection when immature, even in the group where no patent development ensued, showed a statistically significant reduction in growth and this was evident as early as 2–5 weeks post exposure. When infection occurred at the stage prior to egg-laying a significant reduction in growth was seen but only in the group which developed a patent infection. This was also the case for the egg-laying group although the reduction in growth was only significant in the final three weeks of the experiment. Thus in all three age groups, growth rate was reduced and the infected snails were significantly smaller at the end of ten weeks compared with the controls. The reasons for these effects are discussed.
Density-dependent effects on establishment of Necator americanus and Ancylostoma ceylanicum
Authors: Norozian-Amiri S. M. B. , Behnke J. M.
Published: June 2009

The relationships between the number of infective larvae (L3s) to which animals were exposed and the establishment of A. ceylanicum and N. americanus in hamsters were examined. There was no evidence of density-dependent constraints on the establishment of A. ceylanicum in the range 10–1000 larvae, but an experiment in which the range was extended to 1500 L3s gave a significant negative correlation between the magnitude of the infecting dose and percentage establishment. Even so the percentage reduction was relatively small, approximating to 0·89% per 100 larvae administered, and in practice density-dependent constraints on establishment are unlikely to affect experiments with this species in which much lower doses (<250 L3) are generally employed. The range of doses for N. americanus L3s was smaller (10–400). Of the four experiments reported, two gave a significant reduction of establishment with increasing dose and two did not. When the data was split into low doses (<100 L3s) and high doses (>100 L3s), falling establishment with increasing dose was only detected in the lower dose range. There was no difference in the establishment when doses of 100 L3s were compared with 250 or 400 L3s. On balance, it was concluded that density-dependent constraints on establishment of N. americanus in hamsters were not marked and would have little significant effect on experiments utilizing fewer than 200 L3s (approximately 7·6% reduction between 10 and 200 L3s). These results are discussed in relation to host regulation of hookworm burdens.
Infectivity, growth and distribution of preovigerous adults of Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice
Authors: Manger P. M. , Fried B.
Published: June 2009

All 23 6–8-week old outbred female ICR mice, each fed 100 metacercarial cysts of Echinostoma caproni, were infected on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 postinfection (PI) with a mean of 45 worms/host. To examine worm distribution in the mouse, the small intestine was divided into five equal sections (segments 1–5 beginning with the pylorus). Worms were found mainly in segments 3 and 4 and were never found in segment 1. Mean body area of worms fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF), hot alcohol-formalin-acetic acid (AFA) and aceto-carmine increased slowly until day 4 and then rapidly until day 8 PI. There was a significant difference in the mean body area of worms fixed in hot AFA, NBF, and aceto-carmine on all days except 4 and 6. Distinction of the ovary and ootype was apparent by day 6 and uterine cooling was observed by day 8 PI. Only 2 of 50 worms showed eggs in the uterus on day 8 PI.
Strongyloides ratti: dissociation of immunological memory of the protection against tissue migrating larvae and intestinal adult worms in mice
Authors: Abe T. , Yoshimura K. , Nawa Y.
Published: June 2009

Immunological memory generated by infection with S. ratti was studied separately in the migratory and intestinal phases in mice. Protection against reinfection in the migratory phase was 96–98% at 2 weeks but significantly decreased to 60% at 12 weeks after the primary infection. However, protection in the intestinal phase was 96% even 12 weeks after the primary infection. Recall of immunity against the intestinal phase persists for longer than that against the migratory phase in mice.
The antibody response in serum, intestinal wall and intestinal lumen of NMRI mice infected with Echinostoma caproni
Authors: Agger M. K. , Simonsen P. E. , Vennervald B. J.
Published: June 2009

Groups of mice (NMRI) were infected with 0.6 and 25 metacercariae of the intestinal trematode Echinostoma caproni. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring the specific IgM, IgG and IgA antibody responses in serum, small intestinal tissue and small intestinal lumen of the mice, by using a crude adult E. caproni antigen. In infected mice, significant levels of IgM were measured in the sera from day 14 after infection and of IgG and IgA from day 28 after infection. Early in the infection, the mean level of serum IgM was higher in 6-worm infections than in 25-worm infections. Late in the infection, higher mean levels of IgA were reached in the serum of mice with high than in those with low dose infections. The onset of appearance of antibodies in the tissue of the small intestine reflected the picture seen in the serum. For IgM, and to a lesser degree for IgG, the highest mean antibody levels appeared in the posterior sections of the small intestinal wall, where also the parasites were located. The mean level of IgA, however, was uniform throughout the length of the small intestinal tissue. High levels of specific IgA were detected in the lumen of the small intestine on day 28 after infection, especially in the anterior sections, where only few parasites were located. No specific IgM or IgG could be detected in the intestinal lumen on this day. The results are related to the intestinal location and the pattern of expulsion of E. caproni in the mouse host.
Embryogenesis in Litomosoides carinii from pyridoxine deficient cotton rats
Authors: Beg M. A. , Storey D. M.
Published: June 2009

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency was induced in cotton rats which were then infected with the filarial parasite Litomosoides carinii. Embryogenesis was assessed microscopically in worms taken from pyridoxine deficient cotton rats and from various categories of control animals. Embryogenesis was retarded in worms from pyridoxine deficient hosts and more abnormal embryos were present in such worms than in those from control animals.
Partial characterization of proteolytic enzymes in different developmental stages of Ostertagia ostertagi
Authors: de Cock H. , Knox D. P. , Claerebout E. , de Graaf D. C.
Published: June 2009

Proteolytic enzymes present in extracts of third (L3) and fourth (L4) stage larvae and adults of the cattle nematode Ostertagia ostertagi were defined on the basis of pH optima and proteinase inhibitor sensitivity in spectrophotometric assays using azocasein and elastin-orcein as protein substrates. Evidence that different classes of proteinases are expressed in a stage specific manner was provided by the contrasting pH optima and inhibitor sensitivities shown by the enzymes in the different parasite stages. Stage specificity was confirmed by gelatin-substrate analysis. In addition, proteolytic activity was sought in the excretory/secretory products (ES) of the L4 following simple in vitro culture. Contrasting pH and inhibitor sensitivities as well as gelatin-substrate analysis showed that different proteinases were present in somatic L4 extracts and L4 ES products. The secreted proteinases may be useful targets for serodiagnosis or vaccination.
Fasciola hepatica: the infection rate and the development of redial generations in Lymnaea truncatula exposed to miracidia after experimental desiccation and activation in water
Authors: Rondelaud D.
Published: June 2009

Adult Lymnaea truncatula were subjected to 10 days of experimental desiccation and then remained in water for 1 or 8 days before each was exposed to a single miracidium. The infection rate was lower in these snails than in infected controls that were not exposed to stress (52–54% vs 73%). The redial burden clearly decreased in stressed snails (18–25 rediae per snail) than in controls (43 rediae). This numerical decrease concerned essentially: i) live independent rediae of the first generation and the first cohort of the second generation, and ii) dependent rediae of subsequent generations. Mature rediae were more numerous in the first cohort of the second generation than in the other generations. Desiccation before exposure limited the size of the redial burden but placement in water for 8 days just after the stress attenuated the effects of this factor.
Field observations concerning infection of Lymnaea palustris by Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Dreyfuss G. , Moukrim A. , Rondelaud D. , Vareille-Morel C.
Published: June 2009

Fasciola hepatica miracidia were experimentally introduced into five sites colonized by Lymnaea palustris over a period of 4 or 6 years. In the first four ponds, a progressive increase in the prevalence of the spring-generation juvenile snails was observed (from 0.4 to 18.1%), with a corresponding increase in the shell height of infected snails (from 3.6 to 7.8 mm). In the fifth habitat, the pond dried in 1990 causing the prevalence to drop as compared with the initial values and to subsequently increase in 1991–1992.
The functional anatomy of the anterior end ofSkrjabinoptera goldmanaefrom Australian agamid lizards
Authors: Jones H.I.
Published: June 2009

Four muscle groups are responsible for the eversion and retraction of the apical denticles and enlarged pseudolabia inSkrjabinoptera goldmanae(Nematoda: Physalopteridae), which occurs in the lizardsChlamydosaurus kingii, Pogonaspp. andVaranus gouldiiin Australia. These muscles enable the nematode to bury its anterior portion in the gastric submucosa of its hosts. They comprise three sets which are derived from the somatic musculature and are inserted in the oesophagus and associated organs, and a fourth set of muscles which appears to be derived from the muscular oesophagus itself. These accessory muscle groups are described and illustrated, and from this their mode of action in everting and retracting the pseudolabia is derived. Possible selection pressures which led to their evolution are reviewed.
Structural and functional comparison of trematode haemoglobins
Authors: Rashid K.A. , Haque M. , Siddiqi A.H.
Published: June 2009

Haemoglobins from three different species of trematodes (Gastrothylax crumenifer, Paramphistomum epiclitum and Isoparorchis hypselobagri) and their respective hosts were digested with papain. Peptides so produced were separated on 10–15% SDS-PAGGE. The probability of coincidence of the peptides was analysed statistically. Oxygen affinity curves of trematode haemoglobins were found to be a rectangular hyperbolic. The Hill coefficient values of all the trematode haemoglobins were found to be 1. The P50 values, at 25°C in 0.2M phosphate buffer pH 7.4, ranged from 0.8 to 1.6 mmHg.
Prevalence of schistosomiasis and other intestinal helminth infection among senior primary school children in Makenene Sub-Division, Cameroon
Authors: Akufongwe P.F. , Onwuliri C.O.E. , Titanji V.P.K. , Okwuosa V.N.
Published: June 2009

A study was carried out in four vifiages of Makenene Sub-Division some 85 km north-west of Yaounde, between November 1993 and March 1994 to assess the prevalence and intensity of schistosomes and other helminth infections among senior primary school pupils aged 9–16. An extensive questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information and information on water-related activities.

The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 228 (23.6%) while S. haematobium infection was practically non-existent 03 (<1%). Infection rates with intestinal nematodes were very high, up to 98% in some villages. Prevalence rates of schistosomiasis varied significantly (P<0.05) between vifiages with the highest (36.2%) recorded in Makenene. Infections with other parasite species encountered were significantly different (P<0.01) while a marked association was observed between water contact activities and the distribution of S. mansoni infections. However, S. mansoni infection intensities were not significantly different (P>0.05) between those with a history of previous infection and treatment and those without.
Characterization of DNA restriction profiles and rRNA gene restriction fragment length polymorphisms of Proteocephalus exiguus and P. neglectus from geographically distinct regions
Authors: Turceková Ľ. , Kráľová I.
Published: June 2009

The total DNA of two morphologically similar cestode species of the genus Proteocephalus parasitizing coregonid and salmonid fish, P. exiguus La Rue, 1911 and P. neglectus La Rue, 1911, was compared. The methods of DNA analysis involved digestion of the total DNA with restriction endonucleases and Southern blotting hybridization with the ribosomal DNA probes pSM 889, pSM 389 and pSM 890. No inter-specific variation was found between the two proteocephalid species. Distinct differences in RFLP patterns were recorded between two geographically distinct population of P. neglectus after BspRI digestion; after EcoRI digestion and following hybridization with the 32P-labelled probe pSM 890 and after BamHI digestion and hybridization with the 32P-labelled probe pSM 889. The high degree of genetic similarity revealed in the two Proteocephalus spp. could be a further argument for the conspecifity of both taxa.
Changes in the excretory bladder ultrastructure during the morphogenesis of Levinseniella brachysoma metacercariae
Authors: Galaktionov K.V. , Malkova I.I.
Published: June 2009

For the first time the development of the excretory system Levinseniella brachysoma metacercariae (Trematoda: Microphallidae) obtained experimentally from Gammarus oceanicus has been described. The bladder wall of 8-day post-infection (P.I.) larvae consists of a syncytium covered with microvilli. Its cytoplasm contains well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), free ribosomes, small oval dense mitochondria and numerous large membrane-bounded (about 5 μm in diameter) spherical granules. Later the size of the excretory bladder and the number of nuclei and RER cisternae increases. The large spherical granules disappear completely but spherical dense bodies (up to 4 μm in diameter) devoid of limiting membranes appear. The bladder lining forms thick columnar projections directed towards its lumen. Accumulations of microlamelli occur only on the lumen surface between adjacent projections. By the 42nd day P.I. the bladder wall has two separate components: the columnar projections and the syncytium between them.
Relationship between the excretion of protostrongylid larvae in sheep in North-west Spain and climatic conditions
Authors: Díez-Baños P. , Morrondo-Pelayo P. , Feijoo-Penela A. , Carrillo-González B. , López-Sández C.
Published: June 2009

The relationship between different climatic factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) and the pattern of lungworm larval excretion was studied in sheep under a continuous grazing pattern in North-west Spain, where the climate is intermediate between sub-humid Mediterranean with an Atlantic tendency and European Atlantic. Over a period of one year, 44 animals were sampled once a month at random from a flock of 80 Galician breed sheep, all over 4 years old. Faeces were taken directly from the rectum and the number of first stage larvae per gram of faeces was determined for each animal, and the species of Protostrongylidae (Nematoda) identified. Larval excretion was irregular during the study. The prevalence and intensity of infection were greater in the colder months (40.9%; x=12.3 ± 40.4) and less in the warmer months The species of Protostrongylidae identified and prevalences (%) were Neostrongylus linearis (71.5), Muellerius capillaris (18.8) and Cystocaulus ocreatus (9.7). Between November and March, with low temperatures, the prevalence and intensity of parasitism with N. linearis and M. capillaris were greater than in the months with high temperatures (May to September). Multiple linear regression analysis showed statistical correlation between temperature, relative humidity and rainfall considered together and the number of N. linearis larvae per gram of faeces. Linear regression showed a correlation between the temperature and the percentage of sheep that passed M. capillaris. In general, the prevalence and intensity of infection of the sheep with N. linearis, M. capillaris and C. ocreatus larvae decrease when the temperature increases and increase when the relative humidity and rainfall increases.
In vitro trapping capability of Arthrobotrys spp. on infective larvae of Haemonchus contortus and Nacobbus aberrans
Authors: Gives P. Mendoza-de , Zavaleta-Mejia E. , Herrera-Rodriguez D. , Quiróz-Romero H.
Published: June 2009

The trapping capability of Arthrobotrys oligospora and A. conoides (Hyphomycetales) against third stage larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae) was evaluated in an in vitro trial. Arthrobotrys oligospora showed a 35.87% and 25.71% trapping effectiveness against H. contortus infective larvae at 18 and 25°C, respectively; whereas the trapping capability of A. conoides was 92.17% and 90.40% at the same temperatures, respectively. Microscopic examination demonstrated that A. conoides spontaneously developed a large quantity of three-dimensional loops before the nematodes were added. Neither of the two species studied developed three-dimensional adhesive loops at 30°C, consequently no trapped nematode was observed. In a second trial, the trapping capability of A. conoides against H. contortus (L3) and second stage larvae (J2) of Nacobbus aberrans (Pratylenchidae), was evaluated at 25°C. The trapping capability shown by A. conoides was higher than 90% for both kinds of nematode. The possible use of A. conoides to control ovine haemonchosis is discussed.
Redial generations of Fasciola gigantica in the pulmonate snail Lymnaea truncatula
Authors: Rakotondravao  , Moukrim A. , Hourdin P. , Rondelaud D.
Published: June 2009

Lymnaea truncatula, 4 mm in height, were subjected to infection by a single miracidium of Fasciola gigantica, then raised at 23°C until day 60 of the experiment. Histological study of these snails demonstrated a mean redial burden of 34 parasites at day 60, of which one third were degenerating forms. The mean number of living independent rediae did not exceed 5 for the first and second generations. Conversely, in subsequent generations there were as many as 18 rediae per snail at day 60. The first living redia of the first generation in particular gave rise to daughter rediae. Mature rediae appeared at day 35 and especially concerned the first and second generations at day 60. The authors conclude that development of the first and second redial generations occurs during the same period, and that the forms of the first cohort of the second generation are produced from the first redia of the first generation which originated from the sporocyst.
Use of an aceto-carmine procedure to examine the excysted metacercariae of Echinostoma caproni and E. trivolvis
Authors: Fried B. , Manger P. M.
Published: June 2009

A simple aceto-carmine procedure was developed to relax, fix, stain, and clear excystcd metacercariae of Echinostoma caproni and E. trivolvis. This procedure allowed for morphologic details on whole metacercariae comparable to those seen with more elaborate staining procedures. Differences in dimensions and staining intensities between the two species of metacercariae are described.
Acanthocephalan infection in man in northern Nigeria
Authors: Ikeh E. I. , Anosike J. C. , Okon E.
Published: June 2009

Acanthocephalan ova, indistinguishable from the ovoid eggs of Moniliformis moniliformis, were detected in the stools of a 45-year-old man at the University of Jos Health Clinic. Nigeria. The patient complained of general body weakness, occasional giddiness and intermittent burning sensations around the umbilicus. Successful treatment with niclosamide and the possible source of infection are communicated.
Isoenzymatic pattern and structure of glutamate dehydrogenase from Ascaris suum
Authors: Cutillas C. , Rodriguez B. , Guevara D. C.
Published: June 2009

The isoenzymatic pattern of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) has been described for Ascaris suum, a parasite of Sus scrofa domestica. Only one band of activity has been revealed, suggesting a monomorphic condition for this enzyme. Also, the structure of GDH has been assayed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and silver staining. Only one subunit was present with a molecular weight of about 55 000. A hexameric structure for GDH of A. suum is suggested.
Experimental transfer of adultOesophagostomum dentatumfrom donor to helminth naive recipient pigs: a methodological study
Authors: Bjørn H. , Roepstorff A. , Grøndahl C. , Eriksen L. , Bjerregaard J. , Nansen P.
Published: June 2009

This study was carried out to compare potential methods of transplanting adultOesophagostomum dentatumfrom experimentally infected donor pigs to helminth naive recipient pigs. The following methods were each tested in five pigs: A. Transfer of worms by stomach tube to the gastric ventricle of pigs per os pretreated with 0.5 mg/kg cisapride to increase gastrointestinal peristalsis; B. Transfer by stomach tube to the gastric ventricle of pigs per os pre-treated with cisapride (0.5 mg/kg) and omeprazol 20 mg which blocks hydrochloric acid secretion; C. Surgical transfer of worms to caecum of pigs. Worms for transplantation to pigs were obtained after slaughter of experimentally infected donor pigs and following isolation from the contents of the large intestine, using an agar gel migration technique. A mean of 1054 nematodes were transferred into each recipient pig within 2 hours. Procedures A and B resulted in establishment rates corresponding to only 0.5% and 7.6% of the transferred worms. In contrast, surgical transfer allowed 74.2% of the transplanted worms to be established. In all groups the transplanted worms migrated to the normal predilection site, i.e. the middle part` of the large intestine. More female than male worms established in all groups. It was concluded from this study that surgical transfer was the most reliable of the methods tested for experimental establishment of adultO. dentatumin helminth naive pigs.
The susceptibility of different species of sciarid flies to entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Gouge D.H. , Hague N.G.M.
Published: June 2009

Steinernema feltiae is the most effective nematode for controlling sciarid species but S. carpocapsae does exert some control. S. feltiae is less effective at 30°C than at 22°C. S. anomali, S. riobravis and two Heterorhabditis spp. gave better control at the higher temperature. All six sciarid species tested were susceptible to S. feltiae but there was some variation in the level of infection. UK isolates of S. feltiae were more effective against UK sciarids than the nematode isolates from other European countries which were tested. Adult sciarids are infected by S. feltiae and can disperse nematodes to nematode-free compost.
Effects of adoptive transfer of immune spleen cells on worm growth and microfilaraemia inBrugia pahangiinfection in Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Khan A.I. , Horii Y. , Ishikawa N. , Nawa Y.
Published: June 2009

Protective immunity againstBrugia pahangiwas examined after adoptive transfer of immune spleen cells. Spleen cells obtained from gerbils at 8 weeks post-infection (p.i.) with 100 infective larvae (L3) ofB. pahangiwere transferred into naive recipients, and then 24 h later, they were infected with 100 L3ofB. pahangi. The recipients given normal spleen cells and infected by the same manner served as controls. Microfilarial counts in the circulation were monitored at designated times after infection and worm burden and the size of individual female worm were determined at 16 weeks p.i. to evaluate the effects of adoptive immunization. In addition, eosinophil responses and serum antibody titres were examined during the course of infection. In the control group, microfilariae first appeared in circulation at 9 weeks p.i. and continuously increased in number throughout the course examined. In contrast, microfilaraemia was almost completely suppressed in the group given immune spleen cells. Although worm burden was comparable between the two groups, the average size of female adult worms recovered from the adoptively immunized group was significantlysmaller than that from the control group. Eosinophil response was hastened and enhanced by adoptive transfer of immune spleen cells in the early stage of infection. Parasite- specific antibody response was also hastened by adoptive immunization. These results suggest that immune spleen cells could confer protective immunity mainly directed against adultB. pahangi.
Moisture and temperature requirements in faeces for the development of free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep, cattle and deer
Authors: Rossanigo C.E. , Gruner L.
Published: June 2009

Isolates from eight gastrointestinal nematode species parasitic in sheep, cattle and deer were maintained in sheep, to provide eggs in similar faecal environments and to compare temperature and moisture requirements for their development. Faecal cultures were processed at different temperatures (for four species) and moisture contents (for eight species). At 60% of faecal moisture content (FMC), maximal rates of development (expressed as L3/100 hatchable eggs estimated by an extraction technique from the faeves) were observed at 20, 23 and 28°C respectively for Ostertagia leptospicularis, O. ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcinctaand Trichostrongylus colunriformis. For the eight species, the curves of development rates as functions of FMC were Gaussian, without modification between 18 and 28°C. Optimal developments were when the FMC ranged from 57 to 68%; low development of 1L3/100eggs were observed when the FMC ranged from 85 to 95% and from 25 to 55%. The main differences between species were in the ability of the eggs of Teladorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, T. vitrinusand Chabertia ovina to develop at lower FMC than Haemonchus contortus, O. ostertagi, O. legptospicularis and Cooperia oncophora.
Effects of the anthelmintics clorsulon, rafoxanide, mebendazole and arprinocid on Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice
Authors: Maurer K. , Decere M. , Fried B.
Published: June 2009

Female ICR mice, 5 to 6 weeks old, were exposed by stomach tube to 25 metacercarial cysts of Echinostoma caproni per mouse. At 14 days post-exposure, mice were fed by stomach tube clorsulon (1000 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) or rafoxanide (50 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) dissolved in dimethy lsulphoxide (DMSO) carrier and mebendazole (1000mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) or arprinocid (100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) suspended in a2:1 polyethylene glycol (PEG)/DMSO carrier. All drugs were obtained from Meerck In. (Rahway, New Jersey, USA) and only single dose regimes were used. Experimentally infected mice that served as controls received either DMSO or 2:1 PEG/DMSO carriers or were not given the carrier. Mice were necropsied 15v, 16, 18 and 20 days post-exposure to worms. Doses of 100 mg/kg of clorsulon and 50 mg/kg of rafoxanide were 100% effective in eliminating the echinostomes on day 1 post-administration of the anthelmintics. Mebendazole and arprinocid were ineffection in eliminating worms at 1 or 2 days post drug daministration.
Wuchereria bancroftirecombinant antigen-derived poly- and monoclonal antibodies for the detection of circulating antigen(s) in the sera of lymphatic filarial patients
Authors: Theodore J.G. , Kaliraj P.
Published: June 2009

A sandwich antibody ELISA was employed for the detection of circulating filarial antigen in patients with bancroftian filariasis.Wuchereria bancroftirecombinant antigen-derived polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were successfully used as the revealing antibodies and their efficiency was compared. All the microfilariae (mf) positive (by finger prick and examination of 20 μl of blood under the microscope) individuals tested showed the presence of circulating antigen(s). Among the antigen positive endemic normals (mf negative by the finger prick method), 43% showed microfilariae by a sensitive parasitological method viz. membrane filtration of the night blood samples. A significant correlation was observed between the parasite antigen levels and the blood microfilaria counts among the mf carriers. This information on the parasite antigen levels could be an ideal monitor to indicate the degree of active infection and in the follow up of chemotherapy.
Electrophoretic differentiation of soluble egg antigens fromSchistosoma mansoniisolates using SDS-PAGE
Authors: Pillay D.
Published: June 2009

In order to detect intraspecies differences among isolates ofSchistosoma mansonifrom different geographical regions, soluble egg antigens (SEAs) of three isolates were characterized using SDS-PAGE. SEAs were prepared from eggs of a South African (SA), Eastern Caprivian (EC) and Puerto Rican (PR) isolate, separated by SDS-PAGE, stained and the molecular masses of constituent polypeptides determined. Protein profiles differed for all three isolates with the number of polypeptides varying from 25 for the PR isolate to 27 for the EC and SA isolates. Molecular masses of the polypeptides fall within the range of 12.0 kDa to 97.9 kDa. The EC and SA isolates shared ten common polypeptides, the PR and SA isolates five and the PR and EC isolates two. Only a 30.8 kDa and a 12.0 kDa polypeptide were common to all three isolates. These differences may, to some extent, account for regional variations in the morbidity of intestinal schistosomiasis reported for different geographical isolates ofS. mansoni.
Mating behaviour of Echinostoma caproni and E. paraensei in concurrent infections in mice
Authors: Nollen P.M.
Published: June 2009

Ten-day-old adults of Echinostoma caproni and E. paraensei, some of which had been exposed to 3-H-tyrosine to label sperm, were transplanted to mice in various combinations. Mating behaviour was followed on autoradiograms of worms recovered after 5 days by detecting the transfer of labelled sperm from labelled worms to themselves or to unlabelled worms. When single, labelled E. caproni adults were transplanted with unlabelled E. paraensei, they self-inseminated but did not show evidence of interspecies mating. No interspecies mating but self-insemination was observed when single, labelled E. paraensei and unlabelled E. caproni were transplanted together. When the labelled species had a choice of unlabelled adults of its own species or the opposite species, it mated in similar fashion to that seen in single species infections. The labelled species acted as if the opposite species was not present and showed an unrestricted mating pattern where it would both self- and cross-inseminate. Even though after transplant the E. paraensei adults were found in the duodenum and the E. caproni adults were found in the ileum, approximately 25% of the transplanted worms of both species were found within 1 cm of each other. Thus habitat separation was not a major cause of the lack of interspecies mating. Lack of reproductive recognition is another reason to separate E. caproni and E. paraensei into distinct species.
Cestocidal activity of Acacia auriculiformis
Authors: Ghosh N.K. , Babu S.P. Sinha , Sukul N.C. , Ito A.
Published: June 2009

The cestocidal activity of Acacia auriculiformis was evaluated using rats each harbouring a single adult worm of Hymenolepis diminuta. The ethanol extract (300 mg/kg/day) and the saponins (200 mg/kg/day) obtained from the funicles of A. auriculiformis, were administered orally to two groups each of 10 rats, respectively, on day 20 after oral inoculation with a single cysticercoid of H. diminuta. Adult worms were expelled within 5 days from rats treated with the ethanol extract and within 3 days from those treated with saponins. No appreciable side effects were observed in the treated rats.
Naturally occurring entomopathogenic nematodes in the province of West-Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Miduturi J.S. , Moens M. , Hominick W.M. , Briscoe B.R. , Reid A.P.
Published: June 2009

The presence of naturally occurring entomopathogenic nematodes (epns) was surveyed in the West-Flanders province in the north-west of Belgium. In 21 sites of different agronomical situations, 130 soil samples were taken. Using the Galleria larva bait technique, 16 soil samples were found positive for epns. Fifteen samples were found to contain Steinernema spp. (nine S.feltiae, five S. affinis, one Steinemema species B3). The remaining positive sample contained Heterorhabditis sp. (North West European strain). The morphometric characters of the isolates were highly variable and did not correspond precisely to the original descriptions; however, biochemical characterization confirmed their identity. The epns were isolated from 50%, 18.8% or 12.3% of the samples taken in sand dunes, grassland or woodlands, respectively. S. feltiae and S. affinis were isolated in these three habitats; Heterorhabditis sp. was found in a grassland habitat. Steinernema feltiae was prevalent in loamy sand soils with a wide range of organic matter content; S. affinis, Heterorhabditis sp. and Steinernema species B3 were isolated in sandy loam soils. All the positive sample sites were in the pH range of 4.0–8.1. This is the first report of naturally occurring entomopathogenic nematodes in Belgium.
Effects of high fat diets on worm recovery, growth and distribution of Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice
Authors: Sudati J.E. , Reddy A. , Fried B.
Published: June 2009

The effects of high fat diets (HFDs) on the host–parasite relationship of Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice were studied. Two HFDs were used, one consisting of a customized high fat diet (CHFD) with 45% lipid in the form of cottonseed oil, and the second consisting of an egg yolk diet (EYD) from domestic hens' eggs, with 31% lipid. Controls for both diets consisted of mice fed a standard laboratory diet with 5% lipid. Mice were each fed 25 cysts of E. caproni by stomach tube and necropsied 2, 3 and 4 weeks postinfection (PI). The weight of mice on the CHFD declined significantly compared to mice on the control diet, but there was no significant decline in weight of mice fed EYD compared to the controls. Worm recoveries from mice on both HFDs were significantly less than those from control hosts. There was a significant decline in worm dry weight, body area and uterine egg counts in worms on HFD compared to those on the control diet. Worms from hosts on HFD were located more anteriad in the gut than those recovered from mice on the control diet.
Helminth detoxification mechanisms
Authors: Barrett J.
Published: June 2009

Detoxification mechanisms in parasitic helminths have not been extensively studied, despite their obvious relevance to drug development and drug resistance. Differences in detoxification enzymes between the parasite and its host may be exploitable in the design of pro-drugs, whilst selective inhibition of the parasites protective enzymes could increase their sensitivity to drug action and also make them more susceptible to the host's defence mechanisms.