bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of macrophages on the expression of sex difference in the susceptibility toBrugia pahangiinfection in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Nakanishi Hirokuni , Horii Yoichiro , Fujita Koichiro
Published: June 2009

The role of macrophages or eosinophils on the expression of sex difference in the susceptibility to a primaryBrugia pahangiinfection in C57BL/6 mice was investigated by using a macrophage blockade technique (carbon treatment) or a histamine type 1 (H1) receptor antagonist (promethazine). Carbon treatment remarkably inhibited macrophage exudation, reduced the resistance of female mice, and completely abolished sex difference in the susceptibility toB. pahangiinfection. Although promethazine treatment inhibited eosinophil exudation, it caused only a little increase (not significant) in the recovery rate of worms. These results suggest that macrophages have more important role(s) than do eosinophils on the expression of sex difference in the susceptibility to a primaryB. pahangiinfection in C57BL/6 mice.
Strain-dependent differences in susceptibility of mice to experimental Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection
Authors: Ishii Akira I. , Sano Motohito
Published: June 2009

Experimental Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection was carried out in inbred strains of mice (C57BL/6, BALB/c, DBA/2 and C3H/He). All strains became infected with this parasite. Marked differences in mortality and in worm burden were found among inbred strains of mice tested. A significant reduction was shown in worm length from mice compared to that from cotton rats.
Redescription of Thometrema magnifica (Szidat, 1954) Gibson & Bray, 1979 (Trematoda: Hemiuroidea), with comments on the validity of T. portoalegrensis Amato, 1968
Authors: Kohn A. , Fróes O. M. , Fernandes B. M. M. , Abramson B.
Published: June 2009

Thometrema magnifica from Hypostomus commersoni and Loricariichthys anus (new host) is redescribed with additional morphological data and original figures, measurements and figures of Szidat's paratypes. Gibson & Bray's hypothesis that T. portoalegrensis is its synonym is confirmed.
In vivoandin vitrodevelopment ofSchistosoma Margrebowiei
Authors: Ogbe Martin G.
Published: June 2009

The development ofSchistosoma margrebowieiin hamsters, mice and gerbils has been studied following infection by cercariae obtained from laboratory-infectedBulinus natalensis. The rate is compared with that of other schistosome spp. and found to be very fast.In vitrodevelopment was slower and did not proceed beyond the closed-gut stage.
Experiments on habitat selection of Heterophyes species in different definitive hosts
Authors: Taraschewski Horst
Published: June 2009

Heterophyes heterophyes, H. aequalis and H. dispar showed distinct zonation in the small intestine of different definitive hoste. The flukes were found in their appropriate zone within four to six hours after infection. It appeared that their position shifted posteriorly during their life and that the shift proceeded more rapidly in unsuitable hosts. Hisgological sections revealed that the flukes are not deeply embedded in the host's mucosa.
Diagnostic Mr31 000Schistosoma mansoniproteins: requirement of infection, but not immunization, and use of the “miniblot” technique for the production of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Ruppel Andreas , Breternitz Ute , Burger Reinhard
Published: June 2009

Antibodies directed against diagnostic Mr31 000 polypeptide(s) of adultSchistosoma mansoniwere already formed in mice during prepatency. In contrast, repeated immunization of mice with homogenates of adult schistosomes failed to elicit antibodies detectable in immunoblots in the Mr31 000 region. Therefore, spleen cells of infected mice were used to produce hybridoma lines. The “miniblot technique” was developed in order to detect in hybridoma supernatants antibodies against schistosome Mr31 000 components. Electrophoretically separated totalS. mansoniproteins were transferred onto nitrocellulose, and the position of the Mr31 000 components was determined with polyclonal antisera and immunoblotting. Pieces of about 3 square mm of nitrocellulose bearing the diagnostic proteins were incubated with about 100 μ1 of hybridoma supernatant in microtitre plates and subsequently probed with peroxidase-conjugated antibody to mouse IgG. This screening technique identified hybridomas secreting antibody to the relevantS. mansoniantigens. It is applicable to other defined parasit antigens, which are, however, not available in biochemically purified form. The monoclonal antibodies produced against the proteins with diagnostic potential reacted with antigens localized in the schistosome gut.
Eosinophilia in chimeric mice infected withToxocara canis
Authors: Sugane Kazuo , Matsuura Tadashi
Published: June 2009

A marked strain variation in eosinophilia following oral infection withToxocara caniseggs was observed in mice. Mutual radiation chimeras between high and low responder mice in terms of eosinophilia were made and compared with the respective donor and recipient for eosinophilia after the infection. As a result, the degree and time course of eosinophilia in chimeric mice were similar to those in donors. The result suggested that genes which regulate inheritance of the trait, marked eosinophilia inT. canis-infected mice, might be expressed in bone marrow derived cells.
Observations on the transmission ofAngiostrongylus cantonensisfrom snail to rodent
Authors: Noda Shinichi , Uchikawa Ryuichi , Matayoshi Seiken , Watanabe Yohsuke , Sato Atsuo
Published: June 2009

A survey ofAngiostrongylus cantonensiswas carried out to investigate the mode of transmission from molluse to rat in a fixed study area of Yoron Island from 1979 to 1982.Rattus rattuswas found to be infected with a small number of worms in spite of heavy infection with third-stage larvae inAchatina fulicaand an abundance of this snail in the area. Natural infection and/or susceptibility withA. cantonensiswere confirmed in three small snail species.Bradybaena circulus, Fruticicola despectaandLuchuena reticulata. YoungA. fulicawas found to be infected with fewer third-stage larvae than matureA. fulica. It was concluded that molluscs which were infected with a small number of third-stage larvae ofA. cantonensisplay an important role in maintaining the life cycle ofA. cantonensis. The percentage of rat stomachs containing molluse tissue was relatively low, and the incidence and infection was low in rats. Infection withA. cantonensisdid not occur very often inR. rattusin nature.
Survival of shelled acanthors ofMoniliformis moniliformis(Acanthocephala) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Arnold S. E. , Crompton D. W. T.
Published: June 2009

Shelled acanthors (=eggs) of two isolates ofMoniliformis moniliformis(Acanthocephala) were tested for their capacity to respond to a hatching stimulusin vitroand for their retention of infectivity to a natural intermediate host (Periplaneta americana). The shelled acanthors were stored for more than 120 weeks (Australian isolate) and for 104 weeks (Texan isolate) together with rat faeces in an incubator maintained at 22·2±0·1°C. In both cases, infectivity toP. americanawas shown to have been retained.In vitrotests of the hatching response were carried out on many occasions during this period of faecal storage. Shelled acanthors continued to respond and no differences were detected either between isolates or within an isolate through time.
Studies on the life-cycle ofPleurogenoides ovatusRao, 1977 (Trematoda: Pleurogenetinae)
Authors: Janardanan K. P. , Prasadan P. K.
Published: June 2009

The life-cycle ofPleurogenoides ovatusRao, 1977, infecting the frogs,Rana tigrinaandR. cyanophlyctishas been elucidated. All the life-cycle stages from egg to egg-producing adults were successfully established in the laboratory. The life-cycle took about 80 days for completion. Cercariae were found in the freshwater snail,Digoniostoma pulchella, collected from paddy fields at Chelembra, Malappuram district of Kerala, during the monsoon months. Cercariae are of the virgulate xiphidiocercous type. Metacercariae occurred in the connective tissues, hepatopancreas and musculature of the freshwater crab,Paratelphusa hydrodromous. The growth and development of the metacercariae inP. hydrodromoushave been studied in detail. Frogs became infected when they fed on infected crabs. The prepatent period is 10 days.
Onchocerca lienalis:comparison of techniques for the cryopreservation of microfilariae within skin-snips or free of host tissues
Authors: Tagboto S. K. , Townson S.
Published: June 2009

Onchocerca lienalismicrofilariae (mf) were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen within skin-snips using methanol as a cryoprotectant and their viability evaluated and compared to mf cryopreserved free of host tissues using ethanediol as a cryoprotectant. Despite an initial delay in emergence, the methanol technique did not significantly affect the total numbers of mf emerging from skin-snips of various sizes (3·3–59·81 mg) compared to untreated controls over a 6 h period. Following thawing, the initial motility index (MI) scores of mf cryopreserved by either method were not significantly different from untreated controls; however, over a period of 15 days in culture the MI scores of both cryopreserved groups showed a small but significant overall decline, with the methanol technique producing the lowest scores. These changes in motility levels correlated with the numbers of mf which developed to the infective stage following intrathoracic injection intoSimulium ornatum, although this ability to develop was a much more sensitive measure of parasite viability; compared to untreated control recoveries of 3rd-stage larvae, 63·9–71·7% (ethanediol technique) and 34·2–36·9% (methanol technique) of this number were recovered from cyropreserved groups. There were no significant differences in the lengths of infective larvae recovered from the insect heads from each treatment group, nevertheless there were higher numbers of 2nd-stage larvae recovered from the cryopreserved groups compared to the untreated controls. The methanol technique has the advantage of being easier to carry Out under field conditions, while parasite viability is significantly better using the ethanediol technique.
Oesophagostomum columbianum: gamma-irradiated third-stage larvae for immunization in lambs
Authors: Sharma R. L. , Dhar D. N.
Published: June 2009

40-kR /-irradiated third-stage larvae of Oesophagostomum columbianum were used for the immunization of Kashmir Merino lambs. Male lambs (aged from 8 to 12 weeks) were immunized in two separate experiments by two doses of irradiated larvae, given 21 days apart, and subsequently challenged with normal larvae. Judging by the establishment of worms resulting from the challenge infections in the immunized and control groups of lambs in the two experiments, a high degree of immunity was shown to develop in young lambs vaccinated with 500, followed 21 days later with 2000, 40-kR irradiated larvae. Lambs from the immunized groups showed more nodules in the intestine, a high percentage of which were positive for histotrophic stages of O. columbianum, than did controls. The importance of this finding in relation to the possible use of a vaccine for the immuno-prophylaxis of oesophagostomiasis in sheep and other animals is discussed.
Transmission of Schistosoma bovis in Mkulwe (Mbozi District, Mbeya Region, Southern Highlands of Tanzania)
Authors: Mwambungu John Amos
Published: June 2009

Various populations of laboratory bred bulinid snails were exposed to miracidia of Schistosoma bovis from Mbozi. The parasite is naturally transmitted by Bulinus globosus in the area. Laboratory infection revealed a good relationship with B. forskalii and B. globosus from Mbozi and a population of B. forskalii from Dar es Salaam (infection rates 100%, 63·6% and 41·7% respectively). Populations of B. globosus and B. nasutus from Dar es Salaam were refractory. It appears that both snail species (B. globosus and B. forskalii) present in Mbozi district transmit S. bovis.
Cyclic and non-cyclic dynamics in populations of the helminth parasites of wood mice,Apodemus sylvaticus
Authors: Montgomery S. S. J. , Montgomery W. I.
Published: June 2009

Two populations ofApodemus sylvaticus, one in deciduous woodland and another in coniferous forest in Co. Down, Northern Ireland, were trapped at monthly intervals over 33 months. The dynamics, reproduction and age structure of the mouse populations differed between years with over a 40 fold range of population size. Nine species of helminths were recovered from the alimentary tract and associated organs of the mice. The prevalence and mean worm burden of the cestodes,Catenotaenia lobata, Hymenolepis hiberniaandTaenia taeniaeformisvaried erratically. The trematodes,Corrigia vittaand to a lesser degreeBrachylaima recurva, had seasonal changes in abundance. The nematodesCapillaria murissylvaticiandNematospiroides dubiushad strongly seasonal cycles of abundance associated with the onset of host reproduction.Trichuris muriswas the rarest helminth. Despite protracted periods of absence this species maintained a seasonal increase in mean worm burden in late winter. The nematode,Syphacia stroma, had a weakly seasonal pattern of dynamics. The bases of these cyclical and non-cyclical dynamics of the helminths ofA. sylvaticusare discussed.
The cercarial output from three Nigerian bulinids infected with two strains of Schistosoma haematobium
Authors: Fryer S. E. , Probert A. J.
Published: June 2009

The daily cercarial output of two Nigerian strains of Schistosoma haematobium in sympatric Bulinus truncatus, B. globosus and B. senegalensis was measured at weekly intervals from the start of emission to the snails' death. In all cases cercariae were released throughout the life of the host, with no cases of “self cure”. Patterns of output through the course of infections in B. truncatus and B. senegalensis were similar to those reported for S. haematobium by other workers, with daily production of cercariae rising to a peak within a few weeks of the onset of shedding, then declining until the host's death. In the longer lived B. globosus production was significantly higher, but declined to very low levels after the initial peak; in some individuals cercarial output remained very low, while others showed a second period of high cercarial emission. The relative compatibility of each host-parasite combination is discussed.
Identification of life cycle stages of the nematodeEchinocephalus overstreetiby allozyme electrophoresis
Authors: Andrews R. H. , Beveridge I. , Adams M. , Baverstock P. R.
Published: June 2009

Data presented in this study highlight the potential of allozyme electrophoresis in providing unequivocal genetic evidence for the identification of life cycle stages, particularly where species have complex life cycles. Adults of the nematodeEchinocephalus overstreetiparasitize the elasmobranchHeterodontus portusjacksoni. The putative larval form which is morphologically dissimilar is found in two species of marine molluscs,Chlamys bifronsandPecten albus. Electrophoretic analysis indicated that the adult and larval forms shared alleles at all of the 34 enzyme loci established. Furthermore, there were no fixed allelic differences between larval forms from different mollusc species.
Immunity to adult Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Nematospiroides dubius): survival or rejection of adult worms following transplantation to mice refractory to larval challenge
Authors: Robinson M. , Behnke J. M. , Williams D.J.L.
Published: June 2009

Experiments were carried out to explore the survival of 14-day adult H. polygyrus following transplantation to mice of four strains, immunized by various protocols. Adult worm establishment and survival was unimpaired in CFLP mice which were totally refractory to larval challenge. Transplanted adult worms were also successful in NIH mice immunized by the 9-day abbreviated infection regime. However, NIH mice exposed to irradiated larvae or subjected to the divided primary infection, expelled transplanted adults. The 9-day abbreviated infection was further examined in SJL and (C57 Bl10 X NIH) F1 mice which expel adult worms during a primary infection and although this regime was unsuccessful in causing NIH mice to reject adult worms, expulsion of adult worms was accelerated in SJL and F1 mice. The survival of adult H. polygyrus was discussed in the context of stage-specific immunity and the delicate balance between the immunogenic stimuli from developing larvae, the immunomodulatory activities of adult stages and the host's genetically determined capacity to respond to these opposing signals.
Experimental infection in a human subject by a possibly undescribed species ofTaeniain Taiwan
Authors: Chao David , Wong Ming M. , Fan Ping-Chin
Published: June 2009

A cysticercus of a possibly undescribed species ofTaeniawhich occurs commonly in Taiwan aborigines was used to establish an experimental infection in a human volunteer. Symptomatic effects attributed to the infection included diarrhoea, upper abdominal pain, and increase or loss of appetite over a four-month period. After an expelled proglottid was observed 122 days post-exposure, eggs and proglottids were found continuously until the patient was treated with anthelmintics. Antibody titres measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and levels of eosinophilia seemed to correlate with symptoms. Haematological analyses revealed an abnormal lipid metabolism during the entire symptomatic period.
Up to what point are cercariogenesis and sporocystogenesis reversible in schistosomes?
Authors: Kechemir N. , Combes C.
Published: June 2009

A study of larval development of Schistosoma haematobium in the snail Planorbarius metidjensis infected by transplanted sporocysts showed that some embryos in daughter sporocysts have characters intermediate between cercariae and sporocysts. These embryos are interpreted to be nearly mature cercariae that have partially reverted to be secondary sporocysts. If this explanation is correct, it would mean that the embryos which develop within trematode daughter sporocysts can differentiate either into cercariae or into a new generation of sporocysts, but originate from a single type of germinal cell.
On the viability of Fasciola gigantica metacercariae ingested by Lymnaea auricularia
Authors: Yadav S. C. , Gupta S. C.
Published: June 2009

The effect of ingestion by Lymnaea auricularia on the viability and infectivity of Fasciola gigantica metacercariae was studied. The cyst wall was unaffected by the snail's digestive processes. Two rabbits, each infected with 50 ingested metacercariae, died at 83 and 87 days post-infection. Eight and 10 immature flukes were recovered from the livers, indicating that the metacercariae had remained infective after passing through the intestine of the snail.
The ultrastructure of the peri-vulval region of Strongyloides cebus
Authors: Viney M. E. , Ashford R. W.
Published: June 2009

Ultrastructural studies were undertaken on a discrete peri-vulval area of cuticular modification in the parasitic female of Strongyloides cebus. Cilium-like arrangements of microtubules were observed which suggested that this region was sensory in nature. The possible function of this is discussed.
A study on the life-cycle and epidemiology of Pseudanoplocephala crawfordi Baylis, 1927
Authors: Taijing Jiang , Zhehao Jin , Hui Wu , Chunquan Cui
Published: June 2009

A study of the life-cycle and epidemiology of Pseudanoplocephala crawfordi Baylis, 1927 is reported. Intermediate hosts are Tenebrio obscurus, T. molitor, Carpophilus dimidiatus and Tribolium castaneum. The first three species are new host records. Development in the intermediate host takes 1–1.5 months. The completion of the life-cycle takes 2–2.5 months. Surveys of intermediate hosts, pigs, humans and rats were carried out. In Rattus norvegicus, the prevalence was as high as 22%. Epidemiological factors and suggestions for control measures are discussed.
Influence of intramolluscan larval stages of Echinostoma liei on the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae
Authors: Jourdane J. , Mounkassa J. B. , Imbert-Establet D.
Published: June 2009

During co-infection of Biomphalaria glabrata with Schistosoma mansoni and Echinostoma liei, S. mansoni cercariae released before the complete resorption of S. mansoni sporocysts show a very strong decrease of their infectivity in mice. Under conditions of high interspecific competition (i.e. when the snails are infected by E. liei 8 days after infection by S. mansoni), the mean overall worm return is five times lower than that of the control experiment. A marked decrease of the infectivity of cercariae is also noted when snails, infected exclusively with either sporocysts of S. mansoni or rediae of E. liei, are associated in the same tank.
Isolation, purification and characterization of surface antigens of the bovine filarial parasiteSetaria digitatafor the immunodiagnosis of bancroftian filariasis
Authors: Theodore J. Gerald , Kaliraj P.
Published: June 2009

The surface antigens of the bovine filarial parasiteSetaria digitatawere isolated by EDTA extraction and purified by affinity chromatography using sepharose bound human filarial (Wuchereria bancrofti) antibodies obtained from chronic human filarial sera. The purified and crude antigens were used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of serum antibodies in bancroftian filariasis. The purified antigen showed sensitive and specific reactions in ELISA for the detection of antibodies in filarial sera and showed least cross reactivity with other parasitic infections. The crude and purified antigens showed about 18 and 6 peptide bands respectively in SDS-PAGE and about 11 and 6 antigenic bands respectively in enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB). The purified antigen was observed to be glycoprotein in nature. It was possible to identify the stage-specific infection in human filariasis by using the crude and purified antigens in EITB.
Epidemiology of hydatid disease in Sardinia: a study of fertility of cysts in sheep
Authors: Bortoletti G. , Gabriele F. , Seu V. , Palmas C.
Published: June 2009

Hydatidosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a cyclozoonotic disease of economic significance in Sardinia. The life-cycle involves stray and sheep dogs as definitive hosts and sheep, pigs, goats and cattle as intermediate hosts. The most important intermediate host is sheep, due to home slaughtering with ready access of the viscera to dogs. This survey was undertaken in 1987 to ascertain the epidemiological significance of sheep in maintaining the life-cycle. A total of 700 (91·3%) of 767 sheep harboured hydatid cysts. The frequency distribution of the number of hydatid cysts was over-dispersed. Of 497 infected sheep, 7·6% had fertile cysts, 75·7% sterile cysts and 16·7% fertile + sterile cysts.
Seasonal variations in the populations of infective larvae on pasture and the numbers of nematode eggs in the faeces of farmed goats
Authors: Rahman Wahab A. , Collins G. H.
Published: June 2009

The levels of nematode egg production in goats and the availability of infective larvae (L3) on pasture were investigated on a dairy unit in New South Wales, Australia. The output of eggs by adult goats was always above 300 epg. The profile of the graph of larval availability in herbage paralleled those for temperature and rainfall, suggesting that larval peaks occurred when the temperature and availability of moisture were optimal. The dominant genus was Trichostrongylus, followed by Haemonchus, then Ostertagia. A larger proportion of Haemonchus larvae in the cultures of faeces were collected during the summer months.
The mouse as a suitable host for an isolate of Schistosoma haematobium from Niger
Authors: Imbert-Establet D. , Vera C. , Sellin B. , Jourdane J.
Published: June 2009

The host-parasite relationships of a Schistosoma haematobium isolate, originating from Niger, and the white mouse are described. Swiss OF1 albino mice were exposed individually to 200 cercariae and worms were recovered 9, 12, 16 and 20 weeks post infection. The mean worm returns ranged between 10·54 and 13·5% and did not alter significantly between 9 and 20 weeks post infection. The sex ratio of worms was always in favour of males; from 7·9:1 at 9 weeks after infection it decreased regularly to 3·28:1 at 20 weeks. Male worms reached a mean length of 8·72 mm at 20 weeks. From the 12th week post infection, a high number of eggs was found in the liver and gut. At 20 weeks, eggs were also found in the bladder. Viable eggs and infective miracidia were obtained. The infection of Bulinus truncatus from Niger succeeded with a mean rate of 61% after the first passage through mice. The isolate of S. haematobium was maintained in the laboratory during 3 successive passages through mice. These entirely new results are very probably linked to genetic characteristics peculiar to the S. haematobium populations from Niger.
Life cycle of Gnathostoma nipponicum Yamaguti, 1941
Authors: Ando K. , Tokura H. , Matsuoka H. , Taylor D. , Chinzei Y.
Published: June 2009

The life cycle of Gnathostoma nipponicum was examined by field survey and by experimental infection of animals with the larvae. Naturally infected larval G. nipponicum were found in loaches, catfish, and snakes. Experimentally, loaches, killifishes, frogs, salamanders, mice, and rats were successfully infected with the early third-stage larvae of G. nipponicum obtained from copepods (the first intermediate host), whereas snakes, quails, and weasels were not. Frogs, snakes, quails, and rats were experimentally infected with the advanced third-stage larvae (AdL3) from loaches. These results reveal that some species of fishes, amphibians and mammals can act as the second intermediate host and that some species of reptiles, birds and mammals can act as a paratenic host. The life cycle was completed in weasels, the definitive host, which were infected with AdL3 from loaches and started to evacuate eggs of G. nipponicum in faeces on days 65–90 postinfection.
Clinical manifestations of taeniasis in Taiwan aborigines
Authors: Fan P. C. , Chung W. C. , Lin C. Y. , Chan C. H.
Published: June 2009

From 1974 to 1989, a total of 24 500 aborigines at 67 villages in ten mountainous districts/towns in Taiwan were examined for the TaiwanTaeniainfection and 12% were found to be infected. In order to define the clinical manifestations of taeniasis caused by the TaiwanTaenia, 1661 aborigines in ten mountainous districts were surveyed. The overall clinical rate was 76%. The clinical rate was highest among Atayal aborigines (81%), followed by Bunun (66%) and Yami (61%) aborgines and lowest among Ami aborigines (40%). Among 1153 infected people, 10% had passed gravid segments in the faeces for less than 1 year, 24% for 1–3 years, 17% for 4–5 years. 23% for 6–10 years, 16% for 11–20 years, 7% for 21–30 years, and 3% over 30 years. Twenty-six occurrences of gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms were reported by 1258 infected persons. Passing proglottides in the faeces (95%) was the most frequent sign, followed by pruritis ani (77%), nausea (46%), abdominal pain (45%), dizziness (42%), increased appetite (30%), headache (26%). etc.
Protease resistant interleukin-3 stimulating components in excretory and secretory products from adult worms of Strongyloides ratti
Authors: Abe T. , Nawa Y. , Yoshimura K.
Published: June 2009

Excretory and secretory (ES) products collected from adult worms of Strongyloides ratti stimulated interleukin-3 (IL-3) production with mesenteric lymph node cells from infected C57BL/6 mice, hut not with normal mesenteric lymph node cells. The IL-3 stimulating components were not major IgG binding antigens. Activity of the IL-3 stimulating components was stable by treatment with protease, although reduced by heating in boiling water.
A morphological study of the effects of liposomized albendazole on the muscle phase of Trichinella spiralis in mice
Authors: Hrčkova G. , Velebny S. , Horák J.
Published: June 2009

The pathomorphological effects of daily and weekly doses of liposomized albendazole on Trichinella spiralis larvae have been examined and compared during the course of muscle infections in mice. Treatment with three and six daily doses of the drug given by intraperitoneal injection to mice resulted in marked pathological alterations to encapsulated larvae, mainly in the walls of the capsules. There was a 5% efficacy against T. spiralis in mice given three daily doses of albendazole, and 38% efficacy in mice given six daily doses of the drug. The same doses of drug, when administered weekly, did not reduce the numbers of parasite larvae, and the application of drug at 6-weekly intervals resulted in a 5% reduction in numbers.
Imported Opisthorchis viverrini and parasite infections from Thai labourers in Taiwan
Authors: Peng H. W. , Chao H. L. , Fan P. C.
Published: June 2009

In order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among labourers from Thailand in Taiwan, the stool samples from 1364 Thai labourers were examined by the formalin-ether concentration method and 18·0% were found to be infected with one or more parasites. The infection rates of hookworm, Opisthorchis viverrini, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Capillaria philippinensis, Schistosoma japonicum, Echinostoma sp., Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica, were 7·6%, 7·0%, 3·2%, 0·5%, 0·3%, 0·1%, 0·1%, 0·l%,0·l%, 0·4%, 0·2%, and 0·1% respectively. The prevalence was highest among the 21–25 age group (24·8%). Among the 245 infected persons, 91% were infected with one parasite, 8% with two parasites and 1% with three parasites. The finding that parasitic infections are prevalent among Thai labourers demonstrates the need for control measures in foreign labourers in Taiwan and further studies to determine the susceptibility of O. viverrini to the snail hosts of Clonorchis sinensis.
Cytochemical observations on the nervous system of adultCorrigia vitta
Authors: Magee C. A. , Cahir M. , Halton D. W. , Johnston C. F. , Shaw C.
Published: June 2009

AdultCorrigia vitta(Trematoda: Dicrocoelidea) inhabit the pancreatic duct of the fieldmouse,Apodemus sylvaticus, where, in numbers, they may occlude the duct lumen and prevent the flow of pancreatic secretions. Enzyme histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques, in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy, have been used to examine the localization and distribution of cholinergic. serotoninergic (5-HT, serotonin) and peptidergic components of the nervous system of the adult worm. All three classes of neuronal mediator showed a common pattern of staining, occurring throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Of the four peptide immunoreactivities (IR) demonstrated (pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY), substance P (SP), FMRFamide), PP-IR was the most predominant, occurring not only within the central ganglia and longitudinal nerve cords, but also in subtegumental plexuses and in fibres associated with the egg-forming apparatus. PYY and FMRFamide IRs were evident throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems; FMRFamide immunostaining, in particular, highlighted innervation of the ootype and immunoreactive cell bodies around the Mehlis' gland. Both SP- and 5-HT-IRs were restricted to the cerebral ganglia, ventral nerve cords and associated cell bodies. The distribution pattems of these peptides and 5-HT within the nervous system ofC. vittasuggest they are likely to function as neuronal mediators. PP, PYY and FMRFamide may also serve in regulating egg production.
Cryopreservation of Angiostrongylus cantonensis third-stage larvae
Authors: Mahajan R. K. , Renapurkar D. M.
Published: June 2009

An optimum protocol for the cryopreservation of third-stage larvae (L3) of Angiostrongylus cantonensis was determined by: (i) use of different dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) concentrations; (ii) use of different FBS concentrations in RPMI-1640 medium; and (iii) variation in the thawing temperature. Studies showed that with Concentrations of DMSO at 4·8% and FBS at 40% and a thawing temperature of 43°C, L3 survival assessed by motility was highest at 56%. The infectivity of the cryopreserved L3 of A. cantonensis was 20% compared to controls obtained from slugs.
Levels of ecdysteroid-like material in adults of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis during the intestinal phase
Authors: Nembo B. , Duie P. , Garcia M. , Breton P. , Gayral P. , Porcheron P. , Goudey-Perriere F.
Published: June 2009

Total ecdysteroid-like immunoreactive material was assayed and quantified in adults of the parasitic nematode N. brasiliensis during the intestinal phase in the rat in order to detect possible physiological fluctuations in titre. Worms of the same sex isolated from one rat were pooled in order to quantify ecdysteroids using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The concentration of ecdysteroids fluctuated during adult life according to the sex and the age of the parasite. Important differences of levels of ecdysteroid-like compounds between the two sexes of parasites were noted particularly at 128 and 168 h post-infection. The peak at 128 h, present in female, but not in male worms, corresponds to the time of egg-laying. Following HPLC-EIA analysis, the presence of ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone and apolar ecdysteroid-like material was ascertained during this peak. The physiological role and the possible origin of ecdysteroids in this nematode are discussed.
Partial characterization and time course analysis of Hymenolepis diminuta coproantigens
Authors: Allan J.C. , Craig P.S.
Published: June 2009

An analysis of Hymenolepis diminuta specific antigens in infected rat faeces was carried out. Using a capture type antibody sandwich ELISA assay based on a hyperimmune rabbit anti-worm somatic antisera it was demonstrated that, although antigen was present in faeces before patency, the onset of egg production led to a sharp increase in the levels of parasite antigen in the faeces. Levels of antigen in host faeces were independent of worm burden. Parasite eggs did not contribute significantly to faecal antigen levels. Western blot analysis indicated a number of highly specific antigens at around Mr 69,000, Mr 37,000, Mr 50,000 and Mr 27,000 with a low molecular weight smear at between Mr 30,000 and Mr 34,000 present in the faeces of H. diminuta infected rats. Some cross reaction occurred with an antigen of around Mr 66,000 in the faeces of non H. diminuta infected rodents. Antibody activity against this antigen was removed by affinity adsorption of the antibody solution against normal rat faeces.
Life history of the nematode Rhabdochona hellichi, a parasite of the barbel in the Jihlava River, Czech Republic
Authors: Moravec F. , Scholz T.
Published: June 2009

From April 1992 until June 1993, the seasonal dynamics of Rhabdochona hellichi (Šrámek 1901) in its definitive host, the barbel (Barbus barbus), was studied in the Jihlava River (the Danube basin), Czech Republic. The parasite occurred in barbel throughout the year (overall prevalence 93% and intensity of infection 1–1384 [mean 78] nematodes per fish), but there were distinct seasonal fluctuations in prevalence and mean intensity values associated with the parasite's seasonal cycle of maturation. Prevalence was very high (usually 100%) during most months of the year, while lowest values were recorded in August and October. The highest values of mean intensity occurred in April. Both prevalence and mean intensity values increased with the body length of the hosts. The parasite exhibited a distinct annual cycle of maturation with egg-producing females present only fmm June until August, whereas larvae occurred in barbel mostly from September until April of the next year. Trichopteran (caddis-fly) larvae of the genus Hydropsyche (H. angustipennis and H. pellucidula) were found as natural intermediate hosts of R. hellichi (prevalence 4%, intensity 1–10 nematode larvae). The strictly seasonal maturation of this nematode may be associated with the temperature regime in the locality and seasonal cycles of maturation of its intermediate hosts.
Trichrome staining ofGyrodactylussclerites and soft tissues following fixation in ammonium picrate-glycerin, including an improved rendition of the haptoral bars ofG. turnbulli
Authors: Richards G.R. , Chubb J.C.
Published: June 2009

A simple technique using modified Mallory stain in the transferral ofGyrodactylusspecimens from ammonium picrate-glycerin to a permanent mountant is described. Hamuli, their connecting bars and the penis sclerites are well defined by the technique as are muscles and tendons, cell nuclei, tegument and gland cells. As well as being useful in the study of general anatomy, the technique enhances the observation of the taxonomically important ventral and dorsal bars. In order to show this, improved illustrations of the dorsal and ventral bars ofG. turnbulliare given along with explicit demonstrations of differences in morphology of the ventral bars ofG. bullatarudisandG. rasini- two easily confused species.
A bolus for the administration to cattle of metacercariae of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Andrews S.J. , McGonigle S. , Smith A.M. , Dalton J.P. , Clery D. , Mulcahy G.
Published: June 2009

A gelatin-agar bolus, designed and developed for the administration of metacercariae of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, was evaluated in adult Holstein Friesian cattle. The metacercariae, enclosed within a gelatin capsule, were placed inside the bolus and delivered to each animal using an oesophageal balling gun. At slaughter, 13 weeks after challenge, an average of 25% of the challenge dose was recovered from each liver. This percentage recovery is similar to that obtained with other known methods. The new bolus, however, offers improved handling qualities. In addition, the bolus also has potential for improving a number of other techniques including those for the administration of other parasites, compounds or chemotherapeutic agents.
Cytochemical localization of cytochrome c oxidase activity in mitochondria in the tegument and tegumental and parenchymal cells of the trematodes Echinostoma trivolvis, Zygocotyle lunata, Schistosoma mansoni, Fasciola gigantica and Paragonimus ohirai
Authors: Fujino T. , Fried B. , Takamiya S.
Published: June 2009

Cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria of the tegument and tegumental and parenchymal cells was examined cytochemically in Echinostoma trivolvis, Zygocotyle lunata, Schistosoma mansoni, Fasciola gigantica and Paragonimus ohirai, trematodes that inhabit different sites in their vertebrate hosts. Clear differences in enzyme activity occurred in the mitochondria of these species, probably reflecting the different energy metabolisms of these worms. Marked aerobic metabolism occurred in S. mansoni and P. ohirai adults that inhabit the host mesenteric veins and the lungs, respectively. The tegument and parenchymal cells of S. mansoni possess relatively few, small mitochondria with tubular cristae which are heavily reactive for cytochrome c oxidase. In P. ohirai, the activity for cytochrome c oxidase in tegumental mitochondria increased gradually from juveniles to adults, reflecting that the respiratory activity increased with growth and the aerobic metabolism is activated when the worms reach the lung. P. ohirai juveniles and adults had two types of mitochondria with different shapes and enzyme activities that were located in two different types of parenchymal cells. The intestinal species, E. trivolvis had mitochondria in the basal aspect of the tegument, and some variations in enzyme activity of their mitochondria in the tegumental and parenchymal cells were observed, suggesting that they possess both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic systems. Z. lunata that live in rodent caeca are devoid of mitochondria in the tegument and have many characteristic mitochondria with undeveloped cristae in the parenchymal cells. Mitochondria of F. gigantica showed weak or no activity for cytochrome c oxidase, suggesting that the worm is well-adapted to an anaerobic environment in the host bile duct.
Note on the first occurrence of larval Echinococcus multilocularis in Clethrionomys rex in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Takahashi K. , Nakata K.
Published: June 2009

Larval Echinococcus multilocularis was found in Clethrionomys rex in Hokkaido, Japan. C. rex is a new host record for E. multilocularis. The cysts were filled with numerous protoscoleces suggesting a potential role of this vole in a natural cycle of transmission.
Genetic variation in the triploids of Japanese Fasciola species, and relationships with other species in the genus
Authors: Agatsuma T. , Terasaki K. , Yang L. , Blair D.
Published: June 2009

Twelve enzymes (encoded by 14 loci) in liver flukes of Fasciola species originating from Japan (parthenogenetic triploids), Korea (parthenogenetic diploids), the United States of America (USA) and Australia (all sexual diploids) were analysed using starch gel electrophoresis. Variation in electrophoretic patterns between samples was detected at five enzyme loci (Ak, Got, Gpi, 6-Pgd and Pgm-2). Japanese worms (31, of which six were established as uniparental laboratory strains), which reproduce by parthenogenesis, exhibited three different isozyme patterns. This indicates that triploidy has arisen more than once in Japanese flukes. Japanese Fasciola sp. can be separated into three types on morphological grounds. For the six laboratory strains of Japanese worms, the parental morphological type was known. Each of the three isozyme patterns observed was restricted to one morphological type. Most alleles detected in the Japanese triploids were also found in diploid worms from the other countries: the only alleles not represented elsewhere were four at the Got locus and two at the Pgm locus. Flukes from a laboratory strain derived from a single Korean diploid worm resembled the Japanese worms in genotype more closely than did American (seven uniparental laboratory strains) or Australian (30 worms) specimens. Worms from the last two countries were closely related.
Larval development of ovineNeostrongylus linearisin four experimentally infected mollusc species
Authors: Manga-González M.Y. , Morrondo-Pelayo M.P.
Published: June 2009

Development ofNeostrongylus linearislarvae was studied in the snail intermediate hostsOestophora(Oestophora)barbula, Oestophorella buvinieri, Cepaea nemoralisandHelix(Cryptomphalus)aspersa. The molluscs of each species, all adults, were divided into groups of 40 for infection purposes. The infection doses for the first two snail species were 90 and 50 first stage larvae (L1) ofN. linearis, respectively. ForC. nemoralistwo batches were tested: one with 200 L1 kept at 19°C and the other with 250 L1 at a temperature of 21°C. The same was done withHelix(C.)aspersawith 200 L1 at a temperature of 21°C, on the one hand and 300 L1 at 24°C on the other. One or two molluscs of each species were killed in series from the 6th day post-infection (p.i.) until the 44th. Percentage values for total larvae (1, 2 and 3) and L3 were higher with the lower dose forC. nemoralis, whilst the same was true with the higher dose inHelix(C.)aspersa. In both cases, the higher temperature appeared to contribute to cycle acceleration. Using one way analysis of variance, statistically significant differences were detected between the species of molluscs tested concerning percentages of L1 which penetrated, total larvae and L3. According to our results, the decreasing order of susceptibility of these species of molluscs as experimental intermediate hosts ofN. linearisis:O. buvinieri,Oestophora(O.)barbula,C. nemoralisandHelix(C.)aspersa. It is the first time thatOestophora(O.)barbulaandOestophorella buvinierihave been named as experimental intermediate hosts ofN. linearis.
Anisakis simplex: stage-specific antigens recognized by mice
Authors: Iglesias R. , Leiro J. , Ubeira F.M. , Santamarina M.T. , Sanmartín M.L.
Published: June 2009

To investigate antigenic differences between the developmental stages ofAnisakis simplex, somatic, excretion–secretion and detergent-solubilized surface antigen preparations of third- and fourth-stageA. simplexlarvae, and a somatic antigen preparation of adults, were characterized by SDS–PAGE and immunoblotting using mouse immune serum containing antibodies against the two larval stages. Excretion–secretion and surface antigen preparations from thirdstage larvae behaved very differently from those of fourth-stage larvae, in both SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting; this suggests that certain excretion–secretion and surface antigens are highly stage-specific. By contrast, somatic components of third- and fourth-stage larvae were found to have very similar banding patterns, suggesting conservation of these components during the development of the parasite in mice. The SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting results for adult somatic components seem to support this hypothesis
Failure of experimental infection of baboons (Papio hamadryas) with the eggs of Asian Taenia
Authors: Fall E.H. , Geerts S. , Kumar V. , Vervoort T. , Deken R. De , Eom K. S.
Published: June 2009

The infectivity of the eggs of Asian Taenia sp. for humans is not known. Using baboons (Papio hamadryas) as a model to extrapolate the findings, three animals were exposed per os with 1000, 10,000 and 50,000 infective eggs of theAsian Taenia sp. The serological, biochemical, haematological and parasitological (based on necropsy) results show that baboons are refractory to the infection. It is concluded that the Asian taeniid eggs may fail to develop in man.
The influence of neuroactive pesticides on the behaviour of entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Patel M.N. , Wright D.J.
Published: June 2009

The behaviour and infectivity of the infective juveniles (IJs) of two species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser and Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), were determined after exposure to two neuroactive pesticides, oxamyl and fenamiphos, widely used against plant parasitic nematodes. Oxamyl (50 μg ml−1) initially stimulated non-sinusoidal movement in S. feltiae but had no appreciable effect on IJs of S. carpocapsae, while fenamiphos (10 and 50 μg ml−1) increased and sustained non-sinusoidal movement in both species over an observation period of 48 h. The two pesticides reduced the infectivity of both nematode species against late instar larvae of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. in a sand-tube bioassay when compared with controls. Infective juveniles of S. feltiae showed limited body waving behaviour on the sand surface whereas S. carpocapsae showed the full range of nictation movements, including body waving, stationary straight postures and leaping. Oxamyl had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the number of IJs of S. carpocapsae which nictated except when the IJs were pre-incubated with this compound for 24 h (P<0.05). In contrast, fenamiphos completely suppressed all nictation and body waving behaviour in both species. Nictating IJs of S. carpocapsae exposed to late instar G. mellonella for 12 h in a filter-paper bioassay were found to be more infective compared with non-nictating IJs. Treating IJs of S. carpocapsae with oxamyl (50 μg ml−1) increased the infectivity of non-nictating IJs compared with controls but reduced infectivity of nictating IJs when exposed to G. mellonella for 12 h. The work is discussed in relation to proposals to use these or other pesticides to enhance the activity and infectivity of IJs of entomopathogenic nematodes.