bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment, development and fecundity of Taenia crassiceps in the intestine of prednisolone-treated Mongolian gerbils and inbred mice
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Kamiya Masao 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTWorm establishment, development and fecundity of Taenia crassiceps in the intestine of prednisolone (PTBA)-treated, 15- and 4-week-old Mongolian gerbils and 9-week-old inbred mice of 4 strains (AKR/J, BALB/cAn, B10D2/oSn and C57BL/KsJ) were investigated following oral administration of metacestodes. Gerbils were divided into 5 groups of 4 animals each according to the host age and commencement day of PTBA-treatment (day −13, −7 or 0 relative to infection). Worm recovery from the intestine on day 35 postinfection was not affected by host age, but fewer worms were recovered the earlier the commencement of PTBA-treatment. Worm size, determined by wet weight, total length and proglottis number, correlated inversely with worm burden, suggesting they were affected by the crowding effect. Proglottides were released normally in the faeces but were markedly depressed in all groups except for that of young gerbils. Furthermore, egg production and its development in gravid proglottides were markedly depressed in all groups. In PTBA-treated mice of 4 strains, sexually mature but not gravid worms were recovered from all mice of the AKR/J strain on days 20–32 postinfection, but none or few worms from the intestine of the others. PTBA-treatment did not inhibit all protective host defence mechanism(s) in the unnatural or alternative rodent definitive host of T. crassiceps.
Observations on the morphology ofToxocara pteropodiseggs
Authors: Prociv Paul 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTFertile eggs ofToxocara pteropodis, passed in the faeces of juvenile flying-foxes, were ovoid to spheroid in shape with a diameter range of 80–110 µm. The shell was often seen to comprise 4 layers: a fine inner lipid layer, a thicker clear chitinous layer, an equally thick outer vitelline layer and a pitted outermost, proteinaceous uterine layer of variable thickness. Infertile eggs were less uniform in shape and generally did not have well-defined shell layers, the formation of which is triggered by sperm penetration of the oocyte. The eggs of this species are bulkier than those of related ascaridoids, apparently because of a thicker external coat which, while not providing mechanical strength, is thought to protect against desiccation. Scanning electron microscopical findings suggest that the outer layer is not applied directly by uterine cells, but forms by the gradual deposition of secretions in the uterine lumen, regardless of whether the oocyte has been fertilized.
Seasonal variation in the prevalence and intensity of canine Gnathostoma spinigerum infection in northeastern Thailand
Authors: Maleewong W. , Pariyanonda S. , Sitthithaworn P. , Daenseegaew W. , Pipitgool V. , Tesana S. , Wongkham C. , Intapan P. , Morakote N. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTGnathostoma spinigerum was found in gastric nodules in 4·1% of 2940 dogs surveyed in northeastern Thailand. The prevalence and worm burden of G. spinigerum exhibited a seasonal fluctuation. The parasites were more abundant in the rainy season and the early winter (August–December) than in the summer (April–March). Most parasites were sexually mature between August and December while immature worms were observed during March and April. The distribution of gnathostomes within the sampled dogs was highly dispersed and few animals were found to harbour more than five worms.
Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis antibodies in humans in northern Jordan
Authors: Abo-Shehada M. N. , Sharif L. , El-Sukhon S. N. , Abuharfeil N. , Atmeh R. F. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTSera of 699 individuals, aged between 5–24 years, from the Irbid area. Jordan, were tested for Toxocara canis antibodies using an ELISA-IgG test. Crude prevalence was 10·9% (76 of 699) but age-adjusted prevalence was 14·3%. The highest prevalence was observed in females aged 5–9 years. 23·3% (7 of 30). and males of 15–19 years of age. 19·5% (16 of 82). The lowest prevalence was observed in females aged 20–25 years. 5·2% (8 of 155). Significant differences (P<0·05) between the prevalences of the toxocaral antibodies in males and females were observed in the age groups 5–9, 15–19 and 20–24 years. The trend of prevalence in relation to age was different according to sex.
Comparative cytotoxicity of secondary hydatid cysts, protoscoleces, and in vitro developed microcysts of Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Janssen D. , Osuna A. , Lazuen J. , De Rycke P. H. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTInfection with the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus is characterized by a concomitant immunity. Survival of established and developing hydatid cysts in the intermediate host implies a mechanism to modulate its immunological reactions. In order to investigate this mechanism, secondary hydatid cysts were isolated from intraperitoneally infected laboratory white mice (strain NMRI) 12 months p.i. A number of hydatid cysts were freed from the surrounding host adventitial tissue. Monolayer cultures of non-stimulated peritoneal macrophages of NMRI mice were prepared and incubated in the presence of the hydatid cysts. By means of a trypan blue exclusion test and by measuring the incorporation of tritium labelled uridine, it was found that the presence of hydatid cysts reduced the viability of the macrophages in vitro. Toxic substances are probably secreted since the medium of cultured hydatid cysts also displayed cytotoxic activity. Hydatid cysts with adventitia, as well as culture medium of those cysts, were less toxic. When toxins, partially purified from hydatid cyst fluid, were previously incubated on a collagen coated surface, a reduced level of toxicity was found, suggesting that collagen of the host adventitia may play a role in controlling the liberation of toxins by the hydatid cyst. Virtually no toxicity was exerted by protoscoleces or by the medium of cultured protoscoleces, in contrast to in vitro vesiculated protoscoleces (so called microcysts). The results reveal a novel feature of hydatid cysts that may play a role in the survival of the parasite in the immunized host.
Prevalence of Toxocara eggs and number of faecal deposits from dogs and cats in sandpits of public parks in Japan
Authors: Uga Shoji 
Published: June 2009

AbstractContamination of 13 sandpits in public parks in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, by Toxocara eggs and animal faeces was studied. All 13 sandpits were contaminated with faeces. The mean number of faeces found in 1 m2 of the sandpits was 35, from which the number of faeces in each sandpit was estimated to be 261 to 2205. Toxocara eggs were detected in 12 of the 13 sandpits, each examined 4–15 times; the overall prevalence was 92%. The eggs were not always distributed in the same pattern, but in general, eggs were numerous on the sandpit surface but also present at depths of about 35 cm. Of the eggs recovered, 63% were fully embryonated. Of the 13 sandpits examined, two were heavily contaminated by eggs, and all but one of the others were mildly contaminated. The difference between heavy and light contamination was not related to differences in the environment or in the number of faeces; the cause is unknown.
Distribution of some elements in hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Chowdhury N. , Singh Rajvir 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDistribution of some elements during development of endogenous daughter (hydatid) cysts of Echinococcus granulosus of buffalo origin was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These analyses showed that the distribution of copper and cobalt was highest in the smallest cysts. These elements gradually decreased in the cysts as they enlarged. The distribution of zinc, iron and manganese was very high in the smallest cysts in comparison to copper and cobalt, but these three elements decreased greatly in larger cysts. Iron and manganese were the only two elements found in very high concentrations in “thin-walled” cysts. Like all other elements both calcium and magnesium decreased as the cysts increased in size. In the thin-walled cysts magnesium increased by four times initially and this was followed by a two-fold “influx” of calcium in the “white-spots” in the above cysts. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to earlier works.
Use of body fluid of adult femaleAscaris suumas an antigen in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of swine ascariosis
Authors: Yoshihara S. , Oya T. , Furuya T. , Goto N. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detectAscaris suumantibodies in swine sera with adult body fluid (ABF) as an antigen. The assay was standardized with respect to the antigen concentration and serum and conjugate dilutions. Cross reaction was found between the antigen and the sera from the swine infected withMetastrongylus apri. The ELISA was more sensitive than the complement fixation test. Five protein peaks were obtained from ABF by gel filtration on Sephacryle S-300. Fraction I was the most specific. A 105 kDa protein in the fraction reacted with swine lgG in the serum of infected animals in Western blot analysis.
A seroepidemiological study of human Toxocara infection in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Havasiová K. , Dubinský P. , Stefancíková A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractSera of 908 blood donors, average age 35 years, living in towns and villages of the Slovak Republic were tested for Toxocara canis antibodies using an ELISA-IgG test. The seroprevalence in the healthy population was estimated at 13·65%. Antibodies were predominantly demonstrated in the sera from persons living in rural communities (17·09%) compared to the sera investigated from urban communities (11·82%). Women had a significantly higher seropositivity than men. The serological response in 2703 sera from patients suspected of toxocarosis was compared with their clinical manifestation, sex and age. Toxocara antibodies were found in 27·41% of suspected patients. Although the seroprevalence in adults was significantly higher among women than men, in children, boys had a higher seroprevalence than girls. The main clinical manifestations were leucocytosis and eosinophilia (46%), ocular disorders (36%), lung, liver and neurological disorders (26%). The most severe forms of this disease were observed in 2 to 5-year-old children with geophagy.
Mitochondrial DNA differentiation of Japanese diploid and triploid Paragonimus westermani
Authors: Agatsuma T. , Yang L. , Kim D. , Yonekawa H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRestriction endonuclease analysis of mitochondrial DNA was carried out in order to differentiate diploid and triploid types of Paragonimus westermani originating from Japan. It was found that out of 16 restriction enzymes. PstI, HaeIII and RsaI revealed consistently different cleavage patterns between the two types.
Efficiency of the salt flotation technique in the recovery ofAscaris lumbricoideseggs from the soil
Authors: Ajala M.O. , Asaolu S.O. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe efficacy of the salt flotation technique using saturated solutions of sodium nitrate (specific gravity 1.30) and zinc sulphate (specific gravity 1.16) for separatingAscaris lumbricoideseggs from clay, loamy and sandy soils has been investigated. Ten samples of each of the egg concentrations of 100, 500, 2500, 5000 and 10,000 eggs/25 g of soil were used for each soil type. Using T-test and ANOVA, the number of eggs recovered from sand was significantly higher than from loam and the number from loam significantly higher than from clay. With sodium nitrate, the maximum egg recovery rate was 25.04% from sandy soil at a concentration of 500 eggs/25 g soil while with zinc sulphate it was 13.88% also from sandy soil and concentration of 500 eggs/25 g soil. While the number of eggs recovered increased with soil egg concentration, the percentage of eggs recovered is inversely proportional to egg concentration. The number of eggs recovered with sodium nitrate was significantly higher than with zinc sulphate solution in the three soil types.
Development of the free-living stages ofHyostrongylus rubidusandOesophagostomumspp. at different temperatures and humidities
Authors: Fossing E.C. , Knudsen T.S.B. , Bjørn H. , Nansen P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractFaeces containing a mixture ofHyostrongylus rubidusandOesophagostomumspp. eggs were mixed with vermiculite and water and set up at combinations of different relative humidities (65.5%, 79.5%, 90.0% and 100%) and temperatures (5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C) in order to study the rate of egg hatching and larval development. The study established that the development from egg to infective larva showed similar patterns for the two parasites. Optimum development and survival was in the temperature range from 15°C to 20°C and ata humidities from 79.5 to 95.5%.
Oxidation and reduction of cytochrome c by mitochondrial enzymes ofSetaria cervi
Authors: Goyal N. , Srivastava V.M.L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA mitochondria-rich fraction isolated from the cuticle-hypodermis-muscie system ofSetaria cervi, a bovine filarial parasite, possessed substrate-coupled cytochrome c reductases and cytochrome c oxidase in appreciable activities. All these activities were located predominantly in the membranes. NADH-coupled cytochrome c reductase was more prominent than NADPH- and succinate-coupled reductases. All the three reductases exhibited marked sensitivity to rotenone and antimycin A. Salicylhydroxamic acid strongly inhibited succinate requiring reductase and cytochrome c oxidase, but the other two reductases only mildly. Sodium azide activated the reductases but substantially inhibited the oxidase activity. Potassium cyanide activated the succinate requiring reductase but did not cause any noticeable change in the activities of pyridine nucleotide linked reductases. Anthelmintics also influenced these activities but no definite correlation could be drawn regarding their mode of action.
Higher levels of passive compared with active immunity in rats immunized with larval antigens ofSchistosoma mansoni
Authors: Lawson B.W.L. , Bickle Q.D. , Taylor M.G. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe have previously shown that it is the lung stage schistosomulum which is both the inducer and the target of immunity in rats vaccinated with irradiated cercariae but that rats can also be partially protected by immunization with detergent extracts of mechanically-transformed schistosomula. In the present study we therefore compared the immunogenicity of these and intermediate schistosomular stages. In the first experiment low levels of protection (13–24%) were induced by extracts of mechanically-transformed schistosomula cultured for 3 hours or 2 days but not by extracts of lung schistosomula. In a repeat experiment insignificant levels of protection were induced by extracts of 3 h schistosomula and lung schistosomula were again non-protective. Nevertheless, high levels of anti-schistosomula antibodies were demonstrated and sera from actively immunized rats conferred significant passive protection in five out of six trials. The levels of protection conferred by passive immunization (26–51%) were in each case higher than the levels of protection demonstrated in the respective serum donor groups, showing that some form of immunological blockade suppression is operating to prevent expression of protective immunity in the actively immunized rats.
Faecal egg output, contamination of pastures and serum pepsinogen concentrations in heifers with natural gastrointestinal nematode infections in north-west Spain
Authors: Mezo-Menéndez M. , Díez-Baños P. , Morrondo-Pelayo P. , Díez-Baños N. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn 1988, 1989 and 1990 second year grazing heifers, naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, were separated into two groups, one of which was treated orally with albendazole. In 1988 and 1989 treatment was administered immediately after parturition (February), and in 1990 during the last term of pregnancy (December). Both treated and control animals were grazed on separate plots in a rotational system. Maximum faecal egg counts were observed amund parturition, except in 1990, when treatment was given at the end of gestation. The main genera identified wereCooperia, Trichostrongylus, OstertagiaandOesophagostomum. The number ofOstertagialarvae in the treated groups increased from 1989 to 1990, while the others decreased. Pasture contamination with third stage larvae (L3) was lower on the piots grazed by treated heifers. Maximum numbers of L3 were found in autumn, at the end of winter, and at the beginning of spring. Mean serum pepsinogen concentrations were significantly higher in the untreated groups. This concurs with the pattern for L3 on pasture. The trial shows that if a single treatment against gastrointestinal nematodes is carried out, and the animals remain on contaminated pastures, the parasitic load tends to level out after 4–5 months under favourable climatic conditions. However, the percentages of nematode genera occurring in the new populations may differ from those in the original infection.
Morphological comparison of in ovo derived and naturally occurring flukes using Microphallus similis, M. pygmaeus and Maritrema arenaria
Authors: Strain L.C. , Irwin S.W.B. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis investigation deals with the evaluation of the in ovo technique for the cultivation of trematodes. The technique has previously been used for the maturation of digenetic flukes and the establishment of life cycles in the laboratory but it was not known if the adult flukes produced were morphologically comparable to those found in their natural hosts. Three species of microphallids, Microphallus similis, M. pygmaeus and Maritrema arenaria were used. Metacercariae of each species were inoculated into fertile hen's eggs which were incubated at 41°C for 120 hours. The adult flukes recovered were stained and mounted and morphonietric measurements obtained were compared to definitive descriptions of the three microphallid species. The results showed that the in ovo technique provided adult flukes which were indistinguishable from those occurring in natural hosts.
Effect of mercury on the immune response and mean intensity ofAscaris suuminfection in guinea pigs
Authors: Borošková Z. , Šoltys J. , Benková M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe subchronic effect of mercury on selected immunological parameters was studied in guinea pigs with experimentalAscaris suuminfection. HgCl2given for 28 days reduced significantly T- and B-cell populations in the lymphoid organs and the phagocytic ability of peritoneal macrophages. The subsequent infection of HgCl2-intoxicated animals elevated the studied immunological parameters, but in comparison with infected non-intoxicated guinea pigs they remained significantly suppressed. The mercury compound in infection stressed animals caused a slight alteration of the complement CH50and AH50activity. The specific circulating antibody level in infected and HgCl2treated animals rose a little by day 12 p.i. and then again decreased significantly, compared with untreated guinea pigs. The mean intensity of infection with migratingAscarislarvae in HgC12-treated animals increased by 15%, compared with controls.
Metazoan parasite community structure in brown trout from two lakes in western Ireland
Authors: Molloy S. , Holland C. , Poole R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA total of 549 brown trout were caught from two lakes, Lough Feeagh and Bunaveela Lake, in the Burrishoole system, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Seven species of metazoan parasite were detected but only four species occurred in ≥10% of the sample. The parasite community of the trout was dominated by a single species, Pomphorhynchus laevis, with a prevalence of 58%. Only one allogenic helminth species was recorded from the trout, Diphyllobothriurn ditremum, with the community mainly comprising autogenic species. Few differences were found between the two lakes, although the larger lake, Lough Feeagh, did contain some trout which harboured more parasite species and had, on average, fish with higher numbers of individual parasites. Measures of species richness and diversity were very low, indicating an impoverished helminth community with little potential for interspecific interactions. Host age was found to significantly influence these indices of infracommunity structure.
The genetic relationships betweenEchinostoma caproni, E. paraensei, andE. trivolvisas determined by electrophoresis
Authors: Sloss B. , Meece J. , Romano M. , Nollen P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAdults ofEchinostoma caproni, F. paraensei, andE. trivolviswere processed for starchgel electrophoresis. Ten enzyme systems representing 12 structural loci were examined using three different buffer systems.E. paraenseiandE. caproniwere found to be genetically inbred as indicated by the lack of heterozygosity in individual worms. All three taxa showed fixed differences indicating they are distinct species. Fixed differences were found betweenE. paraenseiandE. caproniin six enzyme systems, betweenE. paraenseiandE. trivolvisin five enzyme systems, and betweenE. trivolvisandE. caproniin five enzyme systems. Phenic relationships among the three species showedE. caproniwas genetically more similar toE. trivolvisthan toE. paraensei.
Prevalence of microfilaraemia in episodic weakness and clinically normal dogs belonging to hunting breeds
Authors: Papazahariadou M.G. , Koutinas A.F. , Rallis T.S. , Haralabidis S.T. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBlood samples from 50 dogs with episodic weakness and 50 clinically normal dogs, all belonging to hunting breeds, were examined for microfilariae using the modified Knott's method. The prevalence of microfilaraemia in dogs belonging to the episodic weakness group was 10% forDirofilaria immitis, 30% forDirolfilaria repensand 8% forAcanthocheilonema reconditum. In the clinically normal group, the figures were 14% forDirofilaria repensand 4% forAcanthocheilonema reconditum. The overall percentage of dogs with microfilaraemia in the episodic weakness group was 44 and that of the clinically normal group 16, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). The prevalence of microfilaraemia due to the nonpathogenic filarial species (Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum) was 34% and 16% for the episodic weakness group and the clinically normal dogs, respectively, with no significant difference.
Complete structure of the gene encoding an immunodominant antigen ofDirofilaria immitisand larva-specific synthesis of primary transcript
Authors: Sun S. , Sugane K. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe complete gene encoding an immunodominant antigen ofDirofilaria immitiswas isolated from a Charomid 9–36 genomic DNA library. This genomic DNA clone termed ‘Dg2’ was characterized by restriction mapping, DNA sequencing of the 5′ flanking region, the exon/intron boundaries and the polyadenylation addition site. The Dg2 with 4872 bp in length consisted of five exons interspersed with four introns. These exons reveal a single open reading frame followed by a long 3′ non-coding region of 1383 bp. The open reading frame of 969 bp encodes a polypeptide of 322 amino acids with a molecular weight of 34,400. The ATG translation initiation codon starts 22 nucleotides downstream from the 5′ end of the first exon. The polyadenylation signal sequence, AATAAA, is located at the 3′ end of the last exon. The transcription initiation site was determined by primer extension technique. S1nuclease mapping analysis demonstrated that the primary transcript derived from Dg2 is synthesized in microfilariae but not in male or female adult worms. The result suggests that the stage-specific expression of Dg2 is regulated at the level of primary transcript.