Toxoplasma gondii is an infective parasite that causes reproductive disorders such as abortion, fetal mummification, birth of weak offspring, and stillbirth, thereby causing economic losses to sheep production. The northeastern region of Brazil has approximately 171 million small ruminants, of which 5.4% are sheep. The present study aimed at determining the rate of occurrence of T. gondii in sheep flocks on 60 farms in 19 municipalities in the three mesoregions (eastern, semi-arid, and sertão or backlands) of the state of Sergipe, Brazil, and the risk factors associated with this infection. Serum samples were collected between 2011 and 2012, from 60 farms located in 19 municipalities in the three mesoregions: 680 in the eastern region, 280 in the semi-arid region, and 240 in the backlands, totaling 1,200 samples (990 females and 210 males). Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected by means of the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT ≥ 64). The highest occurrence was detected in the eastern region (45.3%, p = 0.001). On farms with subsistence production, the risk of having animals infected by T. gondii was approximately twice as high as on breeding/rebreeding/fattening farms (OR: 3.03; CI: 1.97-4.68). There was a significant lack of sanitary care, such as absence of a dunghill (p = 0.000; OR: 1.60; CI: 1.26-2.03), quarantine (p = 0.000; OR: 1.87; CI: 1.45-2.41) and disinfection (p = 0.003; OR: 1.46; CI: 1.13-1.88). Regarding feeding, the risk of infection was 1.74 and 1.37 times higher in places that used a trough and/or that cats could access, respectively. The presente study allows the conclusions that T. gondii is found on farms in the three mesoregions of the state of Sergipe and that environmental and management factors have an influence on sheep infection.

Introduction: Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) is a parasite of great socioeconomic importance. A number of fluke isolates have been identified; however, to date the differences between the immunomodulatory properties of different parasite isolates have not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to explore differences between the immunomodulatory properties of two F. hepatica isolates using unmaturated bovine macrophages. Material and Methods: A cell line of bovine macrophages was stimulated with excretory/secretory products released by adult flukes from either a laboratory (Fh-WeyES) or wild (Fh-WildES) strain and subsequently subjected to microarray and ELISA analyses. Results: Both Fh-WeyES and Fh-WildES dampened the release of interleukin-10 by bovine macrophages, but only Fh-WildES dampened the release of proinflammatory tumour necrosis factor-α. Microarray analysis revealed that Fh-WildES down- and upregulated 90 and 18 genes, respectively, when compared to Fh-WeyES. Conclusion: The results indicated different impacts of the isolates on macrophages. A number of researchers use flukes obtained from local slaughterhouses for experiments. Our findings may explain some discrepancies between published results arising from parasite strain choice. The findings indicate that consideration should be given to the use of different strains, and open new and currently unexplored avenues in parasitology for controlling the parasite.

A total of 23,322 specimens collected between 2014 and 2017, froma total of 2,592 cases, were received in Veterinary Research Institute, Ipoh (VRI) from various states in Malaysia and testedfor common bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases in pigs. The highest occurrence of isolated bacteria from 771 samples whichtested positive were Salmonella (47.38%) and Escherichia coli (15.68%), followed by Staphylococcus (6.62%), Streptococcus (5.57%), Klebsiella pneumonia (4.88%), Pseudomona (3.38%), Acinetobacter (3.14%), Aeromonas (2.79%), Enterobacter (2.44%), one each of Bacillus and Pasteurella multocida (1.74%), Enterococcus (1.39%) and Corynebacterium (1.05%). 1.74% of each bacteria detected were Moxarella, Aspergillus, Burkholderia andChromobacterium. Positive samples tested by ELISA was Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) (9.15%), Aujezsky disease virus (ADV)(5.37%), porcine cirvo-virus-2 (PCV2) (5.09%) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) (4.52%). Positive amples tested by the molecular test wasPCV2 (1.62%), PRRSV (1.32%) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) (0.4%). Serology tests were conducted on 11,305 samplesand reported positive for Brucella suis (15.32%), Brucella abortus (0.62%), Brucella melitensis (0.85%), and melioidosis (0.05%). Parasitology analyses on 99 samples. revealed presence of 10.1% coccidia and 1% each of helminths and Sarcocystis. Within the 4-year period, there were no positive samples for porcine parvovirus (PPV), Nipah virus, swine influenza virus (SIV), and bacteria of Johne’s disease and leptospirosis. Continuous assessment is required to establish a comprehensive baseline data of swine diseases in Malaysia.

Ear mite (Otodectes cynotis)is a very common cause of otitis externaand it is one of the clinically importantdiseases of cats and dogs. A study on earmite infestation was carried out on straycats around the vicinity of Kota Bharutown. This study was done to establish theincidence of positive infections by directsmear of skin scrapings from cats. A total of34 skin scraping and ear swab samples weretaken from stray cats around Kota Bharu,Kelantan. The study was conducted in fourlocations around the Kota Bharu district,namely; Pasar Pasir Tumbuh, Pasar MedanBuluh Kubu, Kampung Kraftangan andRural Transformation Centre in Tunjung.A total of 7 samples from RTC Tunjungarea were positive for these mites, observedunder the microscope. This area also hasa wet market where the stray cats live andas the environment is damp and dirty, it isthe perfect environment for the spread ofthe mites. This information is vital for thecontrol of stray animal populations whichindirectly affect human health.

Trypanosomiasis has been reported in dogs from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and South Carolina. We describe the first isolation and characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi from a Walker Hound pup in Virginia that also had postvaccinal distemper. The mother of the pup and 7 of its 8 siblings also were found to be infected with T cruzi, suggesting that the parasite had been transmitted transplacentally or through lactation. Parasitologic, serologic, histologic, and molecular methods were used to establish the diagnosis of T cruzi infection in these dogs. In a serologic survey of 12 dogs (including the sire of the pups) from the area in which the index case occurred, none were found to have antibodies to T cruzi. However, 2 of a further 52 dogs from different areas (to the index case), but in the same county, were sero-positive to T cruzi. These findings indicate that canine trypanosomiasis is present in an area of the United States not previously known to be enzootic.

Objective--To evaluate the nematocidal effectiveness of the ivermectin sustained-release bolus throughout its 135-day delivery period. Design--Twenty-four naturally infected calves were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 equivalent experimental groups: group-T1 calves were untreated controls, group-T2 calves each received a sustained-release bolus on trial day 0 and group-T3 calves were rendered nematode-free and used at 35-day intervals during the study as tracers. One contaminated pasture was used for all principal calves for the 135-day grazing interval of the study. Calves of groups T1 and T2 were also artificially administered mixed infective nematode larvae at intervals during the grazing period, after which, all calves were confined to concrete for 21 days prior to necropsy. Animals--All calves were approximately 6 months old on trial day 0, weighed from 136 to 216 kg, and were of mixed breeding and sex. Procedure--At intervals during the study, feces from all calves were analyzed for nematode egg counts, and all calves were weighed and examined for bolus retention (T2 calves only). For nematode recovery, all calves were necropsied 21 to 22 days after removal from the contaminated pasture. Results--Parasitic populations of Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, Bunostomum, and Oesophagostomum spp were significantly reduced in cattle treated with the ivermectin sustained-release bolus. Conclusion--The nematocidal activity of the ivermectin sustained-release bolus proved highly effective, with > 98% efficacy for all nematode species present.

Intraocular production of Toxoplasma gondii-specific antibody in cats has been estimated by comparing the ratio of T gondii-specific antibody in aqueous humor and serum with the ratio of total immunoglobulins in serum and aqueous humor (Goldmann-Witmer coefficient; aqueous antibody coefficient; C value). It has been proposed that in human beings, comparison of the ratio of T gondii-specific antibody in aqueous humor and serum with the ratio of antibodies against a nonocular pathogen in serum and aqueous humor is more accurate than methods using total immunoglobulin quantification. We developed an ELISA for detection of calicivirus-specific antibodies in the serum and aqueous humor of cats. By evaluating calicivirus-specific antibody concentrations in the aqueous humor of healthy and diseased cats, calicivirus was assessed as a nonintraocular pathogen. The ratio of T gondii-specific antibodies in the aqueous humor and serum and the ratio of calicivirus-specific antibodies in serum and aqueous humor were evaluated as a means of estimating intraocular T gondii-specific antibody production. A field strain of feline calicivirus was isolated, cultured, and purified. A calicivirus-specific IgG ELISA was developed for detection of feline calicivirus-specific IgG in serum and aqueous humor. Calicivirus-specific IgG was measured in the serum and aqueous humor from 3 groups of control cats. Results suggested that calicivirus is a nonintraocular pathogen in cats and that calicivirus IgG detected in aqueous humor is attributable to leakage across a damaged blood-ocular barrier. Intraocular production of T gondii-specific antibodies was estimated, using 2 formulas. The C value was calculated by multiplying the ratio of T gondii-specific IgM or IgG in aqueous humor and serum by the ratio of total immunoglobulins (using the corresponding IgM or IgG class) in serum and aqueous humor. The Ctc value (Toxoplasma-calicivirus Goldmann-Witmer coefficient) was calculated by multiplying the ratio of T gondii-specific IgM or IgG in aqueous humor and serum by the ratio of calicivirus-specific IgG in serum and aqueous humor. Serum and aqueous humor samples were obtained from 41 client-owned cats with uveitis, and T gondii-specific C values and Ctc values were calculated. Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgM or IgG C values of 10 or greater or T gondii-specific IgM or IgG Ctc values of 1 or greater were considered to be suggestive of intraocular T gondii-specific antibody production. Of the 41 cats, 20 (48.7%) had evidence of intraocular production of T gondii-specific antibody on the basis of either an IgM or IgG C value of 10 or greater. A Ctc value could not be calculated in 3 cats because calicivirus-specific IgG was not present in aqueous humor. Of the 38 cats for which Ctc values could be calculated, 25 (65.8%) had evidence of intraocular production of T gondii-specific antibody on the basis of either an IgM or IgG Ctc value of 1 or greater. The C values and Ctc values were in agreement for 75.9% of IgM containing samples and 75% of IgG containing samples. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of a positive test result, and predictive value of a negative test result for an IgM or IgG C value, when compared with the corresponding IgM or IgG Ctc value were determined. The results indicate that use of the C value for estimation of intraocular T gondii-specific antibody production will result in 28.6 (IgM) to 50% IgG) false-negative results and 12.5% (IgM and IgG) false-positive results, when compared with the Ctc value.

Persistence of the vaccine RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii was studied by bioassay and histologically in 14 pigs. Pigs were euthanatized 2, 4, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 29, 36, 42, 52, 57, and 76 days after IM inoculation with 100,000 T gondii tachyzoites. Viable T gondii tachyzoites derived from the RH strain were isolated by bioassay in mice inoculated with tissues of pigs euthanatized up to 14 days after vaccination. Except for fever, pigs vaccinated IM with the RH strain remained clinically normal. Two other pigs inoculated IV with 100,000 T gondii tachyzoites of the RH strain became ill, and 1 pig was comatose by 4 days after inoculation. These findings indicate that route of inoculation may influence the response of pigs to T gondii. To evaluate protective immunity in pigs vaccinated with the RH strain, 16 age-matched pigs were allotted to 4 groups (A-D) of 4 pigs each. Eight pigs (groups A and C) were vaccinated IM with 100,000 RH strain tachyzoites and 8 pigs (groups B and D) were nonvaccinated controls. Pigs of groups A and C were challenge-inoculated orally with a lethal dose of T gondii oocysts (100,000 oocysts) 81 days after vaccination, pigs of groups B and D were inoculated similarly 220 days after vaccination. The concentration of T gondii at 3 days after challenge inoculation of pigs vaccinated 81 days earlier was reduced 100,000-fold in mesenteric lymph nodes, compared with that in a nonvaccinated pig euthanatized at 3 days after challenge inoculation. Another nonvaccinated pig became comatose and had to be euthanatized at 7 days after challenge inoculation, numerous tachyzoites were in its mesenteric lymph nodes, intestines, and liver. The vaccinated pigs generally remained clinically after challenge inoculation with oocysts. Toxoplasma gondii was not isolated by bioassays from tissues of 5 of 8 vaccinated pigs, but was recovered from all nonvaccinated pigs. Results indicate that protective immunity persisted in pigs for at least 7 months after vaccination with the nonpersistent RH strain of T gondii.

During the hunting season of 1992, 322 black bears from Pennsylvania were examined for Toxoplasma gondii- and Trichinella spp-induced infections. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in 79.8% of 322 bears--titer < 1:25 in 65 (20.2%), 1:25 in 18 (5.6%), 1:50 in 11 (34.5%) and 1:500 in 128 (38.7%) bears--by use of the modified agglutination test. Muscle tissues from 89 of these bears were bioassayed for T gondii parasites. Muscles from 64 bears, including heart from 1 bear, and heart alone from another bear, were digested in pepsin, and the digested samples were bioassayed in mice. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from 5 bears; from the heart of 1, heart and skeletal muscles of 1, and skeletal muscles of 3. The T gondii antibody titers for the 5 bears with detectable T gondii were: greater than or equal to 1:25 in all 5 bears by use of the modified agglutination test; < 1:10 (3 bears, considered Toxoplasma-negative), 1:20 and 1:320 by use of the Sabin-Feldman dye test; < 1:64 (3 bears, considered Toxoplasma-negative), 1:128, 1:512 by use of the indirect hemagglutination test, and < 1:16 (2 bears, considered Toxoplasma-negative), 1:32, 1:64, and 1:512 by use of the latex agglutination test. Toxoplasma gondii was not isolated from feces of 5 cats fed muscles from the remaining 25 bears with T gondii antibody titer < 1:25. Tissue cysts of the 4 T gondii isolates from bears were rendered noninfective by freezing at -13 C. Antibodies against Trichinella spp were found in 6 (1.8%) of 319 bear sera; Trichinella spp larvae were detected in muscle digests of 2 of 63 bears, and in histologic sections of muscles from 3 of 162 bears. Genetic typing indicated that the 2 Trichinella isolates from bears were a sylvatic genotype and were not the species found in domestic pigs.

Efficacy of albendazole for treating giardiasis in dogs was assessed in 3 experiments. In experiment 1, Giardia cysts were cleared from feces of 5 of 7 dogs (as determined by the zinc-sulfate concentration technique) after the dogs received a single dose of albendazole (25 mg/kg of body weight, PO), whereas feces of 3 of 7 dogs became clear of cysts without treatment. In experiment 2, feces of 5 of 5 dogs became clear of cysts after albendazole treatment (25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 4 doses); feces of 1 of 5 untreated control dogs became clear. In experiment 3, feces of 18 of 20 dogs became clear of cysts after albendazole 25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 4 doses) was given; none of the 20 control dogs had feces clear of cysts. Signs of toxicosis were not observed in any dog. These results indicate that a single dose of albendazole (25 mg/kg, PO) is not effective for treating giardiasis in dogs. However, 4 doses of albendazole (25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) are highly effective and nontoxic for treatment of giardiasis in dogs.