Animals

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microscopic and Molecular Identification of Eimeria Species in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Romania

by Beatrice Ana-Maria Jitea (Sîrbu), Sorin Morariu, Mirela Imre, Tiana Florea, Cătălin Bogdan Sîrbu, Iasmina Luca, Simona Dumitru and Gheorghe Dărăbuș

Animals 2025, 15(8), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081109 - 11 Apr 2025

Viewed by 397

Abstract

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease with high morbidity that affects various animal species, including rabbits. In rabbits, eleven Eimeria species have been primarily identified through microscopic examination of oocysts; however, this technique has certain limitations that make it challenging [...] Read more.

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease with high morbidity that affects various animal species, including rabbits. In rabbits, eleven Eimeria species have been primarily identified through microscopic examination of oocysts; however, this technique has certain limitations that make it challenging to differentiate between Eimeria species. The main objective of this study was to morphologically identify Eimeria species infecting rabbits in Romania, as well as to confirm these identifications using molecular biology techniques, specifically through the ITS-1 rRNA gene. A total of 236 samples were collected from different regions of Romania, of which 77.56% (183/236) tested positive for at least one Eimeria species. The samples were collected from rabbits raised in individual household settings, under various management systems—both in individual cages and in common ground-based enclosures. The areas of origin were chosen randomly, without applying restrictive criteria, specifically to ensure broad representativeness of the farming conditions encountered in practice, regardless of the production system or geographic specificity. The microscopic examination of morphological characteristics identified ten Eimeria species, whereas PCR results confirmed the presence of four species. It was not always possible to identify all the species present in a given sample, likely due to the predominant parasitic load and the DNA quantity of each species. The results of this study confirm that ITS-1 is a useful molecular marker for identifying Eimeria species in domestic rabbits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Confirmation of Raptors from Spain as Definitive Hosts of Numerous Sarcocystis Species

by Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu, Saulius Švažas, Antonio Bea, Donatas Šneideris, Diego Villanúa, Dalius Butkauskas and Petras Prakas

Animals 2025, 15(5), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050646 - 23 Feb 2025

Viewed by 610

Abstract

Most raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. [...] Read more.

Most raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intestinal scrapings of the raptors from Spain. Sarcocystis spp. were identified in 82.5% of the intestinal samples studied by nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region and 28S rRNA. A total of nine known Sarcocystis species, S. arctica, S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. glareoli, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. cf strixi, S. turdusi, and Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax, and three genetically new organisms, Sarcocystis sp. Rod6, Sarcocystis sp. Rod7, and Sarcocystis sp. 22AvEs1, were identified in the intestines of raptors. This study is the first report of Sarcocystis spp. in the intestines of eleven raptor species from Spain. Furthermore, the new potential definitive hosts have been determined for seven Sarcocystis species. Co-infection of Sarcocystis spp. has also been observed, with more than one species found in 72.5% of birds. Nine different Sarcocystis species were identified in the intestinal samples of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). In conclusion, raptors play an important role in the transmission of Sarcocystis spp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parasite Screening in Wild Passerines: Enhancing Diagnostic Approaches in Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

by Catarina Ferreira Rebelo, Alicia Carrero Ruiz, Alberto Alvarado-Piqueras, Fernando González González and Luís Madeira de Carvalho

Animals 2024, 14(24), 3664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243664 - 19 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1023

Abstract

The order Passeriformes is the richest and most abundant group of birds, but despite numerous parasites being identified in wild birds, this order has received limited focus. This study analyzed 17 passerines admitted to the Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y [...] Read more.

The order Passeriformes is the richest and most abundant group of birds, but despite numerous parasites being identified in wild birds, this order has received limited focus. This study analyzed 17 passerines admitted to the Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA), a wildlife rehabilitation center in Spain, during October to December 2022. Necropsies were conducted to determine the presence of parasites, and intestinal contents were analyzed using fecal smear, flotation and sedimentation techniques and the McMaster method. Sixteen passerines (94.1%) were positive for parasites. Identified species included Monojoubertia microhylla and the genera Ornithonyssus sp., Diplotriaena spp., Serratospiculum sp., Porrocaecum sp., Capillaria spp., Syngamus sp., Strongyloides sp. and Brachylecithum sp., besides cestodes and coccidia. The comparative analysis of parasitological diagnostic techniques showed that the Willis flotation technique was effective for detecting coccidia. However, to obtain more accurate results for other parasites, it is important to complement this technique with direct examination or sedimentation techniques. Among the 12 passerines positive for coccidia, oocyst counts per gram of intestinal contents ranged from 100 to 30,450, with a median of 7350. This study provides valuable insights into the parasitic fauna of Passeriformes, serving as a cornerstone for future research and enhancing our understanding of these avian species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Canine Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBDs) in Liguria, North-West Italy: A Retrospective Study over an 11-Year Period (2013–2023)

by Sara A. Chiarlone, Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Valentina Virginia Ebani, Nicola Pussini, Monica Dellepiane, Lisa Guardone and Elisabetta Razzuoli

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3539; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233539 - 7 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1238

Abstract

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) pose a global threat to both canine and public health. This study evaluates the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Rickettsia conorii, and Dirofilaria immitis in domestic dogs in Liguria, north-west Italy, a [...] Read more.

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) pose a global threat to both canine and public health. This study evaluates the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Rickettsia conorii, and Dirofilaria immitis in domestic dogs in Liguria, north-west Italy, a region where data were lacking. From 2013 to 2023, 8584 blood samples from shelter (74%) and owned dogs (26%) were submitted to the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV) for serological testing (indirect immunofluorescence and/or rapid immunochromatographic tests). Overall, 18.8% (95% CI: 18.0–19.7) of the dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen, with positivity against R. conorii antigen being the most frequently recorded (24.4%, 95% CI: 23.3–25.5). Lower prevalence levels were observed for Anaplasma spp. (1.82%, 95% CI: 1.47–2.23), Ehrlichia spp., (1.25%, 95% CI: 0.97–1.60), B. burgdorferi s.l. (0.22%, 95% CI: 0.11–0.39), and D. immitis (0.84%, 95% CI: 0.65–1.06). Positive cases for all pathogens increased over time, with prevalence differing significantly between owned and shelter dogs. Topographical factors, land use, and monthly relative humidity appeared to influence the positivity in the dogs. These results update the epidemiology of the investigated CVBDs in Liguria, indicating a widespread exposure to Rickettsia spp. among local dogs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating the Prevalence and Factors Affecting the Shedding of Helminth Eggs in Irish Equine Populations

by Nagwa Elghryani, Trish McOwan, Craig Mincher, Vivienne Duggan and Theo de Waal

Animals 2023, 13(4), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040581 - 7 Feb 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3068

Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminths are ubiquitous in horse populations across the world. Intensive anthelmintic treatments have succeeded in controlling some of the pathogenic effects of these parasites. However, the success of anthelmintic drugs has been threatened by the development of widespread resistance to those most [...] Read more.

Gastrointestinal helminths are ubiquitous in horse populations across the world. Intensive anthelmintic treatments have succeeded in controlling some of the pathogenic effects of these parasites. However, the success of anthelmintic drugs has been threatened by the development of widespread resistance to those most commonly used. To develop improved control strategies, information on helminth distribution patterns is needed, which can be obtained by identifying animals regarded as high egg shedders and taking age, gender, and other risk factors into account. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of helminth infection in the Irish equine population using faecal egg counts and to evaluate the effects of risk factors on these faecal egg counts. For the 2700 horses that were included in the study, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection was 52.40%, 4.22%, 2.59%, and 0.89% for strongyle species, Parascaris spp., Anoplocephala spp., and Strongyloides westeri, respectively. Overall, strongyle faecal egg counts from 159 farms averaged 250.22 eggs per gram. Both age and season had significant effects on strongyle egg shedding. In conclusion, this study revealed high prevalence of strongyle worm infection in horses on Irish farms, which highlights the need to optimize and develop good management practices and strategic deworming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2371 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Metabolome Analyses of Ivermectin-Resistant and -Susceptible Strains of Haemonchus contortus

by Waresi Tuersong, Xin Liu, Yifan Wang, Simin Wu, Peixi Qin, Shengnang Zhu, Feng Liu, Chunqun Wang and Min Hu

Animals 2023, 13(3), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030456 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2670

Abstract

Resistance to anthelmintics such as ivermectin (IVM) is currently a major problem in the treatment of Haemonchus contortus, an important parasitic nematode of small ruminants. Although many advances have been made in understanding the IVM resistance mechanism, its exact mechanism remains unclear [...] Read more.

Resistance to anthelmintics such as ivermectin (IVM) is currently a major problem in the treatment of Haemonchus contortus, an important parasitic nematode of small ruminants. Although many advances have been made in understanding the IVM resistance mechanism, its exact mechanism remains unclear for H. contortus. Therefore, understanding the resistance mechanism becomes increasingly important for controlling haemonchosis. Recent research showed that the metabolic state of bacteria influences their susceptibility to antibiotics. However, little information is available on the roles of metabolites and metabolic pathways in IVM resistance of H. contortus. In this study, comparative analyses of the metabolomics of IVM-susceptible and -resistant adult H. contortus worms were carried out to explore the role of H. contortus metabolism in IVM resistance. In total, 705 metabolites belonging to 42 categories were detected, and 86 differential metabolites (17 upregulated and 69 downregulated) were identified in the IVM-resistant strain compared to the susceptible one. A KEGG pathway analysis showed that these 86 differential metabolites were enriched in 42 pathways that mainly included purine metabolism; the biosynthesis of amino acids; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and cysteine and methionine metabolism. These results showed that amino acid metabolism may be mediated by the uptake of IVM and related with IVM resistance in H. contortus. This study contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms of IVM resistance and may provide effective approaches to manage infection by resistant strains of H. contortus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Survey of Dog and Cat Endoparasites in Ireland: Antigen Detection

by Theo de Waal, Sandra Aungier, Amanda Lawlor, Troy Goddu, Matthew Jones and Donald Szlosek

Animals 2023, 13(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010137 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3639

Abstract

Endoparasites of dogs and cats, play an important role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Untreated and stray dogs and cats, in particular, play an important role in contaminating the environment with important zoonotic parasites. Thus, the aim of this study was [...] Read more.

Endoparasites of dogs and cats, play an important role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Untreated and stray dogs and cats, in particular, play an important role in contaminating the environment with important zoonotic parasites. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats using highly sensitive and specific copro-antigen tests. Archive faecal samples from previous surveys conducted between 2016–2019 from dogs (n = 789) and cats (n = 241) were included in this study. The IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen panel was used for the detection of Toxocara, hookworms, Trichuris and the SNAP™ Giardia antigen assay was used for the detection of Giardia infection. Giardia duodenalis was the most common parasite (26%, n = 205) detected in the dogs, followed by ascarids (17.6%, n = 139) and hookworms (5.3%, n = 42). Trichuris vulpis was only detected in 1 dog. Ascarids (23.2%, n = 56) was the most common parasite detected in the cats, followed by Giardia (12.9%, n = 31) and hookworms (n = 7, 2.9%). No whipworms were detected in cats. Overall, there was little difference in the positivity between sexes in both dogs and cats. However, in terms of age, adolescent dogs (<3 years) and kittens (<1 year) had the highest parasite prevalence overall, with G. duodenalis and ascarids being the most prevalent. This study shows a high prevalence of parasite infection in untreated and stray dogs and cats in the greater Dublin area in Ireland. Since they live in synanthropic conditions and can roam over vast distances they can contaminate public areas and pose a risk to both humans and owned pets that utilise these spaces. It is therefore important to raise public awareness and increase the knowledge on zoonotic parasites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Use of Helminthophagous Fungi in the Control of Helminthoses in Horses: A Review

by Tábata Alves do Carmo, Júlia dos Santos Fonseca, Fabio Ribeiro Braga, Adolfo Paz-Silva, Ricardo Velludo Gomes de Soutello and Jackson Victor de Araújo

Animals 2025, 15(6), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060864 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 389

Abstract

Equine farming faces growing challenges with helminthoses, aggravated by the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics without technical criteria. This practice favors resistance to these drugs, generates residues in animal products, compromises food safety and human health, and, when excreted in large quantities, negatively impacts [...] Read more.

Equine farming faces growing challenges with helminthoses, aggravated by the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics without technical criteria. This practice favors resistance to these drugs, generates residues in animal products, compromises food safety and human health, and, when excreted in large quantities, negatively impacts environmental health by affecting invertebrates and fecal microorganisms. This highlights the importance of the One Health approach. A promising alternative is biological control with nematophagous or helminthophagous fungi such as Duddingtonia flagrans, Pochonia chlamydosporia, Arthrobotrys oligospora, Monacrosporium thaumasium, Mucor circinelloides and Purpureocillium lilacinum. Due to their different mechanisms of action, ovicidal and predatory fungi, when used together, can act in a complementary and synergistic way in the biological control of helminths, increasing their effectiveness in reducing parasitic infections. The use of these fungi through biosynthesized nanoparticles from fungal filtrates is also emerging as a new approach to nematode control. It can be administered through feed supplementation in commercial formulations. The aim of this review is to explore the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of helminthiases in horses, highlighting their potential as a biological alternative. It also aims to understand how these fungi can contribute effectively and sustainably to parasite management in horses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in the Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections in Animals

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI