An overview of the host spectrum and distribution of Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica): part 2-Mammalia (excluding Muroidea)

Physiological strategies in wild rodents: immune defenses of commensal rats

The importance of issues associated with urban/commensal rats and mice (property damage, management costs, and health risks) press upon research on these animals. While the demography of commensal rodents is mostly studied, the need for understanding factors influencing their natural morbidity/mortality is also stressed. In this respect, more attention is expected to be paid to immunity, the physiological mechanism of defense against host survival threats (pathogens, parasites, diseases). Commensal rats and mice carry numerous pathogens that evoke diverse immune responses. The state of immunity in commensal house mice is studied in great detail, owing to the use of laboratory strains in biomedical research. Because commensal rats are, compared to mice, carriers of more zoonotic agents, rats' immunity is studied mainly in that context. Some of these zoonotic agents cause chronic, asymptomatic infections, which justified studies of immunological mechanisms of pathogen tolerance versus clearance regulation in rats. Occurrence of some infections in specific tissues/organs pressed upon analysis of local/regional immune responses and/or immunopathology. A survey of immunological activity/responses in commensal rats is given in this review, with mention of existing data in commensal mice. It should throw some light on the factors relevant to their morbidity and lifespan, supplementing the knowledge of commensal rodent ecology.

Intestinal parasites infecting captive non-human primates in Italy

Non-human primates (NHPs) living in captive conditions are susceptible to intestinal parasites that can contribute to mortality and morbidity, and cause zoonotic infections. Thus, parasite surveys on NHP populations under human care are relevant as part of the evaluation of NHPs welfare and in the zoonotic disease risk assessment, as well as in the exploration of parasite transmission pathways, according to the One-Health concept. This study aimed to identify intestinal parasites infecting NHPs living in two wildlife recovery centers and in a zoological garden, in Italy. Ninety-three fecal samples from Macaca tonkeana, Macaca fascicularis, Sapajus apella, Chlorocebus aethiops, Macaca fuscata, Macaca sylvanus, and Cebus capucinus were collected at Piano dell'Abatino Park (Lazio), and fecal smears and flotation were performed in order to identify parasites according to morphological keys. Additionally, one carcass of M. fuscata from the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome (Lazio) and one of M. fascicularis from the Center for the Recovery of Exotic and Maremma Wild Animals (Tuscany) were necropsied and intestinal adult nematodes were collected and characterized at morphological and molecular level, using the mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL markers. Protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis-like, Giardia sp.), chromists (Balantidium/Buxtonella sp.) and nematodes (Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., strongyliform larvae and Oesophagostomum sp.) were found through fecal smears and flotation. The collected adult nematodes from dead NHPs were morphologically identified as whipworms (genus Trichuris). Phylogenetic analyses grouped Trichuris specimens into the Trichuris trichiura complex of species, with specimens from M. fuscata clustering into a host-specific branch, and whipworms from M. fascicularis clustering within a clade formed by Trichuris infecting several primate species, including humans. The results here collected revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites circulating in captive primates in Italy, providing useful information for the formulation of management and care plans for captive NHPs, and for the elaboration of safety measures for visitors and animal keepers.

Parasites and zoonotic bacteria in the feces of cats and dogs from animal shelters in Carinthia, Austria

Due to their close associations with humans, dogs and cats can be important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. In the current study 200 fecal samples of dogs (n = 70 samples) and cats (n = 130 samples) from animal shelters in Carinthia, southern Austria, were examined for the presence of parasites (fecal flotation and larval migration assay) and selected bacteria. Overall, 17.1% of the canine and 38.5% of the feline samples were positive for parasites (p < 0.001), most commonly Giardia duodenalis (dogs and cats), including potentially zoonotic genotypes revealed by multilocus genotyping, and Toxocara cati (cats). Cryptosporidium (C. felis), Cystoisospora spp. (dogs and cats), hookworms (dog), Trichuris (dog) Capillaria hepatica (cats), taeniids (cat), and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (cat) were also found. Zoonotic bacteria were detected in 10.5% of the samples, Salmonella enterica (dogs), Campylobacter jejuni (dogs and cats) and Yersinia enterocolitica (cat) and were significantly associated with parasite infections in cats but not in dogs. Samples that were positive for several pathogens were common; especially G. duodenalis and T. cati were frequently found in association with each other, other parasites or bacteria. The spectrum of detected pathogens is comparable to that of other dog and cat populations in central Europe. However, since animals from shelters are frequently rehomed, diagnostic measures, appropriate hygiene and therapy as well as training of shelter staff are recommended to prevent zoonotic transmission of enteropathogens to staff or new owners. The presence of heteroxenic parasites, i.e. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Taenia taeniaeformis, and spurious excretion of Ca. hepatica in cats, indicates that these animals preyed on intermediate hosts, and that biosafety measures in pet shelters need to be evaluated for their efficacy in the prevention of pathogen transmission.

Case report of hepatic calodiosis in a rescued dog

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a nematode responsible for parasitic zoonosis that can cause granulomatous lesions in the liver. Although murids are the main hosts, C. hepaticum has been documented in a wide range of mammals. Here, we report a case of hepatic calodiosis in a 6-month-old dog that was rescued in the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso state, midwestern Brazil. Even after being attended at a Veterinary Hospital, the case resulted in animal death. Necroscopic examination revealed significant macroscopic changes in the spleen, liver, and encephalus. Microscopic examination revealed parasitic eggs, identified as Calodium cf. hepaticum, that were rounded to oval with a bilamellar cuticle, radially striated, and with bipolar plugs. Considering the difficulty to diagnose this parasite, and the existence of diverse possible hosts in Mato Grosso due to the biodiversity of the state, further investigation is required to understand the true prevalence of C. hepaticum and the importance of this nematode in public health.

Diversity of fecal parasitomes of wild carnivores inhabiting Korea, including zoonotic parasites and parasites of their prey animals, as revealed by 18S rRNA gene sequencing

Consisting of diverse groups of organisms, parasites are among the least studied pathogens despite their enormous impacts on humans, livestock, and wildlife. In particular, little is known about their host specificity and diversity in wildlife. Here, using multiple primer pairs and sequencing 18S rRNA genes of diverse groups of parasites, we aimed to investigate fecal parasitomes of carnivorous wildlife in Korea, namely, the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), and the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). A total of 5 host-specific parasite species were identified, including 2 from raccoon dogs, 2 from leopard cats, and 1 from Eurasian otters. In addition, numerous parasite species of their prey animals were detected in their feces. It was found that the parasitome composition varied between host animals, and it was thought that the difference was attributed to the difference in prey animals, as numerous small mammal parasites were detected from feces of leopard cats inhabiting inland areas and fish parasites from feces of Eurasian otters and raccoon dogs inhabiting waterside areas. Furthermore, 5 zoonotic parasites known to infect humans were identified at the species level. Wildlife-associated zoonoses are expected to increase as the proximity between humans and wildlife increases due to urbanization. Vigilance may be necessary, such as by monitoring parasites in wildlife feces, as was done in this study.

PD-L2 Blockade Exacerbates Liver Lesion in Mice Infected with Capillaria hepatica through Reducing Alternatively Activated Macrophages

Capillaria hepatica is a seriously neglected zoonotic parasite, which infects the liver of mammalian hosts, causing fibrosis or even hepatic failure. At present, the immune responses elicited by C. hepatica are not fully understood, and the role(s) of the programmed death 1 (PD-1) signaling pathway in the context of C. hepatica-induced pathology are not known. In this study, we identify that the late stage of infection with C. hepatica-especially the egg-derived antigens-modulates the host immune responses to promote alternatively activated macrophage (M2) polarization and programmed death ligand 2 (PD-L2) expression. The PD-L2-expressing alternatively activated M2 macrophages play an important role in maintaining Th2-biased regulatory immune responses, which may facilitate the survival of parasitic worms or eggs within the infected liver and reduce the liver pathology caused by the egg granulomas. Treatment with anti-PD-L2 antibody had no effect on the survival of parasitic eggs but deteriorated the pathology of egg granulomas. The obtained results suggest that PD-1/PD-L2 signaling, which is involved in alternative macrophage polarization, determines the immune response pattern and the immunopathology, consequently determining the outcome of the parasitic infection.

Variability of Calodium hepaticum eggs from sigmodontine host species through geometric morphometric analysis

Calodium hepaticum is a zoonotic nematode with a worldwide distribution. Although the host range of C. hepaticum includes a wide spectrum of mammals (including humans), this parasite is predominantly associated with the families Muridae and Cricetidae. Several Sigmodontinae species from Argentina were found to be infected by C. hepaticum, with a high prevalence in Akodon azarae. The present study focuses on C. hepaticum eggs from natural infection of three species of sigmodontine rodents from Argentina. Eggs were genetically characterized (intergenic 18S rRNA region). The objectives of this work are: (i) to propose a new analytical methodology; and (ii) to morphologically characterize C. hepaticum eggs, from three Sigmodontinae species (A. azarae, Calomys callidus and Oligoryzomys flavescens). Analyses were made by the Computer Image Analysis System based on the new standardized measurements and geometric morphometric tools. The resulting factor maps clearly illustrate global size differences in the parasite eggs from the three Sigmodontinae species analysed. The degree of similarity between egg populations was assessed through pairwise Mahalanobis distances, showing that the largest distances were detected between parasite eggs from C. callidus and O. flavescens. Herein, the phenotypical plasticity of C. hepaticum eggs is shown. Significant positive correlations were obtained between each egg parasite principal component 1 and rodent corporal characteristics: weight; liver weight; rodent length; and rodent body condition. The usefulness of the geometric morphometric analysis in studies of the relationship between C. hepaticum and its host must be highlighted. The high prevalence observed in A. azarae, associated with the wide size range of the parasite eggs evidenced by principal component analysis, suggests A. azarae to be the Sigmodontinae host species that plays the most important role as reservoir host for C. hepaticum in the New World.

Canine hepatic calodiosis with cirrhosis

The nematode parasite Calodium hepaticum (Capillaria hepatica) has a global distribution and is commonly reported in rodents (definitive host), dogs, cats and wild animals. Humans especially children are more susceptible to the parasitic infection. This paper documents an incidental finding of hepatic calodiosis with cirrhosis in a stray dog and discusses the zoonotic implications. A non descript dog was brought for necropsy examination to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu, India. Liver appeared dark brown, mottled with multifocal random variably sized, grey white flat firm areas. Histopathologically, liver tissue revealed multiple random encysted large collection of eggs surrounded by mild inflammation with a few lymphocytes, macrophages and fine fibrosis. The eggs had characteristic barrel shape, bipolar ends, bilayered wall, cross striations between the walls, and yolk. Periodic acid Schiff stain demonstrated the glycolic wall of ova. Marked portal to portal fibrosis was demonstrated by Masson's trichrome (for collagen) and by Warthin-Starry (for reticulin) stains. The stage of parasitic infection was diagnosed as intermediate to chronic due to fibrosis. A need to study the prevalence of the disease in rodents, human and animals is emphasized. Improper burial of carcasses of rodents and dogs may contribute to spread of infection. Pets and stray animals may transmit infection to human and pose health risk.

First report of molecular taxonomic analyses of European beaver metazoan parasites from Hungary

European beaver (Castor fiber L. 1758) is the biggest rodent species living in Europe. Beavers are semi-aquatic animals; they are defecating directly into the water; thus, they have an important role in spreading parasites related to water (e.g., protozoa and flukes). The first specimens of this once extinct rodent species in Hungary turned up in Szigetköz (upper flow of the Hungarian Danube) in 1991 dispersed from Austria. The reintroduction to Hungary started in 1996, and the population slowly increased in number up to around 4000 individuals, but the knowledge about their parasites is lacking. This is the first report on the metazoan parasites of beavers in Hungary and their molecular taxonomy. In the 5-year study, 47 beavers were trapped in four locations and euthanized with permission. Three different metazoan parasites were collected: larvae and adults of Platypsyllus castoris beetles, nymphs and adults of Schizocarpus sp. mites and eggs and adults of Stichorchis subtriquetrus flukes. From these three parasite species, molecular taxonomic studies were also carried out. The low number of metazoan parasites species detected in Hungarian beavers compared to other European countries (e.g., Poland) might be attributed to host population bottleneck effect during reintroduction. As parasites represent a significant component of the biodiversity and ecosystem, the conservation efforts should focus not only on host species but also on their parasites.

Vertebrates as uninfected disseminators of helminth eggs and larvae

The passive dispersal of non-mobile organisms by vertebrates (zoochory) is a common mechanism used to explain their often widespread distribution. Transport occurs either internally via the vertebrate digestive tract (endozoochory), or externally be adhering to skin, feathers or fur (ectozoochory), and its success is due to both physiological and ecological factors associated with the disseminating 'hosting' animal. Helminth eggs and larvae are generally non-mobile stages that are largely dependent on the movement of another animal, typically a host, for geographical dissemination. Studies on the zoochory of helminths by vertebrates are extensive and particularly long-standing, stretching back to the 19th century, although this literature is often overlooked when considering the biogeography of parasites. This review assesses the potential of helminths to be dispersed passively by zoochory examining evidence from both laboratory and field studies. The physiological dynamics of the vertebrate intestines and skin surface as hostile environments, as well as the characteristics of eggs and larvae which may facilitate successful transport are evaluated. The various mechanisms of helminth endo- and ectozoochory are presented and the likelihood of long-distance dispersal determined. It is concluded that zoochory is a potentially important means of disseminating parasites.

Helminth fauna of the Eurasian beaver in the Czech Republic with remarks on the genetic diversity of specialist Stichorchis subtriquetrus (Digenea: Cladorchiidae)

Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a well-established faunal element in the Czech Republic, even though, historically, its populations were almost eradicated in this region. Nowadays, its distribution and population density are well monitored; nonetheless, the beaver's parasites, as potential threats to the environment, are often neglected in wildlife management. Therefore, we investigated the endoparasitic helminth diversity of 15 beaver individuals from three collection sites in the Czech Republic. Three parasite species were collected: Stichorchis subtriquetrus (Digenea), Travassosius rufus, and Calodium hepaticum (Nematoda), of which the two nematode species were reported for the first time from C. fiber in the Czech Republic. The highest prevalence and intensity of infection were observed in S. subtriquetrus (P = 93%, I = 1-138), while the two other species were collected only from one beaver individual. Subsequent analysis of the genetic diversity of the specimens using highly variable genetic markers revealed a weak population structure among the individuals collected from different beaver hosts. There was only a weak association of COI haplotypes with geography, as the haplotypes from the Berounka basin formed homogeneous groups, and individuals from the Dyje basin and Morava partially shared a haplotype. Even though common population genetic markers (i.e., microsatellites) did not reveal any structure in the hosts, our results suggest that the genetic diversity of their parasites may shed more light on population partition and the historical migration routes of Eurasian beavers.

Eimeria stiedae causes most of the white-spotted liver lesions in wild European rabbits in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

In rabbits, a white-spotted liver can be indicative of one of several disease processes, frequently caused by parasites. To date, the prevalence of white-spotted liver in wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in the United Kingdom is undetermined. We evaluated the prevalence and main parasitic etiologies of this entity in a U.K. population of wild rabbits. Wild rabbits (n = 87) were shot in Cambridgeshire for population control, and cadavers were donated for research. Postmortem examination was undertaken, including gross and histologic hepatic examination. Macroscopic lesions consistent with white-spotted liver were found in 46 of 87 (53%) rabbits examined; most of these lesions were considered to be mild. For 28 of 46 (59%) rabbits with gross hepatic lesions, an etiologic agent was apparent histologically. Eimeria stiedae was detected in 21 of 87 (24%) rabbits, and Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) was detected in 7 of 87 (8%). In the subset of rabbits killed in the summer, there was a significant association between white-spotted liver and juvenile age class. There was also an association between white-spotted liver caused by E. stiedae and juvenile age class. When restricting analysis to rabbits with white-spotted liver caused by E. stiedae and submitted in the summer, both juvenile age class and female had significant effects. E. stiedae and C. hepaticum can be transmitted to pet lagomorphs via contaminated vegetation, and to humans in the case of the latter, which demonstrates the importance of monitoring the prevalence of these parasitic diseases in wild rabbits.

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) as a Cause of Asymptomatic Liver Mass

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a parasitic nematode of rodents, rarely infecting humans. An asymptomatic Israeli adult male with extensive travel history was diagnosed with a liver mass on routine post-thymectomy follow-up. Imaging and computer tomography (CT) guided biopsy were inconclusive. Surgical excision revealed an eosinophilic granuloma with fragments of a nematode suspected to be C. hepatica. Molecular methods verified the diagnosis, and the patient was treated empirically. This is the first case of hepatic capillariasis described in Israel, and the first to be diagnosed using molecular methods.

Hepatic Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft, 1893) infection in cat (Felis catus)-histopathological findings and first report from Iran

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a globally distributed nematode with a high affinity to the liver of a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. Documented reports of the nematode in cats and associated histopathology are rare. Here, we describe a case of C. hepatica infection in a 5-year-old male stray cat from Iran. At post-car accident necropsy, all body parts appeared normal except for the liver, in which a few yellowish-white granulomatous nodules were observed through the capsule and in the organ. Histopathological examination of the tissue revealed a large number of clustered parasite eggs in the parenchyma. The barrel-shaped, un-embryonated eggs (55.19 × 28.37 μm), with inconspicuous caps at both ends, were covered with striated shells. The presence of ova in the liver tissue had resulted in the development of hepatic inflammation with hepatocellular necrosis associated with the development of multifocal granulomas. As predators of small rodents, the cats might have a significant role in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Infection of hosts through ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated water, food, or soil is of major importance in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Since the rare reports of feline infection have come mainly from accidental detection of the parasite, any hepatic disease presenting difficulties to find an etiological agent may virtually be associated with the infection with this little-known nematode.

Enzootic Hepatic Capillariasis (Calodium hepaticum) in Street Rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Marseille City, France

Hepatic capillariasis is a rare and neglected zoonosis affecting wild and synanthropic small rodents. It is caused by infection with Calodium hepaticum in liver. Despite the worldwide distribution of the host Rattus norvegicus (brown or street rats) in the urban area, the epidemiological status of this parasitosis remains unknown. In the present study, we examined a total of 27 brown rats from the city centre and a garden (four km from the city centre) of Marseille, France. All rats were autopsied and 52% showed the presence of C. hepaticum eggs in the liver. This result draws general attention to public health risks, since street rats are living near the human population.

Molecular characterization of Calodium hepaticum in grey dwarf hamster (Cricetulus migratorius)

Calodium hepaticum (Bancroft, 1893) Moravec, 1982 (Syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a zoonotic nematode that causes hepatic capillariosis, an uncommon zoonotic infection. The nematode is globally distributed and parasitizes the liver of mammals, mainly Muroidea. Cricetulus migratorius Pallas, 1773 (Cricetinae) was rarely reported as a host for C. hepaticum. In Turkey, C. hepaticum was recorded in three rodent species; Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, and Apodemus flavicollis. In this study, C. migratorius (grey dwarf hamster) has been identified as a new host species for C. hepaticum in Turkey. The parasite was identified by morphological, histological, and molecular methods and the phylogenetic relationships of C. hepaticum collected from different hosts were revealed. This is the first molecular characterization of C. hepaticum from a grey dwarf hamster.

Infectious Wildlife Diseases in Austria-A Literature Review From 1980 Until 2017

This literature review examines infectious wildlife disease research in Austria. We analyzed 226 research papers, published between 1980 and 2017. We determined that wildlife disease papers increased significantly from 0.8 ± 0.8 publications per year in the first decade (1980–1989) when compared to 2008–2017 with an average of 12.9 ± 4.1 publications per year. We illustrate information about the most investigated diseases and highlight the lack of research into certain wildlife pathogens. A special emphasis was given to diseases with zoonotic potential. The review showed that research focused on a few select species like the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa), all game species. Moreover, diseases affecting livestock and human health were seen more often. The review also found that only a low number of publications actually stated disease prevalence and confidence interval data. The reported diseases identified were classified according to their notifiable status and the distribution at the wildlife–human and wildlife–livestock interface. Furthermore, we try to argue why research into some diseases is prioritized, and why other diseases are underrepresented in current Austrian research. While spatiotemporal indicators could not be assessed due to the variability in methodologies and objectives of various studies, the information provided by this review offers the first comprehensive evaluation of the status of infectious wildlife disease research in Austria. Therefore, this study could assist investigators to identify further areas of priorities for research and conservation efforts and for wildlife management professionals to inform policy and funding strategies. With this review, we want to encourage research in the field of wildlife diseases in Austria to enhance current knowledge in the prevention of further loss in biodiversity and to find new measures to promote “One Health” on a global scale.

Parasites in feces of the endemic rattlesnake, Crotalus triseriatus (Serpentes: Viperidae), from Mexican highlands

There are few studies about parasitic infections in Crotalus triseriatus (Wagler, 1830), an endemic rattlesnake from the highlands of central Mexico. This species occupies several habitats, from conserved forested regions to heavily impacted landscapes. To increase the parasitological knowledge of this reptile species without impacting populations, we obtained fecal samples of 16 rattlesnakes between 2012 and 2014 from Toluca Valley, Mexico. By using flotation technique, we found oocysts of Eimeria sp. and eggs of Capillariidae sp. The most frequent parasite was Eimeria sp. (62.5%). This study provides the first records of occurrence of parasites in reptilian feces from Mexico. Our results may be important for wildlife conservation purposes, for example, they could indicate of the population health of this species during processes of translocation.

Nematode capilaridae in the tongue of Cerdocyon thous of free life in Brazil

Abstract Studies of helminths in road-killed wild animals are still uncommon but may provide promising results since they can identify the parasites in juvenile and adult hosts and meet the recommendations of current discussions on bioethics that prioritize alternative methods for the use of animals. This study evaluated three Cerdocyon thous individuals that were donated after dying from being run over. Two of them had small nematode adults in the epithelial and connective tissues of the tongue. The diagnosis was based on the presence of eggs, observed in histological sections, and morphological characteristics of the nematodes in the tongue. Morphologically, this nematode has a body with transverse grooves, simple mouth opening and no lips, esophagus and stichosome with stichocytes and bacillary bands along the body, which is characteristic morphology of the family Capilariidae and genus Capillaria . The presence of this nematode in the tongue of C. thous is an extremely important fact that contributes to what is known about the biodiversity of zoonotic parasites in wild canid populations. However, an explanation for these findings remains unclear because, until now, this has not been observed in the biological cycle of the species.

Occurrence of Capillaria sp. in the liver of sheep (Ovis aries ) in a slaughterhouse in the state of Acre, Brazil

Although sheep farming has grown in the state of Acre over the past four decades, little is known about occurrences of helminthiases in the herds of this region. The objective of the study was to assess the occurrences of non-intestinal helminthiasis among sheep slaughtered in Rio Branco. A total of 110 sheep livers were inspected from two slaughter batches (july 2014 and march 2015) in a slaughterhouse in Rio Branco. Livers with macroscopic lesions were photographed and were then subjected to histopathological analysis under an optical microscope. The macroscopic lesions showed small nodes with inflammatory characteristics and areas of fibrosis, which appeared to be calcified, thus suggesting a granulomatous reaction. Of the 110 evaluated livers, we noticed 110 nodules in total; these nodules have an average size of 0.5 cm. The histopathological analysis showed alterations to the architecture of the hepatic lobe, with multiple foci of necrosis and polymorphonuclear cells. Two samples revealed the presence of helminths from Nematode class and Capillaria sp. eggs identified by the typical morphology and morphometry. This seems to be the first report of Capillaria sp. in sheep livers in Brazil, and it serves as an important alert regarding animal health surveillance and control and regarding the Capillaria sp. zoonotic role in humans.

The molecular identification of Calodium hepaticum in the wild brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) in Poland

Calodium hepaticum is a parasitic nematode found primarily in rodents but known to infect numerous other mammal species, and causing in humans the hepatic calodiasis. Herein, we present the first finding of C. hepaticum in Rattus norvegicus in Poland. In this study, we have used the combined pepsin-HCl digestion and molecular techniques to detect C. hepaticum infection in the liver. The results confirm the usefulness of molecular approaches for investigating the biology and epidemiology of C. hepaticum. Additionally in this study, the parts of the small subunit rRNA (18S rRNA) gene of Aonchotheca annulosa from bank vole, Aonchotheca erinacei and Eucoleus sp. from hedgehog were amplified, yielding the first 18S rRNA gene sequences of these Capillariinae nematodes.

Capillaria hepatica (Calodium hepaticum) infection in a horse: a case report

Background

Capillaria hepatica is a zoonotic parasite in humans and animals and has a worldwide distribution. However, infections in mammals apart from rodents, which are natural hosts of the parasite, have rarely been reported. This report describes the first known case of C. hepatica infection in a horse in Japan.

Case presentation

A 3-year-old filly without clinical signs was presented at a slaughterhouse in Japan. Gross examination revealed white to tan nodules 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter in the parenchyma of the liver. Histologically, the nodules had mature fibrous capsules and consisted of multifocal to coalescing granulomatous inflammations with numerous nematode eggs. The eggs were barrel shaped with an opercular plug on each end and double-layered shells; these findings are consistent with the features of C. hepatica eggs.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first case of C. hepatica infection in a horse in Japan. The pathological findings confirmed the presence of this pathogen in this part of the world, and they highlight the importance of this nematode in the differential diagnosis of hepatic granulomatous lesions in horses.

Pathological Findings in Wild Rats (Rattus rattus) Captured at Guafo Island, Northern Chilean Patagonia

The black rat (Rattus rattus) is an invasive species and potential reservoir of significant pathogens of man, domestic animals and wildlife. During the 2012-2014 austral summers, 201 black rats were captured and examined on the uninhabited Guafo Island, in Northern Chilean Patagonia (43.593029°S, 74.713481°W). The mite Ornithonyssus bacoti caused lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic dermatitis in all infected rats (105/210, 52%), but no skin lesions were observed in rats infected with Nosopsyllus spp. and Plocopsylla spp. fleas. Eighty-eight rats (44%) had mild lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enterocolitis and 61 of these rats were infected with the nematode Heterakis spumosa. In the liver, 63 animals (31%) had areas of necrosis with histiocytic and eosinophilic inflammation associated with multiple Calodium hepaticum eggs, and in 15 cases there was co-infection with several Taenia taeniaeformis strobilocerci. Mild interstitial lymphoplasmacytic sialadenitis with intranuclear inclusion bodies, suggesting cytomegalovirus infection, was observed in 28 rats (15%). In the lung, alveolar histiocytosis (69 rats, 34%) and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates (46 rats, 23%) were the most common findings. There was mild to moderate lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis in 52 rats (26%) and in 15% of these cases Leptospira spp. antigen was detected in the distal renal tubules. Some of the diseases of black rats on Guafo Island are likely to play a role in rat population dynamics. The endemic Guafo Island long-clawed mole mouse (Geoxus lafkenche), sea lions and fur seals may be at risk for infection by some of these rat pathogens.

Immune responses induced by co-infection with Capillaria hepatica in Clonorchis sinensis-infected rats

Clonorchis sinensis and Capillaria hepatica are zoonotic parasites that mainly infect the liver and cause serious liver disorders. However, immunological parameters induced by co-infection with these parasites remain unknown. In this study, for the first time, we investigated immunological profiles induced by co-infection with C. hepatica (CH) in C. sinensis (CS)-infected rats (Sprague-Dawley). Rats were infected primarily with 50 metacercariae of C. sinensis; 4 weeks later, they were subsequently infected with 1000 infective C. hepatica eggs. Significantly higher levels of C. sinensis- or C. hepatica-specific IgG antibodies were found in the sera of rats. Interestingly, no cross-reacting antibody was observed between C. sinensis and C. hepatica infections. Significantly raised eosinophil levels were found in the blood of C. sinensis/C. hepatica co-infected rats (CS + CH) compared to the blood of rats infected singly with C. sinensis. Co-infected rats showed significantly higher levels of lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production compared to a single C. sinensis infection. The worm burden of C. sinensis was significantly reduced in co-infected rats compared to the single C. sinensis infection. These results indicate that the eosinophils, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production induced by subsequent infection with C. hepatica in C. sinensis-infected rats might contribute to the observed C. sinensis worm reduction.

Factors affecting carriage and intensity of infection of Calodium hepaticum within Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from an urban slum environment in Salvador, Brazil

Urban slum environments in the tropics are conducive to the proliferation and the spread of rodent-borne zoonotic pathogens to humans. Calodium hepaticum (Brancroft, 1893) is a zoonotic nematode known to infect a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are considered the most important mammalian host of C. hepaticum and are therefore a potentially useful species to inform estimates of the risk to humans living in urban slum environments. There is a lack of studies systematically evaluating the role of demographic and environmental factors that influence both carriage and intensity of infection of C. hepaticum in rodents from urban slum areas within tropical regions. Carriage and the intensity of infection of C. hepaticum were studied in 402 Norway rats over a 2-year period in an urban slum in Salvador, Brazil. Overall, prevalence in Norway rats was 83% (337/402). Independent risk factors for C. hepaticum carriage in R. norvegicus were age and valley of capture. Of those infected the proportion with gross liver involvement (i.e. >75% of the liver affected, a proxy for a high level intensity of infection), was low (8%, 26/337). Sixty soil samples were collected from ten locations to estimate levels of environmental contamination and provide information on the potential risk to humans of contracting C. hepaticum from the environment. Sixty percent (6/10) of the sites were contaminated with C. hepaticum. High carriage levels of C. hepaticum within Norway rats and sub-standard living conditions within slum areas may increase the risk to humans of exposure to the infective eggs of C. hepaticum. This study supports the need for further studies to assess whether humans are becoming infected within this community and whether C. hepaticum is posing a significant risk to human health.

On the benefits of systematic reviews for wildlife parasitology

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are widely accepted as the best means to synthesise quantitative or qualitative scientific evidence. Many scientific fields have embraced these more rigorous review techniques as a means to bring together large and complex bodies of literature and their data. Unfortunately, due to perceived difficulties and unfamiliarity with processes, other fields are not using these options to review their literature. One way to provide guidance for a specific field is to examine critically recent reviews and meta-analyses and to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various review techniques. In this paper, we examine review papers in the emerging field of wildlife parasitology and compare five different literature review types-configurative narrative review, aggregative scoping review, aggregative literature review, aggregative meta-analysis, and aggregative systematic review. We found that most literature reviews did not adequately explain the methodology used to find the literature under review. We also found that most literature reviews were not comprehensive nor did they critically appraise the literature under review. Such a lack severely reduces the reliability of the reviews. We encourage all authors to consider using systematic reviews in the future, and for authors and peer-reviewers to be aware of the limitations of non-systematic reviews.

OCCURRENCE OF Calodium hepaticum (BANCROFT, 1893) MORAVEC, 1982 EGGS IN FECES OF DOGS AND CATS IN LAGES, SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL

This study aims to report the incidence of Calodium hepaticum among dogs and cats, pets or stray animals, captured by the Zoonosis Control Center (CCZ) in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Fecal samples from 108 pet dogs and eight pet cats, and from 357 stray dogs and 97 stray cats, captured by CCZ, were analyzed within the period from July 2010 to November 2012. Coproparasitological exams were performed by techniques of sedimentation, centrifuge-flotation, and simple flotation. Among 465 fecal samples from dogs and 105 from cats, the overall spurious infections for C. hepaticum eggs were 1.05%. For dogs, this positivity was 0.43% and for cats it was 3.81%. The two positive dogs were stray and out of the four cats, three were stray and one was a pet. Although the occurrence of C. hepaticum eggs was low, these data reveal the existence of infected rodents, especially in public places, since, out of the six infected animals, five (83.33%) were stray. These results are discussed and analyzed with an emphasis on the risk to public health.

Helminth Infections of Meriones persicus (Persian Jird), Mus musculus (House Mice) and Cricetulus migratorius (Grey Hamster): A Cross-Sectional Study in Meshkin-Shahr District, Northwest Iran

BACKGROUND

Rodents have important role as reservoirs of different parasites. The aim of this study was to determine helminth parasites of abundant rodents in Meshkin-Shahr, Ardabil Province northwest Iran.

METHODS

From April 2014 to March 2015; 205 rodents including 118 Meriones persicus, 63 Mus musculus and 24 Cricetulus migratorius were collected, using live traps. All rodents were dissected and their different tissues examined for infectivity with helminth parasites.

RESULTS

Overall, 74.2% of rodents were infected with helminth parasites. The rate of infectivity in M. persicus, M. musculus and C. migratorius was 82.2%, 61.9%, 66.7%, respectively. In general, among all 205 rodents, the species and infection rates of helminthes were as follows: Nematoda: Trichuris sp. (46.8%), Capillaria hepatica (18.1%), Syphacia frederici (14.2%), Aspicularis tetraptera (3.4%), Trichuris rhombomidis (2%), Heligmosomom sp. (2%), Streptopharagus kuntzi (0.5%), Spiruridae gen. sp. (0.5%); Cestoda: Hymenolepis nana fraterna (16.6%) Hymenolepis diminuta (7.3%) tetratiridium of Mesocestoides sp. (1%), Paranoplocephala sp. (0.5%), Cysticercus fasciolaris (0.5%), Taenia endothoracicus larva (0.5%), and Acanthocephala: Moniliformis moniliformis (18.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Variable species of helminthes circulate in the rodents of the study area. Presence of several zoonotic species highlights the potential risk of infections for public health.

Wildlife reservoirs for vector-borne canine, feline and zoonotic infections in Austria

Austria's mammalian wildlife comprises a large variety of species, acting and interacting in different ways as reservoir and intermediate and definitive hosts for different pathogens that can be transmitted to pets and/or humans. Foxes and other wild canids are responsible for maintaining zoonotic agents, e.g. Echinococcus multilocularis, as well as pet-relevant pathogens, e.g. Hepatozoon canis. Together with the canids, and less commonly felids, rodents play a major role as intermediate and paratenic hosts. They carry viruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), bacteria including Borrelia spp., protozoa such as Toxoplasma gondii, and helminths such as Toxocara canis. The role of wild ungulates, especially ruminants, as reservoirs for zoonotic disease on the other hand seems to be negligible, although the deer filaroid Onchocerca jakutensis has been described to infect humans. Deer may also harbour certain Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains with so far unclear potential to infect humans. The major role of deer as reservoirs is for ticks, mainly adults, thus maintaining the life cycle of these vectors and their distribution. Wild boar seem to be an exception among the ungulates as, in their interaction with the fox, they can introduce food-borne zoonotic agents such as Trichinella britovi and Alaria alata into the human food chain.

Factors associated with the prevalence and pathology of Calodium hepaticum and C. splenaecum in periurban micromammals

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) and Calodium splenaecum (syn. Capillaria splenaecum) are nematodes that infect the liver and spleen, respectively, of mammals. While the host range, distribution, pathology and zoonotic potential of C. hepaticum are well known, very little is known about C. splenaecum. The observed prevalence of these two parasites, the factors associated with prevalence, and the lesions resulting in the different host species were studied in 408 micromammals captured in two periurban areas of Barcelona (NE Spain) from 2011 to 2013. C. hepaticum was found in 4% of 322 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) (with local prevalence up to 16%) and 1 of 2 Norwegian rats (Rattus norvegicus). C. splenaecum was found in 10 % of 38 greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) (local prevalence up to 30%). Neither parasite was detected in 29 Algerian mice (Mus spretus) and 17 black rats (Rattus rattus). Prevalence of C. hepaticum was significantly higher in wood mice captured in natural areas (6.4%) than those from residential areas (0%), and infected mice were in better body condition. No differences in prevalence were found among age and sex groups, years and seasons. Lesions of hepatic capillariasis in wood mice consisted mainly of mild to moderate multifocal granulomas around degenerating adult parasites and/or eggs, while lesions seen in a rat consisted of multifocal granulomatous hepatitis and bridging fibrosis extending from the necrotic areas caused by the parasites. Splenic lesions found in shrews due to C. splenaecum, representing the first histological description of this parasite, were single nodules that corresponded to finely encapsulated clusters of eggs with adult parasites.

An overview of the host spectrum and distribution of Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica): part 1-Muroidea

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a worldwide-distributed species of zoonotic nematodes with a high affinity to the liver. Several rodent species of the superfamily Muroidea serve as main hosts for this pathogen. C. hepaticum has been found in Muroidean hosts in more than 60 countries in Europe; North, Central, and South America; Asia; Africa; and Oceania. C. hepaticum was documented in more than 90 Muroidean rodent species (Murinae, Deomyinae, Arvicolinae, Neotominae, Cricetinae, Sigmodontinae, Gerbillinae, and Cricetomyinae). Globally, the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) seems to be the main host species for this nematode. However, locally high prevalences (above 50 %) have also been observed in several other synanthropic (commensal and non-commensal) Muroidea species (e.g., Rattus tanezumi, Ondatra zibethicus, Apodemus sylvaticus). This review gives an overview of the distribution and host spectrum of C. hepaticum in Muroidea host species.