Cryptosporidium spp. infections in livestock and wild animals in Azerbaijan territory

Oral Treatment of Lactoferrin Nanocapsules Modulates the Immune Response of Mice to a Cryptosporidiosis Infection

PURPOSE

The current study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory impact of either lactoferrin (LF), lactoferrin nanocapsule (LF-NC), or lactoferrin conjugation with nanazoxid (NZ). Moreover, identifying drugs can effectively eliminate and successfully treat the infection with Cryptosporidium.

METHODS

Sixty male Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups, each of 10 mice. G1 served as the control, and G2 was inoculated with 104 oocysts. Mice were orally administered NZ (200 mg/kg b.wt.), LF (150 µg/kg b.wt.), or LF-NC (150 mg/kg b.wt./day) for a period of six days post-infection. The immunomodulatory potential and drug efficacy were assessed by fecal and intestinal oocyst counts, measuring antioxidant activities and cytokine levels in addition. Intestinal tissues were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

The cytokines TGF-β, INF-γ, and IL-10 were increased during infection and decreased following therapy. Mutually, the quantity of pathological lesions and oocysts in the ileal tissues was significantly diminished with the NZ plus LF-NC treatment. In addition, a considerable reduction of both fecal and intestinal samples, as well as a notable deterioration in oocyst counts, suggested that treatment with NZ alone or in combination with LF-NC was more effective.

CONCLUSION

LF or LF-NC was found to exert a potent immunomodulatory effect on infected mice as well as minimize pathological lesions. This therapy approaches a successful therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis with few adverse effects.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) of freshwater Cyprinid fish species in the Kura River basin in Azerbaijan territory

This study aims to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria spp. oocysts in fish specimens in the river Kura. It was conducted during the 2021-2022 at two sites: Mingachevir reservoir in central Azerbaijan and in Neftchala district where the river finally enters the Caspian Sea through a delta of the Kura River estuary. The diagnosis of oocysts was performed microscopically. Fine smears from the intestine epithelial layers stained by Ziehl-Neelsen for Cryptosporidium oocysts. To identify Eimeria oocysts, each fish's faecal material and intestinal scrapings were examined directly under a light microscope in wet samples on glass slides with a coverslip. Results revealed a prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria species infections in fish hosts from both territories Rutilus caspicus, Alburnus filippi, Abramis brama orientalis and Carassius gibelio. Of 170 investigated fish specimens, 8.8% (15/170) were infected with Cryptosporidium species oocysts. Eimeria species oocysts were identified in 20.6% (35/170). The presence of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria infections in fish specimens are natural infections. However, their presence in fish species may be attributed to the age of the fish species and water pollution. This is the first report regarding the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fish species in Azerbaijan.

A Thorny Tale of Parasites: Screening for Enteric Protozoan Parasites in Hedgehogs from Portugal

Enteric protozoan parasites, such as Blastocystis sp., Balantioides coli, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, may have implications for both animal and human health.Transmitted through the fecal-oral route, these parasites cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. This study investigated the presence of these enteric protozoan parasites and genetically characterized them in hedgehogs from Portugal. A total of 110 hedgehog stool samples were collected. Molecular detection methods showed an overall occurrence of protozoa in 1.82% (2/110 95% CI: 0.22-6.41) of hedgehogs, with Blastocystis being found in one hedgehog and Cryptosporidium being found in another. No evidence for the presence of B. coli or G. duodenalis was found. This study suggests that there is a need to stay aware of hedgehogs as potential hosts of enteric protozoa. Ongoing research and surveillance efforts are recommended to explore practical prevention and control strategies. The results contribute to the limited knowledge of these parasites in Portuguese hedgehog populations and underscore their potential relevance to both veterinary and public health.