Evidence that ectoparasites influence the hematological parameters of the host: a systematic review

Ectoparasites are important to the one health concept because their parasitism can result in the transmission of pathogens, allergic reactions, the release of toxins, morbidity, and even death of the host. Ectoparasites can affect host physiology, as reflected in immune defenses and body condition as well as hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, evidence that ectoparasites influence host hematological parameters was systematically reviewed, and the methodological quality of these studies was analyzed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the studies included were limited to those that evaluated changes in hematological tests in ectoparasite-infested and non-infested animals, and bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guideline. Thirty-four studies were selected and information about the host, ectoparasite infestation, blood collection, and analysis was collected and compared whenever possible. In this review, the presence of ectoparasites influenced both the red series and the white series of hematological parameters. Among the main parameters analyzed, hematocrit, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and lymphocytes showed reductions, probably due to ectoparasite blood-feeding, while including eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils increased in infested animals due to the host immune response. However, methodologic improvements are needed to reduce the risk of bias, enhance the reproducibility of such studies, and ensure results aligned with the mechanisms that act in the ectoparasite-host relationship.

Mange in Rabbits: An Ectoparasitic Disease with a Zoonotic Potential

Mange in rabbits is a very important parasitic disease causing high losses. The disease is caused mainly by Sarcoptes scabiei, Psoroptes cuniculi, Cheyletiella parasitovorax, and Notoedres cati. Body mange and ear mange are the most common forms of this disease in rabbits. Animals can get mite infestation through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated fomites. This infestation is characterized by zoonotic nature and public health burden. The skin affection is characterized by pruritus, alopecia, severe cachexia, and sometimes death. Infestation is diagnosed mainly by skin scraping and microscopic examination. Control measures mainly depend on the use of different types of systemic and topical acaricides and the use of natural products and supportive elements. Vaccine is not commercially available and is still under investigation. Accordingly, this review article was designed to shed the light on the mange disease in rabbits in terms of mite's infestation and susceptibility, clinical manifestations, zoonosis, diagnosis, and control strategies.

Short communication: prevalence of Eimeria spp. infection in domestic rabbits of Polish farms

<p>The studies were carried out on 14 farms which deals with meat race of rabbits breeding. The basic herds had from 14 to 85 rabbits. The studies were carried  on West Pomerania ( near Chojna) and warmińsko-mazurskie province (near Elbląg). Faecal samples were collected from examined animals and quali-quantitatively analysed to evaluate presence and number of Eimeria oocysts. In addition, isolated Eimeria oocysts were identified at the species level following sporulation. The study was based on two flotation methods:Willis-Schlaaf for qualitative and McMaster for quantitative analysis, which helped to establish the number of oocysts in 1g of feces (OPG). Ten species of coccidian were found in which 9 were intestinal (<em>E. exigua</em>, <em>E. perforans</em>, <em>E. media</em>, <em>E. magna</em>, <em>E. irresidua</em>, <em>E. coecicola</em>, <em>E. flavescens</em>, <em>E. piriformis</em>, <em>E. intestinalis</em>) and one was living in liver (<em>E. stiedai</em>).The dynamics of coccidia infection in the annual cycle showed large fluctuations. The OPG coefficient reached its maximum in mid-May at 21 100 oocyst / g. Exact knowledge of the biology of protozoan <em>Eimeria</em> will contribute to the development of prevention programs that stop the spread of the disease in rabbits.</p>