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Dini FM, Stancampiano L, Poglayen G, Galuppi R. Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs: a serological survey. Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:14. [PMID: 38528602 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs, as well as a wide variety of other warm-blooded animals, act as intermediate host of Toxoplasma gondii. In dogs, most cases of toxoplasmosis are subclinical, although clinical disease has been sporadically reported. Beyond its role in diagnostic pathways, seropositivity also functions as a reflection of the parasite's spread within the dog's living environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible risk factor associated with seropositivity to T. gondii in dogs in Central-Northern Italy, analysing 120 dogs sera for the presence of IgG antibodies by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). RESULTS The population examined was composed of 54.2% hunting dogs, 24.2% companion dogs, 14.2% truffle dogs and 7.5% watchdogs. Thirty-four (29.2%) dogs tested positive for T. gondii IgG, with titres ranging from 1:40 to 1:1280. Seroprevalence and antibodies titres were not related to dog gender, age or function. The logistic regression and ordered logistic regression results indicated that seroprevalence, and antibody titres were significantly higher in dogs cohabiting with cats, exhibiting coprophagy habits, and living constantly outdoors. Notably, the lifestyle factor showed the highest odds-ratios in the study: dogs living constantly outdoors were found to be at approximately 5 times greater risk of testing positive and having higher antibody titres compared to dogs living both indoors and outdoors. CONCLUSION Both logistic and ordered logistic regression results support the key role of living with cats, engaging in coprophagy behaviours, and maintaining an outdoor lifestyle in increasing the risk of T. gondii infection in dogs. These identified risk factors collectively suggest that both ingesting oocysts, as observed through cat cohabitation and coprophagy, and engaging in predatory behaviours, as possible for outdoor living dogs, are indicating likely sources of T. gondii infection in this host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Stancampiano
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Poglayen
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Stancampiano L, Guarniero I, Militerno G. "Till death do us apart": The common destiny of brown hare and its parasite community. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:33-37. [PMID: 37654697 PMCID: PMC10465926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Although parasites may threaten individual hosts' survival and reproduction, their role as an essential part of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity has been recognized. In Northern Italy, the hare population has evidently declined since 2008. This paper aims to assess the relationship between host demographic trends and helminth parasite community diversity in a two-year survey in Northern Italy to evaluate the impact of parasites on hosts and confirm the hypothesis that endangered host populations are poor in parasites. In 2013 and 2015 the viscera of 54 and 61 hares legally hunted in agro-ecosystems of the Po Plain were collected. This area is characterized by heavy anthropic pressure: more than 60% of the landscape is represented by agricultural or urbanized territories. No intestinal cestodes were detected. Trichuris sp. and Micipsella numidica were collected in 2015 only; Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Taenia pisiformis cysticercosis and bronchopulmonary lesions caused by small strongyles were observed in both years. The richness and evenness appeared increased in the second year of the survey, although lower than those obtained by literature data from similar populations examined in the last two decades of 1900. The dominant helminth, T. retortaeformis, was more abundant in individuals with higher weight, while pathological findings were mostly unrelated to this nematode infection; this is consistent with a reduced action, even no harm, of the parasites on the individual host or population level. Our results suggest that the conservation of hosts, environment, and parasites cannot be achieved separately and that parasites and wildlife hosts' destinies are intimately linked, confirming the complexity of ecosystems and the need to contemplate parasite biodiversity in conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stancampiano
- University of Bologna, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Guarniero
- University of Bologna, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Militerno
- University of Bologna, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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Guarniero I, Bellinello E, Trocchi V, Giannini F, Sulliotti V, Stancampiano L. Helminth biocoenosis of Lepus europaeus meridiei (Hilzheimer, 1906) from Pianosa island, Italy. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 19:105-109. [PMID: 36105680 PMCID: PMC9467855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pianosa is a 10 km2 Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea which is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. In this island lives a brown hare population which, according to the literature, belongs to the ancestral taxon Lepus europaeus meridei that offers a unique opportunity to observe how the parasite biocoenosis shapes in condition of isolation, limited space availability and high population density. The aim of this work is to describe the helminth component community of a non-managed, isolated, and dense hare population, evaluating host-parasite relationship and parasite community structure. All 26 analyzed hares (13 males and 13 females) were in good physical conditions, and all of them harboured exclusively the nematode Protostrongylus oryctolagi only. This is the first report of this lungworm species in Italy. The estimated overall abundance was 48.15 worms per examined hare (range 3-258, median 50) and the parasites were unevenly distributed across host population, with few hosts having most parasites (aggregated or overdispersed distribution). No significant relationship was detected between the number of isolated parasites and hare sex and weigh. The effect of the isolation of Pianosa's hare population seems to have acted reducing parasite richness, while the high host density is probably the cause of the high prevalence and abundance of the single helminth species collected. In conclusion, despite the low impact of parasites confirmed also by the overdispersed parasite distribution, the low diversity of the studied parasite community sounds a warning for the management of the hare population and the whole Pianosa's ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Guarniero
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano nell’Emilia, (BO), Italy
| | - Enrica Bellinello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano nell’Emilia, (BO), Italy
- Azienda USL Bologna, Sanità Pubblica veterinaria, Via Fornaci 343/2, 40038, Vergato, (BO), Italy
| | - Valter Trocchi
- Italian Hunting Federation, via Salaria 298/A, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Giannini
- Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, Ufficio conservazione e tutela della biodiversità, Loc. Enfola, 16, 57037, Portoferraio, (LI), Italy
| | - Valerio Sulliotti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano nell’Emilia, (BO), Italy
| | - Laura Stancampiano
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano nell’Emilia, (BO), Italy
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Stancampiano L, Ravagnan S, Capelli G, Militerno G. Cysticercosis by Taenia pisiformis in Brown Hare ( Lepus europaeus) in Northern Italy: Epidemiologic and pathologic features. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:139-143. [PMID: 31080730 PMCID: PMC6506461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In Northern Italy, a hastening of hare population decline was noticeable from 2008. In the same year hunters reported a sudden increase of hares infected by Taenia sp. larvae, whose morphology was consistent with T. pisiformis cysticerci. The aim of the survey was: i)to identify the parasites through morphological features and molecular techniques; ii)to quantify the prevalence and abundance of cysticerci in hunted hares; iii)to describe pathological aspects of parasite-induced lesions; iv)to evaluate the short-term trend of the infection comparing two different hunting seasons; v)to highlight possible relationship between T. pisiformis infection and hare-related variables. In 2013, 2015 the viscera of 54 and 61 hares legally hunted in agro-ecosystems of the Po Plain were collected. Peritoneum, liver and lungs were examined for cysticercosis; abundance was estimated counting superficial parasites in liver; parasites were microscopically identified by shape and measure of both large and small hooks. One cysticercus from each hare was analized by a PCR targeting Taeniid species and then sequenced. Frozen liver, lungs and gastrointestinal peritoneum were macroscopically observed and, after thawing, representative samples from the available organs were collected for histologic examination to verify parasitic cysts and the subsequent damage of the involved organs. Sex, weight and age class of the animals were recorded. Generalized linear models were used for statistical analysis. T. pisiformis was isolated in 8 hares in 2013 (prevalence 14.8%; abundance range: 0-400; mean abundance 17.8) and in 2 hares in 2015 (prevalence 3.28%; abundance range: 0-180; mean abundance 3.22). Identification was confirmed morphologically and by PCR. The DNA sequencing confirmed T. pisiformis in all samples. The sequences were all identical each-other. Infection was significantly related with adult age class, sampling year and low full-weight. Epidemiological and pathological pattern suggest both a possible role on host population health and a tendency toward host-parasite equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stancampiano
- University of Bologna, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Laboratory of Parasitology, Viale dell’Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Laboratory of Parasitology, Viale dell’Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Militerno
- University of Bologna, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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Rinnovati R, Romagnoli N, Stancampiano L, Spadari A. Occurrence of Incisional Complications After Closure of Equine Ventral Midline Celiotomies With 2 Polyglycolic Acid in Simple Interrupted Suture Pattern. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Merialdi G, Giacometti F, Bardasi L, Stancampiano L, Taddei R, Serratore P, Serraino A. Fecal shedding of thermophilic Campylobacter in a dairy herd producing raw milk for direct human consumption. J Food Prot 2015; 78:579-84. [PMID: 25719884 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-14-224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Factors affecting the fecal shedding of thermophilic Campylobacter in Italian dairy farms were investigated in a 12-month longitudinal study performed on a dairy farm authorized to sell raw milk in Italy. Fifty animals were randomly selected from 140 adult and young animals, and fecal samples were collected six times at 2-month intervals. At each sampling time, three trough water samples and two trough feed samples also were collected for both adult and young animals. Samples were analyzed with real-time PCR assay and culture examination. Overall, 33 samples (9.7%) were positive for thermophilic Campylobacter by real-time PCR: 26 (9.2%) of 280 fecal samples, 6 (16.6%) of 36 water samples, and 1 (4.2%) of 24 feed samples. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 6 of 280 samples; no other Campylobacter species was isolated. A higher (but not significantly) number of positive fecal samples were found in younger animals (11.33 versus 6.92% of adult animals), and a significantly higher number of positive water samples were collected from the water troughs of young animals. A distinct temporal trend was observed during the study period for both cows and calves, with two prevalence peaks between November and December and between May and July. Several factors such as calving, housing practices, herd size, management practices forcing together a higher number of animals, and variations in feed or water sources (previously reported as a cause of temporal variation in different farming conditions) were excluded as the cause of the two seasonal peaks in this study. The factors affecting the seasonality of Campylobacter shedding in the dairy herds remain unclear and warrant further investigation. The results of the present study indicate that special attention should be paid to farm hygiene management on farms authorized to produce and sell raw milk, with increased surveillance by the authorities at certain times of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Merialdi
- Experimental Institute for Zooprophylaxis in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Via Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Giacometti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lia Bardasi
- Experimental Institute for Zooprophylaxis in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Via Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Stancampiano
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Taddei
- Experimental Institute for Zooprophylaxis in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Via Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Serratore
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Serraino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
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Stancampiano L, Usai F. The role of density-dependent arrested larval stages on parasite dynamics and stability: Lessons from nematodes and donkeys. Ecol Modell 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Di Francesco A, Delogu M, Giacometti F, Stancampiano L, Grilli E, Guarniero I, Serraino A. First detection of Arcobacter sp. in Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto). Vet Ital 2014; 50:313-5. [PMID: 25546070 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.75.2520.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Data about the presence of Arcobacter in wild birds are currently lacking. In this study cloacal swabs from 95 collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto), submitted to the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (Bologna, Italy) between 2011 and 2013 from various urban and suburban areas of the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy), were tested for the presence of Arcobacter sp. by a rRNA 23S nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Eighteen out of 95 (19%) samples showed the expected PCR product. Further cultural and molecular studies are needed to assess the Arcobacter prevalence in wild birds and elucidate their potential epidemiological role as source of animal and human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Di Francesco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
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9
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Merialdi G, Bardasi L, Stancampiano L, Taddei R, Delogu M, Di Francesco A, Guarniero I, Grilli E, Fustini M, Bonfante E, Giacometti F, Serraino A. Temporal Variation of Faecal Shedding of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in A Dairy Herd Producing Raw Milk for Direct Human Consumption. Ital J Food Saf 2014; 3:2297. [PMID: 27800362 PMCID: PMC5076729 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2014.2297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyse over time the evolution of E. coli O157:H7 faecal shedding in a dairy herd producing raw milk for direct human consumption. The study was performed between October 2012 and September 2013 in an average size Italian dairy farm where animals are housed inside the barn all over the year. The farm housed about 140 animals during the study – 70 cows and 70 calves and heifers. Twenty-six animals were randomly selected from both the cows and young animals group, and faecal sampling was performed rectally six times two months apart in each animal. Eleven animals were culled during the study and a total of 285 faecal samples were collected. At each faecal sampling, three trough water samples and two trough feed samples were also collected for a total of 36 water samples and 24 feed samples. Samples were analysed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and culture. Overall, 16 (5.6%) faecal samples were positive for E. coli O157 by RT-PCR. Cultural examination found 9 (3.1%) samples positive for E. coli O157; all the isolates were positive for stx1, stx 2 and eae genes. One (4.1%) feed sample was positive for E. coli O157 by RT-PCR; none of the water samples was positive for E. coli O157. The model highlighted a general significant reduction of the number of positive samples observed during the study from the first to the sixth sampling (P=0.000) and a positive relation between the presence of positive samples and average environmental temperature (P=0.003). The results of the study showed that in an Italian dairy farm housing animals all year, faecal shedding of E. coli O157 followed the same temporal trend reported for other types of farming. The enhanced faecal shedding during warmer months may have a significant impact on environmental contamination and the safety of raw milk and its byproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Merialdi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna , Bologna
| | - Lia Bardasi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna , Bologna
| | - Laura Stancampiano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Roberta Taddei
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna , Bologna
| | - Mauro Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Antonietta Di Francesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Ilaria Guarniero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Ester Grilli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Mattia Fustini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Elena Bonfante
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Federica Giacometti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Andrea Serraino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna , Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
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Stancampiano L, Usai F, Pollio G. Three slight imprecisions in "Illustrated identification keys to strongylid parasites of Equidae" by Lichtenfels et al. (2008). Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:405-6. [PMID: 23890822 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Fugazzola MC, Stancampiano L. Host social rank and parasites: plains zebra (Equus quagga) and intestinal helminths in Uganda. Vet Parasitol 2012; 188:115-9. [PMID: 22521976 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the social hierarchy of plain zebra, Equus quagga, and the level of parasitism. For the study 141 fecal samples from the same number of animals were collected within the two major populations of E. quagga of Uganda (Lake Mburo Conservation Area and Kidepo Valley National Park). Quantitative (eggs per gram of feces) and qualitative parasite assessment were performed with standard methods. The relationship between parasite burden and individual host features was analyzed using Generalized Linear Models. Strongyles, cestodes, Strongyloides sp. and oxiurids where present in the examined samples. Social rank and age class significantly affect all parasites' abundance with dominant individuals being less parasitized than subordinate individuals, regardless of the parasite groups excluding oxiurids. Sex could not been shown to be related with any of the found parasites. Age was positively related with strongyles and oxiurids abundance and negatively related with cestodes and Strongyloides sp. The main result of the present study was the evidence that social status influences parasite level with dominant zebras shedding less parasite eggs than subordinate ones. Social rank appears, therefore, as an important factor giving rise to parasite aggregation in plain zebras.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Fugazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Viale Crispi 212, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Pirrone A, Castagnetti C, Mariella J, Bonoli C, Stancampiano L, Tampieri MP, Galuppi R. Yeast Flora in Oropharyngeal and Rectal Mucous Membranes of Healthy and Critically Ill Neonatal Foals. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Contini C, Palmas C, Seu V, Stancampiano L, Usai F. Redescription of the male of Ixodes festai Rondelli, 1926 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) on specimens from Sardinia (Italy). Parasite 2011; 18:235-40. [PMID: 21894264 PMCID: PMC3671470 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2011183235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes festai Rondelli, 1926 is a poorly known bird parasite tick. Its immature forms have not been described yet, while the adult forms only insufficiently, especially the male. In this note the presence of the male of Ixodes festai for the first time in Sardinia (Italy) is reported and a detailed redescription is provided. Morphometric data as well as photographs performed both with optical and electron microscope (ESEM FEI Quanta 200) are also shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Contini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Macrosezione Biomedica, Universitá di Cagliari, Italy.
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14
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Ferraro M, Fichi G, Ambrogi C, Ragagli C, Stancampiano L, Poglayen G, Perrucci S. Coccidiosis of wild and captive European mouflons (Ovis aries) living in a natural reserve of central Italy. Parassitologia 2010; 52:423-426. [PMID: 22320018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Between December 2005 and November 2006, a survey on coccidiosis of wild and captive mouflons living in the Orecchiella Natural Reserve (Tuscany, Italy) was performed on faecal samples collected approximately every two months. A total of 96 samples were collected, 55 of which from wild mouflons and 41 from captive mouflons. On these faecal samples qualitative and quantitative parasitological analyses were performed; moreover, faecal cultures were made in order to identify the involved Eimeria species. Significantly higher prevalence (%) and mean intensity (mean OPG +/- SD) of coccidian infection resulted for captive mouflons (73.17% and 814.6 +/- 1297.2 OPG) comparing to wild mouflons (36.73% and 112.7 +/- 268.7 OPG). Eimeria parva, E ovinoidalis, E. bakuensis, E. ahasata, E. intricata, E. crandallis, E. granulosa, E. faurei and an Eimeria species very similar to the descriptions previously reported for E. arloingi and E. yakimoffmatschoulsky, were isolated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferraro
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Università di Pisa, Italy
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Stancampiano L, Gras LM, Poglayen G. Spatial niche competition among helminth parasites in horse's large intestine. Vet Parasitol 2010; 170:88-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Revised: 01/13/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Stancampiano L, Corradini D, Bulgarelli M, Micagni G, Battelli G. Parasites of the digestive tract in beef cattle imported from France to Italy. Parassitologia 2007; 49:101-106. [PMID: 18412052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Beef cattle heads (195 heads, 6 batches) imported for fattening from France to Italy were examined. Coprological qualitative and quantitative tests were performed, and the results analysed in relation to sex, breed, age, date of arrival, geographical origin (French department in which the animal was bred), and gathering centre (French department in which the animal was grouped with the others before travelling to Italy). The following parasites were identified: Eimeriidae (overall prevalence 60.5%); Strongyles (59%); Nematodirus spp. (14.3%); Trichuris spp. (4.1%); Capillaria spp. (2.0%); Paramphistomum spp. (27.6%); Dicrocoelium spp. (3.0%); Moniezia spp. (8.7%). All the observed parasites are widely reported in beef cattle either in Italy or in France. However, the seeming absence of Fasciola hepatica was unexpected, as well as the high prevalence of Paramphistomum spp. The variables that appeared to be more linked to parasite epidemiology were sex, altitude of the geographical origin and season.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Stancampiano
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Patologia Animale, Università di Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO. Italy.
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Stancampiano L, Guberti V. Models of parasite biocoenosis dynamic: host density and gastrointestinal parasites in alpine chamois. Parassitologia 2006; 48:47-9. [PMID: 16881395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Host density is an important and widely accepted factor influencing microparasites epidemiology. In theory, host density would influence also macroparasite dynamic, although it would be achieved indirectly due to the presence of free-living infective stages of parasites. On this basis, it is expected that macroparasite abundance and prevalence would increase as host density increases, due to the higher probability for a new host to acquire infections from the environment. Nevertheless, some surveys indicate a negative relationship between host density and gastrointestinal helminth abundance in alpine chamois. On the basis of data collected from three different chamois populations, the Authors discuss the possibility that ecological factors different from host density should influence parasite biocoenosis dynamic, leading to the pattern observed in natural chamois-parasite systems.
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Stancampiano L, Serra S, Battelli G. Gastro-intestinal nematode infections in four Alpine chamois herds: influence of host density on helminth egg output. Parassitologia 2001; 43:123-30. [PMID: 11921539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
A three years survey on gastro-intestinal nematode egg output was carried out in four Alpine chamois herds (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) from Belluno province (Italy). Data were analysed in order to detect the influence of cattle presence and chamois density on egg output, and to evaluate the stability of host-parasite relationship. As expected, variations related to the season were present, with the major peak of egg output observed in the summer. Results highlighted an unexpected inverse influence of host density on egg counts. The results are in relation to host-parasite relationship stability. Parasites seem to be able to self-regulate in the absence of parasite-induced host mortality. No effect due to cattle presence was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Stancampiano
- Dipartimento di Protezione e Valorizzazione Agroalimentare, Sezione Allevamenti Zootecnici, Università di Bologna, Coviolo Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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Guberti V, Stancampiano L, Francisci F. Intestinal helminth parasite community in wolves (Canis lupus) in Italy. Parassitologia 1993; 35:59-65. [PMID: 8065823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
From 1987 to 1993, 89 wolves (Canis lupus) collected throughout the whole Italian range were examined for intestinal helminth parasites. Twelve species were found, including 5 nematodes (Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis and Toxascaris leonina) and 7 cestodes (Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. pisiformis, T. ovis, Mesocestoides lineatus and Dipylidium caninum). No significant differences were detected between sexes. T. canis showed higher prevalence and numbers in youngs, while E. granulosus and T. vulpis in adults. Interference between U. stenocephala and A. caninum was detected. Parasite biocenosis was stable in respect to geographical and ecological variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Guberti
- Istituto Nazionale per la Fauna Selvatica, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO
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