Enteric parasites in free-living Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa leprosa) in contrasted areas (natural vs polluted) from central-western of Morocco

The objective of this study is to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites in Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa leprosa collected from three contrasting environments in Morocco. Stool samples from 92 turtles were examined for parasite detection and enumeration. The identified intestinal parasites belong to helminths (oxyurids and ascarid) and protozoa (Entamoebidae). A total of 25 turtles (27.17%) were found to be infected by helminths and/or protozoan parasites. No adult form of these parasites was detected. Eggs of oxyurid and ascarid were detected in individuals of populations studied from Oued Ksob (23.07% and 30.76% of n = 13 turtles) and Oued Zat (34.14% and 24.39% of n = 41 turtles), respectively. For protozoa, Entamoeba cysts were present in turtles in Oued Ksob (15.38% of n = 13 turtles), Oued Zat (12.19% of n = 41 turtles), and Oued Tensift (5.26% of n = 38 turtles) localities. Oxyurid eggs showed the highest intensity at Oued Zat reaching 29.30 ± 59.59 eggs per gram (EPG), versus 12 ± 0.38 EPG for ascaris eggs in Oued Ksob. Entamoeba cysts were detected in lower levels with a maximum of 1.66 ± 1.50 cysts per gram (CPG), in Oued Zat. The prevalence of turtles eliminating eggs was statistically significant between localities for different parasite groups. This study reports for the first time a parasitological characterization of gastrointestinal parasites in wild populations of M. leprosa leprosa from contrasting environments, suggesting a relationship between turtles' infestation and the quality of their habitat.

[Urethritis due to coinfection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Enterobius vermicularis in a 27-year-old man]

Urethritis is mainly caused by sexually transmitted pathogens, such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) [1]. Close to 90 million adults are infected annually with NG [2]. Treatment shall be performed according to national guidelines and resistance profiles [2, 3]. Enterobius vermicularis (EV) is the most common helminth in humans with 1 billion people globally infected [4-6]. Symptoms include anal pruritus; however, many infections are asymptomatic [4-7]. A case of urethritis due to simultaneous infection with NG and EV is reported.

Assessing DESS solution for the long-term preservation of nematodes from faecal samples

Preservation of biological samples is a relevant issue for many scientific disciplines. Although traditional preservers, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, imply major disadvantages related to health risks, DNA degradation and distortion of structures, they are widely used. Hence, the search for viable alternatives preserving morphometry and genetics seems necessary. Here we assess the suitability of DESS solution to preserve adult nematodes and their eggs in faeces. Concretely, faecal samples of terrestrial tortoises with oxyurids were used to: (i) compare the 1-month storage efficacy of eggs from different conservation protocols (faeces without preserver at -20 °C, faeces with DESS solution at room temperature, faeces with DESS solution at -20 °C and faeces with ethanol 70% at room temperature); (ii) address morphological nematode identification after 2 years of storage with DESS. We also corroborated that nematode DNA remained viable after 2 years. Overall, our results showed that DESS solution at room temperature is an advisable alternative to conserve both parasite eggs and adult nematodes for morphological identification and genetic purposes. It also offers the advantages of being low-cost, safe and suitable for fieldwork conditions and shipments without refrigeration for nematode preservation.

Diagnosis and therapeutic management of gastrointestinal parasitism among the captive population of Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans Schoepff, 1795) at Zoological Garden, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans Schoepff, 1795) is a terrestrial herbivorous reptile that is classified under the vulnerable species of IUCN-Red List. The present communication reports the successful management of gastrointestinal parasitism due to co-infection with oxyurids and ascarid nematodes in the captive population of Indian star tortoise maintained at Zoological Garden, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The diseased tortoise exhibited clinical signs like diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. Direct microscopic examination of pooled fecal sample identified the presence of oxyurid and ascarid ova. Therapeutic management involved a two-dose regimen of pyrantel pamoate given in a 2 week interval at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg body weight per orally. Complete parasitological clearance was observed 2 weeks after initiating the therapy without any recurrence. The two-dose pyrantel pamoate protocol was found to be effective in controlling the parasitic burden of captive Indian star tortoise. Chemotherapy can be combined with managemental changes to nullify the possibility of re-infection.