Occurrence of Eimeria spp. and Intestinal Helminths in Free-Range Chickens from Northwest and Central Romania

Chickens raised in backyard free-range systems are confronted with a significant threat of parasitic infections. Among the parasitic agents, protozoa belonging to the genus Eimeria and helminths, including Ascaridia galli, Capillaria spp., Heterakis gallinarum, and Strongyloides avium, stand out as the most prevalent. The sampling protocol included sixteen localities in four counties within the Transylvania region of Romania. Fecal samples were collected from chickens reared in a backyard system. Fecal samples were screened for oocysts (O) and eggs (E) by flotation method, and their number per gram of feces (OPG/EPG) was calculated after counting them by McMaster method. Positive samples for Eimeria spp. were further analyzed by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method to identify the Eimeria species. A total of 145 flocks were tested and the overall prevalence of infection was 53.1%. The most prevalent infections were with A. galli/H. gallinarum (25.5%), and Eimeria spp. (24.8%), followed by Capillaria spp. and strongyles. The mean OPG/EPG values were as follows: 63,577 for Eimeria spp., 157 for Ascaridia/Heterakis, 362 for Capillaria spp., and 1671 for Strongyle eggs. Identified Eimeria species were E. acervulina (41.7%), E. tenella (27.8%), E. praecox (16.7%), E. brunetti (16.7%), OTUy (operational taxonomic unit y) (8.3%), OTUz (operational taxonomic unit z) (8.3%) and E. mitis (5.6%). Intestinal parasites exhibit a high prevalence among chickens in backyard poultry flocks, and the presence of significant parasite burdens can adversely affect both productive and economic aspects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study that aimed to analyze the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chickens raised in a backyard free-range system in Romania, and the first report of OTUy species in Europe.

Efficacy of levamisole, ivermectin and moxidectin against Capillaria spp. in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

This randomised study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of treatment protocols containing levamisole, ivermectin, or moxidectin against Capillaria spp. in naturally infected European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) presented to a British wildlife rehabilitation centre. Faecal analysis, consisting of wet mount and flotation, was performed for 229 hedgehogs weighing ≥200g. Animals testing positive for Capillaria spp. (81%), excluding pregnant females, were randomly allocated a treatment protocol. Initially, hedgehogs (n = 50) received one of six 'pilot' protocols, whereas the remaining animals (n = 97) received one of three 'main' protocols. Faecal analysis was repeated on day 8 and day 12 after treatment initiation. Efficacy of each treatment was assessed based on Capillaria reduction rate (CRR), weight gain, presence of respiratory clinical signs, and outcome. Pilot protocols containing only moxidectin had a significantly lower CRR (≥28.1%) compared to those with levamisole or ivermectin (≥86.6%), whereas the main protocols containing levamisole had a significantly higher CRR (≥93.0%) compared to those containing only ivermectin (≥69.3%). Clinical parameters did not differ significantly between treatments, but animals with respiratory clinical signs at the end of the trial were significantly more likely to have lower CRR and test positive for Crenosoma striatum. C. striatum often appeared refractory to treatment, and managing these infections requires additional anthelmintic therapy. Based on the formulations and dosages trialled, moxidectin is not recommended for treating capillariosis in European hedgehogs, whereas levamisole given orally for two consecutive days at 25-35 mg/kg is suggested as the treatment of choice.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in three groups of domestic poultry managed under backyard system in the Savanna subregion, Department of Sucre, Colombia

Objective:

To identify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites that affect the backyard poultry system in the Savanna region, Department of Sucre, Colombia.

Materials and Methods:

Fecal samples were collected from 860 native birds, both hens (Gallus domesticus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), regardless of age and sex. Samples were processed using direct techniques with ZnSO₄ and indirect methods such as modified Sloss. Data were presented as frequencies, and the nonparametric odds ratio test was used for two independent samples.

Results:

A total of 77.3% (665/860) of the birds were infected with one or more species of gastrointestinal parasites. Among the nematodes, Capillaria spp. (45.6%), Ascaridia galli (18.4%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.4%), Syngamus trachea (38.9%), Tetrameres spp. (25.2%), and Strongylus spp. (12.2%) were recorded. The cestodes were Choanotaenia infundibulum (22.6%), Davainea proglottina (42.3%), Raillietina spp. (58.3%), and Hymenolepis spp. (54.7%), while only Eimeria spp. (90%) was recorded as protozoa.

Conclusions:

The study showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal parasite infestations, the most common species being Hymenolepis spp., Eimeria spp., Raillietina spp., and Heterakis gallinarum.

In addition to birds' age and outdoor access, the detection method is of high importance to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in laying hens kept in alternative husbandry systems

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was investigated in sixty-six commercial non-caged layer flocks. Twenty-nine flocks were housed indoors in aviaries or floor systems, nineteen flocks were kept in conventional free-range systems with outdoor access, and eighteen flocks in organic free-range systems. Flocks were investigated at end of rearing (mean age 17 weeks), peak of egg production (mean age 38 weeks) and before slaughter (mean age 74 weeks). Four different methods were applied to determine worm infestation. During necropsies, worm infestations were recorded and mucosal scrapings were evaluated for the presence of worm eggs. Faecal samples from each flock were investigated by simple flotation method and McMaster counting technique. No gastrointestinal helminths were found in pullets. During production, 87.9 % of the layer flocks were infected with at least one nematode species at the peak of production. The prevalence further increased significantly up to 98.5 % at the end of production (p=0.05). This increase could be ascribed mainly to infections with Ascaridia (A.) galli and/or Heterakis (H.) gallinarum which were most prevalent in all husbandry systems. Furthermore, their prevalence increased significantly with the age of birds (p=0.023; p < 0.001). With regard to the husbandry system, the prevalence of Capillaria spp. was significantly higher in flocks from outdoor systems compared to flocks that were kept indoors. Cestodes were only detected at the end of production with a prevalence of 15.2 % and significantly more flocks with access to outdoor run were found positive. Interestingly, H. gallinarum was found with a high prevalence indoor and in outdoor systems. Anthelminthic treatment did not impact the prevalence of nematode infections. Comparing four different methods for the detection of helminths it was revealed that their efficiencies varied depending on the worm species. Overall, the simple flotation method was superior to detect A. galli and Capillaria spp. This method proved also very efficient for the detection of H. gallinarum but the additional evaluation of the worm infestation during necropsy increased the level of prevalence. Cestodes were mainly found during necropsies when the worm infestation was evaluated. The detection of parasite eggs in mucosal scrapings from the intestines was the least effective method for all helminths. These findings lead to the recommendation to combine faecal investigations with an evaluation of the worm infestation during necropsy of at least five birds.

Case report: Control of intestinal nematodes in captive Chlorocebus sabaeus

There are limited data on the efficacy of antiparasitic treatments and husbandry methods to control nematode infections in captive populations of African green monkeys (AGMs), Chlorocebus sabaeus. In faecal egg count (FEC) tests, 10 of the 11 (91%) adult male AGMs captured from the large feral population on the island of St Kitts had evidence of nematode infections, mostly Capillaria (8/11, 73%), Trichuris trichiura (7/11, 64%) and strongylid species (7/11, 64%) specifically (hookworm and Trichostrongylus, 50/50), but also Strongyloides fuelleborni (1/11, 9%). When kept in individual cages with cleaning and feeding regimens to prevent reinfections and treated concurrently with ivermectin (300 µg/kg, given subcutaneously) and albendazole (10 mg/kg, given orally) daily for 3 days, 60% (6/10) of the AGMs were negative at a follow-up FEC at 3 months and by FEC and necropsy at the end of the study 5–8 months later. One monkey appeared to have been reinfected with T. trichiura after being negative by FEC at 3 months post-treatment. Four AGMs were positive for T. trichiura at the 3 month FEC follow-up but were negative at the end of the study after one further treatment regimen. Although initially being cleared of Capillaria following treatment, three AGMs were found to be infected at the end of the study. The ivermectin and albendazole treatment regimen coupled with good husbandry practices to prevent reinfections effectively controlled nematode infections in captive AGMs.

Occurrence of faecal endoparasites in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in two grazing areas in northern Norway

Background

Semi-domesticated reindeer represent an important livestock industry and livelihood for a proportion of the human population in northern Fennoscandia. Reindeer husbandry is considered an extensive animal husbandry, where the animals are kept mostly on natural pastures, although sometimes kept in fenced areas for shorter periods. These reindeer may harbour a variety of parasites that may affect animal health and production. The relatively limited close contact between herds and owners gives limited opportunities for diagnosis and treatment of diseases in general. Furthermore, the effects of subclinical parasitism in livestock are commonly expressed as a reduction in productivity rather than clinical disease and mortality. Thus, specific knowledge of endoparasites and parasitic infections in these herds is scarce. This study investigated the occurrence of various endoparasites in reindeer by analysis of a total of 114 faecal samples from winter-slaughtered reindeer from two different grazing areas in Troms and Finnmark, Norway.

Results

Using a McMaster method, a Baermann technique, and a direct immunofluorescent antibody test, the following parasites were identified in the faecal samples with the occurrence data given as percentages: Strongylid eggs (62%), Nematodirinae spp. eggs (24%), Capillaria sp. eggs (42%) and Moniezia spp. eggs (17%), Dictyocaulus spp. larvae (14%) protostrongylid larvae (40%), Eimera spp. oocysts (23%), and Giardia duodenalis cysts (5%). Cryptosporidium oocysts were not detected. Parasite eggs, oocysts, and cysts were quantified.

Molecular analysis revealed G. duodenalis sub-assemblage AI, a potentially zoonotic genotype not previously reported in reindeer from this region. Morphological analyses of Eimeria oocysts identified two species, Eimeria mayeri and Eimeria rangiferis, and molecular analyses of the cytochrome C oxidase I (coi) gene and 18 s rRNA (18SSU) gene of Eimeria confirmed the presence of Eimeria species that are specific to reindeer.

Conclusions

A high prevalence, but low burden, of endoparasites was detected in samples from these semi-domesticated reindeer. The samples were collected during winter, when adult gastrointestinal parasites usually produce only low numbers of transmission stages. Therefore, together with the low number of samples, detailed and definitive conclusions regarding parasite status of semi-domesticated reindeer are avoided. Nevertheless, these data provide a snapshot overview of parasite occurrence in a semi-domesticated animal group vulnerable to the various environmental changes to which they are exposed.

Protozoan and Helminth Infections of Aviary-Reared Alectoris rufa (Galliformes: Phasianidae) before Releasing for Hunting in the Czech Republic: Infection Dynamics and Potential Risks

Age-related dynamics of protozoan and helminth infections in the red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, were studied in an intensive breeding aviary in the Czech Republic before releasing birds for hunting purposes. Pooled fecal samples (n = 900) were examined over 3 rearing seasons (2012-2014). A total of 4 protozoan species, Cryptosporidium baileyi, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Eimeria kofoidi, and Eimeria legionensis, and 4 helminths, Capillaria phasianina, Eucoleus perforans, Heterakis gallinarum, and Syngamus trachea, was found. The most common parasite was S. trachea (prevalence 20-26%) in dead birds (n = 99), which represents a high risk for breeders. Co-occurrence of protozoans and helminths indicated similarities in infection dynamics throughout the 3 breeding seasons. Mixed infections of Cryptosporidium baileyi and C. meleagridis with other parasitic species are reported for the first time. Our findings provide new insights into breeding of A. rufa and may help to improve the efficacy of disease control strategies and prevention, especially with the potential for spreading of parasitic infections to wildlife through released birds into open areas.

First report in pre-Columbian mummies from Bolivia of Enterobius vermicularis infection and capillariid eggs: A contribution to Paleoparasitology studies

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to search for ancient parasites in abdominal content and coprolites from Bolivian mummies.

MATERIALS

Twelve mummified individuals from the Andean highlands, housed at the National Museum of Archaeology (MUNARQ) in La Paz, Bolivia.

METHODS

Microscopic analysis of rehydrated samples (coprolites and abdominal content), following Lutz's spontaneous sedimentation technique.

RESULTS

Eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were identified in coprolites from one mummy, and capillariid eggs in the organic abdominal content from another individual.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first evidence of ancient intestinal parasites in Bolivian mummies.

SIGNIFICANCE

This pioneering study focused on the search of ancient intestinal parasites in human remains of the Bolivian Andes and contributes to greater knowledge of paleoparasitology in South America.

LIMITATIONS

All mummies in the MUNARQ belonged to the Andean Bolivian highlands (post-Tiwanaku era or Late Intermediate Period), although the exact provenance of the material and the associated contexts are not well recorded.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Considering the great number of well-known archaeological sites and other unexplored sites in Bolivia, in addition to large collections in museums, further paleopathological and paleoparasitological molecular studies in mummies and skeletons are called for.

Ventral dermatitis in rowi (Apteryx rowi) caused by cutaneous capillariasis

In 2013 there was an outbreak of crusting ventral dermatitis among a group of juvenile rowi (Apteryx rowi), a species of the endangered New Zealand kiwi, that were being raised on an off-shore island sanctuary. Biopsies taken at the time found nematodes migrating within the epidermis of affected skin but the specific identity and origin of the organisms was not established, and sporadic cases of similar skin disease continue to occur on the island. On examination of additional sections from the original skin biopsies, adult nematodes and eggs were identified, the histomorphology of which was consistent with Capillaria sensu lato. PCR was performed on DNA extracted from archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of skin from eight affected rowi, using primers targeting the 18S region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the COI gene of mitochondrial DNA of capillarid nematodes. The 18S sequences from all rowi samples were identical and matched sequences from members of the genus Eucoleus. In contrast, two distinct capillarid COI sequences were obtained, in one case both from the same rowi skin biopsy. While there were no close matches, both COI sequences also aligned nearest to sequences identified as Eucoleus spp. It is considered unlikely that two different nematode species are involved in the rowi skin lesions and the possible amplification of a COI pseudogene or “numt” is discussed. A species-level identification of the capillarid nematodes causing skin disease in rowi was not obtained, however based on histological evaluation the infections include reproductively-active adult nematodes. This finding indicates the possibility of perpetuation of the skin disease in the absence of the original source, as well as raising potential for the transfer of infection from the island when the juvenile rowi are translocated to their new habitats.

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Dermatitis associated with nematode migration has been diagnosed in juvenile rowi kiwi.

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Histological and molecular analysis indicates a member of Capillaria sensu lato.

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The possible amplification of a COI pseudogene is discussed.

INTESTINAL AND BLOOD PARASITES IN SCARLET (ARA MACAO) AND GREAT GREEN (ARA AMBIGUA) MACAWS IN WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTERS IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica undertakes continuous efforts to recover the native population of macaw species through rehabilitation programs for breeding and releasing birds in protected areas. In the summer of 2018, a total of 107 scarlet (Ara macao) and 93 great green (Ara ambigua) macaws were sampled in four wildlife rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica. Fecal samples representing 200 individuals were analyzed for intestinal parasites, and 23 individuals were sampled for hemoparasites. Ascaridia and Capillaria were found in fecal samples. No hemoparasites were found. The distribution of percentage of infection was analyzed by location, species, and housing type. As part of a health screening prior to release, parasitological examination is recommended.

A comparative study of parasites in three latrines from Medieval and Renaissance Brussels, Belgium (14th-17th centuries)

The aim of this study is to determine the species of parasite that infected the population of Brussels during the Medieval and Renaissance periods, and determine if there was notable variation between different households within the city. We compared multiple sediment layers from cesspits beneath three different latrines dating from the 14th–17th centuries. Helminths and protozoa were detected using microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We identified Ascaris sp., Capillaria sp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Entamoeba histolytica, Fasciola hepatica, Giardia duodenalis, Taenia sp. and Trichuris sp. in Medieval samples, and continuing presence of Ascaris sp., D. dendriticum, F. hepatica, G. duodenalis and Trichuris sp. into the Renaissance. While some variation existed between households, there was a broadly consistent pattern with the domination of species spread by fecal contamination of food and drink (whipworm, roundworm and protozoa that cause dysentery). These data allow us to explore diet and hygiene, together with routes for the spread of fecal–oral parasites. Key factors explaining our findings are manuring practices with human excrement in market gardens, and flooding of the polluted River Senne during the 14th–17th centuries.

Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores

For a long time, wildlife carnivores have been disregarded for their potential in transmitting zoonotic nematodes. However, human activities and politics (e.g., fragmentation of the environment, land use, recycling in urban settings) have consistently favoured the encroachment of urban areas upon wild environments, ultimately causing alteration of many ecosystems with changes in the composition of the wild fauna and destruction of boundaries between domestic and wild environments. Therefore, the exchange of parasites from wild to domestic carnivores and vice versa have enhanced the public health relevance of wild carnivores and their potential impact in the epidemiology of many zoonotic parasitic diseases. The risk of transmission of zoonotic nematodes from wild carnivores to humans via food, water and soil (e.g., genera Ancylostoma, Baylisascaris, Capillaria, Uncinaria, Strongyloides, Toxocara, Trichinella) or arthropod vectors (e.g., genera Dirofilaria spp., Onchocerca spp., Thelazia spp.) and the emergence, re-emergence or the decreasing trend of selected infections is herein discussed. In addition, the reasons for limited scientific information about some parasites of zoonotic concern have been examined. A correct compromise between conservation of wild carnivores and risk of introduction and spreading of parasites of public health concern is discussed in order to adequately manage the risk of zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores in line with the 'One Health' approach.

Capillaria Ova and Diagnosis of Trichuris trichiura Infection in Humans by Kato-Katz Smear, Liberia

We examined human stool samples from Liberia for soil-transmitted helminth ova by Kato-Katz smear and by quantitative PCR. Twenty-five samples were positive for Trichuris trichiura by smear but negative by quantitative PCR. Reexamination of samples showed that they contained Capillaria eggs that resemble T. trichiura in Kato-Katz smears.

Rat-borne diseases at the horizon. A systematic review on infectious agents carried by rats in Europe 1995-2016

To investigate the spectrum of rat-borne pathogens circulating in Europe a systematic review spanning across 55 European countries during the years 1995-2016 was performed. The study surveyed viruses, bacteria, macroparasites and unicellular eukaryotes (protozoa). Fifty-three different infectious agents, all with zoonotic potential, were reported to be carried by commensal rats; 48 by the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and 20 by the black rat (R. rattus). There was a tendency for rural areas to harbour more rat-borne microbes than urban areas regarding the brown rat, but the opposite could be observed for the black rat. The study clearly indicated that an improved surveillance on wild rats is needed in Europe, and further indicated the pathogens and geographical areas where the major focus is required. For example, six zoonotic microbes seemed to be clearly more geographically widespread in Europe than others; virulent or resistant E. coli, pathogenic Leptospira spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana, Capillaria hepatica and Toxoplasma gondii.

A note on mixed coccidian and Capillaria infection in pigeons

Two adult pigeons were presented to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital (TVH), GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab with the history of weakness, anorexia, ruffled feathers and intermittent diarrhoea. Coproscopic examination revealed the presence of coccidian oocysts alongside eggs of Capillaria spp. Based on the morphological characters the eggs were designated as C. obsignata. Sporulation studies on the coccidian oocysts revealed mixed infection of Eimeria columbae and E. columbarum.

Parasite prevalence, infection intensity and richness in an endangered population, the Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou

The Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population is a small isolated relict herd considered endangered according to the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA). This population has low recruitment and survival rates but the potential role of parasites on individual fitness is unknown. In this context, we explored the parasite status of this population with the aim of 1) assessing the occurrence and intensity of parasite infections and the spatial, temporal and individual variations, 2) quantifying parasite richness and investigating factors such as sex and host body condition that may be associated with this variable and 3) evaluating the effects of parasite infections on survival in the Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou population. We examined fecal samples from 32 animals captured in 2013–2014 for eggs, oocysts and larvae of parasites and detected 7 parasite species: dorsal-spined larvae protostrongylids, presumably Parelaphostrongylus andersoni based on PCR identification of a subset, Nematodirus odocoilei and other unidentified Strongyles, Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Moniezia sp. and Eimeria sp. For each caribou, mean parasite species richness was 1.8 ± 1.1 (SD). Sex, body condition, year and capture location did not explain parasite prevalence, intensity of infection or richness except for intensity of infection of Capillaria sp. that was positively influenced by body condition. Parasites did not influence survival although mortality was higher for males than for females. We suggest that the relatively low and common gastrointestinal and protostrongylid parasite infections will not be a short-term threat leading to extinction.

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Fecal pellets from Gaspésie-Atlantic caribou population were examined for parasites.

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We identified 7 parasite species and mean species richness reached 1.8/caribou.

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Parelaphostrongylus andersoni was identified using PCR identification.

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Capillaria sp. were found yet are rare in other wild caribou in Canada.

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Despite a male-biased mortality, parasite infection did not affect caribou survival.

Morphological characterization of nematodes of the genera Capillaria, Acuaria, Amidostomum, Streptocara, Heterakis, and Ascaridia isolated from intestine and gizzard of domestic birds from different regions of the temperate Kashmir valley

During a random survey of parasitisation of poultry birds of Kashmir, conducted for 3 years more than 300 poultry birds were randomly collected from different parts of the Kashmir valley and were examined for the helminth parasites. The most dominant group of parasites which was parasitizing the poultry birds was found to be the Cestode, whose prevalence in the infected birds was 76.9 %. Nematodes were found to be the second dominant group of parasites after cestodes with the prevalence of 70 %. Among the different species of nematodes Heterakis gallinae were found infecting almost all the birds autopsied. The highest intensity of H. gallinae might be because of the fact that it requires cockroaches, beetles and grasshoppers as intermediate hosts in addition of having a direct life cycle. Nematodes which were recovered from the intestine and gizzard of the birds belong to the genera Capillaria, Acuaria, Amidostomum, Streptocara, Heterakis, and Ascaridia.

Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes, 1842), a new host of Contracaecum sp. and Capillaria sp. (Nematoda) from the Kor River Basin, southwestern Iran

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the parasitic infection status of cyprinid fish, Capoeta damascina in Gomban spring-stream, Kor River Basin, Fars Province, southwestern Iran.

METHODS

A total of 12 cyprinid fish (7 females and 5 males) were collected from Gomban spring-stream, Kor River Basin, Fars Province, southwestern Iran. The collected fish were dissected carefully and their internal organs such as liver, gonad, muscle, abdominal lobes, whole viscera and digestive tract were surveyed parasitologically.

RESULTS

One female cyprinid fish out of 12 fish was infected with three nematodes. Two nematodes (larvae) were identified as Contracaecum sp. which were attached firmly to the outer part of intestine and another adult helminth was recognized as Capillaria sp. which was recovered from digestive content.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first record indicating that cyprinid fish acts as a new host for recovered nematodes. Further helminthological investigations are highly recommended in different parts of Iran in order to expand our knowledge about helmintic parasites of cyprinid fish and their role in transmission of diseases to human and animal.

Lesions associated with Eucoleus sp. in the non-glandular stomach of wild urban rats (Rattus norvegicus)

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We used histology to examine wild rats for stomach pathology.

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Reactive lesions in the stomach of wild rats were associated with Eucoleus sp.

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Sexually mature and heavy rats had increased odds of infection.

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This represents a substantial host response to parasitism.

Histological lesions associated with Eucoleus sp. infection of the non-glandular stomach were discovered in a wild, urban population of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped over a 1-year period in Vancouver, Canada. Four distinct categories of histological lesions in the non-glandular stomach were identified in association with infection in a sample of 183 rats. The apparent prevalence of Eucoleus sp. in the upper gastrointestinal tract (ventral tongue, oropharynx, esophagus and non-glandular stomach) was 43.1% (79/183). Infection with Eucoleus sp. was significantly associated with hyperkeratosis, mucosal hyperplasia, keratin pustules and submucosal inflammation in the non-glandular stomach (P < 0.05). Eucoleus sp. infection and/or related stomach pathology was present in 135/183 (73.8%) of rats. Statistical analysis showed the odds of being affected by Eucoleus sp. or associated stomach pathology were greater in heavier (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00–1.12) and sexually mature rats (OR = 4.64, 95% CI = 1.23–17.10). Eucoleus sp. infection is common in wild rats in Vancouver and induces substantial host response. The impact of Eucoleus sp. and associated lesions on the health of individual rats and the population as a whole remains to be investigated.

Intestinal capillariasis diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy

Many new parasitic infections have emerged in Korea, with >35 new species appearing since the 1980s. Among them, Capillaria species are unique for contributing to morbidity in many countries as well as in Korea. Since the first reported case of a 41-year-old male patient diagnosed with intestinal capillariasis in 1991, a total of six cases have been reported thus far. In this case report, we present another imported case of intestinal capillariasis in Korea, in which a 42-year-old male patient presented with intractable diarrhea and weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy of the ileum. The pathognomonic radiographic presentation of a ribbon-like appearance in a small bowel series was crucial in raising an early suspicion of capillariasis and in deciding to perform diagnostic biopsy.

A simple method to count total faecal Capillaria worm eggs in racing pigeons (Columba livia)

Capillaria columbae and C. longicollis are fine threadworms found in racing pigeons' small intestines that produce a characteristic lemon shaped bipolar egg. Clinically, capillariasis in racing pigeons can present as severe illness and it has been suggested that worms may affect race performance. A major aim of this study was to validate a cheap, simple to perform flotation technique for counting Capillaria worm eggs in racing pigeon droppings. Trials using reference samples of pigeon droppings laced with 348, 275 and 129 Capillaria eggs per gram, found a typical flotation method based on the modified Wisconsin technique to be inaccurate at counting worm eggs. The main sources of error were due to the loss of eggs in the faecal discard and insufficient flotation time. A new technique, using 0.15 g sample size and 8h flotation time resulted in significantly improved test accuracy. On average the new technique recovered 93% of eggs from reference samples with 129-348 epg concentration, recovering 197 times more eggs than the modified Wisconsin technique. Typical percentage error, as a measure of absolute reliablility, was 10% for the new technique and 50% for the modified Wisconsin technique. The regression line on a test-retest series of samples over a range of egg counts from 0 to 573 epg had a gradient of 0.96 (y=0.96x+6.28; r(2)=0.8408) for the new technique and 0.54 (y=0.54x+0.06; r(2)=0.4249) for the modified Wisconsin technique. The Pearson product moment correlations of the new technique and the modified Wisconsin technique were 0.92 and 0.65 respectively. As measures of relative reliability both the gradient of the regression line and the Pearson product moment correlation further suggested better repeatability of the new technique. It was concluded that the new technique would be an appropriate quantitative method of assessing worm egg burdens in racing pigeons.

A case of gastritis associated with gastric capillariasis

This report is about the case of gastritis associated with capillariasis. The patient was a 52-yr-old Korean woman who occasionally ate raw fish and chicken. She complained of mild abdominal pain and nausea, but not diarrhea. An endoscopic examination revealed an exudative flat erosive change on the gastric mucosa of the antrum. She was microscopically diagnosed as chronic gastritis with numerous eosinophil infiltrations. The sectioned worms and eggs in mucosa were morphologically regarded as belonging to the genus Capillaria. This is the first case of gastric capillariasis reported in the Republic of Korea.