This article reports the results of a copromicroscopic and molecular investigation carried out on faecal samples of wolves (n=37) and brown bears (n=80) collected in two protected national parks of central Italy (Abruzzo Region). Twenty-three (62.2%) samples from wolves were positive for parasite eggs. Eight (34.78%) samples scored positive for single infections, i.e. E. aerophilus (21.74%), An...

The purpose of this research was to determinate the prevalence of ectoparasites and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in domiciliated cats, from central and peripheral region, of Lages city, Santa Catarina State and also characterize the economic, social and cultural status of families' pet owners. From the period of December 2005 to December 2006, 600 questionnaires were distributed to pet owner...

Most parasites of marine animals are of little public health concern; however, some helminths are capable of infecting humans. Marine zoonotic infections in humans result from consumption of contaminated edible tissues or products of seafood or, to a lesser extent, from physical contact with contaminated seafood. Worldwide, over 50 species of helminth parasites from fishes, crabs, crayfishes, s...

A total of 6257 helminths of 19 taxa were recovered from the digestive tract and lungs of 67 bobcats in Illinois. Infections caused by Alaria mustelae, Diphyllobothrium latum, and Macracanthorhynchus ingens are reported for the first time in bobcats. From all the taxa recovered, only three species occurred in high prevalence and caused intense infections: Taenia rileyi, Alaria marcianae, and To...

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworms) is traditionally based on the demonstration of eggs in stool using microscopic techniques. While molecular techniques are more appropriate to speciate STH species they are seldom applied. In this study we speciated STH eggs from stool using molecular techniques to gain insights into the distribution ...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Tissue parasites of humans are still prevalent in most regions of the world, and are also seen more frequently in developed countries due to increasing travel patterns. In particular, Echinococcus infections still account for hepatic and pulmonary pathology, cysticercosis is a major cause of seizures and epilepsy, and fascioliasis also causes significant liver pathology. This ...

Current knowledge of animal and zoonotic helminthiases in which effects of climate change have been detected is reviewed. Climate variables are able to affect the prevalence, intensity and geographical distribution of helminths, directly influencing free-living larval stages and indirectly influencing mainly invertebrate, but also vertebrate, hosts. The impact of climate change appears to be mo...

Cryptic species cause problems for estimates of biodiversity. In the case of parasites, cryptic species also plague efforts to detect potential zoonotic diseases or invasive pathogens. It is crucial to determine whether the likelihood of finding cryptic species differs among higher parasite taxa, to better calibrate estimates of diversity and monitor diseases. Using published reports of cryptic...

Background Rodents are considered as reservoirs of various zoonotic diseases including helminthic infections. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of helminth infections in rodents, in Boyer-Ahmad district, Southwestern Iran. Methods Overall, 52 rodents were captured from various areas of the district by Sherman live traps. The animals were then euthanized and dissected. During ...