This report presents an aberrant migration of Spirocerca lupi to the ovary of dog for the first time. A Labrador retriever bitch was presented to the clinic with the history of decreased appetite over a month and vaginal discharge for a week. Vaginal examination revealed mild sero-sanguinous discharge. The abdominal ultrasonography revealed unclear, uneven thickening of uterine endometrium with anechoic contents in the uterine horn suggestive of cystic endometrial hyperplasia. During mid-ventral ovariohysterectomy, in the right ovary, moving bright pink to red coloured coiled worm was noticed. The worm was identified as S. lupi based on the morphological characters.
Feline hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne protozoan infection caused by Hepatozoon felis, transmitted by ingestion of the infected tick. Information on genotypes of H. felis from Southern India are scarce. In the present study, blood samples of three wild mammals including a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) and a wild cat (Felis chaus) were examined for haemoparasitic infections. Microscopy could detect the gamonts of Hepatozoon spp. in the blood smears of tiger and leopard, while the wild cat did not reveal any protozoans. However, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon resulted in an amplicon size of ~666 bp from all three hosts. On phylogenetic analysis, two genotypes viz., genotype I (HfG1, from the wild cat and tiger) and genotype II ((HfG2, from leopard) were observed. In the present study, the sequences from wild cat, tiger and leopard were separated into three haplotypes H2 and H8 (HfG1) and H7 (HfG2) respectively, which further confirmed the results of phylogenetic analysis with the existence of two genotypes of H. felis in south India. Among all the haplotypes, Hap_6 (h=7) was the most frequent haplotype. India shared the highest number of haplotypes (h=13) of H. felis.
The endemic species of dipterans causing myiasis in Chennai was investigated. Maggots were collected from cutaneous wounds of animals presented to Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital, Veterinary University Peripheral Hospital and non-governmental organizations. These maggots were identified by morphological examination of the larvae as well as adults. Chrysomya bezziana was identified as the predominant myiasis causing fly along with a case of Musca domestica. Chrysomya larvae having 3, 7, 10 and 11 spiracles were also identified.
The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of amprolium and sulfaquinoxaline, both individually and in combination, in field conditions at three broiler farms located in the Ludhiana district of Punjab. The confirmation of coccidiosis at the farms involved screening of pooled droppings and intestines from deceased birds. The morphometric measurement of the fully sporulated oocysts indicated the presence of Eimeria tenella, E. acervulina, E. necatrix and E. maxima. In the first trial, a total of 3500 birds were divided into two groups. The birds of group I were treated with amprolium, while group II was treated with a combination of amprolium, sulfaquinoxaline, pyrimethamine, and ethopabate. The oocyst per gram (OPG) count was measured on the pretreatment day (0 day) and at various post-treatment intervals (3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days) in both groups. The percentage reduction in oocyst count in birds of group I was 14.89, 11.25, 47.05, 63.25, 96.64% and in group II birds was 45.07, 62.58, 79.25, 90.91, 97.11% on days 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. The efficacy of the combination of amprolium and sulfaquinoxaline was further evaluated at two broiler farms and it demonstrated the similar pattern of the result as in trial I. To summarize, the findings of the present study revealed that the combined therapy of amprolium and sulfaquinoxaline, as opposed to a single drug (amprolium) showed better efficacy for mixed Eimeria infections.
Haemaphysalis ticks have significant role in the transmission of bacteria, virus and protozoa in humans and animals. They infest wild and domestic animals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals including humans and are found worldwide mainly in Oriental, Afrotropical, Palearctic regions and Australasia (Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea). These ticks exhibit a three-host life cycle. The most widely distributed Haemaphysalis tick in India is H. bispinosa, followed by H. intermedia and H. spinigera. Haemaphysalis sambar, H. knobigera, H. wellingtoni and H. megalamae are not commonly reported in India and have been recorded only in one state. Following the first reported outbreak of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) in Shimoga district, Karnataka, India, research on Haemaphysalis ticks gained significant importance. Haemaphysalis spinigera is the known primary vector of KFD and hence understanding the ecology, behaviour, and distribution of these ticks became crucial for controlling and preventing further outbreaks in the region. This review aims to compile and summarize the reported Haemaphysalis tick species in India, along with the pathogens detected from them, providing insights into both species diversity and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) diversity.
Onchocerca armillata is a nematode parasite of the aorta of ruminants. Carcass of a crossbred cow was presented to postmortem with the history of prolonged recumbency. The postmortem examination revealed thickening and corrugations on the wall of the aorta, whereas histopathological examination revealed the thickened tunica media, tunnels containing parasites, calcified areas, and cut sections of worms both live and dead. Based on gross and histopathology, the case was confirmed as aortic onchocercosis.
Three rabbits were presented at Avian and Exotic Pet Unit (AEPU), Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital, Chennai, with a history of weakness, loss of appetite, pale visible mucous membranes and frequent scratching. Whitish crusty lesions were found on the ears, lips, nose and feet along with alopecia and visible tick infestation for the last four months. Ticks were seen on the pinna and neck of the animals. The ticks and skin scrapings were collected and were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Sarcoptes scabiei respectively. The rabbits were treated with ivermectin @ dose rate of 0.4 mg per kg body weight S/C at weekly intervals for four weeks. In addition, benzyl benzoate lotion was applied topically SID for a fortnight along with haematinic supplements resulting in complete recovery in 60 days.
The flies belonging to the family Tabanidae act as vectors for various pathogens in cattle. Adult female flies were collected from Reddipalayam village in Tamil Nadu, India during October, 2022 to January, 2023. The average mean length of body, head and wing of the female flies were 10. 72, 1. 03, and 7. 92 mm. The specimen showed morphological characteristics of Atylotus agrestis. Molecular analysis was carried out by amplifying a 489 bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene followed by sequencing. The phylogenetic analysis of the gene sequence revealed similarity with A. agrestis. The occurrence of the specimen was a new range extension in Tamil Nadu.
The study investigated the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) using conventional parasitological examination techniques. Twenty-six faecal samples were collected from Nilgais inhabiting the forest area/nature park of Rampura Phul, District Bathinda, using the “W” pattern and analysed with standard flotation and sedimentation methods. The coprological examination revealed the presence of ciliate cysts in three faecal samples (11.54%), Moniezia spp. in two samples (7.69%), and Trichuris spp. in one sample (3.85%). This is the first report on the gastrointestinal parasitic load in the Nilgai population from Bathinda district of Punjab.
Houseflies are one of the important pests throughout the world. They are commonly encountered in poultry farms, dairy farms, slaughter houses and also in human households. The challenges in the chemical control of houseflies include insecticide resistance and adverse effects on the environment. Mechanical control can be employed to overcome these problems. In the present study, efficacy of a mixture of fatty acid esters as a bait to attract female houseflies was evaluated using in vitro bioassays. Single cage dual port glass olfactometer and cage test were used to evaluate the attractiveness and ovipositioninducing/enhancing properties of the mixture of fatty acid esters in laboratory-reared flies. Female flies were attracted to the fatty acid esters mixture in the no-choice olfactometry bioassay with more than 70 % of flies choosing the fatty acid esters mixture and only 27 % of flies attracted towards control. Flies also spent more time with an average of 96 seconds/fly in the arm with a mixture of fatty acid esters compared to 38 seconds/fly in the control arm. The cage test was conducted using poultry manure and cotton moistened with skimmed milk as substrates. In the cage test using 50 pairs of flies in each cage, more eggs were observed in cages containing substrate with a mixture of fatty acid esters compared to control cages. Results revealed that the oviposition attractant mixture evaluated in the study can be used in housefly traps to attract flies.
AbstractA two-year-old domestic male cat was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, with the history of intense itching, hair loss, and chronic crusty lesions on the head for the last one month. On examination of deep skin scrapings, Notoedres cati could be detected. The cat was treated with ivermectin @ 200 µg/kg body subcutaneously, followed by ivermectin tablets orally once weekly for three weeks, along with supportive therapy with multivitamin and mineral syrup. The possible zoonotic manifestations on the owner were also discussed.
AbstractThelazia callipaeda is a parasitic nematode and the most common cause of “thelaziosis” (oriental eye worm infestation) in dogs, cats and humans. Animals living in unhygienic conditions are at greater risk of thelaziosis. The present case was reported from a two-year-old German shepherd dog. The worms appeared creamy/white in colour, ranging from 9 to 12 mm in length, and had tapering ends. The parasites were removed under general anaesthesia. Based on morphometrics, they were identified as T. callipaeda. This is the first case reported in dogs from Karnataka and fourth case reported from India. These eyeworms are emerging as multi-host parasites with zoonotic potential in different parts of the world. These worms need to be identified and reported in the health care system to determine its prevalence and endemicity and to take necessary preventive measures.
AbstractThe objective of this work was to identify the Rhipicephalus sanguineus species prevalent in dogs in Tamil Nadu by using polymerase chain reaction assay followed by sequencing. In this study, 300 semi-engorged ticks were collected each from three different agro-climatical zones such as north (Chennai), west (Namakkal) and south (Madurai) zones of Tamil Nadu, India. All these ticks were identified as R. sanguineus based on morphological keys. Five ticks from each place were dissected out to separate the midgut and the genomic DNA was extracted. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing were carried out to obtain a 400 bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rDNA sequences. The nucleotide sequence showed homology of 99.71% to the sequences of other isolates of R. sanguineus sensu lato available in the GenBank. The analysis confirmed the identity of ticks from three agro-climatical zones of Tamil Nadu as R. sanguineus sensu lato, which has been reclassified as R. linnaei.
AbstractThe fowl soft-tick, Argas persicus, poses a significant threat to the poultry industry. Once a flock is infested, soft tick control becomes a formidable challenge, and they persist through multiple generations. This communication details A. persicus infestation in a poultry farm located in Barnala District, Punjab, along with their morphology, pathogenesis and control.
AbstractConcurrent haemoparasitic tick-borne infections like babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis may occur in dogs following exposure to brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In the present study, SYBR Green based duplex real-time PCR assays were evaluated to detect the infections with Babesia gibsoni, B. vogeli, Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis from selected north Indian states (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh) and union territories (Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi). Evaluation of 343 blood samples by microscopy revealed the incidence of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis and H. canis as 4.4%, 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively. However, the incidence rates for the respective parasites by duplex real-time PCR assays were 17.2%, 0.6%, 0.6% and 17.8%, along with co-infections infections of B. gibsoni and H. canis (4.4%), B. gibsoni and B. vogeli (0.3%) and B. gibsoni, B. vogeli and H. canis (0.3%). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of duplex real-time PCR assays, as compared to microscopy, for detection of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli, E. canis and H. canis ranged as 2.5%-100.0% and 78.26%-99.99%, respectively. The strength of agreement between the two tests for detection of these parasites ranged from ?slight? to ?substantial? by kappa value statistics and the data was statistically significant. A statistically significant association was recorded by duplex real-time PCR assays for incidence of B. gibsoni (age and location) and H. canis (age, location and season) as associated risk factors. These in-house validated PCR assays, after wider studies and validation from other regions of India, offer a great potential for detection and monitoring the response of treatment therapies for these haemoparasites under field conditions.
AbstractA study was undertaken to develop a paper-based colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the diagnosis of bovine tropical theileriosis. The hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) wet LAMP assay was standardized for diagnosis of Theileria annulata in cattle. Further, the optimized wet LAMP assay was performed on a suitable paper substrate for the standardization of HNB paper LAMP with required modifications. The drying of colorimetric LAMP reagents on paper substrate allowed the transport of the ready-to-use LAMP kits to areas where the cold chain is not available and it can be employed for point-of-care diagnostics because of its single step operation.
AbstractThe present study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidant ability and in vitro anthelmintic effect of Dryopteris filix-mas whole plant against Haemonchus contortus. Phytochemical analysis in methanol extracts was done by chemical tests and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrophotometer detector (GC-MS). An in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of the different extracts was determined by 2,2-azino bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) method. Crude aqueous, methanol, ethanol, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts (@ 0.01 to 10.0 mg/ml) were evaluated for their anthelmintic activity against eggs and larvae of H. contortus using egg hatch assay (EHA) and larval mortality assay (LMA). The methanol extract of the plant was rich in phenols, tannins and saponins. Geraniol and 1’-Hydroxy-4,3’-dimethyl-bicyclohexyl-3,3’-dien-2-one were the main phytochemicals found in methanol extract of D. filix-mas. The antioxidant activity was high (89.63%). Addition of powder to the faecal culture (@ 300 mg/g of faeces) resulted into 96% reduction in larval development. On EHA, the hydro alcohol and methanol extracts showed excellent ovicidal activity. In LMA, all the extracts (except aqueous) showed excellent larvicidal activity, which needs more investigation, especially through in vivo trials for their use as an anthelmintic.
AbstractThe present investigation was carried out to identify the breeding preferences of necrophagous flies to fresh, cooked, salt and turmeric treated, frozen beef and pork. On the first day of the experiment (0-24 hrs), the adult flies were attracted to fresh pork alone. The first appearance of flies was noted on the 24-48 hrs of the experiment on fresh and frozen beef samples. Adult flies, fly eggs and first larval instars were observed on all the beef samples on 72-96 hrs of the experiment. On the last day of experiment (144-168 hrs), the third stage larval forms were recorded on all the beef and pork samples. Based on the morphological features of the posterior spiracles, five species of dipteran fly larvae were observed on the beef and pork samples, i.e., Calliphora spp., Chrysomya spp. Musca spp. Lucilia spp., and Sarcophaga spp. In conclusion, it is observed that necrophagous fly attraction and diversity were observed towards the beef and pork substrates.
