Fabio Macchioni

Endoparasites of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in central italy

A parasitologic study on 129 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Tuscany (central Italy) was carried out in 2004–2006. Five intestinal species were found at necropsy: Dipylidium caninum (prevalence 57.3%), Mesocestoides lineatus (45.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (39.1%), Toxocara canis (9.1%), and Toxascaris leonina (5.4%). Other parasites not associated with the intestine included Crenosoma vulpis (14.7%), Capillaria aerophila (7.0%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (7.0%), and filarial parasites (17.8%). Coprologic tests were less sensitive and less specific in identifying parasites than direct examinations at necropsy. Trichinella larvae were not found in muscles submitted to artificial digestion. By immunologic assay, antigens of Echinococcus spp. were detected in fecal samples of 20 foxes, but results could not be confirmed by fecal examination or molecular tests.

Acaricidal activity of aqueous extracts of camomile flowers, Matricaria chamomilla, against the mite Psoroptes cuniculi

Abstract.  Arcaricidal properties of decoctions, infusions and macerates of dried flower heads of camomile, Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asterales: Asteraceae) were tested in vitro against the mite Psoroptes cuniculi Delafond (Parasitiformes: Psoroptidae). This mite species is responsible for otoacariasis in domestic animals. Mites were exposed to the extracts for 24, 48 or 72 h. All the extracts tested showed highly significant acaricidal activity when compared with controls. Among them, a decoction of 10% was the only formulation which gave 100% activity at all the three observations times.

Serological detection of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and specific antibodies in dogs from central and northern Italy.

The most frequently employed method for the diagnosis of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs is the detection of first stage larvae (L1) in faeces. The sensitivity of coproscopy, however, is limited in case of low parasite load, intermittent larval excretion, and during pre-patency. An epidemiological survey on dogs was conducted applying serological methods in two Italian regions where angiostrongylosis is endemic in foxes. 265 dog serum samples from Tuscany (central Italy - site A) and 447 from Liguria (north-western Italy - site B) were tested with a sandwich-ELISA for detection of circulating antigen, and with an ELISA using A. vasorum adult somatic antigen purified by monoclonal antibodies for specific antibody detection. During previous examinations dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum (n=149), Dirofilaria immitis (n=40), Dirofilaria repens (n=30), Acanthocheilonema reconditum (n=27), Crenosoma vulpis (n=1), A. vasorum (n=2), Capillaria aerophila (n=35), Capillaria boehmi (n=3), Toxocara canis (n=68), Toxascaris leonina (n=5), hookworms (n=37) and Trichuris vulpis (n=39) were detected. Sera of these dogs were used to evaluate cross reactions. In site A, 2 dogs (0.8%) were seropositive for antibody and antigen detection and 4 (1.5%) for antibody detection only. From site B, 4 dogs (0.9%) were seropositive for both tests, while other 4 dogs (0.9%) for antigen detection only and 9 dogs (2%) for antibody detection only. Considering a subgroup of 347 dogs from site B which had also been tested with the Baermann technique, 2 (0.6%) were positive for both tests, 4 (1.2%) for antigen detection only and 9 (2.6%) for antibody detection only. The two dogs which were positive for both serological tests were also positive for A. vasorum L1 in the faeces. No significant difference in seropositivities was observed in the group of dogs with other proven parasitic infections. A. vasorum serology presents significant advantages (diagnosis before patency, single serum sample instead of repeated faecal samples, rapidity and affordability particularly in case of large number of samples) and it can be considered a valid alternative for diagnosis in individuals and in epidemiological studies.

Vulpes vulpes: A Possible Wild Reservoir for Zoonotic Filariae

Foxes (Vulpes vulpes, n = 132) killed during the hunting seasons 2005-2006 in Central Italy (Tuscany region) were examined in order to investigate the possible importance of this animal as a wild reservoir for zoonotic filariae. In each specimen adult worms of Dirofilaria immitis and hematic microfilariae were searched for. Species identification was performed by morphology, morphometry, the Barka staining technique applied to pulmonary and splenic blood smears, and, finally, by molecular diagnostics -- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Twenty-three subjects (17.4%) proved to be positive for filarial parasites. Infection by Acanthocheilonema was more widespread than by Dirofilaria. Briefly, 8 foxes harbored mature adults of D. immitis; two of them (25%) also had microfilariae that in one case were mixed with the microfilariae of D. repens. Twelve subjects had microfilariae of Acanthocheilonema reconditum, and 3 harbored microfilariae of A. dracunculoides. Molecular diagnostics confirmed all results. Our findings, drawn by the examination of a few microliters of blood obtained from foxes approximately <2 years of age, support the hypothesis that this animal may be an abundant source of infection for ticks that transmit Acanthocheilonema parasites and for mosquitoes that act as vectors for dirofilarial nematodes. Therefore foxes, contributing to the parasite circulation in areas where dogs usually undergo prophylactic treatment, have to be considered an important wild reservoir for filarial parasites that can be transmitted to companion animals and people.

Composition and Acaricidal Activity of Laurus novocanariensis and Laurus nobilis Essential Oils Against Psoroptes cuniculi

Abstract The major components of Laurus nobilis and L. novocanariensis leaf oils were identified and their acaricidal activity against Psoroptes cuniculi evaluated. Monoterpenes were predominant in L. nobilis oil (91.8%), while sesquiterpenes were only 1.4%. The main components of this oil were 1,8-cineole (39.2%), α-terpinyl acetate (11.3%), sabinene (10.6%) and linalool (7.4%). The acaricidal activity of L. nobilis oil, at a concentration of 10%, led to a mortality rate of 73%; at 5% the average activity was significantly reduced to 51%, while dilutions of 2.5%, 1.25% and 0.625% were ineffective. Laurus novocanariensis oil, compared to L. nobilis, was richer in sesquiterpenes; the main constituents were α-pinene (10.4%), 1,8-cineole (9.6%) and β-selinene (7.2%). After 24 h of contact, the oil of L. novocanariensis killed all the mites when used at 10% and 5% concentrations. At lower concentrations the mortality significantly decreased; a dilution of 0.625% was ineffective.

Therapeutic efficacy of linalool for the topical treatment of parasitic otitis caused by Psoroptes cuniculi in the rabbit and in the goat

The persistence in the environment and the toxicity to nontarget organisms shown by drugs commonly used in controlling ectoparasites of animals and plants are increasingly becoming a problem (Menzies, 1972; Couch, 1975; Halley et al., 1993). In addition, arthropods have become resistant to pesticides (Beesley, 1973; Roush, 1993). In light of these problems, alternative drugs such as new, natural and more biodegradable compounds are needed to control acari and insect pests. Compounds of natural origin have served mankind as a source of medicinal agents since its earliest times, with higher plants as the principal source (Balandrin et al., 1993). The biological activity of many essential oils from plants against a large number of pathogens and arthropods has been confirmed by many laboratory investigations (Sharma et al., 1981; Chaumont & Bardey, 1989; Buchbauer etal., 1993; Panizzi et al., 1993; Perrucci et al., 1995). The biological activity of essential oils is mostly due to monoterpenoids that are their principal components (Charlwood & Charlwood, 1991). Linalool, an alcoholic monoterpenoid that is the constituent of many plant essential oils, has been found to be toxic against several species of acari and insects (Hink et al., 1988; Rice & Coats, 1994a, b; Perrucci, 1995). In some of our previous studies (Perrucci et al., 1995,1996) this compound has been found in vitro-to be acaricidal against Psomptes cuniculi (Delafond) (Acari: Psoroptidae), a mite causing ear mange in several animal species (Sweatman, 1958). Linalool is presently used in commercial flea shampoos for pets and in insecticidal sprays for house plants (Powers et al., 1988; Rice 8i Coats, 1994~). In this study the therapeutic efficacy of linalool for the topical treatment of parasitic otitis caused by Psoroptes cuniculi is evaluated in vivo in the rabbit and the goat. Forty-five New Zealand rabbits, 5 months old and with no clinical signs of ear mange, were experimentally infected using fresh scabs collected from the ears of three rabbits with ear mange caused by Rcuniculi. The scabs, containing all life stages of the mite, were broken into small pieces and mixed with sterile

Extraintestinal nematodes of the red fox Vulpes vulpes in north-west Italy.

Extraintestinal nematodes of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are a wide group of parasites that infect wild and domestic carnivores and occasionally humans. Nematodes in the cardiopulmonary system, stomach, urinary apparatus and muscle tissue of 165 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from north-west Italy (Liguria and Piedmont) were investigated between 2009 and 2012. Of the cardiopulmonary nematodes, a high prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) was found, 78.2% and 41.8% respectively; Crenosoma vulpis (15.8%) and Filaroides spp. (4.8%) were also found. Spirocerca lupi (23.5%), Aonchotheca putorii (syn. Capillaria putorii) (8.6%) and Physaloptera spp. (2.5%) were detected in the stomach and Pearsonema plica (syn. Capillaria plica) (56.8%) in the bladder. Eucoleus boehmi (syn. Capillaria boehmi) was also detected in the nasal cavities of one of the two foxes examined. A coprological examination revealed eggs of E. aerophilus, A. putorii, S. lupi, Physaloptera spp. and eggs of intestinal parasites. Filarial worms were absent in all the 165 animals examined, nor was there evidence of Trichinella spp. in any of the foxes. The foxes were found to host a high prevalence of many species of extraintestinal nematodes. The prevalence of A. vasorum in foxes found in the present study is among the highest in Europe. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, E. boehmi and Filaroides spp. have never been reported before in this host in Italy.

First report of Eucoleus boehmi (syn. Capillaria boehmi) in dogs in north-western Italy, with scanning electron microscopy of the eggs.

Dogs can be infected by several nematodes of the Trichuridae family. Trichuridae eggs are all similar, barrel shaped with polar plugs, and misdiagnosis among different species can occur. The most common species is Trichuris vulpis, while the respiratory parasites Eucoleus boehmi (syn. Capillaria boehmi) and Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) are rarely observed in pets. E. boehmi is reported for the first time in this study in north-western Italy with other Trichuridae. Dog faecal samples (270) were examined by flotation. E. boehmi (2.2%), E. aerophilus (4.4%) and T. vulpis (12.2%) were found; identification was done with measurements and through observation of morphological characters already known. The specific identification of E. boehmi was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy: its egg shell shows a dense network with a fine mesh, surrounding small pits, on the contrary E. aerophilus eggs present a thick mesh with wide depressions, while T. vulpis eggs surface is smooth.

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of extracts of Artemisia verlotorum against Psoroptes cuniculi.

Effeds of feeding grass silage to heifers on their claw health WHILE they were housed in cubicles as young stock and during early pregnancy, two groups of eight Holstein-Friesian heifers were fed diets based either on grass silage or meadow hay, both supplemented with 1-8 kg per day of barley concentrate mix. Claw lesions and lameness were monitored from approximately four weeks before calving until 20 weeks after calving. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the conformation of their claws and the rate of growth and wear of the horn, and both groups showed signs of net wear immediately after calving. However, 20 weeks after calving, the prevalence of poor locomotion and the extent of development of claw lesions were significantly greater (P<0-05) in the heifers fed the diet based on grass silage. OFFER, J. E., FISHER, G. E. J., KEMPSON, S. A. & LOGUE, D. N. (2001) The effect of feeding grass silage in early pregnancy on claw health during first lactation. Veterinary Journal 161, 186-193 Treatment (2.5 ml) Recovery (%) Oil 5 per cent* 100 Aqueous extract 20 per cent 33 Pyrethrum extract 100 Controls** 0 Untreated 0 * Diluted in a mixture of 98 per cent saline and 2 per cent vaseline oil ** Mixture composed of 98 per cent saline and 2 per cent of vaseline oil The Veterinary Formulary THE fifth edition of The Veterinary Formulary, published by the Pharmaceutical Press in association with the British Veterinary Association, has been extensively revised and is now available. The formulary is available, price £69.95, overseas £75, UK members £59.95, overseas members £65. Available from Cairns Mail Order Books, 2 Newstead Cottage, Chirnside, Berwickshire TDII 3JU, UK, telephone 01890 817145, fax 01890 818271, e-mail: cairns@tgscott.co.uk, website www.cairnsbooks.co.uk. (Visa/Mastercard/Eurocard accepted.) The Veterinary Record, June 30, 2001 IRRIFIRro-IM.

Dramatic decrease in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and new insights into intestinal protozoa in children living in the Chaco Region, Bolivia

We assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites among 268 2–12-year-old children living in rural areas, small villages, and semi-urban areas of the Chaco region, south-eastern Bolivia. The overall parasitism was 69%. Only protozoa, helminths, or co-infections were observed in 89.2%, 5.9%, or 4.9% of the positive children, respectively. A significant progressive increase in overall parasite prevalence was found when passing from rural areas to small villages and semi-urban areas. The most commonly found species were Entamoeba coli (38.4%), Giardia intestinalis (37.7%), and Blastocystis spp. (16%). Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent helminth (5.6%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms (1.5% and 0.4%) evidenced only in rural areas and in villages. Molecular diagnostics identified Blastocystis subtypes 9 and 2, and 5 infections by Entamoeba histolytica and 4 by Entamoeba dispar. The dramatic decrease in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths with respect to that observed about 20 years ago (> 40%) evidences the success of the preventive chemotherapy intervention implemented in 1986. Health education and improved sanitation should be intensified to control protozoan infections.