Simone Gabrielli

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.

New insights into the epidemiology of bovine piroplasmoses in Italy

Few studies have been published on bovine piroplasmoses in Italy, and therefore a clear picture of the epidemiology of these infections is difficult to obtain. Vertebrate and invertebrate hosts in Central and Northern Regions of Italy were investigated in 2005 and 2006, when microscopy, molecular tools and serological tests were applied to 468 blood samples drawn from cattle in order to evaluate the presence of these protozoa and identify possible risk factors. Ticks were also collected, identified and analyzed by molecular techniques. Microscopy identified 6.5% of the animals as positive, whereas PCR detected piroplasm DNA in 21.6%. BLAST analysis showed 67 amplicons (17.0%) referable to the Theileria sergenti/buffeli/orientalis group, 17 (4.3%) to Theileria annae, and 1 to Babesia divergens. Serology evidenced a prevalence of 45.4% for Babesia bovis, 17.4% for Babesia bigemina, and 34.9% for B. divergens. The 127 collected ticks were identified as belonging to 5 species, mostly represented by Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma marginatum and Ixodes ricinus. Molecular analyses evidenced the presence of B. bovis and B. bigemina, in 3 and 5 ticks, respectively. Our findings suggest that different species of piroplasms are circulating in bovine populations in Central and Northern Italy, and provide new insights into the complex epidemiology of bovine piroplasmoses in Italy.

Morphogenetic study during cell division in Euplotidium itoi (ciliata, hypotrichida)

Summary The present study, performed by means of light and scanning electron microscopy, is the first report in which morphogenetic processes are analyzed in detail in a member of the Euplotidium genus. From our observation it arises that E. itoi shares many morphogenetical features with members of the Euplotidae family, particularly with Euplotes. The replication band forms at the distal end of each macronuclear piece, proceeds proximally and disappears as the fusion of the pieces occurs. The parental adorai zone of membranelles (AZM) and paroral membrane (PM) are inherited by the proter; the corresponding structures form de novo, probably from separated anlagen, in the opisthe. New sets of cirri are formed for both products of division. Only as far as the proliferation of dorsal kineties is concerned does E. itoi resemble the genus Diophrys rather than Euplotes.

Introduction to Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy

This chapter is a modest attempt to present the basic techniques in both transmission and scanning work. The recommendation outlined in this chapter are likely to be considered standard protocol. As new specific techniques are developed or older once evolved the literature aimed at solving specific problems should be considered.

Potential and Limitation of Cytochemistry

Selected classic and modern cytochemical techniques are rapidly surveyed. The chemical principles on which they are based are briefly considered, the technical approaches and their potential and limits are analyzed and discussed. Significant examples of application of the different techniques to specific biological problems are also reported.