Journal of Parasite Science

Influence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in the Blood Biochemical Profile of Naturally Infected Rats

Jan Michael Chan, Mary Jane C. Flores, Jose Isagani Janairo, Helenar G. Chan — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Soil-transmitted helminths are geohelminths that induce infection in humans and animals. The irregular release of parasite eggs or larvae further complicates the diagnosis. This study aimed to establish the main alterations in the blood biochemical parameters such as creatinine, total bilirubin, and total protein levels of soil-transmitted helminth infected rats. Rats were exposed to soil samples contaminated with parasite eggs. Blood and stool samples were collected from the two groups of rats on the 15th and 30th days after exposure for biochemical analysis and stool analysis utilizing an automated biochemistry analyzer and formol-ether concentration technique, respectively. The results of this study revealed that on day 15, the creatinine (0.540 ± 0.055 mg/dl) and total bilirubin (0.183 ± 0.085 mg/dl) levels were significantly higher than the normal reference values, but the total protein level (6.080 ± 1.287 g/dl) has no significant difference. On day 30, a higher increase in the creatinine (0.600 ± 0.000 mg/dl) and total bilirubin (0.320 ± 0.091 mg/dl) levels were observed. The total protein level revealed a significant decrease with 4.980 ± 0.785 g/dl compared to the normal values and day 15 result. The biochemical parameters of the control group were observed to be within the normal physiological values. Without a clinical diagnosis, blood biochemical parameters can change in response to parasite invasions and the early stages of diseases. Therefore, it may aid in determining the current pathophysiology of soil-transmitted helminths among reservoir hosts.

Identification of Parasitic Worms in Tilapia (Oreochronis niloticus) in Tanjung Bunga Lake, Makassar City

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In the cultivation of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), parasitic worms can be detrimental in the form of mortality, resulting in increased financial losses. This study aimed to detect and identify parasitic worms in tilapia cultivated in Tanjung Bunga Lake. This study was conducted in March-April 2024. Fifty eight tilapia fish samples were randomly sampled at seven lake points and water sample for water quality examination including pH, salinity, temperature, dissove oxigen, nitrate, nitrite, and amonia. The identification results showed that only Cichlidogyrus sp. were worm parasites found in tilapia samples. This research indicates that Cichlidogyrus is the most frequent worm infecting the gills of tilapia in the lake, which could result in greater financial losses and a decline in health for fish producers in the region. The results emphasize the necessity of efficient management strategies to minimize parasitic infections in tilapia aquaculture systems.

Prevalence, Lesion Characteristics, Risk Factors of Scabies Transmission in Cats (Felis catus) at Go Pet Care Animal Clinic (2020-2022)

Sarah Azzahra Dwi Dara; Nisa Fauziah, Shafia Khairani — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) resulted in a surge in pet adoptions, potentially elevating the risk of various diseases in domestic cats, including scabies. Scabies, a highly contagious dermatological condition, is primarily caused by parasitic mites such as Notoedres cati and Sarcoptes scabiei. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors of scabies in domestic cats at Go Pet Care Animal Clinic in West Bandung Regency over the period from 2020 to 2022. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, secondary data were extracted from medical records and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 29.0.1.0. A chi-square test was performed with a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05) to assess the statistical significance of the findings. Out of 71 cats diagnosed with scabies, the highest incidence was observed in cats under one year of age (kittens), long-haired breeds, and females. The prevalence of scabies showed a significant increase, rising from 2% to 11.2% over the study period. Common clinical manifestations included alopecia and crusting. Statistical analysis revealed that age was a significant risk factor influencing the prevalence of scabies. These findings underscore the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures for scabies, particularly in younger and long-haired cats.

Detection of Nematode on Feces of Snail at Malang, East Java

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Acathina fulica is a terrestrial mollusk that often invades terrestrial vegetation that has tropical and subtropical climates. Acathina fulica has been widely reported in environments as diverse as urban areas, forests, capoeiras, caatings, plantations, decomposing materials, savannahs and vegetable gardens. Soil is source of food and a defense strategy for A. fulica, therefore it has an important role for them. Therefore, A. fulica may be host several species of nematodes. Microscopic examination of snails A. fulica fecal samples in Cemorokandang Village, Malang City using the native method aimed to detect Rhabditis spp. The results showed that 14 (12.5%) out of 112 samples contained Rhabditis spp. The genus rhabditis belongs to the Rhabditidae family and is one of the free-living nematodes. This species has long been known and of concern in the veterinary world. The genus rhabditis has been reported to have infected humans and have been isolated from urine samples, vaginal swab, and human stool. The research was conducted in the dry season with low rainfall. Nematode of the genus Rhabditis spp. can be naturally found in humid places and decaying organic matter.

Toxoplasma Oocyst Contamination in Water Sources in Goat-Sheep Farming In Sidoarjo District

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Toxoplasmosis is one of the zoonotic diseases caused by the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii. The disease infects warm-blooded animals including humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the contamination of Toxoplasma oocysts in water sources in goat-sheep farms in Sidoarjo Regency. A total of 63 water samples were used for the study. Water samples were taken from 5 sub-districts that have many goat-sheep farms, each sub-district has 2 villages, with each village having 6-7 samples. The examination used the floating method and was examined under a microscope with a magnification of 400x. The results of the examination found 21 samples of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts or 33.33% (21/63). The morphology of T.gondii oocysts is round, ovoid or ellipsoid with sizes varying between 8.02 - 12.72 micrometers. Preventive measures are needed by treating water before giving it to livestock.

Detection of Protozoa Intestinal Zoonotic in Madura Cattle in Bangkalan Madura Regency

Agus Sunarso, Poedji Hastutiek, Mufasirin — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The study aimed to detect the protozoan intestinal zoonotic that can potentially be a strategic disease in Madura cattle. The prevalence of the disease was linked to the sex and age of cattle in Bangkalan Regency. Cattle feces samples were collected 400 samples from eight sub-districts in Bangkalan District. Feces were examined natively, sedimentation, and floating. The species of protozoa was determined based on its morphology. The prevalence was expressed in percent, the study results were presented in figures and tables. The prevalence of protozoan intestinal zoonoses was 27.75%. The highest rate was found in Kwanyar (50%). Four species, namely Blastocystis hominis, Balantidium coli, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia bovis. In a single infection, B. hominis as the most protozoa was found to infect 85 cattle in eight sub-districts, B. coli was found in 16 cattle in four sub-districts and E. coli in 5 cattle in Kwanyar. A total of 107 samples were found to be infected with a single protozoan species, while 4 samples contained two species. The infection rate in bulls was 26.66%, which was slightly lower than in cows at 28.06%. Protozoan infections were more common in cattle aged 6 months to 2 years (42.4%) and those under 6 months (35.8%) compared to cattle over 2 years old (16.4%). This study confirmed the presence of intestinal zoonotic protozoa in cattle in Bangkalan District. Further research is needed to assess the prevalence of protozoa, identify risk factors, and analyze their geographic distribution, for developing effective prevention and control strategies.

Elimination of Schistosoma japonica in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia Intermediate Snail Control and Utilization Medicinal Plants

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic health problem caused by infection with the schistosoma class parasite, which lives in human blood vessels and around the intestines and bladder. Intermediate hosts in the form of snails and definitive hosts in animals and humans can be influenced by physical, chemical and biological environmental conditions. Schistosomiasis in Indonesia is caused by the trematode worm Schistosoma japonica (S. japonicum) with the intermediate host being the snail Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis. Schistosomiasis is still a public health problem in endemic areas. In Indonesia, schistosomiasis is only found in Central Sulawesi Province, namely the Napu Plateau and Bada Plateau, Poso Regency and Lindu Plateau, Sigi Regency. S. japonica is currently endemic in three very remote areas in Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. An integrated schistosomiasis control program has been implemented, however, the reported prevalence data shows a trend of increasing schistosomiasis prevalence in three endemic areas in Central Sulawesi. Eliminating schistosomiasis in Indonesia is not easy. This review will examine several challenges hindering the implementation and sustainability of schistosomiasis elimination programs, including the S. japonica intermediate snail control program and the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of schistosomiasis.