Transmission of Ancylostoma caninum and Alaria marcianae in coyotes (Canis latrans)

One of seven female coyotes (Canis latrans) captured in Webb County, Texas during September 1986 and confined and mated in holding facilities at Millville, Utah whelped the following spring. The maternal female (greater than 5-yr-old) and her five neonates were killed at 22 days postparturition. All were infected with adult Ancylostoma caninum and were passing eggs in their feces. Also, the neonates and maternal female were infected with immature and adult Alaria marcianae, respectively. These findings suggested that the transmammary route is an important transmission mechanism for acquisition of these species of helminths in coyotes. The lack of overdispersion in the frequency distribution of these parasites and infection of the entire litter indicated that transmission from the infected female was nonselective among the pups.     

Occurrence of a Thiothrix sp. Attached to Mayfly Larvae and Presence of Parasitic Bacteria in the Thiothrix sp

Larvae of the mayfly (Drunella grandis [Eaton]) from Diamond Fork Creek, Utah, were covered with a heavy growth of the sulfide-oxidizing bacterium Thiothrix. The bacterium did not seem to harm the mayfly, but the Thiothrix trichomes were parasitized by three morphologically distinct bacteria, two of which were cytoplasmic and one of which was probably periplasmic. At least two of the parasites destroyed the cytoplasmic contents of the Thiothrix sp., thus killing the host cell. Attempts to obtain the parasites in pure culture were unsuccessful.     

Gastrointestinal parasitism of Iowa coyotes in relation to age

Taenia sp., Physaloptera sp., Ancylostoma caninum, Toxascaris leonina, and/or Trichuris vulpis were recovered from gastrointestinal tracts of 141 and 144 (97.9%) coyotes ranging from 1/2 to 8 1/2 years of age. Ancylostoma caninum exhibited a significant decline in both prevalence and mean number per coyote with increasing age of the host. Taenia sp. appeared with consistently high prevalence in all age classes. Physaloptera sp. and T. leonina showed general reductions in prevalence in all age classes. Physaloptera sp. and T. leonina showed general reductions in prevalence and mean nubmer with increasing host age, although the data were not statistically significant. Coccidia were found in 15 of 58 (25.9%) fecal flotations.     

Parasitic infection of Filaroides osleri, Capillaria aerophila and Spirocera lupi in coyotes from the Southwestern United States

A total of 181 coyotes (Canis latrans) was examined for helminth parasites Filaroides osleri, Capillari aerophila, and Spirocerca lupi. Coyote carcasses were obtained from Kansas, western Oklahoma-northern Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and southern California. Cysts of F. osleri were present in the trachea or bronchial division in 39 (22%) coyotes. C. aerophila were present in only 7 (4%) coyotes. S. lupi lesions were present in the aorta of 59 (33%) coyotes. Esophageal infections of S. lupi were found in only 4 of 142 (3%) coyotes. F. osleri, C. aerophila and S. lupi infections were more prevalent in western Oklahoma-northern Texas, low in southern Arizona-California, and absent in northern Arizona.     

Coprology of Panthera tigris altaica and Felis bengalensis euptilurus from the Russian Far East

Fecal samples from the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) and the Amur cat (Felis bengalensis euptilurus) from Far Eastern Russia, were examined for parasites. A natural sedimentation methodology was used and a complete examination of all the sediment was performed. This fecal investigation allowed us to isolate and identify several developmental stages of gastrointestinal, hepatic, and respiratory parasites. Five parasites were found from P. t. altaica: 11 trematodes (Platynosomum fastosum) and 4 nematodes (Strongyloides sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina, and Toxocara cati). Five parasites were found from F. b. euptilurus: 1 cestode (Diplopylidium sp.) and 4 nematodes (Trichuris sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina, and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). In addition, trophozoites of the amoeba Acanthamoeba sp. were detected in tiger feces.     

Morbidity-mortality factors and survival of an urban coyote population in Arizona

The health of coyotes (Canis latrans) in urban areas has not been studied. Our objectives were to assess the health of coyotes in Tucson (Arizona, USA) by determining the prevalence of antibodies to selected pathogens, estimating survival rates, and identifying sources of mortality. We drew blood from 22 coyotes to evaluate the prevalence of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) antigens, and antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV), infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), canine parvovirus (CPV), and seven serovars of Leptospira interrogans. We trapped and radiocollared 19 coyotes to determine survival rates. We performed necropsies on 19 coyotes to quantify their general health, the presence of internal and external parasites, and causes of mortality. No coyotes tested positive for heartworm antigens. The prevalence of antibody to CDV, ICH, and CPV was 27, 50, and 100%, respectively. Twenty-seven percent of coyotes tested positive for one of five serovars of L. interrogans. The diseases for which coyotes in Tucson possessed antibodies appear to be enzootic in the population. The annual survival rate of coyotes was 0.72. Eleven necropsied coyotes were killed by cars, five coyotes were hit by cars, two were killed by a trapper, and the cause of death for one coyote was unknown. Coyotes in Tucson appear to be exposed to the viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections common in many coyote populations, but humans are the major source of mortality.     

Monocystid Gregarine Parasites of Nigerian Earthworms

SYNOPSIS Seven monocystid gregarine parasites including 6 new species are described from the perivisceral coelom and seminal vesicles of Nigerian earthworms, which have not been so far investigated for monocystid parasites. The new species are: Apolocystis iridodrilii sp. n. from Iridodrilus preussi and Iridodrilus roseus ; Apolocystis libyodrilii sp. n., Monocystis abegbei sp. n., Monocystis libyodrilii sp. n., and Zygocystis violacea sp. n. from Libyodrilus violaceus ; and Nematocystis bunmii sp. n. from Heliodrilus lagosensis. Apolocystis herculea (Bosanquet) was recorded from Libyodrilus violaceus.     

Coprologic survey of parasites of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Masai Mara National Reserve,Kenya

Seventy fecal samples from spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya were examined for parasite eggs and oocysts using sugar flotation. A total of nine parasite genera were identified, and all samples were positive for at least one parasite species. Most individuals were infected with Ancylostoma sp. and Spirometra sp., and these species had the highest median intensity of infection. Other parasites identified include Isospora sp., Taeniidae, Spirurida, Toxocara sp., Mesocestoides sp., Dipylidium sp., and Trichuris sp.     

Prevalence of antibodies to Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi in wild canids from South Carolina

Wild canids are reservoir hosts for Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi. The present study examined the prevalence of antibodies to these zoonotic parasites in a population of wild canids from a nonagricultural setting in South Carolina. Sera from 26 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and 2 coyotes (Canis latrans) were examined for antibodies to L. infantum and T. cruzi using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test and commercially available parasite-specific immunochromatigraphic strip assays. Antibodies to L. infantum were not detected by either assay in gray foxes or coyotes. Two (8%) of 26 gray foxes were positive in both the T. cruzi immunofluorescent antibody and strip assays. Antibodies to T. cruzi were not detected in coyotes. Results from this study indicate that wild canids are exposed to T. cruzi, but not L. infantum. in this geographic region.     

Muscular sarcocystosis in coyotes from Oklahoma

In a recent survey in Oklahoma (USA), 52 free-ranging coyotes were examined for the presence of sarcocysts. Two of these coyotes were found infected with sarcocysts in skeletal muscle. By light microscopy, the cyst wall was thin and smooth. Ultrastructurally, the cyst wall had minute villar protrusions. The sarcocysts were 14.4 to 50.4 microm wide and 46.8 to 99 microm long. This is the first report of Sarcocystis sp. sarcocysts in the skeletal muscle of coyotes.     

Effects of large-scale removal of coyotes on pronghorn and mule deer productivity and abundance

We tested the hypothesis that predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) impacts pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations. We did so by examining the effects of coyote removal on pronghorn and mule deer populations within 12 large areas (>10,500 km²) located in Wyoming and Utah during 2007 and 2008. Pronghorn productivity (fawn to adult female ratio) and abundance were positively correlated with the number of coyotes removed and removal effort (hours spent hunting coyotes from aircraft) although the correlation between pronghorn productivity and removal effort was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Mule deer productivity and abundance were not correlated with either the number of coyotes removed or removal effort. Coyote removal conducted during the winter and spring provided greater benefit than removals conducted during the prior fall or summer. Our results suggest that coyote removal conducted over large areas increases fawn survival and abundance of pronghorn but not mule deer. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Gastrointestinal parasites of the guenons of western Uganda

From January 1998 to December 2002, we collected 293 fecal samples from free-ranging individuals of the 4 guenon species of western Uganda, i.e., redtail guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis), l'hoesti monkeys (Cercopithecus lhoesti), and vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), to quantify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Helminth eggs, larvae, and protozoan cysts were isolated by sodium nitrate flotation and fecal sedimentation. Helminth parasites were identified, and infection prevalence was determined for all 4 guenon species. Coprocultures facilitated identification of strongylate nematodes. For the most common species, the redtail guenon, we documented prevalence of protozoan parasites and examined the effect of season and host sex on infection prevalence. Six nematodes (Strongyloidesfulleborni, Oesophagostomum sp., unidentified strongyle, Trichuris sp., Streptopharagus sp., and Enterobius sp.), 1 cestode (Bertiella sp.), 1 trematode (Dicrocoeliidae), and 5 protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, lodameoba butschlii, Giardia lamblia, and Chilomastix mesnili) were detected. Seasonal patterns of infection were not readily apparent for any parasite species infecting redtail guenons. Although prevalence never differed between male and female guenons, only adult females were infected with Oesophagostomum sp. and S. fulleborni.     

Intestinal parasites of Agouti paca (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae) in Costa Rica

In a sample of 23 breeding places of pacas (Agouti paca) in Costa Rica, the following parasites were found: Eimeria agoutii, Balantidium coli, Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., Taenia sp., Strongyloides sp., and members of the superfamilies Strongyloidea and Ascaroidea.     

The problematic microfossil Utahphospha from the Upper Cambrian of the western United States

Phosphatic conical microfossils from Upper Cambrian (Franconian) limestones of the Orr Formation in western Utah are described as Utahphospha sequina n.g., n.sp. The genus is also known from other localities in Utah and Nevada. The fossil has a distinct sequin-like external sculpture which has been formed by outward accretion. A hole at the tip originated by abrasion from within. The fossils are interpreted as hatched cysts of an unknown organism.     

Survey of parasites in threatened stocks of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon by examination of wet tissues and histology

We are conducting studies on the impacts of parasites on Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kistuch). An essential first step is documenting the geographic distribution of infections, which may be accomplished by using different methods for parasite detection. Thus, the objectives of the current study were to (1) identify parasite species infecting these stocks of coho salmon and document their prevalence, density, and geographic distribution; (2) assess the pathology of these infections; and (3) for the first time, determine the sensitivity and specificity of histology for detecting parasites compared with examining wet preparations for muscle and gill infections. We examined 576 fry, parr, and smolt coho salmon in total by histology. The muscle and gills of 219 of these fish also were examined by wet preparation. Fish were collected from 10 different locations in 2006-2007. We identified 21 different species of parasites in these fish. Some parasites, such as Nanophyetus salmincola and Myxobolus insidiosus, were common across all fish life stages from most basins. Other parasites, such as Apophallus sp., were more common in underyearling fish than smolts and had a more restricted geographic distribution. Additional parasites commonly observed were as follows: Sanguinicola sp., Trichodina truttae , Epistylis sp., Capriniana piscium, and unidentified metacercariae in gills; Myxobolus sp. in brain; Myxidium salvelini and Chloromyxum majori in kidney; Pseudocapillaria salvelini and adult digenean spp. in the intestine. Only a few parasites, such as the unidentified gill metacercariae, elicted overt pathologic changes. Histology had generally poor sensitivity for detecting parasites; however, it had relatively good specificity. We recommend using both methods for studies or monitoring programs requiring a comprehensive assessment of parasite identification, enumeration, and parasite-related pathology.     

Helminth parasites of cats from the Vientiane province, Laos, as indicators of the occurrence of causative agents of human parasitoses

A total of 55 domestic cats (Felis catus f. domestica) and one wild (Bengal) cat (Prionaluirus bengalensis) from the Vientiane Province, central Laos, were examined for helminth parasites with emphasis given to potential human parasites. The following species were found (parasites infective to man marked with an asterisk): Opisthorchis viverrini, Haplorchis pumilio, H. taichui, H. yokogawai, Stellantchasmus falcatus (Digenea); Spirometra sp., Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis (Cestoda); Capillariidae gen. sp., Toxocara canis, T. cali, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, A. tubaeforme, Gnathostoma spinigerum, Physaloptera preputialis (Nematoda); and Oncicola sp. (Acanthocephala). This study demonstrated that examination of cats may provide useful data on the occurrence of helminths which are potential causative agents of human diseases.     

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites of olive baboons (Papio anubis) in human settlement areas of Mole National Park, Ghana

Fecal samples from 55 free-ranging olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Mole National Park, Ghana, were collected 22 June-7 July 2008 and analyzed for gastrointestinal parasites. This is the first survey of baboon gastrointestinal parasites in Ghana and provides baseline data for this area. Ninety-three percent of samples were infected, leaving 7% with no parasites observed. Of those infected, there was a 76% prevalence of strongyles, 53% Strongyloides spp., 11% Abbreviata caucasica , 62% prevalence of Balantidium coli (trophozoites and cysts identified), 4% Entomeba hystolytica/dispar, and 47% unidentified protozoan parasites. Of the strongyle infections, 9% were identified as Oesophagostamum sp. One sample contained an unidentified spirurid nematode that resembled Gongylonema sp. Mole has a mixed forest-savanna habitat, and baboons frequently range into human areas, which makes them subject to parasites from each habitat and multiple sources of exposure. We found a high prevalence of nematode parasites, consistent with a wet or cooler forest environment, or high rates of fecal contamination. The presence of Strongyloides sp., E. hystolitica/dispar, and B. coli suggest potential public health risk from baboons, but molecular identification of these parasites, and documentation of their presence in local human populations, would be necessary to confirm zoonotic transmission.     

Intestinal parasitic infections in pre-school children in the Niger Delta

Stool specimens from 1,062 pre-school children in the Niger Delta were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Of that number, 77.6% harboured one or more than one species of intestinal parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides (51.9%) and Trichuris trichiura (41.7%) were the most prevalent species recorded. Other parasites harboured by these children included Hymenolepis sp. (18.3%), Giardia lamblia (9.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (4.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.4%). Hookworm, Taenia sp., Isospora sp. and Trichostrongylus sp. occurred in less than 1% of the children examined. These high rates of infection are associated with poor sanitary conditions prevalent in the area. Improvement of environmental sanitation is advised to reduce human sufferings caused by parasites in that area particularly among children.     

A preliminary study of parasites and diseases of perch in an intensive culture system

The recent development of intensive rearing of European perch Perca fluviatilis in warm water effluents revealed important pathological problems. This study gives a preliminary overview of parasites and diseases encountered in experimental perch farming. No virus has been recorded since the beginning of the experiments in 1993. By contrast, mass mortality caused by bacterial disease alone or associated with other pathogens were frequently observed. The main identified bacterial species were: Aeromonas sp., A. veronii, A. hydrophila, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Vibrio fluviatilis and Enterobacter agglomerans. Protozoans were the most common parasites observed on cultured P. fluviatilis. High mortality rate due to Ichthyobodo necator and Trichodina sp. may take place at different stages of perch rearing. In contrast, the infestation by Ambiphrya sp. and Heteropolaria sp. was size- or age-related; these two ciliates infested perch weighing < 1 g and > 20 g, respectively. In spite of the presence of other parasites such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Hexamita spp., Gyrodactylus sp. and Argulus sp. in the rearing system P. fluviatilis does not appear to be affected. Further abnormalities or diseases inherent to intensive culture systems are also described.     

Eimeria taterae sp. n. and other Intestinal Parasites from the Antelope Rat, Tatera indica in Baghdad District

SYNOPSIS. Of 8 fecal specimens from the antelope rat, Tatera indica Hardwicke examined, 4 were found positive for intestinal parasites. Among these was Eimeria taterae sp. n., sporulated oocysts of which are described, their characteristics serving for the diagnosis of this species. Entamoeba coli cysts, as well as ova of Hymenolepis sp. and Trichuris sp., were also found.