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[Infective etiology of diarrhea in adults with HIV infection in Dakar: a case-control study on 594 patients].

A survey was conducted in Dakar, Senegal from May 1997 to May 1999, to identify major types and prevalences of bacteria, parasites, fungi and Rotaviruses associated with diarrhea in relation to human immunodeficiency virus serostatus with the aim to provide guidance to physicians for case management. Etiologic agents were identified in a case-control study: cases were HIV-infected patients with diarrhea (HIV+ D+) and HIV seronegative patients with diarrhea (HIV- D+); controls were HIV-infected patients without diarrhea (HIV+ D-) and seronegative controls without diarrhea (HIV- D-). Strict enteric pathogens were identified by conventional methods. Different E. coli pathotypes were characterized by PCR. Opportunistic parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Microsporidium were identified by the Kinyoun method and trichromic stain of Weber respectively. Rotaviruses were identified with a commercial latex agglutination kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by the disk diffusion method. A total of 594 patients were examined (158 HIV+D+, 121 HIV- D+, 160 HIV+ D- and 155 HIV- D-). In immunocompetent adults the main causes of diarrhea were: Shigella sp. (12.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.7%), Salmonella enterica (6,6%) and Giardia lamblia (4.9%). In the immunocompromised host the more frequent pathogens were: enteroaggregative E.coli (19,6%), Microsporidium(9.4%), Cryptosporidium sp.(8.2%), Rotavirus (8.2%), Shigella sp. (7.6%), Candida albicans (7.6%), Entamoeba histolytica (5,1%), Salmonella enterica (4.4%), Isospora belli (4.4%) and Blastocystis hominis (2,5%). Isolated enteropathogenic strains displayed high resistance to most antibiotics used in Senegal for treating diarrhea (tetracycline, cotrimoxazole); they were susceptible to quinolons and cephalosporins III .

Adult↗

[Intestinal parasitosis during AIDS diarrhoea].

The main goal of this work was to study the parasitic infections during AIDS diarrhoea. A longitudinal study was carried out from October 2000 to November 2001 in the Hepato-Gastro-Enterology department of Gabriel Toure Hospital and in the Department of Epidemiology and Parasitic infections of Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-stomatology of Bamako (Mali), concerning HIV positive patients suffering from diarrhoea. Detecting microbes in stools has been done through direct microscopic examination and according to procedures of Henricksen Poblenz Baerman, Kato Katz and the PCR. Among the 70 patients involved, the sex-ratio was 53%, the average age was 35 +/- 8.4 years. Fever weight loss, skin affections and digestive mycosis were often associated. Opportunistic infections have been relatively frequent with Cryptosporidium parvum with 20%, Isospora belli with 8.5% and Microsporidium with 11.5% of cases. Other non-opportunistic microbes were found. Death within the first two weeks seems more important in case of infection by Cryptosporidium parvum. The frequency and the danger of those opportunistic infections require their efficient diagnosis and care management.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Geoparasites in rural Dakahlia Governorate, a preliminary based study for development of the community-based intervention programs.

A prospective study was carried out to detect the rural prevalence and intensity of geoparasites in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. A total of 1070 soil samples were collected; 571 (53.4%) were infected with one or more parasites. Only 24% of samples were infected with one parasite, 16.4% and 13% with two, and more than two parasites respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. The geoparasites in a descending order of their prevalence were: E. histolytica cysts (9.2%), Toxocara eggs (9.1%), Giardia cysts (7.9%), Cryptosporidium oocysts (6.1%), Trichostrongylus eggs and larvae (5.6%), Isospora oocysts (4.3%), Acanathamoeba cysts (4.1%), Naegleria cysts (3.6%), Dust mites (2.7%), H. diminuta eggs (2.7%), Strongyloides free living adults, rhabditiform and filariform larvae (2.3%), H. nana eggs (1.7%), S. mansoni eggs (1.2%), Ascaris eggs (0.6%), Ancylostoma larvae (0.5%), Taenia eggs (0.4%), Trichocephalus eggs (0.4%) and F. gigantica eggs (0.2%). The prevalence of parasitic infections was significantly higher (P<0.001) in fields (63.4%) than streets (47.7%) and indoor-yards samples (35.3%). The intensity of infections was significantly higher (P< 0.001) in streets than fields and indoor-yards (18.1, 9.7 & 1 parasite/10 gm of soil respectively).

Animals↗

Prevalence of intestinal parasites including microsporidia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults in Cameroon, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Detection of parasites was performed in 181 stool samples from 154 HIV-infected patients with a mean CD4 cell count of 238 cells/mm(3). Only 35 patients (22%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy at the time of stool sampling, and 46 (29%) had diarrhea. Opportunistic protozoa were found in 15 patients (9.7%), 8 of whom (53%) had diarrhea. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found in eight patients, C. parvum in six patients, and Isospora belli in three patients. All E. bieneusi isolates tested belonged to the same genotype. The prevalence of opportunistic protozoa among patients with CD4 cell counts less than 50/mm(3) was 32%.

Adult↗

Mechanical transmission of pathogenic organisms: the role of cockroaches.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Cockroaches (Diploptera punctata) are basically tropical insects and will do their best to find a home that is both warm and moist. Their involvement in the transmission of tropical diseases is poorly investigated in Africa. METHODS: A study on the bacterial, fungal and parasitic profile of cockroaches trapped in and around houses in Ekpoma was carried out using standard microbiological techniques. RESULTS: Of a total of 234 cockroaches trapped from different sites (toilets, parlours, kitchens and bedrooms) in houses with pit latrines and water system, the bacterial, fungal and parasitic isolates were identical irrespective of the site, these included: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serretia marcescens, S. aureus, S. feacalis, S. epidermidis, Aeromonas sp, Candida sp, Rhizopus sp, Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp, cysts of E. hystolitica, oocysts of C. parvum, C. cayetenensis and Isospora belli, cysts of Balantidium coli, ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Anchylostoma deodunalae, Enterobius vermicularis, ova Trichuris trichura, larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. Cockroaches trapped in the toilets of houses with pit latrines had a mean bacterial and parasites count of 12.3 x 10(10) org/ml and 98 parasites/ml respectively, while those trapped in the houses with water system had a mean bacterial and parasitic count of 89.5 x 10(7) org/ml and 31 parasites/ml respectively. A bacterial count of 78.9 x 10(7) org/ml was recorded from cockroaches trapped from the kitchens of houses with pit latrines. On the other hand a mean bacterial and parasitic count of 23.7 x 10(6) org/ml and 19 parasites/ml were recorded from kitchens of houses with water system. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Cockroaches represent an important reservoir for infectious pathogens, therefore, control of cockroaches will substantially minimise the spread of infectious diseases in our environment.

Animals↗

Important zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in Asia.

Intestinal protozoa are increasingly being studied because of their association with acute and chronic diarrhoea in immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent patients. Various community outbreaks due to contamination of water or food with these protozoa have further highlighted their importance in public health. Among these important pathogens are Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Isospora belli, and microsporidia. Except for the cyst-forming G. duodenalis and E. histolytica, the others are intracellular and form spores which are passed out with the faeces. These organisms are also found in various animals and birds and zoonotic transmission is thought to occur. These infections are distributed worldwide, with a higher prevalence in developing compared to developed countries. However, the relative importance of zoonotic infections especially in developing countries has not been studied in detail. The prevalence rates are generally higher in immunodeficient compared to immunocompetent patients. Higher prevalence rates are also seen in rural compared to urban communities. Most studies on prevalence have been carried out in developed countries where the laboratory and other health infrastructure are more accessible than those in developing countries. This relative inadequacy of laboratory diagnosis can affect accurate estimates of the prevalence of these infections in developing countries. However, reports of these infections in travellers and workers returning from developing countries can provide some indication of the extent of these problems. Most studies on prevalence of amoebiasis in developing countries were based on morphological identification of the parasite in faecal smears. As the pathogenic E. histolytica is morphologically indistinguishable from that of non-pathogenic E. dispar, estimates of amoebiasis may not be accurate. The epidemiology of human microsporidia infections is not completely understood. Two species, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, are associated with gastrointestinal disease in humans and it is believed that human to human as well as animal to human infections occur. However, the importance of zoonotic infections has not been fully characterised. G. duodenalis cysts, microsporidia and Cryptosporidium oocysts have been detected in various ground water resources, but their role in community outbreaks and maintenance of the infection has not been fully characterised. The taxonomic classification and pathogenic potential of B. hominis are still controversial. While considered by many as yeast, fungi or protozoon, recent sequence analysis of the complete SSUrRNA gene has placed it within an informal group, the stramenopiles. This review covers recent published data on these zoonotic infections and examines their public health importance in Asian countries.

Journal Article↗

[Current prevalence of toxocariasis and other intestinal parasitoses among dogs in Bratislava].

Contamination of public open spaces with dog feces was monitored in five Bratislava districts. Only two of 459 fecal samples collected originated from cats and tested positive for Toxocara cati while the remaining samples were dog feces. Intestinal parasites were detected in 215 (46.8%) samples, with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati being recovered from 86 (18.7%) and 2 (0.4%) samples, respectively. Taenia sp., Dipilidium caninum, Ancylostoma sp., Capillaria sp., Trichuris vulpis and Strongyloides sp. were also among intestinal worms detected. Of these, parasitic helminths of the genera Ancylostoma, Taenia and Strongyloides appeared to be of epizootic importance. Giardia was the significantly most frequent genus among intestinal protozoans while Isospora, Sarcocystis and Cryptosporidium were considerably less common. Toxocara canis showed similar distribution in all districts monitored. The prevalence rates ranged from 18.6% to 20.7% in districts I to IV. The lowest prevalence rate of 16.1% was found in district V situated on the other bank of the Danube, which can be explained by a particular epizootic process in the city district separated by the river. The detection rates of parasites from dog feces suggested a seasonal trend, ranging from 40.5% in winter to 50% in autumn. Toxocara canis also showed 10% higher prevalence rates in autumn (23.5%) compared to winter (13.5%). Significantly higher rates of parasites were recovered from fresh dog feces.

Animals↗

[Intestinal parasitosis in patients with HIV-AIDS].

INTRODUCTION: Diarrhea, a common complication and one of the most important causes of malabsorption and malnutrition in AIDS patients. Our objective was to determine the parasitic causes of diarrhea in patients with HIV-AIDS at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital (Lima, Peru). METHODS: We included 217 HIV-AIDS patients who reported diarrhea between May 2002 and September 2005. We analyzed 1-3 stool samples per patient using six methods to detect oocysts, cysts, eggs and larvae of parasites. RESULTS: The average patients age was 34.5 years (range 15-68); 75.12% were males. Patients with diarrhea during two weeks or more were 149/217 (68.66%). A total of 123 parasites were detected in 103/217 patients (47.5%) 18/217 (8.3%) had mixed parasitic infections. Cryptosporidium spp. was the most frequent parasite detected. It was more prevalent in the group of patients who had diarrhea for two or more weeks than those who had diarrhea for less than two weeks (22.82% vs. 10.29%, p=0.029). Other frequent parasitosis cases were isosporidiasis (10.6%), giardiasis (8.3%) and strongyloidiasis (6.9%). CONCLUSION: Intestinal parasitosis is frequent in HIV-AIDS patients at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital. The most common opportunistic pathogens were Criptosporidium spp. and Isospora belli and the most frequent non-opportunistic pathogens were Giardia lamblia and Strongyloidiasis stercoralis.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in water from wells located on farms.

Among various species of parasitic protozoans which may contaminate drinking water, Toxoplasma gondii is of a special importance due to the high incidence of infections with this parasite noted in animals and humans. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of T. gondii in drinking water on farms in the area of the Lublin province (eastern Poland) with respect to health risk among the inhabitants, and to assess the role of water in the transmission of Toxoplasma infections in the rural environment. Studies were conducted on 87 farms located in the Lublin province, 14 of which were classified as possessing a good hygienic state, and 73 as possessing a poor hygienic state. A total number of 114 drinking water samples were taken, 80 samples from shallow household wells with a windlass, 16 from deep wells with a pump, and 18 from the water supply system. In microscopic and PCR examinations of 114 water samples, T. gondii was found in 15 (13.2%) and 31 (27.2%) of samples, respectively. The presence of T. gondii DNA detected by PCR test was found significantly more frequently in water samples from the shallow windlass-operated wells than in those from deep wells (p < 0.05) and water supply system (p < 0.01). Water samples collected from shallow wells located on farms of poor hygienic state contained significantly more frequently DNA of T. gondii than samples from shallow wells located on farms of good hygienic state (43.1% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.05). In 26.3% of water samples, oocysts of other protozoans were found belonging to Isospora, Eimeria, and Cryptosporidium. Serologic examinations for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies conducted among 99 inhabitants of the farms where household wells were used showed 64.6% of seropositive results in IgG class antibodies and 1.0% in IgM class antibodies. Clinical cases of toxoplasmosis were also noted. In the total population examined, a positive correlation was observed between the consumption of unboiled well water and the presence of antibodies against T. gondii (p < 0.05), this correlation being especially strong on farms of poor hygienic state enclosing shallow wells (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the recorded presence of T. gondii in well water provides an evidence of the potential risk of waterborne infection for humans and animals. Therefore, it seems necessary to implement prophylactic actions on the endangered farms.

Animals↗

Geographical Information Systems and canine faecal contamination: the experience in the city of Naples (southern Italy).

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can be used to make transect sampling when non-moving objects are to be counted, involving choosing a line or series of lines along which the counts are to take place. This approach has been used by us in order to study canine faecal contamination in the city of Naples (southern Italy), and to evaluate the consequent presence of canine parasitic elements. A GIS was constructed utilizing the geo-referenced digital photographs and the cadastral maps of Naples. In order to uniformly evaluate the canine faecal contamination throughout the city, a grid representing sub-areas of 1 km x 700 m was overlaid on the city map within the GIS. The territory of Naples was divided in 218 equal, rectangular sub-areas. In each sub-area a 1 km transect was drawn, and digitalized on-screen in the GIS. Canine faeces (copros in Greek) were counted along the transects in 143 sub-areas. In these sub-areas, 415 copros were collected and examined. Out of the 143 sub-areas, 141 contained canine copros. The results of the negative binomial regression model showed a positive association between the number of copros and the human population density. Out of the total of 415 copros, 70 (16.9%) were positive for parasitic elements; eggs of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis were found, as well as oocysts of Isospora canis.

Animals↗

Cryptosporidium parvum and other instestinal parasites among diarrhoeal patients referred to EHNRI in Ethiopia.

The occurrence of intestinal parasites in patients referred to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), was recorded for four consecutive years, 1998-2001. Based on the stool appearance i.e. watery, loose, muciod and bloody, 442 diarrhoeal samples were particularly selected to allow diagnosis of intestinal parasites with emphasis on coccidian intestinal parasites. Wet saline mounts and formol ether concentration method with logul's iodine were performed for the detection of cysts, ova, trophozoites and larvae of intestinal parasites. Modified Ziehel Nelseen staining of stool smears was used to identify Cryptosporidum parvum and Isospora belli. The overall detection rate was 79.4% (351/442). The spectrum of positivity with any protozoa was 54.3% (240/442) and helminthes 25.1% (111/442). Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 92/442 (20.8%). Isopora belli was identified among 35/442 (7.9%): Entamoeba histolytica/dispar scored second with positivity rate of 17.0% (75/442) and Giardia lamblia was found in 38/442 (8.6%) stool samples. As compared to protozoan parasites, detection rate with helminthes was very low. Among the helminthes. Strongyloides stercoralis was found in 38/442 (8.6%). This information strengthens the importance of intestinal protozoan parasites with recognition of the opportunistic parasites as major causes of diarrhoea. Their role in HIV/AIDS patients cannot be over-emphasized. Further awareness for the need of establishing different parasitological techniques at health service giving centers would enhance better understanding and management of diarrhoeal illness.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

New species of Choleoeimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae), with taxonomic revision of eimerian coccidia from chameleons.

Coprological examination of 71 samples from a breeding colony of veiled chameleons, Chamaeleo calyptratus Duméril et Duméril, 1851, revealed a presence of two species of coccidia. In 100% of the samples examined, oocysts of Isospora jaracimrmani Modrý et Koudela, 1995 were detected. A new coccidian species, Choleoeimeria hirbayah sp. n., was discovered in 32.4% of samples from the colony. Its oocysts are tetrasporocystic, cylindrical, 28.3 (25-30) x 14.8 (13.5-17.5) microm, with smooth, bilayered, -1 microm thick wall. Sporocysts are dizoic, ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 10.1 (9-11) x 6.9 (6-7.5) microm, sporocyst wall is composed of two plates joined by a meridional suture. Endogenous development is confined to the epithelium of the gall bladder, with infected cells being typically displaced from the epithelium layer towards lumen. A taxonomic revision of tetrasporocystic coccidia in the Chamaeleonidae is provided.

Animals↗

[Intestinal parasitosis in French West Indies: endemic evolution from 1991 to 2003 in the University Hospital of Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe].

Guadeloupe is one of the French West Indies, where, until 1960, intestinal parasitic infections were endemic. In the microbiological laboratory of the university hospital of the island, we carried out a retrospective study of the 17,660 stool examinations received from 1991 to 2003. All the stool specimens were examined using at least a wet mount preparation and a concentration method (Bailenger). Specific techniques such as Ziehl-Neelsen modified acid fast stain, chromotrope staining procedure or Baermann's technique were used when indicated. A parasite considered as really pathogenic is detected in only 5.6% of the cases of the 17,660 stool examinations. The intestinal protozoa count for 10.8% of them, G. intestinalis (60%) is the most common, followed by Cryptosporidium sp (26%) and Isospora belli in AIDS patients while Entamoeba histolytica/dispar rarely appears (2.3%). Among the parasitic intestinal helminths, Strongyloïdes stercoralis is seen as the most prevalent (82%) whereas hookworms and Trichuris trichuria count respectively for 9.8% and 5.6%. Schistosoma mansoni appears as an exception. This epidemiological change for intestinal parasitic infections results from the improvement of socio-economic and sanitary way of living of the population. However the persistence of the strongyloidiasis constitutes the outstanding fact in a area of strong prevalence of the HTLV1 infection.

Endemic Diseases↗

Intestinal parasites in Dakahlia governorate, with different techniques in diagnosing protozoa.

A total of 3180 patients attending Mansoura University Hospitals' Clinics, were subjected to stool examination by direct wet smear, formol-ether concentration, original formol-tween concentration, modified formol-tween concentration, modified Sheather's sugar floatation, Potassium hydroxide concentration and Gomori's Trichrome stain, and modified Kinyoun's acid-fast stain, and Ryan's Trichrome blue stain for Microsporidia. The intestinal helminthes in a descending order of abundance were: S. mansoni (5.3%), Fasciola sp. (4.8%), H. heterophyes (4.2%), Hymenolepis nana (3.9%), Trichostrongylus sp. (2.6%), A. lumbricoides (1.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.5%), H. diminuta (1.4%), Taenia saginata (1.1%), E. vermicularis (by smear; 1.1 %), T. trichura (0.7%) and lastly A. duodenale (0.1%). The intestinal protozoa in a descending order of abundance were Blastocystis hominis (22.4%), Giardia lamblia (19.6%), Entamoeba histolytica/E.dispar (19%), Iodamoeba butschlii (16%), Cryptosporidium parvum (14.3%), E. coli (9.7%), Isospora hominis (7.7%), Endolimax nana (6.9%), E. hartmani (5.9%), Dientamoeba fragilis (5.1%), Chilomastix mesnili (5.1%), Trichomonas hominis (4.2%), Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.2%), Microsporidia spores (3.2%), Enteromonas hominis (1.9%) and Embadomonas intestinalis (1.3%). The results were discussed.

Animals↗

[Parasitic infestations in ostriches and therapy.].

Ostriches have few endo and ectoparasite agents. These include Houttuynia struthionis, Libyostrongylus douglassii, Chandrella quiscali, Cryptosporidium spp, Isospora struthionis, Struthiolipeurus struthionis, S. nandu, Pterolichus bicaudatus, Gabucinia sculpturata, Dermoglyphus pachycnemi and Hypoboscis struthionis. Furthermore, ostriches can also be infected with other parasites (such as the amoeba, Giardia, Trichomonas, Histomonas spp.), when they are raised along with mammals and other birds. Generally, ostriches are resistant to parasites, but sometimes immunodeficient mature and young ostriches can easily be infected. This review gives up-to-date knowledge about common ostriches for which breeding industries in Turkey have recently been increasing.

English Abstract↗

[beta-D-glucosidase in the microvillous zone of small intestine enterocytes in experimental coccidiosis in suckling piglets].

In the small intestine mucosa of 24 gnotobiotic farrows experimentally infected with the oocysts of coccidiosis of Isospora suis (infection administration--100,000 oocysts) on the first day after the delivery, we carried out the microdensitometric evaluation of the activity of beta-D-glucosidase (phlorizin-hydrolase; hetero-beta-galactosidase; lactase-beta-glucosidase complex; EC. 3.2.1.21). Great attention was paid to the topochemistry of enzyme, deposited in a microvillous zone of enterocytes. We studied likewise the activity of beta-D-glucosidase in the striped fringe of enterocytes of the four control gnotobiotic farrows, in the age from 2 to 5 days. We found out that in healthy farrows the reaction product of studied disaccharidase is located in high concentrations in the microvillous zone of absorptive cells of the whole small intestine. We proved a topographic gradient at which the beta-D-glucosidase activity decreases in control farrows the duodenum mucosa in the aboral direction. When using the choice substrate for beta-D-glucosidase (5-Br-4-Cl-beta-indolyl-3-D-glucoside) we did not prove the enzyme deposition in the small intestine wall. The negative enteral effect of coccidiosis I. suis was provable in the farrows experimentally infected already on the first day after the infection (DPI) when the beta-D-glucosidase activity decreased within the whole small intestine by 15% (ileum) and even by 23% (middle jejunum). The activity reduction had been deepening since the first after the infection and it reached its maximum on the 9th day after the infection when the enzyme concentration in the microvillous zone of absorptive cells reached only 11% of the activity level found in control farrows. On the 10th and 11th day after the infection we registered the increase of the density of beta-D-glucosidase reaction product, however the microvillous zone was even in that final stage of experimental infection significantly deficient (31% of intestine mucosa activity of control farrows).

Animals↗

[Use of the anticoccidial agent, tortrazuril (Baycox, Bayer) in coccidiosis in suckling pigs].

At present neonatal coccidiosis caused by Isospora suis is known to be an important disease in piglets. The coccidium I. suis was diagnosed as the causative agent of diarrhoeic disease in piglets on a large pig farm with continuous farrowing operation. The diagnosis of coccidiosis was based on clinical history, gross lesions, histopathology, stained impression smears and aided by detection of oocysts in the faeces. Coccidiosis was associated with diarrhoea in piglets at the age of five to fourteen days. The disease was characterized by variable morbidity and only a portion of the litters was usually affected at one time. The piglets appeared listless, and suffered from yellow watery scours progressing to yellow pasty scours over a three- to five-day period. The lack of response to common antimicrobial therapy, and/or vaccination of sows for E. coli was observed. The prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of tortrazuril (Baycox, Bayer) against coccidiosis was evaluated in naturally infected piglets. Tortrazuril at a dose of 20 mg/kg, given perorally to each piglet on days 6 and 8 of age, proved to be efficacious in preventing clinical coccidiosis in piglets. Tortrazuril fully controlled the oocyst output, prevented the development of diarrhoea but not improved the weight gains in three-week-old piglets if compared to the untreated controls. The prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of tortrazuril was compared with another drug--amprolium (Amprovin, MSD). Amprolium at a dose of 100 mg/kg, given perorally to piglets from day 6 to 8 of age, was not efficacious in preventing clinical porcine neonatal coccidiosis. Amprolium reduced the oocyst output, but not prevented the development of diarrhoea. Tortrazuril (Baycox, Bayer) is clearly effective against porcine neonatal coccidiosis caused by I. suis.

Animals↗

Enteric infections associated with exposure to animals or animal products.

The epidemiology and clinical presentation of enteric infections are discussed in this article. These include bacterial, viral, and parasitic illnesses, and are associated with the increasing popularity of drinking unpasteurized milk; eating raw fish and shellfish; consuming undercooked pork, poultry, and eggs; and having contact with pets. Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, Vibrio, Yersinia, Aeromonas, Edwardsiella, hepatitis A virus, Norwalk virus, Anisakis, Eustrongylides, Diphyllobothrium, Nanophyetus, Isospora, and Cryptosporidium are included. The importance of preventing these increasingly recognized enteric infections is emphasized.

Animals↗