Interaction between Trypanosoma brucei and Haemonchus contortus infection in West African Dwarf Goats

In order to investigate the immunomodulatory influence of concurrent T. brucei and H. contortus infection in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats, 28 infected and 7 uninfected (control) of 8-9 months old male WAD goats were studied. The infected goats were separated into resistant (Class 1) and susceptible (Class 2) Faecal Eggs Count (FEC) phenotypes. They were infected with 3000 infective larvae (L3) of H. contortus and 5 x 106 T. brucei. Another group of these phenotypes received only the H. contortus challenge. The responses were measured by parasitological response through FEC and Worm Burden (WB), and by host immune response through IgG levels. Class 2 animals with or without T. brucei infection exhibited non-significant (P > 0.05) higher FEC compared to those of Class 1. Worm burdens were not significantly different between FEC classes but were different (P=0.038) in relation to T. brucei infection. There was an overall increase in worm burdens of T. brucei infected goats, more pronounced in Class 2 than in Class 1. There was a significant upward drift of antibody levels with time across all groups without significant interactions. However, there was a significant effect of FEC Class (P=0.017) and trypanosome infection (P=0.041) with no significant interaction. Animals in Class 1 had generally higher antibody levels than those in Class 2, irrespective of T. brucei infection. Infection status had a highly significant (P=0.0001) effect on IgG. H. contortus only infected goats had the highest antibody levels and trypanosome infection reduced this response, irrespective of FEC phenotype. There was a highly significant (P=0.001) positive correlation (r = +0.719) between FEC and total worm counts. This work showed that the two response phenotypes identified in earlier immunizing infections were still clearly recognizable following homologous challenge and dual infections. This suggests that under field conditions where repeated H. contortus challenge occurs and trypanosomosis is endemic, the phenotypes could remain unchanged.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Haemoparasite, Gastrointestinal parasite, concurrent infection, immune response, domestic animal

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of dog in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of dog in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria was studied retrospectively and prospectively. In the retrospective study, records of all diagnosed helminth infections of dogs brought to the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nsukka from January, 2006 to September 2013 were collated and analyzed. The prospective study was carried out between October 2013 and July 2014 by examination of 263 faecal samples collected per rectum from dogs presented to a purposively selected Veterinary Clinics in Enugu metropolis and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The results of the 8 year retrospective prevalence study gave an overall prevalence of 56.1% and Ancylostoma species as the most prevalent helminth in the study area (33.2%). Mixed infections with more than one helminth parasite species were recorded in 8.6% of the cases. Annual breakdown of the prevalence data showed that the highest prevalence was recorded in 2009. Breed and age of the dogs were found to significantly influence the prevalence. In the prospective study, an overall prevalence of 51.7% was obtained. Ancylostoma spp. was also found most often in the study area, with a prevalence rate of 33.6%. Mixed infections with more than one helminth parasite species were found in 16.3% of the cases. A strong association was obtained between prevalence and breed of the dogs and also between prevalence and season. Due to the zoonotic nature of most of the encountered parasites and the close association between children and dogs, routine deworming, proper management of dogs and adequate personal hygiene is therefore recommended