Aggiornamenti sulle infezioni da protozoi negli ovini della Sardegna

The aim of the present study was to deepened knowledge on epidemiology and taxonomy of Cryptosporidiosis, Sarcocystosis and Giardiosis in Sardinian dairy sheep. Cryptosporidiosis was evaluated with microscopical and biomolecular methods in faecal samples from three different categories of sheep (lambs, pregnant sheep, post-partum sheep). Oocysts were found in 10.1% of examined animals, in 16.4% of lambs, in 7.2% of pregnant sheep and in 6.6% of post-partum sheep. Molecular characterization revealed the presence of two different species, Cryptosporidium parvum and C. ubiquitum. Within C. parvum were found the subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIdA20G1 while the subtype XIIa was isolated for C. ubiquitum. Giardiosis was evaluated in the same sheep population, and Giardia cyst were microscopically detected in 6.6% of monitored farms, only in lambs. Molecular characterization of samples allow to identify the Assemblage AI of Giardia duodenalis. Sarcosporidiosis was investigated with a cross sectional study on macroscopic and microscopic sarcocysts in Sardinian sheep at abattoirs. Macroscopic Sarcocystis spp. were found in 23.3% of examined muscles. Two different morphotypes were identified: large oval cysts, identified as Sarcocystis gigantea by molecular characterization, and slender fusiform cysts, identified as S. medusiformis. Microscopic cysts were detected in 77.7% of examined heart samples, molecular analysis allow to identify the species S. tenella (95.5%) and S. arieticanis (17.8%)

Canine giardiosis in Sardinia Island, Italy: prevalence, molecular characterization, and risk factors

Introduction: The flagellate protozoan Giardia duodenalis causes infection in humans and in various animals. Eight distinct assemblages (A-H) have been identified within G. duodenalis; assemblages A and B are those specific to humans and animals, and assemblages C to H are restricted to animal hosts. Methodology: The present study estimated the prevalence of G. duodenalis assemblages in dogs living in the Sardinia region and evaluated the related risk factors. Individual fecal samples were collected from 655 dogs between January 2007 and December 2010, and a form was filled out for each animal to analyze historic data that were available at the time of sampling. Fecal samples were subjected to microscopic and genetic investigations. Results: Cysts of G. duodenalis were found in 172 (26.3%) samples, with significant values in puppies between three and nine months of age, and in kennelled and hunting dogs. The molecular characterization showed the presence of assemblages D (49%), C (36.1%), and subtype A2 (4.2%). Conclusion: The present survey contributes to the knowledge of the occurrence of canine giardiosis in Italy in a region with a high number of dogs and numerous animal movements, which is especially relevant for touristic reasons.</br

<i>Angiostrongylus chabaudi</i> Biocca, 1957: a new parasite for domestic cats?

Background Natural infection with a species of Angiostrongylus has been reported only once in wildcats from central Italy by Biocca in 1957. The causative species of this infection was identified as Angiostrongylus chabaudi. Following this report, this parasite had never been found in either wild or domestic cats. Findings The lungs and the pulmonary arteries of an adult female cat (Felis silvestris catus), roadkilled in Sardinia, Italy, were macroscopically examined and dissected under a light microscope for the presence of parasites. A slender nematode was detected and its morphometrical features were consistent with those of A. chabaudi. Morphological data were supplemented by sequencing of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) gene, as well as the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of the rDNA. Nucleotide sequences displayed 99% homology with the ITS2 sequence [GenBank KM216825.1] of a specimen of Angiostrongylus sp. recovered recently from the pulmonary artery of a wildcat in Germany and 91% with cox1 sequence [GenBank GU138118.1] of Angiostrongylus vasorum. Conclusion The results of the present study indicate, for the first time, that A. chabaudi may also infect domestic cats, and thus should be considered in the diagnosis of metastrongyloid species infecting their cardio-pulmonary system.</br

Establishment and application of unbiased in vitro drug screening assays for the identification of compounds against Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto.

Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus s.l. are the causative agents of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, respectively. Drug treatment options for these severe and neglected diseases are limited to benzimidazoles, which are not always efficacious, and adverse side effects are reported. Thus, novel and improved treatments are needed. In this study, the previously established platform for E. multilocularis in vitro drug assessment was adapted to E. granulosus s.s. In a first step, in vitro culture protocols for E. granulosus s.s. were established. This resulted in the generation of large amounts of E. granulosus s.s. metacestode vesicles as well as germinal layer (GL) cells. In vitro culture of these cells formed metacestode vesicles displaying structural characteristics of metacestode cysts generated in vivo. Next, drug susceptibilities of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.s. protoscoleces, metacestode vesicles and GL cells were comparatively assessed employing established assays including (i) metacestode vesicle damage marker release assay, (ii) metacestode vesicle viability assay, (iii) GL cell viability assay, and (iv) protoscolex motility assay. The standard drugs albendazole, buparvaquone, mefloquine, MMV665807, monepantel, niclosamide and nitazoxanide were included. MMV665807, niclosamide and nitazoxanide were active against the parasite in all four assays against both species. MMV665807 and monepantel were significantly more active against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles, while albendazole and nitazoxanide were significantly more active against E. multilocularis GL cells. Albendazole displayed activity against E. multilocularis GL cells, but no effects were seen in albendazole-treated E. granulosus s.s. GL cells within five days. Treatment of protoscoleces with albendazole and monepantel had no impact on motility. Similar results were observed for both species with praziquantel and its enantiomers against protoscoleces. In conclusion, in vitro culture techniques and drug screening methods previously established for E. multilocularis were successfully implemented for E. granulosus s.s., allowing comparisons of drug efficacy between the two species. This study provides in vitro culture techniques for the reliable generation of E. granulosus s.s. metacestode vesicles and GL cell cultures and describes the validation of standardized in vitro drug screening methods for E. granulosus s.s

Seroepidemiological and biomolecular survey on

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite able of infecting all warm-blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is one of the major foodborne diseases globally. The consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat from recreational hunting has been linked to outbreaks of human toxoplasmosis. The island of Sardinia (Italy) contains a large wild boar population, thus providing an opportunity to assess the distribution of Toxoplasma in this species and the associated risks of transmission to humans. A total of 562 wild boars were screened: heart and meat juice samples were tested for T. gondii DNA via nested-PCR and IgG anti-Toxoplasma by commercial ELISA. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG were detected in 24.6% (138/562) of animals, while 37.2% (209/562) of the heart samples were PCR positive. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies and DNA highlights the potential role of wild boar as an important reservoir for this parasite. The study suggests that wild boar could play a significant role in spreading the parasite to humans. As wild boar numbers are increasing throughout their range, their potential role in transmitting toxoplasmosis should be communicated to stakeholders, and the impact of different population control methods on disease transmission should be thoroughly assessed to mitigate potential threats effectively

Control of gastrointestinal helminths in small ruminants to prevent anthelmintic resistance: the Italian experience

Helminth infections are ubiquitous in grazing ruminants and cause significant costs due to production losses. Moreover, anthelmintic resistance (AR) in parasites is now widespread throughout Europe and poses a major threat to the sustainability of modern ruminant livestock farming. Epidemiological data on the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and liver- and rumen-flukes in Italian small ruminants are outdated and fragmentary. However, anthelmintics are commonly used to control these infections and often without prior diagnosis. Compared to other European countries, few reports of AR in small ruminants against levamisole, ivermectin and benzimidazoles have been published in Italy, but recent studies suggest that this phenomenon is spreading. Increased and integrated research efforts in developing innovative approaches to control helminth infections and AR are needed and must be tailored to the peculiarities of each context in order to be effectively implemented. This manuscript provides an overview on helminth prevalence and distribution, sustainable treatment strategies and integrated control approaches in small ruminants in Italy. The implementation of targeted treatments and targeted selective treatments is discussed based on different parameters, such as fecal egg count, degree of anaemia (FAMACHA© method), milk production and body condition score. In addition, several Italian studies have also investigated the implementation of alternative strategies such as the use of different natural bioactive compounds or genetic selection for resistance and resilience to helminth infections. These concrete solutions for helminth management in small ruminant farms in the country are reported and discussed, representing a valid example for other Mediterranean countries

'Fight the parasite': raising awareness of cystic echinococcosis in primary school children in endemic countries

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread zoonosis and a significant economic concern and cause of morbidity in humans. A scarcity of education on the sources of CE infection and containment measures is considered to be a key factor responsible for persistent transmission within communities. Recently, edutainment approaches have captured the attention of health education (HE) professionals due to the benefits of integrating cognitive and emotional learning processes.MethodsA study was carried out in Sardinia, Italy, between 2020 and 2022, amid the SARS-Covid-19 pandemic. The project, designed to involve primary school children (via remote or face-to-face learning depending on the evolving Covid-19 containment measures) consisted of four distinct phases: (i) creation of material for school children and teachers focused on cystic echinococcosis; (ii) pre-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (i.e. True False Don’t Know [TFD] pre-intervention questionnaire based on CE-related knowledge and practices); (iii) edutainment activity (e.g. interactive lessons enhanced by the comic booklet and the “Fight the parasite” cartoon video, hands-on educational activities and drawing activities on CE); and (iv) post-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (via TFD post-intervention questionnaire [same questionnaire as used for the pre-intervention assessment] on CE-related knowledge and practices) and on-site edutainment tour in primary schools taking part to the project.ResultsThe percentage of correct answers increased from 65% for the questionnaire administered pre-intervention to 87.9% for the same questionnaire administered post-intervention (χ2 = 648.12, df = 1, P &lt; 0.0001), while the percentage of uncertain answers (i.e. ‘I don’t know’) decreased from 23% pre-intervention to 5% post-intervention (χ2 = 603.44, df = 1, P &lt; 0.0001). These differences indicate a significantly enhanced understanding of CE among participating school children after the intervention.ConclusionsThe results of the present survey indicate that the use of digital educational tools, the use of video animations as a model for science communication, as well as other participatory teaching methods, enabled children to retain key knowledge of the routes of CE transmission and ways to prevent it.</p

Cystic echinococcosis in cattle dairy farms: spatial distribution and epidemiological dynamics

A study monitoring cystic echinococcosis (CE) in adult dairy cattle from intensive livestock farms located in the municipality of Arborea (Sardinia, Italy) was carried out between 2012 and 2015. A retrospective study of veterinary reporting forms of post-mortem inspections in 10 different Italian slaughterhouses was also performed. In addition, data on viability and molecular characterisation of hydatid cysts removed from parasitised organs in cattle was carried out. A geographical information system (GIS) with data layers of the study area and the geo-referenced points of 160 cattle farms was constructed. CE was found in 21.9% (35/160) of the surveyed farms. The retrospective study revealed that 0.05% (13/23,656) of adult slaughtered animals (over one year of age) from Arborea had tested positive to CE. The results stratified per year showed the following CE prevalences: 0.09% (5/5673) in 2012; 0.02% (1/5682) in 2013; 0.08% (5/6261) in 2014; and 0.03% (2/6040) in 2015 (χ2 with 3 degrees of freedom=3.81; P=0.282). The E. granulosus sensu stricto (formerly called G1 or sheep strain) was detected in all cysts subjected to molecular analysis. The GIS analysis showed that CE is fairly resilient in the Arborea territory where most of cattle farms are located, while a small cluster of cases was found located in the southeastern part of Arborea, close to districts where sheep farms are situated. The present survey reports the presence of CE in Sardinian dairy cattle intensive farms and suggests that the parasitic pressure of CE in the island continues to be very strong

The groundbreaking impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence in sheep farming

The integration of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has marked the onset of a new era of efficient sheep farming in multiple aspects ranging from the general well-being of sheep to advanced web-based management applications. The resultant improvement in sheep health and consequently better farming yield has already started to benefit both farmers and veterinarians. The predictive analytical models embedded with machine learning (giving sense to machines) has helped better decision-making and has enabled farmers to derive most out of their farms. This is evident in the ability of farmers to remotely monitor livestock health by wearable devices that keep track of animal vital signs and behaviour. Additionally, veterinarians now employ advanced AI-based diagnostics for efficient parasite detection and control. Overall, digitalization and AI have completely transformed traditional farming practices in livestock animals. However, there is a pressing need to optimize digital sheep farming, allowing sheep farmers to appreciate and adopt these innovative systems. To fill this gap, this review aims to provide available digital and AI-based systems designed to aid precision farming of sheep, offering an up-to-date understanding on the subject. Various contemporary techniques, such as sky shepherding, virtual fencing, advanced parasite detection, automated counting and behaviour tracking, anomaly detection, precision nutrition, breeding support, and several mobile-based management applications are currently being utilized in sheep farms and appear to be promising. Although artificial intelligence and machine learning may represent key features in the sustainable development of sheep farming, they present numerous challenges in application