Identification of scorpion species (arachnids: scorpions) collected from selected areas in the Jaffna Peninsula

Taxonomic record on scorpion (Arthropoda: Arachnids: Scorpions) is scarce in Sri Lanka. Several families of scorpions, namely Scorpionidae, Charitable and Buthidae were recorded in Yale national park, Kandy, Trincomalee and Mullaittivu in Sri Lanka, based on the collection of the Natural History Museum of the city of Geneva. It is reported that dangerous scorpions are not found in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Recently identified scorpions of Family Buthidae in some parts of India. But to date no one has reported on scorpion species of Families Buthidae & Scorpionidae in the Jaffna peninsula. Field collection was carried out in selected areas including Vadamarachi, Atchuvelly, Thirunelveli, Kopay and Kondavil in the Nonhern Province from September 2010 to March 2011. Collected scorpions were identified with the help of descriptions and illustrations provided by Pocock (1900) and Bucherl (1971). Identification was performed with the aid of dissecting microscope (Kyowa, Photographs of life specimens were taken with a digital camera (Sony). Lined diagrams were drawn with the help of camera lucida stereo microscope (Olympus BX 51). Descriptive terms of Pocock were mostly followed. Two families, namely, Buthidae and Scorpionidae (Koch, 1837) were identified based on colouration, shape of the sternum, tarsal spur and pedal spur present on the leg. Further identification revealed the presence of two species, namely, Bu thus Dorian and Palamnaeus wrongdoing based on pectin teeth and keels on the caudal segment. The present preliminary survey should be continued in order to identify any other scorpion species in other parts of the Jaffna peninsula

Detection of preimaginal forms of dengue vectors from environmental samples in Jaffna city, northern Sri Lanka: an eDNA-based approach

Vector surveillance is crucial for implementation of appropriate vector control strategies to reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, a major public health concern in Sri Lanka. Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the primary and secondary vectors of dengue virus, respectively. Dengue is endemic in the Jaffna District and the presence of dengue vectors from many water bodies, including brackish water habitats, is reported. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a novel tool to detect and identify vector species present in any aquatic environment. This study, used environmental DNA to determine the presence of major dengue vectors in different aquatic habitats in the Municipal limits of the Jaffna District. Potential pre-imaginal developmental sites of dengue vectors were identified in randomly selected 10 blocks consisting of at least 40 houses within the study location. One hundred and twenty water samples without any visible preimaginal forms were collected from these sites to extract eDNA. PCR assays were performed using species-specific primers designed for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was identified in 12 (10.0%) and 30 samples (25.0%), respectively. The presence of both species was detected in nine samples (7.5%). The salinity of the water from which Aedes DNA was detected ranged from 0–7 gL-1. The results revealed that eDNA is an indirect but valid surveillance tool for monitoring preimaginal developmental forms of mosquitos in the aquatic environment

Eswaramohan et al. A Study on the Effects of Chilling Period on Sperm Quality of Sannan and Jamunapari Goats ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

INTRODUCTION Artificial insemination (AI) with fresh, chilled or frozenthawed semen is a basic tool in goat breeding, allowing the diffusion of caprine semen with high genetic value The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of chilling period on semen quality of Sannan and Jamunapari. Semen of goat breeds were collected with artificial vagina and chilled at 5-9 ˚C. Volume, colour and pH were determined on fresh semen. After dilution, microscopic examination was performed for the progressive motility and sperm viability. Diluted semen of both breed was compared by microscopic examination from day 0 to 3 during chilling. Hemocytometer was loaded with 10 µL of semen to evaluate the sperm count. Eosin stain (1%) was used to assess the viable sperm. Although viability and sperm velocity of both goat breed decreased (P<0.05) in a time dependent manner during chilling, the viability between the Sannan and Jamunapari did not differ significantly. However there was a significant difference for means of sperm velocity (P<0.05). Progressive motility and viability decreased gradually during chilling at 5-9 ˚C. In order to obtain higher successful rate of insemination, chilled goat semen should be supplied to the farmers within a day. KEY WORDS chilling period, goat semen, velocity, viability. Online version is available on: www.ijas.ir Short Communication Effects of Chilling Period on the Semen Quality of Goats MATERIALS AND METHODS Collection of goat semen Fresh semen of Sannan (5 years old) and Jamunapari (nearly 7 years old) was collected by using artificial vagina twice a week for 6 months from AI centre at Thirunelvely. It was then stored in the refrigerator at 5-9 ˚C for further evaluation. Totally twelve semen samples were collected from both breed. Prior to semen collection, the goats were sexually aroused, by visual, olfactory and auditory stimuli. Three goats for both breed were used for the present study. Gross examination of semen General examination including volume, colour, viscosity and pH was performed before dilution with 2.9% (wt/v) sodium citrate buffer solution. Volume and pH were measured with graduated cylinder and pH paper (sigma) respectively. Colour and viscosity were assessed by visual observation. Microscopic examination of semen After dilution (1:100) with sodium citrate buffer solution, microscopic examination was performed for the progressive motility. Diluted semen of both breed was compared for the progressive motility using hemocytometer (Improved Neubauer) and stop watch from day 0 to day 3 during chilling. The number of small boxes on which sperm moved was counted. Hemocytometer was loaded with 10 µL of semen (1:100 dilutions) by using micropipette to evaluate the progressive motility and sperm viability. Eosin stain was used to assess the viable sperms. Determination of viability was conducted as triplicate for each sample and the whole set of calculations were repeated for more than 18 samples for both goat breeds. Statistical analysis Statistical analysis was performed by using Prism 5.04. Ordinary two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test for multiple comparisons was performed to analyze sperm viability and velocity of both breeds. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The semen colour of both breeds was creamy white, their odour was similar to the fresh milk and the average pH was 7. Although sperm viabilit

Distribution changes of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A postulated risk of disease transmission in Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Background & objectives: Leishmaniasis is caused by various species of parasite Leishmania. Approximately twenty of them are pathogenic to mammals. In Sri Lanka, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an established vector-borne disease. CL originates and spreads mainly through sandfly bite in many endemic countries. The aim of the present study was to compare the geographical distribution and demographic features of CL cases in Hambantota district, Sri Lanka in 2014 and 2016. Methods: The patients who were presented to the Tangalle Base Hospital from June to December in 2014 and 2016 were examined and a descriptive study was carried out using a structured-questionnaire. Slit-skin smears were collected from each patient, Giemsa-stained and examined under the light microscope to identify Leishmania amastigotes. Results: Out of 256 and 314 suspected CL patients, 156 and 155 were identified positive for the year 2014 and 2016, respectively. Out of 12 District Secretary Divisions (DSD) in Hambantota district, the highest number of CL cases, 85 and 86 was reported from Tangalle DSD in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Number of identified CL patients in Beliatta DSD had increased from 50 to 67 during the study period. In both years, majority of CL patients were ≥50 years old with males more infected than females. Although CL association with occupations were insignificant, housewives were the highly (23%) infected occupants in this area. Interpretation & conclusion: Based on the present findings, geographical distribution within DSDs in Hambantota district had changed. This emphasizes the importance of CL as a health problem in Hambantota district

Socio-Demographic profile of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis patients in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is known to Sri Lanka from 1992. The distribution of the disease is increasing and large numbers of CL cases are reported from Hambantota district. This study was focused on selected clinical features and socio-demographic factors of CL positive patients in Hambantota district and this information were collected using a questionnaire from CL suspected patients who attended to the Tangalle Hospital from June, 2016 to January, 2017. For selecting the CL positivity, slit skin smears were obtained from lesions of suspected patients. These smears were stained and examined for Leishmania amastigotes. Smears were positive in 183 patients. Majority of them had one lesion on the body and 117 patients were males (p<0.001). The most affected age group was >50 years. House-wives and students were identified as highly affected occupants. The higher number of CL patients lived in rural areas (p<0.001). Most of the CL patients lived in houses with cemented floors and walls with tiled -roofs meanwhile 117 houses had cracks, either in floors or walls. Further, 95.5% of patients were unaware of sand-fly biting. These findings highlight the socio-demographic profile of the CL patients in Hambantota district which will be important for the disease management strategies