Wybrane parametry biochemii hemolimfy w dwoch klasach wielkosci slimaka Planorbarius corneus [L.] z uwzglednieniem zarazenia jamy plucnej przez Chaetogaster limnaei limnaei Baer [Oligochaeta: Naididae]

We have proved highly significant differences in glucose concentration and activity of alpha-amylase in haemolymph of two growth classes of Planorbarius corneus with width of shell smaller and equal or greater than 20 mm, respectively. Both these parameters were higher and were characterized by greater range of individual variability in snails with smaller width of shell. Any differences in levels of total protein and haemoglobin in haemolymph of these animals, in comparison with adult individuals, were not observed. Effect of infection of the pulmonary cavity of investigated snails with Chaetogaster limnaei limnaei on the examined parameters was not ascertained

SELECTED PARAMETERS OF HAEMOLYMPH BIOCHEMISTRY IN TWO GROWTH CLASSES OF THE SNAIL PLANORBARIUS CORNEUS (L.), WITH REGARD TO INFECTION OF THE PULMONARY CAVITY WITH CHAETOGASTER LIMNAEI LIMNAEI BAER (OLIGOCHAETA: NAIDIDAE)

We have proved highly significant differences in glucose concentration and activity of alpha-amylase in haemolymph of two growth classes of Planorbarius corneus with width of shell smaller and equal or greater than 20 mm, respectively. Both these parameters were higher and were characterized by greater range of individual variability in snails with smaller width of shell. Any differences in levels of total protein and haemoglobin in haemolymph of these animals, in comparison with adult individuals, were not observed. Effect of infection of the pulmonary cavity of investigated snails with Chaetogaster limnaei limnaei on the examined parameters was not ascertained

Poziom bialka calkowitego oraz aktywnosci wybranych enzymow w hemolimfie Lymnaea stagnalis [L.] [Gastropoda: Pulmonata] naturalnie zagrozonych przez larwy przywr digenetycznych

Total protein and activities of: alpha-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in haemolymph of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis, naturally infected with digenean larvae were investigated. There were no any changes in these parameters in the snails infected with Cercaria tenuispina that occupies mainly haemocoel sinuses. Significant increase of activities of all examined enzymes in haemolymph of the snails infected with larvae belonging to the Furcocercariae group was ascertained. These changes were proportional to the degree of injury of the digestive gland, examined with the use of the thymol turbidity test. Total protein level was significantly higher only in haemolymph of snails with higher values of this test

LEVEL OF TOTAL PROTEIN AND ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED ENZYMES IN HAEMOLYMPH OF LYMNAEA STAGNALIS (L.) (GASTROPODA: PULMONATA) NATURALLY INFECTED WITH DIGENEAN LARWAE

Total protein and activities of: alpha-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in haemolymph of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis, naturally infected with digenean larvae were investigated. There were no any changes in these parameters in the snails infected with Cercaria tenuispina that occupies mainly haemocoel sinuses. Significant increase of activities of all examined enzymes in haemolymph of the snails infected with larvae belonging to the Furcocercariae group was ascertained. These changes were proportional to the degree of injury of the digestive gland, examined with the use of the thymol turbidity test. Total protein level was significantly higher only in haemolymph of snails with higher values of this test

Sensitization to the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae in urban population of Upper Silesia [Poland]

Exposure to indoor allergens, especially dust mites has been recognized as a risk factor for sensitization and allergy symptoms that in extreme conditions could develop into asthma. To determine specific antigens responsible for allergy in patients positive for mite allergy skin tests whole protein extracts from the cultured mite species Tyrophagus putrescentiae [TP], and from their excrements were obtained. The proteins were fractionated by SDS PAGE and identified by Western blot. The patient antibodies against particular antigens were identified in serum IgE fraction using anti-human anti-IgE monoclonal antibody. Western blot analysis revealed differences in reactivity of sera from patients positive for standard mite allergy skin tests with fractionated mite antigens. A total of 17 of 30 sera (56.7%) from patients positive to skin tests showed specific cross reactivity with antigens isolated from extracts of TP. The results revealed that 12 out of 30 tested sera (40.0%) reacted specifically with new antigens identified as protein fractions of extracts from excrements of TP. When assessing mite allergen reaction using mixture of mite proteins the results of the test are not satisfactory for determining the antigen causing patient allergy. The results obtained from studies reported here indicate significant discrepancy between the so called standard allergy skin test and what the patient is actually sensitive to. Also, a new class of immunizing protein of about 25 kDa has been identified in excrements from TP reacting with IgE from patients showing allergy to other mite extracts. A total of 4 of 30 sera (approx. 13.3%) from patients positive to skin tests showed specific cross reactivity with antigens isolated from mite excrements rather than from mite whole extracts

Detection of protozoans Babesia microti and Toxoplasma gondii and their co-existence in ticks (Acari: Ixodida) collected in Tarnogórski district (Upper Silesia, Poland)

Introduction Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are vectors of many pathogens i. a: Babesia microti [Bm] and Toxoplasma gondii [Tg]. In Poland, Ixodes ricinus [Ir] is the main vector of both pathogens. This tick species and pathogens transmitted by them are a significant threat to human and animal health. Objectives of the study Detection of the protozoans Bm and Tg in ticks collected in the Tarnogórski district area. Material and Methods The ticks were collected from vegetation and pets in the spring period of their activity on the territory of the Tarnogórski district. The parasites were preserved in 70% ethanol. DNA was isolated by ammonia method. Bm was detected by nested-PCR using specific primers for the 18S rRNA sequence. To detect the Tg a commercial kit was used. The PCR products were separated on 2% ethidium bromide stained agarose gels and visualised under UV light. Results It was showed that all collected ticks belonged to the species Ir. Bm was detected in 50.87% and Tg in 64.91% of all examined ticks. Co-existence of these both protozoans in 36.84% of total examined ticks was noted. Conclusions The study showed a high risk of exposure to Bm and Tg in the studied area. Ticks Ir play an important role in the transmission of Bm in this region. Demonstrating a high percentage of ticks collected from animals infected with Tg may indicate their important role in the transmission of this pathogen, but it requires a further studies