Eimeria spp. from Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica): new characteristic features and diagnostic tools

The Japanese quail Coturnix japonica originated from North Africa, Europe and Asia, is used worldwide as an experimental animal and model for aviculture. The current paper characterizes Eimeria bateri, Eimeria tsunodai and Eimeria uzura recovered from C. japonica. Based on the fact that quails have a global distribution, as are their coccidia, the findings of this study should provide the means for diagnosis of those Eimeria spp. in other regions and continents. Eimeria bateri showed the greatest intensity of infection and shed oocysts from the fourth day after infection; in contrast, E. tsunodai and E. uzura shed oocysts from the fifth day after infection. The three species shared a high degree of similarity and were all polymorphic. Yet, the application of line regressions, histograms and ANOVA provided means for the identification of these species. Finally, the algorithm was very efficient since verified that resultant values were not superimposed.

Eficácia de Chenopodium ambrosioides (erva-de-santa-maria) no controle de endoparasitos de Coturnix japônica (codorna japonesa)

Resumo:O objetivo foi testar in vitro e in vivo a eficácia da planta medicinal Chenopodium ambrosioidesLinnaeus, 1786 (erva-de-santa-maria), nas formas fitoterápica e homeopática, como meios alternativos para o controle de endoparasitos de Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849 (codorna japonesa), um sério problema que afeta a criação e desempenho de aves domésticas, ocasionando morte quando muito intenso, retardo de crescimento, redução de índice de conversão alimentar e aumento na suscetibilidade às doenças infecciosas. As metodologias utilizadas foram preconizadas por Coles et al. (1992), creditada pela World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). A pesquisa evidenciou a presença dos gêneros Ascaridiae Eimeria. O ensaio in vitro demonstrou alta taxa de redução na inibição de eclosão de ovos de Ascaridiasp. (100,00%) e significativa taxa de redução na destruição de oocistos de Eimeriasp. (47,06%). O ensaio in vivodemonstrou alta taxa de redução na contagem de ovos de Ascaridiasp. nas fezes (100,00%) e expressiva taxa de redução na contagem de oocistos de Eimeriasp. nas fezes (60,33%). Chenopodium ambrosioides mostrou em certos momentos superioridade frente ao produto tradicional (Thiabendazole/Mebendazole) e índices superiores aos preconizados pelo Ministério da Agricultura do Brasil e Organização Mundial da Saúde como indicativos de eficácia.

Triglicerideos sangüíneos e composição química da carne de codornas alimentadas com bixina e niacina suplementar

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de bixina do colorífico e niacina suplementar em rações, nos níveis plasmáticos de triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de densidade muito baixa, na gordura da carne de peito, de coxa e sobrecoxa, e na carcaça de codornas. Utilizaram-se 240 codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) machos, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e 12 codornas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram: ração referência, à base de milho e farelo de soja, sem inclusão de colorífico e de niacina suplementar; ração com 4,5% de colorífico; ração com 0,08% de niacina suplementar e ração com 4,5% de colorífico e 0,08% de niacina suplementar. Não houve efeito de tratamento nos níveis plasmáticos de triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de densidade muito baixa e nos teores de extrato etéreo na carne de coxa e sobrecoxa, e na carcaça das codornas. No 49º dia de idade, as codornas que receberam rações com 0,08% de niacina suplementar apresentaram maior teor de gordura na carne de peito (1,50%) do que as codornas alimentadas com a ração referência (0,85%). O uso de bixina do colorífico e niacina suplementar, em rações, não reduz os níveis de gordura no sangue, carne e carcaça de codornas japonesas machos.

Epidemiological features and control of schistosomiasis japonica in China

Achievements and successes have been obtained in schistosomiasis control in China. An epidemic survey was carried out and its results analyzed.

Anti-embryonation immunity in murine schistosomiasis japonica (Philippines)

The hypothesis that granuloma modulation and disease abatement in chronic infection with Schistosoma japonicum could be ascribed to antibody-mediated effects on egg maturation and egg viability, arose from studies performed with mice in the Philippines. This novel hypothesis has not yet been integrated into the schistosomiasis literature despite being formulated more than a decade ago. One reason for this is that the phenomenon might be confined to S. japonicum, even S. japonicum (Philippines).

The serological differentiation of acute and chronic schistosomiasis japonica using IgA antibody to egg antigen

Two groups of Schistosoma japonicum infected patients (acute and chronic ) and non-infected individuals were studied using IgA antibody to egg antigen (SEA) and IgG and IgM antibodies to keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). The means and standard deviation of the optical density in ELISA of acute, chronic and negative groups for IgA anti-SEA were 583±124.7, 98.2±78.8 and 82.2±39. 3, respectively. There was a statistically significance between acute patients and chronic patients (P<0.01). The means and standard deviation of IgG and IgM antibodies to KLH were 501.5±150.6, 113.0±79.1, 28.8±56.3 and 413.6±148.5, 70.2±14.8, 65.3±45.3, respectively. The detection results of IgA to SEA compared with the IgG and IgM to KLH did not demonstrate a significant difference (P>0.01). The sensitivities of IgA to SEA and IgG and IgM antibodies to KLH for the detection of acute infection were 95.24%, 90.48% and 85.71%, respectively. Therefore, this study showed that the detection of IgA to SEA is also a useful new method for the serological differentiation of acute and chronic schistosomiasis japonica in humans.

Collembolan community in broad-leaved forests and in conifer stands of Cryptomeria japonica in Central Japan

Collembolan communities in conifer plantations (Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica) and secondary deciduous broad-leaved forests of varying ages were investigated to determine the extent to which forest conversion (broad-leaved to coniferous) affects the species richness and assemblage composition of Collembola in central Japan. Density and total species richness of Collembola not differed between the broad-leaved and cedar forests except immediately after clear-cutting. The amount of forest-floor organic matter was larger in cedar forests and positively correlated with the species richness of detritus feeders. Species richness of fungal feeders and sucking feeders positively correlated with the species richness of forest-floor plants. There was difference in collembolan species composition between the forest types. The age of the forests seemed to have only small importance for the collembolan community, except during the first four years after clear-cutting. The conversion to artificial cedar stands has not reduced the abundance or species richness of collembolan communities, but has affected community composition. Differences in species composition may be related to the ground floras.

Enraizamento de estacas herbáceas de nespereira (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl)

O cultivo da nespereira (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl) tem despertado interesse no Brasil, devido ao bom rendimento que proporciona aos produtores e à facilidade de comercialização. Com isso, cada vez mais se buscam métodos de propagação que preservem as características genéticas de interesse, induzam precocidade na formação da muda e no início de produção, além de baixo custo. O método de estaquia se adequa a estas características; sendo assim, o objetivo deste experimento é avaliar o efeito do tipo de estaca herbácea na produção de mudas de nespereira, num experimento conduzido na Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV/UNESP, Câmpus de Jaboticabal (SP), utilizando plantas matrizes de nespereiras, plantadas em 1977, da variedade Mizuho, pertencentes à coleção de plantas frutíferas da Universidade. Utilizaram-se estacas apicais herbáceas com e sem meristema apical, com 2 ou 4 folhas inteiras ou cortadas pela metade, num total de 6 tratamentos, 4 repetições e 12 estacas por parcela, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Após 120 dias do plantio das estacas em bandejas com vermiculita e mantidas sob câmara de nebulização, concluiu-se que a porcentagem de estacas vivas e a presença de calos foram significativamente maiores nas estacas apicais sem meristema e com quatro folhas inteiras, e não há efeito do tipo de estaca herbácea sobre o número de estacas enraizadas, número e comprimento médio de raízes. A presença de calos na base das estacas indica a possibilidade de estímulo natural de enraizamento que pode ser potencializada com a utilização de fitorreguladores.

A multivariate analysis of the relationship between work ability and S. japonicum infection in Dongting Lake Region, in China

A cross-sectional case-control study on the association between the reduced work ability and S. japonicum infection was carried out in a moderate endemic area for schistosomiasis japonica in the southern part of Dongting lake in China. A total of 120 cases with reduced work ability and 240 controls paired to the case by age, sex, occupation and without reduced work ability, participated in the study. The mean age for individuals was 37.6 years old (21-60), the ratio of male: female was 60:40, the prevalence of S. japonicum in the individuals was 28.3%. The results obtained in this study showed that the infection of S. japonicum in case and control groups was 49.2% (59/120) and 17.9% (43/240), respectively. Odds ratio for reduced work ability among those who had schistosomiasis was 4.34 (95%), confidence interval was 2.58-7.34, and among those who had S. japonicum infection (egg per gram > 100) was up to 12.67 (95%), confidence interval was 3.64-46.39. After odds ratio was adjusted by multiple logistic regression, it was confirmed that heavier intensity of S. japonicum infection and splenomegaly due to S. japonicum infection were the main risk factors for reduced work ability in the population studied.

A short review of the previous and current epidemiological situation of schistosomiasis in China

Schistosomiasis japonica has long been endemic in the People's Republic of China. In the 1950s, the number of the infected persons was estimated at 10 million; infected snail habitats were estimated at more than 14 billion square metres and infected cattle at 1.2 million. After schistosomiasis control measures were carried out, it was a great success. According to the survey of 1989, infected persons were estimated at 0.95 million; infected snails at 3.47 billion and infected cattle at about 0.1 million.These results compared with those of the 1950s show big reductions in prevalence rates 90.5%, 75.2% and 91.6%, respectively. At present, the disease is a threat in the marshland and lake regions and the high mountainous regions. To maintain the success achieved in effective control and to bring the yet endemic marshland and lake regions and mountainous areas under control are hard and long-term tasks confronting the People's Republic of China.

Bacillus and Serratia species for Scarab control

Few microorganisms are commercially available for use against white grubs (larvae of Scarabaeidae). Entomopathogenic bacteria, particularly Bacillus popilliae, have been used the longest for white grub suppression. Other bacteria, namely B. thuringiensis and Serratia spp. offer promise for future control. This papes examines two genera of bacteria (Bacillus and Serratia) from the historical and current perspective. Bacillus popilliae, the firs microbial control agent registered in the United States, has a long history of use in suppressing populations of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica. However, lack of in vitro production and the slow and sporadic nature of its activity, severely limits its utilization. B. thuringiensis, the most widely used microbial pesticide, has not been used for scarab, control. However, strains with scarab activity have recently been discovered. Scarab larvae have been collected in the United States with signs and symptoms similar to those characteristic of amber disease (caused by Serratia entomophila) in the New Zealand grass grub, Costelytra zealandica. A total of 147 bacteria have been obtained from the digestive tracts of larvae of the Japanese beetle and masked chafers, Cyclocephala spp., as well as from larvae and soil collected in Japan and China. Seventy five of these have been identified as Serratia spp. Most (40) of the remaining bacteria are in the genus Enterobacter. A majority of the bacteria (73) and of the Serratia (38) came from P. japonica.

Schistosomiasis control in China

After three decades' efforts, schistosomiasis japonica were controlled in one-third (4/12) of endemic provinces and 68.2 (259/380) of endemic counties throughout the country. The remaining 121 endemic counties are located primarily in the lake and mountainous regions. The epidemiological and ecological features of the lake and mountainous areas are different from the other endemic areas. The major schistosomiasis control efforts in China can be characterized as follows: (1) Application of centralized leadership and management, since schistosomiasis control is a task not only of the Ministry of Public Health, but also of all local governments in the endemic areas; (2) Integration of actions taken by various departments or bureaus, such as agriculture, water conservation and public health; (3) Promotion of mass participation; (4) Organization of strong professional teams; (5) Raising sufficient funds. Strategies on schistosomiasis control applied in different areas are divided into three levels: (1) In the areas where the schistosomiasis has been successfully controlled, surveillance must be maintained and immediate action should be taken where new infections occur and/or vector snails are found, so that control can be reestablished quickly; (2) In the areas where schistosomiasis has been partially controlled, any residents and/or live-stock infected should be examined and treated promptly with due care, and environment modifying and/or mollusciding must be used to eliminate the remaining snails; (3) In the areas where transmission has not been controlled, the main strategy is to control morbidity. Mass or selective chemotherapy with praziquental should be applied to both infected persosns and the live-stock, and environment modification for the snail-ridden areas should be taken but should be coordinated with agriculture where possible. Advance cases must be treated; and epidemics of Katayama fever prevented; water supply and sanitation shoud be improved and health education emphasized. Annual mass or selective chemotherapy with praziquental both reduces the prevalence rate and decreases the intensity of the infection for inhabitants and live-stock. As a consequence of the therapy a low prevalence rate can be obtained in a short time. The length of such arrangement period can be decided in accordance with the prevalence of the infection before the drug program is begun. Therefore,a maintenance phase is urgently needed. As China's ecomony expands and people's living standard rises, schistosomiasis will be controlled more effectively and successfully.

Host Specificity of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (Acari: Ixodidae) with Comments on the Drop-off Rhythm

The parasitic specificity of larval, nymph and adult Amblyomma cajennense on six different host species: Oryctolagus cuniculus, Rattus norvegicus, Gallus gallus domesticus, Anas platyrhynchus, Coturnix coturnix and Streptopelia decorata is described. In terms of the numbers of larvae and nymphs recovered, O. cuniculus was the best host species. The modal day for drop-off of larvae and nymphs was day three for the mammal hosts, but variable in the birds. We conclude that adult A. cajennense have a strong degree of specificity due to the fact that the tick failed to complete its life cycle on any of the evaluated hosts. The immature stages, on the other hand, showed a low level of specificity, most especially in the larval stage, indicating the existence of secondary hosts which probably serve as dispersers in the wild. The results also indicated a variable drop-off rhythm for larvae and nymphs in two periods, diurnal (6-18 hr) and nocturnal (18-6 hr), which differed depending upon the host.