Baiting not-owned dogs against : innovative tools for integrated control.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode is one of the most widespread zoonoses in Mediterranean countries. Baiting not-owned dogs with praziquantel (PZQ), due to their key role in the maintaining the transmission of CE, currently appears to be the most effective way to limit the transmission of CE, as well as an important aspect to introduce for the control of this parasitic disease. Therefore, this study aims to test 3 types of PZQ-based baits by evaluating different parameters (integrity over time, attractiveness and palatability for dogs, and mechanical resistance after release to different altitudes) and the bait acceptance in field by target animals, i.

An innovative strategy for deworming dogs in Mediterranean areas highly endemic for cystic echinococcosis.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, is a zoonotic parasitic disease of economic and public health importance worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean area. Canids are the main definitive hosts of the adult cestode contaminating the environment with parasite eggs released with feces. In rural and peri-urban areas, the risk of transmission to livestock as well as humans is high because of the free-roaming behavior of owned/not owned dogs.

Epidemiological and molecular updates on hookworm species in dogs from southern Italy.

Background: The zoonotic hookworms Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala are widespread soil-transmitted helminths in dogs in Europe. Given the veterinary and public health importance of hookworms in dogs and the recent changes in the molecular epidemiology of some species, there is a need to continuously monitor the epidemiological and molecular prevalence of these parasites also at the "local" level. The present study aimed to update the epidemiological scenario of hookworm infections in both owned and stray dogs in southern Italy and to discriminate between different hookworm species (A.

Evaluation of the Local Immune Response to Hydatid Cysts in Sheep Liver.

In order to characterize the inflammatory phenotype of livers of sheep naturally infected by cystic echinococcosis, 100 sheep livers have been macroscopically assessed for the presence of hydatid cysts and sampled for histopathological and molecular analysis. According to gross and microscopic examination, livers were subsequently classified into three groups: normal liver (Group A), liver with the presence of fertile hydatid cysts (Group B), and liver with the presence of sterile hydatid cysts (Group C). Immunohistochemical analyses were accomplished using primary antibodies anti-Iba1, anti-CD3, anti-CD20, anti-TGF-β, and anti-MMP9.

Utility of Combining High-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I and PESI Score for Risk Management in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department.

Background And Objectives: Pulmonary embolism (PE) has a major burden of morbidity and mortality, consequently the need for a prompt risk stratification for these subjects is crucial. In order to evaluate the risk management and final disposition of patients with PE in the Emergency Department (ED), we conducted a study that was divided in two phases: Phase I retrospective study (RS), Phase II prospective study (PS).

Materials And Methods: In Phase I, 291 patients were enrolled while in Phase II, 83 subjects were evaluated.

Serological Assays for Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis-A Comparative Multi-Test Study in Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan.

Both alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) are lacking pathognomonic clinical signs; consequently imaging technologies and serology remain the main pillars for diagnosis. The present study included 100 confirmed treatment-naïve AE and 64 CE patients that were diagnosed in Switzerland or Kyrgyzstan. Overall, 10 native spp.

Development of a public geographical information system-based website to follow the impact of control activities of soil-transmitted helminths in endemic countries.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common neglected tropical diseases worldwide causing high morbidity and mortality rates in endemic areas. Preventive chemotherapy (PC) programmes and health education are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the impact of STH in endemic countries. Following our role as WHO collaborating centre (WHO CC ITA-116), we have developed a WebGIS and a dataset to support PC programmes to monitor the impact of STH control.

Ascariasis in a 75-year-old man with small bowel volvulus: a case report.

Background: Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are the most common soil-transmitted helminths of humans and pigs, respectively. The zoonotic potential of A. suum has been a matter of debate for decades.

Epidemiology and spatial distribution of Echinococcus granulosus in sheep and goats slaughtered in a hyperendemic European Mediterranean area.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato affecting livestock, particularly sheep and goats. However, often this parasitosis is underestimated. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features and spatial distribution of CE in sheep and goats slaughtered in a hyperendemic Mediterranean area.

Towards an Integrated Approach for Monitoring Toxoplasmosis in Southern Italy.

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread worldwide zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular protozoan . This protozoan infection is considered one of the most important food-borne parasitic zoonoses globally. Beyond its impact on public health, toxoplasmosis has also important veterinary implications, because it causes miscarriage or congenital malformations in livestock with negative economic impacts.

In Vitro Evaluation of Ozonated Water Treatment on the Viability of Oocysts and Cysts from Water Buffaloes: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of ozonated water treatment on the viability of oocysts and cysts isolated from naturally infected water buffaloes. oocysts were divided into seven groups of six replicates that were treated with ozonated water at three ozone concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/L) and two contact times (five and ten minutes), and one group (negative control) that was exposed to non-treated water.

Effectiveness of Fenbendazole and Metronidazole Against Infection in Dogs Monitored for 50-Days in Home-Conditions.

A field trial performed in-home conditions was conducted on 24 dogs naturally infected with , in order to compare the efficacy of fenbendazole and metronidazole. Animals were allocated in groups randomly in order to obtain two groups of 12 dogs each with similar parasitic loads of cysts: dogs in Group A were treated with fenbendazole (Panacur®, Intervet Italia Srl) administered at the dose of 50 mg/kg orally once a day for 5 consecutive days, dogs in Group B were treated with metronidazole (Flagyl®, Zambon Italia Srl) administered orally at the dose of 50 mg/kg, once a day for 5 consecutive days. All the dogs that were shedding cysts after the first treatment (Day 0) were retreated (either at Day 7 or at Day 14 or at Day 21) until a negative result was obtained with the same treatment.

Immunopathological Response, Histological Changes, Parasitic Burden, and Egg Output in Sheep Naturally Infected by .

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between infection by (class Trematoda) and the animal host response in terms of macroscopic lesions, the immunopathological response, and histological changes in the livers of naturally infected sheep. Twenty-four sheep were selected on the basis of positive fecal egg counts (FECs). Gross and histological injuries were scored.

Fast Focus Ultrasound Liver Technique for the Assessment of Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep.

A complete ultrasound examination (cUS) of the liver was performed on 172 female sheep and compared to the performance of a fast-focused ultrasound technique to diagnose echinococcal cysts. The scanned area was divided in: HYP (right hypocondrium), zone (Z)1 from HYP to the 11th intercostal space (IS), Z2 (10th-8th IS) and Z3 (7th-5th IS). Contiguous scans were also examined (HYP + Z1, Z1 + Z2, Z2 + Z3).

Erratum: Improving assessment and management of large non-pedunculated colorectal lesions in a Western center over 10 years: lessons learned and clinical impact.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-1220-6261.].

Improving assessment and management of large non-pedunculated colorectal lesions in a Western center over 10 years: lessons learned and clinical impact.

Outcomes of endoscopic assessment and management of large colorectal (CR) non-pedunculated lesions (LNPLs) are still under evaluation, especially in Western settings. We analyzed the clinical impact of changes in LNPL management over the last decade in a European center. All consecutive LNPLs ≥ 20 mm endoscopically assessed (2008-2019) were retrospectively included.

Tick-borne pathogens in Ixodidae ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy: a country-wide molecular survey.

Background: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasingly recognized as a cause of disease in dogs worldwide. The epidemiology of ticks and tick-transmitted protozoa and bacteria has changed due to the spread of ticks to urban and peri-urban areas and the movement of infected animals, posing new risks for animals and humans. This countrywide study reports information on distribution and prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy.

Why Use the Mini-FLOTAC to Detect Metastrongyloid Larvae in Dogs and Cats?

Purpose: Canine and feline cardiopulmonary disease is an emergent condition in several European countries, particularly in non-endemic regions, although it is often underestimated because of the limitations of the common diagnostic techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Mini-FLOTAC to detect cardiopulmonary larvae from dogs and cats compared to reference techniques such as Baermann and FLOTAC.

Methods: A total of 20 fresh faecal samples were collected from ten dogs and ten cats naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum, and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus spp.

Ostertagia ostertagi antibodies in bulk tank milk from dairy cattle in Italy: A nation-wide survey.

The objective of this study was to investigate the exposure to Ostertagia ostertagi in dairy cattle herds across Italy through measurement of antibody concentration in the bulk tank milk (BTM) and to evaluate the possible effect of regions, seasons and pasture management practices on the level of exposure to the parasite. The O. ostertagi antibody levels in milk were determined using a commercial ELISA kit (SVANOVIR® O.

Comparative cost-effectiveness of immunoassays and FLOTAC for diagnosing Giardia spp. infection in dogs.

Background: Giardia spp. is a protozoan pathogen and is the most common enteric parasite of domestic animals and humans. Assays for detecting infection in fecal samples using direct or indirect examinations are important tools for diagnosing the disease.

A national survey of Ixodidae ticks on privately owned dogs in Italy.

Background: The geographical distribution of ticks on companion animals needs to be monitored to develop and plan effective control measures, as suggested by the European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites. The aim of this study was to conduct the first Italian national survey of tick distribution on privately owned dogs.

Methods: The study was performed over 20 months (February 2016 - September 2017) and involved 153 veterinary practices in 64 different provinces covering 17/20 (85%) Italian regions.

Innovative tools for the diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus in definitive hosts.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an innovative protocol for the diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus and other Taeniidae in dogs. For this purpose, three experiments were performed, using faecal samples from naturally infected dogs. Firstly, the FLOTAC technique was calibrated with five flotation solutions: saturated sodium chloride (specific gravity, s.

Angiostrongylus vasorum: epidemiological, clinical and histopathological insights.

Background: Canine angiostrongylosis is a nematode infection in domestic dogs and wild carnivores. The present report focuses on epidemiological, clinical and histopathological findings in a case of fatal disseminated angiostrongylosis in a dog living in southern Italy and provides data on the extent of the spread of Angiostrongylus vasorum in the same area.

Case Presentation: A 4-year-old female English Setter from the Campania region of southern Italy was referred with a 2-week history of cough and severe respiratory distress that did not respond to antimicrobial therapy.