Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate protozoan cysts and oocyts in the faecal pellets of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), with emphasis on the prevalence of Lophomonas blattarum.
Methods: Thirty adult Blattella germanica (12 males; 18 females) were trapped near Madrid, Spain. Expelled faecal pellets were collected in the laboratory over 5 days in two plastic containers. Protozoan cysts from one container were weighted and those in the other used for morphologically identification.
Results: Protozoan cysts/oocysts per gram of faecal pellet were: Nyctotherus sp. (0.0019/g), Entamoeba (0.0007/g), Balantidium coli (0.0001/g), Lophomonas blattarum (0.00038/g). Observation of 189 protozoan cysts/oocysts indicated the following prevalence: Nyctotherus sp. 65 (34.4%); Gregarina spp. 34 (18%); Entamoeba sp. 24 (12.7%); Cryptosporidium sp. 17 (9%); Coccidia 16 (8.4%); Lophomonas blattarum 13 (6.8%); Balantidium coli 4 (2.1%); and unclassified 16 (8.4%).
Conclusion: Lophomonas blattarum has previously been demonstrated in the gut of cockroaches, but this is the first assessment of the prevalence in Blattella germanica in faecal pellets. The presence of protozoa in faecal pellets provides some evidence for one step in a hypothesised route of respiratory infection whereby protozoa from household insects enter the respiratory tract.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/s11686-020-00213-2 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
December 2024
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
The Paneth cell, a secretory cell of the small intestine, expresses numerous host defense proteins, and is hypothesized to play an important role in host defense against infection. However, studying gene expression in this cell requires invasive procedures. To test the hypothesis that we could observe Paneth cell-specific gene regulation from exfoliated cells in infectious conditions, we obtained stool samples from patients with COVID-19 and uninfected controls.
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December 2024
Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias, n 11, Piracicaba, SP, 1341-900, Brazil.
The inclusion of forage sources in calf diets is often discussed, and the main point debated is whether the inclusion level, particle size, source, and how forage is offered may impact gut fill and reduce body weight gain, as well as impact gastrointestinal tract development. This study aimed to determine the effects of feeding forage sources with different qualities on rumen fermentation, gut fill, and development of the gastrointestinal tract of dairy calves. Forty-eight Holstein dairy calves were blocked according to sex and body weight (BW) at 28 days of life and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAppl Environ Microbiol
December 2024
Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.
Unlabelled: Microbiome composition and function often change throughout a host's life cycle, reflecting shifts in the ecological niche of the host. The mechanisms that establish these relationships are therefore important dimensions of host ecology and evolution; yet, their nature remains poorly understood. Here, we sought to investigate the microbial communities associated with the complex life cycle of the dung beetle and the relative contributions of host life stage, sex, and environment in determining microbiome assembly.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Anim Sci
December 2024
Teagasc, Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland.
The objective was to evaluate the effect of providing dry pelleted starter diet (DPS) or a liquid mixture of milk replacer and starter diet (LMR+S) to suckling pigs housed in farrowing pens of sub-standard or optimal hygiene conditions on pig growth to slaughter, and post-weaning (PW) intestinal parameters. On day (d) 107 of gestation, 87 sows were randomly allocated to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The factors were creep feeding (DPS or LMR+S) and pre-farrowing hygiene routine (SUB-STANDARD or OPTIMAL).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Dairy Sci
December 2024
Milk Specialties Global, 7500 Flying Cloud Dr Suite 500 Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344, USA.
Protein encapsulated fat (PEF) blends are routinely used for manufacturing calf milk replacers (MR). The use of PEF blends improves fat mixability to ensure MR when mixed and fed as a homogenous solution for neonatal calves. A new alternative PEF based on choice white grease (CWG) has been developed to improve its mixability and solubility to ensure a homogenous MR solution.
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