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Filariid Worms of Animals and Their Zoonotic Significance

M.H. RAHMAN
Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

M.M.H. MONDAL
Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

R.J. MOHAMMAD
Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study on the incidence of the filariid worms in domestic and wild animals in two different ecological zones of Bangladesh, namely, Trishal of Mymensingh and Naikhonchari of Bangladesh was carried out. The study also aimed at to know the pathological effects of the parasites on their hostts). their zoonotic significance, if any; vectors and control. 235 Cattle examined after slaughter at Trishal of Mymensingh and Naikhongchari of Bangladesh were infected with Onchocerca armillata affecting aorta; O. gibsoni affecting subcutaneous tissues; O. gutturosa affecting the nuchal ligament and rumenosplenic area and Setaria spp. affecting peritoneal cavity. None of 07 slaughtered sheep and 40 goats examined had any filarial infection. Only one buffalo out of 16 was found infected with O. armillata at Naikhongchari. The aorta of the infected cattle with O. armillata had focal nodular thickening and calcification of the aortic wall. The O. gibsoni caused nut sized or bigger subcutaneous nodules. After incision of the nodules characteristic 'worm nests' were seen with tissue damage and fibrotic mass. In case of infection with O. gutturosa the connective tissues of the nuchal ligaments showed gelatnous brown appearence with few nodules. The Setaria spp. in the peri-toneal cavity caused no serious ill effect, except peritonitis in one case. Amongst 50 dogs, 16 cats and 8 foxes examined 22 dogs(44%). 3 cats (18.8%). and 5 foxes (62.5%) were found infected with the heart worm, Dirofilaria immitis. Skin scrapings examination- of 190 cattle revealed only Stephanofilaria sp. infection in 59 (31 %). Skin scraping examinations of all horses, buffaloes and goats were negative for filarial worms. Blood smear examination of all cats, foxes, cattle, horses, buffaloes, goats and human were negative for microfilariae. Only 21 dogs (35%) out of 60 were positive for microfilariae. All the mosquitoes examined were also negative for filarial worms.

Keywords: Filariid worms, Animals, Zoonotic significance

Location: Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Cow

Objectives:

To study: 1. The incidence of the filariid worms in domestic and wild animals in plain and hilly areas and their pathogenic effect and zoonotic significance, 2. The vector(s), their infection rate/load of microfilariae and 3. Effective control strategies against filariid worms.

Methodology:

Two different places of the country, Trishal of Mymensingh and Naikhonchari of Bandarban were selected for this study. 235 slaughtered cattle, 16 buffaloes, 7 sheep and 40 goats at these places formed the materials for the collection of adult worms. For this purpose, various organs like aorta, nuchal ligaments, rumenosplenic area, peritoneal cavities and subcutaneous nodules were carefully examined for the worms. Moreover, street dogs, stray cats, foxes were caught, euthanaised and their heart other visceral organs and subcutaneous tissues were examined for the filarial parasites. For the detection of microfilariae skin sera pings from cattle, horses, buffaloes and goats and blood from street dogs, catsm, foxes, cattle, horsesm goats and human beings were examined. The modified Knott's method of Newton and Wright were followed to detect the microfilariae in blood samples. Identification of the worms were done according to Belding, Levine and Soulsby. For vector studies, 236 mosquitoes of Culex spp. were caught and examined according to Chandler and Read. Treatment against D. immitis in dogs was done by Diethylcarbamazine compounds.

Source of Information: BAU Res. Prog. 7: 449-455; 1993

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

This study revealed that cattle at both the places were infected with filariid parasites. But none of the goats and sheep examined was infected.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings