Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract There is an increasing interest in exploring plant extracts as potential new treatment options for these ailments. Ziziphus vulgaris L. and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze are medicinal plants widely used in different traditional medical practices, especially in Iranian traditional medicine, for addressing a range of health issues. Although their biological properties are well-established, their effectiveness against Giardia duodenalis cysts is still uncertain. This research aimed to assess the impact of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis extracts on G. duodenalis cysts in vitro and to compare their effectiveness with metronidazole. Cysts were extracted from stool samples and concentrated using a 0.85 M sucrose solution. Extracts of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis were prepared at concentrations of 25.00, 50.00, and 100 mg mL^-1. The impacts of these extracts at different concentrations were evaluated at 10, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min, and the results were compared to control groups. The collected data were documented and statistically analyzed. The findings revealed that Z. vulgaris extract at a concentration of 100 mg mL^-1 and C. sinensis extract at a concentration of 50.00 mg mL^-1 showed similar effectiveness to metronidazole in eliminating Giardia cysts. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis extracts, in comparison with metronidazole, indicated a rise in fatality rates with prolonged exposure times and higher extract concentrations. Therefore, it could be concluded that extracts of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis were as effective as metronidazole for killing Giardia cysts in vitro.

Abstract This investigation was undertaken to verify the prevalence of helminths parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of catfish. A total number of 116 catfish (Silurus glanis) were collected from Zarrine-roud river and examined for helminths. Fish were examined after washing contents of gastrointestinal tract and observed for the presence of helminths using a stereo microscope and a light microscope. Results indicated that 18.96% of the examined catfish were infected with digenean trematodes including Orientocreadium siluri (27%), Crowcrocoecum skrjabini (39%), and cestode Bothriocephalus gowkongensis (34%). All the parasites were found in the intestine. Mid-gut followed by foregut appeared to be the most commonly infected parts of the alimentary tract of hosts. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between infection rate, catfish body size, and weight (P < 0.05).

Abstract The pond snail Lymnaea auricularia serves as an intermediate host for many digenian species. In West Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran, the cercariae infection investigation was undertaken in L. auricularia from May to November 2010. Of 6759 collected Lymnaeid snails, 370(5.5%) L. auricularia snails were identified. Cercariae infection was found in a number of 276 (74.56 %) snails. The results showed that removed cercariae from L. auricularia belonged to Echinostomcercariae (96.38 %) and Furcocercariae (3.62 %) which were found in two out of 28 sites during the course of study. In summer and fall, the highest prevalence of cercariae infection was recorded for both identified cercariae. It is concluded that L. auricularia could be an important intermediate host of large group digenian trematodes in the region, which is necessary to take consideration in the control program of trematode infection.