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 survey was carried out to determine the infection rate of Coenurus cerebralis in Urmia abattoir, West Azerbaijan, Iran. A total of 402 sheep heads were examined and the number of C. cerebralis cysts per each head was recorded. Thirty three sheep heads were examined each month during 12 months from 2006 to 2007. Of 402 heads, a number of 75 heads (18.65%) were infected with C. cerebralis. The cysts located in the left and right hemispheres and cerebellum were 54.63%, 40.20% and 5.15%, respectively. The infected heads contained 1-4 cysts. The highest and lowest prevalence were detected in sheep in March (42.42%) and in July (2.94%), respectively. The infection rates according to age of sheep were 42.02% in 0.5 to 2 years, 22.50% in 2 to 4 years and 8.92% in older than 4 years. The age specific infection rates among age groups were significantly differed (P < 0.05). Infection rate in Haraki breed (27.77%) was higher comparing to the rate in the Ghezel breed (21.13%) and Makoie breed (23.91%). However differences between sheep breeds were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).