Malaria is a tropical disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of the most severe form of malaria, and therefore insights into the molecular mechanisms by which it functions are critical. The intraerythrocytic stage of the life cycle is responsible for the clinical manifestations of the disease. Numerous proteins are required for the invasion and remodelling of host erythrocytes, and need to be transported to the highly specialized organelles from which they are secreted (invasion proteins), or to the erythrocyte cytoplasm or membrane (exported proteins). It is postulated that newly synthesized proteins are transported from the Golgi network to their target destinations by specific interactions of target sequences of the proteins with the medium subunit (μ) of an adaptor protein (AP1) complex. Bioinformatic analysis of the putative P. falciparum AP1μ subunit, encoded by Pf13_0062, revealed a cargo-binding domain. Three regions, one of which encompassed the putative binding domain, while the other two interrupted this domain, were cloned into the pGEX-4T-2 expression vector. These recombinant proteins were expressed in E. coli with a GST tag, purified and immobilized on glutathione magnetic beads and used to biopan P. falciparum phage display libraries to identify interacting proteins. No binding was observed with the truncated domains, but several specific interactions were identified with the binding domain. One of these peptides was 13 amino acids long and contained a Yxx motif, indicating that PfAP1, like its homologues in higher eukaryotes, binds specifically to this motif in cargo proteins. Other sequences identified included a RRNIFLFINRKKE peptide; exported protein PHISTa; and conserved protein PFL0675c. In the C-terminal region of PFL0675c an armadillo repeat structure was predicted, just downstream of the binding domain identified by biopanning. This region of PFL0675c was therefore cloned into the pET-15b expression vector and expressed as a recombinant His-tagged protein. Slot overlays and far western blotting confirmed the specificity of the interaction with PfAP1. Since PFL0675c does not display the characteristics typical of AP1 cargo, it is postulated to be an accessory protein to the complex. Localization studies performed by transfection V of P. falciparum parasites with pARL2AP1GFP showed that in vivo, PfAP1 localized to distinct foci around the nucleus. Co-localization studies confirmed that PfAP1 localizes to the cis-Golgi in P. falciparum. PfAP1 may therefore be involved in trafficking proteins from the Golgi network to specific subcellular compartments within the parasite. This is the first study identifying interacting partners of PfAP1, and demonstrating its localization in P. falciparum 3D7 parasites.

No description available.

In South Africa, the assessment of the suitability and acceptability of water for drinking purposes is done according to the South African National Standards (SANS) 241 (2006) which requires that Cryptosporidium and Giardia in drinking water should be less than 1 oocyst/10l and 1 cyst/10l respectively. Although there is a requirement to monitor for these parasitic protozoans, there is lack of uniformity in the monitoring approach. Therefore, the objective of the study was to develop a protocol/methodology that can be applied by drinking water producers to monitor Cryptosporidium and Giardia to ensure that the risk of exposure to these organisms and the risks of non–compliance to guidelines are reduced. Also, to test the feasibility of the protocol on a small system, the drinking water purification plant at the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir that supplies approximately 350 people with drinking water. The protocol for monitoring of Cryptosporidium and Giardia was developed based on monitoring procedures proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Australia, New Zealand, and especially on the risk based procedure followed by Northern Ireland with the intention that it will be applicable to all water supply systems irrespective of size and system complexity of the purification works. It is focused on a preventative approach of monitoring Cryptosporidium and Giardia and it consists of ten steps which are: (i) Assessment of the monitoring requirements, (ii) Description and characterization of the source water types (iii) Abstraction of source water (iv) Assessment of the water purification plant (v) Water quality monitoring (vi) Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis outbreak (vii) Risk assessment (viii) Sample collection and Laboratory processing (ix) Data evaluation, interpretation and storage (x) Process evaluation and review. As stated, the developed protocol was tested at a small purification plants situated at the dam wall of the Vaal River Barrage catchment, Gauteng Province . From this assessment it was evident that steps of the protocol were easy to follow and the possible risks in the water value chain i.e. from source water to the supply of purified drinking water could be identified. Some of the challenges encountered during the application of the protocol include difficulty in obtaining detailed information regarding the activities around the catchment and information on the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in the local community or in South Africa in general. From this study, it could be concluded that the source water from the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir was high risk. However, the use of the multi–barrier approach coupled with advanced treatment of UV rendered the water drinking supplied to the local community within the South African Drinking Water Standards for from Cryptosporidium and Giardia of less than 1 oocyst/10l and 1 cyst/10l. The protocol for the monitoring of Cryptosporidium and Giardia could contribute to the protection of drinking water consumers by identifying high risk source waters, identifying areas that can be improved in the water treatment system and also protecting the catchment areas from further faecal pollution. With respect to this outcome, the developed protocol could be used by water utilities as part of their Water Safety Plans to optimize monitoring. Furthermore, this methodology has a potential to contribute to the blue drop certification as it should for part of the Water Safety Plans. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

In South Africa, the assessment of the suitability and acceptability of water for drinking purposes is done according to the South African National Standards (SANS) 241 (2006) which requires that Cryptosporidium and Giardia in drinking water should be less than 1 oocyst/10l and 1 cyst/10l respectively. Although there is a requirement to monitor for these parasitic protozoans, there is lack of uniformity in the monitoring approach. Therefore, the objective of the study was to develop a protocol/methodology that can be applied by drinking water producers to monitor Cryptosporidium and Giardia to ensure that the risk of exposure to these organisms and the risks of non–compliance to guidelines are reduced. Also, to test the feasibility of the protocol on a small system, the drinking water purification plant at the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir that supplies approximately 350 people with drinking water. The protocol for monitoring of Cryptosporidium and Giardia was developed based on monitoring procedures proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Australia, New Zealand, and especially on the risk based procedure followed by Northern Ireland with the intention that it will be applicable to all water supply systems irrespective of size and system complexity of the purification works. It is focused on a preventative approach of monitoring Cryptosporidium and Giardia and it consists of ten steps which are: (i) Assessment of the monitoring requirements, (ii) Description and characterization of the source water types (iii) Abstraction of source water (iv) Assessment of the water purification plant (v) Water quality monitoring (vi) Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis outbreak (vii) Risk assessment (viii) Sample collection and Laboratory processing (ix) Data evaluation, interpretation and storage (x) Process evaluation and review. As stated, the developed protocol was tested at a small purification plants situated at the dam wall of the Vaal River Barrage catchment, Gauteng Province . From this assessment it was evident that steps of the protocol were easy to follow and the possible risks in the water value chain i.e. from source water to the supply of purified drinking water could be identified. Some of the challenges encountered during the application of the protocol include difficulty in obtaining detailed information regarding the activities around the catchment and information on the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in the local community or in South Africa in general. From this study, it could be concluded that the source water from the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir was high risk. However, the use of the multi–barrier approach coupled with advanced treatment of UV rendered the water drinking supplied to the local community within the South African Drinking Water Standards for from Cryptosporidium and Giardia of less than 1 oocyst/10l and 1 cyst/10l. The protocol for the monitoring of Cryptosporidium and Giardia could contribute to the protection of drinking water consumers by identifying high risk source waters, identifying areas that can be improved in the water treatment system and also protecting the catchment areas from further faecal pollution. With respect to this outcome, the developed protocol could be used by water utilities as part of their Water Safety Plans to optimize monitoring. Furthermore, this methodology has a potential to contribute to the blue drop certification as it should for part of the Water Safety Plans. / Thesis (M. Environmental Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:15:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2009 - Carla Alves Soleiro.pdf: 3960368 bytes, checksum: 0dd24a3adc28cf6201d540a47b33d074 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-11 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Ostriches are susceptible to many diseases and until recently, many of them are unknown and can affect these animals when it comes to commercially breeding. In Brazil, the commercial establishment has been initiated 20 years ago, but already there are reports about the diseases that can affect these birds. The objectives of this study were identify morphologically gastrointestinal protozoans and nematodes of ostriches and see the variations: the parasitic infection that occurs in accordance to the dry and rainy seasons, and the elimination of eggs of nematodes and oocysts / cysts of protozoa by age, in a commercial establishment located in Itabora? City, Microregion of Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro. During the period from June 2004 to May 2006 ostriches were separated into three age groups: up to 90 days, 91 to 365 days and over 365 days (adults). The collection was held monthly and fecal samples were individually obtained, placed in plastic bags, identified and kept under refrigeration until the moment to be examined. There were employed the techniques of centrifuge-flotation in saturated sucrose solution, centrifuge-sedimentation in formalin-ether, culture of feces and stained by Safranin-Metilen Blue, and Gomori trichrome of iron Hematoxylin. Meteorological data were also obtained to determine the dry and rainy seasons. There were identified the nematode Codiostomum struthionis and three genera of intestinal protozoa: Blastocystis, Entamoeba and Cryptosporidium. All birds younger than 365 days showed a higher frequency of the genus Cryptosporidium. Among the mixed infections the most common was the association of C. struthionis with Cryptosporidium. (17.74%) in adults. There was a greater shedding of Strongylida eggs (p <0.05) and also larger number of animals that shed oocysts / cysts of intestinal protozoans in feces during the rainy season (p <0.05). A larger number of animals less than 365 days eliminated cysts / oocysts of protozoa, which is significantly correlated to the genus Entamoeba in animals up to 90 days compared with 91 to 365 (p=0.036) and to the genus Blastocystis, in this case when compared with the over 365 days (p=0.09). / Avestruzes s?o suscet?veis a diversas enfermidades e at? h? pouco tempo se desconheciam aquelas que podem acometer esses animais quando criados comercialmente. No Brasil a cria??o comercial iniciou-se h? cerca de 20 anos, mas j? existem relatos sobre as doen?as que podem acometer essas aves. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram identificar morfologicamente protozo?rios e nemat?ides gastrintestinais de avestruzes e verificar as varia??es: da infec??o parasit?ria de acordo com as ?pocas seca e chuvosa, e da elimina??o de ovos de nemat?ides e de oocisto/cisto de protozo?rios por faixa et?ria, em uma cria??o comercial localizado no Munic?pio de Itabora?, Microrregi?o do Rio de Janeiro, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Durante o per?odo de junho de 2004 a maio de 2006 foram coletadas fezes de avestruzes de tr?s faixas et?rias: at? 90 dias, de 91 a 365 dias e acima de 365 dias (adultos). A coleta foi realizada mensalmente e as amostras fecais eram obtidas individualmente, colocadas em sacos pl?sticos, identificadas e mantidas sob refrigera??o at? o memento de serem examinadas. Foram empregadas as t?cnicas de centrifugo-flutua??o em solu??o saturada de a??car, centrifugo-sedimenta??o em formol-?ter, coprocultura e colora??es por safranina-azul de metileno, tricr?mio de gomori e hematoxilina f?rrica. Tamb?m foram obtidos dados meteorol?gicos para determinar as ?pocas seca e chuvosa. Foram identificados o nemat?ide Codiostomum struthionis e tr?s g?neros de protozo?rios intestinais: Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium e Entamoeba. Todas as aves com menos de 365 dias apresentaram maior freq??ncia do g?nero Cryptosporidium. Dentre as infec??es mistas a mais comum foi a associa??o de C. struthionis com Cryptosporidium sp. (17,74%) nos adultos. Houve maior elimina??o de ovos da ordem Strongylida (p<0,05) e tamb?m um maior n?mero de animais que eliminaram oocistos/cistos de protozo?rios intestinais nas fezes durante a ?poca chuvosa (p<0,05). Um maior n?mero de animais com menos de 365 dias eliminaram cistos/oocistos de protozo?rios, sendo essa correla??o significativa para o g?nero Entamoeba nos animais com at? 90 dias quando comparados com os de 91 a 365 e para o g?nero Blastocystis, nesse caso quando comparados com os acima de 365 dias.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden 212 Kotproben von Chamäleons auf Parasitenstadien und 75 Tierkörper pathologisch sowie bei einem nachgewiesenen Parasitenbefall histopathologisch untersucht. Ziel war es, anhand dieser Untersuchungen das Vorkommen und die Schadwirkungen von Endoparasiten unter Berücksichtigung der Herkunft, des Alters, des Geschlechts und der Chamäleonart zu beschreiben. Von 212 Kotproben wiesen 55,2% Endoparasitenstadien auf. Bei 54,7% der 64 sezierten und auswertbaren Tiere wurden Endoparasiten nachgewiesen. Der Anteil positiver Proben zeigt zwischen Nachzuchten (55,5%) und Wildfängen (54,1%) keinen wesentlichen Unterschied. In Wildfängen konnten häufiger Endoparasiten mit einem indirekten Lebenszyklus ermittelt werden, Nachzuchten beherbergten dagegen öfter Parasiten mit einem direkten Entwicklungszyklus. In den untersuchten Chamäleons konnten regelmäßig Kokzidien der Gattung Isospora und Oxyuriden nachgewiesen werden. Zestoden konnten in der koproskopischen Untersuchung gar nicht aufgefunden werden, wohingegen sie in der pathologischen Untersuchung sporadisch im Darm diagnostiziert werden konnten. Die Häufigkeit des koproskopischen Nachweises von Parasitenstadien bezogen auf die Gesamtzahl der untersuchten Chamäleons stellte sich wie folgt dar: in 30,4% wurden Protozoon gefunden, 21,7% der Tiere waren mit Kokzidien infiziert (davon 78,3% Isospora spp., 13,0% Choleoeimeria spp., 6,5% Eimeria spp., 2,2% Mischinfektion Isospora spp./Choleoeimeria spp.) und 8,5% mit Flagellaten oder Ziliaten. Bei 83,3% der Tiere mit gastrointestinalen Symptomen konnte ein Befall mit Kokzidien der Gattung Isospora nachgewiesen werden. In 38,7% der koproskopischen Untersuchungen konnten Nematoden (65,9% Oxyuriden, 19,5% Askariden/ Heterakiden, 1,4% Rhabdias sp., 2,8% Strongyloides sp., je 0,5 % Spirurida, Heterakiden/Filarien, Oxyuriden/Strongyloiden) und in 2,8% Trematoden (Digenea) aufgefunden werden. Anamnestisch konnten in 35,8% aller Tiere klinische Symptome beobachtet werden, wovon bei 88,2% der erkrankten Tiere ein Endoparasitenbefall nachzuweisen war. Insgesamt 64,1% der sezierten Chamäleons waren mit Endoparasiten befallen, wovon 68,3% Mono- und 31,7% Mischinfektionen beherbergten. In 31,3% der sezierten Chamäleons wurden Nematoden gefunden und der Befall wurde in 55,0% dieser Fälle als hochgradig eingestuft. Es wurden Befallsraten von 25,0% für Strongyloides sp., 23,4% für Askariden/ Heterakiden,15,0% für Filarien, 5,0% für Rhabdias sp., 9,4% für Zestoden, 10,9% für Digenea registriert. In 11,3% der Fälle lagen Mischinfektionen vor. Damit ist ein Endoparasitenbefall bei Chamäleons häufig und kann zu Erkrankungen führen. Die Exposition unterscheidet sich bei Wildfängen und Nachzuchten aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Umgebungsbedingungen. Auch klinisch unauffällige Tiere waren zu 27,8% mit Parasiten befallen, so dass eine klinische Symptomatik nicht zwingend aus einem Parasitenbefall resultiert. Insgesamt betrachtet verdient der Endoparasitenbefall von Chamäleons das Augenmerk von Tierärzten und Tierhaltern und sollte bei augenscheinlich hohem Infektionsdruck zu Gegenmaßnahmen, insbesondere auch einer verbesserten Hygiene, Anlaß geben. / In the present study 212 chameleon fecal samples were examined for parasite stages and 75 carcasses were examined histopathologically and pathologically in a proven case of a parasite infestation. The basis of this study was to describe the occurrence and harmful effects of internal parasites considering the origin, age and sex of the chameleons. Of the 212 fecal samples 55.2% showed stages of endoparasites. Parasites were detected at 54.7% of 64 evaluated and dissected animals. The proportion of positive samples shows no significant difference between offspring (55.5%) and wild specimens (54.1%). In wild specimens common internal parasites could be determined with an indirect life cycle, however offspring harbored more parasites with a direct life cycle. In the studied chameleons coccidia as the genus Isospora and Oxyurids were regularly detected. In the coprological study Cestodes could not be found, while in the pathological examination they could be diagnosed sporadically in the intestine. Based on the total number of investigated chameleons the frequency of detection of parasite stages are presented as follows: Protozoa were found in 30.4%, 21.7% of the animals were infected with coccidia (of which 78,3% Isospora spp, 13,0% Choleoeimeria spp., 6.5% Eimeria spp., 2.2% polyinfections between Isospora spp./ Choleoeimeria spp.) and 8.5% with flagellates or ciliates. At 83.3% of the animals with gastrointestinal symptoms coccidia of the genus Isospora were detected. In 38.7% of the fecal examination nematodes were determined (65.9% Oxyurids, 19.5% Ascarids/ Heterakis, 1.4% Rhabdias sp., 2.8% Strongyloides sp., 0.5% Spirurida, Heterakids/ Filariae, Oxyurids/ Strongyloides sp.) and Trematodes in 2.8% (Digenea) were found. The anamnesis showed that clinical symptoms could be observed in 35.8% of all of the animals, whereas endoparasite infestation could be detected inn 88.2% of the affected animals. Overall, 64.1% of the dissected chameleons were infested with parasites, of which 68.3% harbored mono- and 31.7% polyinfections. In 31.3% of the dissected chameleons nematode infestations were found and 55.0% of these cases were classified as severe. Prevalences were registered: 25.0% for Strongyloides spp., 23.4% for Ascarids/ Heterakids, 15.0% for Filaria, 5.0% for Rhabdias sp., 9.4% for Cestodes, 10.9% for Digenea. In 11.3% of the cases mixed infections were reported. Thus, endoparasite infestation is common among chameleons and can lead to diseases. Exposure differs from wild-specimens and captive-bred due to the different environmental conditions. Also, 27.8% of clinically healthy animals were also infested with parasites, which means that clinical symptoms are not necessarily the result of a parasitic infestation. Overall, chameleon endoparasites deserve the attention of veterinarians and pet owners and should be treated promptly when there is a high likelihood of infection or hygiene is of concern.

Submitted by Claudia Rocha (claudia.rocha@udesc.br) on 2018-02-09T13:19:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA15MA193.pdf: 2553260 bytes, checksum: e7414d98d9ecc48633eba979ea4a4100 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-09T13:19:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA15MA193.pdf: 2553260 bytes, checksum: e7414d98d9ecc48633eba979ea4a4100 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-11-30 / Capes / FAPESC / Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are cosmopolitan protozoa, with heteroxenos biological cycles. Toxoplasma gondii is the responsible for clinical disease in cats and dogs, while Neospora caninum affects dogs only. The proposal of this study is to do diagnoses of cases of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in companion animals in the state of Santa Catarina, using immunohistochemistry. A search in the files between 1988 and 2015, about the cases with suspection of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in dogs and cats, was realized in the Animal Pathology Laboratory. The blocks obtained were routinely reprocessed and recorados by hematoxylin and eosin techniques and after, were stained by immunohistochemistry for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and distemper. Clinical data from autopsies and histological results were compiled. There were diagnosed 27 cases of toxoplasmosis, 25 dogs and 2 cats. The age of the dogs ranged from 2 months to 8 years with 9 animals up to 4 months old. In 12 cases the distemper was associated with the disease. The main clinical signs shown by the dogs were respiratory, enteric, neurological. In canine macroscopic, the majority of the injuries were observed in the lungs and liver. Histologically there was fibrinoid necrosis, especially in the lungs, liver, lymph node. The parts that most had cysts or tachyzoites were the lungs, CNS and liver. About the two felines with toxoplosmosis, one was associated with lymphoid leukemia. In both animals had fibrinoid necrosis associated with tachyzoites and / or intralesional cysts in the lungs, liver, lymph nodes and brain in a feline. One dog was positive for Neospora caninum and clinical signs presented were neuromuscular and achalasia. The histological lesions were characterized by encephalitis, myelitis and myocarditis necrotic with free cysts and tachyzoites. Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are morphologically similar, however, the neurological signs and myositis are more common in neosporosis. While Toxoplasma gondii is associated with intercurrent infections, Neospora caninum appears to be a primary pathogen / Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum são protozoários, cosmopolitas, de ciclos biológicos heteróxenos. Toxoplasma gondii é responsável por doença clínica em cães e gatos, enquanto Neospora caninum acomete somente cães. O objetivo desse trabalho foi diagnosticar, através da imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), casos de toxoplasmose e neosporose em cães e gatos no Estado de Santa Catarina. Foi realizado um levantamento nos arquivos do Laboratório de Patologia Animal do Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (CAV/UDESC) no período de 1988 a 2015, dos casos diagnosticados como suspeitos de toxoplasmose e neosporose em caninos e felinos. Os blocos obtidos foram reprocessados rotineiramente e recorados pelas técnicas de hematoxilina e eosina. Realizou-se também IHQ anti-T. gondii e N. caninum. Os casos em cães que havia suspeita de cinomose realizou-se IHQ para esse vírus. Foram diagnosticados 27 casos de toxoplasmose, sendo 25 em cães e dois em gatos. A idade dos cães variou entre 2 meses a 8 anos, com 9 animais até 4 meses de idade. Em 12 casos a cinomose estava associada à doença. Os principais sinais clínicos apresentados pelos cães foram problemas respiratórios, entéricos e neurológicos. Na necropsia dos caninos as principais lesões observadas foram no pulmão e fígado. Na histologia observou-se necrose fibrinoide, principalmente em pulmão, fígado e linfonodo. Os órgãos que mais apresentaram cistos e/ou taquizoítos intralesionais foram o pulmão, o encéfalo e o fígado. Dos dois felinos com toxoplasmose, um foi associado à leucemia linfoide. Em ambos os animais havia necrose fibrinoide associada à taquizoítos e/ou cistos intralesionais no pulmão, fígado, linfonodo e em um felino no encéfalo. Um canino foi positivo para Neospora caninum e os sinais clínicos apresentados foram neuromusculares e megaesôfago. As lesões histológicas eram caracterizadas por encefalite, miosite e miocardite necrótica com cistos e taquizoítos livres. Neospora caninum e Toxoplasma gondii são morfologicamente semelhantes, contudo, os sinais neurológicos e a miosite são mais frequentes na neosporose. Enquanto Toxoplasma gondii está associado com infecções intercorrentes, Neospora caninum parece ser um patógeno primário

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:16:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2007- Bianca Chiganer Cramer Balassiano.pdf: 973689 bytes, checksum: caa5d01cfd474568dd4cacc49b6e911b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-01-23 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Infection with gastrointestinal parasites in dogs can be associated with several factors. The aim of this study was to identify these parasites and their frequencies, and to verify the factors associated with infection. From November 2003 to September 2004 five-hundred dogs presented to three veterinary establishments in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro were evaluated. A form was filled for each dog, including information obtained from physical examination and from the interview of the owner, approaching factors related to the dog, the management and the owner. One fecal sample from each dog was examined by centrifugal flotation and centrifugal sedimentation methods and stained by safranin-methylene blue technique. Data obtained from physical exams and interviews, as well as the results of fecal parasitological exams, were submitted to bivariate analysis and, after the selection of significant variables (p=0.05), multivariate analysis was performed, using logistic regression. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 46.4% of the dogs. Hookworms (15.2%), ascarids (7.4%), whipworms (5.0%), Dipylidium caninum (0.2%), taeniids (3.0%), Cryptosporidium sp. (26.2%), Cystoisospora sp. (4.4%) and Giardia sp. (2.6%) were observed in the fecal samples. Protozoans (29.6%) were more frequently observed than helminths (23.2%). Age of the animal (p<0.001), access to soil (p<0.001), ambient hygiene (p<0.01) and pro-oestrous (p<0.05) were associated with infections with gastrointestinal parasites. Access to soil (p<0.001), anthelmintic usage (p<0.01), owner s school level (p<0.01), age of the animal (p<0.01), pro-oestrous (p<0.01) and breed (p<0.05) were associated with infections with helminthes. Age of the animal (p<0.001) and ambient hygiene (p<0.01) were associated with infections by protozoans. Frequency of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs was high and infections were associated with factors related to the animal, to the management and to the owner. / A infec??o de c?es por parasitos gastrintestinais pode estar associada a diversos fatores. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar tais parasitos, observar suas freq??ncias e verificar os fatores associados ? infec??o pelos mesmos. De novembro de 2003 a setembro de 2004, foram avaliados 500 c?es atendidos em tr?s estabelecimentos veterin?rios no Munic?pio do Rio de Janeiro. Um formul?rio foi preenchido para cada c?o, atrav?s de exame f?sico do animal e entrevista com o propriet?rio, abordando fatores inerentes aos c?es e fatores relacionados ao manejo e ao propriet?rio. Uma amostra fecal de cada c?o foi coletada e examinada pelas t?cnicas de centr?fugo-flutua??o em solu??o saturada de a??car e de centr?fugo-sedimenta??o (Ritchie) e corada pela t?cnica de safranina-azul de metileno. Os dados obtidos nos exames f?sicos e nas entrevistas, bem como os resultados dos exames parasitol?gicos de fezes, foram submetidos ? an?lise bivariada e, ap?s sele??o das vari?veis significativas (p=0,05), procedeu-se ? an?lise multivariada, atrav?s de regress?o log?stica. Parasitos gastrintestinais foram detectados em 46,4% dos c?es. Nas amostras fecais observaram-se ancilostom?deos (15,2%), ascarid?deos (7,4%), tricur?deos (5,0%), Dipylidium caninum (0,2%), ten?deos (3,0%), Cryptosporidium sp. (26,2%), Cystoisospora sp. (4,4%) e Giardia sp. (2,6%). Protozo?rios (29,6%) foram mais freq?entes do que helmintos (23,2%). A idade do animal (p<0,001), o acesso ? terra (p<0,001), a higiene do ambiente (p<0,01) e o pr?-estro (p<0,05) estiveram associados ? infec??o por parasitos gastrintestinais. O acesso ? terra (p<0,001), a administra??o de anti-helm?nticos (p<0,01), o grau de escolaridade do propriet?rio (p<0,01), a idade do animal (p<0,01), o pr?-estro (p<0,01) e a ra?a (p<0,05) estiveram associados ? infec??o por helmintos. A idade do animal (p<0,001) e a higiene do ambiente (p<0,01) estiveram associadas ? infec??o por protozo?rios. A freq??ncia de parasitos gastrintestinais em c?es foi alta e as infec??es foram associadas a fatores inerentes aos c?es e fatores relacionados ao manejo e ao propriet?rio.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden 212 Kotproben von Chamäleons auf Parasitenstadien und 75 Tierkörper pathologisch sowie bei einem nachgewiesenen Parasitenbefall histopathologisch untersucht. Ziel war es, anhand dieser Untersuchungen das Vorkommen und die Schadwirkungen von Endoparasiten unter Berücksichtigung der Herkunft, des Alters, des Geschlechts und der Chamäleonart zu beschreiben. Von 212 Kotproben wiesen 55,2% Endoparasitenstadien auf. Bei 54,7% der 64 sezierten und auswertbaren Tiere wurden Endoparasiten nachgewiesen. Der Anteil positiver Proben zeigt zwischen Nachzuchten (55,5%) und Wildfängen (54,1%) keinen wesentlichen Unterschied. In Wildfängen konnten häufiger Endoparasiten mit einem indirekten Lebenszyklus ermittelt werden, Nachzuchten beherbergten dagegen öfter Parasiten mit einem direkten Entwicklungszyklus. In den untersuchten Chamäleons konnten regelmäßig Kokzidien der Gattung Isospora und Oxyuriden nachgewiesen werden. Zestoden konnten in der koproskopischen Untersuchung gar nicht aufgefunden werden, wohingegen sie in der pathologischen Untersuchung sporadisch im Darm diagnostiziert werden konnten. Die Häufigkeit des koproskopischen Nachweises von Parasitenstadien bezogen auf die Gesamtzahl der untersuchten Chamäleons stellte sich wie folgt dar: in 30,4% wurden Protozoon gefunden, 21,7% der Tiere waren mit Kokzidien infiziert (davon 78,3% Isospora spp., 13,0% Choleoeimeria spp., 6,5% Eimeria spp., 2,2% Mischinfektion Isospora spp./Choleoeimeria spp.) und 8,5% mit Flagellaten oder Ziliaten. Bei 83,3% der Tiere mit gastrointestinalen Symptomen konnte ein Befall mit Kokzidien der Gattung Isospora nachgewiesen werden. In 38,7% der koproskopischen Untersuchungen konnten Nematoden (65,9% Oxyuriden, 19,5% Askariden/ Heterakiden, 1,4% Rhabdias sp., 2,8% Strongyloides sp., je 0,5 % Spirurida, Heterakiden/Filarien, Oxyuriden/Strongyloiden) und in 2,8% Trematoden (Digenea) aufgefunden werden. Anamnestisch konnten in 35,8% aller Tiere klinische Symptome beobachtet werden, wovon bei 88,2% der erkrankten Tiere ein Endoparasitenbefall nachzuweisen war. Insgesamt 64,1% der sezierten Chamäleons waren mit Endoparasiten befallen, wovon 68,3% Mono- und 31,7% Mischinfektionen beherbergten. In 31,3% der sezierten Chamäleons wurden Nematoden gefunden und der Befall wurde in 55,0% dieser Fälle als hochgradig eingestuft. Es wurden Befallsraten von 25,0% für Strongyloides sp., 23,4% für Askariden/ Heterakiden,15,0% für Filarien, 5,0% für Rhabdias sp., 9,4% für Zestoden, 10,9% für Digenea registriert. In 11,3% der Fälle lagen Mischinfektionen vor. Damit ist ein Endoparasitenbefall bei Chamäleons häufig und kann zu Erkrankungen führen. Die Exposition unterscheidet sich bei Wildfängen und Nachzuchten aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Umgebungsbedingungen. Auch klinisch unauffällige Tiere waren zu 27,8% mit Parasiten befallen, so dass eine klinische Symptomatik nicht zwingend aus einem Parasitenbefall resultiert. Insgesamt betrachtet verdient der Endoparasitenbefall von Chamäleons das Augenmerk von Tierärzten und Tierhaltern und sollte bei augenscheinlich hohem Infektionsdruck zu Gegenmaßnahmen, insbesondere auch einer verbesserten Hygiene, Anlaß geben. / In the present study 212 chameleon fecal samples were examined for parasite stages and 75 carcasses were examined histopathologically and pathologically in a proven case of a parasite infestation. The basis of this study was to describe the occurrence and harmful effects of internal parasites considering the origin, age and sex of the chameleons. Of the 212 fecal samples 55.2% showed stages of endoparasites. Parasites were detected at 54.7% of 64 evaluated and dissected animals. The proportion of positive samples shows no significant difference between offspring (55.5%) and wild specimens (54.1%). In wild specimens common internal parasites could be determined with an indirect life cycle, however offspring harbored more parasites with a direct life cycle. In the studied chameleons coccidia as the genus Isospora and Oxyurids were regularly detected. In the coprological study Cestodes could not be found, while in the pathological examination they could be diagnosed sporadically in the intestine. Based on the total number of investigated chameleons the frequency of detection of parasite stages are presented as follows: Protozoa were found in 30.4%, 21.7% of the animals were infected with coccidia (of which 78,3% Isospora spp, 13,0% Choleoeimeria spp., 6.5% Eimeria spp., 2.2% polyinfections between Isospora spp./ Choleoeimeria spp.) and 8.5% with flagellates or ciliates. At 83.3% of the animals with gastrointestinal symptoms coccidia of the genus Isospora were detected. In 38.7% of the fecal examination nematodes were determined (65.9% Oxyurids, 19.5% Ascarids/ Heterakis, 1.4% Rhabdias sp., 2.8% Strongyloides sp., 0.5% Spirurida, Heterakids/ Filariae, Oxyurids/ Strongyloides sp.) and Trematodes in 2.8% (Digenea) were found. The anamnesis showed that clinical symptoms could be observed in 35.8% of all of the animals, whereas endoparasite infestation could be detected inn 88.2% of the affected animals. Overall, 64.1% of the dissected chameleons were infested with parasites, of which 68.3% harbored mono- and 31.7% polyinfections. In 31.3% of the dissected chameleons nematode infestations were found and 55.0% of these cases were classified as severe. Prevalences were registered: 25.0% for Strongyloides spp., 23.4% for Ascarids/ Heterakids, 15.0% for Filaria, 5.0% for Rhabdias sp., 9.4% for Cestodes, 10.9% for Digenea. In 11.3% of the cases mixed infections were reported. Thus, endoparasite infestation is common among chameleons and can lead to diseases. Exposure differs from wild-specimens and captive-bred due to the different environmental conditions. Also, 27.8% of clinically healthy animals were also infested with parasites, which means that clinical symptoms are not necessarily the result of a parasitic infestation. Overall, chameleon endoparasites deserve the attention of veterinarians and pet owners and should be treated promptly when there is a high likelihood of infection or hygiene is of concern.

The Diploma thesis introduces the luminars as the creative objects importing the light into our homes and effecting our mood. The objects are modeled of the slurry combined with glass. These are determined to the installation on the table, floor, wall and ceiling. For the shape I was inspired by MICROCOSM = a world of unicellular living being, before all by the protozoans. It is a world full of bizar structures and shapes. The simplicity and expediency of the protozoans offers the inexhaustible amount of ideas. Each of the objects has got its adumbrating image in some of the protozoans. Teir shapes, determination of kind, conditions, in which they live, were determinating the luminars´ visage. Although the inspiring source is stating them the individual luminars presents original, solitary objects.