Advances in Infection and Genetic Diversity of Zoonotic Parasites, Hosts and Vectors

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Infection Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 1297

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
Interests: molecular systematic and population genetic in parasitology; genetic diveristy; biochemistry; vectors; zoonotic parasites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonotic parasites and their vectors play a critical role in public health by facilitating the transmission of diseases between animals and humans, often leading to significant health and economic consequences. These parasites, including protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites, can be transmitted through direct contact, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or vector bites. Arthropod vectors and intermediate hosts further enhance disease transmission, necessitating effective control and prevention strategies. Understanding the prevalence of zoonotic parasite infections in both humans and animals, as well as their associated vectors, is fundamental for disease surveillance and management. Additionally, studying the genetic diversity of zoonotic parasites and vectors is crucial for elucidating transmission dynamics, detecting drug and insecticide resistance, and assessing the potential for emerging infectious threats. Genetic variation influences parasite adaptability, virulence, and host specificity, ultimately shaping the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases. This Special Issue aims to publish research and review papers on the prevalence of zoonotic parasite infections and the genetic diversity of parasites as well as their hosts and vectors, contributing to improved disease monitoring and control strategies.

Dr. Weerachai Saijuntha
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • zoonotic parasites
  • prevalence of infection
  • helminths
  • protozoa
  • vectors
  • genetic diversity
  • zoonoses
  • hosts

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 739 KiB  
Article
Stray Dogs as Reservoirs and Sources of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in the Environment of the City of Uralsk in Western Kazakhstan
by Askar Nametov, Rashid Karmaliyev, Bekzhassar Sidikhov, Kenzhebek Murzabayev, Kanat Orynkhanov, Bakytkanym Kadraliyeva, Balaussa Yertleuova, Dosmukan Gabdullin, Zulkyya Abilova and Laura Dushayeva
Biology 2025, 14(6), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060683 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1063
Abstract
The increasing number of owned and stray dogs in large cities is becoming a pressing issue due to rising population densities, urban conditions, and poor control over animal reproduction. This situation poses serious epidemiological risks, as dogs can act as reservoirs and transmitters [...] Read more.
The increasing number of owned and stray dogs in large cities is becoming a pressing issue due to rising population densities, urban conditions, and poor control over animal reproduction. This situation poses serious epidemiological risks, as dogs can act as reservoirs and transmitters of infectious and parasitic diseases dangerous to humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and carriage of infectious and parasitic diseases in stray dogs in the city of Uralsk as a factor of epidemiological risk. In 2024, 1213 stray dogs were captured from different city districts and examined at the veterinary clinic and laboratory of Zhangir Khan University. Biological samples (blood, urine, feces) from 10% of the animals were analyzed using molecular (PCR), serological (ELISA), and helminthological methods. Serological and molecular analyses revealed the widespread circulation of bacterial pathogens. Antibodies to additional bacterial agents, including Pasteurella multocida, Mycobacterium spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Leptospira spp., were detected in the samples, indicating an unfavorable sanitary and epidemiological situation in the urban environment. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) identified antibodies against Toxocara canis in 50.9% of the dogs and against Echinococcus granulosus in 76.4%, reflecting both active and past infections. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed the presence of Brucella canis DNA in blood and urine samples, while antibodies to Brucella spp. were detected in 57.8% of the examined dogs, underscoring the significant zooanthroponotic importance of this pathogen and its potential threat to human health. Additionally, T. canis DNA was found in 39.2% of the samples and E. granulosus DNA in 16.6%. A helminthological examination using the Fülleborn method revealed a high rate of helminth infection: Ancylostoma caninum—35.3%, T. canis—32.3%, and Toxascaris leonina—29.4%. The obtained results highlight the significant role of stray dogs as epizootiological and epidemiological reservoirs of zooanthroponotic infections. This poses a serious threat to public health and necessitates the implementation of effective control and prevention measures for infectious and parasitic diseases within urban fauna. Full article
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