Search Results (94)

A parasitological survey was conducted during May 2026 on captive Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) housed at three zoological facilities on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania: the Prison Island Giant Tortoise Sanctuary (Changuu Island), Zanzibar Park, and Zanzibar Nungwi Zoo. This study investigated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasite stages in faecal samples from captive Aldabra giant tortoises and compared the proportion of positive samples among the three zoological facilities. A total of 84 fresh faecal samples were examined using Fülleborn’s flotation and sedimentation techniques. Because individual tortoises could not always be reliably identified during sampling, repeated sampling of the same animal cannot be excluded. Therefore, the reported values represent sample-level proportions rather than individual-level prevalence. Oxyurid-type nematode eggs were detected only in samples collected from tortoises housed at Zanzibar Nungwi Zoo, whereas no gastrointestinal helminth eggs or larvae were detected using the applied coprological methods in samples from the Prison Island Giant Tortoise Sanctuary and Zanzibar Park. The overall proportion of positive faecal samples was 13.1% (11/84; 95% CI: 6.7–22.2%), while 42.3% (11/26; 95% CI: 23.4–63.1%) of samples from Zanzibar Nungwi Zoo were positive. Differences in the proportion of positive faecal samples were observed among the three zoological facilities. These findings provide baseline data on gastrointestinal parasites in captive Aldabra giant tortoises on Zanzibar Island and support future parasite surveillance, health monitoring, and management in zoological collections. Full article

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are still a major concern for cattle health and productivity in tropical and subtropical regions. However, epidemiological data on GI parasitism in cattle from western Thailand remain limited, particularly in border areas with frequent animal movement. This study focuses on establishing the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and identifies its related risk factors among the cattle in Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand. Cross-sectional study was performed from December 2022 to January 2023 involving 153 cattle from the following three study populations: local cattle from Thong Pha Phum district, Sangkhlaburi district, and cross-border cattle imported from Myanmar. Fecal samples were examined using both simple flotation and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques, and data on animal and management factors were collected through questionnaire surveys. Overall, 35.9% (55/153) of the cattle had at least one GI parasite species positive. Six parasite taxa were identified, with Strongyle-type nematodes being the most frequently detected (26.1%), followed by other helminth parasites. The prevalence of infection and parasite diversity increased progressively in cattle populations located closer to the Thai–Myanmar border, suggesting that this region may represent a potential hotspot for GI parasite transmission. From a One Health perspective, these findings highlight the potential for some helminths to circulate across animal, human, and environmental interfaces. The presence of 1.3% for both Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp. and 0.7% of Fasciola spp. suggests possible zoonotic transmission pathways, particularly via the fecal-oral route. Although 93.5% of cattle had reportedly received anthelmintic treatment, no apparent protective effect was observed. These findings highlight that the Thai–Myanmar border acts as a hotspot for parasite transmission and the need for improved parasite control strategies in this region, alongside integrated One Health surveillance linking animal, human, and environmental health in this cross-border region. Full article

Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) commonly inhabit human-modified environments across Asia, where close human–macaque interactions have increased interest in understanding soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections at human–wildlife interfaces. Because gastrointestinal helminth infections can affect animal health, understanding STH prevalence may support wildlife health surveillance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of major STHs in long-tailed macaques across diverse habitat settings in Asia. EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus were systematically searched for studies published between 2000 and January 2026, with additional records identified through Google Scholar. Random-effects models with Freeman–Tukey double-arcsine transformation were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and subgroup analyses were performed by habitat type, country, and diagnostic method. Thirty-five studies comprising 5505 macaques from seven countries, predominantly in Southeast Asia, were included. Studies involved urban/temple-associated free-ranging, wild/semi-wild, and captive populations. Among free-ranging macaques, pooled prevalence estimates were 19.3% for Strongyloides spp., 12.9% for hookworms, 9.1% for Trichuris spp., and 3.3% for Ascaris spp. In captive macaque populations, pooled prevalence estimates were 3.6% for Strongyloides spp., 2.2% for hookworm, 1.4% for Ascaris spp., and 8.2% for Trichuris spp. Subgroup analyses by habitat type suggested relatively higher prevalence estimates in urban/temple-associated settings than in wild/semi-wild habitats for several STH taxa. However, substantial between-study heterogeneity (I² > 90% in most analyses), publication bias, and possible small-study effects were identified in some analyses, particularly for hookworm prevalence estimates. These findings indicate that STH infections have been documented among long-tailed macaque populations across diverse habitat settings in Asia. Nevertheless, pooled prevalence estimates should be interpreted cautiously because of substantial heterogeneity, diagnostic variability, and possible publication bias. Future standardized surveillance and molecular investigations may support improved understanding of the prevalence and distribution of STH infections at human–wildlife interfaces. Full article

Although microbial biopesticides are expanding rapidly, transforming nematophagous fungi into consistent and shelf-stable products remains a challenge. A key limitation is that fungal propagules must remain viable throughout production, storage, and delivery to ensure their efficacy in the field. This review examines formulation strategies that improve the stability, deployment, and performance of fungal biocontrol agents against gastrointestinal helminths in domestic animals and plant-parasitic nematodes. In veterinary systems, predatory fungi such as Duddingtonia flagrans primarily target infective larvae after surviving gastrointestinal transit and germination in feces. In contrast, ovicidal fungi, including Pochonia chlamydosporia, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma spp., and Mucor spp., primarily act against helminth eggs and coccidian oocysts. This functional complementarity highlights the potential of combined fungal formulations to improve their control efficacy. We also discuss the currently available D. flagrans-based commercial products, BioWorma^® and Bioverm^®, and the practical challenges associated with dosing, administration, and farm adoption. In agriculture, we show that the Brazilian market is dominated by solid fungal nematicides designed to reduce water activity and prolong shelf life, although liquid- and oil-based systems remain relevant for specific applications. Across both sectors, the review identified formulation design, rather than fungal species alone, as a critical determinant of product performance. Emerging advances, such as microencapsulation, UV-protective matrices, improved seed-coating biopolymers, nanobiotechnology, and fungal-derived bioactive products, indicate that future progress will depend on target-oriented formulations capable of increasing stability, controlled release, and resilience under environmentally variable conditions, including those imposed by climate change. Full article

Despite the importance of wastewater environmental monitoring in disease prevention and response strategies, its use remains poorly documented in Senegal. In addition, there is more onsite sanitation than sewer networks in Dakar, and open drains channel for rainwater are also used as clandestine wastewater discharge into the sea. This study aimed to assess the presence of specific pathogens in wastewater, faecal sludge, and bathing water (the sea). Samples were taken at treatment plants, an open drain, and in the receiving environment (the sea) from June to December 2023. Total nucleic acid was subjected to multiplex qualitative qPCR using SeeGene Allplex™ kits targeting 34 gastrointestinal pathogens. Descriptive statistics, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and logistic regression were performed. Considering all matrices, across 51 analysed samples, the results revealed strong bacterial (96.08%, n = 49), parasitic (84.31%, n = 43), and viral (68.63%, n = 35) presence. These results showed high levels of Aeromonas spp. (96.08%), Blastocystis hominis (80.39%), Enterocytozoon (58.82%), and Norovirus GII (74.51%) among bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and viruses, respectively. Moreover, faecal sludge and pumping station samples show more identified pathogen than wastewater treatment plant and seawater samples. The MCA revealed that the dry season is spatially associated with a greater number of pathogens than the rainy season, but the latter showed a greater species diversity. Logistic regression showed that certain physicochemical parameters, including BOD5, turbidity, pH, and suspended solids, influence pathogen detection. However, qualitative detection and sampling period may constitute limitations. These results reveal that wastewater and bathing water can serve as sources of information on the circulation of pathogens of interest with epidemic potential. Therefore, this valuable epidemiological tool could serve as an adjunct to clinical surveillance in order to prevent future epidemics. Full article

The pacarana (Dinomys branickii) is a typical rodent of the Amazonian biome crepuscular habits, feeding on fruits, leaves, and roots. However, studies on these animals, inhabiting behaviors, and their parasites are limited. This study aimed to report the parasites found in fecal samples and a dead specimen of D. branickii in the Brazilian Cerrado. In 2023, fecal samples from five animals were collected and examined using flotation and simple sedimentation techniques for the identification of parasitic eggs. In 2025, a necropsy was performed on a decreased animal. Fecal samples of all animals were positive for eggs of Strongyloides spp., with two cases of co-infection with Oxyuroidea eggs and one with Trichuris sp. eggs. The Wellcomia branickii found during necropsy is a specific helminth of the pacaranas gastrointestinal tract. The natural geographical range of D. branickii is in the Western Amazon. Its introduction in the Cerrado, although for conservation purposes, reinforces the potential for this translocated species to disseminate non-native parasites outside its natural range. Full article

African elephants maintain a delicate balance between high intestinal helminth numbers and symptoms of poor health. However, calves and weaners face survival threats from damage caused by helminth infections and infestations during periods of starvation. Using coprological evaluations, we compared helminth infection patterns and selected risk factors in elephants from Tsavo and the Laikipia-Samburu ecosystem (LSE). Eggs and adult worms were identified and classified into genera using morphological and morphometric characteristics. Overall prevalence rates were high at 95.6% and 98.5% for Tsavo and Laikipia-Samburu, respectively, and 97.1% in total. Using the chi-squared test of independence, nematode prevalence rates (97.1%) were significantly different from trematodes (32.6%) (χ2(1) = 248.84, p < 0.001). Prevalence rates did not differ across age classes in the two populations. Using the Generalized Linear Model, sex had an independent significant effect on the observed mean worm burdens (F(1) = 5.842, p = 0.016, CI 95%), but neither age nor location did. However, the interaction had a significant effect on mean eggs per gram (EPGs) observed between age and location (F(1) = 14.043, p < 0.0005, CI 95%) and between age and sex (F(1) = 4.858, p = 0.028, CI 95%). Some of the identified helminth species may potentially lead to life-threatening gut mucosa hemorrhaging and ulcerations, particularly during stressful conditions, although the animals were not clinically evaluated. Full article

The treatment of parasitic infections has evolved in terms of effectiveness and the prevention of drug resistance. This is highlighted by the discovery of ivermectin (IVM), a macrocyclic lactone and broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent. IVM garnered scientific attention by presenting a therapeutic alternative in the field of veterinary medicine due to its control of multiple parasite species, including nematodes and soil-transmitted helminths. Shortly after its discovery, IVM was approved for human use by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for combating head lice, onchocerciasis, rosacea, scabies, and worm infestations within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In veterinary medicine, IVM is available in a range of formulations and can be administered via different routes (i.e., oral, topical, and parenteral), whereas for humans, IVM is only approved as a single oral dose and dermal cream. Establishing a comprehensive overview of IVM’s applications in both human and veterinary medicine is necessary, particularly in light of its repurposing potential as a treatment for various conditions and emerging diseases. Given its primary application in veterinary medicine, there is a need to enhance the development of dosage forms suitable for human use. Therefore, this review details the discovery, mechanisms, and applications of IVM, while also examining the challenges of resistance, side-effects, and controversy surrounding its use, to ultimately emphasize the importance of targeted, optimized IVM delivery via tailored dosage form development in animals and humans as part of the One Health approach to interlink innovations across veterinary and human medicine fields. Full article

Access to microbiologically safe water in preschool educational settings constitutes a pressing public health challenge, particularly in rural areas with deficient infrastructure. Repeated exposure to enteropathogens present in contaminated water has been associated with acute gastrointestinal infections, environmental enteropathy, and disruptions in the intestinal microbiota of young children. Motivated by this concern, the present study evaluates the microbiological quality of water in 32 public preschool facilities in the municipality of Matehuala, San Luis Potosí—18 urban and 14 rural—by analyzing the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and helminth eggs. The assessment was conducted in accordance with Mexican standards NOM-092-SSA1-1994 and NOM-230-SSA1-2002 and supplemented with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for drinking-water quality. The findings revealed a marked territorial disparity: 100% of rural schools that relied on rooftop water tanks exceeded permissible limits for TC, and 35.7% tested positive for FC. In contrast, all urban schools—supplied through piped water systems—complied with current regulations. Statistical analysis (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05) confirmed significant differences in microbiological contamination based on geographic location and type of water supply. In all FC-positive cases, a lack of sewage infrastructure and inadequate sanitation practices in storage containers were documented. These results demonstrate that formal access to water does not ensure its microbiological safety, particularly in settings with poor structural conditions. The study underscores the urgent need to implement point-of-use water treatment technologies, establish regular microbiological monitoring protocols, and provide training for educational staff in water hygiene practices. Full article

Helminths that inhabit the gastrointestinal (GI) tract represent some of the most significant infectious agents impacting health. The interaction between the human microbiota, GI helminths, and their host occurs through multiple complex pathways, altering the host’s immune system and the dynamics of the commensal gut microbiota (GM). These interactions also largely influence a balanced state of homeostasis and health promotion and robustly activate the immune system, facilitating tumor eradication and mitigating the challenges of drug resistance. Furthermore, incorporating microbial metabolites into radiotherapy and chemotherapy reduces the intense adverse effects of these treatments while enhancing their overall effectiveness. The interplay between GM and helminths, as well as their metabolites, significantly impacts the development, prognosis, and treatment of cancer. The interaction mechanisms between GI helminths and the GM are not fully elucidated. Thus, understanding a beneficial biological relationship can reveal hidden mechanisms for controlling and inhibiting cancer pathways in humans by providing insights into cellular processes and potential therapeutic targets. This knowledge can be applied to develop more effective cancer treatments. This review outlines the existing research on GM metabolites in cancer, intending to offer innovative pathways for future cancer treatment. Full article

Objectives: Anisakidosis is an emerging, cosmopolitan, and underdiagnosed parasitic disease caused by the accidental ingestion of third-stage anisakid larvae when consuming raw or improperly prepared seafood. Within hours to days of consuming infected raw seafood, patients may develop acute gastrointestinal symptoms including pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or constipation, as live anisakid larvae attach to the gastric, or more rarely, the intestinal mucosa. Cases have been reported in which the nematodes succeed at migrating from the stomach upwards to the esophagus and then the oral cavity. Therefore, the purpose of the present literature review is to collect, analyze, summarize and present the relevant epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, parasitological, therapeutic, and prognostic data concerning anisakidosis localized inside the oral cavity. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid databases was performed with them being accessed for the last time on 29 March 2025. Results: The present literature review identified 13 individual case reports of oral mucosa anisakidosis, which were published in the period 1971–2022. Conclusions: Our review aims to summarize the relevant epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, parasitological, therapeutic, and prognostic data regarding the oral localization of anisakidosis, a helminthic infection caused by the accidental ingestion of live anisakid larvae and which manifests mainly with gastrointestinal symptoms. Its localization in the oral mucosa appears to be exceptionally rare and, in most cases, occurs with a characteristic clinical picture, defined by the onset of acute mouth or throat pain immediately after the consumption of raw seafood and by the observation of one or more larvae, either lying on or penetrating the oral mucosa. Despite its rarity, dental health professionals and other clinicians should be aware of this disease and the possibility of its intraoral localization, since environmental factors on the one hand, and the adoption of foreign dietary habits on the other, will likely make anisakidosis a much more common disease worldwide in the near future. Full article

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections in non-human primates are of growing concern due to their implications for both veterinary and public health. Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), commonly found in peri-urban and temple environments in Southeast Asia, may act as reservoirs for zoonotic parasites, posing risks to humans and domestic animals. This study investigated the prevalence and species diversity of GI parasites in free-ranging macaques from four provinces in Northeast Thailand (Loei, Khon Kaen, Bueng Kan, and Sisaket). A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2025. A total of 445 fecal samples were examined using two parasitological techniques: agar plate culture (APC) and the formalin–ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 86.5%, with Strongyloides sp. (65.2%) as the most prevalent helminth and Balantioides coli-like (29.5%) and Entamoeba histolytica-like (28.8%) as the predominant protozoa. Other parasites identified included helminths (Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp.) and protozoa (Blastocystis sp., Iodamoeba bütschlii, Entamoeba coli, and Chilomastix mesnili). Mixed infections were frequently observed, with both helminths and protozoa co-occurring in 37.3% of cases. The high infection rates and parasite diversity reflect substantial environmental contamination and sustained transmission cycles. These findings underscore the importance of integrated surveillance in wildlife populations and the need for One Health-based approaches to minimize zoonotic transmission risks at the human–animal–environment interface. Full article

Seabirds of the families Fregatidae, Phalacrocoracidae and Sulidae, common on the southeastern coast of Brazil, form colonies and play a bioindicator role in coastal ecosystems due to their ecological habits. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of parasitic helminths in Suliformes birds, of the species Fregata magnificens Mathews, 1914, Sula leucogaster Boddaert, 1783 and Nannopterum um Gmelin, 1789, from the Instituto de Pesquisas Cananeia (IPeC) on the southern coast of the State of São Paulo, and to record the diversity and parasitic indices, since reports of helminth prevalence in pelagic birds are scarce in Brazil. From 2018 to 2020, a total of 270 nematode specimens and 271 acanthocephalan parasites were collected from 51 Suliformes birds (20 F. magnificens, 10 N. brasilianum and 21 S. leucogaster). The host species F. magnificens was parasitized by Contracaecum plagiaticium and Contracaecum pelagicum. The host S. leucogaster was parasitized by C. plagiaticium. In the host N. brasilianum, specimens of Contracaecum australe, Contracaecum rudolphii, Contracaecum multipapillatum, Syncuaria squamata and Andracantha tandemtesticulata were found. This is the first report of C. plagiaticium and C. pelagicum in F. magnificens in Brazilian territory, and of A. tandemtesticulata in N. brasilianum in the southeast region of Brazil. Full article

Parasitic nematodes, such as the zoonotic rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis, pose a significant global health burden, with current anthelmintics like albendazole showing limited efficacy. Here, we report the isolation of piplartine from Piper truncatum Vell. (Piperaceae) and its potent in vitro activity against A. cantonensis larvae. Piplartine demonstrated superior efficacy to albendazole, with EC₅₀ values of 8.3 µM for first-stage larvae (L1) and 10.4 µM for infective third-stage larvae (L3), compared to 14.2 µM (L1) and 15.6 µM (L3) for albendazole. Notably, piplartine exhibited no toxicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model at therapeutic concentrations, underscoring its selective antiparasitic action. In silico profiling further revealed favorable drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption and blood–brain barrier permeability, which are critical for targeting neurotropic infections. As the first study to characterize the activity of piplartine against A. cantonensis, our work highlights its potential as a structurally novel anthelmintic lead. Based on the obtained results, piplartine may be considered a promising and accessible candidate for combating angiostrongyliasis and related helminthic infections. Full article

Gastrointestinal nematode infections are due to a wide number of helminthic genera and species, representing a major concern in goat and sheep farming and leading to different health issues and a general economic loss. Traditional diagnostic tools do not allow for a specific identification and, although a shift towards molecular diagnostic techniques is ongoing, species or genus-specific diagnosis is still poorly implemented. This study describes the development of a novel real-time PCR method for diagnosing Haemonchus sp. and its relative abundance in mixed infections in grazing ruminants. The method employs two primer/probe sets targeting the 18S-rRNA-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region: one shared by all strongylids (GEN) and another specific to Haemonchus sp. (HAEM). The method demonstrated optimal efficiency and determination coefficients when applied to serial dilutions of DNA extract. It was then applied in Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) trials conducted on five sheep and five goat farms in northeastern Italy. Seven farms were suspected of overall resistance and only one farm of Heamonchus-related resistance. The results proved the genus-specific approach as valuable in interpreting treatment outcomes and showing concerning levels of anthelmintic treatment ineffectiveness. Further research and sensitization activity is required to encourage the adoption of the method by local farmers and veterinarians. Full article