Search Results (368)

Rhabditis (Rhabditella) axei is a predominantly free-living nematode commonly found in sewage systems and decomposing organic matter. While primarily saprophytic, it has been documented as an opportunistic pathogen in human urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. The Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani), a rare and protected species in China, has not previously been reported as a host for Rhabditis (Rhabditella) spp. infections. This study reports the first documented occurrence of R. axei in red panda feces, unambiguously confirmed through integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological and molecular analyses. The nematodes exhibited key morphological features consistent with R. axei, including a cylindrical rhabditiform esophagus, sexually dimorphic tail structures, and diagnostic spicule morphology. Molecular analysis based on 18S-ITS-28S rDNA sequencing confirmed their identity, showing >99% sequence similarity to R. axei reference strains (GenBank: PP135624.1, PP135622.1). Phylogenetic reconstruction using 18S rDNA and ITS rDNA sequences placed the isolate within a well-supported R. axei clade, clearly distinguishing it from related species such as R. blumi and R. brassicae. The findings demonstrate the ecological plasticity of R. axei as a facultative parasite capable of infecting non-traditional hosts and further highlight potential zoonotic risks associated with environmental exposure in captive wildlife populations. Our results emphasize the indispensable role of molecular diagnostics in accurately distinguishing morphologically similar nematodes within the Rhabditidae family, while providing essential baseline data for health monitoring in both in situ and ex situ conservation programs for this endangered species. 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

Equestrian sports play a significant economic role in the horse industry. In recent years, numerous equine viruses have emerged, among which are equine Pegiviruses and the re-emerging Equine coronavirus (ECoV). These viruses are distributed globally and primarily cause subclinical infections with unknown morbidity, even if ECoV can occasionally induce febrile and diarrheic episodes. To broaden the data on the Italian equine population, a study was conducted to assess their prevalence in two distinct horse populations belonging to the Carabinieri Corps (CC) and the Italian Army (IA) of the Italian Armed Forces (IAF). Samples consisted of blood serum and rectal swabs of 436 horses collected within the national surveillance program for equine infectious anemia and gastrointestinal parasite monitoring and analyzed for Pegivirus (caballi and equi) and ECoV by Real-Time RT PCR. The prevalence detected were 6.56% and 3.53%, respectively, for Pegivirus caballi and equi for the IA, while for the CC, they were 10.13% and 0.84%. Only one sample tested positive for ECoV belonging to a horse of the CC. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on the PCR-positive samples that were sequenced using Sanger protocols. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses is essential for evaluating the implementation of effective prevention strategies. 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

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites not only significantly impact goat health and productivity but can also affect human health due to the zoonotic potential of some species. This study investigates the prevalence of internal parasites within the tropical monsoon ecosystem of southern Thailand, focusing on both phenotypic and molecular characteristics of the parasites and identifying associated risk factors in caprine farming systems. A total of 276 meat goats from Nakhon Si Thammarat province were examined, indicating an overall GI parasite prevalence of 88.8% (245/276), with strongyles and Eimeria spp. identified as the dominant parasites. In addition, mixed parasitic infections were observed in 72.2% of cases, whereas single infections comprised 27.8%. Strongyle-positive fecal samples were cultured and genetically sequenced, revealing the presence of Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Oesophagostomum asperum. For associated risk factors, gender and grazing with other herds significantly impacted overall GI parasitic infections, while the gender, breed, and packed cell volume (PCV) affected the strongyle infection. A correlation analysis revealed a substantial relationship between strongyle egg per gram (EPG) counts and clinical parameters, indicating that monitoring animals with low body condition scores (BCS) and high Faffa Malan Chart (FAMACHA) scores could be an effective strategy for controlling strongyle infections. These findings highlight the importance of continued research and effective farm management practices to address strongyle infections in meat goats, improving their health and agricultural productivity in tropical regions. Moreover, the detection of four zoonotic parasites (Giardia spp., H. contortus, T. colubriformis, and Fasciola spp.) indicates the necessity for the routine surveillance and monitoring of zoonotic parasites in goats to mitigate potential human health risks. Full article

Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835, commonly referred to as the Danube shad, is an anadromous pelagic species of the Clupeidae family, and plays a significant economic role for countries bordering the Black Sea. This study investigates the occurrence of both parasites and microplastics in A. immaculata specimens collected from Sfântu Georghe, with the aim of assessing their potential impact on fish health. The overall physiological condition of the fish was evaluated using Fulton’s condition factor (K) to determine whether the presence of parasites or microplastics had any measurable effect. Five parasitic genera were identified, including one ectoparasitic species from the genus Mazocraes, and four endoparasitic species from the genera Pronoprymna, Lecithaster, Hysterotylacium, and Contracaecum. Microplastic analysis showed a dominance of particles measuring 1–5 mm (62.5%), with fibers and foils being the only morphological forms detected. The most common colors were black (45%), transparent (35%), blue (12.5%), and brown (7.5%). The distribution of microplastics was higher in the stomach than intestines. Our findings offer critical insights into the combined effects of parasitic infection and microplastic pollution on this key Black Sea species. The integrated methodology, combining parasite load, microplastic content, and condition factor analysis, marks a novel approach in fish health assessment. Full article

Gastrointestinal parasitic diseases pose significant health risks to equine populations. This study investigated the epidemiological patterns of equine gastrointestinal parasites in Xinjiang by analyzing 83 fecal samples collected from Ili (n = 62) and Urumqi (n = 21) between August and November 2024. The modified McMaster technique was employed to quantify fecal egg counts (EPG) and was complemented by morphological identification to assess infection dynamics related to geography, breed specificity, and management practices. The results demonstrated an overall infection prevalence of 66.3% (55/83), with strongyles, Parascaris equorum, and Eimeria oocysts being present. Significant geographical variation was observed, with Ili exhibiting a higher prevalence (74.2%) compared to Urumqi (42.9%). Breed susceptibility analysis revealed that there was a 94.1% prevalence in Yili horses versus 42.9% in Kazakh horses. Pasture-managed herds showed markedly higher infection rates (94.1%) than stable-based systems (50.0%). Parasite community composition was dominated by strongyles (82.1%), followed by Triodontophorus spp. (27.7%) and P. equorum (2.4%). These findings highlight severe parasitic infection risks in Xinjiang’s grazing equids, underscoring the urgency of implementing targeted anthelmintic protocols to mitigate disease transmission. Full article

Thirty-two healthy adult dogs (16 males and 16 females) were fed control kibble diets for one month, followed by six months (Weeks 0 to 25) of diets containing either 0, 4, 6, or 8% cultured protein derived from Methylococcus capsulatus (FeedKind Pet^®, FK), then they were fed control diets (0% FK) for a further two months (Weeks 25 to 34). The diets were isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isocaloric and stage- and age-specific. The dogs were assessed for overall health, weight gain, and body condition score (BCS). Blood samples were collected 1 week prior to randomization, during acclimation, then in Weeks 5, 13, 25, 30, 32, and 34 for hematology, coagulation, and clinical chemistry; urine was collected according to the same time schedule for urinalysis. Feces were assessed for parasite load and presence of occult blood during Weeks 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, and 25. Fecal samples were collected during acclimation and Weeks 25 and 34 for fecal microbiome analysis and in Week 25 for apparent total gastrointestinal tract digestibility (ATTD). All dogs maintained a healthy weight and BCS throughout the study. Hematology parameters were within normal limits at the end of each phase of the study. With the exception of a decrease in serum phosphorus level and in urine pH in all groups at the end of the study, urine and serum chemistry results were within normal limits at the end of each phase. ATTD values for organic matter, protein, and energy exceeded 80%, whilst digestibility values for copper were around 20%. The fecal microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes. Alpha diversity increased during the safety phase before returning to baseline levels during the washout phase. The dominant genera in all groups were Megamonas, Peptoclostridium, Turicibacter, Catenibacterium, Fusobacterium, Romboutsia, and Blautia. The study has shown that the inclusion of cultured protein at up to 8% of the total diet of adult dogs can provide sufficient nutrition and is safe with no long-term effects on a range of health parameters. Full article

Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the reference intervals for complete blood count and total protein parameters in Greek indigenous Capra prisca goats and to evaluate their associations with parasitic burden, age and reproductive stage. Methods: Two-hundred clinically health goats were grouped by parasite status (gastrointestinal nematodes, Eimeria spp., and lungworm infection), age (3–6-month-old growing kids; lactating non-pregnant goats ≤ 3 or >3 years old) and reproductive stage (non-lactating pregnant goats; lactating non-pregnant goats). Blood samples were analyzed for erythrogram, leukogram and megakaryocytic parameters using an automated analyzer and manual blood smears. Total plasma proteins were measured using refractometry. Results: Gastrointestinal nematode-infected animals (>300 eggs per gram of feces) were associated with a significant reduction in red blood cell counts and hematocrit estimation, and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, while lungworm-infected animals were associated with decreased red blood cells, red cell distribution width and neutrophils, and increased lymphocytes compared to non-infected animals. Eimeria spp. affected only basophils in growing kids. Age influenced all erythrocytic and leukocytic parameters (apart from neutrophils and monocytes), as well as all megakaryocytic parameters and total proteins, with younger animals showing higher red and white blood cell counts and platelets compared to adults. Pregnant does had elevated hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophils and monocytes compared with lactating non-pregnant does. Conclusions: The calculated 95% reference intervals for our demographic groups of animals provide a useful diagnostic framework for assessing Capra prisca health in Greek goat farming. Full article

Waterborne gastrointestinal infections remain a global health concern, with approximately 1.7 billion diarrhea-related illnesses annually attributable to protozoan parasites. These pathogens are transmitted through contaminated water and exhibit high resistance to chlorination, posing substantial challenges to effective water treatment. This study focused on the most prevalent intestinal parasites in the Los Ríos Region of Chile: Blastocystis sp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba coli. The objectives were to assess the prevalence of eukaryotic parasites in water samples—covering both drinking and recreational sources—to describe the circulating subtypes of Blastocystis sp. and to identify ecological factors associated with parasite presence. Water samples were analyzed using conventional PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed for Blastocystis sp. subtype identification, and the environmental predictors were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model. A total of 132 water samples were analyzed, of which 15.2% were positive for Blastocystis sp. and 1.5% for E. coli, while no samples tested positive for G. duodenalis. We identified subtypes ST1–ST4 of Blastocystis sp., along with ST7, ST10, ST14, ST21, and ST23–ST26, the latter being reported for the first time in Chile. Ecological factors significantly associated with Blastocystis sp. presence included higher water temperature and greater rainfall at positive sites. Potable water was associated with significantly lower odds of Blastocystis sp. infection (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00–0.87; p = 0.041), while precipitation increased infection odds by 3% per additional millimeter (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06; p = 0.036). Greater distance to the nearest farmhouse was also significantly associated with reduced infection risk, suggesting that proximity to livestock environments may influence Blastocystis sp. transmission. These findings help explain the high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. observed in humans in the Los Ríos Region and highlight the pivotal role of ecological conditions in driving waterborne transmission. To our knowledge, this is the first environmental study in Chile to clearly demonstrate the association between human infection, environmental factors, and the transmission dynamics of Blastocystis sp. 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

(1) Background: Parasites can significantly impact growth, reproductive success, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in various species. Our study investigated the effect of gastrointestinal and lungworm parasite infections on the total annual horn growth of male bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) in Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. (2) Methods: We collected fecal samples of individually marked male bighorns over two years to investigate parasite egg and oocyst numbers and parasite diversity in feces, and how these could potentially affect their annual horn growth. (3) Results: We found that parasite species richness, year, age class, and the interaction between age class and species richness were significant predictors of horn growth, while individual parasite species did not have a significant effect. Notably, parasite species richness positively affected horn growth in young males, whereas it did not predict horn growth in adult and old males. (4) Conclusions: One possible explanation is that young males might prioritize resources for body and horn growth, potentially at the expense of immunity or parasite resistance. Our finding contradicts the idea of parasite-mediated sexual selection, where traits like bright plumage signal good health and parasite resistance. Full article

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) and tick infestations remain critical health challenges limiting cattle productivity in rural South Africa, particularly within communal farming systems. The Eastern Cape Province, characterized by high livestock densities and variable management practices, provides a unique context in which to examine parasitic burdens across systems. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, intensity, and diversity of GIPs and tick species in cattle raised under rural communal grazing versus communal feedlot systems in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A total of 160 cattle (n = 80 per system) were randomly selected for fecal and tick examinations in community-based feedlots in Holela (Centane) and Gxwalibomvu (Tsomo), as well as from surrounding rural villages. Fecal samples were analyzed using the McMaster technique to determine fecal egg counts (FEC), while tick species were identified and counted from standardized body regions. Body condition scores (BCS) were recorded, and farmer practices related to parasite control were surveyed. Results showed significantly higher GI parasite prevalence and FEC in rural community cattle compared to feedlot cattle (p < 0.05), with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. being the most prevalent. Similarly, rural cattle had significantly higher tick infestation rates, dominated by Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma hebraeum. Logistic regression identified rural production system, poor body condition (BCS ≤ 2), and absence of recent deworming as significant risk factors for GI parasitism (p < 0.05). Strong negative correlations were found between BCS and both FEC (r = −0.63) and tick burden (r = −0.57). Additionally, rural farmers reported lower acaricide usage and greater reliance on traditional remedies. The study confirms that rural communal systems expose cattle to higher parasitic risks due to unmanaged grazing, limited veterinary support, and poor parasite control strategies. Communal feedlots, by contrast, offer more controlled conditions that reduce parasitic burden. Integrating strategic parasite management, farmer training, and expanded veterinary outreach is essential to improving cattle health and productivity in communal areas. Full article

Trichomitus batrachorum is a species of trichomonad that has gained attention due to its ecological importance and potential interactions with various hosts, such as amphibians (anurans) and reptiles (lizards and chelonians), where it has been recorded in the gastrointestinal tract of these vertebrates, specifically in their feces. Molecular studies have placed this flagellated protist within the Metamonada clade. Unlike parabasalids that inhabit endothermic mammals in relatively stable temperature conditions, protists associated with ectothermic reptiles are subject to significant temperature fluctuations. The ability of T. batrachorum to thrive in the variable temperatures encountered by reptiles suggests that its parasitism may remain largely unaffected by climate change. In our study, we detected and characterized T. batrachorum from the liver tissue of the lizard species Ameiva ameiva, collected in Presidente Figueiredo Municipality, Amazonas State, Brazil. The identification of T. batrachorum was confirmed by cultivation technique, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural analyses, and sequencing the 5.8S rDNA (region ITS1- ITS2) and 18S rRNA (ribosomal RNA) genes. One potential interpretation for this finding is that the flagellates may have migrated from the intestine to the bile duct, ultimately reaching the liver. This is the first successful characterization of T. batrachorum in the liver of a lizard, and provides a solid foundation for further research to elucidate the potential pathogenicity of this flagellate and the role of A. ameiva in the epidemiology of parabasalids in other animal species. Full article

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in gastrointestinal nematodes is a growing global concern that threatens effective parasite control in livestock farming. This study aimed to assess gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control practices and identify risk factors associated with AR development on Lithuanian sheep farms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2022 and 2023 among 71 members of the Lithuanian Sheep Breeders Association, covering farm management, grazing, and deworming practices. Anthelmintics were used by 90.2% of farmers, with most treating their flocks twice a year. Only 18.3% of farmers performed parasitological testing to guide treatments, with significantly more organic farms applying this approach than traditional farms. Treatment frequencies were significantly higher in traditional farms. Most farmers (45.1%) relied on the visual appraisal of sheep weight for dosing, while 35.2% dosed according to the weight of a medium-sized animal. Macrocyclic lactones were the most commonly used anthelmintics (50.7%). Quarantine procedures for new animals were implemented by less than half of the farmers (44.4%), while others treated without isolation (56.6%). These findings indicate reliance on non-strategic parasite control methods and limited use of diagnostics, highlighting the need for improved farmer education to promote sustainable parasite control and reduce AR risk in Lithuanian sheep farms. Full article