Journal of Helminthology最新文献

{"title":"<i>In vitro</i> anthelminthic potential of <i>Setaria barbata</i> (Poaceae) extracts on <i>Ancylostoma caninum</i>, a gastrointestinal nematode of dogs.","authors":"G Mbogning Tayo, T S Nguepnang, H G Tsila, A F Djouela, R J Atiokeng Tatang, J Yondo","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26101886","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26101886","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gastrointestinal parasitic infections adversely affect the health and well-being of animals worldwide. The limitations of the efficacy of pharmaceutical anthelmintics underscore the importance of finding alternative approaches to reduce the impact of parasitism on hosts. Investigating the anthelmintic properties of bioactive plants could be one way to contribute to this effort. The present study evaluates <i>in vitro</i> the activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of <i>Setaria barbata</i> on the four free-living life stages of <i>Ancylostoma caninum</i>, the primary gastrointestinal nematode of dogs. After preparing the extracts, phytochemical tests were conducted to identify secondary metabolites based on colour and precipitation reactions specific to each metabolite present in the extracts. Serial dilution of the extract allowed us to obtain five test concentrations, which were used for egg embryonation, egg hatching, and larval mortality assays. Fresh eggs, embryonated eggs, and L₁ and L₂ larvae of <i>A. caninum</i> from a naturally infected dog were incubated for 24 hours with 5 concentrations of <i>Setaria barbata</i> extracts, while the embryonated eggs were incubated for 6 hours. 0.5% DMSO and distilled water were used as negative controls. At the end of this period, the number of non-embryonated eggs, unhatched eggs, and dead L₁ and L₂ larvae was recorded. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids were identified in the three extracts of <i>S. barbata</i>. The presence of triterpenes and steroids, however, varied depending on the solvent used for extraction. The extracts proved more effective on embryonated eggs than on fresh eggs; the aqueous macerated extract thus resulted in 100% inhibition of egg hatching at a concentration of 0.625 mg/mL, with the lowest IC₅₀ (0.31 mg/mL). L₂-stage larvae were more sensitive to the various extract concentrations than L₁-stage larvae. The ethanolic extract caused 100% mortality in L₂-stage larvae, with an LC₅₀ of 0.48 mg/mL. Extracts of <i>Setaria barbata</i> contain compounds with bio-ovicidal and bio-larvicidal properties. These extracts could be sprayed in dog kennels and in the wild as a disinfectant to eliminate the pre-infectious forms of gastrointestinal nematodes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these extracts in a complete biological system.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e94"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148963323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular and morphological characterization of <i>Hemicriconemoides vietnamensis</i> sp. n. (Nematoda: Criconematidae) associated with rose (<i>Rosa gallica</i> L.) in Vietnam.","authors":"Duyen Thi Nguyen, Phap Quang Trinh, Linh Thi Mai Le, Sen Thi Dao, Nhung Thi Le, Tien Huu Nguyen","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26101606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26101606","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Hemicriconemoides</i> spp. are sheathoid, root-ectoparasitic nematodes with complex taxonomy due to overlapping morphology and cryptic diversity. In this study, an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphology and molecular data supports the characterization of <i>Hemicriconemoides vietnamensis</i> sp. n. recovered from the rhizosphere of roses in Vietnam. The new species females are distinguished by a slightly ventrally curved body with a closely fitting sheath lacking anastomoses, a lip region with two annuli and a protruding first annulus, a long (62-68 μm) mostly straight stylet with rounded, posteriorly sloping knobs, and an excretory pore located 5-7 annuli posterior to the pharyngeal base. The vulva is slit-like without vulval flaps, the vagina is oblique, and the tail is bluntly to pointed conical with a rounded terminus. Males were not found. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to <i>H. litchi</i>, <i>H. rotundoides</i>, and <i>H. strictathecatus</i>, but can be differentiated by a combination of morphological and molecular characterizations. Molecular analyses of ITS rDNA, D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rDNA, and COI mtDNA consistently support the distinct status of <i>H. vietnamensis</i> sp. n. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses place the new species in a well-supported clade with <i>H. phoenicis</i> and <i>H. strictathecatus</i>, forming a distinct lineage across all markers. Species delimitation analyses (bPTP, GMYC, and ASAP) consistently recover <i>Hemicriconemoides vietnamensis</i> sp. n. as an independent species. These results provide clear evidence for the establishment of <i>Hemicriconemoides vietnamensis</i> sp. n. and expand the documented diversity of <i>Hemicriconemoides</i> in Vietnam, where molecular data for the genus remain limited.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e92"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148963424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity of long-tail <i>Echinochasmus</i> spp. (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) in Northeast Asia: cryptic species revealed by genetic data - ERRATUM.","authors":"D A Zatoloka, K A Basenko, Y V Tatonova, E E Rodina","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26101989","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26101989","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e89"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the phenotypic plasticity of <i>Mesorchis urugu</i>a<i>yensis</i> (Holcman-Spector & Olagüe, 1989) Cajiao-Mora & Bullard, n. comb. (Digenea: Echinochasmidae), a parasite of aquatic birds from the Americas.","authors":"A G Islas-Ortega, M T González-García, Y Aldama-Prieto, M García-Varela","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26102168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26102168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Phenotypic plasticity allows parasites to modify their morphology in response to the ecological and physiological conditions induced by their hosts. In digeneans with complex life cycles and multiple definitive hosts, host-induced variation may complicate species delimitation and taxonomic diagnoses. In this study, we characterised intraspecific morphological variation in <i>Mesorchis uruguayensis</i> (Digenea: Echinochasmidae), a trematode that parasitises fish-eating birds, using an integrative morphological approach. Thirty-eight adult specimens previously collected from five definitive host species in Mexico and molecularly identified as <i>M. uruguayensis</i> were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess qualitative diagnostic traits, and principal component analysis (PCA) based on 19 linear measurements was used to explore morphometric variation among host-associated groups. All specimens retained the characteristic head collar with 22 spines, 10 small spines along the anterior margin of the oral sucker, and a consistent general pattern of tegumental spines. The first two principal components explained 80.9% of the total morphometric variation. However, the host-associated group overlapped substantially, with some differences. Body size, the dimensions of reproductive organs, and the ventral sucker contributed most strongly to this variation. Because all specimens were molecularly conspecific, these differences represent intraspecific morphological variation rather than species-level divergence. Host identity constitutes a biologically plausible source of this variation through differences in intestinal physiology, resource availability, and other host-associated conditions; however, geographic origin, parasite maturity, infection intensity, and individual host condition may also contribute. Our findings emphasise the value of combining stable qualitative characters, morphometric analyses, and molecular evidence to interpret morphological variability and avoid taxonomic misidentification in digeneans.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e88"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148712703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Rhinomusca</i> as a possible vector of <i>Habronema</i> in Kenya.","authors":"S Mihok, R Kock, R F Kruger, R Giordano","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26102144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26102144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Translocations of rhinoceros in the 1990s provided an opportunity to investigate the vectors of filaria in Nairobi National Park and Solio Ranch in Kenya. These are high-altitude sanctuaries where rhinos have ulcerative sores attributed to the filarial nematode <i>Stephanofilaira dinniki. Rhinomusca dutoiti</i>, the biting fly closely associated with rhino, did not harbour <i>S. dinniki</i>, but often harboured a small and/or a large form of <i>Habronema. Rhinomusca dutoiti</i> from Kenya was nearly identical to <i>R. dutoiti</i> from South Africa based on gross morphology and a 798 base pair sequence from the 3' end of the Cytochrome Oxidase I gene. <i>Habronema</i> parasites occurred alone or in combination and were smaller than larval forms of <i>H. muscae</i>, the well-known parasite of equines. At Nairobi, prevalence of infections in the proboscis was high at 55%, with mature infections already present in young flies. This finding implied infection during larval development rather than acquisition as an adult fly. Infection patterns were similar in flies trapped or captured by hand from rhinos at Solio Ranch. <i>Habronema</i> was also found in a few <i>Haematobosca</i> spp., at much lower prevalence. Parasites were measured for several body landmarks and were photographed through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These data now provide a foundation for further studies of the biology of <i>Rhinomusca</i> and its relationship with filarial nematodes in wildlife.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e87"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interleukin-17A: a novel player in the treatment of liver lesions associated with cystic echinococcosis.","authors":"M Labsi, I Soufli, L Khelifi, D Mezioug, H Belguendouz, Z-C Amir, C Touil-Boukoffa","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26102090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26102090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the current study, we used an immunotherapeutic approach in female <i>Swiss</i> albino mice inoculated intraperitoneally with viable protoscoleces. We investigated the potential immunomodulatory effect and protective properties of IL-17A at 125 pg/mL on the development of secondary experimental echinococcosis. <i>Swiss</i> mice were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 200 μL of a suspension containing 2000 viable protoscoleces to establish the infection model. IL-17A was administered intravenously two weeks after cystic echinococcosis (CE) induction. Cyst development and hepatic damage were macroscopically and histologically analysed. The hepatic expression of iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κB, CD68, and vimentin was examined. We observed that in vivo IL-17A treatment at 125 pg/mL reduced metacestode growth by 93.8%. Interestingly, treatment at this dose also led to decreased splenomegaly and improved liver tissue architecture. This was associated with a marked reduction in the fibrotic response, as evidenced by decreased collagen and reticulin fibre deposition. Moreover, IL-17A treatment resulted in reduced expression of key inflammatory and fibrotic markers, including iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κB, CD68, and vimentin, in the liver parenchyma. Our findings highlight the antihydatid and immunoprotective effects of IL-17A and support its potential therapeutic role in managing CE.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e84"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148700886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of <i>in vivo</i> anthelmintic efficacy of <i>Artemisia absinthium</i> extract and albendazole in Awassi breed sheep with natural gastrointestinal nematode infection.","authors":"B Irehan, F Temamogullari, D N Sayin Ipek, H Icen, M Altas Atig","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26102119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26102119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study was conducted to determine the <i>in vivo</i> anthelmintic efficacy and clinical safety of crude ethanolic extract (CEE) obtained from <i>Artemisia absinthium</i> in naturally infected Awassi breed sheep with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). A total of 18 non-pregnant sheep were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each: CEE (1.0 g/kg), albendazole (5 mg/kg), and negative control (untreated). Changes in egg counts (EPG) were quantitatively monitored in faecal samples collected before treatment (day 0) and after treatment (days 7 and 15). The research findings showed that <i>A. absinthium</i> CEE significantly reduced the parasite load over time, with the highest efficacy achieved on day 15 (p < 0.001), demonstrating statistically significant efficacy in suppressing the fecundity of GIN agents. According to the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), therapeutic success was observed in 76.77% of the CEE group and 100% of the albendazole group. The performance demonstrated by CEE confirmed the potential of plant secondary metabolites to reduce dependence on synthetic drugs, and the absence of any adverse effects during the trial period demonstrated the plant's high biosafety profile. Consequently, <i>A. absinthium</i> offers a powerful, economical, and residue-free biotherapeutic alternative to synthetic anthelmintics in sustainable and organic livestock models, countering global anthelmintic resistance. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation in Türkiye evaluating the anthelmintic efficacy of <i>A. absinthium</i> CEE in Awassi breed sheep naturally infected with GIN, providing the first regional efficacy data from Şanlıurfa.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e85"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148701521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High diversity of trematode parasites infecting New Zealand gulls, Larus dominicanus, and Chroicocephalus scopulinus: Six new species (Echinostomatoidea, Microphallidae, and Gymnophallidae) and new life cycle associations.","authors":"B Presswell, J Bennett","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26102028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26102028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We surveyed trematode parasites infecting 227 gulls from southern New Zealand, comprising 113 red-billed gulls (<i>Chroicocephalus scopulinus</i>) and 114 black-backed gulls (<i>Larus dominicanus</i>), using morphological and molecular approaches. Fifteen trematode species were recovered, including six species new to science: <i>Mesorchis carsonae</i> n. sp., <i>Acanthoparyphium argillamartelliarum</i> n. sp., <i>Himasthla davisi</i> n. sp., <i>Gymnophalloides hutsonae</i> n. sp., <i>Levinseniella trisepsilon</i> n. sp., and <i>Microphallus lagruei</i> n. sp. Nine species occurred in both gull hosts; the remaining six were recorded from only black-backed gulls. New genetic data were generated for 12 species, including all new species, enabling confirmation of species identities and links to larval stages in intermediate hosts, thereby resolving or advancing knowledge of several life cycles. Several parasites represent new host or geographic records, including the first named species of <i>Diplostomum</i>, <i>Gigantobilharzia</i>, <i>Levinseniella</i>, <i>Gymnophalloides, Microphallus</i> and <i>Mesorchis</i> reported from New Zealand. Parasite burdens were generally low, but species richness was high, underscoring gulls as important definitive hosts supporting substantial hidden biodiversity. This study provides the first comprehensive baseline survey of trematode communities in New Zealand gulls and highlights that parasite diversity remains underestimated even in comparatively well-studied hosts. These findings reinforce the importance of incorporating parasites into biodiversity inventories and conservation frameworks.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e86"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148701509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determining acute thermal limits of trematode cercariae using the CT_max approach.","authors":"L Zenke, E R Jolma, A Born-Torrijos, D W Thieltges","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26101424","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X26101424","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Short-term thermal stress during heatwaves can potentially affect the transmission of parasites by increasing mortality of infective stages. Using the critical thermal maximum approach (CT_max), commonly used in free-living species, we exposed trematode cercariae of three marine species (<i>Cryptocotyle lingua, Himasthla elongata, Renicola parvicaudatus</i>) to a temperature ramping rate similar to realistic heatwave scenarios in the field and determined their acute temperature limits. The median CT_max values of all cercariae were much higher than the typical temperature extremes observed during heatwaves in the field. CT_max values slightly differed among the three trematode species and were higher than the thermal limit of their first intermediate host, the periwinkle <i>Littorina littorea.</i> This suggests that heatwave effects on trematode cercariae are likely not direct but more indirect, resulting from effects on the survival of their first intermediate host. Given its straightforward methodology and the potential for standardized comparisons of thermal limits among species and ecosystems, the CT_max approach holds promise for ecological research on the thermal biology of parasites.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e83"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148673808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification and analytical validation of a species-specific molecular target for <i>Taenia solium</i> detection using purified genomic DNA.","authors":"C Bravo-Poemape, J Maravi-Jaime, D Castaneda-Carpio, C Guerra-Giraldez, R Gutierrez-Loli","doi":"10.1017/S0022149X26101898","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0022149X26101898","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate discrimination of <i>Taenia solium</i> (<i>T. solium</i>) from other <i>Taenia</i> species remains a challenge in parasitological diagnosis, particularly when based solely on morphological examination of eggs or degraded material. Molecular approaches have improved species identification and differentiation, but robust and species-specific targets suitable for developing diagnostic assays remain limited.In this study, we aimed to identify and validate a species-specific molecular target to enable the discrimination between <i>T. solium</i> and other <i>Taenia</i> species. To this end, we performed comparative analysis of publicly available genomic sequences, revealing polymorphic sites unique to <i>T. solium</i> within a conserved locus; sequence alignments across <i>Taenia</i> species then guided primer design targeting this region. The resulting target was subsequently evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and showed consistent amplification across serial DNA dilutions, with detection down to approximately 10 pg of input DNA. No amplification was observed with genomic DNA from <i>Taenia saginata</i> or human samples, supporting the specificity of the selected target under the conditions tested.Together, these results identify a robust molecular target for the specific detection of <i>T. solium</i>, providing a useful foundation for the development of molecular diagnostic tools which may support improved detection strategies for this medically significant helminth.</p>","PeriodicalId":15928,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Helminthology","volume":"100 ","pages":"e81"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148604118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}