Parasitology Research最新文献

{"title":"De Novo assembly and analysis of the transcriptome of the Hyalomma anatolicum genes differentially expressed in normal morphology and disability.","authors":"Jia Zhang, Ting Ge, Rongrong Xu, Min Zhang, Na Li, Ruiqi Song, Yuanzhi Wang, Suwen Wang","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08645-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08645-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>At present, the research on tick malformations is still in its infancy, mainly focusing on the exploration of the abnormal forms, while the research on its molecular level is relatively scarce. In this study, under identical feeding conditions, three deformed adult ticks that occurred occasionally among 320 laboratory-bred Hyalomma anatolicum were selected as the research subjects, three adult ticks with normal morphology were observed and selected as controls by stereomicroscopy and the differences in gene expression between the two groups were analyzed through transcriptome sequencing technology. The results show that morphological identification and photo analysis reveal that abnormal ticks have deformities in limbs and/or mouthparts. Through differential gene analysis, it was revealed that compared with normal ticks, abnormal ticks showed a downward trend in the expressions of ecdysone-related genes of ecdysone-induced protein, cuticle protein and chitinase, detoxification-related genes of detoxification proteases and cytochrome, immune defense-related genes of antimicrobial peptides and antifreeze protein. However, the gene expressions of heat shock protein, serine protease, serine protease inhibitors, etc. showed an upward trend. This study has for the first time discovered that the transcriptome of adult ticks with morphological abnormalities is significantly different from that of normal individuals, suggesting that the dysregulation of gene expression may be related to morphological abnormalities. An in-depth exploration of the key genes in the growth and development of these ticks is expected to provide potential approaches for the development of new anti-tick strategies. Future studies need to further verify the functions of these differentially expressed genes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13038721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147581905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular phylogeny of Pseudoglaridacris (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea) and redescription of its type species, P. laruei, the most common cestode parasite of the white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) in North America.","authors":"Tomáš Scholz, Olena Kudlai, Emma Nielsen, Anindo Choudhury, Florian Reyda","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08648-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08648-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Caryophyllidean tapeworms (Cestoda) are widespread parasites of suckers (Catostomidae) in North America, but their phylogenetic relationships remain poorly understood. This study presents molecular data on species of the recently established genus Pseudoglaridacris Oros, Uhrovič et Scholz, 2018. The type species, P. laruei (Lamont, 1921), a very common parasite of the white sucker Catostomus commersonii (Catostomidae) in North America, is characterised both molecularly and morphologically based on recently collected, properly fixed specimens from the type host (C. commersonii) and four species of redhorse (Moxostoma spp.), including new host and geographical records from Canada and the United States. Pseudoglaridacris laruei differs from other species in the genus by its size, being the largest species (body length up to 12.7 mm), a high number of testes (62–119) and very few (0–6) postovarian vitelline follicles. Mackiewiczus etowanum from Hypentelium etowanum and Mackiewiczus rarus from Moxostoma poecilurum in Alabama are nomina nuda. The taxonomic status of P. confusa (Hunter, 1929), which occurs in ictiobines, and of P. oligorchis (Haderlie, 1953), which is most probably a junior synonym of P. laruei with a reduced number of testes, is also discussed, based on molecular data indicating the presence of a putative new species from ictiobines that has not yet been described.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13219100/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"One health survey of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in rural Adana (Türkiye) reveals zoonotic genotypes and two novel ITS genotypes in livestock.","authors":"Eylem Akdur-Öztürk, Yaseen Majid Salman Al-Adilee, Çağıl Coşkun, Alejandro Dashti, Sergio Sánchez, Eleni Gentekaki, Anastasios D Tsaousis, Funda Dogruman-Al, David Carmena","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08662-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08662-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently detected microsporidian in humans and infects a wide range of animals. Data integrating human, animal, and environmental compartments under a One Health framework remains scarce. We conducted a molecular survey in a rural area of Adana Province, south-central Türkiye (October–November 2023). A total of 394 samples were screened, including stool from apparently healthy individuals (n = 124) from 64 households and livestock such as cattle (n = 75), sheep (n = 95), goats (n = 60) and environmental samples (lake water, n = 24; mud, n = 16). Detection and genotyping targeted the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region by nested PCR and Sanger sequencing. No human or environmental samples were positive, this result may be influenced by sampling limitations, seasonality, and methodological sensitivity rather than reflecting true absence. Overall E. bieneusi prevalence in livestock was 5.2% (12/230; 95% CI, 2.6–8.6). By host, prevalence was 8.4% in sheep (8/95; 95% CI, 3.7–15.9), 3.3% in goats (2/60; 95% CI, 0.4–11.5), and 2.7% in cattle (2/75; 95% CI, 0.3–9.3); differences were not statistically significant. Sequence analysis identified three known genotypes: BEB6 (6/12), J (1/12), and Type IV (1/12), and two novel genotypes (ShTrEb1, ShTrEb2; 2/12 each). J and Type IV were restricted to cattle; BEB6 and ShTrEb1 occurred in sheep and goats; ShTrEb2 was detected only in sheep. Phylogenetic analysis placed Type IV in Group 1 and BEB6, J, ShTrEb1, and ShTrEb2 in Group 2. Although humans and environmental matrices tested negative in this study, the detection of genotypes in livestock should be interpreted carefully and highlights the need for further studies to clarify potential transmission pathways. Larger, seasonally stratified surveys with standardized environmental methods are warranted to better understand regional transmission dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13056775/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current and emerging molecular diagnostic approaches in the detection of human parasites.","authors":"Dario Pistone, Giulia Bevivino, Maria Greta Dipaola, Claudio Bandi, Fabrizio Lombardo","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08660-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08660-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microscopy and morphological identification remain the gold standard for diagnosing most parasitic infections, yet their limited sensitivity in asymptomatic or low-burden cases, along with technical constraints, has accelerated the adoption of molecular diagnostics. Over the past three decades, advances in nucleic acid amplification and sequencing technologies have transformed parasite detection by improving sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, enabling earlier intervention and stronger surveillance. PCR remains the foundation of molecular diagnostics, with real-time PCR and digital PCR improving analytical performance and quantification. Multiplex qPCR supports simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens, while dPCR enables absolute quantification and rare variant detection, although broader implementation is limited by instrument cost. Isothermal amplification methods such as tHDA, NASBA, LAMP, and RPA offer rapid, low-cost amplification at constant temperature and are well suited for field diagnostics in resource-limited settings. Next-Generation Sequencing has advanced genotyping and epidemiological surveillance by resolving cryptic species, resistance mutations, and mixed infections through targeted panels, whole-genome sequencing, and metagenomics. CRISPR/Cas-based assays provide rapid and sensitive nucleic acid detection with strong potential for point-of-care deployment due to their simplicity and adaptability. Emerging biomarkers, including circulating cell-free DNA, non-coding RNAs, and microRNAs in extracellular vesicles, offer promising non-invasive diagnostic strategies, though further validation is required. This review offers a concise overview of these molecular approaches, emphasizing recent innovations such as dPCR, NGS, CRISPR/Cas systems, and biomarker-based detection. For each method, core technical principles, representative applications, and comparative strengths and limitations are presented to illustrate their diagnostic potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13031216/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147531818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inter-stock congruence of long-term changes in macroparasite communities of a small pelagic fish ¿An effect of climate change?","authors":"Paula Marcotegui, Matías Merlo, María P Gutiérrez, Delfina Canel, Claudio Buratti, Manuela Parietti, Timi Juan","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08653-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08653-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The impact of climate change on the distribution and sustainability of pelagic fish remains poorly understood, even though it can cause drastic shifts in species distribution, reproduction, migratory behavior, and recruitment. In turn, parasites can reveal important details about the biology of their hosts and the changes they undergo. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes occurred in the parasite community structure of the Argentine anchovy, Engraulis anchoita, after three decades, during which environmental changes have been documented in the Argentine Sea. Parasite assemblages of anchovies captured throughout their distribution in the Argentine Sea in 2022 were examined and compared with those of anchovies collected in the same regions between 1993 and 1995. Multivariate analyses were performed by assigning fish to three spatial groups (belonging to two different stocks), identified from the first sampling period (Northern Buenos Aires, Southern Buenos Aires, and Patagonian). The dataset included 42,290 metazoan parasites belonging to 13 species. Samples differed significantly among groups and between periods. A decrease in parasite abundances was observed for most species across all three groups, resulting in similar patterns of dissimilarity between periods. The congruence of these changes across three groups over a broad geographic scale suggests that such variations are likely driven by large-scale processes, possibly climate change, rather than by random, short-term, cyclical, or local variability.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13009072/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147504622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-infection of fasciolosis and hydatidosis in cattle at Jimma Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia: Prevalence, risk factors, and economic impact.","authors":"Gelan Dule Dahesa, Isayas Asefa Kebede, Abraham Adugna Tilahun, Bizunesh Mideksa Borena, Yeros Jifara Muleta, Haben Fesseha Gebremeskel, Sagni Ragassa Wadajo, Geremew Haile Lemu, Segni Bedasa Gudina","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08666-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08666-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Parasitic infections of slaughtered animals have a significant public health importance and cause great economic losses. Zoonotic helminths are commonly transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. However, information on co-infections of major zoonotic parasites in cattle is limited in the study area. Abattoirs are vital for gathering information on zoonotic animal diseases and protecting the public from consuming infected or unhygienic meat. A cross-sectional abattoir study was conducted from November 2023 to July 2024 to estimate the prevalence of co-infections, associated risk factors, and economic losses due to infected organ condemnations in cattle at Jimma Municipal Abattoir, Oromia, Ethiopia. Simple random sampling was used to select the study animals. Prevalence was determined based on records of parasitic infections detected through postmortem examination findings. A total of 384 animals were examined, with an overall co-infection prevalence of 14.3% (95% CI: 11—18); hydatidosis was the most prevalent, followed by fascioliasis at (17.1%, 95% CI: 14—21) and (14.3%, 95% CI: 11—18), respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica was 4.4% (95% CI: 2.7—7.1), followed by F. gigantica at 1.8% (95% CI: 0.9—3.8). Cyst fertility assessment of 66 cysts showed 20 viable, along with 18 sterile, 8 calcified, 11 non-viable, and 9 mixed (non-viable and viable) cysts. Males had twice the odds of co-infection than females, but this association was not statistically significant (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 0.57—4.91). The total monetary loss due to co-infections, in terms of organ condemnation, was estimated at 54,000,000 ETB (approximately 432,000 USD (using 1 USD = 125 ETB). No assessed risk factors (sex, age, body condition score (BCS), breed, and origin) showed a statistically significant association with co-infection status. This study revealed the presence of co-infections of fasciolosis and echinococcosis in cattle in the study area, which contribute to significant economic losses. Therefore, appropriate control and prevention measures should be strengthened to reduce infection and associated losses.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13006458/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147491526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First record of Camallanus cotti (Fujita, 1927) in traded guppies (Poecilia reticulata) from India.","authors":"Palaniappan Dhinesh, Devaraj Kaviarasu, Chandran Sudhan, Subramaniyan Saravanan, Sathish Kumar Thangaraj, Selvaganapathy Porselvan, Vedachalam Santhiya, Navin Kumar Durai Raj, Anbu Kani Selvam Ganesan","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08659-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08659-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The guppy Poecilia reticulata is a widely traded ornamental fish species, valued for its popularity in aquariums globally. Parasitic infections pose a significant threat to both ornamental culture and native fish populations. This study records the first occurrence of the intestinal nematode Camallanus cotti (Fujita, 1927) in guppies from India, confirmed through both morphological and molecular analysis. Sixteen guppies were collected from the Kolathur ornamental fish market, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Examination revealed that 11 fish (68.75%) were infected with red thread-like nematodes protruding from the anus. A total of 41 worms were recovered, with a mean intensity of 3.73 and a mean abundance of 2.56 worms per fish. Light microscopy confirmed diagnostic features of C. cotti, including the robust cephalic capsule and scanning electron microscopy illustrates the attachment of the parasite to intestinal wall. Molecular characterization using 18 S rRNA gene sequencing (GenBank Accession PX446961.1) showed 99.84% similarity with reference sequences, validating the morphological identification. Infected guppies exhibited visible clinical signs, including abdominal distension and threadlike worms protruding from the anus. The findings highlight the risk posed by C. cotti to ornamental fish health and emphasize the importance of quarantine, monitoring, and surveillance to prevent its spread through the aquarium trade.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13004755/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147486549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First identification of Sarcocystis medusiformis in Chinese sheep (Ovis aries): morphological and molecular characterization.","authors":"Danqu Lamu, Luyao Qian, Zhun Hu, Lu Xu, Shuangsheng Deng, Jianping Tao, Yurong Yang, Junjie Hu","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08663-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08663-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study reports the first identification of Sarcocysits medusiformis in sheep (Ovis aries) in China, based on integrated morphological and molecular analyses. Macroscopic S. medusiformis sarcocysts were detected in 4 of 92 sheep (4.3%), measuring 2490–4796 × 248–405 μm, and featuring thin, smooth walls (1–2 μm thick). Ultrastructurally, the cyst wall was covered by trapezoidal villar protrusions, each lined by an electron-dense layer and containing scattered microtubules extending from the apex to the base. Genetic characterization of three isolates targeted four markers: the nuclear 18 S rRNA, 28 S rRNA, and ITS-1 genes, and the mitochondrial cox1 gene. The ITS-1 sequences obtained here are the first reported for this species. Intraspecific identity among isolates was 100% for 18 S rRNA and 28 S rRNA, 99.7–100% for cox1, and 99.0–100% for ITS-1. BLAST analysis confirmed up to 100% identity with existing S. medusiformis sequences for 18 S rRNA, 28 S rRNA, and cox1. Phylogenetically, S. medusiformis consistently clustered with S. gigantea and S. moulei into a distinct, well-supported clade in analyses of 18 S rRNA, 28 S rRNA, and cox1. To date, S. medusiformis sarcocysts have been reported predominantly in sheep (subfamily Caprinae), with a single record in an addax (Addax nasomaculatus; subfamily Hippotraginae). Expanded surveillance of domestic and wild bovid ruminants is warranted to fully elucidate the epidemiology, host range, and phylogenetic relationships of S. medusiformis and related morphotypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12999623/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147474968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Treatment failure in a dog with acute Babesia canis infection using lower-range therapeutic doses of imidocarb dipropionate.","authors":"Ingo Schäfer, Vanessa Baitis, Christina Strube, Kriti Jindal, Elisabeth Müller, Torsten J Naucke, Andreas Moritz","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08664-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08664-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis is considered an emerging disease in Central and Eastern European countries, including Germany. Imidocarb dipropionate is recommended for treatment of acute B. canis infections. A nine-year-old, male intact Golden Retriever living in Saxony, Germany, was presented in November 2025 due to lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, fever (39.6 °C), and darkened urine to a small animal veterinary practice. Ectoparasite prophylaxis was discontinued three months before the onset of clinical signs. An acute B. canis infection was diagnosed based on microscopic detection of large merozoites in peripheral blood smears, followed by Babesia spp. PCR and sequencing. Hematological examination revealed marked thrombocytopenia, mild non-regenerative anemia, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia. The dog remained PCR positive after two imidocarb dipropionate injections (2.0 mg/kg bodyweight and 5.0 mg/kg bodyweight s.c.), and hematological abnormalities were still present. Prednisolone (2.0 mg/kg bodyweight s.c., continued orally) was applied, after which merozoites were still detected in peripheral blood smear analysis, so prednisolone was discontinued. After two further imidocarb dipropionate injections (9.4 mg/kg bodyweight s.c. each), the dog presented as clinically healthy, and a subsequent PCR testing was negative. From this report, different measures for dogs suffering from an acute B. canis infections can be derived: Dogs should be treated with a high dosage of imidocarb dipropionate of 6.6 mg/kg bodyweight as approved by the FDA, and the treatment success should be monitored by PCR 14 days post treatment. If treatment fails after two administrations at either dose of imidocarb dipropionate, i.e. if PCR remains positive, it is recommended to verify a B. canis infection by molecular species differentiation, e.g. via sequencing. Furthermore, dogs with treatment failure should be screened for coinfections and underlying comorbidities, which may complicate the course of an acute B. canis infection. Due to the authors’ personal experience, application of corticosteroids, even in non-immunosuppressive dosages, should be avoided, especially if blood transfusions are not necessary and/or marked hemolytic anemia is absent. Furthermore, this report highlights the importance of efficient year-round tick control, even in winter months.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13004736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147475015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on intestinal parasites in a subpopulation of screaming hairy armadillo, Chaetophractus vellerosus (Xenarthra: Chlamyphoridae) from Central-Eastern Argentina.","authors":"Noralí Pagnutti, Josefina Lacunza, Clara Vercellini, María Carolina Plez Ragusa, Luisina Fux, Graciela Minardi, Agustín Manuel Abba, María Cecilia Ezquiaga","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08654-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08654-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Environmental stressors, host condition, and parasitic infections are closely linked, as adverse conditions may compromise individual health and increase susceptibility to parasitism. This study evaluated the influence of intrinsic (body condition) and extrinsic host factors (farm, mining activity, cattle load, and dog abundance) on prevalence and parasite load in the Endangered subpopulation of Chaetophractus vellerosus from eastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Fecal samples from 45 individuals were analyzed using coproparasitological techniques, including modified Ritchie sedimentation combined with Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Willis flotation to estimate prevalence, and a McMaster chamber to quantify parasite load. Body condition was estimated using a weight-to-total length index. All samples were parasitized. Oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium sp., as well as helminth eggs (Cestoda and Nematoda), were identified. Aspidodera spp., Eimeria sp. 1, and Eimeria sp. 4 showed the highest prevalences, while Eimeria spp. exhibited the highest parasite loads. None of the models were statistically significant; however, infections with Eimeria sp. 3 were the closest to significance, being more frequent in farms with low mining and cattle activity and high dog abundance. This pattern may reflect higher vegetation cover and soil moisture favoring oocyst survival. Further research is needed to disentangle the effects of specific anthropogenic pressures on host–parasite–environment interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12996396/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147468858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}