Parasitology International最新文献

{"title":"Re-evaluating the unknown causes of male infertility: Amebiasis as an emerging etiology","authors":"Alaa A. Noor ,&nbsp;Hazar S. Saleh ,&nbsp;Fadhil A. AL-Abady","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103201","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103201","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Infertility remains a multifactorial medical challenge, particularly when its etiology is obscure. This study investigated whether <em>Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica</em>), the causative agent of amebiasis known for its invasive and cytolytic potential, could be associated with male infertility through potential targeting of reproductive tissues. Twenty-four adult male rats were equally divided into control and infected groups. Following infection, mating trials were conducted to assess fertility outcomes. Testicular and epididymal tissues were collected for PCR-based parasite detection, histological examination, sperm analysis (count, motility, morphology), and serum hormonal assessment, including testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (E2).</div><div>PCR detected <em>E. histolytica</em> DNA in the testes and epididymis of infected males, suggesting possible tissue invasion. Histopathological examination revealed extensive degeneration of seminiferous tubules and depletion of spermatogenic cells. Correspondingly, infected males showed severe spermatogenic failure, with drastically reduced sperm count (1.46 ± 0.13 vs. 46.90 ± 1.00 × 10⁶/mL, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), elevated immotile sperm (98.08 ± 0.51 % vs. 25.08 ± 0.51 %), and increased morphological abnormalities (76.33 ± 1.01 % vs. 13.00 ± 0.68 %). Endocrine disruption was also evident, with decreased T (0.250 ± 0.029 vs. 0.727 ± 0.039 ng/mL) and FSH (0.456 ± 0.009 vs. 0.724 ± 0.024 mIU/mL), alongside elevated PRL (0.442 ± 0.007 vs. 0.219 ± 0.013 ng/mL) and E2 (621.0 ± 32.04 vs. 405.5 ± 12.48 pg/mL) (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05); LH levels remained unchanged (<em>P</em> = 0.260). Importantly, infected males exhibited complete fertility failure (0 % pregnancy rate).</div><div>Collectively, these findings suggest a potential link between <em>E. histolytica</em> infection and impaired male reproductive function. The consistent pattern of pathological, spermatogenic, and endocrine alterations provides preliminary evidence for further investigation into this association, though additional studies are needed to confirm causality and clinical relevance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145573697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elucidation of the life cycle of Galactosomum nagasakiense (Heterophyidae), the causative parasite of trematode whirling disease in marine fish, with discovery of congeneric species in the gastropod first intermediate host Cerithium dialeucum","authors":"Yukitaka Sugihara ,&nbsp;Ryoma Iwasaki ,&nbsp;Haruki Miyazaki ,&nbsp;Sho Shirakashi ,&nbsp;Naoki Itoh ,&nbsp;Tomoyuki Nakano ,&nbsp;Tsuyoshi Takano ,&nbsp;Kazuo Ogawa","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103190","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103190","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Trematode whirling disease (TWD), caused by <em>Galactosomum nagasakiense</em> (Heterophyidae), affects a wide range of wild and cultured marine fish, with occasional mass mortalities reported in aquaculture since the 1960s. Fish serve as the second intermediate host, while the black-tailed gull <em>Larus crassirostris</em> has been identified as the definitive host. However, the first intermediate host has remained unidentified for decades. Field surveys were conducted in Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, an endemic region of TWD, aiming to identify the gastropod first intermediate host. Among 1341 snails sampled, trematode infections were detected in 15 individuals of the cerithiid snail, <em>Cerithium dialeucum</em> (n = 798, prevalence = 1.9 %). Three morphologically distinct types of magnacercous cercariae were isolated from <em>C. dialeucum,</em> and molecular analysis confirmed that all types belonged to the genus <em>Galactosomum</em>. The nuclear ITS2 and 28S rDNA sequences of the most prevalent type (detected in 11 out of the 15 infected <em>C. dialeucum</em>) were 100 % identical to sequences obtained from metacercariae found in the brain of TWD-affected fish, confirming its identity as <em>G. nagasakiense</em>. The remaining two types were assigned to the genus <em>Galactosomum</em> based on both morphological and genetical characteristics but could not be identified to the species level. Morphological descriptions of the cercaria and redia of <em>G. nagasakiense</em> are provided. The cercariae exhibited strong positive phototaxis and swam actively using a long, unforked tail. A single infected snail released up to 3000 cercariae per day. This study identifies, for the first time, the first intermediate host of <em>G. nagasakiense</em>, thereby completing the elucidation of its life cycle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103190"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145392212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the effects of seasonal variation and climatic factors on gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasitism in dogs and cats from the Azores archipelago - Portugal","authors":"Romana Teixeira ,&nbsp;Isilda Flor ,&nbsp;Telmo Nunes ,&nbsp;Carlos Pinto ,&nbsp;Maria Constança Pomba ,&nbsp;Luís Madeira de Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The current study aimed to assess the potential seasonal variations on parasite prevalence and intensity in dog and cat feces from the Azores archipelago (Portugal), as well to evaluate the effects of climatic variables (rainfall and temperature) in the development of parasitic infections. Between Januray-December 2023, a total of 297 and 301 fecal samples from dogs and cats (respectively) were collected on five Azorean islands - Flores, Corvo, Terceira, São Miguel and Santa Maria - and then analyzed using the Mini-FLOTAC and Baermann methods. Weather data was also retrieved for this timeframe, to assess the effects of climatic factors in parasite infection. Toxocaridae reached significant prevalence values in summer (21–23 %), for dogs and cats. The opposite occurred regarding parasites intensity, being overall EPG/OPG/LPG counts higher in autumn. The presence of certain parasite species in canine and feline feces, namely Ancylostomatidae and <em>Cystoisospora</em> spp., was correlated with rainfall. Temperature favored the shedding of <em>Trichuris vulpis</em> and <em>Toxocara cati</em> eggs in pets' feces, as well as <em>Aelurostrongylus abstrusus</em> larvae. The present study was the first one to entail on effects of seasonality and climatic variables in populations of domestic carnivores from the Azores archipelago. It allowed us to successfully confirm seasonal variation on parasite intensity, as well as some prevalence variation in certain parasites species (Toxocaridae), filling this gap in the archipelago. Moreover, we have successfully proven the influence of climatic factors such as rainfall and temperature in the prevalence of certain parasitic forms in dog and cat feces. Plus, the identification of zoonotic species still presents a concern to public health, highlighting the need to implement more effective measures to control these agents, namely under the scope of ESCCAP Guidelines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103177"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plerocercoid Rockacestus cf. piriei from the White Sea stickleback and cod: Genetic analysis with description of ultrastructure of the tegument and excretory system","authors":"Natalia M. Biserova ,&nbsp;Andrey D. Logvinenko ,&nbsp;Ilya I. Gordeev","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plerocercoids of the order Phyllobothriidea were discovered in the gastrointestinal tract of the three-spined stickleback, <em>Gasterosteus aculeatus</em>, and White Sea cod, <em>Gadus morhua marisalbi</em>, in the White Sea. Based on the 28S rDNA sequence, plerocercoids from <em>Gasterosteus aculeatus</em> belong to <em>Rockacestus</em> cf. <em>piriei</em>. A phylogenetic tree was reconstructed to infer their evolutionary relationships. Several aspects of larval biology were described: the prevalence and intensity of infection were quantified in host fishes; movement patterns of the scolex and body were documented in vitro. The maximum infection rate of <em>Rockacestus</em> cf. <em>piriei</em> plerocercoids in <em>Gasterosteus aculeatus</em> was observed in June 2021. Some seasonality of fish infection by these parasites can be linked with three-spined stickleback migration. The detailed morphology of the scolex and microtriches, as well as the ultrastructure of the tegument and excretory system, have been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Unlike other cestodes, the tegument lacks rod-shaped bodies in its distal cytoplasm and exhibits uniform microtriches, specifically capilliform filitriches. Subtegumental musculature is well developed. The excretory system comprises cyrtocytes and syncytial epithelium forming protonephridial funnels, thin tubules and canals. The cytoplasm of the canal wall contains numerous electron-dense rod-shaped bodies oriented parallel to the surface. Several specific features in the ultrastructure of the tegument and excretory epithelium of the <em>R.</em> cf. <em>piriei</em> plerocercoid have been identified, contributing to the taxonomic and functional understanding of marine cestodes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Active constituent nonacosane from Sphaeranthus indicus (Asterales: Asteraceae) leaves as a potent larvicidal agent against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)","authors":"Alex Yagoo ,&nbsp;M.C. John Milton ,&nbsp;Jelin Vilvest ,&nbsp;Mariya Vaishnika A ,&nbsp;Kedike Balakrishna","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mosquitoes are major carriers of diseases such as dengue, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis, as they feed on blood and act as ectoparasites. This study focuses on the effectiveness of a plant-derived insecticide, specifically the hexane extract from <em>Sphaeranthus indicus</em> leaves, against <em>Aedes aegypti</em> and <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> mosquitoes. By conducting phytochemical extraction, fractionation, and spectroscopic analysis, ten fractions were isolated. One of these fractions showed significant mosquito-killing activity, with nonacosane identified as the primary active component. Various bioassays, including tests for eggs, larvae, and pupae, were conducted. Nonacosane exhibited ovicidal activity, with effectiveness rates of 16.4 % and 17.8 % at 2 ppm against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>, respectively. Larvicidal and pupicidal tests further confirmed its strong activity, with LC₅₀ values of 2.63 ppm and 2.47 ppm for larvae, and 2.98 ppm and 2.67 ppm for pupae of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>, respectively. The mosquitocidal effectiveness of nonacosane was comparable to that of established insecticides like azadirachtin and temephos. This research highlights the potential of plant-based compounds in developing effective and environmentally sustainable mosquito control strategies, especially in light of the increasing resistance to synthetic insecticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parasites in the bloodstream: Unraveling hematological chaos and clinical implications","authors":"Bing Pang ,&nbsp;Atieh Raoufi ,&nbsp;Zahra Taghinejad ,&nbsp;Milad Fakhraei ,&nbsp;Mahsa Loran Esfahani ,&nbsp;Parisa Heydari ,&nbsp;Omolbanin Sargazi Aval ,&nbsp;Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103172","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parasitic infections pose a significant global health burden, particularly in regions with limited medical resources and poor sanitation. These infections often have detrimental effects on the human body, including disruptions to the hematopoietic system, the intricate network responsible for blood cell production. Parasites such as <em>Plasmodium</em>, <em>Schistosoma</em>, and <em>Leishmania</em> are notorious for causing blood disorders such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Understanding the intricate interactions between parasites and the hematopoietic system is crucial for developing effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. This review explores the multifaceted effects of parasitic infections on hematological parameters. The mechanisms are explored by which parasites can disrupt red blood cell production, leading to various types of anemia. Additionally, we examined the effects of parasites on platelet counts and white blood cell populations, highlighting the potential for both thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Furthermore, the role of parasites is examined in inducing coagulation disorders and the implications for clinical management. By understanding the complex interplay between parasites and the hematopoietic system, healthcare professionals can develop more targeted and effective interventions to address the significant health challenges posed by parasitic infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145150350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An unusual presentation of cystic hydatid disease: Left temporal bone involvement with transverse sinus obliteration","authors":"Abdulkerim Gökoğlu ,&nbsp;Hüseyin Yiğit ,&nbsp;Bülent Tucer","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic hydatid disease (CHD), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains a significant global health concern. While commonly affecting the liver and lungs, rare localizations can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report presents a case of CHD affecting the left temporal bone, originating from the mastoid cells, resulting in left transverse sinus obliteration and cerebellar hemisphere compression. This unusual presentation highlights the importance of considering CHD in the differential diagnosis of neurological symptoms, including vertigo, even in the absence of more typical clinical signs. We aim to raise awareness among neurosurgeons, neurologists, and otorhinolaryngologists regarding this atypical manifestation of CHD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in water and wastewater of the world: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Tooran Nayeri ,&nbsp;Maryam Hataminejad ,&nbsp;Aziz Kassani ,&nbsp;Davood Anvari ,&nbsp;Nahid Maspi ,&nbsp;Abbas Moridnia","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The association between parasitic diseases and the consumption of contaminated water has been widely reported. Due to oocyst contamination, water is a medium for human and veterinary toxoplasmosis transmission. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the prevalence of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondii</em>) in water and raw and treated wastewater samples from around the world utilizing molecular methods. A comprehensive search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and the internet search engine Google Scholar was conducted for studies published until September 2024. The screening process identified 51 relevant studies, from which 45 were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in water and raw and treated wastewater samples worldwide was estimated at 11.1 % (95 % CI: 8.5 to 14.3 %) and 6.8 % (95 % CI: 3 to 14.6 %) using molecular methods. The findings underscore a significant public health concern, given the potential for waterborne transmission of toxoplasmosis. The results of this study emphasize the necessity for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of water quality, as well as the implementation of effective sanitation measures to reduce the risks associated with contaminated water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103181"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cystodiscus nigromaculatus sp. n. (Myxozoa: Myxidiidae) infecting the gallbladder of the frog Pelophylax nigromaculatus in China","authors":"Shen Yuan ,&nbsp;Qiang Wei ,&nbsp;Yulu Liu ,&nbsp;Yuzhou Gong ,&nbsp;Deliang Li ,&nbsp;Jianguo Xiang ,&nbsp;Fengwen Pan ,&nbsp;Jianbo Yu ,&nbsp;Shisi Ren ,&nbsp;Xinhua Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Myxosporean infections in frogs have been reported in countries worldwide. This study conducted a survey of myxosporean infection in cultured frogs in China, and identified a new species of <em>Cystodiscus</em> in <em>Pelophylax nigromaculatus</em>. This new species, named <em>Cystodiscus nigromaculatus</em> sp. n., was exclusively located in the gallbladder of <em>P. nigromaculatus.</em> The observed plasmodia appeared as oval formations within the bile, reaching sizes of up to 1.2 mm in diameter. Mature myxospores ellipsoid to ovoid in shape, measuring 13.6 ± 0.4 (13.0–14.6) μm in length and 7.8 ± 0.5 (6.8–8.9) μm in width, with a slightly curved ridge along the myxospore's medial axis. The polar capsules pyriform and uniform in size, measuring 4.3 ± 0.3 (3.7–4.9) μm long and 3.5 ± 0.2 (3.0–3.9) μm wide, with polar tubules coiled into 3–5 turns. The pairwise genetic distances and varying numbers of base differences among <em>C. nigromaculatus</em> sp. n. and other <em>Cystodiscus</em> spp. with available 18S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank ranged from 0.092/75 (<em>C. axonis</em>, MZ412745) to 0.111/89 (<em>C. australis</em>, HQ822149). Phylogenetic analysis placed <em>C. nigromaculatus</em> sp. n. as an early-diverging species within the <em>Cystodiscus</em> clade, with strong support values.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145564859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection and characterization of vector-borne pathogens in domestic cats (Felis catus) in Türkiye: The first report of Coxiella burnetii from cats in Türkiye","authors":"Zuhal Önder ,&nbsp;Didem Pekmezci ,&nbsp;Batuhan Aşkım Arslanhan ,&nbsp;Gökmen Zafer Pekmezci ,&nbsp;Gupse Kübra Karademir ,&nbsp;Simge Şahin ,&nbsp;Gamze Nur Konacoğlu ,&nbsp;Sümmani Çifci ,&nbsp;Zeynep Nurselin Kot","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103182","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103182","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed (i) to determine the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens (<em>Cytauxzoon felis</em>, <em>Babesia</em> spp., <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp., <em>Rickettsia</em> spp., and <em>Coxiella burnetii)</em> in domestic cats in Türkiye; (ii) to conduct molecular characterization of identified species; (iii) to assess the genetic diversity among identified species in cats reported worldwide. A total of 311 blood samples were collected from animals visiting Ondokuz Mayıs University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital for routine checkups, vaccinations, antiparasitic application, and sterilization. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of targeted pathogens by PCR analysis. Data on domestic cats (age, sex, breed, and living conditions) were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for infection. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assess relatedness among detected pathogen isolates worldwide. Out of 311 cats tested, 13.1 % (<em>n</em> = 41) were positive for at least one pathogen, and 0.9 % (<em>n</em> = 3) were found to be co-infected. PCR analyses detected 9.64 % (<em>n</em> = 30) of examined samples infected with <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp., and 3.5 % (<em>n</em> = 11) with <em>C. burnetii</em>. <em>Babesia</em> spp., <em>C. felis</em>, and <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. were not detected. There was no significant statistical difference between the prevalence of any detected pathogen and data of the cats. Sanger sequencing of the 30 positive PCR products identified <em>Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum</em> (CMhm) in 50 % (<em>n</em> = 15), <em>Mycoplasma haemofelis</em> (Mhf) in 36.6 % (<em>n</em> = 11), and <em>Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis</em> (CMt) in 13.3 % (<em>n</em> = 4). Phylogenetic analysis of the <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp. 16S rRNA gene showed two distinct groups: one belonging to the haemominutum group, clustering with CMhm isolates, and the other from the haemofelis group, clustered with Mhf and CMt isolates. <em>Coxiella burnetii</em> IS1111 gene sequences shared high identity and similarity and clustered with isolates from different countries. This is the first report of <em>C. burnetii</em> in domestic cats from Türkiye. Our data provide information on the presence, molecular epidemiology, and genetic characterization of vector-borne pathogens in domestic cat populations in Türkiye. This study highlights the importance of the epidemiology of vector-borne pathogens for effective disease management in cat populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145275500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}