{"title":"A higher infection rate of Toxoplasma gondii in soft ticks infesting domestic hens: A novel report from Pakistan","authors":"Bisma Khan , Sidra Batool , Sadia Shahnawaz , Shakir Ullah , Muhammad Naeem , Umme Habiba , Shaheen Akhter , Adil Khan , Furhan Iqbal","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are the second most important hematophagous ectoparasites after mosquitoes and serve as vectors for various pathogens, transmitting them to wild and domestic animals, as well as humans. <em>Argas persicus</em> are the soft ticks that are known to parasitize domestic poultry. Hard ticks are known to be the reservoir of <em>Toxoplasma</em> (<em>T.</em>) <em>gondii</em> but limited such information is available for soft ticks. This study reports the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of <em>T. gondii</em> infecting <em>Argas</em> (<em>A.</em>) <em>persicus</em> ticks (<em>N</em> = 70), collected from four domestic poultry breeds in the Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, between June and August 2023. The results showed that 26 out of 70 (37 %) <em>A. persicus</em> samples tested positive for the <em>ITS-1</em> gene of <em>T. gondii</em>. These findings were confirmed by the DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis of amplified amplicons<em>.</em> Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pakistani isolates were genetically diverse and clustered with isolates that were reported from birds and mammals from Pakistan, Tunisia, Malaysia, Brazil and Iraq.</div><div>Risk factor analysis indicated that the prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> was not associated with any specific poultry breed, sampling period, or the body temperature of the fowl hosts. Similarly parasite prevalence was not found associated with tick sex or their developmental stage but parasite infection rate varied with the feeding status of the ticks; highest <em>T. gondii</em> infection rate was observed in fully fed <em>Argas persicus</em>. In conclusion, this is the first report from Pakistan highlighting a high prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in <em>A. persicus</em> infesting domestic poultry suggesting a potential zoonotic risk to humans through the consumption of infected poultry. This data is confirming that in addition to oral ingestion of oocysts, <em>T. gondii</em> can be mechanically transmitted through soft ticks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142593207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Comparative study of the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Atriplex halimus, the anti-echinococcal plant used in Algeria” [Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 54 (2024)/ 101094]","authors":"Meryem Benmarce , Maria Celina Elissondo , AbdElkarim Laatamna , Assia Haif","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101139","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142579111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Omid BehrouziNasab , Ali Moshaverinia , Farzin Kazemi Lifshagerd
{"title":"First report of Saemundssonia lari on yellow-legged gull (larus michahellis) from Iran","authors":"Omid BehrouziNasab , Ali Moshaverinia , Farzin Kazemi Lifshagerd","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pediculosis caused by chewing lice may pose a threat to domesticated and wild birds' health. These ectoparasites can cause pruritus, poor feather condition and do weaken hosts making them susceptible to other infections. Species of the genus <em>Saemundssonia</em> which are called ecomorphic head lice parasitize a wide range of aquatic birds from the family <em>Laridae</em>. The present report describes a heavy infestation of yellow-legged gulls (<em>Larus michahellis</em>) with <em>Saemundssonia</em> species in Iran. Three yellow-legged gulls that were brought to Mashhad Birds Garden (northeastern Iran) were examined visually for infestation with any ectoparasites and infestation with lice on the head zone was observed. The lice were collected and after clearing in aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide were mounted on slides. The morphological characteristics were used to identify 85 collected lice from three examined birds and they were identified as <em>Saemundssonia lari</em>. The lice of this species parasitize a broad range of host species and it seems to be less host specific. Iran has many aquatic habitats and a few lakes that host many migratory birds annually. The accumulation of these birds in these habitats could spread lice infestations among themselves that negatively affect their health and welfare. Therefore, Periodic checks to identify ectoparasites and other pathogens of migratory birds are quite necessary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142578910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spatiotemporal distribution, species diversity, and burden of ixodid ticks on cattle in Northwest Ethiopia","authors":"Zewdu Seyoum Tarekegn , Alemayehu Eshetie , Getie Mulat , Marshet Bazezew , Moges Maru , Shimelis Dagnachew Nigatu , Sefinew Alemu Mekonnen , Wassie Molla","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ixodid ticks are important arthropods in medicine and veterinary science, posing a considerable threat to livestock in East Africa. A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2023 to explore the spatial distribution, prevalence, species diversity and burden of cattle ticks, and to investigate risk factors associated with tick infestation prevalence and burden in northwest Ethiopia. A total of 2528 cattle were randomly selected through multistage cluster sampling for tick inspection across 18 districts during both dry and wet seasons. Ticks samples were identified morphologically at the genus and species levels. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and mixed-effect logistic regression models. In total, 22,698 adult ticks were found from 1604 cattle; of which 10,246 were collected for identification, and revealed ten tick species across three genera: <em>Amblyomma</em>, <em>Rhipicephalus,</em> and <em>Hyalomma</em>. The predominant species included <em>A. variegatum</em> (35.5 %), <em>R. decoloratus</em> (32.73 %), <em>A. lepidum</em> (10.64 %), and <em>H. rufipes</em> (6.85 %), while <em>R. sanguineus</em> and <em>H. analoticum</em> were below 1 %. Tick diversity was highest in Kafta-Humera, followed by Wolkait and Tsegede. The overall tick infestation prevalence was 63.45 %, with a mean tick burden of 8.98 ± 0.31 ticks per animal, both significantly impacted by agroecology, season, vegetation cover, management, and coexistence with other livestock species (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Infestation rates varied notably among districts, with Wolkait having the highest at 94.49 % and Wogera the lowest at 9.17 %. This study underscores the high prevalence of tick infestations and the diverse ixodid tick species of veterinary importance in the region, highlighting the need for effective tick management strategies. Studies are recommended to explore the epidemiological features of relevant tick-borne pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142572010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Molecular detection of potentially zoonotic protozoa in the Chandigarh region, India","authors":"Divya Rattan , Priya Datta , Devyani Sharma , Shikha Sharma , Rakesh Sehgal","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>The contamination of soil by pathogenic protozoan parasites from both human and animal feces, is an important factor in the spread of parasitic infections globally. This contamination also serves as a crucial reservoir for zoonotic diseases, facilitating their transmission. In many developing nations, including India, there's limited documentation on the extent of soil contamination, which poses challenges for implementing effective One Health strategies aimed at controlling these infections.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To study the molecular prevalence and distribution pattern of pathogenic protozoa in soil from North India.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this prospective cross-sectional study, we collected a total of 200 soil samples from various locations in the Chandigarh region, including public parks, urban slum areas, villages on the outskirts, and sites near cattle sheds, hospitals, and public school. DNA extraction was done in all the samples followed by conventional and nested PCR for the identification of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, <em>Entamoeba histolytica</em>, <em>Giardia duodenalis,</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species from these samples.</div></div><div><h3>Key results</h3><div>Out of 200, 34 soil samples (17 %) from different sites in Chandigarh were found to have pathogenic protozoan contamination. <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> was the most common protozoa (<em>n</em> = 18), followed by <em>Entamoeba</em>, <em>Giardia</em>, and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species<em>.</em> Urban slums and public parks were most likely to be contaminated with oocysts/ cyst of pathogenic protozoa.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study is the first of its kind in India and the prevalence of oocyst /cyst of protozoa in our city was found significant. The findings underscore the critical role of soil contamination by pathogenic protozoa as a potential source for spreading zoonotic infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142537265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdul Rahman Kazim , Van Lun Low , Jamal Houssaini , Dennis Tappe , Chong Chin Heo
{"title":"Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in ruminant farms of Peninsular Malaysia: First molecular evidence of Borrelia theileri in Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).","authors":"Abdul Rahman Kazim , Van Lun Low , Jamal Houssaini , Dennis Tappe , Chong Chin Heo","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To shed light on the importance of tick-borne diseases, especially in farm animals that often contact with farm workers, this study aimed to identify ticks and tick-borne pathogens in ruminants in Malaysia. Accordingly, specimen collection was conducted across Peninsular Malaysia yielded a total of 1241 ticks collected from 674 farm ruminants. Among these, four tick species were identified, with <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> being the most prevalent, constituting 99.03 % of the total tick population. Analysis of 130 tick pools revealed three positives for <em>Borrelia</em>. BLAST analyses of the <em>flaB</em> and 16S rRNA genes revealed high similarities to <em>Borrelia theileri</em>, ranging from 98.78 to 100 % for <em>flaB</em> and 99.23–99.45 % for 16S rRNA. These results align with the phylogenetic trees, where sequences from both genes clustered together with <em>B. theileri</em>, further supporting this identification. No <em>Rickettsia</em> and <em>Bartonella</em> bacteria were detected. This study represents the first occurrence of <em>B. theileri</em> in <em>R. microplus</em> in Malaysia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc , Harun Kaya Kesik , Figen Celik , Sami Simsek
{"title":"First report and molecular characterisation of an adult liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in a brown bear (Ursus arctos) in Türkiye","authors":"Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc , Harun Kaya Kesik , Figen Celik , Sami Simsek","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fascioliasis, caused by the parasite <em>Fasciola hepatica</em>, is a worldwide zoonotic disease that can have serious consequences for livestock, certain wild animals and humans. This study was conducted to morphologically and molecularly characterise a <em>F. hepatica</em> isolate from a brown bear. After examination of the internal organs, a <em>Fasciola</em> sp. isolate was obtained from the bile ducts of the liver. The adult parasite was morphologically analysed under a stereomicroscope and identified as <em>F. hepatica</em>. Measurements of body length, body width and ventral sucker area were then recorded. After isolation of the genomic DNA, a partial gene of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) was amplified by PCR. The amplified mt-CO1 PCR products were sequenced by one-way sequence analysis. According to the BLAST search results, the sequence of the isolate was identified as <em>F. hepatica</em>. In conclusion, this is the first report on the occurrence of <em>F. hepatica</em> in brown bears and the molecular characterisation of the isolate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of domestic chicken ectoparasites in the east Goejam, Amhara, Ethiopia","authors":"Asnakew Mulaw Berihun , Yitayew Demessie Yekoye , Moges Maru Alemayehu","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ectoparasites significantly impact the health and productivity of chickens, both directly and indirectly. From October 2022 to September 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the East Gojam Zone of the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia to identifying the ectoparasite species infesting free-ranged chicken. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was used to assess farmers knowledge and attitudes towards control practices. The purposeful sampling method was utilized to select study districts and peasant associations (PAs), while the simple random sampling method was employed to select interviewed respondents (<em>n</em> = 90) and sampled chickens. Samples were collected from 384 chickens through visual examination of their entire bodies, including skin scraps, to expose any ectoparasites present. The ectoparasites were then identified according to diagnostic guidelines. Out of the 384 local chickens examined, 184 (47.9 %) were found to harbor one or more of ectoparasites. Four genera of ectoparasites were identified, with louse (<em>Menacanthus stramineus</em>) most prevalent species (<em>N</em> = 133/184) 72.3 % and fleas (<em>Ceratophyllidae)</em> being the least prevalent <em>N</em> = 3 (1.6 %). Lice species included <em>Menacanthus stramineus</em> (<em>N</em> = 98) 53.3 %, <em>Lipeurus caponis (N</em> <em>=</em> 15) 8.2 %, <em>Goniocotes gallinae</em> 7 (3.8 %), <em>Menopon gallinae</em> (<em>N</em> = 7) 3.8 %, and <em>Cuclotogaster heterographus</em> (<em>N</em> = 6) 3.3 %. Additionally, one species of ticks (<em>Argas persicus</em>, (<em>N</em> = 9) 4.9 %, mites (<em>Knemidocoptes mutans</em>, (<em>N</em> = 5) 2.7 %, and fleas (<em>Echidnophaga gallinacean</em>, (<em>N</em> = 3) 1.6 % were found. Statistically significant differences (<em>p</em> = 0.040) in prevalence were observed between age groups, breeds, management systems, and study areas. However, the prevalence was not statistically significant (<em>p</em> > 0.05) between sex categories. Results from the questionnaire survey revealed that most poultry farmers were female (<em>N</em> = 74) 82.2 % and illiterate (<em>N</em> = 52) 57.8 %. A majority of respondents (<em>N</em> = 55) 61.1 % lacked information regarding ectoparasite infestations in chickens, while (<em>N</em> = 36)36.7 % of respondents fed their chickens supplementary feed once a day. This study highlights the prevalence of ectoparasite infestations among chickens in the studied areas. Therefore, it is recommended to raise awareness among the community about control practices and conduct further studies focusing on the impacts of ectoparasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) as natural definitive hosts of Paragonimus mexicanus","authors":"Amanda Conejo-Chacón , Joby Robleto-Quesada , Alberto Solano-Barquero , Alicia Rojas","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Paragonimus mexicanus</em> is a trematode that causes pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections in humans, characterized by chest pain, dyspnea, fever, and weight loss. The detection of <em>Paragonimus</em> spp. is primarily achieved through the microscopic observation of eggs in feces, sputum, and pleural fluid<em>. Paragonimus mexicanus</em> has been found in various wild animals, including dogs, cats, raccoons, and opossums. Although the reservoirs of <em>P. mexicanus</em> in Costa Rica are unknown, this study analyzed fecal samples from gray foxes (<em>Urocyon cinereoargenteus</em>) using microscopic and molecular methods. In the morphological analysis, characteristic eggs of the genus <em>Paragonimus</em> were identified. DNA was extracted from fecal samples, and a fragment of the ITS2 loci of trematodes was amplified, which showed a 100 % similarity with <em>P. mexicanus</em> metacercariae from crabs in Ecuador. Then, a Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis was performed with the obtained data and pre-existing sequences of <em>P. mexicanus</em> found in America, showing that our sequence clustered firstly with others from Colima and Veracruz (Mexico), and Ecuador, while a second cluster contained sequences from Chiapas (Mexico), Ecuador, and Guatemala. These results provide evidence of the presence of <em>P. mexicanus</em> in the gray fox and suggest its role as a possible new wild reservoir, which could have zoonotic implications for the infection of other animal species and humans. Additionally, our phylogenetic analysis reveals low genetic differentiation among the compared <em>P. mexicanus</em> populations and the possibility of additional <em>Paragonimus</em> species currently classified as <em>P. mexicanus</em>. The finding of this parasite in our country, together with comparisons with previous studies, highlights the complex evolutionary history and population dynamics of <em>P. mexicanus</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexandra Juhász , Tamás Tóth , Camilla J.L. Eldridge , Gábor Majoros
{"title":"The first survey of endoparasite infection in the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) from a synanthropic environment in Hungary","authors":"Alexandra Juhász , Tamás Tóth , Camilla J.L. Eldridge , Gábor Majoros","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban rats are significant reservoirs of zoonotic endoparasites, posing serious health risks to humans. This study aimed to detect common endoparasites in wild brown rats (<em>Rattus norvegicus</em>) in Budapest, addressing the current lack of endoparasite surveys in Hungary. Carcasses of 131 rats collected following extermination were examined. Three zoonotic helminths were identified: <em>Hymenolepis nana</em> and <em>Hymenolepis diminuta</em> in the jejunum, and <em>Calodium hepaticum</em> in the liver. Additionally, non-zoonotic parasites were detected, including <em>Eimeria</em> spp., <em>Entamoeba muris</em>, <em>Heterakis spumosa</em>, <em>Nippostrongylus brasiliensis</em>, <em>Eucoleus gastricus</em>, <em>Aonchotheca annulosa</em>, <em>Syphacia muris</em> (intestine), and <em>Trichosomoides crassicauda</em> (urinary bladder). Helminth infection prevalence was 83.9 %, with no noticeable differences in prevalence or infection intensity between sexes. These findings highlight the potential public health risk posed by zoonotic parasites in urban rat populations, emphasising the importance of surveillance to mitigate possible human infection. This study demonstrates a practical and economical approach to monitoring urban rat populations. Further large-scale studies are recommended to better understand the parasitic landscape in Hungary's rat populations, leveraging data from rat control programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142531355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}