Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"Diversity of trematode larvae in Indoplanorbis exustus from Phayao Lake, northern Thailand: Genetic evidence of Schistosoma spindale and a potential novel Schistosomatid associated with swimmer's itch","authors":"Ornampai Japa ,&nbsp;Chorpaka Phuangsri ,&nbsp;Thatchanan Phuhadsuan ,&nbsp;Kittiphong Songsarn ,&nbsp;Kulnida Boonsit ,&nbsp;Jidapa Srithongchang ,&nbsp;Kanokwan Muengnil ,&nbsp;Tanchanok Wongkamphoo ,&nbsp;Thanakon Bunsong ,&nbsp;Ratchapong Watchararangsiman ,&nbsp;Sirasit Soda","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Indoplanorbis exustus</em>, a pulmonate snail, is an important component of freshwater ecosystems and serves as the primary intermediate host for the larval stages of several medically and veterinary significant trematodes. However, data on its infection status and associated trematode species in the Phayao Lake area of northern Thailand are currently lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection and identify the trematode species present in snails from this region. A total of 1290 snails were collected from Phayao Lake between November 2024 and February 2025 and examined using cercarial shedding and snail-crushing techniques. Larval trematodes were identified based on morphological characteristics and confirmed by molecular analyses targeting three genetic markers: ribosomal DNA (<em>28S</em> and <em>ITS</em>) and mitochondrial <em>cox1</em>. The overall infection rate was 1.09% (14/1290), with five trematode species identified: <em>Schistosoma spindale</em>, <em>Apharyngostrigea</em> sp., <em>Euclinostomum</em> sp., and two unidentified cercariae belonging to the families Schistosomatidae and Aporocotylidae. One of the unidentified Schistosomatidae cercariae exhibited morphological features and genetic similarity to known dermatitis-causing genera, specifically <em>Dendritobilharzia</em> and <em>Gigantobilharzia</em>. In addition, <em>cox1</em> sequence analysis of <em>S. spindale</em> revealed two genetically distinct populations, suggesting possible intraspecific variation. These findings highlight the notable diversity and spatial distribution of medically and veterinary important trematodes in the region, particularly the presence of <em>S. spindale</em> and a potential dermatitis-causing species, and provide essential baseline data to support future control and prevention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101436"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023693","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":"First report and morpho-molecular analysis of Ryukyua circularis (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) in the European pilchard, Sardina pilchardus, from Egypt","authors":"Heba Wheeb ,&nbsp;Wael Felefel ,&nbsp;Mahmoud AbouLaila ,&nbsp;Soad Menshawy","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101426","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101426","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sardine flesh is highly valued for its nutritional qualities; however, isopod parasitic infections can cause substantial economic losses in sardine production. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the infection rate and morphology of the isopod <em>Ryukyua circularis</em> in Elbeheira Governorate, Egypt. A total of 633 samples of European pilchard (<em>Sardina pilchardus</em>) specimens were purchased from local markets in Edko City, Elbeheira, Governorate, over 12 months. Isopod parasites were carefully removed from host fish specimens, with attachment sites and density recorded before immediate preservation in 70% ethanol for microscopical examination. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify the isopods. A PCR assay of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene was used for molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis. The overall infection rate was 3% (19 infected out of 633). The infection rate was marginally elevated in female specimens (3.29%) compared to male specimens (2.91%). According to the season, the infection occurred only in colder seasons—winter (4.69%) and spring (5.26%). This reflects temperature-limited transmission or greater host aggregation in cooler months, supporting targeted seasonal surveillance for fishery management. Fish weighing &lt;15 g had a higher infection rate (3.91%) than those weighing &gt;15 g (1.34%), suggesting increased juvenile vulnerability, potentially guiding size-selective harvesting or monitoring to reduce parasite impacts on sardine stocks. The PCR amplified 443 bp of the target sequence of the 28S rDNA gene. BLAST searches revealed that the isopod sequence shared 77.88–79.91% identities with previously reported <em>Ryukyua circularis</em> isolates. Phylogenetic analysis positioned the present sequence within the <em>Ryukyua circularis</em> clade, along with sequences from India. This study presents the first report on the infection rate, SEM, and molecular characterization of <em>Ryukyua circularis</em> in sardines from Elbeheira Governorate, Egypt.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101426"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023706","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":"Low seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pig farms (Sus scrofa domesticus) of eastern Spain in intensive farms with control of animal entry","authors":"Pablo Jesús Marín-García ,&nbsp;Orla Ballesteros-García ,&nbsp;Lola Martínez-Sáez ,&nbsp;Ana Lesta ,&nbsp;Lola Llobat","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>. Although the definitive hosts are cats, other species can act as reservoirs, including livestock. In pigs, the infection is subclinical, so its relevance as a silent reservoir could be greater. The data related to the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in pigs differ according to different factors, including methodology used, country, farm type, and location, and epidemiological factors, such as sex or age. The seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in pigs housed in intensive systems, specifically medium-sized farms with animal entry control systems, was evaluated, as well as epidemiological data that could be risk factors, such as age or sex. For this purpose, serum samples were obtained from a total of 92 pigs with ages ranging from 0 to 24 months, housed in sixteen intensive system farms located in eastern Spain. The seroprevalence was estimated as the number of positive animals by the ELISA method. The results obtained were a low seroprevalence (3.26%), and only age was associated with higher seroprevalence, being higher in animals older than 12 months. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the factors associated with seroprevalence and the security measures to eliminate the presence of this parasite in porcine farms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101438"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023576","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 analysis of fasciolosis in cattle in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil","authors":"P.C.P. Pinheiro,&nbsp;D.M. Donatele,&nbsp;I.V.F. Martins,&nbsp;F. Berbari Neto,&nbsp;J.D. Giannotti","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fasciolosis is caused by the fluke <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> in Brazil, which has a worldwide distribution and affects the bile ducts and liver parenchyma of several species of mammals, especially ruminants, and humans, configuring the disease as a zoonosis and generating a risk to global public health. In Brazil, the disease is considered endemic to some regions, mainly the South and Southeast, with emphasis on high rates in ruminants in the state of Espírito Santo. The present study aimed to carry out a spatio-temporal analysis of fasciolosis in ruminants in the state of Espírito Santo, from 2018 to 2023, based on slaughter maps carried out by the State Inspection Service (SIE) and Federal Inspection Service (SIF). Descriptive analysis, cross correlation and linear regression was carried out regarding the slaughterhouses and climate data and spatial distribution of notifications were represented in maps by the QGIS 3.28.1 program, using data from geographic bases made available by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The average annual frequencies of bovine fasciolosis for animals slaughtered under federal and state inspection were 0.829% and 5.53%, with a total average frequency of 4.35%. Results reveal differences between federal and state inspection and found a positive correlation between number of fasciolosis cases and rainfall. In an analysis from 2006 to 2023, a slaughterhouse in the South region presented an average frequency of 19.65% of fasciolosis in cattle. The study concluded that the state of Espírito Santo demonstrates a high frequency of fasciolosis in cattle, with the South region standing out with the highest frequency rates in slaughtered cattle, reinforcing the need for control measures for the disease in the region, minimizing the risks to public health as a consequence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101430"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023697","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":"The first seroprevalence and molecular detection of toxoplasmosis infecting cats in Jordan with associated risk factors","authors":"Serein Khalil Alkhatatbeh ,&nbsp;Shawkat Qasim Lafi ,&nbsp;Haifa Baker Hammad ,&nbsp;Rami Mahmoud Mukbel","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis is an infectious zoonotic disease transmitted by feline. It has been previously studied in human and other farm animals in Jordan but never in cates. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and May 2023, in various regions of Jordan to assess <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> infection in cats using both serologic and molecular techniques. A total of 368 blood and fecal samples were collected from pet, stray, feral, and shelter-residing cats. Serological testing via indirect ELISA for anti-<em>Toxoplasma</em> IgG antibodies showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 11.1 % (41/368; 95 % CI: 8.3 %–14.77 %), with a true prevalence estimated at 11.08 %. PCR analysis targeting the surface antigen 3 (SAG3) gene identified an active infection rate of 32.88 % (121/368; 95 % CI: 28.2 %–37.8 %). Combining both diagnostic methods (considering either ELISA or PCR results) yielded a total infection rate of 40.5 % (149/368; 95 % CI: 36 %–46 %), with 4 % (13/368, 95 % CI: 0.02 %–0.06 %) tested positive on both assays. Seroprevalence varied by group: 18 % in pet, 9 % in stray, 8 % in feral, and 13 % in shelter-residing cats, with pet cats significantly more likely to be seropositive than feral cats (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression of PCR results identified deworming status and living conditions as significant risk factors; dewormed cats were 2.15 times more likely to test PCR-positive (OR = 2.15; 95 % CI: 1.172–3.965) compared with non- dewormed cats, and stray cats had 2.54 times higher odds compared to shelter-residing cats (OR = 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.12–5.778; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of the type III CEP strain of <em>T. gondii</em>, underscoring the zoonotic risk and need for ongoing surveillance in regions with high cat ownership.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101415"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145852454","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":"Morphological and molecular evidence of Linognathus vituli infestation in yaks from Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China","authors":"Lidan Wang ,&nbsp;Yao Pan ,&nbsp;Xingyu Zhou ,&nbsp;Xin Guo ,&nbsp;Yanan Yan ,&nbsp;Guoshan Wei ,&nbsp;Youying Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoping Ma ,&nbsp;Hongrui Guo ,&nbsp;Zhicai Zuo ,&nbsp;Lan Lan ,&nbsp;Yue Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101424","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101424","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Louse infestations pose a serious threat to yak production, affecting animal health and causing substantial economic losses. However, until now there has been limited information available regarding yak lice infestations. Herein, we collected lice samples from Ganzi Tibetan yaks and amplified the nuclear small subunit ribosomal 18S and mitochondrial cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes for evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses. Stereoscopic and scanning electron microscope observations showed high morphological similarity between the yak lice and the cattle sucking louse <em>Linognathus vituli</em> (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Linognathidae). Pairwise nuclear and mitochondrial DNA comparisons, genetic distance analysis and phylogenetic relationships strongly supported that the yak lice belonged to the same species, <em>L. vituli</em> and together shared a sister-species relationship with congeneric other species in the genus <em>Linognathus</em>. This was the first study to report <em>L. vituli</em> in yaks, based on combined micromorphological (scanning electron microscope) and molecular (nuclear-plus-mitochondrial DNA) evidence, and this finding should contribute to a more complete understanding of evolutionary biology, diagnostics and control of this sucking louse in the plateau yaks and other bovine animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101424"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979152","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":"Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Neospora caninum infection in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Sohag, Egypt","authors":"Alsagher O. Ali ,&nbsp;Wael Qossa ,&nbsp;Fatma A. Khalifa ,&nbsp;Hassan Y.A.H. Mahmoud ,&nbsp;Caroline F. Frey ,&nbsp;Ragab M. Fereig","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>Neosporosis</strong> is a globally distributed protozoan disease caused by <em>Neospora caninum</em>, which causes significant economic losses due to its abortifacient effects, particularly in the cattle and buffalo industries. In Egypt, numerous studies have investigated this parasite in cattle; however, research on water buffaloes (<em>Bubalus bubalis</em>) remains limited. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey to determine the seroprevalence of <em>N. caninum</em>-specific antibodies in 342 water buffaloes in Sohag Governorate. Serum samples were collected from buffaloes representing various locations, age groups, sexes, physiological and pathological conditions, as well as other animal- and environment-related factors. A commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used for antibody detection. The overall seroprevalence of <em>N. caninum</em> was found to be <strong>58.8 % (201/342)</strong>. Several potential risk factors were evaluated, including body weight, reproductive disorders, seasonality, and contact with dogs, but only season (summer) and anestrus had a significant effect on seroprevalence. In conclusion, the high seroprevalence observed in this study suggests a widespread presence of <em>N. caninum</em> infection among water buffaloes in Sohag. These findings highlight the urgent need for implementing more effective control strategies to mitigate the impact of this parasite on the buffalo population in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101419"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886245","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":"Validation and field evaluation of a double-antigen sandwich ELISA for the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in individual and bulk tank milk samples in dairy cattle","authors":"Julio Bellezze ,&nbsp;Marcelo Martínez Pería ,&nbsp;Carolina Soledad Thompson ,&nbsp;Susana Torioni de Echaide ,&nbsp;Victor Vanzini ,&nbsp;Ignacio Eduardo Echaide ,&nbsp;María Evangelina Primo","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine anaplasmosis is a worldwide infectious disease caused by the intraerythrocytic bacterium <em>Anaplasma marginale</em>, which is transmitted by ticks and fomites. The aim of this work was to validate a double-antigen sandwich ELISA (dasELISA) for the identification of <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. antibodies on individual and bulk tank milk (BTM) samples to use as a screening method. A dasELISA for the detection of antibodies against <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. in milk was validated using individual samples (milk, whole blood, and serum) from <em>A. marginale-</em>infected (<em>n</em> = 29) and uninfected (<em>n</em> = 100) cows, using nested PCR as a reference standard technique. Analogous samples from 76 <em>A. centrale</em>-vaccinated cows were used to evaluate cross-reactivity. The concordance between serum and milk results was evaluated by analyzing paired samples from 293 dairy cows. dasELISA performance on BTM was evaluated using samples from 114 dairy herds from the anaplasmosis low endemicity region. The <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. infection status of the herd was established by testing 29–30 cows per herd by serological and molecular techniques. Finally, 3,049 BTM samples were analyzed by dasELISA to assess the proportion of dairy herds infected (PDHI) with <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. in the main dairy area of Argentina, which is located between 28 and 34°S latitude. The dasELISA cut-off in individual milk samples was ≥3 % of positivity (%P), with a diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) of 96.5 % (95 % CI, 82.2–99.9) and a diagnostic specificity (DSp) of 86.0 % (95 % CI, 77.6–92.1). The concordance between dasELISA on milk and serum results was 85.7 %, with a κ value of 0.71 (95 % CI = 0.63–0.78). The DSe of the dasELISA in BTM samples from herds of known status, using a cut-off ≥3 %P, was 89.5 %, and the DSp was 95.6 %. dasELISA detected 100 % of herds in which <em>A. marginale</em> had been confirmed by nPCR. When the field study was performed, 20 % of the BTM samples were positive by dasELISA. The PDHI decreased as the latitude increased, which is in agreement with the heterogeneity of the area evaluated regarding the endemicity of <em>A. marginale</em> and the presence/absence of its main vector, <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em>. This PDHI would be overestimated by infection with <em>A. centrale</em> in herds where vaccination is usually carried out. dasELISA could be used as a screening assay for anti-<em>Anaplasma</em> spp. antibodies detection in individual milk samples and for epidemiologic surveillance in BTM samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101420"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928081","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":"Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in France: A pilot study","authors":"Kévin Schlax ,&nbsp;Daniela Ogonczyk-Makowska ,&nbsp;Marie Mélin ,&nbsp;Angelo Scuotto","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a widespread zoonotic protozoan parasite with significant public health implications. While extensively studied globally, data on <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence in pet rabbits in France remains lacking, compromising the establishment and implementation of preventive measures.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Evaluate the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in pet rabbits in France and identify associated risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted on pet rabbits presented to veterinary clinic in France, between May 2024 and May 2025. Blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein and sera were analyzed using serological assays for <em>T. gondii</em> antibodies. Data on animal characteristics and potential risk factors were collected via standardized questionnaire.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 131 pet rabbits were included in the study. The overall seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> was 16.8% (22/131; 95% CI: 10.9–24.4%). Rabbits living in households with cats showed significantly higher seropositivity rates (31.5%, 17/54) compared to those without cat exposure (6.5%, 5/77) (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Geographic location significantly influenced infection rates, with peri-urban areas showing higher seroprevalence (24.0%, 19/79) compared to urban areas (5.8%, 3/52) (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This pilot study provides the first data on <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence in French pet rabbits. The substantial prevalence rate and identified risk factors highlight the need for enhanced preventive measures in high-risk populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101429"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023577","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":"Gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary parasites in canines and felines of the Azores Islands - Portugal","authors":"Romana Teixeira ,&nbsp;João Lozano ,&nbsp;Isilda Flor ,&nbsp;Carlos Pinto ,&nbsp;Maria Constança Pomba ,&nbsp;Luís Madeira de Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101434","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Insular territories offer several biotic and abiotic conditions conductive for the spread of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in companion animals, as well as their transmission to humans. However, information regarding this topic is still scarce. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of GI and cardiopulmonary (CP) parasites, as well as to evaluate risk factors associated with the occurrence of parasitic infections, in dogs and cats from the Azores archipelago (Portugal). Fecal samples were gathered from cats (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 885 samples) and dogs (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 910). Blood samples were collected from 215 cats and 205 dogs. Also, a questionnaire was filled out in order to determine predisposing factors and to establish a scale for companion animals, which compares the manifestation of clinical signs to the parasitic burden of the infected animal. All fecal samples underwent processing through qualitative (Willis flotation, Baermann) and quantitative (Mini-FLOTAC) coprological techniques, whereas all blood samples were analyzed using the modified Knott method and the commercial Witness® Dirofilaria serological assay. The overall prevalence of GI parasitism in dog feces was 59%: Ancylostomatidae (37%), &lt;em&gt;Toxocara canis&lt;/em&gt; (22%), &lt;em&gt;Trichuris vulpis&lt;/em&gt; (16%) and &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (9%). In cats, the overall prevalence of GI parasitism was 61%: Ancylostomatidae (39%), &lt;em&gt;Toxocara cati&lt;/em&gt; (22%), &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (9%) and &lt;em&gt;Trichuris&lt;/em&gt; sp. (0.1%). CP parasites were only detected in cat feces (16% prevalence), positive for &lt;em&gt;Aelurostrongylus abstrusus&lt;/em&gt;. Blood samples were negative for CP parasitism, in both hosts. In canine feces, Ancylostomatidae showed higher egg counts (317 ± 24 EPG), followed by &lt;em&gt;T. canis&lt;/em&gt; (79 ± 8 EPG), &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (42 ± 7 OPG) and &lt;em&gt;T. vulpis&lt;/em&gt; (41 ± 5 EPG). In feline feces, parasitic intensity was higher for Ancylostomatidae (349 ± 25 EPG), followed by &lt;em&gt;T. cati&lt;/em&gt; (108 ± 11 EPG), &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (64 ± 9 OPG), &lt;em&gt;A. abstrusus&lt;/em&gt; (8 ± 1 LPG) and &lt;em&gt;Trichuris&lt;/em&gt; sp. (0.01 ± 0.006 EPG). In both species, risk factors associated with the presence of parasitism were mixed breed, shelter environment, outdoor access, cohabitation with other animals and infrequent deworming of animals. For both hosts, the manifestation of clinical signs occurred for parasite shedding higher than 800 EPG/OPG/LPG (levels 3 and 4). Animals ranked as level 1 (up to 300 EPG/OPG/LPG) were often asymptomatic. The current research is the first to entail on GI and CP parasites in companion animals from the nine islands of the Azores archipelago, demonstrating that these parasites are common in companion animals from this insular region and that Azorean populations are at risk of exposure to potentially zoonotic parasitic agents. The present study also proposed the first rating scale that associates parasitic intensity with the presence/absence","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101434"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023575","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}