J. Fischer , H. Wagner , J. Schaupp , H. Huemmelchen , C. Hermosilla
{"title":"First confirmation of Microthoracius mazzai (Anoplura) infestation in Vicugna pacos (Camelidae) in Germany","authors":"J. Fischer , H. Wagner , J. Schaupp , H. Huemmelchen , C. Hermosilla","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case report details the identification and management of an autochthonous infestation of <em>Microthoracius mazzai</em>, in a herd of alpacas located in southern Germany. Notably, this is the first documented occurrence of <em>M. mazzai</em> in Germany, presented with clinical signs of skin irritation and anemia, suggesting to consider <em>M. mazzai</em> as a differential diagnosis in dermatological diseases in alpacas in Germany. Moreover, in the course of this study we described the morphology of the projecting proboscis of <em>M. mazzai</em> by scanning electron microscopy for the first time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633065","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}
Ardas Masood , Muhammad Naeem , Ghafoor Ahmad , Muhammad Farooq , Hira Muqaddas , Mohammed Bourhia , Samir Ibenmoussa , Turki M. Dawoud , Khalid Javed Iqbal , Furhan Iqbal
{"title":"First report of molecular prevalence, phylogeny and hematological impact of Isospora sp. in common quails (Coturnix coturnix)","authors":"Ardas Masood , Muhammad Naeem , Ghafoor Ahmad , Muhammad Farooq , Hira Muqaddas , Mohammed Bourhia , Samir Ibenmoussa , Turki M. Dawoud , Khalid Javed Iqbal , Furhan Iqbal","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101312","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101312","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study investigates the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics of apicomplexan parasite, <em>Isospora</em> sp., in the blood samples of common quails (<em>Coturnix coturnix</em>) sampled from both wild (<em>n</em> = 237) and farmed (<em>n</em> = 230) populations across six districts (Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, Layyah and Multan) in Punjab, Pakistan, during 2022 to 2023. Additionally, effect of parasite was documented on the complete blood count (CBC) of the hosts. Out of 467 quails tested, 10 (2.1 %) exhibited amplification of the 18S rRNA gene for <em>Isospora</em> sp. BLAST analysis of generated sequences has confirmed the identity of recovered PCR products as <em>Isospora</em> sp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Pakistani isolate clustered with <em>Isospora</em> sp. reported from birds, reptiles and mammals in various countries globally. A risk factor analysis indicated that the parasites did not vary significantly when compared between wild and farmed birds. Overall <em>Isospora</em> sp. prevalence varied between the sampling sites but was not limited to a particular bird sex. Significant CBC variations were recorded in infected birds (both wild and farmed) as compared to uninfected ones. This study provides the first documentation of <em>Isospora</em> sp. infection in Pakistani quails, underscoring the need for detailed investigations across different regions to enhance our understanding on <em>Isospora</em> sp. infection rates, their transmission, and impact on the host birds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101312"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144632651","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}
A.D. Mihalca , S. Lolokote , A. Moise , D. Modrý , F. Beugnet
{"title":"Efficacy of oral afoxolaner (NexGard®) against natural infestations with Heterodoxus spiniger (Phthiraptera: Boopiidae) in dogs under field conditions","authors":"A.D. Mihalca , S. Lolokote , A. Moise , D. Modrý , F. Beugnet","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101316","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Heterodoxus spiniger</em> is a chewing louse of a diverse range of hosts, primarily Carnivora. Domestic dogs are considered a major host, and infestations can lead to pruritus, hair loss, or seborrhea. In the context of absence of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of isoxazolines against <em>H. spiniger</em>, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a single oral dose of afoxolaner (NexGard®, Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany) under field conditions for the treatment of natural infestations in dogs, and to compare it with a topical contact ectoparasiticide registered in Europe for the chewing lice <em>Trichodectes canis</em> (Frontline Combo®, Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany) based on fipronil and (<em>S</em>)-methoprene. The study was a field, blinded, positive-control, single-site clinical efficacy study that was performed around Mount Ng'iro, Kenya. Between 30th January and 4th February 2025, 36 dogs infested with <em>H. spiniger</em> were included in the study when brought by owners for a regular rabies vaccination. For each included animal one adult <em>H. spiniger</em> was identified microscopically and collected in absolute ethanol. After inclusion, each infested dog was randomly assigned to one of the two groups: group 1 (investigational group treated with NexGard®) group 2 (positive control group treated with Frontline Combo®). Clinical assessments were performed at inclusion (day 0), then at day 15 (±2) and day 30 (±2) when scoring and evaluation of the skin lesions and symptoms was done. A grading system was also applied for scoring the presence of <em>H. spiniger</em>. Overall, 36 dogs were included (16 in group 1 and 20 in group 2). Four dogs did not complete the study. On days 15 (±2) and 30 (±2), all 32 dogs (from the 2 study groups) scored 0 for lice (i.e. no nits, no alive lice). The primary outcome was the complete eradication of lice by day 30 (±2). During the duration of the study, no reinfestation due to the hatching of eggs was observed. After treatment, a statistically significant decrease in degree of hair loss, pruritus, scaling, and lice score was noticed in the two groups at days 15 (±2) and 30 (±2) compared to day 0. The results show a clinical efficacy of 100 % for oral afoxolaner (NexGard®) against <em>Heterodoxus spiniger</em>, as well as of the control product (Frontline Combo®).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101316"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144653721","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":"An epidemiological survey of equine piroplasmosis in donkeys and horses in Malawi","authors":"Elisha Chatanga , Believe Ahedor , Berdikulov Atabek , Henson Kainga , Thoko Kapalamula , Tinotenda Razemba , Ryo Nakao , Nariaki Nonaka , Thillaiampalam Sivakumar , Naoaki Yokoyama","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101315","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by <em>Theileria equi</em>, <em>Theileria haneyi</em>, and <em>Babesia caballi</em> in equids, such as horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. A comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of <em>T. equi</em> and <em>B. caballi</em> is vital for EP management. The present study surveyed <em>T. equi</em> and <em>B. caballi</em> infections in donkeys and horses in Malawi. Blood samples were collected from 185 equines, including 178 donkeys in Lilongwe (<em>n</em> = 136) and Dedza (<em>n</em> = 42) districts, and seven horses in Lilongwe district. The blood samples were used to measure hematocrit values and prepare thin smears and blood spots on FTA cards. Microscopic examination of the blood smears detected <em>T. equi</em> in 91 equines (49.2 %), including 88 donkeys (49.4 %) and three horses (42.9 %), while <em>B. caballi</em> was not detected. Screening of DNA samples extracted from FTA cards with species-specific PCR assays detected <em>T. equi</em> in 156 (84.3 %) equines, including 152 (85.4 %) donkeys and four (57.1 %) horses, whereas all animals were negative for <em>B. caballi</em>. We found that the mean hematocrit value of infected donkeys (28.1 %) was significantly lower (<em>P</em> value = 0.0004) than that of uninfected donkeys (31.9 %). Additional analysis of <em>T. equi</em>-positive DNAs with the genotype-specific PCR assays detected all five genotypes (A, B, C, D, and E) in donkeys and four genotypes (A, B, C, and D) in horses. In summary, the present study, the first to report the <em>T. equi</em> infection in Malawi, suggests the need for EP control due to its potential clinical significance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101315"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144632650","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":"New findings of ciliates Buxtonella sulcata in the faeces of cattle from northern regions of Russia and comparative analysis of Buxtonella species","authors":"O.A. Kornilova , M.A. Skazina , M.E. Belokon , I.V. Gusarov , V.V. Platonov , G.N. Machakhtyrov , V.A. Machakhtyrova , L.V. Chistyakova","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101314","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101314","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Buxtonella sulcata</em> is a common ciliate that inhabits the intestines of cattle and can cause diarrhea and other clinical signs of infection. The distribution of <em>B. sulcata</em> in Russia has been practically unstudied, while the buxtonellosis it causes can have a negative impact on the health of cattle. This study aimed to morphologically and molecularly identify cysts and trophozoites of <em>B.sulcata</em>. This study provides data on the first finding of infection with <em>B. sulcata</em> ciliates in cattle from two northern regions of Russia. The structural features of <em>B. sulcata</em> were studied using immunofluorescence microscopy and silver impregnation methods. The phylogenetic position of the studied isolates was determined using sequences of the SSU and ITS regions. The results of our comprehensive comparative analysis revealed distinct features that enable the differentiation of species within the genus <em>Buxtonella</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101314"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614114","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}
Katherine Garcia-Livia , Kevin M. Santana-Hernández , Raquel Udiz-Rodríguez , María Valladares-Salmerón , Sandra Pacheco , Basilio Valladares , Eligia Rodríguez-Ponce , Pilar Foronda
{"title":"Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae): First record of an imported ocular parasite in dogs from the Canary Islands, Spain","authors":"Katherine Garcia-Livia , Kevin M. Santana-Hernández , Raquel Udiz-Rodríguez , María Valladares-Salmerón , Sandra Pacheco , Basilio Valladares , Eligia Rodríguez-Ponce , Pilar Foronda","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101313","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101313","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ocular parasite <em>Thelazia callipaeda</em> is a nematode transmitted by dipterans of the genus <em>Phortica</em> that affects various species of domestic and wild carnivores and, sporadically, humans. Although the presence of this parasite has been widely documented on the Iberian Peninsula, no cases have been reported in the Canary Islands (Spain). In the present study, ocular parasitosis in dogs from Tenerife and Gran Canaria are reported. The affected animals, a nine-year-old Border Collie, a five-year-old Labrador Retriever and a three-year-old crossbreed dog, presented clinical signs compatible with ocular thelaziosis, including epiphora, conjunctivitis, uveitis and blepharospasm. Additionally, the three dogs had a history of travel to parasite-endemic regions. During ophthalmologic examination, nematodes were observed in the conjunctiva, and were extracted and analyzed by morphometric keys and molecular techniques. The results confirmed that the ocular infection of all dogs was caused by <em>T. callipaeda</em>, representing the first documented cases of this parasitosis in the Canary Islands. Given the geographical isolation of this archipelago and the absence of previous records of this parasite, these findings suggest that the introduction of <em>T. callipaeda</em> into the Canary Islands may be related to the movement of the infected animals. It is essential to enhance epidemiological surveillance to assess the risk of establishment of the parasite and its vector, as well as its possible autochthonous transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101313"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614051","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}
Carolina Ferreira de Oliveira , Pedro Levi Nascimento Oliveira , Jussara Nayanne dos Santos Nascimento , Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes , Davi Dayan Assenheimer , Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel , Jonatas Campos de Almeida
{"title":"Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. antibodies in household and shelter dogs in the municipality of Arapiraca, Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil","authors":"Carolina Ferreira de Oliveira , Pedro Levi Nascimento Oliveira , Jussara Nayanne dos Santos Nascimento , Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes , Davi Dayan Assenheimer , Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel , Jonatas Campos de Almeida","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Domestic dogs are considered effective sentinels for zoonotic diseases due to their abundance, ecological ubiquity, and frequent exposure to pathogens through scavenging and carnivorous behaviors. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> and <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and to investigate potential infection risk factors in household and shelter dogs in Arapiraca, a semi-arid municipality in Northeastern Brazil. A total of 292 serum samples were analyzed, comprising 142 from shelter dogs and 150 from household dogs. The Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) was used for serological testing, with cut-off titers of ≥1:16 for <em>T. gondii</em> and ≥ 1:40 for <em>Leishmania</em> spp. Antibodies against <em>T. gondii</em> were detected in 5.8 % (17/292) of the dogs, with a higher frequency in shelter dogs 8.4 % (12/142) compared to household dogs at 3.3 % (5/150). For <em>Leishmania</em> spp., 9.2 % (27/292) of the animals tested seropositive: 11.2 % (16/142) in shelter dogs and 7.3 % in household dogs (11/150). None of the seropositive animals presented clinical signs of disease. Statistical analysis did not reveal significant associations between seropositivity and the evaluated variables. These findings highlight the role of dogs as silent reservoirs and sentinels for zoonotic pathogens, reinforcing the need for active surveillance strategies, particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable and ecologically sensitive areas. The results also suggest that canine serological monitoring may serve as a useful indicator of environmental risk for human exposure to toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101310"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144571889","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":"Efficacy of Albendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes of pigs in the sub-humid savanna zone of southeastern Nigeria","authors":"I.K. Idika, C.F. Obi, T.A. Nzeakor, G.E. Aneru, S.I. Aideyan, M.I. Okpala, C.O. Nwosu","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Albendazole is the most widely used anthelmintic in the Nigerian pig industry; however, its efficacy is increasingly compromised by emerging resistant strains of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). This study evaluated albendazole efficacy in pigs reared in the sub-humid savanna zone of southeastern Nigeria using a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) to assess anthelmintic resistance. Faecal samples were collected from 130 randomly selected pigs across 13 farms and screened for GIN infections. Six farms, with no anthelmintic treatment for at least three months, were selected for FECRT; ten infected pigs per farm were randomly chosen, with pre-treatment faecal egg counts (FEC) assessed prior to albendazole administration and post-treatment FEC recorded on day 10. Overall, GIN prevalence was 63.1 %, with mixed infections representing 74.6 % of cases. Results indicated resistance among GINs, particularly strongyles and trichurids. Albendazole-resistant GINs were detected in three farms, while two farms exhibited susceptibility and one yielded an inconclusive result. Specifically, albendazole-resistant strongyles were observed in one farm, with susceptible populations in four farms and inconclusive findings in one. Resistant trichurids were found in two farms, whereas ascarids remained susceptible across all farms. These findings demonstrate variable albendazole efficacy against GINs in pigs, with significant resistance among trichurids and strongyles. The detection of albendazole-resistant GIN strains in the sub-humid savanna zone of southeastern Nigeria underscores the need for regular monitoring and integrated parasite management strategies to mitigate the development of resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101303"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144519162","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}
Maryam Aftab , Naseer Ali Shah , Haroon Ahmed , Muhammad Kamran
{"title":"Economic loss monitoring due to cystic echinococcosis (CE) infection in livestock in major cities of Punjab Pakistan","authors":"Maryam Aftab , Naseer Ali Shah , Haroon Ahmed , Muhammad Kamran","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101308","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101308","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em>. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence of animals (buffaloes and cows) infected by CE in the major cities of Punjab and the economic loss to livestock traders due to the condemnation of infected vital organs, including the liver and lungs, which are used as food for humans. It is a zoonotic disease affecting both animals and humans (intermediate hosts). This study was conducted over a period of six months, from October 2021 to March 2022. The animals were examined for CE infection at the Sihala slaughterhouse in Rawalpindi, which is a hub for livestock across Punjab. A total of 1195 animals, including 1036 buffaloes and 159 cows, were examined for CE. Postmortem, 255 animals were found to be infected with CE. The prevalence of CE infection was 18.07 % and 3.26 % in buffaloes and cows, respectively. The lung was the most commonly infected organ (54.51 %), followed by the liver (45.49 %). CE has a significant economic impact on the livestock industry owing to its effects on animal morbidity and mortality. The economic losses caused by infected livers were calculated to be 1589.2 USD, and for infected lungs, it was estimated to be 303.02 USD for the year 2022. Destruction of vital organs in animals has serious consequences. Therefore, investigating the prevalence of CE among livestock in highly affected areas can help to control the transmission of the parasite in intermediate hosts. In addition, it is crucial to develop effective control strategies to prevent significant economic losses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101308"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536124","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}
Adriana Santodomingo , Richard Thomas , Catalina Parragué-Migone , Sebastián Muñoz-Leal , Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
{"title":"Detection of an Ehrlichia genospecies related to agents of human monocytic ehrlichiosis in Ixodes ticks from northern Chile","authors":"Adriana Santodomingo , Richard Thomas , Catalina Parragué-Migone , Sebastián Muñoz-Leal , Gerardo Acosta-Jamett","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The family <em>Anaplasmataceae</em> comprises obligate intracellular bacteria, some of which are tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary concern. In South America, limited research on <em>Anaplasmataceae</em> restricts our understanding of their epidemiology, diversity, and host-vector dynamics. We conducted a molecular survey of <em>Anaplasmataceae</em> on <em>Ixodes</em> spp. ticks collected from rodents in northern Chile. Ticks were morphologically identified and screened by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA (<em>rrs</em>), <em>gltA</em>, and <em>groEL</em> loci. Genetic analyses revealed an <em>Ehrlichia</em> genospecies related to the <em>Ehrlichia chaffeensis</em>-associated (ECA) clade, detected in an <em>Ixodes</em> nymph parasitizing a <em>Phyllotis darwini</em> rodent. The ECA clade includes zoonotic species such as <em>E. chaffeensis</em> and <em>Ehrlichia muris</em> subsp. <em>euclarensis</em>. This is the first evidence of an ECA-related <em>Ehrlichia</em> genospecies associated with the Neotropical <em>Ixodes sigelos</em> tick complex. Although its pathogenicity is unknown, its phylogenetic link to zoonotic species warrants further investigation. Additional surveillance of <em>Ixodes</em> spp. and wild mammals is essential to clarify its distribution, ecological role, and public health implications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"63 ","pages":"Article 101309"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522803","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}