Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"Intestinal zoonotic parasites in companion animals and potential of human exposure in the Middle East","authors":"Haifaa A. Mahjoub","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intestinal parasitic diseases remain a major public health concern, particularly in many developing countries where socio-economic and environmental conditions facilitate their persistence. The Middle East region, characterized by diverse climatic zones and varying levels of sanitation and healthcare infrastructure, experiences a notable burden of these diseases. A significant factor in the transmission dynamics of intestinal parasites is the close relationship between humans and animals, especially domestic pets such as cats and dogs. These animals can serve as reservoirs for a range of zoonotic parasites, including <em>Toxocara</em> spp., <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, <em>Giardia duodenalis</em>, <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., and <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em>. Furthermore, the widespread presence of stray animals that roam urban and rural areas exacerbates the risk of environmental contamination. Fecal matter deposited in public spaces, water sources, and agricultural fields can lead to the spread of infective parasitic stages,thereby increasing the potential for human exposure. Children and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to these infections.</div><div>This review explores the occurrence, prevalence, and potential transmission routes of zoonotic intestinal parasites in Middle Eastern countries. It also highlights contributing factors such as pet ownership practices, stray animal populations, and insufficient public health education. Effective risk mitigation strategies should include improved hygiene and sanitation, routine veterinary care and administration of broad-spectrum parasite control for pets, community awareness programs, and strict enforcement of regulations regarding pet importation and quarantine. Coordinated efforts among veterinary, public health, and environmental sectors are crucial to reducing the burden of zoonotic parasitic diseases in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101413"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840485","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":"Surveillance for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in feral cats on Prince Edward Island reveals low prevalence","authors":"Nina Germitsch ,&nbsp;Spencer J. Greenwood ,&nbsp;Mitchell Carr","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Aelurostrongylus abstrusus</em> is a metastrongyloid nematode of domestic and wild felids with a cosmopolitan distribution. In Canada, confirmed cases have been reported from several provinces, but no published data exist for Prince Edward Island (PEI). This study aimed to determine the occurrence of <em>A. abstrusus</em> in feral cats from PEI. Between January and December 2024, fecal samples were collected opportunistically from feral cats presented for trap-neuter-return (TNR) surgery at the Atlantic Veterinary College. The Baermann technique was used to detect first-stage larvae, which were identified morphologically. Molecular confirmation was performed by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region. Of 378 cats submitted for surgery, 229 (60.6 %) yielded fecal samples suitable for testing. One adult male cat (0.4 %) was positive for <em>A. abstrusus</em>. The larvae exhibited characteristic morphology, and DNA sequencing confirmed 100 % identity with <em>A. abstrusus</em> reference sequences. This represents the first confirmed detection of <em>A. abstrusus</em> in cats from PEI and confirms that <em>A. abstrusus</em> can persist locally, given the presence of suitable gastropod intermediate hosts and known distribution of other gastropod-borne metastrongyloids in the region. To further clarify the epidemiology and potential impact of feline lungworm infection in PEI, additional surveillance, the use of more sensitive diagnostic methods such as serology, and investigation of intermediate hosts are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101398"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693404","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":"Tick diversity and tick-borne pathogens in livestock and companion animals in Cambodia: A narrative review and new field data (2022−2023)","authors":"Sony Yean ,&nbsp;Davy Krib ,&nbsp;Rina Chea ,&nbsp;Samuth Sum ,&nbsp;Theary Ren ,&nbsp;Sorn San ,&nbsp;Pierre-Olivier Maquart ,&nbsp;Sébastien Boyer","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101407","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are important vectors for pathogens that affect both animal and human health. Research on ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Cambodia remains limited. This study addresses existing knowledge gaps through two complementary approaches including an evidence synthesis and new field data providing updated data on tick fauna and pathogens.</div><div>Evidence Synthesis is a review of scientific publications and veterinary student theses reveal substantial knowledge gaps. To date, five tick-borne pathogens have been documented in dogs through peer-reviewed studies: <em>Babesia vogeli</em> (formerly <em>Babesia canis vogeli</em>), <em>Ehrlichia canis</em>, <em>Hepatozoon canis</em>, <em>Mycoplasma haemocanis</em>, and <em>Rickettsia felis</em>. Veterinary theses suggest the possible presence of anaplasmosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, and ehrlichiosis in cattle; however, there is no peer-reviewed data on TBDs in other domestic animals or humans.</div><div>New Field Sampling (2022–2023) is the primary field study that was conducted to investigate tick diversity across various ecological settings, including domestic animals, wildlife, and environmental sites. A total of 7461 ticks were collected from 853 animals across 13 host species, with cattle and dogs showing the highest tick burdens. Fourteen tick species were identified, including seven species recorded in Cambodia for the first time: <em>Carios batuensis</em>, <em>Dermacentor steini</em>, <em>D. filippovae</em>, <em>Haemaphysalis canestrinii</em>, <em>H. hystricis</em>, <em>H. formosensis</em>, and <em>H. wellingtoni</em>.</div><div>These findings reveal a considerable gap in our current understanding of tick species and TBDs in Cambodia. The confirmed presence of various tick species, several previously unrecorded species and multiple pathogens emphasize the need for sustained surveillance to better characterize pathogen presence and distribution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101407"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840486","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 helminthiases associated with cause of death in dogs and cats from southern Brazil","authors":"Giulia Bonatto,&nbsp;Gustavo Willian Pandolfo,&nbsp;Maria Augusta Fornara,&nbsp;Aline Viebrantz,&nbsp;Stephane Reinhold Dal Molin,&nbsp;Aline Ruediger Baron,&nbsp;Claudia Salete Wisser,&nbsp;Renata Assis Casagrande","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101402","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Studies on helminth infections in dogs and cats are typically based on fecal parasitological exams, while the correlation between helminths and diseases in necropsied animals remains poorly explored. This study assessed the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths in dogs and cats and their association with the cause of death. A total of 1057 dogs and 416 cats were analyzed, considering factors such as age, sex, breed, body condition, mucous membrane coloration, and intensity of parasitic infection. The occurrence of helminths was 12.77 % (135/1057) in dogs and 17.79 % (74/416) in cats. The main parasites identified were <em>Dipylidium</em> sp. (68 dogs – 50.3 %; 34 cats – 45.9 %), <em>Ancylostoma</em> sp. (36 dogs – 26.6 %; 3 cats – 4 %), and <em>Toxocara</em> sp. (47 dogs – 34.8 %; 50 cats – 37 %). Most parasitized animals presented pale mucous membranes, 95 dogs (70.3 %) and 53 cats (71.6 %). Regarding body condition, 56 dogs (41.4 %) and 31 cats (41.8 %) were in regular condition, while 48 dogs (35.5 %) and 21 cats (28.3 %) were thin. The age groups with the highest occurrence of helminth infection were puppies (44.4 %) among dogs and junior (39.1 %) among cats. Univariate analysis and odds ratio revealed that dogs with viral diseases were 2.46 times more likely to present gastrointestinal helminths, while puppies were 4.83 times more likely to be infected. In dogs, a significant correlation was found between viral diseases and all gastrointestinal helminths analyzed. A marked increase in parasitism associated with nutritional diseases was observed in dogs (OR = 11.28; IC = 95 %). Among cats, there was a significant association between bacterial diseases and the presence of helminths, especially <em>Toxocara</em> sp. (OR = 3.09; IC = 95 %). These findings reinforce the importance of necropsy for the diagnosis of parasitic infections, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the animal's health and concomitant diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101402"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738357","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":"Identification of gastrointestinal parasites in wild birds seized during integrated preventive inspections, Bahia, Brazil","authors":"Fernanda Maria Souto Carvalho Pinto ,&nbsp;Júlia Santos Santana ,&nbsp;Thainara de Souza Cerqueira ,&nbsp;Waléria Borges-Silva ,&nbsp;Rogério Fernando de Jesus ,&nbsp;Leane Souza Queiroz Gondim ,&nbsp;Caio Victor Damasceno Carvalho ,&nbsp;Paulo César Costa Maia ,&nbsp;Rosângela Soares Uzêda","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brazil stands out as the country with the most remarkable biological diversity in the world, underscoring the need for more effective public policies to conserve the environment and combat wildlife trafficking. Trafficked animals, often kept in captivity, are usually maintained under unsanitary conditions, favoring the development of diseases caused by gastrointestinal parasites. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the primary endoparasites found in wild birds seized during trafficking operations as part of Integrated Preventive Inspections (IPIs) in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected from 417 seized birds across nine locations in the state of Bahia<strong>.</strong> The samples were preserved in 10 % formalin solution and processed using the flotation and sedimentation techniques. Three avian orders were represented among the seized individuals: Columbiformes, Psittaciformes, and Passeriformes. The coprological analysis revealed a positivity rate of 54.0 % (225/417)<strong>,</strong> with 94.2 % (212/225) of positive samples containing unsporulated oocysts. Additionally<strong>,</strong> 5.0 % (11/225) were positive for Dicrocoeliidae eggs<strong>,</strong> 3.0 % (5/225) for cestode eggs, and approximately 2.0 % (4/225) for trichostrongylid eggs. Acanthocephala eggs, as well as other parasites belonging to the subfamily Capillariinae and the genus <em>Strongyloides</em>, were each detected in only one bird. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive health screening and quarantine of seized birds before reintroduction, employing specific veterinary diagnostic approaches, including coproparasitological examinations, in addition to physical and clinical assessments<strong>.</strong> Such measures are crucial in preventing the dissemination of parasites to both wild and captive populations<strong>.</strong> Overall, the study reinforces the relevance of parasitological monitoring in wildlife rescue programs, contributing to the improvement of sanitary management protocols for trafficked wild birds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"67 ","pages":"Article 101403"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738354","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":"Integrative identification of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from grey mullet Mugil cephalus and cormorant Phalacrocorax gaimardi in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean off Peru","authors":"C. Villena ,&nbsp;M. Ramos ,&nbsp;N. Daga ,&nbsp;S. Santillán ,&nbsp;C. Cruces ,&nbsp;L.A. Ñacari ,&nbsp;E. Arias ,&nbsp;A. Mondragón-Martínez ,&nbsp;R. Martínez-Rojas ,&nbsp;J.L. Luque ,&nbsp;J. Chero","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An integrative morphological and molecular approach was employed to characterize larval and adult stages of <em>Contracaecum</em> spp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) parasitizing the flathead grey mullet <em>Mugil cephalus</em> and the red-legged cormorant <em>Phalacrocorax gaimardi</em> along the Peruvian coast. A total of 24 third-stage larvae (L3) were recovered from the kidneys of <em>M. cephalus</em>, while two adult male specimens and one additional larva were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract and ingested prey of <em>P. gaimardi</em>. Morphologically, all specimens shared key diagnostic features of the genus <em>Contracaecum</em>. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial <em>cox</em>2 gene revealed a high degree of similarity (98.95–99.16 %) to a sequence identified as <em>C</em>. <em>multipapillatum</em> (AF179910); however, the original host, locality, and developmental stage of that reference sequence are unknown, raising doubts about its taxonomic validity. Phylogenetic reconstruction confirmed that both larval and adult specimens clustered with this species with strong nodal support. Nonetheless, marked differences in spicule size and the pattern of papillae suggest that the adult specimens may represent an undescribed species within the <em>C</em>. <em>multipapillatum</em> complex. Given the limited number of adult specimens available, a conservative taxonomic approach is adopted, and further sampling is recommended. This study provides the first genetic confirmation of <em>Contracaecum</em> larvae in <em>M. cephalus</em> in Peru, may suggest a potential trophic pathway between mullets and piscivorous birds in the southeastern Pacific. The high infection rate observed in a commercially important fish species raises potential concerns for public health, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of anisakid nematodes in coastal fisheries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101385"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577136","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":"EDTA as a potential obstacle to the detection of trypanosomes in anuran blood samples using Woo's technique","authors":"Lina Crespo Bilhalva ,&nbsp;Laura Sander Peres ,&nbsp;João Fabio Soares ,&nbsp;Andrea Pires Santos ,&nbsp;Eliane Dallegrave ,&nbsp;Stella de Faria Valle","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anurans have long served as hosts for <em>Trypanosoma</em> species, playing a foundational role in the study of these hemoflagellates in parasitology. Woo's technique provides a practical and straightforward method for screening trypanosomatids. This study evaluates the suitability of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant for performing Woo's technique in the detection of anuran trypanosomes and describes associated morphological changes. Sixteen blood samples from <em>Leptodactylus luctator</em> frogs were collected in EDTA-K2 microtubes and compared with eleven lithium heparinized samples. Woo's technique was applied, and morphological analyses were conducted on both fresh and anticoagulated blood smears. The results showed a higher detection rate of trypanosomes in heparinized samples compared to those treated with EDTA. Morphological alterations were observed in EDTA-anticoagulated smears, suggesting an effect on parasite viability that may impair their mobility during capillary tube examination. These findings indicate that lithium heparin may be more suitable than EDTA for applying Woo's technique to anuran blood samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101386"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577137","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":"In vitro synergy analysis of the combination of Citrus aurantium bergamia (Risso & Poiteau, 1826), ivermectin, and nitroxinil against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep","authors":"Vivien Patricia Garbin ,&nbsp;Ursula Yaeko Yoshitani ,&nbsp;Taynara Gabriele Ribeiro Piano ,&nbsp;Roger Raup Cipriano ,&nbsp;Cícero Deschamps ,&nbsp;Gustavo Fonseca De Almeida ,&nbsp;Marcelo Beltrão Molento","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nematodes are diverse parasites affecting humans and animals, with resistance to anthelmintics becoming a major concern due to prolonged drug use. Essential oils (EOs) from plants offer a promising alternative for parasite control. This study evaluated the preclinical efficacy of <em>Citrus aurantium bergamia</em> essential oil (BEO) combined with nitroxynil (NTX) or ivermectin (IVM) against <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> and <em>Trichostrongylus</em> spp., using the larval migration inhibition test (LMIT). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified (+)-limonene (50.5 %), linalyl acetate (21.0 %), and linalool (6.9 %) as BEO's main components. Fecal samples from naturally infected sheep were analyzed via flotation, larval culture, and microscopy to quantify nematode eggs and infective-stage larvae (L3). The Nadi reagent was used to assess histochemical changes in L3 post-migration. BEO exhibited a lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 24.5 mg/mL, showing concentration-dependent activity. While BEO alone achieved 93.6 % efficacy, combinations with NTX (99.1 %) and IVM showed some synergy effects. At 70.16 mg/mL, BEO efficacy was 92.2 %, increasing to 95.6 % with IVM (<em>P</em> = 0.0802). However, at 160 mg/mL, BEO in combination with IVM showed a small antagonistic interaction, reducing efficacy to 93.87 % (<em>P</em> = 0.6029) when compared to IVM alone (100 %). Nadi reagent staining also revealed concentration-dependent coloration changes in nematodes treated with BEO, suggesting internal compound action. However, further histological analysis is needed to confirm cellular effects and vacuole formation. In conclusion, BEO demonstrated activity against L3 in ruminant nematodes. Three drug combinations exhibited synergy effects, while IVM + BEO exhibited antagonistic effects. These findings highlight BEO's potential as a standalone and as an anthelmintic candidate when used in combination. There is still a need for further research into BEO mechanisms of action, histological and toxic effects in preclinical experiments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101384"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577135","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 Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in horses (Equus caballus) intended for slaughter in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil","authors":"Uillians Volkart de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Helga Waap ,&nbsp;Jacinto Gomes ,&nbsp;Aisla Nascimento da Silva ,&nbsp;Luciana Carvalho Lacerda ,&nbsp;Thaise da Silva Oliveira Costa ,&nbsp;Telma de Sousa Lima ,&nbsp;Gereon Schares ,&nbsp;Alexandre Moraes Pinheiro ,&nbsp;Luis Fernando Pita Gondim ,&nbsp;Alexandre Dias Munhoz","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101377","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101377","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study aimed to assess the prevalence of horses reactive to <em>Sarcocystis neurona</em>, <em>Neospora caninum,</em> and <em>Besnoitia besnoiti</em> in horses from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sera reactivity was tested by the Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) in 354 equids sampled at slaughter, using a cut-off of 1:80 for <em>S. neurona</em> and 1:50 for <em>N. caninum</em> and <em>B. besnoiti</em>. Detection of <em>N. caninum</em> was attempted by PCR and bioassay in gerbils (<em>Meriones unguiculatus</em>) using brain samples collected from seropositive horses. Sera from 158 horses (44.63 %) (158/354; CI: 39.54–49.84 %) reacted to <em>S. neurona</em> antigen, while 33 (9.32 %) (33/354; IC: 6.71–12.80 %) were reactive to <em>N. caninum</em>. Sera from 12 horses (3.38 %) were positive to <em>N. caninum</em> and <em>S. neurona</em>, 5 horses (1.41 %) were positive to <em>S. neurona</em> and <em>B. besnoiti</em> and 3 horses (0.84 %) were positive to <em>B. besnoiti</em> and <em>N. caninum</em>. None of the samples positive to <em>B. besnoiti</em> by the IFAT was confirmed by Western blot. Equine brain samples from horses seropositive to <em>N. caninum</em> were negative by PCR and bioassay in gerbils.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101377"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145526624","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":"Besnoitosis in Iran: An emerging parasitic threat to livestock and wildlife","authors":"Mohammad Mirzaei,&nbsp;Mohammad Mohebbi","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Besnoitiosis is a chronic and emerging parasitic disease caused by protozoa belonging to the genus <em>Besnoitia</em>. The disease is economically and ecologically threatening livestock and wildlife in Iran. <em>Besnoitia caprae</em> infecting goats can lead to cyst formation in host tissues and cause reproductive symptoms, resulting in economic losses due to abortions and/or reduced productive efficiency. Its significance is particularly pronounced in provinces such as Fars and Kermanو attributed to high goat population density, climatic conditions favoring transmission, and specific animal husbandry practices. Despite limited research on the veterinary implications of <em>Besnoitia besnoiti</em> in cattle, it still presents an overarching threat, especially on the border with Iraq. The life cycle of this parasite is complex and includes production of oocysts by felids presumed to be the definitive hosts as well as several livestock and wildlife animals acting as intermediate hosts, including mechanical vectors such as <em>Stomoxys calcitrans</em>. The absence of a vaccine for besnoitiosis, limited treatment options for cases in animals, and the existence of wildlife reservoirs like rodents and wild ungulates, signifies a continuing challenge for this disease. Surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and collaborations at the level of provincial responsiveness all play foundational elements in removing or at least limiting the spread of this emerging disease. The objective of this review is to summarize and synthesize recently published studies to provide current knowledge on the epidemiology, molecular characterization, pathogenesis, transmission, diagnosis, and management of besnoitiosis in Iran. This focus is justified by the high infection rates (20–50 %) and substantial economic losses documented in Iranian goat herds, coupled with the emerging, cross-border threat of bovine besnoitiosis, against a backdrop of limited comprehensive national data. While governments and animal health services have many competing demands within a limited budget, besnoitiosis should not be ignored. In future, researchers should prioritize vaccine development, wildlife reservoir investigations, and economical diagnostics to ensure that livestock in every aspect of production is adequately protected in Iran (a significant portion of agricultural GDP). Filling these gaps is important to protect the economy of Iran and to avert emerging parasitism cross-borders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101364"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145419545","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}