Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"A novel acyl-CoA binding protein (EnACBP): Molecular characterization, localization, and immunoprotective efficacy against Eimeria necatrix.","authors":"Qianqian Feng, Yu Zhu, Nianyu Xue, Dandan Liu, Weimin Cai, Zhaofeng Hou, Jinjun Xu, Jianping Tao","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110953","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acyl-CoA binding proteins (ACBPs) are conserved intracellular lipid-binding proteins found across eukaryotes that play essential roles in fatty acid metabolism, membrane biogenesis, and cellular energy homeostasis. In this study, the gene ENH_00086110, which encodes a novel ACBP-family protein designated EnACBP, was cloned and characterized from Eimeria necatrix. The deduced mature protein contains 511 aa with a calculated molecular mass of 56.18 kDa. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that EnACBP contains a conserved acyl-CoA binding (ACB) domain in its C-terminal region (residues 424-506) and lacks any recognizable conserved motifs in its extensive N-terminal region. Recombinant protein (rEnACBP) was expressed predominantly as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli, with a molecular weight of approximately 60 kDa, and was recognized by a mouse anti-His tag monoclonal antibody. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the transcription level of EnACBP was significantly higher in gametocytes (GAM) and unsporulated oocysts (UO) than in second- and third-generation merozoites (MZ-2 and MZ-3) (P < 0.05). The native EnACBP was detected in both MZ-2 and GAM extracts, with a prominent band of ~72 kDa in GAM. Immunofluorescence assay localized EnACBP to wall-forming body type 1 (WFB1) and the outer oocyst wall. Following the E. necatrix challenge, the anticoccidial index (ACI) of immunized groups was 184.50 and 195.40 at an immunization dose of 100 µg per chicken per immunization. Compared to the controls, the immunized groups induced higher proportions of splenic CD4⁺/CD3⁺ and CD8⁺/CD3⁺ T lymphocyte and higher level of IgY antibody. These findings not only lay a foundation for understanding the role of EnACBP protein in gametogenesis and oocyst wall formation, but also present a potential protective antigen for the development of a subunit vaccine against avian coccidiosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"349 ","pages":"110953"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of vector control on the prevalence of pathogenic trypanosomes circulating in domestic animals in the Campo sleeping sickness focus of Southern Cameroon.","authors":"Eugenie Melaine Kemta Magang, Rolin Mitterran Ndefo Kamga, Patricia Sabine Kouam Nouton, Jenny Telleria, Roger Eloiflin, Tito Tresor Tanekou Melachio, Severin Mefoug, Victor Kuete, Gustave Simo, Jean-Mathieu Bart","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110942","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110942","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vector control (VC) using Tiny Targets was implemented in the Campo human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) focus in Cameroon from January 2020 to January 2022, where HAT cases continue to be reported annually. Because human and animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) share the same tsetse fly vector and trypanosome species circulate sympatrically, this study assessed the impact of VC on trypanosome transmission in domestic animals. Blood samples were collected from pigs, goats, sheep, and dogs in 2019 (pre-intervention), 2022, and 2023 (post-intervention). The Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT) was used to detect anti-trypanosomal antibodies, while molecular tools were used to identify each trypanosome species and subspecies. A total of 311 animals were sampled (101 in 2019, 131 in 2022, and 79 in 2023). Overall CATT seroprevalence declined significantly from 39.6% in 2019 to22.8% in 2023 (χ²= 4.19, P = 0.041). Similarly, PCR-confirmed trypanosome infections decreased from 47.5% to 29.1%. Before VC, Trypanosoma brucei s.l., T. vivax, and T. congolense forest and savannah types were detected, whereas only T. brucei s.l. and T. congolense forest type were detected after VC. Vector control substantially reduced trypanosome transmission in domestic animals, as reflected by lower seroprevalence and infection rates. Importantly, although T. b. gambiense infections were detected before VC, none were detected following the intervention in animals or tsetse flies. These findings support sustained and expanded VC as a component of an integrated One Health strategy to interrupt trypanosome transmission and accelerate the elimination of HAT and reduce the burden of AAT.</p>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"349 ","pages":"110942"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Concurrent evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers, cytokine expression, molecular identification, and histopathological findings in sheep naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica","authors":"Olfat A. Mahdy ,&nbsp;Mai A. Salem ,&nbsp;Mohamed S. Kamel ,&nbsp;Mohamed A. El-Saied ,&nbsp;Asmaa K. Al-Mokaddem ,&nbsp;Radwa Ashour ,&nbsp;Reem M. Ramadan","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ovine fascioliasis, caused by <em>Fasciola</em> species, challenges livestock productivity worldwide and remains insufficiently characterized at the molecular and immunological levels in endemic regions, such as Egypt. In 150 slaughtered sheep, the prevalence was determined, mitochondrial COX1 was sequenced for species identity, hepatic cytokine transcripts were quantified via qRT-PCR, oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, TAC, TOS, and OSI) were assayed, and histopathology was evaluated. The prevalence was 15.3 %, with non-significant sex/season effects. COX1 phylogenetics confirmed that <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> identity was closely related to global haplotypes. Infected livers showed upregulation of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β) 4.0 × (, TNF-α) 6.6 × () and regulatory (IL-10 (5.3 ×), TGF-β (4.7 ×), and IL-4 (4.4 ×) cytokines, with downregulated IFN-γ (0.45 ×). Oxidative stress markers, including MDA (5 ×), TOS (6.1 ×), and OSI (3.6 ×), were significantly elevated, alongside a compensatory rise in TAC (7.8 ×). Histological examination revealed hepatocellular degeneration, bile duct hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and fibrosis. These results elucidate the complex immune modulation and oxidative imbalance during <em>F. hepatica</em> infection and emphasize the necessity of integrated molecular and functional diagnostics to enhance fascioliasis management in sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110701"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alternative strategic control of Rhipicephalus microplus in the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil, by exploiting abiotic conditions","authors":"Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues,&nbsp;Maria Clara Oliveira Sousa,&nbsp;Rodrigo da Costa Maia,&nbsp;Giovanna Cirqueira Ribeiro Borges,&nbsp;Amanda Ferreira Rezende,&nbsp;Ana Carolina Sousa,&nbsp;Gustavo Martins Felix Silva,&nbsp;Adriane Suzin,&nbsp;Matheus Augusto Ferreira Fernandes,&nbsp;Matias Pablo Juan Szabó","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study compared four strategies for controlling <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> in steers under field conditions in the savannah Biome (Cerrado) of Brazil, including two control groups: traditional strategic control (T1), palliative control (T2), an alternative experimental strategic control (T3), and pasture spelling during the dry season (T4). Twenty-four Girolando steers were allocated into four groups (n = 6) and monitored for tick infestation over an 11-month period. Efficacy was assessed using cumulative and monthly tick counts on steers, tick-free periods, and indicators of pasture disinfestation. Mean cumulative counts of ticks per animal were 10.3 (T1), 33.5 (T2), 10.2 (T3), and 10.1 (T4), corresponding to reductions of 69.3 %, 69.6 %, and 69.9 % in T1, T3, and T4, respectively, relative to the palliative control. Aggregated tick counts were significantly higher only in T2, whereas all strategic approaches resulted in similarly lower overall infestation levels. Tick-free periods differed markedly among treatments: T1 achieved the longest cumulative tick-free period (169 days), followed by T3 (142 days, occurring in two discontinuous phases) and T4 (134 days), while no sustained tick-free period was observed in T2. Notably, pasture spelling produced the longest tick-free period independent of residual acaricide activity (64 days). The non-parasitic phase of tick populations was suppressed during the cold and dry season. From May to August, larval production and survival in the field were reduced by 89.3 % and 67 %, respectively. Pasture infestation declined during spelling, attaining absence of larval clusters after 99 days of cattle removal. Overall, pasture spelling provided tick control comparable to acaricide-based strategies while substantially reducing chemical use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110714"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparison of traditional visual scoring and a digital object counting approach to assess buffalo fly burden on cattle","authors":"Anthony M. Feez,&nbsp;Imtiaz Randhawa,&nbsp;Nigel R. Perkins,&nbsp;Benjamin J. Wood,&nbsp;Swaid Abdullah","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110713","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110713","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Buffalo fly (<em>Haematobia irritans exigua</em>) is recognised for its impact on cattle health, welfare, and production. It is ranked the number one endemic pest for the Australian beef cattle industry by Meat and Livestock Australia. An accurate estimation of fly numbers is essential to evaluate treatment efficacy, phenotyping of susceptible animals for genetic improvement and determining threshold levels to guide integrated pest management strategies. Traditionally, fly numbers are estimated through visual scoring which is inherently challenging as it involves estimating moving flies on a restless host. This study used digital photography and an open-source, semi-automated software package DotDotGoose to count fly numbers on individual animal images. These were then compared to the visual fly scores on the same animals. A random selection of 98 images was used and fly numbers were counted on these images in duplicate by four assessors, one experienced field researcher and three novice assessors. The fly counts on individual images were analysed for consistency and agreement and a consistency and agreement of 99 % was achieved within the four assessors, classified as excellent. The analysis further showed that visual assessments and manual visual counts by experienced assessors consistently underestimated fly numbers compared to the digital image counts. Our results suggest that a digital counting platform offers a more reliable alternative to visual scoring for buffalo fly counts. It improves accuracy and consistency and enables remote image analysis, lowers time and labour costs, and provides the potential for automated real-time monitoring and reporting of fly numbers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110713"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146137227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Linguatulosis in food animals and carnivores: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Abdullah Al Bayazid ,&nbsp;Sourov Sutradhar ,&nbsp;Anas Bin Harun ,&nbsp;Jannatul Bakia Tamanna ,&nbsp;Maksuda Akter Mily ,&nbsp;Md Robiul Karim","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Linguatulosis, caused by <em>Linguatula serrata</em>, commonly known as the tongue worm, primarily affects food animals and carnivores and poses a potential zoonotic risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of <em>L. serrata</em> in these hosts. A comprehensive search identified 55 studies involving 36,242 samples from food animals and 1530 samples from carnivores across four continents. The results indicated significant variability in prevalence rates, with food animals showing a pooled prevalence of 19.1 %, and carnivores exhibiting a higher pooled prevalence of 35.5 %. The prevalence in food animals varied across species, with goats having the highest prevalence at 32.6 %, followed by camels (19.3 %), cattle (15.8 %), sheep (13.6 %), and buffalo (10.6 %). The analysis showed substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98.9 % for food animals and I² = 96.6 % for carnivores), which was influenced by factors such as host species, diagnostic methods, and sample types. Meta-regression analysis showed that host species was a significant moderator of prevalence. Sensitivity analysis and bias tests confirmed the robustness of the findings, with consistent pooled prevalence estimates and no significant publication bias. Geographic analysis showed regional differences, with particularly high prevalence rates in Bangladesh, India, Iran, and Nigeria. The study also observed temporal fluctuations, with peak prevalence recorded during 2016–2020 for food animals and 2006–2010 for carnivores. These findings emphasize the need for targeted surveillance and control strategies, particularly in regions with high transmission risks, and the importance of standardized diagnostic methods to reduce variability in future studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110710"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in Taenia solium cysticerci (TsPKA-c): A promising molecular target for the development of novel anti-cysticercosis therapeutics","authors":"Li-Qun Wang ,&nbsp;Guang-Xue Liu ,&nbsp;Pan-Hong Liang ,&nbsp;Li Li ,&nbsp;Tao-Shan Li ,&nbsp;Ai-Ming Guo ,&nbsp;Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda ,&nbsp;Ke-Ke Wu ,&nbsp;Yi-Xuan Wu ,&nbsp;Hong Yin ,&nbsp;Hong-Bin Yan ,&nbsp;Xue-Nong Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of <em>T. solium</em>, remains a major neglected tropical disease with severe clinical and socioeconomic consequences in endemic regions. Although cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling is fundamental to parasite development and survival, its therapeutic relevance in <em>T. solium</em> has not been comprehensively explored. This study provides an integrated molecular and functional characterization of the <em>T. solium</em> PKA catalytic subunit (TsPKA-c) and evaluates its potential as a novel therapeutic target for cysticercosis control. Recombinant TsPKA-c was successfully expressed in <em>Pichia pastoris</em> and purified in an active form, demonstrating robust kinase activity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed strong evolutionary conservation among cestode PKA homologues, underscoring its essential biological function. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed stage-specific expression in both larval and adult parasite forms. Optimal enzymatic activity occurred at pH 7.5 and 35°C, with kinetic parameters showing a Km of 36.37 ± 2.64 µM and Vmax of 0.7648 ± 0.013 nmol/min/µg. Pharmacological inhibition experiments identified H89 as a highly potent inhibitor of TsPKA-c (IC50 = 14.55 ± 1.5 µM), exhibiting greater efficacy than PKI (14−22) (IC50 = 23.09 ± 0.5 µM). Both inhibitors induced significant dose- and time-dependent mortality in <em>T. pisiformis</em> cysticerci, with H89 causing rapid lethality. Metabolic analyses demonstrated a marked reduction in glucose uptake following TsPKA-c inhibition, accompanied by alterations in excretory-secretory protein profiles. Collectively, these findings establish TsPKA-c as a critical regulator of parasite metabolism and survival, supporting its strong candidacy as a promising molecular target for the development of novel anti-cysticercosis therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110700"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The in vitro exsheathment kinetics of Trichostrongylus colubriformis L3 in ruminal, abomasal, and two-stage incubation protocols","authors":"Dilcia Yobed Miranda-Miranda ,&nbsp;Cindy Goretti Marin-Tun ,&nbsp;Concepción Manuela Capetillo-Leal ,&nbsp;María Gabriela Mancilla-Montelongo ,&nbsp;Carlos Alfredo Sandoval-Castro ,&nbsp;Juan Felipe de Jesús Torres-Acosta","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the <em>in vitro</em> exsheathment kinetics of <em>Trichostrongylus colubriformis</em> L₃ using three protocols: ruminal medium (RM), abomasal medium (AM), and a two-stage incubation (RM+AM). The characteristics of L₃ exsheathment at various incubation times in each medium were described. For the RM, <em>T. colubriformis</em> L₃ were incubated for 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 24 h. Separate incubations with <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> L₃ were used as controls for the RM conditions. For the incubation in AM, the L₃ were incubated for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. In the two-stage incubation (RM+AM), the L₃ were first incubated in RM (0, 2, and 4 h), and then transferred to AM (5, 6, 7, and 8 h). Linear and nonlinear models were used to describe the L₃ exsheathment kinetics in <em>T. colubriformis</em> and <em>H. contortus</em> in RM, AM, and RM+AM. During the RM incubation, the exsheathment kinetics for <em>T. colubriformis</em> followed a log-logistic function, with a slower exsheathment rate at 24 h (63.84 %, T₅₀=8.88 h) compared to <em>H. contortus</em> (74.36 %, T₅₀=4.67 h). After 9 h of RM incubation, 52 % of the <em>T. colubriformis</em> L₃ completed its exsheathment, while 90 % of <em>H. contortus</em> larvae had fully exsheathed from 6 h onward. Incubation in AM without prior exposure to RM resulted in &lt; 5 % exsheathment. The incubation in RM+AM resulted in linear kinetics, with 50 % exsheathment at 7.6 h. After 8 h of incubation in RM+AM, 90 % of the exsheathed <em>T. colubriformis</em> L₃ completed the process. The exsheathment of <em>T. colubriformis</em> L₃ began in the RM following a Log-Logistic function. Exposure to RM was necessary to induce <em>T. colubriformis</em> exsheathment in the AM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110715"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between Heterakis dispar infections and concurrent diseases in reproductive geese: A retrospective necropsy study","authors":"Kamila Bobrek","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Heterakis</em> infection, caused by small nematodes that inhabit the caeca, is one of the most frequently reported parasitic infections in poultry. Despite its prevalence, the impact of <em>Heterakis</em> spp. on avian health remains inconsistently described. This study retrospectively analysed the association between <em>Heterakis dispar</em> infection and other diseases in farmed geese. Among 194 necropsied reproductive geese from 2015 to 2023, 143 were found to be infected with <em>Heterakis dispar</em>, whereas 51 were not. In geese with caecal nematodes, bacterial infection was the dominant cause of death (89.5 %). Peritonitis caused by <em>Escherichia coli</em> was identified as the cause of death in 58.7 % of <em>Heterakis</em>-infected geese and 41.2 % of non-infected geese, with a positive association. Conversely, a negative association was observed between <em>Heterakis dispar</em> infection and two other bacterial diseases: pasteurellosis accounted for 29.4 % of deaths in the nematode-negative group and 15.4 % in the nematode-positive group, whereas erysipelas accounted for 21.6 % and 8.4 %, respectively. No association was observed between <em>Heterakis dispar</em> infection and other conditions such as tetratrichomoniasis, necrotic enteritis, arthritis, or neoplasms. Presumably the larval stage of the <em>Heterakis</em> life cycle, which involves penetration of the caecal wall, may facilitate secondary infections by bacteria naturally residing in the caecum, particularly <em>E. coli</em>. These findings highlight a possible role of <em>Heterakis dispar</em> in predisposing geese to specific bacterial infections through damage to the mucosa of the caecum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110698"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145941331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pseudocapillaria tomentosa infections in laboratory larval and Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Development and advances in an in vivo anthelmintic drug discovery model","authors":"Connor Leong ,&nbsp;Ruby Scanlon ,&nbsp;Aisling Kyne ,&nbsp;Thomas J. Sharpton ,&nbsp;Michael L. Kent","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110704","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110704","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zebrafish (<em>Danio rerio</em>) are a widely used biomedical model and offers powerful high-throughput screening capabilities for assessing chemical bioactivity. We have previously employed adult zebrafish infected with the intestinal nematode <em>Pseudocapillaria tomentosa</em> to investigate nematode–microbiome interactions, nematode-promoted intestinal neoplasia, and anthelmintic drug discovery. Here we transition this model to a larval zebrafish infection infection to enable larger-scale experimentation and ultimately accelerate anthelmintic discovery. Infection conditions were optimized across 5–30 days post fertilization (dpf). The 30 dpf larvae exhibited the most robust and reproducible infections in multi-well formats, as well as the highest survival relative to younger stages. We described worm development from hatching through larval progression and maturation, addressing a major gap in foundational data with fish capillarids. Using <em>in vitro</em>–hatched larvae and infected larval and adult zebrafish, we documented developmental trajectories from 1 to 37 days post-exposure. Change-point analysis identified putative ecdysis transitions at the following worm lengths (mm): L1/L2 = 0.220, L2/L3 = 0.571, L3/L4 = 1.174, and L4/L5 = 1.584. Finally, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for anthelmintic screening by exposing fish to larvated eggs in the presence of emamectin benzoate (macrocyclic lactone) or fenbendazole (benzimidazole). Both compounds reduced worm burdens after 3 days, with the strongest effects at higher concentrations (0.7 µM emamectin benzoate; 0.3 µM fenbendazole). Together, these findings establishes a proof of concept for larval zebrafish infection platform which bridges the gap between in vitro and mammalian in vivo assays, enabling scalable, efficient, and biologically relevant screening for anthelmintic drug discovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110704"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}