Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Feline leishmaniosis: New insights into serological and molecular detection of Leishmania spp.","authors":"João Augusto Franco Leonel, Geovanna Vioti, Pedro Armando Meneghesso, Andrea Cristina Higa-Nakaghi, Andreina de Carvalho Araujo, Diogo Tiago da Silva, Maria Luana Alves, Maria Fernanda Alves-Martin, Ricardo de Francisco Strefezzi, Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110903","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110903","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) is increasingly recognized in geographical areas where leishmaniosis is endemic. Despite advances in understanding FeL, its diagnosis remains poorly investigated, and the methods currently employed are adapted from canine protocols, overlooking feline-specific biological and pathological features. Here, we evaluated the performance of serological and molecular diagnostic approaches for FeL detection using invasive and non-invasive samples. Based on the estimated minimum sample size, 51 cats were enrolled through convenience sampling. The cats underwent clinical examinations and were tested using parasitological (cytology, histology, and culture), serological Dual Path Platform (DPP®) and Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT), and molecular techniques targeting Leishmania spp. Kinetoplast DNA (kDNA-PCR) and the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 of ribosomal DNA of Trypanosomatidae (ITS1-PCR). Parasitological methods confirmed Leishmania spp. infection in 7.8% of cats. All parasitologically positive cats exhibited clinical signs consistent with FeL, and infection was confirmed as L. infantum by sequencing. Using parasitological methods combined with clinical signs as the reference standard for confirmed FeL cases, IFAT showed 100% (CI: 40%-100%) sensitivity (Se) and 40% (CI: 26%-57%) specificity (Sp) at a 1:40 cut-off. At a 1:80 cut-off, Se remained at 100% (CI: 40%-100%), and Sp increased to 62% (CI: 46%-76%). DPP® showed higher Sp (95%; CI: 84%-99%). Molecular analysis showed 100% Se and Sp among invasive samples (lymph node, bone marrow, skin, and blood) for both kDNA-PCR and ITS1-PCR, with excellent kappa agreement between assays (κ: 0.898). Among non-invasive samples, conjunctival swabs demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy for both PCR assays, with kDNA-PCR showing improved detection [100% (CI: 40%-100%) Se and 98% (CI: 88%-100%) Sp]. In contrast, oral swabs showed reduced detection capability for both PCR methods, particularly for ITS1-PCR. Our results support the need to standardize serological tools for use in cats. Additionally, the findings support the inclusion of blood and conjunctival swabs as practical alternatives for molecular diagnosis, particularly under field conditions. This study contributes to optimizing diagnostic strategies for FeL in endemic areas and provides practical insights for veterinary diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"348 ","pages":"110903"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888623","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":"Screening of candidate antiparasitic drugs against Sparicotyle chrysophrii: A phenotypic drug discovery approach.","authors":"Ana León, Teresa Pirollo, Elnaz Aledavood, Ariadna Sitjà-Bobadilla, Carmen Gil, Ana Martínez, Itziar Estensoro, Oswaldo Palenzuela","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110900","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110900","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sparicotyle chrysophrii is a blood-feeding ectoparasite that poses a significant threat to the farming of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a species of high economic relevance in Mediterranean aquaculture. There is an urgent need for effective, safe, and practical antiparasitic treatments to control these infections. In this study, a phenotypic screening approach was applied to identify compounds active against S. chrysophrii. A panel of reference anthelmintic drugs was selected and used as query molecules in a computational ligand-based virtual screening. The parasiticidal efficacy and potency of the reference drugs, together with compounds selected based on topological indexes, were assessed against adult S. chrysophrii using an in vitro dose-response assay. Among the tested compounds, three salicylanilide derivatives exhibited the highest short-term efficacy, showing the lowest lethal doses 50 (LD₅₀): niclosamide (LD₅₀=0.12 µM), closantel (LD₅₀=2.3 µM), and ME1.62 (LD₅₀=0.09 µM). Niclosamide, one of the most potent compounds identified, demonstrated a parasiticidal activity more than 11,000-times greater than praziquantel (LD₅₀=1.43 mM), a reference chemotherapeutic agent commonly used against fish polyopisthocotylean parasites.</p>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"348 ","pages":"110900"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892441","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":"Consecutive artificial membrane feeding across all life stages of Rhipicephalus australis.","authors":"Bahar E Mustafa, Abdul Ghafar, Charles G Gauci, Swaid Abdullah, Ian Beveridge, Ard M Nijhof, Abdul Jabbar","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110897","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110897","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ticks are haematophagous ectoparasites of major veterinary and public health significance. Traditionally, tick rearing has relied on live animal hosts for studying tick biology, pathogen transmission and the discovery of drugs and vaccines but increasing concerns regarding animal welfare have driven the development and refinement of artificial tick feeding systems (ATFS). Here, we demonstrate the first successful consecutive artificial feeding of larvae, nymphs and adults of Rhipicephalus australis using an optimised silicone membrane system. Larval attachment and engorgement rates were 61.8 ± 20.4% (range 30.3-95.1%) and 40.1 ± 12.4% (24.0-61.0%), respectively. Nymphs exhibited the highest feeding success, with attachment and engorgement rates of 88.9 ± 8.5% (69.2-98.2%) and 91.8 ± 9.5% (66.7-100.0%), respectively, demonstrating the viability and fitness of nymphs that had moulted from artificially fed larvae. Adult ticks successfully attached (83.7 ± 5.9%; 76.9-87.5%) and engorged (89.1 ± 4.2%; 84.6-92.8%) and yielded viable engorged females. However, oviposition was not observed, and antimicrobial supplementation was required to control microbial contamination. Therefore, this system represents an important initial step towards controlled feeding across all stages of R. australis. Further optimisation, particularly to improve reproductive performance and reduce reliance on antimicrobials, will be required before its broader application to tick-pathogen interaction and vector competence studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"348 ","pages":"110897"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888418","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}