Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Anti-Theileria equi activity of methanolic extract of Artemisia scoparia: In vitro efficacy, in vivo safety, and identification of lead molecules","authors":"Kapil Kumar Gupta ,&nbsp;Lalita Singh ,&nbsp;N. Saxena ,&nbsp;S. Dey ,&nbsp;Rajender Kumar ,&nbsp;Sanjay Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that affects horses and is caused by <em>Theileria equi</em> and <em>Babesia caballi</em>. Currently, imidocarb dipropionate is the primary treatment for <em>T. equi</em> infections; however, its application is limited by its potential systemic toxicity. <em>Artemisia annua</em> is widely recognised for its antimalarial properties, whereas <em>Artemisia scoparia</em> has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes. However, the therapeutic potential of <em>A. scoparia</em> against theileriosis in animals remains largely unknown. Activity-guided fractionation of a methanolic extract of <em>A. scoparia</em> (ASME) identified the methanolic fraction (MF-ASME) as the most active against <em>T. equi</em> in vitro (IC₅₀: 52.67 µg/mL). MF-ASME exhibited low cytotoxicity in horse PBMCs (CC₅₀: 238.2 µg/mL), resulting in a favourable selectivity index of 4.52. Organ toxicity assessment in a mouse model confirmed the safety of MF-ASME at the safety dose (SD: 250 mg/kg). Biomarker analysis confirmed its safety, with no significant adverse effects on organ function. HPLC and LC-MS/MS analyses identified 17 bioactive compounds in MF-ASME, with artemisinin, artemether, and dihydroartemisinin as the primary antimalarial agents. These results support the potential of MF-ASME for further therapeutic development against equine theileriosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110695"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145915345","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":"Date seed–and licorice–derived nanoemulsions inhibit clinostomid metacercariae recovered from naturally infected Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): First report","authors":"Olfat A. Mahdy ,&nbsp;Mai A. Salem ,&nbsp;Fady Sayed Youssef ,&nbsp;Mohamed S. Kamel ,&nbsp;Reem M. Ramadan","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Herein, we present the development and comprehensive evaluation of green nanoemulsions derived from date seeds (DNE) and licorice (LNE) as antiparasitic agents targeting clinostomiasis in freshwater fish. Focusing on <em>Clinostomum (C.) complanatum</em> and <em>Euclinostomum (E.) heterostomum</em>—parasites that pose significant health risks to humans and cause substantial economic losses in aquaculture—these nanoemulsions were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The analyses confirmed their uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale size, and robust colloidal stability. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding affinities between key phytoconstituents and essential parasitic enzymes, with glycyrrhizin exhibiting the highest affinity (−9.28 kcal/mol) for <em>Euclinostomum</em> cytochrome c oxidase. Key constituents in DNE included caffeic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, and 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid; LNE featured glycyrrhizin among other phenolics<em>.</em> Both DNE and LNE induced marked, concentration- and time-dependent mortality in excysted metacercariae, with species-specific potency: LNE was more effective against <em>C. complanatum</em> (LC₅₀ = 0.032 %) while DNE showed superior activity against <em>E. heterostomum</em> (LC₅₀ = 0.004 %). Comet assays further revealed significant, dose-dependent DNA damage in both parasite species, with DNE causing more pronounced genotoxicity in <em>E. heterostomum</em> and LNE inducing greater DNA fragmentation in <em>C. complanatum</em>. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived nanoemulsions as sustainable alternatives for parasite control in aquaculture, offering targeted, species-specific efficacy while minimizing ecological risks and reducing reliance on synthetic chemotherapeutants. The integration of such green nanotechnological approaches represents a promising strategy for effective disease management and the advancement of sustainable aquaculture practices. These results<!--> <!-->highlight the date seed and licorice-based nanoemulsions as promising in vitro antiparasitic candidates which justify further in vivo confirmation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110697"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967037","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":"Assessment of monthly infection risk of heartworm infection in Colombia: integrative ecological niche modeling of Culex quinquefasciatus and Dirofilaria immitis","authors":"Rodrigo Morchón ,&nbsp;Elena Infante González-Mohino ,&nbsp;María Victoria Esteban-Mendoza ,&nbsp;Manuel Collado-Cuadrado ,&nbsp;Víctor Arcila-Quiceno ,&nbsp;José Alberto Montoya-Alonso ,&nbsp;Elena Carretón ,&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez-Escolar","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heartworm disease (<em>Dirofilaria immitis</em>) is a globally distributed vector-borne zoonosis affecting canids and felids, which can be fatal by compromising the cardiorespiratory system. This study analyzes the annual and monthly infection risk in Colombia by integrating ecological niche modeling for <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em>—the most important and widely distributed vector in the country—with the temperature-dependent number of <em>D. immitis</em> generations within the vector. Results identified the human footprint (78 %) as the primary determinant of vector distribution, surpassing climatic variables and confirming the synanthropic nature of transmission. The monthly analysis revealed sustained potential transmission year-round in lowlands and coastal areas, contrasting with a marked thermal barrier in the Andean region, where altitude limits parasite development despite the presence of the vector. External validation confirmed the model's robustness, locating 84.68 % of reported cases within very high-risk zones. Heartworm infection in Colombia is a non-seasonal urban phenomenon, strictly modulated by altitude. These findings call for replacing seasonal prophylaxis with continuous preventive protocols and prioritizing epidemiological surveillance under a One Health approach along the country's main demographic corridors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110699"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967085","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":"Synthesis, cytotoxicity and in vitro and in silico anthelmintic activity of eugenol and derivatives against Haemonchus contortus.","authors":"Raphael F Oliveira, Andreza P Braga, Matheus L F Barbosa, Karin V M M Ferreira, Sara S S Cardoso, Francisco F S Lopes, Victor B Fernandes, Selene M Morais, Bruno C Cavalcanti, Wesley L C Ribeiro, Letícia O Rocha, Francisco J M Pinto, Weibson P P André, Lorena M B Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in silico anthelmintic activity of eugenol and derivatives against Haemonchus contortus and evaluated the cytotoxicity of these compounds. For this, acetyl eugenol (AE), benzoyl eugenol (BE), and methyl eugenol (ME) were synthesized. Eugenol, AE, BE, and, ME cytotoxicity was tested on HaCat cells and the anthelmintic effect was evaluated in the egg hatch test (EHT) and larval migration inhibition test (LMIT). Eugenol and the derivative with highest efficacy were evaluated in adult worm motility test (AWMT), followed by the assessment morphological and ultrastructural changes. In silico study was based on molecular docking with the phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PMT) enzyme. All compounds showed similar cytotoxicity profiles. Eugenol, AE, BE, and ME showed ovicidal and larvicidal effects on H. contortus. However, only the acetylation potentiated the anthelmintic effect of eugenol. In the EHT and LMIT, the EC₅₀ values of AE and eugenol were 0.19 and 0.21 mg/mL, and 0.56 and 1.35 mg/mL, respectively. In the AWMT, the EC₅₀ of eugenol and AE were both 0.11 mg/mL. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that eugenol and AE caused damage to the cuticle and internal tissues of H. contortus adults. Molecular docking suggested that eugenol and AE interact with the HcPMT. These findings indicate that acetylation may increase the anthelmintic effect of eugenol against H. contortus without significantly altering the cytotoxic potential. Therefore, in vivo assays must be realized to evaluate the toxicological safety and anthelmintic efficacy of eugenol and AE in small ruminants.</p>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"110717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147318522","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":"Rapid and specific detection of Babesia vogeli using RPA/CRISPR-Cas12a: A feasible field-friendly diagnostic for canine babesiosis","authors":"Suphaporn Paenkaew ,&nbsp;Thippaporn Euppayo ,&nbsp;Rongdej Tungtrakanpoung ,&nbsp;Worapan Teapunvong ,&nbsp;Korakot Nganvongpanit ,&nbsp;Kittisak Buddhachat","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Babesia vogeli</em> is a protozoan parasite causing canine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Its microscopic identification is challenging due to morphological similarity with other <em>Babesia</em> spp., and serological assays often yield inaccurate results. To address this issue, we developed a rapid, equipment-minimal diagnostic method combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR/Cas12a (RPA/CRISPR-cas12a) for <em>B. vogeli</em>-specific detection. The RPA assay enables DNA amplification for both <em>B. vogeli</em> and <em>Hepatozoon canis</em>, while CRISPR/Cas12a using gRNA_Bab ensures specificity for <em>B. vogeli</em>, even in co-infections and other pathogens. This approach detects as few as 10⁵ copies within two hours for both readout platforms such as fluorescence and lateral flow dipstick (LFD). Forty canine blood samples were detected by RPA/CRISPR-cas12a to examine its performance. Results showed high concordance with qPCR-high resolution melting (HRM) (Cohen’s kappa: 0.93 for fluorescence, 0.81 for LFD), outperforming conventional PCR. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of RPA/CRISPR-cas12a were 100 % and 96.8 %, respectively and the concordance with qPCR-HRM was 97.5 %. RPA/CRISPR-cas12a for <em>Babesi</em>a spp. detection provided a simple, rapid, and accurate method, demonstrating promise for point-of-care diagnosis of canine babesiosis in resource-limited settings. This method showed high potential as a practical diagnostic tool in veterinary clinics, with accelerated surveillance to control outbreaks of <em>Babesia</em>-associated canine babesiosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110660"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145669391","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":"Evaluation of mycochemical composition and in vitro sporulation inhibition activities of selected Nigerian indigenous mushrooms against Eimeria oocysts","authors":"Toma Buba ,&nbsp;Aliyu Abdullahi ,&nbsp;Veronica Agbo","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study was on comparative sporulation inhibition activities of five mushroom species (<em>Ganoderma resinaceum</em>, <em>G. lucidum</em>, <em>Trametes elegans</em>, <em>T. gibbosa</em>, and <em>Pisolithus arhizus</em>) extracts by different solvents against three <em>Eimeria</em> species (<em>Eimeria acervulina</em>, <em>E. maxima</em>, and <em>E. tenella</em>) at different concentrations (25–75 mg/ml) and incubation periods (24 h and 48 h). The results demonstrate substantial interspecific and solvent-, concentration-, and time-dependent variation in anticoccidial efficacy. Among the five mushroom species tested, <em>P. arhizus</em> emerged as the most potent inhibitor of <em>Eimeria</em> oocyst sporulation, achieving complete inhibition at relatively low concentrations, with values ranging from 74 % to 100 across all <em>Eimeria</em> species and solvent extracts. This indicates an exceptionally potent anticoccidial effect of the <em>P. arhizus</em> extract. <em>T. elegans</em> and <em>G. lucidum</em> exhibited intermediate activity, while <em>G. resinaceum</em> and <em>T. gibbosa</em> were less effective. Even at 25 mg·ml⁻¹ , <em>P. arhizus</em> ethanol extracts suppressed ≥ 80 % of sporulation in all three <em>Eimeria</em> species. These levels exceed the maximal inhibition seen with <em>T. elegans</em> (84 % in ethanol, 75 mg·ml⁻¹, <em>E. tenella</em>) and <em>G. lucidum</em> (63 %). The more modest suppression by <em>G. resinaceum</em> (peak at 46 %) and <em>T. gibbosa</em> (peak at 34 %) suggests comparatively lower content or accessibility of active metabolites. A clear dose-dependent pattern was observed across all species and solvents, with sporulation inhibition increasing significantly (p &lt; 0.05) with concentration. Temporal analysis revealed that inhibition at 48 h was either comparable or slightly reduced compared to 24 h in some extracts, suggesting partial degradation or reduced bioavailability of active compounds over time. Organic solvent extracts consistently outperformed aqueous extracts across all fungal species. Ethanol and methanol yielded the highest sporulation inhibition percentages, followed by ethyl acetate and water. The main secondary compounds obtained from the ethanol solvent are polar, such as phenolic compounds. Terpenes are mid-polar metabolites that are obtained from ethyl acetate. Across all treatments, <em>E. tenella</em> showed the highest susceptibility to the extracts, followed by <em>E. maxima</em> and <em>E. acervulina</em>. Findings of this study establish <em>P. arhizus</em> as a promising candidate for developing novel, natural anticoccidial agents. These findings necessitate further quantitative analysis to isolate and identify the specific compounds responsible for the observed efficacy spectrum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110682"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883617","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":"Investigating the olfactory function of microplusin-like proteins in Rhipicephalus microplus through molecular docking and dynamics simulations","authors":"Afito Luciano ,&nbsp;Yuxin Huo ,&nbsp;Sha Tan ,&nbsp;Mandie Liu ,&nbsp;Yuting Ma ,&nbsp;Binta J.J. Jallow ,&nbsp;Seydou Fane ,&nbsp;Bing Zhang ,&nbsp;Fanming Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are responsible for transmitting infectious pathogens of public health and veterinary importance worldwide. Chemosensory perception in ticks constitutes a fundamental pathway in host location and disease transmission. This study aims to analyze the function of the <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> microplusin-like protein (MLP) in the perception of volatile organic compounds. To obtain the results, AlphaFold2, Swiss Model, and AlphaFold3 were utilized for protein prediction. UCSF Chimera, AutoDock Vina in Linux, and Discovery Studio Visualizer were employed for docking analyses and interaction visualizations. The GROMACS software in a virtual Linux environment was used for molecular dynamics simulations. Out of 46 volatile molecules selected based on literature and used for docking, the four top compounds were evaluated for their interaction, including squalene with a binding energy of −5.183 kcal/mol, uric acid with −5.169 kcal/mol, beta-ionone with −5.037 kcal/mol, and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol with −5.035 kcal/mol. The stability of MLP with the top two compounds, squalene and uric acid, was evaluated through molecular dynamics simulations. The uric acid complex was more stable. It showed lower and more stable root-mean-square deviation (∼2 nm), as well as hydrogen bonding (2–4 bonds), smoother solvent-accessible surface area, and gyration radius profiles. In contrast, the squalene complex showed greater conformational variability, lacking hydrogen bonding. The Gibbs free energy landscape and principal component analysis revealed that squalene had stabilization at the start of the simulation. In contrast, uric acid showed stronger long-term conformational convergence and stabilization by the end of the simulation. This study demonstrated the potential role of microplusin-like protein in recognizing volatile organic compounds. It provides insights into the potential to develop new tick-control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110677"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775672","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":"Rising seroprevalence of Borrelia spp. in free roaming felines in the eastern Tennessee valley","authors":"C. Black ,&nbsp;S. Pruitt ,&nbsp;J. Weisent","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110675","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110675","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the range and potential spread of tick-borne pathogens is vital for the protection of susceptible animals and humans. Free-roaming feline populations may serve as unique sentinel hosts for tick-borne illnesses because of their high association with human-populated areas and high interface with ticks. Our study analyzed indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) of feline serum collected from 2019 to 2020 and 2013–2014). Samples were screened for <em>Ehrlichia spp.</em>, <em>Rickettsia</em> spp., and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. Due to the high seroprevalence of <em>Borrelia</em> spp., additional samples were tested over multiple time periods to characterize potential chance. Results demonstrated <em>Borrelia</em> spp. in 41.3 % of the 2019–2020 samples and 9.7 % of the 2013–2014 samples. Generalized linear models were constructed to determine the factors correlated with positive <em>Borrelia</em> spp. cases; however, none of the models were statistically significant for predicting <em>Borrelia</em> spp. infection in free-roaming cats. This novel detection method demonstrated high prevalence of <em>Borrelia</em> spp. likely <em>B. burgdorferi</em> in free-roaming cats in the Eastern Tennessee Valley region of the U.S., an area that has seen significant changes in tick population and human disease in the past 20 years. While the specific role of free-roaming cats as sentinel hosts in disease cycling is still unknown, free-roaming cats may serve as reliable predictors for human infections over time. This study underscores the importance of implementing parasite prevention measures for ectoparasites and vectors in trap-neuter-release facilities and highlights the impact that free-roaming cats may have on vector-borne diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110675"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145782883","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 possibility of the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus linnaei) dispersing through veterinary facilities in urban areas","authors":"Maria Carolina A. Serpa ,&nbsp;Jonas Moraes-Filho ,&nbsp;Isabella P. Pesenato ,&nbsp;Gabrielle R. de Andrade ,&nbsp;Thiago F. Martins ,&nbsp;Igor S. Silito ,&nbsp;Lina C. Binder ,&nbsp;Marcos Amaku ,&nbsp;Marcelo B. Labruna","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus linnaei</em> is the most important tick infesting dogs in urban areas of many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where it can complete its life cycle within human dwellings. This study evaluated the role of veterinary facilities (hospitals, clinics, pet shops) and green areas (parks, public squares) as sources of dispersal of <em>R. linnaei</em> to households. During February 2021-September 2023, we visited 34 veterinary facilities and 51 green areas within São Paulo city. In each facility we inspected the internal premises (waiting/reception, inpatient and exam rooms) for the presence of ticks in cracks, holes and crevices in the structures. When ticks were found, they were collected and taken to laboratory for identification and molecular testing for <em>Ehrlichia canis.</em> Epidemiological information was obtained from each facility via a questionnaire. In the 51 green areas, all with high daily frequency of visiting dogs, the search for ticks was carried out by cloth dragging (60 min/area) and dry ice traps (10 or 11/area). Overall, 12 (37.5 %) veterinary facilities reported seeing ticks at least once in the premises, and 28 (87.5 %) facilities reported seeing ticks on dogs at least once. During our visits, <em>R. linnaei</em> ticks were found on the premises of five (15.6 %) facilities, significantly associated with the high number of animals treated per day. All developmental stages of <em>R. linnaei</em> (including eggs, ticks at premolting period, ovipositing females, and nymphal exuvia) were found in the veterinary facilities, suggesting that this tick species was able to complete its life cycle within the facility. Ticks from three facilities were found infected by <em>E. canis.</em> In the green areas, ticks were collected from six (11.8 %) areas and were all identified as <em>Amblyomma</em> spp. The results of this study support the hypothesis that veterinary facilities are an important source of acquisition and dispersal of the <em>R. linnaei</em> tick among dogs in urban areas. The results also serve as a basis for invalidating the widespread popular belief that, in urban areas, dogs are infested with ticks only when they frequent green areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110680"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879080","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":"How can Mentha piperita oil affect Trichinella spiralis adults and larvae? In vitro and in vivo studies","authors":"Maha Mohamed Gomaa ,&nbsp;Inass Ibrahim Ahmed Zaki ,&nbsp;Hoda Adel Rashed","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The alarming concerns of the current anti-trichinosis therapeutics; low efficacy against encysted larvae, serious side effects, and resistance emergence necessitate seeking an alternative therapeutic option. The well-reported therapeutic potentials of peppermint essential oil (PEO) in multiple disorders involving parasitic infections inspired us to explore its anti-trichinosis capacity. This study assessed the <em>in-vitro</em> impact of PEO on <em>Trichinella spinalis</em> adult worms and muscle larvae at three concentrations (2.5 %, 5 %, 10 %) for two durations (4, 24 h). Additionally, its <em>in-vivo</em> efficacy against intestinal, muscle invasion, and late convalescent phases were evaluated in experimentally-infected mice. The phytochemical analysis of PEO revealed high content of menthone, menthol, total phenolic acid, and total flavonoids. It had potent antioxidant properties evidenced by monitoring DPPH scavenging activity (73.6 %) and NO serum levels. <em>In-vitro</em>, PEO had significantly-affected the survival and the cuticular ultrastructure of adults and muscle larvae, inducing the highest mortality rate and the most obvious damage at 10 % after 24 h. <em>In-vivo</em>, PEO treatment induced a significant reduction in parasite burden in the different stages of infection. PEO exhibited a superior activity over albendazole against invasive and encapsulated larvae. Histopathologically, PEO showed a marvelous amelioration of inflammatory infiltration and tissue damage in intestines and muscles and significantly reduced CD3⁺ immune-stained T-lymphocyte percentage. In conclusion, PEO revealed an obvious anti-trichinosis activity both <em>in-vitro</em> and <em>in-vivo</em>. The antioxidant capabilities and the anti-inflammatory possessions qualified it to be a promising, safe, therapeutic alternative for trichinosis. However, further studies should be conducted to standardize its dose and duration in human.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110663"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682103","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}