Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Comparative evaluation of the ovicidal activity of Azadirachta indica and its green synthesized silver nanoparticles against Fasciola gigantica eggs","authors":"O.P. Ummukulsoom,&nbsp;P.A. Ahammed Shareef","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fasciolosis, caused by <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> and <em>F. gigantica</em>, is an important veterinary disease of livestock, leading to health complications and substantial economic losses. The eggs produced by the adult flukes pass out of the host along with the feces that ensure the propagation of their infection and lifecycle. Therefore, targeting the eggs to control this parasite could check the snail infection and the completion of life cycle, and the spread of fasciolosis. The present study evaluated the ovicidal activities of ethanolic extract of <em>Azadirachta indica</em> leaf and its green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AI-AgNPs) against <em>F. gigantica</em> eggs in comparison with triclabendazole (TCBZ) <em>in vitro</em>. <em>A. indica</em> extract and AI-AgNPs were prepared and characterized following standard protocols. The eggs were incubated in distilled water (DW) containing 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml <em>A. indica</em> leaf extract, AI-AgNPs, and 1.5 µg/ml TCBZ at 28 ± 1 °C for 24 h and then in DW for 14 days. The effects of treatment were assessed based on the inhibition of development and hatchability of eggs at various stages. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ for AI-AgNPs were significantly lower (0.53 mg/ml and 2.62 mg/ml, respectively) than neem extract (1.46 mg/ml and 16.7 mg/ml) and TCBZ (1.47 µg/ml and 3.54 µg/ml). AI-AgNPs showed an ovicidal activity of 95.18 % at 4 mg/ml, significantly higher than the neem extract (71.48 %) and TCBZ (75.49 %). Statistical analysis showed that AI-AgNPs had a significant impact on mortality across various developmental stages. The present study suggests that AI-AgNPs could offer an alternative to conventional anthelmintics like TCBZ.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110672"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737272","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":"Prevalence, infestation, and morphological characterization of the fish parasitic isopod Alitropus typus","authors":"Kavanat Beerahassan Rajeena ,&nbsp;Vadavanath Prabhakaran Vineetha","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The infestation of crustacean parasites affects the freshwater and marine fishes, causing retarded growth rate, reduced production, low reproduction, and mass mortality. Fish parasites from the isopod family Aegidae, in recent years, have received increased global attention due to their serious socio-economic, ecological, and welfare consequences in finfish aquaculture. This is particularly true for the buccal-inhabiting genus <em>Alitropus typus</em>, which has emerged as a major parasitic threat to freshwater and brackishwater fish populations across tropical and subtropical regions, adversely affecting the health of both farmed and wild-caught fish. As research on this group increases, so does our understanding of their prevalence, infestation, and morphological characterization. The present review focuses on the infestation, intensity, prevalence, and diversity of <em>A</em>. <em>typus</em> in different fish communities. The biochemical composition of crustaceans and various control strategies, including the use of chemicals, vaccination, and biological treatments, are briefly described and explained. The risk of parasite transmission from the aquaculture enterprises to wild fish populations underscores the urgent need for the initiation of control programmes to safeguard the original endemic fish stocks. The review aims to highlight the advantages of using bacteria as an alternative treatment to eradicate parasites in aquaculture and to show the possible negative environmental impacts of chemical treatments used in fish farming systems. Finally, we also highlight the potential of the bacterial consortium to control parasites in fish farming as it assures health health-promising effect to the fish community due to parasiticidal activity without any side effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110676"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828654","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":"International multicentre study to validate the Segmental Sedimentation and Counting Technique (SSCT) for the surveillance of Echinococcus multilocularis in red fox","authors":"Gérald Umhang ,&nbsp;Fanny Bastien ,&nbsp;Christophe Caillot ,&nbsp;Gunita Deksne ,&nbsp;Jacek Karamon ,&nbsp;Rebecca Davidson ,&nbsp;Maira Mateusa ,&nbsp;Małgorzata Samorek-Pieróg ,&nbsp;Azzurra Santoro ,&nbsp;Federica Santolamazza ,&nbsp;Relja Beck ,&nbsp;James O’Shaughnessy ,&nbsp;Rebecca P.K.D. Berg ,&nbsp;Pikka Jokelainen ,&nbsp;Anna Lunden ,&nbsp;Pavlo Maksimov ,&nbsp;Epp Moks ,&nbsp;Marja Isomursu ,&nbsp;Antti Oksanen ,&nbsp;Ants Tull ,&nbsp;Franck Boué","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110678","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110678","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fox tapeworm, <em>Echinococcus multilocularis,</em> is the etiological agent of the severe zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis. The Sedimentation and Counting Technique (SCT) has long been considered the gold standard for detecting these worms in the intestines of dead foxes. Several alternative methods, including the Segmental Sedimentation and Counting Technique (SSCT), have been developed, aiming to reduce time of analysis while maintaining high sensitivity. In this study, the performance of the SSCT was first evaluated by comparison with the SCT in the context of <em>E. multilocularis</em> surveillance in three countries and, secondly, a proficiency test scheme was organized to assess the capability of national reference laboratories for parasites in 14 European countries to perform the SSCT. The analysis of 375 small intestines of positive red foxes (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>) divided in four equal segments showed that combining the second (S2) and fourth (S4) segments achieved the highest sensitivity (99.2 %). Moreover, the same segment combination reached 100 % sensitivity among 11 infected raccoon dogs. The SSCT based on the analysis of the segments pair S4/S2 can therefore be recommended for the diagnosis of <em>E. multilocularis</em> infection in red foxes. For raccoon dogs (<em>Nyctereutes procyonoides</em>), the S4/S2 segments pair analysis also seems highly promising, though additional data are needed. Results from this proficiency test confirm the easy implementation of the method, even in laboratories without routine experience in scraping methods. Overall, this study demonstrates that the SSCT can be considered a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive reference method for post mortem diagnosis of <em>E. multilocularis</em> infection in red foxes, including for large-scale surveillance programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145834770","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":"In vitro and in silico evaluation of nematicidal lectin compounds from Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds targeting gastrointestinal helminths","authors":"Renata Cristina Borges da Silva Macedo ,&nbsp;Mirna Samara Dié Alves ,&nbsp;Francisco Chagas Barbalho Neto ,&nbsp;Pablo Leandro Filgueira Feitosa ,&nbsp;Mário Luan Silva de Medeiros ,&nbsp;Edgley Alves de Oliveira Paula ,&nbsp;Michele Dalvina Correia da Silva ,&nbsp;Ana Carla Diógenes Suassuna Bezerra","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioactive plant molecules are a promising alternative for chemically controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the nematicidal activity of lectins from <em>Artocarpus heterophyllus</em> seeds against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and to evaluate their molecular targets using immunofluorescence and docking analyses. The three formulations (crude extract, protein fraction, and an isolated lectin mix) were subjected to the hemagglutinating activity assay and the egg hatching test (EHT). In addition, the isolated lectins in the mix were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for an immunofluorescence evaluation of their helminth labeling potential. The crude extract and protein fraction were tested in a 100 % concentration, and the isolated lectin mix was tested in different concentrations, and all presented an inhibitory effect on egg hatching. EHT results showed that the crude extract and the protein fraction inhibited 95.5 % and 88.1 % of egg hatching, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest activity for the isolated lectin mix led to 24.4 % egg hatching inhibition. Moreover, immunofluorescence showed that FITC-conjugated lectins did not recognize embryo molecules inside the eggs but recognized molecular targets in the larvae. The molecular docking results suggest a significant interaction between the lectins ArtinM and Jacalin and membrane proteins of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. Altogether, data show that the crude extract, protein fraction, and the isolated lectin mix inhibited egg hatching. In addition, isolated lectins interacted with biomolecules from first-stage larvae and showed <em>in silico</em> molecular interaction with membrane proteins of the evaluated nematodes. Finally, our data suggest that <em>A. heterophyllus</em> is a promising alternative for developing new antiparasitic drugs against sheep endoparasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110664"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678849","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 roadmap in detecting frequently reported bovine babesiosis: From blood smear to CRISPR","authors":"Binaka Prabashini Dasanayaka ,&nbsp;Sisira Lal Pathirana ,&nbsp;Ama Jayawardana ,&nbsp;Shiroma Mangalika Handunnetti ,&nbsp;Narmada Fernando ,&nbsp;Bandula Prasanna Galhena ,&nbsp;Sisira Jagathpriya Weerasena ,&nbsp;Andreas Nitsche ,&nbsp;Samantha Sudarshini Iddamaldeniya ,&nbsp;Ann-Kathrin Dietzsch","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Current diagnosis of <em>Babesia bovis</em> and <em>B. bigemina</em> relies on direct microscopy, nucleic acid detection, and serology. Light-microscopic analysis of Giemsa-stained smears still serves as the primary diagnostic modality at the point of care. However, carrier cattle, particularly those harbouring <em>B. bovis</em>, often carry parasites at levels far below the detection threshold, and such levels are sensitive only to DNA-based detection approaches. Early probe-hybridization techniques have been largely replaced by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), nested formats, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)-which enable species-specific discrimination within closed-tube systems, thereby minimizing contamination risk. Species‑level identification is essential for clinical management, surveillance, and experimental studies. Duplex TaqMan qPCRs simultaneously distinguish <em>B. bovis</em> from <em>B. bigemina</em>, surpassing the analytical sensitivity offered by nested PCR (nPCR) methodologies. Reverse-line-blot (RLB) hybridisation broadens the diagnostic scope by concurrently detecting co-infections of <em>B. bovis</em> and B. <em>bigemina</em> and mixed haemoparasitic species in one workflow. However, the analytical sensitivity of RLB remains inferior to that of qPCR in detecting low-density and carrier-state infections of <em>B. bigemina</em>. RLB remains useful for retrospective genotyping when amplification is impractical or fails. Field-ready isothermal approaches have expanded the scope of molecular diagnostics beyond laboratory settings, facilitating field-level application and rapid on-site detection. Coupling Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with a lateral-flow dipstick (LFD) (LAMP-LFD) enables pen-side direct visual detection. Antibody tests are essential tools for herd-level surveillance. A recent chimeric Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that combines three immunodominant <em>B. bovis</em> antigens broaden strain coverage and boosts diagnostic reliability. Recombinase polymerase amplification coupled to CRISPR-Cas12a cleavage has achieved single-target detection of <em>B. bigemina</em> from tick salivary-gland DNA, paving the way for innovative pen-side platforms, once cost and technical hurdles are overcome. Importantly, vector-based detection using appropriate tissues bearing an optimum level of ticks is species-dependent. <em>B. bigemina</em> sporozoites concentrate in nymph/adult salivary glands, whereas <em>B. bovis</em> sporozoites are produced mainly in larval salivary glands, so monitoring programs should stratify sampling accordingly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110662"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678846","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":"Pharmacokinetics of a fipronil pour-on formulation and its efficacy against Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae) in horses","authors":"Marisa Beatriz da Silva Rocha ,&nbsp;Barbara Rauta Avelar ,&nbsp;Gabriela Carmelinda Martins dos Santos ,&nbsp;Thais Paes Ferreira ,&nbsp;Thiago de Sousa Vieira ,&nbsp;Gabriela Ferreira de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Bruno Toledo Gomes ,&nbsp;Guilherme Marcondes Klafke ,&nbsp;Thais Ribeiro Correia ,&nbsp;Yara Peluso Cid ,&nbsp;Fábio Barbour Scott","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to standardize a stall-trial methodology for horses in order to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a 1 % fipronil pour-on formulation against <em>Dermacentor nitens</em>. Brazilian pony breed horses were housed in individual stalls within a covered barn and artificially infested with <em>D. nitens</em> larvae on alternate days from day –31 to –1 before treatment. The animals were treated on day 0 with a fipronil 1 % pour-on at a dose of 1 mg/Kg body weight. To determine the therapeutic efficacy, the number of engorged females naturally detached from control and treated groups was recorded for 29 days after treatment. To evaluate the persistent efficacy, further larvae infestations were performed on days 7, 14 and 21 after treatment and tick counts were recorded until day 50. The determination of fipronil and its metabolite fipronil sulfone concentration in the plasma was performed at times of 0, 4 h and on days 1, 2, 7, 12, 14, 15, 16, 21, 28, and 48 after treatment. The overall acaricidal efficacy was 91.83 % from day 1–29. The persistent efficacy was 99.69; 99.19 and 99.32 % against tick infestation challenges performed on days 7, 14 and 21, respectively. In plasma, the Cmax of fipronil was 0.71 ± 0.30 µg/mL on day 7 and 0.27 ± 0.06 µg/mL for fipronil sulfone on day 21. The implementation of a stall trial with horses enables the evaluation of the effectiveness of acaricides against all life stages of ticks without interference from environmental factors. The observed reduction in the number of detached, engorged ticks indicates that Fipronil 1 % pour-on is effective against all parasitic stages present on the animal: larvae, nymphs, and adults. Therefore, fipronil 1 % pour-on is both therapeutically and preventively effective against <em>D. nitens</em> in horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737273","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":"From nucleation to capping: The lifecycle of an actin filament in Toxoplasma gondii gliding","authors":"Muhammad Farhab ,&nbsp;Yu-Guo Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite whose motility, host cell invasion, and egress are powered by a unique actomyosin system. Unlike canonical actins that form stable filaments, <em>T. gondii</em> actin (TgACT1) is highly dynamic, existing predominantly in a monomeric state. This review traces the lifecycle of TgACT1, from nucleation to capping, to elucidate how the parasite harnesses rapid cytoskeletal turnover for gliding motility. This review discusses how TgACT1’s intrinsic properties—including isodesmic polymerization, rapid subunit turnover, and specific amino acid substitutions that confer instability—are complemented by a minimal set of TgACT1-binding proteins (e.g., formins, TgPRF, toxofilin, ADF) to maintain a readily available pool of polymerization-competent monomers. The force for motility is generated by the glideosome, a specialized motor complex where myosin A walks along short, dynamic filaments, translocating adhesins rearward to propel the parasite. Finally, the therapeutic potential of targeting this essential and divergent system is discussed, highlighting the druggability of TgACT1 and the immunogenic properties of key regulators. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of TgACT1 dynamics reveals vulnerabilities that could be exploited for novel anti-parasitic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110679"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840053","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":"Assessing the efficacy of three trypanocidal drugs in controlling Trypanosoma evansi","authors":"Somaia Abouakkada ,&nbsp;Nadia Labn ,&nbsp;Safeya Henidy ,&nbsp;Samah S. Oda ,&nbsp;Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack ,&nbsp;Fatima S. Alaryani ,&nbsp;Aishah E. Albalawi ,&nbsp;Kamlah Ali Majrashi ,&nbsp;Amira Dewair","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trypanosoma evansi</em> is an emerging zoonotic threat causing significant economic and health issues, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to limited effective trypanocidal agents and increasing drug resistance, this investigation sought to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of quinapyramine sulfate and chloride, melarsamine hydrochloride, and diminazene aceturate in 72 female Swiss albino mice. Each drug was administered at two dosages: quinapyramine (3 and 6 mg/kg), melarsamine hydrochloride (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg), and diminazene aceturate (3.5 and 7 mg/kg). The efficacy was evaluated based on parasitaemia, relapse patterns, body weight changes, hematological and biochemical profiles, postmortem and histopathological findings. The results showed quinapyramine was ineffective at both dosages. However, doubling the therapeutic doses of melarsamine hydrochloride and diminazene aceturate enhanced their efficacy, although parasitaemia relapsed in all cases. Blood biochemical analyses revealed infection-induced anemia, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and significant reductions in total protein, serum albumin, and globulin levels. Histopathological examination revealed evidence of degenerative pathology and tissue injury within the hepatic, splenic, cardiac, and renal parenchyma in all experimental groups with varying degrees. These findings suggest that melarsamine hydrochloride, at higher doses, may offer a more effective treatment for <em>T. evansi</em> infection, although relapse remains a challenge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110658"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145669373","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":"Is it ovine cystic echinococcosis? Post-mortem inspection compared to laboratory analyses of lesions from a slaughterhouse in a hypo-endemic area of northern Italy","authors":"M. Rega ,&nbsp;M. Fozzer ,&nbsp;M. Genchi ,&nbsp;C. Cattabiani ,&nbsp;M. Semeraro ,&nbsp;M. Conter ,&nbsp;M. Di Pentima ,&nbsp;F. Armando ,&nbsp;G. Muresu Ibba ,&nbsp;L. Kramer ,&nbsp;A. Vismarra","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The larval stage of <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> sensu lato causes cystic echinococcosis (CE), an important parasitic zoonotic disease infecting over an estimated one million people worldwide. Canids act as definitive hosts while livestock, mainly sheep, serve as intermediate hosts for the larval stage. Inspection at slaughter of intermediate hosts and destruction of affected organs play an important role in limiting parasite spread. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, over a 6-month period, the prevalence of CE in sheep in an hypo-endemic area for <em>E. granulosus,</em> as determined at slaughter and to verify diagnosis in the laboratory through gross morphological evaluation, histopathology and a multiplex end-point PCR. Sample collection was performed in an ovine slaughterhouse in northern Italy. Lungs and livers were examined visually and those with lesions compatible with CE according to the official veterinary control were then conferred to the laboratory. A total of 421 sheep were examined and CE was suspected in 101/421 (24 %). Following incision, however, only 36/101 showed lesions with morphological features of CE. Histology and end-point PCR were positive for <em>E. granulosus</em> in only 25/36 sheep, highlighting the CE prevalence at 5.9 % (25/421). Results suggest that current inspection at slaughter based on visualization alone may over-estimate CE prevalence in particular in hypo-endemic areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110671"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682102","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":"Intestinal parasites in dogs and their association with clinical manifestations of canine visceral leishmaniasis","authors":"Allan de Jesus Mendonça Severino ,&nbsp;Dharliton Soares Gomes ,&nbsp;André Tetzl Costa ,&nbsp;Maykelin Fuentes Zaldívar ,&nbsp;Nathália Moreira Teodoro de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Bianca Leal de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Paulo Ricardo Silva Coelho ,&nbsp;Felipe Bisaggio Pereira ,&nbsp;Paulo Ricardo de Oliveira Paes ,&nbsp;João Carlos França-Silva ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti ,&nbsp;Stefan Michael Geiger","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dogs are companion animals commonly present in spaces shared with humans. However, this close contact may facilitate the transmission of zoonoses, such as canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Additionally, dogs are potential hosts of endoparasites that can influence the clinical manifestations of CVL due to immunological interference occurring in parasitic coinfections. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of endoparasites in domestic dogs seropositive for CVL and associate their clinical manifestations with the presence of intestinal helminths. We analyzed 47 seropositive dogs (51.06 % males; 48.9 % females; 80.8 % of undefined breed) that underwent clinical examination, blood count, euthanasia, necropsy, and coproparasitological diagnosis. Dogs were grouped into three clinical categories: low (40.4 %), medium (34.0 %), and severe (25.5 %) based on a modified version of the LeishVet clinical staging system. Coproparasitological results indicated <em>Ancylostoma</em> sp. and <em>Giardia</em> sp. as the most prevalent. Based on necropsy, <em>Ancylostoma</em> sp. and <em>Dipylidium caninum</em> were the most common helminths. Dogs with CVL and intestinal helminths frequently had macrocytic hypochromic (p = 0.0455) and microcytic hypochromic (p = 0.01963) anemia. We also found that <em>Ancylostoma</em> sp. was associated with more severe CVL clinical staging (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3621; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 2.6413–4.2796) and negatively associated with red blood cell counts (OR = 0.9278; CI = 0.8702–0.9893). We conclude that intestinal helminth infections in dogs with CVL may represent an important aggravating factor for the disease’s clinical progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110659"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737270","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}