International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife最新文献

{"title":"Molecular diagnosis of trypanosomatids in Didelphis marsupialis reveals risk areas for Trypanosoma cruzi transmission and sympatric circulation with T. rangeli in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia","authors":"Jeiczon Elim Jaimes-Dueñez ,&nbsp;Vladimir Quintero-Sánchez ,&nbsp;Andrea Ardila-Gélvez ,&nbsp;Luz H. Patiño ,&nbsp;Carlos M. Ospina ,&nbsp;Ángela Patricia Jiménez-Leaño ,&nbsp;Ian Sebastián Murcia-Cueto ,&nbsp;Juan David Ramírez","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The adaptation of wild animals to urban environments can lead to increased contact with humans and a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic agents. <em>Didelphis marsupialis</em> (common opossum) is an important reservoir of <em>Trypanosoma cruzi</em> and <em>Leishmania</em> spp., which commonly affect human populations in Latin America. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the frequency of trypanosomatid infections and characterize <em>T. cruzi</em> DTUs in common opossums from the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (MAB), Santander, Colombia. A total of 70 individuals from four municipalities (Bucaramanga, Floridablanca, Girón, and Piedecuesta) were analyzed by PCR using blood samples, of which 14.3 % (95 % CI: 7.95–24.3 %) tested positive for trypanosomatids. Next-generation sequencing of 18S and Hsp70 genes in positive samples identified <em>T. cruzi</em> DTU TcI and <em>T. rangeli</em> in nine (12.9 %, 95 % CI: 6.91–22.66 %) and two (2.86 %, 95 % CI: 0.79–9.83 %) samples, respectively, including one case of co-infection (1.43 %, 95 % CI: 0.04–7.7 %). A heatmap revealed a high concentration of <em>T. cruzi</em>-positive cases in peripheral neighborhoods of Bucaramanga adjacent to forested areas. This study confirms the presence of an enzootic transmission cycle of <em>T. cruzi</em> in the MAB, highlighting the role of <em>D. marsupialis</em> as an important reservoir, particularly in peripheral neighborhoods of Bucaramanga. The sympatric circulation of <em>T. cruzi</em> and <em>T. rangeli</em> in opossums from the MAB introduces new epidemiological challenges for Chagas disease control in these areas, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic strategies to differentiate both parasites in patients and epidemiological studies including vectors and reservoirs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101072"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection and characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii in eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) in Victoria, Australia","authors":"K.L.D. Tharaka D. Liyanage ,&nbsp;Michael Lynch ,&nbsp;Oluwadamilola S. Omotainse ,&nbsp;Chunlei Su ,&nbsp;Jasmin Hufschmid ,&nbsp;Abdul Jabbar","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Australian marsupials are particularly susceptible to <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, an introduced zoonotic protozoan parasite. Molecular diagnostic methods are a highly specific approach for the detection of parasitic infections such as <em>T. gondii</em>. Importantly, molecular methods are useful for the characterisation of <em>T. gondii</em> to understand the genetic diversity of the parasite. The eastern barred bandicoot (<em>Perameles gunnii</em>) is a small native marsupial species classified as Critically Endangered. Although the species has previously been described as highly susceptible to infection with <em>T. gondii</em>, there is currently no information on the genotypes occurring in this species. This study employed qPCR for the detection of <em>T. gondii</em> in opportunistically obtained tissue samples from eastern barred bandicoot carcasses (<em>n</em> = 113) from Victoria, followed by determination of genotype using a DNA sequence-based virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Overall, 19.5 % of the samples were positive for <em>T. gondii</em> using qPCR. The RFLP analysis revealed the dominance of <em>T. gondii</em> type II while a type II-like genotype was found in two isolates. This is the first study to provide information on prevalent genotypes of <em>T. gondii</em> in eastern barred bandicoots. Epidemiological studies of definitive and intermediate hosts, including further genotyping, are recommended to better understand <em>T. gondii</em> epidemiology for the successful recovery of eastern barred bandicoots in Australia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101071"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143829034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei causes distinct differences in sarcoptic mange disease syndromes among sympatric carnivoran species","authors":"Hannah S. Tiffin ,&nbsp;Justin D. Brown ,&nbsp;Kathleen Kelly ,&nbsp;Kyle R. Van Why ,&nbsp;Mark Ternent ,&nbsp;Andrew C. Camire ,&nbsp;Edward J.A. Schuler ,&nbsp;Richard T. Marconi ,&nbsp;Erika T. Machtinger","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101070","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101070","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sarcoptic mange, caused by <em>Sarcoptes scabiei</em>, is a pan-emerging zoonotic disease, affecting new species and expanding into novel geographic locations in recent decades yet the distinct differences in disease syndromes between species remain poorly characterized and understood. This study investigated mange severity, mite burden, and immune response as characterized by dermapathology in sympatric carnivoran species in Pennsylvania, USA, assessing black bears (<em>Ursus americanus</em>), coyotes (<em>Canis latrans</em>), grey foxes (<em>Urocyon cinereoargenteus</em>), and red foxes (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>). Scabietic and healthy individuals were evaluated using standardized metrics to assess health parameters between infested and healthy individuals and differences in mange disease syndromes between species. Mange severity varied significantly by species. Red foxes and black bears displayed more severe outward signs of mange infestation and higher mite burdens compared to coyotes, which exhibited milder physical and histologic signs of disease. Histologic analyses revealed significant differences in dermatologic lesions; black bears and red foxes more frequently had severe hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and secondary bacterial and yeast colonization, while coyotes had fewer and milder lesions. In terms of mite detection, tissue digestions were the most sensitive method, followed by cytology and histology. Serological screening detected the highest <em>S. scabiei</em> exposure rates in coyotes (53 %), followed by black bears (37 %), red foxes (17 %), and grey foxes (12 %). Notably, many seropositive coyotes showed no physical signs of mange, suggesting potential resistance or recovery. In contrast, red foxes exhibited severe disease and low seroprevalence, consistent with high mortality and limited recovery. These findings highlight species-specific differences in sarcoptic mange manifestation and host responses. Coyotes may act as reservoirs, contributing to disease persistence in the ecosystem, while red foxes and black bears suffer higher morbidity. This study emphasizes the need for integrated diagnostic and surveillance approaches to improve understanding of <em>S. scabiei</em> epidemiology and inform wildlife management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101070"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143870491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of zoonotic pathogens in zoo animals in the Republic of Korea","authors":"Jinho Um ,&nbsp;Jeongho Kim ,&nbsp;Seok-Jin Cho ,&nbsp;Min-ho Park ,&nbsp;Hyung-Chul Cho ,&nbsp;Yu-Jin Park ,&nbsp;Kyoung-Seong Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zoo animals may harbor various zoonotic pathogens and may pose a potential risk to humans through close contact. Nevertheless, epidemiological data on zoonotic diseases are scarce. Here, we conducted an epidemiological investigation and genetic characterization of <em>Coxiella burnetii</em>, <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species, <em>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</em>, and <em>Giardia duodenalis</em> in zoo animals in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and evaluated their zoonotic potential. A total of 261 fecal samples were collected from 27 animal species at one zoo between July 2022 and December 2023. Out of the four pathogens tested, one (0.4 %), twelve (4.5 %), and one (0.4 %) animals were found positive for <em>C. burnetii</em>, <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>G. duodenalis</em>, respectively. <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species were not detected in zoo animals. Sequence analysis of <em>C. burnetii</em> based on the <em>IS1111</em> gene revealed that one sequence obtained from a black goat (<em>Capra hircus</em>) exhibited 100 % homology with those reported from a rodent in the ROK. A zoonotic assemblage B (<em>n</em> = 1) of <em>G. duodenalis</em> was identified in Patagonian mara (<em>Dolichotis patagonum</em>). Of the 12 <em>E. bieneusi</em>-positive samples, eleven novel genotypes (KRZB1−4 and KRZS2−8) were identified in four Asian black bears (<em>Ursus thibetanus ussuricus</em>) and eight squirrel monkeys (<em>Saimiri sciureus</em>). Phylogenetically, ten novel genotypes belonged to group 1 with zoonotic potential, and one novel genotype, KRZB4, was assigned to group 10. This study showed that <em>C. burnetii</em>, <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>G. duodenalis</em> infections were identified in zoo animals in the ROK. Our findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and effective strategies to prevent and control these zoonotic pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101067"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143814900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of Toxoplasma gondii (Types I, II, III and 12) and Sarcocystis spp. in the brains of river otter (Lontra canadensis) from Alberta, Canada","authors":"Kyle M. Shanebeck ,&nbsp;Adrián Hernández-Ortiz ,&nbsp;Emily J. Jenkins ,&nbsp;Philippe J. Thomas ,&nbsp;Brent R. Dixon ,&nbsp;Harriet Merks ,&nbsp;Clement Lagrue","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> and <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. are globally distributed coccidian parasites infecting endothermic vertebrates. <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is zoonotic, with widespread global prevalence in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. <em>Sarcocystis</em> is a related and diverse genus, with species that use a range of definitive and intermediate hosts. In intermediate hosts, these tissue dwelling coccidians can be asymptomatic or cause disease through neural, hepatic, and transplacental infections. Semiaquatic mammals such as the North American river otter (<em>Lontra canadensis</em>) are at high risk of exposure to <em>T. gondii</em> and <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. due to terrestrial runoff into freshwater environments. Their high trophic position and dual habitat use make them excellent sentinel species to monitor the presence of food and waterborne pathogens in ecosystems. Brain tissue was sampled from 89 river otters in Alberta, Canada. DNA of <em>T. gondii</em> was detected in 34 % of otters using magnetic capture sequence-specific DNA extraction and qPCR. Genotypes of <em>T. gondii</em> were identified using nested PCR and sequencing of the GRA6 and SAG2 genes, and included the most common clonal lineages in North America, Types I, II, and III, as well as Type-12 (X/A), which is highly pathogenic in sea otters. DNA of <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. was detected in brain lysates of 30 % of otters via conventional PCR with primers targeting ITS1 and 18S ribosomal regions, and sequencing revealed <em>S. lutrae</em> and a species most closely related to, but distinct from, <em>S. kitikmeotensis</em>. This study suggests that river otters are exposed trophically to <em>T. gondii</em> shed by felids<em>,</em> and at least 2 species of <em>Sarcocystis</em> shed by unknown definitive hosts<em>.</em> Highly pathogenic <em>S. neurona</em> was not detected in this population, likely reflecting the absence of possum definitive hosts in northern Canada. The potential effects of <em>T. gondii</em> and <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. on behaviour, health, and reproduction of river otters warrant further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101069"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143830356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A vascular filarial nematode in sika deer (Cervus nippon): Morphological and molecular characterization of Elaeophora (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in Japan","authors":"Toshihiro Tokiwa ,&nbsp;Keita Sakashita ,&nbsp;Saki Miura ,&nbsp;Hisashi Yoshimura ,&nbsp;Shiro Matsuo ,&nbsp;Toshiaki Yamamoto ,&nbsp;Rie Maruko ,&nbsp;Junji Moribe ,&nbsp;Yasuhiro Takashima ,&nbsp;Ayako Yoshida ,&nbsp;Kayoko Matsuo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101068","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Elaeophora</em> (Nematoda: Onchocercidae), a filarial nematode infecting the blood vessels of ruminants and horses, is transmitted by tabanid flies. <em>Elaeophora elaphi</em> was previously detected in wild sika deer in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan in 2009; however, detailed information on this species is scarce. In 2023, 26 <em>Elaeophora</em> worms were collected from the hepatic vasculature of eight deer in Nara, Mie, Kyoto and Gifu Prefectures of Japan and analyzed. Species identification was performed by morphological and genetic analyses. Additionally, multi-gene analysis of seven genes was performed to determine their taxonomic position within the family Onchocercidae. The specimens were identified as <em>E. elaphi</em> based on their morphological characteristics. Analyses of 18S rRNA and cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 genes revealed no variations, indicating that species belonged to the same lineage. Multi-gene analysis revealed that the species belonged to the subfamily Onchocercinae, showing a close relationship with the tick-borne filarial nematodes of the genera <em>Monanema</em>, <em>Acanthocheilonema</em>, <em>Litomosoides</em>, <em>Cruorifilaria</em>, <em>Yatesia</em>, and <em>Cercopithifilaria</em>. This study demonstrated the widespread distribution of <em>E. elaphi</em> in Japan and provided insights into its genetic relationship with other onchocercid species. Further research is necessary to determine the ecological and epidemiological implications of this parasite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101068"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“Lure fishing” strategies by Mothocya parvostis (Isopoda: Cymothoidae): Feeding behavior-mediated infestation on juveniles of black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii","authors":"Hiroki Fujita ,&nbsp;Kentaro Kawai ,&nbsp;Michitaka Shimomura ,&nbsp;Tetsuya Umino","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cymothoidae Leach, 1818 (Isopoda) are parasitic crustaceans that infest fish inhabiting marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. Few studies have examined the strategies Cymothoidae use to parasitize their hosts. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that <em>Mothocya parvostis</em> Bruce, 1986 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) parasitizes its hosts by exploiting its feeding behavior. In our infestation experiments, juveniles of the black sea bream <em>Acanthopagrus schlegelii</em> (Bleeker, 1854) were infested with <em>M. parvostis</em> mancae in water tanks with and without nauplii of <em>Artemia</em> Leach (1819) (<em>A. schlegelii</em> feed). Overall, 46 of 100 <em>A. schlegelii</em> juveniles were parasitized, 36 of which were parasitized when they attempted to consume the mancae. The presence of <em>Artemia</em> resulted in a significantly lower infestation prevalence and a longer time to infestation. This may be attributed to the presence of <em>Artemia</em> diverting the attention of <em>A. schlegelii</em> juveniles and reducing their feeding on mancae. <em>Mothocya parvostis</em> exploits the feeding behavior of its host to increase its infestation success, similar to “lure fishing,” which may help maintain its high prevalence in hosts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101057"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular identification of Trichuris species in long-tailed macaques from Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park and Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, Northeast Thailand: First report suggesting possible Trichuris ovis infection in non-human primates","authors":"Issarapong Phosuk ,&nbsp;Tongjit Thanchomnang ,&nbsp;Julalak Banglua ,&nbsp;Sakhone Laymanivong ,&nbsp;Darunee Puangpronpitag ,&nbsp;Jurairat Jongthawin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to molecularly identify <em>Trichuris</em> spp. in long-tailed macaques from two key habitats in Northeast Thailand: Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, Amnat Charoen Province, and Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, Udon Thani Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from 13 <em>Trichuris</em> spp. egg samples collected from 13 infected long-tailed macaques, and PCR amplification targeting partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene and ITS2 region was performed for phylogenetic analysis. Of the 13 <em>Trichuris</em> spp. egg samples, the partial 18S rRNA gene was successfully amplified from six, while ITS2 amplification was unsuccessful. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that four specimens sequenced from Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park were <em>T. trichiura</em>. In contrast, two specimens sequenced from Kumphawapi Monkey Garden clustered with the only confirmed <em>T. ovis</em> from goat, as well as unconfirmed <em>Trichuris</em> spp. from other ruminant hosts. These findings suggest that the <em>Trichuris</em> spp. in macaques are likely <em>T.</em> <em>ovis</em>; however, the evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, accurate species identification in this region requires further molecular analysis using additional genetic markers. This study provides the first molecular identification of <em>T. trichiura</em> in long-tailed macaques from Northeast Thailand. Additionally, it is the first report suggesting the possible <em>T. ovis</em> infection in non-human primates. These findings highlight the potential for <em>Trichuris</em> spp. transmission across diverse host species, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance of parasitic infections in wildlife and livestock, particularly in regions with close human-animal interactions. Continued molecular investigations are essential to elucidate <em>Trichuris</em> spp. transmission dynamics and zoonotic potential, aiding in public health risk mitigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101063"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143776341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gastrointestinal parasites of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina L.) in Danish marine waters: Prevalence, abundance, intensity and reproductive potential","authors":"Kaan Kumas,&nbsp;Carlota Marola Fernandez Gonzalez,&nbsp;Per Walter Kania,&nbsp;Kurt Buchmann","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Populations of harbour seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>) in Danish marine areas have increased markedly during recent decades, but their associated parasite populations have remained unknown. In February 2024 we collected 13 harbour seals from the western part of Limfjorden (Denmark), a marine area connecting the North Sea with the Kattegat Sea. The animals were subjected to a parasitological examination (including morphological and molecular methods), which confirmed that this seal species acts as a definitive hosts for the gastrointestinal nematodes <em>Contracaecum osculatum s.s.</em>, <em>Anisakis simplex</em>, <em>Phocanema decipiens s.s.</em> and <em>P. krabbei</em>; all nematodes were at prevalences of 100 %. The seals also harboured the intestinal acanthocephalan <em>Corynosoma strumosum</em> (100 % prevalence) and the cestode <em>Dibothriocephalus schistochilus</em> (7.7 % prevalence). The nematode intensities ranged from 4 to 1790 individuals per host, whereas acanthocephalans occurred in lower numbers (range 4–222 per host) and a single seal was infected with three cestodes. The reproductive potential of the nematodes was evaluated by counting mature eggs in female worms, which indicated that each of the female worms could release between 7202 and 72,810 eggs per day. Infection intensities revealed that a single harbour seal on average releases more than 3 × 10⁵ eggs per day. In more heavily infected seals, the potential release of anisakid eggs to the environment exceeds 2.4 × 10⁶ eggs per day, each of which, after hatching and invasion of the first paratenic host, represents a potential infection risk for fish and humans. Some of the anisakid parasites are potentially infective to human consumers, and we discuss the potential spread of infection to fish and humans at different infection levels and seal population sizes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101066"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological and molecular identification of amphistomes of wild ruminants from selected conservancies of Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe","authors":"Madeline Siyazisiwe Sibula ,&nbsp;Mokgadi Pulane Malatji ,&nbsp;Ignore Nyagura ,&nbsp;Pinky Ndlovu ,&nbsp;Thulani Jele ,&nbsp;Mukhululi Ndlovu ,&nbsp;Samson Mukaratirwa","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101065","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101065","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amphistomosis is a poorly understood trematode disease of domestic and wild ruminants whose effect has been underestimated. To date, there is limited information on the taxonomic status of amphistome species, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa which is home to diverse species infecting domestic and wild ruminants. In view of this, a survey was conducted in wildlife conservancies and national parks located in Beitbridge, Nyamandlovu, and Hwange in the Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe during the 2019–2021 game hunting seasons. Gastrointestinal tract of 329 carcasses of wild ruminants were examined for amphistome infections and 33/329 (10 %) of the animals were infected and the highest prevalence per locality was in Hwange (35 %; 7/20). A high prevalence of 63 % was recorded in <em>Kobus ellipsiprymnus</em> (waterbuck) from Beitbridge, accompanied with a high parasitic burden of more than 10 000 parasites per animal. The lowest parasitic burden was observed in <em>Connochaetes taurinus taurinus</em> (blue wildebeest) and <em>Hippotragus niger</em> (sable), each with less than 10 amphistomes. A total of 86 amphistome specimens from <em>Syncerus caffer</em> (African buffalo) (n = 27), <em>Aepyceros melampus</em> (impala) (n = 17), <em>Tragelaphus strepsiceros</em> (kudu) (n = 16), waterbuck (n = 10), sable (n = 7), <em>Redunca arundinum</em> (reedbuck) (n = 7), and <em>Connochaetes taurinus taurinus</em> (blue wildebeest) (n = 2) were randomly selected for morphological and molecular identification. Using a combination of both histological technique and ITS-2 rDNA marker, the following seven amphistome species were identified; <em>Leiperocotyle (L.) gretillati, Calicophoron (C.) microbothrium</em>, <em>C. raja</em>, <em>C. clavula</em>, <em>C. phillerouxi, Gigantocotyle</em> (<em>Gi</em>.) <em>symmeri</em>, and <em>Gastrothylax</em> (<em>G.</em>) <em>crumenifer</em> which are pouched amphistome species. <em>Orthocoelium dicranocoelium</em> identification was based on morphological characters only. Although the ITS-2 is a widely used marker, it may not be useful in discriminating cryptic species in the <em>Calicophoron</em> genus. <em>Orthocoelium (O.) dicranocoelium</em>, <em>G. crumenifer and L. gretillati</em> are first records in wild ruminants in Zimbabwe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101065"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}