International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife最新文献

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Unexpected absence of exo-erythrocytic merogony during high gametocytaemia in two species of Haemoproteus (Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae), including description of Haemoproteus angustus n. sp. (lineage hCWT7) and a report of previously unknown residual bodies during in vitro gametogenesis” [Int. J. Parasitol.: Parasites and Wildlife 23 (April 2024) 100905]","authors":"Gediminas Valkiūnas , Tatjana Iezhova , Mikas Ilgūnas , Mélanie Tchoumbou , Mélanie Duc , Dovilė Bukauskaitė , Tanja Himmel , Josef Harl , Herbert Weissenböck","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100936","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100936","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100936"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000324/pdfft?md5=a0d6b2938c8d9d459e7370b8d83ea403&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000324-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141947459","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":"Equal rights for parasites: Are we there yet?","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100945","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100945"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000415/pdfft?md5=25d704830cb6682630c434afafc4d04a&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000415-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141035060","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 evaluation of Eimeria spp. Infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population of the Republic of Kazakhstan","authors":"Erzhan Zh Kidiraliyev ,&nbsp;Ainur A. Zhaksylykova ,&nbsp;Eleonora A. Kydyrkhanova ,&nbsp;Kaissar Zh Kushaliyev ,&nbsp;Alexandr Shevtsov ,&nbsp;Ryskeldina Anara ,&nbsp;Zhibek P. Sembaeva ,&nbsp;M.A. Arzybaev ,&nbsp;Christine M. Budke ,&nbsp;Aida M. Abdybekova","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Saiga antelope (<em>Saiga tatarica</em>) is a protected species in Kazakhstan. Little is known about the parasitofauna of these mammals. Therefore, the focus of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and species diversity of <em>Eimeria</em> spp. infection in the Volga-Ural Saiga antelope population. In June 2023, 104 Saiga antelope fecal samples collected from the district of Zhanibek, located in the province of West Kazakhstan were evaluated using microscopic and molecular techniques. Based on coprovoscopy results, <em>Eimeria</em> spp. Oocysts were present in 22 samples (21%). The four fecal samples containing the largest numbers of <em>Eimeria</em> spp. Oocysts per 10x field were selected for further genetic analysis. DNA extraction, nested PCR amplification, and sequencing were performed on 91 clones, with 80 clones forming a distinct clade and exhibiting genetic similarity to MT801034 Ei<em>meria</em> sp. Voucher HY3. These clones possibly represent an <em>Eimeria</em> specific to Saiga antelopes and gazelle that has previously been morphologically described as <em>Eimeria elegans</em> (Svanbaev, 1979), underscoring the importance of further research into parasitic infections in this protected species.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100966"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000622/pdfft?md5=1bfc6c3b623bab3d9b3cca7d9c6ce1cb&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000622-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141703516","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":"First record and description of actinospore stages (raabeia, triactinomyxon, and aurantiactinomyxon types) of fish parasitic myxozoans from Malaysia","authors":"Nadhirah Syafiqah Suhaimi ,&nbsp;Boglárka Sellyei ,&nbsp;Gábor Cech ,&nbsp;Csaba Székely ,&nbsp;Muhammad Hafiz Borkhanuddin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>During a 2-month survey in 2023 at Tasik Telabak, Terengganu, Malaysia three distinct actinospore types, namely raabeia, triactinomyxon and aurantiactinomyxon were identified in three invertebrate host species: <em>Aulodrilus acutus</em>, <em>Branchiodrilus</em> sp., and <em>Bothrioneurum</em> sp. utilizing morphometric and molecular analyses<em>.</em> Maximum likelihood of 18S rDNA positioned the raabeia type within the <em>Myxobolus</em> clade from fish of the Order Cypriniformes, suggesting a detected actinospore has a potential life cycle development in Cypriniformes and the genus <em>Myxobolus</em>. Both triactinomyxon and aurantiactinomyxon types were described solely based on morphology and morphometrics due to preservation error preventing the acquisition of 18S rDNA sequences. The triactinomyxon type in this study exhibited distinct morphology in spore shape and dimensions, characterized by a short style and caudal processes. Conversely, the aurantiactinomyxon type described herein possesses prominent elongated pyriform polar capsules not resembling any previously known aurantiactinomyxon types. These distinctive features, along with host species and geographical location justify their classification as novel types. Histological and microscopic analyses revealed the development of pansporocysts in the intestinal epithelium of the oligochaete host. This study marks the first descriptions of actinospore stages of myxozoans in Malaysia and the initial report of actinospores infecting host species of <em>Aulodrilus acutus</em>, <em>Branchiodrilus</em> sp. and <em>Bothrioneurum</em> sp.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100964"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000609/pdfft?md5=3b1e2e696443f43c5f6e00c57e3895f5&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000609-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141623779","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":"Anticoccidial activity of the secondary metabolites in alpine plants frequently ingested by wild Japanese rock ptarmigans","authors":"Asako Haraguchi ,&nbsp;Jyunki Nagasawa ,&nbsp;Kouji Kuramochi ,&nbsp;Sayaka Tsuchida ,&nbsp;Atsushi Kobayashi ,&nbsp;Toshimitsu Hatabu ,&nbsp;Kazumi Sasai ,&nbsp;Hiromi Ikadai ,&nbsp;Kazunari Ushida ,&nbsp;Makoto Matsubayashi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100967","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100967","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Japanese rock ptarmigan (<em>Lagopus muta japonica</em>) is an herbivorous species of partridges that inhabits only alpine zones. Alpine plants are their main source of food. These alpine plants contain toxic compounds to deter herbivores from consuming them. A previous analysis of the alpine plants frequently consumed by Japanese rock ptarmigans revealed the presence of a unique mixture of secondary metabolites and a novel compound. Additionally, wild Japanese rock ptarmigans are often infected by two species of <em>Eimeria</em> parasites. When these parasites were experimentally administered to Svalbard rock ptarmigans (<em>Lagopus muta hyperborean</em>), which do not feed on alpine plants, the birds exhibited symptoms, such as diarrhea and depression, and in some cases, they died. Although little is known about the pathogenesis of these parasites in wild Japanese rock ptarmigans, it was hypothesized that compounds found in alpine plants, their main food source, may reduce the pathogenicity of <em>Eimeria</em> parasites. In the present study, we evaluated the anticoccidial activity of the compounds derived from alpine plants <em>in vitro</em> using <em>Eimeria tenella</em>, which infects chickens belonging to the same pheasant family, as an experimental model. Twenty-seven natural components were extracted from eight alpine plants. The natural components were added to <em>E. tenella</em> sporozoites and incubated for 24 h to evaluate their direct effect. Additionally, Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells were incubated with sporozoites and natural components for 24 h to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the components on sporozoite cell invasion. Six compounds from four alpine plants decreased sporozoite viability by up to 88.3%, and two compounds inhibited sporozoite invasion into the cells. Although further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of these components against <em>Eimeria</em> infections <em>in vivo</em>, our findings suggest that these alpine plants may reduce the degree of infection by decreasing the number of sporozoites in the intestinal tract.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100967"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000634/pdfft?md5=3f8d23fb24a0c6750608d30d4b4bd4a4&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000634-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141706065","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":"Outbreak of parasite-induced limb malformations in a declining amphibian species in Colorado","authors":"Pieter T.J. Johnson ,&nbsp;Dana M. Calhoun ,&nbsp;Tyler J. Achatz ,&nbsp;Stephen E. Greiman ,&nbsp;Adrian Gestos ,&nbsp;William H. Keeley","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100965","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100965","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The detection of severe limb malformations in metamorphosing northern leopard frogs (<em>Rana pipiens</em>) from a Colorado pond in August 2022 prompted questions about the cause(s) and concern over the implications. Northern leopard frogs, which are a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Colorado, have declined over much of their range in the state, particularly along the Front Range. Although malformations in amphibians have been reported in other parts of the USA, they are rare in Colorado, and the current case represents the most severe hotspot reported in the state for over 70 years. Across three survey events in late summer and early fall of 2022, approximately 68% of captured leopard frogs (late-stage larvae and metamorphic frogs) exhibited one or more malformations. Malformations exclusively affected the hind limbs and were dominated by skin webbings (51.7% of the total), bony triangles (32.2%), and extra limbs or digits (11%). Many animals had multiple malformations that limited the movement of one or both limbs (average of 2.3 malformations per malformed frog). Dissection of a subset of animals coupled with 28S rDNA genetic sequencing revealed the occurrence of the trematode <em>Ribeiroia ondatrae</em> at an average of 75.2 trematode cysts (metacercariae) per frog. The parasite was also detected in 2.6% of dissected snails (<em>Helisoma trivolvis</em>), which function as the trematode's first intermediate host. The relatively high loads of infection detected here – coupled with the similarity of observed malformations to those previously linked to <em>R. ondatrae</em> in experimental studies and from other malformation hotspots in the USA – offer compelling evidence that the current case is the result of parasite infection. Unresolved questions include why malformation prevalence was so high in 2022 and the degree to which such abnormalities will affect population persistence for local leopard frogs, particularly if malformations continue.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100965"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000610/pdfft?md5=ab4a42b455f4f2e842753e7b8181100b&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000610-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141637803","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":"Elucidating nematode diversity and prevalence in moose across a wide latitudinal gradient using DNA metabarcoding","authors":"Jason L. Anders ,&nbsp;Marie Davey ,&nbsp;Bram Van Moorter ,&nbsp;Frode Fossøy ,&nbsp;Sanne Boessenkool ,&nbsp;Erling J. Solberg ,&nbsp;Erling L. Meisingset ,&nbsp;Atle Mysterud ,&nbsp;Christer M. Rolandsen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100962","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100962","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Parasitic nematodes are ubiquitous and can negatively impact their host by reducing fecundity or increasing mortality, yet the driver of variation in the parasite community across a wildlife host's geographic distribution remains elusive for most species. Based on an extensive collection of fecal samples (n = 264) from GPS marked moose (<em>Alces alces</em>), we used DNA metabarcoding to characterize the individual (sex, age class) and seasonal parasitic nematode community in relation to habitat use and migration behavior in five populations distributed across a wide latitudinal gradient (59.6°N to 70.5°N) in Norway. We detected 21 distinct nematode taxa with the six most common being <em>Ostertagia</em> spp., <em>Nematodirella</em> spp., <em>Trichostongylus</em> spp., <em>T</em>. <em>axei</em>, <em>Elaphostrongylus alces,</em> and an unclassified Strongylida. There was higher prevalence of livestock parasites in areas with larger sheep populations indicating a higher risk of spillover events. The individual level nematode richness was mostly consistent across study areas, while the number and type of nematode taxa detected at each study area varied considerably but did not follow a latitudinal gradient. While migration distance affected nematode beta-diversity across all sites, it had a positive effect on richness at only two of the five study areas suggesting population specific effects. Unexpectedly, nematode richness was higher in winter than summer when very few nematodes were detected. Here we provide the first extensive description of the parasitic nematode community of moose across a wide latitudinal range. Overall, the population-specific impact of migration on parasitism across the distribution range and variation in sympatry with other ruminants suggest local characteristics affect host-parasite relationships.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100962"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000580/pdfft?md5=8615148950847878920f7c73cb071c79&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000580-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141595305","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":"Acanthoatractis xinguensis n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Cosmocercoidea: Atractidae) parasite of yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle, Podocnemis unifilis Troschel (Testudines: Podocnemididae) in Brazilian Amazon","authors":"Ronald Ferreira Jesus,&nbsp;Bianca Nandyara,&nbsp;Jeannie Nascimento dos Santos,&nbsp;Francisco Tiago de Vasconcelos Melo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100961","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nematodes collected from the stomach of the yellow-spotted turtle <em>Podocnemis unifilis</em> Troschel, 1848 (Testudinidae) in the Brazilian state of Pará are assigned to a new genus, allocated to the family Atractidae (Cosmocerdoidea). <em>Acanthoatractis</em> n. gen. differs from all other genera of Atractidae based on the combination of the following morphological characters: cephalic extremity surrounded by eight bifurcated, wrench-shaped sclerotized structures arranged in a circle; oral opening encircled by two sclerotized pieces with pointed ends and a median portion with a pair of hooks; in males the larger (left) spicule is narrower in the middle third and the gubernaculum is absent. The type species, <em>Acanthoatractis xinguensis</em> n. gen., n. sp., has nine pairs of caudal papillae and a single papilla anterior to the cloacal lip. The new species is the seventh record of an atractid genus parasitizing <em>P. unifilis</em>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100961"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000579/pdfft?md5=5205e4d96262033c60379e0be7934078&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000579-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141595302","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":"Prevalence, molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of hydatid cysts and cysticercus tenuicollis isolates and first report of E. canadensis (G6/G7) in wild boars in Bingol province, Türkiye","authors":"Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc ,&nbsp;Figen Celik ,&nbsp;Harun Kaya Kesik ,&nbsp;Sami Simsek","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100960","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100960","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Wild boars can directly or indirectly transmit numerous zoonotic helminths to humans in rural communities as they serve as reservoir hosts. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and molecular characterisation of cystic metacestode forms of helminth parasites in wild boar and to identify haplotypes. To this end, 23 wild boar carcasses shot by hunters during the 2023 hunting season were necropsied and all internal organs were examined. Cysticercus tenuicollis (n = 07) and hydatid cyst (n = 10) isolates were obtained from the examined boars. Species identification of Cysticercus and hydatid cyst isolates was performed by amplification of partial fragments of the <em>cox1</em> gene. According to BLAST search, all sequences of C. tenuicollis isolates were identified as <em>Taenia hydatigena</em>. Out of the hydatid cyst isolates, seven were classified as <em>Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto</em> (G1/G3) and one sample was identified as <em>Echinococcus canadensis</em> (G6/G7). All isolates of <em>E. granulosus s.s.</em> (G1/G3) were re-amplified with the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (<em>nad5</em>) in order to distinguish between G1 and G3 genotypes. Based on the sequence analysis, it was found that five of the <em>E. granulosus s.s.</em> isolates were classified as G1, while two were classified as G3. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the G1 genotype is the most prevalent genetic variant among wild boar populations in Bingol province, Türkiye. In this study, a total of five novel haplotypes were identified. A previously unidentified haplotype was revealed through the haplotype analysis of <em>E. canadensis</em> (G6/G7). All isolates in the haplotype network of <em>T. hydatigena</em> were shown to exhibit distinct and geographically specific haplotypes. According to the findings of the study, wild boars include a substantial amount of genetic variety in <em>E. granulosus s.s</em>. And <em>T. hydatigena</em>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100960"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000567/pdfft?md5=f0380ecd2213d6e9e6a8b9a1f93f353f&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000567-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141577099","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":"Retrospective analysis of laboratory diagnostic data to assess the prevalence and seasonal variation of Ehrlichia ruminantium in commercial farms of Lephalale Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa","authors":"Emmanuel Seakamela ,&nbsp;Itumeleng Matle ,&nbsp;Nandipha Ndudane ,&nbsp;Relebohile Lepheana ,&nbsp;Sikhumbuzo Mbizeni","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100959","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100959","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Heartwater is an economically important disease of livestock and some wild ruminants in Southern Africa. The study used retrospective laboratory data from Lephalale Veterinary Laboratory, Limpopo to establish the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of heartwater in commercial farms of Lephalale Municipality between 2010 and 2022. A total of 472 brain samples from livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) and game carcasses brought to the laboratory for postmortem examination were subjected to heartwater testing using Giemsa staining technique. The overall prevalence of heartwater in Lephalale Municipality was 34.1% (95% CI = 29.9–38.6, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). During the years under investigation, there was a significant (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) variation, with the highest and lowest prevalence in 2022 (72.2%) and 2019 (6.3%), respectively. The prevalence of heartwater was high in springbok (57.1%), sheep (49.3%), cattle (36.6%) and goats (32.2%). Heartwater was detected throughout the year with autumn having the highest (40.6%) frequency followed by summer (40.3%), spring (30.5%) and winter (25.5%). This study is the first to establish the prevalence and seasonality of heartwater in Lephalale Municipality which will serve as a baseline for prevention and control strategies as well as future epidemiological studies. Official surveillance programmes, more research on the distribution and genotypes of <em>E. ruminantium</em> in the area need to be undertaken for better understanding of the disease in the area.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100959"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224424000555/pdfft?md5=13b39dc3fe15c0fd143fd637a69727cd&pid=1-s2.0-S2213224424000555-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141481567","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}