Helminthologia最新文献

{"title":"African medicinal plants with anthelmintic properties against selected zoonotic helminths: a scoping review.","authors":"E M Megnigueu, S Simsek, F Celik, S F Kouam, D Ndjonka","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zoonotic helminth infections remain a persistent public health challenge across Africa, causing considerable morbidity and economic losses in both humans and livestock. The emergence of anthelmintic resistance and limited access to conventional treatments have intensified interest in alternative therapeutic approaches. Medicinal plants, long used in traditional medicine, represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential anthelmintic activity. This scoping review examined the diversity, efficacy, and ethnopharmacological relevance of African medicinal plants traditionally used to treat helminthiasis, with a specific focus on <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i>, <i>Taenia solium</i>, and <i>Fasciola hepatica</i>. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of electronic databases identified 78 studies published between 2005 and May 2025, comprising 31 ethnobotanical surveys and 47 pharmacological investigations. Most studies focused on <i>E. granulosus</i> (n=19), followed by <i>T. solium</i> and <i>F. hepatica</i> (14 each). Ethnobotanical surveys reported 207 plant species from 54 families, while 57 species were evaluated pharmacologically. The most frequently studied families were Lamiaceae, Moringaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Apocynaceae. Most studies relied on crude extracts, with few isolating or characterizing bioactive compounds. No clinical trials were reported, and methodological heterogeneity limited cross study comparability. Despite these limitations, several plant species demonstrated promising anthelmintic activity. This review highlights the underrepresented African contribution to ethnopharmacology and proposes future research directions, including bioassay-guided isolation, mechanistic studies, <i>in vivo</i> validation, and clinical evaluation. Integrating plant-based investigations within One Health strategies may provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable solutions for communities most affected by zoonotic helminths.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 4","pages":"271-295"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12951015/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk factors, pathologies and control of gut-dwelling roundworms in chickens.","authors":"N Khan, W Khan, M Shoaib, S A Althubyani, M Yousaf","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nematode infections pose a threat to backyard chickens, presenting serious health and productivity challenges. The study aimed to assess risk factors related to pathological changes and the effect of mebendazole and its derivatives against nematode infections in domestic chickens. A total of 456 chicken faecal samples were randomly collected and analysed using the direct smear, flotation methods and sedimentation method, and histopathological analysis was performed. Sixty infected chickens were divided into three groups: X (control), Y (mebendazole), and Z (derivative), treated orally at 10 mg/kg for three days. Data were analyzed in R (v2025) to compute percentages, 95 % CIs, p-values, and odds ratios. Overall, 72 % (330/456) of chickens were infected, with nematode parasite, <i>Ascaridia galli</i>, being the most prevalent species, 38.5 % (127/330). Single infections were the most common 70.3 % (232/330), followed by double infections 24.5 % (81/330), and triple infections 5.2 % (17/330). Infections were more common during the wet season 65 % (215/330) and were higher in females 74.6 % (200/267), young 85 % (233/274), and weak chickens 90.6 % (126/139), free-range systems 74.3 % (255/355) and non-dewormed chickens 73.3 % (262/356). Multivariate logistic analysis showed significant associations (p < 0.05) with age, gender body condition, and management type, Histopathological alterations revealed hemorrhagic enteritis, necrotic patches, intestinal inflammation, submucosal oedema, glandular hyperplasia and villous atrophy. Anthelmintic trials demonstrated that both Mebendazole and its derivative significantly reduced the eggs per gram (EPG) of faecal samples of roundworm, with the derivative being more effective. Nematode infections cause significant health problems and economic losses in poultry; therefore, improved management, sanitation, and regular deworming practices are essential to effectively control parasitic infections in domestic chickens.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 4","pages":"331-339"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12951157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis in women attending cervical cancer screening in Sithobela, Eswatini: A facility-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"M N Mathobela, T W Chuang, P C Chen, M P S Motsa, C K Fan","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Urinary schistosomiasis remains endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, yet data on women of reproductive age are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> infection and to identify associated sociodemographic and exposure-related factors - including employment status - among women attending cervical cancer screening in Eswatini. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sithobela Health Centre (Lowveld region) between September and October 2023. Using convenience sampling, 360 women aged 20 - 49 years attending routine screening were enrolled. Sociodemographic characteristics (including education and employment/occupation) and water-related exposures were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A single mid-morning 10-mL urine sample was examined by sedimentation microscopy, and infection was defined as ≥1 <i>S. haematobium</i> egg per 10 mL of urine. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 10.83% (39/360). Women older than the median age (26 years) had higher odds of infection (AOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.04 - 5.05; <i>p</i> = 0.04), while secondary education or higher was associated with lower odds (AOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16 - 0.89; <i>p</i> = 0.03). Employment status (employed vs unemployed) was not associated with infection (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39 - 2.02; <i>p</i> = 0.79). Use of open or protected wells was associated with lower odds compared with tap water (AOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 - 0.35; <i>p</i> < 0.01). Urinary schistosomiasis persists among women attending cervical cancer screening, supporting inclusion of women of reproductive age in control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 4","pages":"296-303"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12951013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular identification of <i>Pseudodiscus collinsi</i> from wild Indian elephant (<i>Elephas maximus indicus</i>) based on ITS-2.","authors":"A Anaswara, S Arun, R Geethu, N C Sreenidhi, S Suriya, S Harshit, P K Binoy, V Anju, C K Deepa, K G Ajith Kumar, R Ravindran","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Domestic and wild animals can contract amphistomosis, a disease caused by digenetic trematodes belonging to the superfamily Paramphistomoidea. The importance of these flukes is underestimated worldwide due to their ubiquity and abundance among hosts. <i>Pseudodiscus collinsi</i> is a member of the family Paramphistomatidae that infects the colon of equines and elephants. In the present study, the flukes were recovered from the colon of a dead wild Indian elephant (<i>Elephas maximus indicus</i>). The flukes were stained using acetyl alum carmine and morphologically identified as <i>P. collinsi</i> based on the presence of oral pouches and position of the testes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) region and sequence analysis were performed. The phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method, based on the Kimura 2-parameter model, revealed the separation of <i>P. collinsi</i> (elephant) as a distinct species from the other amphistomes of different hosts. This is the first molecular marker of <i>P. collinsi</i> to be presented.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 3","pages":"254-258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12651137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First report of <i>Pratylenchus parazeae</i> (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) associated with rice in Vietnam.","authors":"T D Nguyen, T M L Le, H T Nguyen, H A Le, Q P Trinh","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Members of the genus <i>Pratylenchus</i>, commonly known as root-lesion nematodes, rank among the most economically important plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide due to their broad host range, wide distribution, and ability to cause significant yield losses in major crops, including rice, maize, and sugarcane. They invade root tissues, creating lesions that impair water and nutrient uptake, reduce plant growth, and increase susceptibility to secondary infections. <i>Pratylenchus parazeae</i>, a root-lesion nematode previously known from sugarcane and maize in China, is reported for the first time in Vietnam, associated with rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) in Vinh Phuc Province. This study provides an integrative identification of the species based on detailed morphological features and molecular characterization using 18S rDNA and D2-D3 segments of the 28S rDNA. Female specimens exhibited diagnostic characteristics consistent with <i>P. parazeae</i>. No males were observed. The D2-D3 and 18S rDNA sequences showed 98.7 - 99.0 % identity with previously described <i>P. parazeae</i> sequences, and phylogenetic analysis placed the Vietnamese population within a well-supported clade alongside known <i>P. parazeae</i> isolates, distinct from other closely related <i>Pratylenchus</i> species. This first record of <i>P. parazeae</i> on rice in Vietnam expands the known host range and geographic distribution. The findings underscore the need for targeted surveillance and management strategies to mitigate the potential threat of <i>P. parazeae</i> to rice production in Southeast Asia.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 3","pages":"259-267"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12651114/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential distribution of minerals in the proboscis hooks of <i>Corynosoma pseudohamanni</i> Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) juveniles from <i>Notothenia coriiceps</i> Richardson off Argentine Islands, West Antarctica.","authors":"M E Caracciolo, O M Amin, C Wendt, N Yu Rubtsova, W De Souza","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Corynosoma pseudohamanni</i> Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Polymorphidae) was described from the intestinal tract of 5 species of seals, including the type and primary host, the Weddell seal <i>Leptonycotes weddellii</i> (Lesson) in the South Shetlands, West Antarctica. <i>Notothenia coriiceps</i> Richardson was the primary paratenic host of 14 fish hosts reported in the original description. We redescribed excysted juveniles from the body cavity of <i>N. coriiceps</i> collected off Galindez Island, Argentine Islands, and included its molecular analysis, SEM images, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA) for the first time. The identity and distribution of mineral elements in the center and edge of anterior, middle, and posterior proboscis hooks establish their taxonomic relevance. Samples were dehydrated through an ascending ethanol series and then critical point dried, mounted on stubs and coated with carbon with a thickness of 20 nm. The specimens were examined and positioned using the LYRA3 FIB-SEM (TESCAN, Brno - Kohoutovice, Czech Republic), equipped with a Phoenix energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (Oxford Instruments, Abingdon, England). X-ray spot and live scan analyses were performed at 15 kV with a spot size 2. The AZtec version 4.3 software system (Oxford Instruments, Abingdon, England) was used. We demonstrated the highest calcium levels in all hooks and hook roots compared to sulfur and phosphorus. Here, for the first time, we report a new aspect of the elemental analysis of hooks, demonstrating the differential distribution of sulfur, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium at the center and margins of anterior, middle, and posterior hooks and hook roots. Calcium was the most prevalent element in roots (root edge and root middle) and the center of middle of all hooks. Phosphorous was equally common but not as prevalent and was highest in the middle of the roots and the middle of all hooks. Sulfur was negligible or absent in the roots and middle of all hooks but highest at hook tips and the edge of the middle hook. The biological and taxonomic importance of this EDXA pattern is discussed, as well as its relevance to hook strength and flexibility, species identity, and comparative systematics. Comparative results were also presented for cystacanths of five other species of acanthocephalans for which EDXA patterns have been studied.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 3","pages":"218-229"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12651140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hematological, coprological and tracheoscopy results in pheasants (<i>Phasianus colchicus</i>) experimentally infected with <i>Syngamus trachea</i>.","authors":"V Vrabec, A Königová, Z Vasilková, E Sesztáková, F Humeník, P Lazár, L Molnár","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study was conducted to determine hematological changes in two different age groups of pheasants (<i>Phasianus colchicus</i>) experimentally infected with 3 and 5 earthworms, 200 embryonated eggs of <i>Syngamus trachea</i>, and control groups. Comparing the hematological parameters, EPG values, and tracheoscopy findings revealed differences related to the age of the experimental birds. The most significant changes in RBC, Hb, and eosinophils (p <0,05) were found in a group of young pheasants fed with five earthworms, followed by three earthworms, and finally with 200 embryonated <i>S. trachea</i> eggs. In a group of adult pheasants, a decline in RBC and Hb was observed in groups fed 3 or 5 earthworms. The group fed with 200 embryonated eggs showed no significant difference. The hematological results revealed that the mean values of Hb and RBC were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in noninfected birds compared to infected ones. Comparison of the EPG values related to tracheoscopic findings confirmed a higher parasitic burden as well as a higher number of adults. The highest EPG value observed (1500) corresponded with the number of adults of <i>S. trachea</i> (4 pairs) recorded in a group of young pheasants fed five earthworms, with an average of 2.1 adult pairs in the trachea and an average EPG value of 750. Additionally, it was confirmed that young birds are more susceptible to S. trachea infection than adults. Based on the results, it was concluded that some hematological values were influenced by age. The differences between the pheasants and the data obtained in this study could help establish baseline values for hematological parameters in pheasants regarding the parasitic burden caused by <i>S. trachea</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 3","pages":"230-240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12651135/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-grazing of sheep and goats may not be an issue from a parasitological perspective.","authors":"I A Kyriánová, I Knížková, M Ptáček, J Nápravníková, O Kopecký, T Husák, J Vadlejch","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections have a significant impact on the health and productivity of small ruminants, while data on mixed-species grazing systems in Central Europe are scarce. This study aimed to compare GIN species richness and infection intensity in co-grazed dairy sheep and goats under a conventional grazing system in the Czech Republic. Over a 12-month period, 210 goat and 196 sheep faecal samples were analyzed using the McMaster method, followed by larval culture. Both hosts harboured <i>Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia</i> spp., and <i>Oesophagostomum columbianum</i>. Goats exhibited consistently higher egg shedding, with a mean peak egg count of 1240 EPG in June, whereas sheep reached a markedly lower peak of 620 EPG in February. In goats, <i>H. contortus</i> predominated year-round, while in sheep, <i>Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia</i> spp. showed pronounced seasonal fluctuations, comprising up to 60% of larvae in autumn. Differences in infection intensity between species were statistically significant (U = 24 697.5, p < 0.001). These results support the hypothesis that co-grazing does not homogenise parasite burdens between host species and demonstrate species-specific seasonal infection dynamics. Such insights directly address the study's aim of characterising species composition and infection intensity in co-grazed sheep and goats, providing an evidence-based basis for optimising sustainable parasite management in mixed grazing systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 3","pages":"175-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12651139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Harnessing crayfish, <i>Procambarus clarkii</i>, to eliminate <i>Schistosome</i> transmitting snails in the Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya.","authors":"G M Maina, N Mbugi, W R Mukabana, D O Odongo, E A Lelo","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The existence or lack of natural enemies is one ecological aspect that can have a significant impact on the human burden of environmentally transmitted parasite diseases. First discovered in Lake Naivasha, Kenya, in 1970, red swamp crayfish swiftly expanded throughout the area, overlapping with the range of freshwater snails that act as the intermediate host of schistosomiasis, a trematode disease of poverty that affects up to 250 million people worldwide, 9 million Kenyans, and 23.1 % of Mwea. While mass drug administration is practiced, cases of reinfection occur, hence the need to augment control strategies targeting snails. Using baited crayfish traps and a snail scoop, a baseline survey was carried out to map out canals with and without both the predator and the prey. Specifically, snail and crayfish populations were statistically expressed as percentages and proportions. Snail abundance and Infection rates were compared using percentages and proportions. Prior to the introduction of crayfish, in August 2021, 2703 snails that transmit schistosomes were found in the five sites in the Mwea water environment. While in the other regions, Nice had no snails, Mianya (12.3 %) had high infection rates, which were followed by Nguka (12.3 %), Murinduko (6.3 %), and Nineveh (5.0 %). In certain settings, the prevalence of snails dramatically dropped (p ≥ 0.001) following the introduction of crayfish. The five study environments' infection rates did not differ significantly (p ≥ 0.105). Out of the 218 crayfish captured at the six study locations, Nguka had the most (104), ahead of Nice (82) and Mokou (32), indicating relative abundances of 47.7 %, 37.6 %, and 14.7 %, respectively. During the sampling period, there were no crayfish in Mianya, Murinduko, or Nineveh. Our findings imply that ecological factors like vegetation and human activity significantly influence aquatic-based biological control.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 3","pages":"241-253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12651138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology, morphometry, and phylogenetic analysis of <i>Haemonchus contortus</i> in small ruminants of Malakand division, Pakistan.","authors":"M I Khan, W Khan, A Akbar, A Ullah, A Ali, A U Khan, P R De Los Ríos-Escalante","doi":"10.2478/helm-2025-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2025-0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Haemonchus contortus</i> is a hematophagous nematode causing substantial economic losses to the livestock industry worldwide. This study aimed to investigate epidemiological determinants, morphometrics, and phylogenetic relationships of <i>Haemonchus</i> in small ruminants (goats and sheep) of Malakand division, Pakistan. Fecal samples (n=878) were randomly collected across four seasons (January to December, 2024) from six districts of the Malakand division to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors. Abomasa from 100 small ruminants were collected for morphometric and phylogenetic studies. Morphological identification was followed by DNA extraction from the adult worms and subsequent PCR amplification of the Cox-1 genetic marker. The overall prevalence of <i>Haemonchus</i> was 25.17 % (221/878), with significantly higher infection rates in small ruminants with poor health 36.19 % (38/105, P= 0.0003), those >5 years old 28.82 % (89/318, P= 0.0391), and untreated small ruminants 29.08 % (171/588, P= 0.0004), based on Chi-square test (P < 0.05), using bivariate analysis. Morphometric analysis revealed that the Haemonchus eggs were oval with an average length of 80.98 μm and a width of 45.04 μm. Male worms measured 11.9 - 13.8 mm long, while females ranged from 15 - 23.8 mm. Phylogenetic analysis based on the Cox-1 gene revealed a close genetic relationship between isolates from the Malakand division and those from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Iran. Furthermore, the study identified two distinct haplotypes, providing further insights into the genetic variability within <i>Haemonchus</i> populations. This study highlights the significant burden of <i>Haemonchus</i> infections in the region, emphasizing health status, treatment, and age as key risk factors. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the development of effective control strategies against <i>Haemonchus</i> infections in small ruminants.</p>","PeriodicalId":55061,"journal":{"name":"Helminthologia","volume":"62 3","pages":"197-208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12651122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}