Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Diarrheal and Asymptomatic Children in Southern Zhejiang Province, China: Prevalence and Genetic Diversity","authors":"Jiangqiong Ke,&nbsp;Hanwang Zhou,&nbsp;Xin Peng,&nbsp;Huicong Huang,&nbsp;Yanyan Jiang,&nbsp;Wei Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01286-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01286-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p><b>Purpose </b><i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi(E. bieneusi) </i>is a globally prevalent enteric pathogen that poses a major threat to children’s health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, genotypic characteristics and zoonotic transmission potential ofE. bieneusi in children under 6 years of age in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, where pediatric infection data of this pathogen remains absent.</p>\u0000 <p><b>Methods </b>A total of 1,032 stool samples were collected from children at Wenzhou Yuying Children’s Hospital, including 684 from diarrheal individuals and 348 from asymptomatic controls. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the E. bieneusi small subunit(SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, were conducted for pathogen identification and genotyping.</p>\u0000 <p><b>Results </b>The overall prevalence of E.bieneusiwas 1.4% (14/1032), with 1.6% in diarrheal children and 0.9% in asymptomatic children. Two zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, namely D (n=5) and Peru11 (n=9).</p>\u0000 <p><b>Conclusion </b>This study provides the first molecular confirmation of E. bieneusi infection in children in Zhejiang Province, China, despite a relatively low infection rate. The detection of zoonotic genotypes D and Peru11 indicates potential animal to-human transmission of the pathogen, highlighting the need for further epidemiological investigation and strengthened preventive measures. </p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147720930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Life Cycle Development of Anacanthorus spathulatus and Notozothecium janauachensis (Monopisthocotyla), Parasites of the Gills of Colossoma macropomum (Osteichthyes: Serrasalmidae) Raised in Glass Aquariums in the Peruvian Amazon","authors":"Germán Augusto Murrieta Morey,&nbsp;Raizza Nicolle Flores Anable,&nbsp;Hilmer Angélica Dávila-Pizango,&nbsp;Dávila Pizango,&nbsp;Ami Nayelli Pinedo Villafuerte,&nbsp;Sergio Panduro Quiroz,&nbsp;Rossana Cubas Guerra,&nbsp;Jefferson Yunis Aguinaga","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01265-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01265-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>This study describes the life cycle development of two monopisthocotyls gill parasites, <i>Anacanthorus spathulatus</i> Kritsky, Thatcher &amp; Kayton, 1979 and <i>Notozothecium janauachensis</i> Belmont-Jégu, Domingues &amp; Martins, 2004 (Monopisthocotyla), infecting <i>Colossoma macropomum</i> (Cuvier, 1816) reared under controlled aquarium conditions in the Peruvian Amazon.</p><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><p>Twenty naturally infected fingerlings were collected from a fishpond and maintained in glass aquariums under controlled conditions. Fish showing typical clinical signs of monopisthocotyls infestation were selected. Eggs were obtained from adult parasites isolated from the gill arches and monitored using stereomicroscopy and light microscopy to characterize embryonic development, oncomiracidium morphology, and early post-hatching stages. Additional gill samples were processed to mean study juvenile, subadult, and adult morphology.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>In <i>A. spathulatus</i>, development from egg to hatching oncomiracidium required approximately 72 h, followed by an active swimming phase of approximately 10 h before loss of cilia and immobilization. In contrast, <i>N. janauachensis</i> completed embryonic development in approximately 48 h, with free-swimming oncomiracidia remaining active for about 12 h. In both species, a sequence of well-defined developmental stages was documented, including egg (time 0), early and advanced embryo, fully developed oncomiracidium with four ocelli and ciliation, early and developing juvenile, subadult, and adult forms, accompanied by progressive differentiation of the haptor and copulatory complex.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study provides a detailed morphological and temporal characterization of the life cycles of <i>A. spathulatus</i> and <i>N. janauachensis</i> under experimental conditions, identifying critical windows of larval infectivity. These findings contribute to a better understanding of host–parasite dynamics and provide essential information for the development of monitoring and control strategies for monopisthocotyls infections in C. <i>macropomum</i> aquaculture in the Peruvian Amazon.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147621428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gastrointestinal Helminths of Three Bat Species in Northern Iran: A Preliminary Molecular and Morphological Assessment","authors":"Zahra Malekpour-Fard,&nbsp;Vahid Akmali","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01260-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01260-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Bats harbor a diverse spectrum of gastrointestinal parasites, including trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in bats from cave and wetland environments in northern Iran, where bat parasitology remains largely unexplored. The research seeks to expand the regional records of bat parasites and establish a parasitological baseline for future ecological and epidemiological studies.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A parasitological survey was conducted on 13 individuals from three bat species (<i>Miniopterus pallidus</i>, <i>Rhinolophus hipposideros</i>, <i>Pipistrellus kuhlii</i>) collected across Guilan Province. Recovered helminths were morphologically examined using statistical measurements, photography, and line drawings. For trematode specimens, molecular characterization was performed by sequencing the 28 S rDNA gene. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using Bayesian analysis to assess the taxonomic placement of the obtained sequences.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 61.5%. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed the presence of three trematode species belonging to the family Lecithodendriidae (<i>Pycnoporus heteroporus</i>, <i>Pycnoporus</i> sp., and an undetermined species) and one species from Plagiorchiidae, <i>Plagiorchis koreanus</i>. Two additional specimens were tentatively identified as <i>Plagiorchis</i> sp. based on morphology. Two nematode species, <i>Molinostrongylus ornatus</i> and <i>Litomosa chiropterorum</i>, were also recorded. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of the sequenced trematodes, with one sequence clustering with <i>Plagiorchis koreanus</i> and the others forming a distinct clade within the genus <i>Pycnoporus</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study reveals a high prevalence and diversity of helminth parasites in bats from northern Iran, documenting several species not previously reported in the region. These findings provide crucial baseline data on bat-helminth associations in Iran and contribute to broader ecological and parasitological knowledge of bats as hosts. Further surveys across different regions and seasons are recommended to explore host-parasite dynamics and potential zoonotic implications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147621362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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 Molecular Phylogeny of the Nightjar Louse Fly Pseudolynchia garzettae (Rondani, 1979) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) with a Diagnostic Morphological Description of a Sequenced Specimen","authors":"Denise C. Wawman,&nbsp;Steven R. Fiddaman,&nbsp;Abigail S. Bailey,&nbsp;Adrian L. Smith","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01248-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01248-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1) DNA sequences are widely used as a means of identifying Eukaryotic species, but in some taxonomic groups, such as the louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), there are many species that have not been sequenced. Until very recently (Wawman, 2025), <i>Pseudolynchia garzettae</i> (Rondani, 1897) had no sequences in either of the two main databases, NCBI GenBank and International Barcode of Life v3 (BOLD), but there are multiple sequences identified only to the level of the genus <i>Pseudolynchia</i>.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A Nightjar Louse Fly <i>Pseudolynchia garzettae</i>, was taken from an adult male European Nightjar <i>Caprimulgus europaeus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758), in Wales, United Kingdom, identified on the basis of its morphology and sequenced. The sequences were compared to all of the high-quality published COXI sequences for the genus <i>Pseudolynchia</i>.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A 662 bp mitochondrial COX1 DNA sequence was obtained, confirming the sequenced fly as a separate species to all of the other sequenced specimens, which were all a single species <i>Pseudolynchia canariensis </i>(Macquart, 1839). A detailed morphological description of the fly and a differential diagnosis table is provided to aid researchers working with species in this genus.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The DNA sequence supports the current taxonomy that places <i>P. garzettae</i> in the genus <i>Pseudolynchia</i> with <i>P. canariensis</i>, within the same clade as the genus <i>Icosta</i>.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div><div><p>•\tUntil recently, <i>Pseudolynchia garzettae</i> (Rondani 1897) had no previously published sequences in either of the two main databases, NCBI GenBank and International Barcode of Life v3 (BOLD)</p><p>•\tWe present a 662 base pair mitochondrial COX1 DNA sequence for the Nightjar Louse Fly <i>Pseudolynchia garzettae</i>, from a female, taken from an adult male European Nightjar <i>Caprimulgus europaeus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758), in Wales, United Kingdom.</p><p>•\tA detailed morphological description of the sequenced fly is given to aid researchers working with species in this genus.</p></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147621423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Marine Biotoxins as Potential Nematocide: Impact of Cassiopea andromeda Venom Against Acute and Chronic Trichinellosis in Murine model","authors":"Rasha A. Elmahy,&nbsp;Amina M. Salama,&nbsp;Nahla A. Radwan,&nbsp;Alaa Y. Moustafa,&nbsp;Samar F. Harras,&nbsp;Mona M. Elwan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01256-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01256-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>A significant challenge in the treatment of trichinellosis is addressing theencysted larvae. The efficacy of albendazole on larvae appears to be limited, underscoring theurgent necessity for developing effective alternatives. Recently, marine biotoxins have beeninvestigated as possible substitutes for traditional medications. In the present work, we assessedthe nematocidal potential of the jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda’s venom against the enteral andparenteral phases of Trichinella spiralis in mice.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 115 BALB/c mice werecategorized into two phases: acute and chronic. Each was divided into five groups: uninfecteduntreated group, untreated group infected with T. spiralis , uninfected group and treated withjellyfish venom, infected group and administered albendazole, and infected group and treatedwith jellyfish venom. In vitro study exposed adults and larvae of T. spiralis to the Lethalconcentration (LC90) of C. andromeda venom, and ultrastructural changes were observed. Invivo assay included haematological and biochemical analyses. Histopathological andimmunohistochemical assessments evaluated the host tissue’s alterations. ANOVA and post hoctests were used in the statistical analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The present results showed that the LC90 ofthe venom caused complete mortality of adults. The infected and venom-treated group of micegained weight, achieved a 85.23% reduction in adult worms, and showed verified structural improvement, diminished degenerative changes, and decreased P53 expression. High levels of oxidative stress indicators and liver enzymes were observed.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Venom treatmentdecreased inflammation and restored antioxidant levels. C. andromeda venom may be aninteresting alternative for treating T. spiralis' intestinal and muscle phases; however, furtherresearch is needed to clarify its structure, production, molecular targets, and methods ofadministration.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053410/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147621426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: A New Isosporan (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Pacific Blue-Tailed Skink, Emoia caeruleocauda (Sauria: Scincidae: Eugongylinae), from Guam, U.S. Territory","authors":"Chris T. McAllister,&nbsp;John A. Hnida,&nbsp;Diane Vice,&nbsp;Samuel Fisher,&nbsp;Robert N. Fisher","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01250-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01250-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147589219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic Impact of Plant-Derived Extracts and their Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Extracts on the Zoonotic Parasite Hymenolepis Nana Infection","authors":"Wesam M. A. Elgendy,&nbsp;Hany M. El-Wahsh,&nbsp;Doaa Naguib,&nbsp;Rasha A. Elmahy,&nbsp;Suzan Awad AbdelGhany Morsy,&nbsp;Ashraf Fawzy Mosa Ahmed,&nbsp;Marim Fayz Abdow,&nbsp;Nabeel Hussain Alhussainy,&nbsp;Faten Abdullah Al Braikan,&nbsp;Ahmed Bendari,&nbsp;Akram Abu-Okail,&nbsp;Amira Mohamed AbdelHady Elhosyni","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01244-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01244-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Hymenolepis nana</i> (<i>H. nana</i>) is a neglected zoonotic cestode that commonly infects humans and is typically treated with praziquantel (PZQ). Due to concerns about drug resistance and adverse effects, this study explored the antiparasitic activity of aqueous extracts from <i>Artemisia alba</i>, <i>Moringa oleifera</i>, and <i>Ceratonia siliqua</i>, as well as their corresponding silver-nanoparticles (AgNPs)-loaded extracts, against <i>H. nana</i> infection.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Ten groups of male albino mice were used: a healthy control group, an infected untreated group, and six infected groups treated with the aqueous extracts of <i>A. alba</i>, <i>M. oleifera</i>, and <i>C. siliqua</i>, along with their silver nanoparticle-loaded extracts. Two additional infected groups received either AgNPs alone or PZQ. The study assessed parasitological parameters, particularly egg count per gram (EPG), alongside jejunal histopathology and liver and kidney function markers.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>All treated groups exhibited a significant reduction in <i>H. nana</i> infection. Both forms of <i>A. alba</i>, as well as AgNPs and PZQ, achieved a complete (100%) reduction in fecal EPG. In contrast, the aqueous extracts of <i>M. oleifera</i> and <i>C. siliqua</i> produced a 75% reduction. AgNPs and PZQ did not improve renal or hepatic function. All plant extracts demonstrated hepatoprotective effects, while the aqueous and AgNPs-loaded extracts of <i>A. alba</i> and <i>M. oleifera</i> also showed renoprotective activity.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Aqueous extracts of <i>Artemisia alba</i>, <i>Moringa oleifera</i>, and <i>Ceratonia siliqua</i>, along with their AgNPs-loaded counterparts, exhibited significant antiparasitic effects against <i>H. nana</i>. Among them, <i>A. alba</i> showed the highest efficacy in both its extract and AgNPs-loaded extract.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147580023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Description of a New Genus and Species of Cyathocotylid Digeneans from Australia","authors":"Maggie A. Young,&nbsp;Vasyl V. Tkach,&nbsp;Jeffrey A. Bell,&nbsp;Ludovica Valenza,&nbsp;Amber Gillett,&nbsp;Tyler J. Achatz","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01266-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01266-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Cyathocotylidae Mühling, 1896 is a cosmopolitan family of diplostomoidean digeneans characterized by a broad range of vertebrate definitive hosts, including fishes, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Cyathocotylid diversity in Australasia remains poorly known. In the present study, we describe a new genus and species of cyathocotylid digenean collected from the small intestine of the Australasian gannet, <i>Morus serrator</i>, in Queensland, Australia.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Adult cyathocotylid specimens were collected from the small intestine of an Australasian gannet in Queensland. Specimens were stained, mounted, and examined using DIC microscopy. Genomic DNA was extracted, and a fragment of the large ribosomal subunit (28S) rDNA was sequenced and compared with available sequences from cyathocotylids.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A new genus and species, <i>Glandocirrus crikey</i> n. gen., n. sp., is described. It can be readily distinguished from all other cyathocotylid genera by its exceptionally large, strongly glandular cirrus sac. The 28S sequence is identical to previously published unidentified cercariae from Australia, thereby linking larval and adult stages and confirming the distinctiveness of the lineage.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This discovery represents the seventeenth genus of Cyathocotylidae and only the second from Australasia supported by DNA data, emphasizing the underexplored diversity of diplostomoideans in the region.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147580077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological Examination and Molecular Characterization of Theileria spp. From Dairy Cattle in Lingwu, Ningxia, China","authors":"Xinrui Hou,&nbsp;Shinuo Liu,&nbsp;Mengfan Xu,&nbsp;Junke Song,&nbsp;Xin Yang,&nbsp;Guanghui Zhao,&nbsp;Yingying Fan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01263-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01263-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Theileria</i> spp. are common tick-borne parasite in bovine animals, which can cause fever, anemia and emaciation after infection, imposing substantial economic losses to livestock.</p><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Ningxia is one of the most important dairy cattle production areas, but there was no report on the prevalence of <i>Theileria</i> spp. in dairy cattle till now.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The present study applied microscopic examination and PCR to investigate the infection condition of <i>Theileria</i> prevalence in 850 dairy cattle from three farms in Lingwu, Ningxia.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 140 (16.5%) animals were infected with <i>Theileria</i> spp. by blood smear examination. Further PCR-based sequencing examination targeting the 18 S rRNA gene indicated 189 samples (22.2%) were positive with <i>Theileria</i> spp., including 143 samples with single peak and 46 with multiple peaks in sequencing. There existed significant differences on the positive rates of <i>Theileria</i> spp. in diary cattle across sampling sites, ages and seasons. Phylogenetic analysis showed all the 143 sequences with single peak were <i>Theileria orientalis</i>, yielding three genotypes with 96, 24 and 23 for Ikeda, Chitose and Buffeli, respectively.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Results of the present study indicates the existance of <i>T</i>. <i>orientalis</i> and frequent occurrence of Ikeda genotype for <i>T. orientalis</i> from dairy cattle in Lingwu, Ningxia, thus interventions are encouraged to reduce the potential damage caused by <i>Theileria</i> infection in this and those related regions to keep the safety of breeding industry.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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 of Toxocara cati and the Role of Wild Birds as Paratenic Hosts: First Evidence from Türkiye","authors":"Mehmet Öztürk,&nbsp;Can Nacar,&nbsp;Hatice Özlem Nisbet,&nbsp;Şinasi Umur","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01259-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01259-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p><b>Purpose</b> Toxocara cati is a zoonotic ascarid nematode primarily infecting felids, with various vertebrates serving as paratenic hosts. Despite its public health importance, the role of wild birds in the transmission dynamics of <i>T</i>. <i>cati</i> remains understudied in many regions. This study aimed to investigate the presence of <i>T</i>. <i>cati</i> larvae in wild birds in Türkiye, evaluating their role as paratenic hosts and their contribution to the environmental reservoir of this parasite.</p>\u0000 <p><b>Methods</b> A total of 102 deceased wild bird specimens from various species were examined at the Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Pectoral muscle tissues and internal organs were collected and processed using the artificial digestion method to recover nematode larvae. The recovered larvae were initially identified via light microscopy based on morphological characteristics. Molecular confirmation was performed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) ribosomal DNA region.</p>\u0000 <p><b>Results</b> <i>Toxocara cati</i> larvae were detected in 11 out of 102 specimens, representing a total prevalence of 10.78%. The parasite was identified in six different avian species: barn owl (<i>Tyto alba</i>), yellow-legged gull (<i>Larus michahellis</i>), common buzzard (<i>Buteo buteo</i>), long-legged buzzard (<i>Buteo rufinus</i>), tawny owl (<i>Strix aluco</i>), and carrion crow (<i>Corvus corone</i>). Both morphological features and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequences (GenBank accession numbers: PX443431–PX443438) confirmed the identity of the larvae as <i>T</i>. <i>cati</i>.</p>\u0000 <p><b>Conclusion</b> This study provides the first morphological and molecular evidence of <i>T</i>. <i>cati</i> in wild birds in Türkiye. The findings highlight that diverse wild bird species act as paratenic hosts, playing a significant role in the ecological maintenance and transmission of this zoonotic parasite. These results contribute to a better understanding of the environmental risk factors associated with toxocariasis and underscore the importance of wildlife surveillance within a One Health framework.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}