Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Determinants of Octolasmis lowei Populations in Spiny Lobster (Panulirus gracilis and Panulirus inflatus) in the Southeastern Gulf of California","authors":"Oscar D. Rodríguez-Herrera,&nbsp;Juan M. Osuna-Cabanillas,&nbsp;Jennifer Zoe Borrego-Durán,&nbsp;Jorge Payán-Alejo,&nbsp;Martin I. Borrego,&nbsp;E. Alberto Aragón-Noriega","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01330-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01330-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The Gulf of California sustains important fisheries, including those targeting spiny lobsters. Despite their economic importance, little is known about the interactions with their parasites, which play essential roles in ecosystems and can provide information on their hosts with potential fisheries applications. The population dynamics of barnacles of the genus <i>Octolasmis</i>, like those of other parasites, may be influenced by biotic and abiotic factors such as sea surface temperature (SST, °C) and carapace length (CL, mm); however, previously reported patterns remain inconsistent. This study analyzed the factors influencing the prevalence and intensity of <i>Octolasmis lowei</i> in <i>Panulirus gracilis</i> and <i>P. inflatus</i> during the 2024 fishing season.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 117 <i>P. gracilis</i> and 804 <i>P. inflatus</i> individuals were collected, measured, and examined for parasite identification. Prevalence and mean intensity were compared among sampling months and lobster species. Monthly SST data were obtained from NASA, and generalized additive models (GAMs) were applied to evaluate the relationship between CL and SST with parasite intensity.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Only <i>Octolasmis lowei</i> was identified as a parasitic species. No statistically significant temporal variation in prevalence or mean intensity was detected in <i>P. gracilis</i>, whereas <i>P. inflatus</i> showed a significant increase in both metrics during May compared with most other sampling months. No significant differences in overall infection levels were found between host species. Generalized additive models revealed significant non-linear effects of both carapace length and sea surface temperature on parasite intensity in both lobster species. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>By integrating parasitological and environmental data, this research provides insights into host-parasite relationships in commercially valuable lobster species and contributes to understanding ecological processes relevant to the sustainable management of marine resources.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148429521","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":"First Molecular Characterization of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a Naturally Infected Domestic Cat in Belgrade, Serbia: In-Depth Clinical, Radiological and Parasitological Findings","authors":"Danica Bogunović,&nbsp;Milan Rajković,&nbsp;Ana Milosavljević,&nbsp;Marko Jumake Mitrović,&nbsp;Nataša Stević,&nbsp;Sonja Radojičić,&nbsp;Anja Ilić Božović","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01336-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01336-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>In the past decade, the emergence of feline metastrongyloid lungworms has been increasingly recognized across Europe. The parasite is now being reported in previously non-endemic areas, with severe clinical cases described more frequently. This study describes the first molecular identification of <i>Aelurostrongylus abstrusus</i> in a naturally infected domestic cat in Serbia and treatment efficacy clinical and parasitological follow up. </p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Nested PCR targeting specific 233-bp long fragment of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region was used for species identification, which was further confirmed by sequence analysis. The animal was treated with 50 mg/kg fenbendazole orally during 15 days. The efficacy of treatment was monitored by examining the presence of larvae in faecal samples each day throughout the course of therapy by using Baerman technique.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Fenbendazole has shown to be effective in eliminating parasites, with larvae being completely absent from faecal samples by the 13th day of treatment. A worsening of clinical signs was observed following the initiation of therapy. The period of the highest larval burden in faecal samples correlated with the most intense coughing, which was also consistent with radiographic findings in the form of alveolar patterns. An additional experiment was done, showing that larvae can survive fluctuating daily temperatures in liquid environment for up to 51 days. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings in this study indicate the emergence of feline lungworms and underscore its inclusion in differential diagnoses of feline respiratory syndrome. The importance of close monitoring during therapy highlights the need for further research, particularly in relation to treatment and prevention.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148429524","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":"Zoonotic Exposure to Kudoa Parasites (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) in the Canary Islands (Macaronesia, Spain): Implications for Human Health and Immune Sensitization Associated with Seafood Consumption","authors":"Eligia González-Rodríguez,&nbsp;Marta Rodero,&nbsp;Sergio Llorens-Berzosa,&nbsp;J. Alberto Montoya-Alonso,&nbsp;Kevin M. Santana-Hernández,&nbsp;Myriam R. Ventura,&nbsp;Carmen Cuéllar,&nbsp;Eligia Rodríguez-Ponce","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01345-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01345-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study presents the first seroepidemiological investigation of anti-<i>Kudoa</i> spp. (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) antibodies in the general population of the Canary Islands (Macaronesia, Spain), a region with high seafood consumption and pronounced geographic and climatic variability.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 1,096 serum samples from all seven islands were randomly selected and analyzed by ELISA for IgG and IgE antibodies against <i>Kudoa</i> spp. pseudocyst antigens extracted from locally consumed fish.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The overall seroprevalence for both IgG and IgE was 16.4%, indicating widespread exposure to <i>Kudoa</i> parasites. Marked geographic variation was observed: IgG seroprevalence was highest in Lanzarote (47%), Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria (29.4%), while IgE prevalence peaked in La Gomera (63.3%), El Hierro (30.9%), and La Palma (27.4%). Sex-related differences were also detected, with higher IgE levels in males (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). In addition, seropositivity varied by climate zone, with the dry desert zone showing the highest IgG prevalence (35.7%) and mild temperate zones the highest IgE prevalence (16.5%).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These findings suggest that environmental, dietary, and behavioral factors strongly modulate host immune responses to fish-borne parasites. The results underscore the clinical and public health relevance of <i>Kudoa</i> spp., highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and targeted preventive measures in populations with elevated seafood consumption. Overall, this research provides novel insights into the epidemiology, immune sensitization, and risk determinants of <i>Kudoa</i> exposure, contributing to improved management of seafood-borne zoonoses and evidence-based risk assessment for public health authorities.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148429608","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":"Evaluation of Human-Approved Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Against Lactate Dehydrogenase from Theileria annulata","authors":"Selcan Akar,&nbsp;Maria Orlenco,&nbsp;Erennur Ugurel,&nbsp;Özkan Danış,&nbsp;Dilek Turgut-Balik","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01326-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01326-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><b>Background</b></p><p>Theileriosis, a tick-borne disease caused by <i>Theileria annulata</i>, leads to global economic losses in livestock, emphasizing an urgent need for the identification of new therapeutic agents with alternative mechanisms of action due to rising buparvaquone resistance combined with climate-driven spread. <i>T. annulata</i> lactate dehydrogenase (<i>Ta</i>LDH) has been selected as a promising target in the current study. As approximately half of the FDA-approved veterinary drugs are shared with human medicine, integrating drug repurposing has gained importance as an emerging strategy for the management of tick-borne diseases. </p><p><b>Methods</b></p><p>In this study, <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in silico</i> approaches are integrated to screen 21 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from FDA-approved drugs against <i>Ta</i>LDH in the context of drug repurposing. </p><p><b>Results</b> </p><p>Six of 21 the APIs showed ≥ 60% inhibition against <i>Ta</i>LDH (over 95% purity), particularly the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole, which exhibited both the highest inhibition percentage (73.36%) and the lowest binding energy (− 6.36 kcal/mol), with a consistency between experimental and computational results. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate FDA-approved human therapeutics as potential <i>Ta</i>LDH inhibitors. </p><p><b>Conclusion</b> </p><p>This preliminary <i>in vitro</i> enzymatic inhibition study suggests omeprazole as a potential therapeutic agent for theileriosis. However, comprehensive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses will further validate and advance these promising findings. Furthermore, APIs with ≥ 60% inhibition of <i>Ta</i>LDH may serve as promising leads for the future development of more potent anti-theilerial agents through targeted derivatization and lead optimization. In alignment with the One Health framework, evaluating human-approved active pharmaceutical ingredients as veterinary therapeutic against parasitic diseases may offer a sustainable, time and cost-efficient strategy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01326-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148417779","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":"Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in Camelids: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Farzad Mahdavi,&nbsp;Fatemeh Hanifeh,&nbsp;Giovanni Sgroi,&nbsp;Maryam Kheiry,&nbsp;Ali Asghari,&nbsp;Farajolah Maleki","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01337-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01337-7","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Neospora caninum&lt;/i&gt; is an apicomplexan parasite that causes significant reproductive losses in livestock, particularly cattle, yet its epidemiological impact on camelids remains poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled seroprevalence of &lt;i&gt;N. caninum&lt;/i&gt; in camelids worldwide and to compare seroprevalence between Old World camels (OWCs) and New World camelids (NWCs).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;A systematic literature search was performed in various international databases from January 1, 2000 to December 20, 2025. Eligible studies reported serological detection of &lt;i&gt;N. caninum&lt;/i&gt; antibodies in camelid species with extractable seroprevalence data. Pooled seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; statistic, and subgroup, meta-regression, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thirty-four studies encompassing 48 datasets met the inclusion criteria, representing 13,784 camelids from 15 countries across five continents. The total dataset included 4,463 OWCs and 9,321 NWCs. The overall pooled seroprevalence of &lt;i&gt;N. caninum&lt;/i&gt; in camelids was 9.4% (95% CI: 7.2–12.2%), with substantial heterogeneity among studies (I&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 93.5%, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). The pooled seroprevalence was 14.5% (95% CI: 9.7–21%) for OWCs and 5.8% (95% CI: 4–8.5%) for NWCs. Subgroup analysis demonstrated higher seroprevalence estimates in studies published after 2014, in studies with smaller sample sizes (≤ 100 animals), among camelids older than five years, in female animals, in studies conducted in Europe and Asia, and in studies using the &lt;i&gt;Neospora&lt;/i&gt; agglutination test (NAT) as the serological diagnostic method. Sensitivity analysis showed stable pooled seroprevalence estimates, while meta-regression indicated that neither publication year nor sample size significantly contributed to between-study heterogeneity or variability in the pooled estimates. Egger’s regression test (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.08) and symmetrical funnel plot inspection indicated no substantial publication bias.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;This study provides the first global quantitative synthesis of &lt;i&gt;N. caninum&lt;/i&gt; seroprevalence in camelids, demonstrating moderate serological exposure based on currently available evidence. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of substantial heterogeneity among studies, unequal subgroup representation, and the use of different serological assays and cut-off values. Moreover, the present study assessed serological exposure rather than clinical disease; therefore, no direct association with reproductive disorders can be inferred. Further standardized longitudinal and molecular studies are needed to better clarify the epidemiological and reproductive significance of &lt;i&gt;N. caninum&lt;/i&gt; i","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148417784","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":"Assessment of Virulence and Infection Dynamics of a wild Algerian Eimeria media Strain","authors":"Mohamed Sadek Bachene,&nbsp;Amina Khelouia,&nbsp;Asma Bachene","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01349-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01349-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study aimed to characterize the pathogenicity of a field Algerian strain of <i>Eimeria media</i> and to develop a mathematical framework to simulate its infection dynamics within a rabbitry. The research focuses on addressing the lack of specific data regarding the virulence and epidemiological spread of local strains in Algeria.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Forty five-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) rabbits were assigned to four groups: a control and three groups inoculated with increasing doses of sporulated oocysts (1 × 10⁴, 2.5 × 10⁴, and 5 × 10⁴). Growth performance and oocyst excretion were monitored daily for 21 days. Simultaneously, a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model with environmental compartments was developed to analyze the impact of initial oocyst loads <i>I</i>(0) and transmission efficiency (β) on outbreak kinetics.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Experimental results showed a five-day pre-patent period with an excretion peak at day 7. The strain was moderately pathogenic, causing no mortality but leading to a significant dose-dependent growth inhibition, resulting in a 17.2% reduction in mean body weight at day 21 post-inoculation in the highest-dose group (D50) compared to the control. Mathematical simulations explored the theoretical dynamics of infection, suggesting that a high initial environmental load accelerated the outbreak, bringing the infection peak forward to days 15–20, whereas a low initial load slowed the dynamics, postponing the peak to days 30–35.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p><i>Eimeria media</i> represents a moderate economic impact to the rabbit industry. The integration of biological data into an exploratory SEIR model suggests that initial environmental contamination and transmission rate are important control points. Effective management should prioritize proactive biosecurity to minimize oocyst loads and potentially reduce outbreak severity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403367","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":"Effect of LY2109761 on TGF-β1/TGFβRI/Smad Pathway and Hepatic Fibrosis Cysts Formation in Rats Infected with Echinococcus granulosus: an In Vitro and In Vivo Study","authors":"Shaohua Zhai,&nbsp;Yueqi Yang,&nbsp;Meihe Hu,&nbsp;Yang Zhou,&nbsp;Yanshuang Yang,&nbsp;Nijun Zou","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01324-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01324-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> infection is a zoonotic parasite disease that threatens animal husbandry development and farmer and herder health. Hepatic fibrosis cysts induced by protoscoleces (PSCs) are a common pathological alteration. The formation of these cysts is related to the stimulation of TGF-β1/TGFβRI/Smad signaling in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). TGF-β1 activates the TGFβRI/Smad pathway in HSCs, which is needed in the formation of fibrosis cysts.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>LY2109761, a TGF-β receptor inhibitor, is hypothesized to reduce the formation of hepatic fibrosis cysts by limiting TGF-β1 binding to TGFβRI receptors on HSCs and decreasing the activation of the TGFβRI/Smad pathway. Herein, a liver infection model in rats with PSCs was constructed, and the infected rats were treated with LY2109761 in vivo. The pathological morphology, serum IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 concentrations, TGF-β1 cytokine, and fibrosis TGF-β1/Smad pathway protein expression were detected to verify the mechanism how PSCs infection activates the HSC TGF-β1/ Smad pathway to promote liver fibrosis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The study examined how LY2109761 affected TGF-β1 secretion in hepatocytes co-cultured with PSCs and BRL cells in vitro, and the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad in HSC-T6 cells induced by the co-culture supernatant, which ultimately led to liver fibrosis. Prolonged infection duration raised blood concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL5,IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 as well as hepatocyte TGF-β1 production and secretion.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>TGF-β1 acts on HSC surface, where it binds to TGF-βRI to stimulate the production of hepatic fibrosis cysts via TGF-β1/TGFβRI/Smad. Blocking TGF-β1 linking to the TGFβRI receptor can lessen PSCs damage to liver cells, prevent fibrotic cyst formation, and activate the immune system in the body to kill invaders.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01324-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403297","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":"Use of FTA Cards for DNA Preservation and Dual-LAMP Analysis of Plasmodium knowlesi and P. cynomolgi","authors":"Meng Yee Lai,&nbsp;Joe En Lim,&nbsp;Mohd Lutfi Abdullah,&nbsp;Yee Ling Lau","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01332-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01332-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The emergence of zoonotic malaria caused by <i>Plasmodium knowlesi</i> and <i>P. cynomolgi</i> presents growing challenges for malaria diagnosis in Southeast Asia. Reliable sample preservation and rapid molecular detection are particularly important in remote endemic areas where cold-chain facilities are often unavailable. Although molecular techniques provide highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools, their application in field settings remains challenging. Consequently, FTA cards have gained increasing attention as a practical approach for the rapid collection, transport and long-term archiving of biological samples.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In this study, DNA extracted from FTA cards was evaluated using dual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (dual-LAMP) assays for parasite detection. Whole blood samples were spotted onto FTA cards, processed using a modified lysis-based protocol, and directly used as templates in dual-LAMP assays without further DNA purification.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Both colorimetric and fluorescent LAMP assays demonstrated high specificity, with no cross-reactivity against other human malaria parasites. The assays also showed comparable analytical sensitivity, with detection limits of 1 copy/µL for <i>P. cynomolgi</i> and 10 copies/µL for <i>P. knowlesi</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>FTA cards proved to be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to commercial DNA extraction kits. In addition, they maintained DNA stability at room temperature without the need for cold storage, making them highly suitable for field applications and reducing degradation risks during sample transportation. Combination of FTA card-based lysis and dual-LAMP provides a robust approach for malaria parasite detection.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01332-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148389755","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":"Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Cattle and Water Buffaloes in Pakistan: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors","authors":"Tawseef Khan,&nbsp;Nasreen Nasreen,&nbsp;Sadaf Niaz,&nbsp;Adil Khan,&nbsp;Ayman A. Swelum,&nbsp;Ruhoo Ullah,&nbsp;Wajid Ali,&nbsp;Mourad Ben Said","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01351-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01351-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Gastrointestinal parasites are a major constraint to livestock productivity in Pakistan. However, comprehensive epidemiological data for cattle and water buffaloes in the Malakand Division remain limited. This study aimed to assess prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characteristics of key parasites to support targeted control strategies.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2022 across nine districts of the Malakand Division (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan). A total of 972 fecal samples (496 cattle, 476 water buffaloes) were analyzed using flotation, sedimentation, and McMaster techniques. Associations with risk factors were evaluated using statistical analysis. Molecular characterization of <i>Haemonchus contortus</i> was performed by PCR amplification of the ITS-1 region, followed by sequencing and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Overall parasite prevalence was 31.8%, significantly higher in cattle (36.5%) than in water buffaloes (26.9%). <i>H. contortus</i> was the dominant parasite (23.3%), followed by <i>Cooperia</i> spp. and <i>Oesophagostomum</i> spp. Younger animals (&lt; 2 years) showed significantly higher prevalence than older animals (&gt; 7 years; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Gender effects differed between species, with higher prevalence in female cattle and male buffaloes. Seasonal variation was significant at the population level, with higher prevalence in spring and summer (<i>p</i> = 0.036), while geographic variation was not significant. Water source was significantly associated with infection in buffaloes (<i>p</i> = 0.021). <i>Haemonchus</i> showed the highest egg counts, indicating strong transmission potential. Molecular analysis confirmed <i>H. contortus</i> identity, with high similarity (up to 100%) between Pakistani isolates and moderate variation with global sequences (≈98.6%).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Gastrointestinal parasitism represents a moderate but significant burden in the Malakand Division, with <i>H. contortus</i> as the dominant species. Age, host species, gender, season, and water source are key determinants of infection. Targeted control strategies focusing on high-risk groups, seasonal timing, and improved management practices are essential. Molecular findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the identification of <i>H. contortus</i> in the study area, although broader sequencing of representative isolates is needed to better characterize parasite diversity and population structure.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148389745","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":"Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in Domestic Cats and Their Associations with Clinical Signs","authors":"Eva Bártová,&nbsp;Kamil Sedlák,&nbsp;Špela Vodlan,&nbsp;Marie Budíková,&nbsp;Karol Račka","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01334-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01334-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) induces immunosuppression and may predispose cats to opportunistic infections, including <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>. Data on natural coinfections in domestic cats remain limited, particularly in Europe.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 105 domestic cats from veterinary clinics and shelters in Slovenia and the Czech Republic were examined. Antibodies to <i>T. gondii</i> were detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and FIV antibodies by an immunochromatographic test. Associations with sex, age, housing conditions, and clinical signs were analysed using appropriate statistical tests.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Antibodies to <i>T. gondii</i> were detected in 18.1% of cats, FIV antibodies in 10.5%, and coinfection in 4.8%. <i>T. gondii</i> seropositivity was significantly associated with young age, pet ownership, and the presence of clinical signs. FIV seropositivity was more frequent in males, young cats, pet cats, and clinically affected animals. Coinfection was observed more often in males and pet cats. Cats positive for <i>T. gondii</i> and/or FIV exhibited clinical signs significantly more frequently than seronegative cats (68% vs. 35%, <i>p</i> = 0.0036). Coinfected cats tended to present multiple categories of clinical signs more often than monoinfected cats, although this difference was not statistically significant.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study provides evidence of associations between host factors, <i>T. gondii</i> and FIV seropositivity, and clinical manifestations in naturally infected cats. Despite limitations related to sample size and serological testing, the findings contribute novel data on <i>T. gondii</i>/FIV coinfection in domestic cats in Central Europe.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01334-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148380663","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}