Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and Diversity of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Small Ruminants in Iran: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis","authors":"Alireza Ghorbani,&nbsp;Raha Jannati,&nbsp;Mohamad Amin Iranmanesh,&nbsp;Sogand Moghiminejad Davarani,&nbsp;Pedram Kaveh,&nbsp;Rozhin Lashkarbolouki,&nbsp;Masoud Foroutan,&nbsp;Davood Anvari,&nbsp;Mohammad Mahdi Darvishi,&nbsp;Parham Rahmanian,&nbsp;Mohammad Arad Zandieh,&nbsp;Hamidreza Majidiani","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01025-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01025-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Gastrointestinal nematodiasis is a significant challenge in small ruminant breeding. The present systematic review and meta-analysis shed light on the frequency and distribution of the infection in a nationwide perspective.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The review used 34 animal level datasets retrieved from 26 published articles and the pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Altogether, 9690 small ruminants were examined post-mortem or by coproscopy, among which 4193 animals were infected with GINs, showing a weighted prevalence of 55% (95% CI 44–66%). Reports were documented in 12 provinces with the highest frequency in Eastern Azerbaijan (77%), Kermanshah (76.04%), and Guilan (71.62%). Moreover, the highest prevalences were estimated among goats [61% (95% CI 48–74%)] and in coproscopy [67% (95% CI 57–78%)]. The reported GINs represented 15 genera, including <i>Haemonchus contortus</i>, <i>Marshallagia marshalli</i>, <i>Trichuris</i> spp., <i>Trichostrongylus</i> spp., Ostertaginae species<i>, Gongylonema pulchrum</i>, <i>Nematodirus</i> spp., <i>Parabronema skrjabini</i>, <i>Skrjabinema ovis</i>, <i>Chabertia ovina</i>, <i>Cooperia punctata</i>, <i>Camelostrongylus mentulatus</i>, <i>Bunostomum trigonocephalum</i>, and <i>Oesophagostomum venulosum</i>. The most isolated nematode species in sheep and goats belonged to <i>H. contortus</i> [7.44% (95% CI 6.78–8.13%] and <i>Trichuris</i> spp. [18.42% (95% CI 16.54–20.41%)].</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>A considerable parasitic prevalence was calculated in small ruminants in Iran, demanding strategic interventions for better control the GIN infections and decrease the worms burden and their consequences in sheep and goat population in Iran.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143809157","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":"Designing of a Multi-Epitope Antigen for Toxocariasis Diagnosis: An in Silico Approach","authors":"Negar Asadi,&nbsp;Leila Navapour,&nbsp;Navid Mogharrab,&nbsp;Elham Yousefi,&nbsp;Shahram Khademvatan,&nbsp;Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01027-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01027-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Toxoariasis is recognized as one of the most widespread diseases affecting both animals and humans, exhibiting a global distribution. In light of the public health challenges it poses, particularly for children infected with Toxocara canis, the development of effective diagnostic tests or vaccines is of paramount importance. Serological methods are routinely employed to detect specific anti-Toxocara antibodies in infected individuals. This bioinformatics study aims to formulate a multi-epitope protein for Toxocara canis, leveraging various immunoinformatics web servers to enhance the accuracy of serodiagnosis.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The identification of linear and conformational B-cell epitopes for the antigens TES-26, TES-30, and TES-120 was conducted using the ABCpred and BepiPred servers. Various web servers were employed to evaluate antigenicity, solubility, and physicochemical properties, as well as to examine secondary and tertiary structures, enhance the three-dimensional model, and confirm the findings.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>This process led to the identification of conformational B-cell epitopes, aimed at exploring possible protein-antibody interactions.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Ultimately, further experimental investigations are essential for this multi-epitope construct before it can be incorporated into commercial serodiagnosis kits.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143793235","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":"Administration of Trichinella spiralis Antigens Alleviated Diabetic Nephropathy in Diabetic Mice","authors":"Asmaa M. El-kady,&nbsp;Sarah A. Altwaim,&nbsp;Haleema H. Albohiri,&nbsp;Majed H. Wakid,&nbsp;Khalil Mohamed,&nbsp;Eman Abdullah Alshehri,&nbsp;Hayam Elshazly,&nbsp;Hatem A. Elshabrawy,&nbsp;Dina hamed","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01016-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01016-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among individuals with diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies to combat this condition. Prior research has indicated that <i>T. spiralis</i> possesses hypoglycemic properties. In this investigation, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of <i>T. spiralis</i> antigens, derived from both adult and larval forms, in treating diabetic nephropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic mice (AIDM).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of forty Swiss albino mice were allocated into four groups, each consisting of ten mice. Diabetes was induced in three of the groups using alloxan, while one group served as a control without diabetes. Two diabetic groups received treatment with either crude larva (CLA) antigen or adult worm antigen (AWA), while one group remained untreated. The study assessed various parameters, including fasting blood glucose levels, blood urea, serum creatinine, and serum albumin across all groups. Additionally, histopathological examinations of the kidneys were conducted. </p><h3>Results</h3><p>The results indicated that treatment with CLA or AWA antigens led to a significant reduction in blood glucose, serum creatinine, and blood urea levels, alongside an increase in serum albumin. Notably, the administration of AWA antigens resulted in substantial improvements in renal pathological changes induced by diabetes, as evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining, which also demonstrated a reduction in fibrosis. </p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The findings suggest that <i>T. spiralis</i> antigens may mitigate renal damage in diabetic mice by alleviating hyperglycemia-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, warranting further investigation into their potential role in preventing DN in diabetic patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01016-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769771","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":"Molecular Epidemiology and Genotypic Diversity of Theileria annulata among Bovines Based Upon Tams1 Gene in India","authors":"Rashmi Malik,&nbsp;Biswa Ranjan Maharana,&nbsp;Anita Ganguly,&nbsp;Sukhdeep Vohra,&nbsp;Binod Kumar,&nbsp;Ankit Kumar,&nbsp;Harpreet Singh,&nbsp;Sandeep Potliya,&nbsp;Sujoy Khanna,&nbsp;Subhasish Sahu","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01014-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01014-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Bovine theileriosis, caused by <i>Theileria annulata</i>, presents a significant economic challenge to India’s livestock industry. This study investigates the molecular epidemiology of <i>T. annulata</i> in bovine populations from Haryana, India, focusing on the genetic diversity of the Tams1 gene (785 bp).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The prevalence of <i>T. annulata</i> was evaluated in 800 blood samples using microscopy and PCR techniques, specifically targeting SSU rRNA and <i>Tams1</i> genes. Genetic diversity among <i>T. annulata</i> isolates was analyzed through DNA sequencing and phylogenetic studies. Additionally, the impact of various risk factors on <i>T. annulata</i> infection was assessed.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Microscopy revealed that 29.25% (117/400) of cattle and 2.75% (11/400) of buffalo were detected positive for <i>Theileria</i> spp. in Giemsa-stained blood smears. The <i>Theileria</i> genus-specific primers amplified a 1098 bp fragment of the SSU rRNA gene in 39.5% (158/400) cattle and 6% (24/400) buffalo. The <i>T. annulata-</i>specific PCR targeting the partial <i>Tams1</i> gene revealed a prevalence rate of 37% (148/400) in cattle and 3.5% (14/400) in buffalo. A genetic analysis of the <i>Tams1</i> gene in 389 sequences, including 14 <i>T. annulata</i> isolates from Haryana (8 from cattle, 6 from buffaloes), revealed significant variation within Indian <i>T. annulata</i> parasites. Analysis of <i>Tams1</i> gene sequences (389 from 16 countries) revealed 35 haplotypes globally, with four identified from the 14 isolates sequenced in this study. Nucleotide homology among 14 northern Indian isolates ranged from 89.46–100%, compared to a broader range of 78.42–100% when global sequences were included. Among 35 haplotypes, Hap_1 is the most dominant and shows geographic clustering. Globally, low genetic distance (Fst &lt; 0.15) and high gene flow (Nm &gt; 1) were observed among the five populations (South Asia, East Asia, West Asia, Europe, and Africa), suggesting minimal genetic differentiation among <i>T. annulata</i> populations. Negative values in Tajima’ s D (-1.21941) and Li’s F (-2.97801) tests suggest recent population expansion. Risk factors such as age, sex, and host species are significantly associated with <i>T. annulata</i> infection.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study offers comprehensive insights into <i>T. annulata</i> genetic diversity, population structure, and haplotype networks using the <i>Tams1</i> gene.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769773","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":"Correction: Phylogeographic Characterization of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) in Algeria","authors":"Fedwa Betka,&nbsp;Younes Boukert,&nbsp;Tahar Kernif,&nbsp;Naouel Eddaikra,&nbsp;Amina Boutellis,&nbsp;Saïd Chaouki Boubidi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01020-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01020-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769774","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 Report on Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Farmed Rabbits in Algeria","authors":"Mina Henneb,&nbsp;Naouel Feknous,&nbsp;Rafik Belabbas,&nbsp;Rami M. Mukbel,&nbsp;Haifa B. Hammad,&nbsp;AbdElkarim Laatamna","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01017-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01017-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Relatively, the epidemiology of giardiasis in rabbits has been poorly documented worldwide. In Algeria, few molecular studies reporting <i>G. duodenalis</i> genotyping/subtyping have been conducted only in livestock and in humans. The present study aims to perform genotyping and subtyping of <i>G. duodenalis</i> in farmed rabbits using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. Forty-four faecal samples were collected from 23 rabbit farms in Boumerdes and Tizi Ouzou provinces, located in central Algeria. Firstly, the detection of <i>Giardia</i> cysts in the faeces of rabbits was performed using the ELISA method (RIDASCREEN^® Giardia test). Subsequently, positive ELISA samples were subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of three genetic loci, including the <i>triose phosphate isomerase</i> (<i>tpi</i>), <i>beta-giardin</i> (<i>bg</i>), and <i>glutamate dehydrogenase</i> (<i>gdh</i>) genes. ELISA test detected 13 (29.5%) positive samples among 44 screened samples. Of which, molecular analysis showed the presence of nine positive samples at least by one gene. Eight positive samples were determined as <i>G. duodenalis</i> assemblage B based on phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the three loci. One sample was clustered with assemblage E reference sequences for the <i>gdh</i> gene, while <i>tpi</i> and <i>bg</i> results showed assemblage B. The present study reports valuable data on the epidemiology of giardiasis in rabbits in Algeria, particularly the occurrence of zoonotic <i>G. duodenalis</i> assemblage B.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769775","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":"Characterizing the Helminth Community of the Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella Pallas, 1766) Through DNA Metabarcoding","authors":"Mina Cansu Karaer,&nbsp;Büşra Karataş,&nbsp;Elif Madak,&nbsp;Hande İrem Sönmez,&nbsp;Emre Keskin,&nbsp;Hıfsı Oğuz Sarımehmetoğlu,&nbsp;Tolga Kankılıç,&nbsp;Çağatay Tavşanoğlu","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01018-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01018-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Understanding parasite diversity in wild and captive animal populations is vital for their individual health and ecosystem dynamics. The helminth community in mountain gazelles (<i>Gazella gazella</i> Pallas, 1766), particularly in the isolated northernmost population in Türkiye, remains poorly understood, posing challenges for conservation. This study aimed to identify and compare the diversity of helminths in captive and free-ranging mountain gazelles in Hatay, Türkiye, while assessing potential zoonotic risks.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We collected a total of 188 fresh fecal samples from both captive and free-ranging populations. The samples were analyzed using DNA metabarcoding to assess helminth species and their species diversity across seasons.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Our findings revealed eight helminth taxa in <i>Gazella gazella</i>, including six intestinal and two lung nematodes, with four of these species previously unreported in Türkiye. We also found seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The identification of these helminth taxa highlights the value of advanced molecular techniques in uncovering parasite diversity in ungulates. Seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance, and the biological characteristics of the detected helminth species align with the climatic parameters of the seasons in which they were identified.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01018-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769772","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":"Redescription and Molecular Characterisation of Gnathia tridens Menzies & Barnard, 1959 (Isopoda: Gnathiidae), a Presumed Ubiquitous Nearshore Isopod from the Temperate Northern Pacific","authors":"Anja Erasmus,&nbsp;Nico J. Smit,&nbsp;Claire A. Spitzer,&nbsp;Paul C. Sikkel,&nbsp;Niel L. Bruce,&nbsp;Kerry A. Hadfield","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01005-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01005-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Gnathia tridens</i> Menzies &amp; Barnard, 1959, is redescribed from material collected from San Diego, California and compared to the original description, as well as material held at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.</p><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><p>A full redescription is given based on both morphological and molecular characteristics of the male using light and scanning electron microscopy, and COI mtDNA and ITS2 rDNA genes, respectively.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The key distinguishing characters that set <i>G. tridens</i> apart from other congeners are the equally trifid mediofrontal process, the mandible with a large incisor; the mesioventral margin anterior tip dorsally visible; pereonite 4 with distinct visible anterior constriction; and the three proximal tubercles on the antenna articles. Based on the molecular data for COI, the closest congener differs with 122 base pairs.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Together, the combined morphological and molecular characterisation will provide a foundation for future, taxonomic, phylogenetic and biogeographical studies within the genus <i>Gnathia</i> and the Gnathiidae.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01005-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143716982","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":"The Spiky Side of Urban Wildlife, First Detection of a Zoonotic Assemblage of Giardia duodenalis in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from Italy","authors":"Leonardo Brustenga,&nbsp;Giulia Rigamonti,&nbsp;Iolanda Moretta,&nbsp;Giulia Morganti,&nbsp;Valentina Calgaro,&nbsp;Giuseppe Giglia,&nbsp;Manuela Diaferia,&nbsp;Elvio Lepri,&nbsp;Livia Lucentini,&nbsp;Marco Lalle,&nbsp;Fabrizia Veronesi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01009-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01009-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose of Review</h3><p><i>Giardia duodenalis</i> is a flagellate protozoan parasite of several mammals, that is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and causes gastrointestinal diarrheal illness. Molecular analyses of several genetic markers have classified <i>G. duodenalis</i> into eight assemblages (A to H) exhibiting different host specificities. Assemblages A and B have zoonotic potential and infect a broad range of hosts. The European hedgehog (<i>Erinaceus europaeus</i>) is one of the wild species well-adapted to live in close proximity to humans. Therefore, surveying potential zoonotic parasites harbored by hedgehogs can also be of public health concern, particularly in urban settings with high animal densities.</p><h3>Recent findings</h3><p>Coproparasitological examinations are routinely conducted on hedgehogs admitted to WildUmbria Wildlife Rescue Center. <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> cysts were found in the fecal flotation of a hedgehog and were further tested using a direct immunofluorescent assay and PCR-RFLP molecular analysis of the <i>β</i>-giardin gene for assemblage and sub-assemblage characterization. The RFLP protocol attributed the samples to the AI-like zoonotic assemblage. Additionally, trophozoites attached to the intestinal mucosa of the small intestine were detected via histological techniques.</p><h3>Summary</h3><p>Although <i>G. duodenalis</i> has been detected in hedgehogs from several countries, it was never before reported in Italian hedgehogs. The identification of a zoonotic assemblage in hedgehogs suggests the potential for the parasite to be shared between wild and domestic environments, with pets possibly serving as bringing hosts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01009-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143706896","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":"Host-Parasite Relationships Between Dolops spp. (Crustacea: Branchiura) and Freshwater Fish from the Neotropical Region","authors":"Vinicius Cesar do Bonfim,&nbsp;Letícia de Oliveira Manoel,&nbsp;Alini Beloto Parra,&nbsp;Igor Paiva Ramos,&nbsp;Lidiane Franceschini","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01008-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01008-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Ectoparasitic crustaceans can harm their hosts due how they attach to and feed on their hosts. Consequently, host fish with high infestation intensities show reduced survival rates, which can negatively affect host populations. Understanding host-parasite relationships and monitoring parasitic infestations in wild fish can provide epidemiological information and help avoid ecological damage. This study aimed to document and characterize the occurrence of ectoparasitic crustaceans in <i>Serrasalmus maculatus</i> and conducted a systematic bibliographic review of fish species previously reported as hosts for the parasite taxa found in this study.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Fifty specimens of <i>S. maculatus</i> were collected in 2018. For each parasite species detected, the attribute prevalence (P), mean intensity of infestation (MII), and mean abundance (MA) were calculated. In addition, the main databases were reviewed to document the fish species reported as hosts of the branchiurans in this study.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 195 specimens of <i>Dolops carvalhoi</i> (<i>P</i> = 72%) and 121 of <i>Dolops bidentata</i> (<i>P</i> = 58%) were identified. Here, we report the first record of <i>D. bidentata</i> in the Paraná River and the first record of a <i>D. carvalhoi</i> and <i>S. maculatus</i> interaction. This review shows that <i>D. bidentata</i> and <i>D. carvalhoi</i> have low parasite specificity.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The association between <i>Dolops</i> spp. and <i>Serrasalmus maculatus</i> is epidemiologically important because these branchiurans are potential vectors for <i>Epistylis</i> spp.. <i>Serrasalmus maculatus</i> is attracted to cage fish farm areas and can transmit parasites to farmed fish. Our study contributes to the knowledge of host-parasite specificity and geographical distribution of this poorly studied ectoparasitic group.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01008-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143707170","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}