Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens co-infection in a microfilaremic dog from Negotin, Eastern Serbia: Unusual localization of adult Dirofilaia repens in an abdominal hernia sac","authors":"Milan Rajković ,&nbsp;Vladan Rajković ,&nbsp;Danica Bogunović","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, caused by the nematodes <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> and <em>Dirofilaria repens</em>, are vector-borne diseases of growing concern in both veterinary and human medicine. While typically found in predilection sites, atypical localizations have been documented for both species. The first case of adult <em>D. repens</em> found in a dog's abdominal hernia sac in Eastern Serbia is reported in this study. A 7-year-old dog was brought to a veterinary clinic in Negotin, Serbia with lateral abdominal swelling. During hernia repair surgery, three filiform nematodes were discovered on the peritoneal serosa of the hernial sac, later identified as <em>D. repens</em>. Modified Knott's test reveals the presence of both <em>D. immitis</em>/<em>D. repens</em> microfilariae. After surgical procedure and recovery, the dog was treated with monthly combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin (Advocate, Bayer AG), along with one-month course of doxycycline. This case highlights the need for awareness of zoonotic <em>D. repens</em> atypical presentations in endemic regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101435"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preserving levamisole efficacy with targeted selective treatment: Long-term field evidence from small ruminant farms","authors":"Juan Felipe de Jesús Torres-Acosta ,&nbsp;María Gabriela Mancilla-Montelongo ,&nbsp;Maria Christine Rizzon Cintra ,&nbsp;Cristina Santos Sotomaior","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To demonstrate how targeted selective treatment (TST) can preserve anthelmintic (AH) effectiveness against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), this report describes the resistance status of levamisole (LEV) on three farms in Mexico and Brazil. We compiled historical results from Faecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRT) on two university farms (UADY and PUCPR) and one commercial smallholder farm where LEV has been used in a TST scheme for over a decade. The results reveal a remarkable stability in the anthelmintic's efficacy over many years. On the UADY farm, where LEV has been the sole anthelmintic used since 2001, the faecal egg count reduction (%FECR) remained above 80% in all evaluations until dropping to 74% (95% CI: 49–91) in 2024, when a combination of LEV+benzimidazole proved to be 100% effective. Data from the PUCPR farm showed that LEV efficacy was sustained at a high level (97%) from 2014 to 2020 but decreased to 64% (95% CI: 3–87) in 2022. In 2023, combinations of LEV+moxidectin and LEV+closantel showed over 98% efficacy. Meanwhile, the commercial sheep farm demonstrated the greatest stability, sustaining an efficacy between 91% and 99% throughout the entire ten-year evaluation period (2015–2024). The historic data from the three farms suggest that TST schemes helps to maintain constant AH efficacy profiles over long periods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101440"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146081732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary parasites in canines and felines of the Azores Islands - Portugal","authors":"Romana Teixeira ,&nbsp;João Lozano ,&nbsp;Isilda Flor ,&nbsp;Carlos Pinto ,&nbsp;Maria Constança Pomba ,&nbsp;Luís Madeira de Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101434","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Insular territories offer several biotic and abiotic conditions conductive for the spread of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in companion animals, as well as their transmission to humans. However, information regarding this topic is still scarce. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of GI and cardiopulmonary (CP) parasites, as well as to evaluate risk factors associated with the occurrence of parasitic infections, in dogs and cats from the Azores archipelago (Portugal). Fecal samples were gathered from cats (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 885 samples) and dogs (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 910). Blood samples were collected from 215 cats and 205 dogs. Also, a questionnaire was filled out in order to determine predisposing factors and to establish a scale for companion animals, which compares the manifestation of clinical signs to the parasitic burden of the infected animal. All fecal samples underwent processing through qualitative (Willis flotation, Baermann) and quantitative (Mini-FLOTAC) coprological techniques, whereas all blood samples were analyzed using the modified Knott method and the commercial Witness® Dirofilaria serological assay. The overall prevalence of GI parasitism in dog feces was 59%: Ancylostomatidae (37%), &lt;em&gt;Toxocara canis&lt;/em&gt; (22%), &lt;em&gt;Trichuris vulpis&lt;/em&gt; (16%) and &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (9%). In cats, the overall prevalence of GI parasitism was 61%: Ancylostomatidae (39%), &lt;em&gt;Toxocara cati&lt;/em&gt; (22%), &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (9%) and &lt;em&gt;Trichuris&lt;/em&gt; sp. (0.1%). CP parasites were only detected in cat feces (16% prevalence), positive for &lt;em&gt;Aelurostrongylus abstrusus&lt;/em&gt;. Blood samples were negative for CP parasitism, in both hosts. In canine feces, Ancylostomatidae showed higher egg counts (317 ± 24 EPG), followed by &lt;em&gt;T. canis&lt;/em&gt; (79 ± 8 EPG), &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (42 ± 7 OPG) and &lt;em&gt;T. vulpis&lt;/em&gt; (41 ± 5 EPG). In feline feces, parasitic intensity was higher for Ancylostomatidae (349 ± 25 EPG), followed by &lt;em&gt;T. cati&lt;/em&gt; (108 ± 11 EPG), &lt;em&gt;Cystoisospora&lt;/em&gt; spp. (64 ± 9 OPG), &lt;em&gt;A. abstrusus&lt;/em&gt; (8 ± 1 LPG) and &lt;em&gt;Trichuris&lt;/em&gt; sp. (0.01 ± 0.006 EPG). In both species, risk factors associated with the presence of parasitism were mixed breed, shelter environment, outdoor access, cohabitation with other animals and infrequent deworming of animals. For both hosts, the manifestation of clinical signs occurred for parasite shedding higher than 800 EPG/OPG/LPG (levels 3 and 4). Animals ranked as level 1 (up to 300 EPG/OPG/LPG) were often asymptomatic. The current research is the first to entail on GI and CP parasites in companion animals from the nine islands of the Azores archipelago, demonstrating that these parasites are common in companion animals from this insular region and that Azorean populations are at risk of exposure to potentially zoonotic parasitic agents. The present study also proposed the first rating scale that associates parasitic intensity with the presence/absence","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101434"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vector-borne pathogens in Spanish greyhounds from Central Spain: Prevalence and hematobiochemical findings","authors":"David Martínez-Durán,&nbsp;Maider Mujika,&nbsp;Mariano Morales,&nbsp;Juan Antonio Castillo,&nbsp;Bernardino Moreno,&nbsp;Sarah Delacour-Estrella,&nbsp;Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo,&nbsp;María Paz Peris","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vector-borne diseases are receiving increasing attention in public health, veterinary medicine, and epidemiological research. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of four major canine vector-borne pathogens in Spanish greyhounds, a breed reported to possess distinctive hematological and biochemical profiles. Serum samples from 160 dogs, originating from central Spain, were evaluated for antibodies against <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em>, <em>Ehrlichia canis</em>, and <em>Leishmania infantum</em> using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and for circulating <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> antigens using ELISA. Comprehensive hematological and serum biochemical analyses were also performed. The overall seroprevalence rates were 10% for <em>A. phagocytophilum</em>, 3.1% for <em>E. canis</em>, 13.1% for <em>L</em>. <em>infantum</em> and 0% for <em>D. immitis</em>. A statistically significant association was identified between age and <em>E. canis</em> seropositivity, with higher rates observed in juvenile dogs, whereas <em>L. infantum</em> demonstrated a non-significant trend toward higher prevalence in adults. Seropositive dogs showed notable alterations in hematological and biochemical parameter, including thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis/lymphopenia, anemia, and variations in platelet indices. These findings highlight the epidemiological relevance of serological screening and detailed clinical monitoring particularly given the breed's frequent involvement in hunting and prolonged exposure to outdoor environments conducive to vector transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101437"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity of trematode larvae in Indoplanorbis exustus from Phayao Lake, northern Thailand: Genetic evidence of Schistosoma spindale and a potential novel Schistosomatid associated with swimmer's itch","authors":"Ornampai Japa ,&nbsp;Chorpaka Phuangsri ,&nbsp;Thatchanan Phuhadsuan ,&nbsp;Kittiphong Songsarn ,&nbsp;Kulnida Boonsit ,&nbsp;Jidapa Srithongchang ,&nbsp;Kanokwan Muengnil ,&nbsp;Tanchanok Wongkamphoo ,&nbsp;Thanakon Bunsong ,&nbsp;Ratchapong Watchararangsiman ,&nbsp;Sirasit Soda","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Indoplanorbis exustus</em>, a pulmonate snail, is an important component of freshwater ecosystems and serves as the primary intermediate host for the larval stages of several medically and veterinary significant trematodes. However, data on its infection status and associated trematode species in the Phayao Lake area of northern Thailand are currently lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection and identify the trematode species present in snails from this region. A total of 1290 snails were collected from Phayao Lake between November 2024 and February 2025 and examined using cercarial shedding and snail-crushing techniques. Larval trematodes were identified based on morphological characteristics and confirmed by molecular analyses targeting three genetic markers: ribosomal DNA (<em>28S</em> and <em>ITS</em>) and mitochondrial <em>cox1</em>. The overall infection rate was 1.09% (14/1290), with five trematode species identified: <em>Schistosoma spindale</em>, <em>Apharyngostrigea</em> sp., <em>Euclinostomum</em> sp., and two unidentified cercariae belonging to the families Schistosomatidae and Aporocotylidae. One of the unidentified Schistosomatidae cercariae exhibited morphological features and genetic similarity to known dermatitis-causing genera, specifically <em>Dendritobilharzia</em> and <em>Gigantobilharzia</em>. In addition, <em>cox1</em> sequence analysis of <em>S. spindale</em> revealed two genetically distinct populations, suggesting possible intraspecific variation. These findings highlight the notable diversity and spatial distribution of medically and veterinary important trematodes in the region, particularly the presence of <em>S. spindale</em> and a potential dermatitis-causing species, and provide essential baseline data to support future control and prevention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101436"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pig farms (Sus scrofa domesticus) of eastern Spain in intensive farms with control of animal entry","authors":"Pablo Jesús Marín-García ,&nbsp;Orla Ballesteros-García ,&nbsp;Lola Martínez-Sáez ,&nbsp;Ana Lesta ,&nbsp;Lola Llobat","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>. Although the definitive hosts are cats, other species can act as reservoirs, including livestock. In pigs, the infection is subclinical, so its relevance as a silent reservoir could be greater. The data related to the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in pigs differ according to different factors, including methodology used, country, farm type, and location, and epidemiological factors, such as sex or age. The seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in pigs housed in intensive systems, specifically medium-sized farms with animal entry control systems, was evaluated, as well as epidemiological data that could be risk factors, such as age or sex. For this purpose, serum samples were obtained from a total of 92 pigs with ages ranging from 0 to 24 months, housed in sixteen intensive system farms located in eastern Spain. The seroprevalence was estimated as the number of positive animals by the ELISA method. The results obtained were a low seroprevalence (3.26%), and only age was associated with higher seroprevalence, being higher in animals older than 12 months. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the factors associated with seroprevalence and the security measures to eliminate the presence of this parasite in porcine farms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101438"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in France: A pilot study","authors":"Kévin Schlax ,&nbsp;Daniela Ogonczyk-Makowska ,&nbsp;Marie Mélin ,&nbsp;Angelo Scuotto","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a widespread zoonotic protozoan parasite with significant public health implications. While extensively studied globally, data on <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence in pet rabbits in France remains lacking, compromising the establishment and implementation of preventive measures.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Evaluate the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in pet rabbits in France and identify associated risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted on pet rabbits presented to veterinary clinic in France, between May 2024 and May 2025. Blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein and sera were analyzed using serological assays for <em>T. gondii</em> antibodies. Data on animal characteristics and potential risk factors were collected via standardized questionnaire.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 131 pet rabbits were included in the study. The overall seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> was 16.8% (22/131; 95% CI: 10.9–24.4%). Rabbits living in households with cats showed significantly higher seropositivity rates (31.5%, 17/54) compared to those without cat exposure (6.5%, 5/77) (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Geographic location significantly influenced infection rates, with peri-urban areas showing higher seroprevalence (24.0%, 19/79) compared to urban areas (5.8%, 3/52) (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This pilot study provides the first data on <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence in French pet rabbits. The substantial prevalence rate and identified risk factors highlight the need for enhanced preventive measures in high-risk populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101429"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatiotemporal analysis of fasciolosis in cattle in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil","authors":"P.C.P. Pinheiro,&nbsp;D.M. Donatele,&nbsp;I.V.F. Martins,&nbsp;F. Berbari Neto,&nbsp;J.D. Giannotti","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fasciolosis is caused by the fluke <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> in Brazil, which has a worldwide distribution and affects the bile ducts and liver parenchyma of several species of mammals, especially ruminants, and humans, configuring the disease as a zoonosis and generating a risk to global public health. In Brazil, the disease is considered endemic to some regions, mainly the South and Southeast, with emphasis on high rates in ruminants in the state of Espírito Santo. The present study aimed to carry out a spatio-temporal analysis of fasciolosis in ruminants in the state of Espírito Santo, from 2018 to 2023, based on slaughter maps carried out by the State Inspection Service (SIE) and Federal Inspection Service (SIF). Descriptive analysis, cross correlation and linear regression was carried out regarding the slaughterhouses and climate data and spatial distribution of notifications were represented in maps by the QGIS 3.28.1 program, using data from geographic bases made available by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The average annual frequencies of bovine fasciolosis for animals slaughtered under federal and state inspection were 0.829% and 5.53%, with a total average frequency of 4.35%. Results reveal differences between federal and state inspection and found a positive correlation between number of fasciolosis cases and rainfall. In an analysis from 2006 to 2023, a slaughterhouse in the South region presented an average frequency of 19.65% of fasciolosis in cattle. The study concluded that the state of Espírito Santo demonstrates a high frequency of fasciolosis in cattle, with the South region standing out with the highest frequency rates in slaughtered cattle, reinforcing the need for control measures for the disease in the region, minimizing the risks to public health as a consequence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101430"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity, abundance and host blood meal of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from different habitat types in Thailand","authors":"Chonticha Kunprom ,&nbsp;Wannachai Wannasingha ,&nbsp;Pairot Pramual","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated diversity, abundance, host blood sources and haemosporidian parasite infection of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) collected from 25 sites across Thailand, representing three habitat types: livestock shelters, commercial farms and natural areas. A total of 757 specimens were collected, with the highest abundance observed in livestock shelters (<em>n</em> = 654), followed by farms (<em>n</em> = 67) and natural areas (<em>n</em> = 36). Identification based on morphology and DNA barcode revealed 23 mosquito species, with the genus <em>Culex</em> being the most abundance representing &gt;50% (379 of 757) of the total collected specimens. High diversity and abundance in livestock shelters, due to high density of the host blood sources and also our sampling biased because specimens were collected mostly (17 of 25 collections) from this habitat type. In contrast, natural areas had lower mosquito abundance, possibly due to fewer hosts and fluctuating environmental factors. The findings highlight that habitat type and host availability significantly influence mosquito community structure and thereby potentially influencing pathogen transmission dynamics. Host blood meal analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome <em>b</em> indicated that cattle are the most preferable host blood source of these mosquito species. Haemosporidian parasites were detected in nine mosquito specimens, of three <em>Culex</em> mosquito species. Six were identified as <em>Plasmodium juxtanucleare</em>, one was <em>P. gallinaceum</em> and two were <em>Leucocytozoon caulleryi.</em> These results provide baseline data to guide targeted vector surveillance and control strategies in Thailand.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101427"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"DNA barcoding identifies hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) species infesting domesticated animals in Tamil Nadu, South India","authors":"Krishnamoorthy Nallan ,&nbsp;Veerapathiran Ayyavu ,&nbsp;Elango Ayyanar ,&nbsp;Balaji Thiruppathi ,&nbsp;Ramkumar Ramalingam ,&nbsp;Manju Rahi ,&nbsp;Paramasivan Rajaiah","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101425","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101425","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The diverse and vast ecological landscapes of India support a rich diversity of ticks, many of which are known vectors of a wide range of pathogens. Accurate identification of tick species is critical for incriminating specific vectors involved in pathogen transmission. The present study aims to generate DNA barcodes using molecular markers for the identification of tick fauna from Tamil Nadu, southern India, where molecular taxonomic studies remain limited. A total of 57 specimens representing 12 different species were subjected to DNA barcoding using cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the COI gene were successful in 7 species from four genera: <em>Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus</em>, and <em>Amblyomma</em>. Similarly, 6 species from two genera, <em>Rhipicephalus</em> and <em>Haemaphysalis</em>, were successfully amplified using the ITS2 gene marker. Further analysis of inter-species diversity based on COI markers across eight species revealed better resolution compared to ITS2 markers. Inter-species distances of 16%, 15%, 14%, and 13% were recorded among four <em>Rhipicephalus</em> species using both markers, with the highest genetic divergence (16%) observed between <em>R. microplus</em> and <em>R. sanguineus</em>. The lowest inter-species divergence was 6% (COI) and 1% (ITS2), observed between <em>R. microplus</em> and <em>R. annulatus</em>. To our knowledge, this study provides the first DNA barcode records based on COI for <em>Hyalomma anatolicum</em> and <em>Amblyomma integrum</em>, and based on ITS2 for <em>Rhipicephalus annulatus</em> and <em>Haemaphysalis intermedia</em> from India. In conclusion, for four <em>Rhipicephalus</em> and two <em>Haemaphysalis</em> species, the dual-marker barcoding approach effectively complements conventional identification methods by resolving ambiguities arising from morphological similarities among tick species in this region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101425"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}