Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"Molecular characterization of Lamproglena monodi infesting Oreochromis niloticus in Egypt based on 18S and 28S rDNA markers","authors":"Magdy I. Hanna ,&nbsp;Aya T. EL Sayed ,&nbsp;Ola Hassan ,&nbsp;Marwa A. Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Reda M.S. Korany ,&nbsp;Marwa M. Attia","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the molecular, morphological, and pathological characteristics of the parasitic copepod <em>Lamproglena monodi</em> infesting <em>Oreochromis niloticus</em> in Egyptian aquaculture. A total of 273 tilapia were examined from three governorates, with infestation frequencies of 25% in Kafr El-Sheikh, 20% in Giza, and 21.7% in Al-Sharqia. Seasonal frequencies ranged from 13% in summer to 34.3% in autumn. Molecular amplification produced fragments of 1405 bp (18S rDNA) and 737 bp (28S rDNA), and BLAST analysis confirmed their identity as <em>L. monodi</em> with ≥98% similarity to reference sequences. Phylogenetic reconstruction placed the isolates within the established <em>Lamproglena</em> clade. Histopathological examination of infected gills revealed lamellar destruction, telangiectasia, epithelial hyperplasia, and vascular congestion, consistent with the observed respiratory distress in affected fish. These findings provide the first integrated molecular and pathological confirmation of <em>L. monodi</em> in Egyptian tilapia and highlight its potential to impair gill function and reduce productivity under intensive aquaculture conditions. Enhanced surveillance and targeted parasite management strategies are recommended to mitigate the impact of this ectoparasite on tilapia health and farm sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101442"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174741","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":"Prevalence and molecular detection of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in sheep and cattle in Maiduguri, Nigeria","authors":"Chahari A. Midala ,&nbsp;Falmata Kyari ,&nbsp;ThankGod E. Onyiche","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> species is an obligate intracellular gastrointestinal zoonotic protozoan parasite that widely exists in nature and is associated with cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in humans. There is paucity of reports on the comprehensive study of the epidemiology of the disease in ruminants in the study area. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence, risk factors and molecular identification of <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> species in sheep and cattle in Maiduguri, Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study, fecal samples were collected from a total of 764 animals comprising of 383 from cattle and 381 from sheep in Maiduguri, and analyzed microscopically using formalin-ethylacetate sedimentation method followed by modified Kinyoun's acid-fast staining technique. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to confirm the identity of <em>C. parvum</em> using conventional PCR and sequencing. An overall prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection was 16.2% (124/764), with cattle having a higher prevalence of 20.4% (78/383) than sheep 12.1% (46/381) using microscopy. Cattle were statistically significantly more infected with <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species than sheep (<em>p</em> = 0.0026). Multiple regression analysis identified important risk factors for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> specie infection in the sheep to include sex, age, body condition score and fecal consistency while only sex and age were identified as risk factors in the cattle. <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> was detected by PCR amplification of <em>18S rRNA</em> gene in (8/25) from cattle and (5/25) from sheep. This is the first report on the molecular identification of <em>C. parvum</em> from Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria highlighting the need for improved hygiene and biosecurity to reduce the transmission of Cryptosporidiosis in farmed animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101441"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174744","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":"Percent positivity and risk analysis of zoonotic intestinal parasites (helminths) in dogs population- a participatory epidemiological study","authors":"Pooja Rajpoot ,&nbsp;Mamta Singh ,&nbsp;Mukesh Shakya ,&nbsp;Anil Kumar Sharma ,&nbsp;Gajendra N. Bhangale ,&nbsp;Arun Mourya ,&nbsp;G.P. Jatav ,&nbsp;Nidhi Singh Choudhary","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zoonotic intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern, particularly in developing nations where the interface between humans and domestic animals is close and often unhygienic. Dogs as one of the most popular pets are known to serve as reservoirs for several zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites being transmitted to humans directly or indirectly. The present study was conducted in Indore district covering Malharganj, Kanadiya, Hatod, Mhow, Bicholihapsi, Sawer, Depalpur, Khudel, and Indore city with the aims to determine the prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminths in dogs, correlation with owner awareness, their management and other associated risk factors. Among 120 faecal samples of dogs, 35% (42) samples were confirmed to be positive for parasitic infections through Sheather's sugar floatation method while only 33% (38) samples were diagnosed positive via zinc sulphate floatation method. Positivity percentage was comparatively higher in dogs having very soft (41.9%) and soft (38.9%) stools. The highest positivity rate was detected for <em>Ancylostoma</em> spp. showing 42.8% (18/42) followed by <em>Taenia</em> spp. and <em>Diphylidium caninum</em> in 19.0% (8/42). Age-based infection data showed the highest positivity for <em>Ancylostoma</em> spp. (28.6%) and <em>D. caninum</em> (16.7%) in the dogs above 12 months of age while puppies (0–6 months) had comparatively higher positivity 7.1% for both <em>T. canis</em> and mixed infections than other age group dogs. Chi-squared analyses indicated significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) association of zoonotic parasite infections with breed and age of dogs, feed type, deworming status, frequency and brand of anthelmintic drugs, faecal disposal and respondents' knowledge. Univariate logistic regression analysis (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) proved the significant association of numerous important risk factors, including regular deworming, breed, feeding type, faecal disposal procedures, and owner awareness with zoonotic intestinal parasite infections in dogs. Multivariate logistic regression supported regular deworming of dogs (<em>p</em> = 0.0379) to avoid intestinal parasitic infections in dogs but also owner awareness is important risk factor. Thus, the prevalence rate of zoonotic intestinal parasites in the dogs, their correlation with owners awareness, their management and the other risk factors were discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101443"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174743","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":"Infestation rate of bovid short nose lice (Haematopinus tuberculatus) among different breeds of buffaloes and associated risk factors in rural farming of Pakistan","authors":"Muhammad Haris Yousaf ,&nbsp;Quratulain Haider ,&nbsp;Muhammad Javed ,&nbsp;Muhammad Afzal","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A short-nosed louse, <em>Haematopinus tuberculatus,</em> infestation among different breeds of buffaloes in rural farming systems poses a potential threat to animals' health and milk production. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the infestation rate of <em>H. tuberculatus</em> across different breeds of buffaloes and to identify potential associated risk factors by examining 1200 animals during surveys of 150 rural farms in Sialkot, Pakistan. Among 1200 sampled animals, a high overall infestation rate of 78.8% was observed. The Kundhi breed exhibited the highest infestation rate (∼85%), followed by the mixed breed (∼80%) and other indigenous breeds, including Nili-Ravi and Azakheli, ranging from 77 to 80%. Kernel density analysis revealed that lice burden followed a right-skewed distribution across all breeds, except Nili-Ravi, which showed broader and heavier lice distribution per 10 cm²/buffalo. Seasonal variation significantly affected infestation dynamics; winter had the highest prevalence (86.6%) and summer the lowest (67.4%).</div><div>Risk factor analysis revealed that poor bedding, unhygienic practices, and contact with other lice-infested herds or domestic pets significantly increased the risk of <em>H. tuberculatus</em> infestation. Buffaloes with poor hygiene and bedding conditions showed &gt;85% infestation rates, whereas animals with excellent bedding and hygienic practices showed 31.6% infestation prevalence. In buffaloes aged 0–2 years and 8–12 years, as well as in animals with poor body condition scores (BCS1: 89.35%), compared to healthier animals (BCS5: 58.21%). A strong positive correlation (<em>r</em> = 0.97) was observed between lice counts and egg production across all breeds, confirming lice density as a reliable proxy for reproductive outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified contact with other herds (<em>OR = 2.697, p &lt; 0.001</em>), poor bedding (<em>OR = 3.120, p &lt; 0.001</em>), poor hygiene (<em>OR = 1.856, p &lt; 0.001</em>), and contact with pets (<em>OR = 2.064, p &lt; 0.001</em>) as the most significant predictors of <em>H. tuberculatus</em> infestation risk. In contrast, breed was not a significant predictor in the adjusted regression model (<em>p</em> = 0.449), indicating that observed crude breed-specific differences were primarily attributable to variations in management practices and environmental factors rather than inherent breed susceptibility. Conversely, better body and bedding conditions, as well as hygiene practices, and the summer season provided protective effects.</div><div>In conclusion, the overall results underscore the importance of improving animal husbandry, housing hygiene, and minimizing inter-herd contact to reduce ectoparasite burdens. The non-significant breed effect in multivariate analysis suggests that targeted interventions focusing on management practices would be more effective than breed-control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101446"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174745","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":"Cattle tick control in India: Current strategies and future directions","authors":"Nirbhay K. Singh ,&nbsp;Jyoti ,&nbsp;Manisha ,&nbsp;Harkirat Singh ,&nbsp;Srikanta Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) are among the most economically significant constraints to a sustainable cattle and buffalo production in India. Despite decades of chemical-based control strategies, indiscriminate and poorly regulated acaricide use has contributed to widespread resistance across multiple tick species and acaricide classes. This review discusses the development in respect of tick control practices, documents the prevalence and mechanisms of acaricide resistance and evaluates the integrated tick control strategies including host genetics, biological control and phyto-acaricides in India. It underscores the urgent need for a national tick surveillance and resistance management program supported by policy reforms, veterinary training and sustained investment to curb the menace of TTBDs in livestock sector. With a One Health perspective, this review advocates for a shift from the reactive drug-heavy interventions to a proactive and ecologically grounded tick management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101445"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174739","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":"Genotyping of an intensively monitored cohort of Bos indicus cattle in western Kenya for the FAF1B allele associated with resistance to East Coast fever (Theileria parva infection) with a real-time PCR assay","authors":"Antoinette Aluoch Miyunga ,&nbsp;Benedict Eboya Karani ,&nbsp;Regina Njeru ,&nbsp;Gertrude Nangekhe ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Anne Jessie Cook ,&nbsp;Barend Mark de Clare Bronsvoort ,&nbsp;David Wragg ,&nbsp;James Prendergast ,&nbsp;Philip Toye","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on bovine chromosome 15 has been shown previously to be highly associated with resistance to disease caused by <em>Theileria parva</em>. The SNP comprises a CT mutation in a paralogue of the <em>FAF1</em> gene. Disease caused by <em>T. parva</em> is of major economic importance in eastern to southern Africa and better control methods are urgently required. Genotyping cattle for this SNP will aid epidemiological studies to understand the origins and dissemination of resistance to <em>T. parva</em> and will facilitate marker-assisted breeding for resistant cattle. The current study reports the development of a simple and economic genotyping assay based on real-time, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based PCR. The assay was optimized to ensure reliable, automatic calling of the three genotypes and was validated by comparing the assay results to sequencing analyses on different sample types including extracted DNA, whole blood without extracting DNA and serum. The assay was used to genotype East African Shorthorn Zebu (EASZ) cattle from an intensively studied calf cohort from western Kenya. The results confirmed the protective effect associated with the T allele, and showed that it had no deleterious effect on the growth rate of this calf population. The assay was also used to determine variation in the frequency of the T allele in Boran cattle populations from different regions of eastern Africa. The assay will make a useful breeding selection tool especially in studies involving prevalence and evolution of the protective haplotype in different cattle populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101439"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174740","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":"2026-04-01","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":"Prevalence and spatial distribution of trypanosomosis among dogs presented for haemoparasite screening at a tertiary veterinary hospital in south western Nigeria","authors":"Nkeiruka Fortunate Ogbonna ,&nbsp;Bamidele Nyemike Ogunro ,&nbsp;Boluwatife Favour Olawuyi ,&nbsp;Taiwo Kemi Adebiyi ,&nbsp;Obokparo Godspower Ohore","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2026.101448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine trypanosomosis poses a significant health risk to dogs in Nigeria, with potentially fatal outcomes. The geographical distribution of Glossina fly which serve as the primary vector for canine trypanosonosis is heterogenous. The spatial pattern of trypanosomosis incidence among dogs presented for haemoparasite screening a tertiary veterinary hospital located in south western Nigeria was investigated using 2354 archival laboratory case records spanning a twenty-year period (2004–2023). Each case was classified as either positive or negative for trypanosomosis based on presence or absence of trypanosome in blood specimens examined with light microscopy, respectively. Residential addresses from the laboratory forms were geocoded using Google Earth pro software, Kuldorff scan for spatial clusters of positive cases was accomplished using SatScan v9.7 assuming a binomial distribution, and mapping was done on QGIS version 3.24.1–Tisler. An overall prevalence of 1.87% for canine trypanosomosis was obtained, with a significant (primary) spatial cluster (Relative risk = 11.22; <em>p</em>-value = 0.000022) of 6.2 km radius situated in a densely vegetated residential region 5.9 km away from a major cattle market. Two statistically insignificant (secondary) clusters were also detected. The cluster locations suggest that environmental conditions favoring tsetse fly abundance contributed to the increased incidence of trypanosomosis among the dogs. Canine trypanosomosis control activities should be concentrated within the detected clusters. Prompt diagnosis and treatment should be administered for canine cases exhibiting clinical symptoms of trypanosomosis in these high-risk areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 101448"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174746","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":"Habitat expansion of the invasive Schyzocotyle acheilognathi (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidea), supported by integrative taxonomy, with implications for management in ornamental fish culture","authors":"Fabricio Gómez ,&nbsp;Agustina Valenzuela ,&nbsp;Jorge Barneche ,&nbsp;Darío Balcazar ,&nbsp;Sergio R. Martorelli ,&nbsp;José Villavicencio ,&nbsp;Martin M. Montes","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Schyzocotyle acheilognathi</em> is an invasive cestode and among the most successful metazoan parasites worldwide. This study investigated the presence of this species in fish from a natural environment and in ornamental fish from a local aquaculture facility. The identification of species was determined through examination of the scolex and proglottids, complemented by molecular confirmation via PCR targeting the rDNA 28S, rDNA 18S, and cytochrome oxidase I COI gene. The resulting sequences were aligned, subjected to Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, and compared with GenBank records. The Argentine rDNA 28S sequence has been found to be genetically similar to isolates from Japan, Ethiopia, the United States, and France. The rDNA 18S gene indicated a high of similarity with European isolates. The COI sequences were identical to each other and showed 100 % identity with <em>Sc. acheilognathi</em> isolates (p-distance = 0.000), confirming the species assignment <em>Sc. acheilognathi</em>. This is the first report of the cestode in two locations in Argentina, expanding its known geographic range. Four native fish species (<em>Australoheros facetus</em>, <em>Cnesterodon decemmaculatus</em>, <em>Jenynsia lineata</em>, <em>Oligosarcus jenynsii</em>) and two ornamental cichlids (Flowerhorn and <em>Symphysodon aequifasciatus</em>) are reported as new hosts in the country. Additionally, we documented a clinical case of intestinal prolapse associated with a high parasite burden in a Flowerhorn cichlid, which was successfully treated with praziquantel and antibiotics. The ongoing spread of this parasite poses a significant threat to native freshwater fish fauna in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 101414"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886188","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":"2026-02-01","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}