Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports最新文献

{"title":"Seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in horses (Equus caballus) intended for slaughter in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil","authors":"Uillians Volkart de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Helga Waap ,&nbsp;Jacinto Gomes ,&nbsp;Aisla Nascimento da Silva ,&nbsp;Luciana Carvalho Lacerda ,&nbsp;Thaise da Silva Oliveira Costa ,&nbsp;Telma de Sousa Lima ,&nbsp;Gereon Schares ,&nbsp;Alexandre Moraes Pinheiro ,&nbsp;Luis Fernando Pita Gondim ,&nbsp;Alexandre Dias Munhoz","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101377","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101377","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study aimed to assess the prevalence of horses reactive to <em>Sarcocystis neurona</em>, <em>Neospora caninum,</em> and <em>Besnoitia besnoiti</em> in horses from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sera reactivity was tested by the Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) in 354 equids sampled at slaughter, using a cut-off of 1:80 for <em>S. neurona</em> and 1:50 for <em>N. caninum</em> and <em>B. besnoiti</em>. Detection of <em>N. caninum</em> was attempted by PCR and bioassay in gerbils (<em>Meriones unguiculatus</em>) using brain samples collected from seropositive horses. Sera from 158 horses (44.63 %) (158/354; CI: 39.54–49.84 %) reacted to <em>S. neurona</em> antigen, while 33 (9.32 %) (33/354; IC: 6.71–12.80 %) were reactive to <em>N. caninum</em>. Sera from 12 horses (3.38 %) were positive to <em>N. caninum</em> and <em>S. neurona</em>, 5 horses (1.41 %) were positive to <em>S. neurona</em> and <em>B. besnoiti</em> and 3 horses (0.84 %) were positive to <em>B. besnoiti</em> and <em>N. caninum</em>. None of the samples positive to <em>B. besnoiti</em> by the IFAT was confirmed by Western blot. Equine brain samples from horses seropositive to <em>N. caninum</em> were negative by PCR and bioassay in gerbils.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101377"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145526624","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":"In vitro synergy analysis of the combination of Citrus aurantium bergamia (Risso & Poiteau, 1826), ivermectin, and nitroxinil against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep","authors":"Vivien Patricia Garbin ,&nbsp;Ursula Yaeko Yoshitani ,&nbsp;Taynara Gabriele Ribeiro Piano ,&nbsp;Roger Raup Cipriano ,&nbsp;Cícero Deschamps ,&nbsp;Gustavo Fonseca De Almeida ,&nbsp;Marcelo Beltrão Molento","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nematodes are diverse parasites affecting humans and animals, with resistance to anthelmintics becoming a major concern due to prolonged drug use. Essential oils (EOs) from plants offer a promising alternative for parasite control. This study evaluated the preclinical efficacy of <em>Citrus aurantium bergamia</em> essential oil (BEO) combined with nitroxynil (NTX) or ivermectin (IVM) against <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> and <em>Trichostrongylus</em> spp., using the larval migration inhibition test (LMIT). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified (+)-limonene (50.5 %), linalyl acetate (21.0 %), and linalool (6.9 %) as BEO's main components. Fecal samples from naturally infected sheep were analyzed via flotation, larval culture, and microscopy to quantify nematode eggs and infective-stage larvae (L3). The Nadi reagent was used to assess histochemical changes in L3 post-migration. BEO exhibited a lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 24.5 mg/mL, showing concentration-dependent activity. While BEO alone achieved 93.6 % efficacy, combinations with NTX (99.1 %) and IVM showed some synergy effects. At 70.16 mg/mL, BEO efficacy was 92.2 %, increasing to 95.6 % with IVM (<em>P</em> = 0.0802). However, at 160 mg/mL, BEO in combination with IVM showed a small antagonistic interaction, reducing efficacy to 93.87 % (<em>P</em> = 0.6029) when compared to IVM alone (100 %). Nadi reagent staining also revealed concentration-dependent coloration changes in nematodes treated with BEO, suggesting internal compound action. However, further histological analysis is needed to confirm cellular effects and vacuole formation. In conclusion, BEO demonstrated activity against L3 in ruminant nematodes. Three drug combinations exhibited synergy effects, while IVM + BEO exhibited antagonistic effects. These findings highlight BEO's potential as a standalone and as an anthelmintic candidate when used in combination. There is still a need for further research into BEO mechanisms of action, histological and toxic effects in preclinical experiments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101384"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577135","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":"EDTA as a potential obstacle to the detection of trypanosomes in anuran blood samples using Woo's technique","authors":"Lina Crespo Bilhalva ,&nbsp;Laura Sander Peres ,&nbsp;João Fabio Soares ,&nbsp;Andrea Pires Santos ,&nbsp;Eliane Dallegrave ,&nbsp;Stella de Faria Valle","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anurans have long served as hosts for <em>Trypanosoma</em> species, playing a foundational role in the study of these hemoflagellates in parasitology. Woo's technique provides a practical and straightforward method for screening trypanosomatids. This study evaluates the suitability of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant for performing Woo's technique in the detection of anuran trypanosomes and describes associated morphological changes. Sixteen blood samples from <em>Leptodactylus luctator</em> frogs were collected in EDTA-K2 microtubes and compared with eleven lithium heparinized samples. Woo's technique was applied, and morphological analyses were conducted on both fresh and anticoagulated blood smears. The results showed a higher detection rate of trypanosomes in heparinized samples compared to those treated with EDTA. Morphological alterations were observed in EDTA-anticoagulated smears, suggesting an effect on parasite viability that may impair their mobility during capillary tube examination. These findings indicate that lithium heparin may be more suitable than EDTA for applying Woo's technique to anuran blood samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101386"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577137","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":"Besnoitosis in Iran: An emerging parasitic threat to livestock and wildlife","authors":"Mohammad Mirzaei,&nbsp;Mohammad Mohebbi","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Besnoitiosis is a chronic and emerging parasitic disease caused by protozoa belonging to the genus <em>Besnoitia</em>. The disease is economically and ecologically threatening livestock and wildlife in Iran. <em>Besnoitia caprae</em> infecting goats can lead to cyst formation in host tissues and cause reproductive symptoms, resulting in economic losses due to abortions and/or reduced productive efficiency. Its significance is particularly pronounced in provinces such as Fars and Kermanو attributed to high goat population density, climatic conditions favoring transmission, and specific animal husbandry practices. Despite limited research on the veterinary implications of <em>Besnoitia besnoiti</em> in cattle, it still presents an overarching threat, especially on the border with Iraq. The life cycle of this parasite is complex and includes production of oocysts by felids presumed to be the definitive hosts as well as several livestock and wildlife animals acting as intermediate hosts, including mechanical vectors such as <em>Stomoxys calcitrans</em>. The absence of a vaccine for besnoitiosis, limited treatment options for cases in animals, and the existence of wildlife reservoirs like rodents and wild ungulates, signifies a continuing challenge for this disease. Surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and collaborations at the level of provincial responsiveness all play foundational elements in removing or at least limiting the spread of this emerging disease. The objective of this review is to summarize and synthesize recently published studies to provide current knowledge on the epidemiology, molecular characterization, pathogenesis, transmission, diagnosis, and management of besnoitiosis in Iran. This focus is justified by the high infection rates (20–50 %) and substantial economic losses documented in Iranian goat herds, coupled with the emerging, cross-border threat of bovine besnoitiosis, against a backdrop of limited comprehensive national data. While governments and animal health services have many competing demands within a limited budget, besnoitiosis should not be ignored. In future, researchers should prioritize vaccine development, wildlife reservoir investigations, and economical diagnostics to ensure that livestock in every aspect of production is adequately protected in Iran (a significant portion of agricultural GDP). Filling these gaps is important to protect the economy of Iran and to avert emerging parasitism cross-borders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101364"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145419545","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":"Improved estimation of the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and the diagnostic test characteristics in the absence of a reference standard using Bayesian Latent Class models, the example of Jimma and Ambo abattoirs, Ethiopia","authors":"Edilu Jorga ,&nbsp;Inge Van Damme ,&nbsp;Bizunesh Mideksa ,&nbsp;Demeke Zewde ,&nbsp;Sarah Gabriël","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine cysticercosis, an infection in cattle caused by the zoonotic tapeworm <em>Taenia saginata</em>, leads to considerable global economic losses. The reported prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in Ethiopia has, until now, been underestimated due to the low sensitivity of meat inspection. This study aimed to estimate the true prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in two Ethiopian abattoirs, and evaluate the diagnostic performance of routine meat inspection, predilection-site dissection and Antigen-ELISA. A cross-sectional study was conducted and a Bayesian Latent Class Model was used to estimate the true prevalence and the diagnostic performance of the tests. The apparent prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 2 %, 15 % and 14 % using meat inspection, predilection site dissection and Ag-ELISA, respectively. The estimated true prevalence was 39.0 % (95 %CI: 16.3, 93.7 %) in Jimma, and 31.7 % (95 %CI, 12.1, 77.9 %) in Ambo abattoirs. Predilection site dissection had moderate sensitivity (50.4 %, CI, 19.7, 96.4 %) and while Ag-ELISA had a lower sensitivity (17.3 %, CI, 5.0, 37.3 %). The sensitivity of Ag-ELISA for the detection of viable cysticerci only was 46.7 % (CI, 4.1, 91.1 %). Meat inspection had a much lower sensitivity (3.0 %, 95 %CI, 0.3–10.0 % in Jimma and 7.8 %, 95 %CI, 0.90, 21.8 % in Ambo abattoirs). Predilection site dissection has high specificity (98.9 %, CI, 96.3, 100.0), and Ag-ELISA has moderate specificity (86.9 %, CI, 77.6, 100). In this study, imperfect diagnostic tests were combined within a Bayesian framework to estimate true prevalence without relying on a perfect reference test. The findings highlight that the true prevalence of bovine cysticercosis is substantially higher than the apparent prevalence of the separate methods and that the sensitivity of current meat inspection practices is low. Therefore, adopting more sensitive diagnostics, routine incisions of the tongue and heart, and strengthened surveillance and training are suggested to improve detection and protect public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101365"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145468175","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":"Study on ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their seasonal activities in northwest of Iran","authors":"Adel Jafari,&nbsp;Farnaz Malekifard,&nbsp;Mousa Tavassoli","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101389","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are significant ectoparasites that cause economic losses in animal husbandry both in Iran and worldwide. This study aimed to determine the frequency and species diversity of hard ticks in camels in the suburb of Marand, Northwest Iran, throughout the four seasons from January to December 2023. A total of 138 camels (59 males and 79 females) were randomly selected from 25 villages and examined for tick infestation using a systematic body search starting from the head and neck, progressing through the chest, axillary, and groin regions, and ending at the tail. Ticks were manually removed with forceps, preserved in 70 % ethanol, and identified morphologically under a stereomicroscope based on standard keys. Among these camels, 63 were younger than 3 years old, while 75 were older than 3 years. Out of all the camels examined, 54 (39.13 %) were infested with a total of 386 ixodid ticks, resulting in a tick index of 7.14 ticks per animal. There was a significant difference in tick prevalence between the various age groups, with the highest prevalence found in camels younger than 3 years. However, no significant differences in infestation rates were observed based on the sex of the animals. Among the 386 ticks examined, two genera were identified: <em>Hyalomma</em> spp. and <em>Rhipicephalus</em> spp. This included four species: <em>Hyalomma dromedarii</em> (58.80 %), <em>Hyalomma anatolicum</em> (21.76 %), <em>H. marginatum</em> (5.95 %), and <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> (13.47 %). Ixodid tick infestations occurred throughout the year, with the highest prevalence noted in the spring. The results indicated that both species diversity and ixodid tick infestations are prevalent in camels in the region, underscoring the need for further studies to investigate the potential tick vectors involved in the transmission of hemoparasites in these animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101389"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623607","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":"Cysticercus bovis and hydatid cysts in cattle slaughtered in the Northeastern region of Brazil and associated risk factors","authors":"Zullay Barros Carvalho de Souza ,&nbsp;Eduardo Henrique Amorim Silva ,&nbsp;Ananda Teixeira Neves Torres ,&nbsp;Lucas Azevedo dos Santos ,&nbsp;Ivaldo Victor Mota de Siqueira ,&nbsp;Ananda Maria Freitas Freire Leão ,&nbsp;Tatiene Rossana Motá Silva ,&nbsp;Lucia Oliveira de Macedo ,&nbsp;Márcia Bersane Araújo de Medeiros Torres ,&nbsp;Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos ,&nbsp;Gílcia Aparecida Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Taenia saginata</em> and <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> sensu lato negatively impact cattle production due to the parasitism of their larval forms, known as <em>Cysticercus bovis</em> and hydatid cysts, respectively. In this study, we determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with <em>C. bovis</em> and hydatid cyst infections in cattle slaughtered in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 2035 post-mortem inspections were conducted in five different slaughterhouses. We collected tissue and organ fragments with structures morphologically resembling <em>C. bovis</em> and hydatid cysts, and processed histologically using the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) technique. Farmers responded to an epidemiological questionnaire about animal management to identify risk factors associated with <em>C. bovis</em> and hydatid cysts. Risk factors were assessed through logistic regression and determination of Odds Ratio (OR) values. A total of 44 animals presented vesicular lesions morphologically resembling parasitic structures. Nine carcasses (0.44 %; IC 95 %: 0.23–0.84 %) presented <em>C. bovis,</em> and 20 (0.98 %; IC 95 %: 0.64–1.51 %) hydatid cysts. No coinfection was detected, and parasite structures were found in the liver and masseter muscles. The remaining 15 samples presented suggestive lesions of bacterial infection. Animals over 36 months old (OR = 3.13; <em>p</em> = 0.243), extensive farming (OR = 2.32; <em>p</em> = 0.202), human waste disposal (OR = 1.57; <em>p</em> = 0.442), male animals (OR = 1.21; <em>p</em> = 0.578), beef cattle (OR = 1.16; <em>p</em> = 0.563), and poor sanitation (OR = 1.01; <em>p</em> = 0.637) were risk factors associated with the presence of <em>C. bovis</em>. For hydatid cysts, risk factors were animals over 36 months old (OR = 5.67; <em>p</em> = 0.0013), human waste disposal (OR = 2.81; <em>p</em> = 0.065), poor sanitation (OR = 2.29; <em>p</em> = 0.097), lack of basic sanitation (OR = 1.46; <em>p</em> = 0.335), mixed-purpose farming (meat/milk) (OR = 1.25; <em>p</em> = 0.394), and male animals (OR = 1.04; <em>p</em> = 0.584). Despite the wide distribution of these parasites, to our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of hydatid cysts in cattle slaughtered in Northeastern Brazil. It is pivotal to improve the sanitary rearing management of the herds in this region to reduce the risk of animal infection, mitigating economic losses and the negative impact on public health. Additionally, further studies focusing on the molecular characterization of parasites are needed to an identification at species level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101374"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577081","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":"What's worming Egyptian chickens: Morphological and molecular identification of Raillietina echinobothrida and Ascaridia galli in domestic chickens in Egypt","authors":"Ayman N. Elsayed ,&nbsp;Wafaa Fayez Abd El-Hamed ,&nbsp;Abd Elsattar M. Metwally ,&nbsp;Nahed S. Amer ,&nbsp;Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset ,&nbsp;Mohamed Abdo Rizk ,&nbsp;Adel Abdelkhalek ,&nbsp;Refaat Ras","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101372","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101372","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal helminths remain a major constraint to poultry production worldwide, causing significant economic losses and threatening food security. In Egypt, the molecular and phylogenetic data on <em>Raillietina echinobothrida</em> and <em>Ascaridia galli</em> are limited in domestic chickens. This study investigated the prevalence, morphology, and genetic characterization of these helminths infecting domestic chickens (<em>Gallus gallus domesticus</em>) in Gharbia province, Egypt. Between April 2018 and March 2019, 150 intestinal tracts were collected from slaughterhouses and poultry processing facilities. Helminths were isolated, morphologically identified, and subjected to molecular characterization using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine evolutionary relationships. Helminth infections were detected in 30 % (45/150) samples, with no mixed infections observed. The infection rate of <em>R. echinobothrida</em> and <em>A. galli</em> was 6 % (<em>n</em> = 9), and 24 % (<em>n</em> = 36), respectively. Phylogenetic trees revealed that both species clustered with conspecific reference sequences, confirming accurate identification and demonstrating the specificity of the ITS marker. This study presents the first molecular characterization of <em>R. echinobothrida</em> and <em>A. galli</em> in domestic chickens in the Gharbia province, Egypt. The high prevalence of <em>A. galli</em> highlights the widespread nature of this nematode and underscores the need for further studies in the Nile Delta to precisely assess the burden of intestinal helminths on poultry production. Our data is vital for enhancing future epidemiological surveillance and control programs targeting helminth infections in this region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101372"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145526627","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 selected vector-borne agents in pet cats using the SNAP® 4Dx® PLUS, United States, 2022–2025","authors":"Rachel C. Smith ,&nbsp;Daniel F. Barrantes Murillo ,&nbsp;Jessica Mitchell ,&nbsp;Janine Seetahal ,&nbsp;Rolan Davis ,&nbsp;Brian H. Herrin ,&nbsp;Chengming Wang ,&nbsp;Theresa Wood ,&nbsp;Kathryn Duncan ,&nbsp;Wade Burton ,&nbsp;Lindsay A. Starkey","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-borne diseases predominate among vector-borne diseases of human and veterinary importance in the United States (US). Many of the most important tick-borne agents in people, including <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. are zoonoses capable of infecting domestic pets. These infections can impact animal health with widely varying severity, ranging from subclinical to life-threatening disease. Serological testing is essential for screening and diagnosis of these infections in pets, as well as for epidemiological investigations. While vast amounts of data are available on the seroprevalence of antibodies to <em>B. burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. in domestic dogs, comparatively little data is available in domestic cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to <em>B. burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp., as well as antigen of <em>D. immitis</em>, the causative agent of heartworm disease, in a population of apparently healthy pet cats from across the US using the point-of-care (POC) SNAP® 4Dx® PLUS test. This POC test does not visually distinguish between antibodies within the <em>Anaplasma</em> genus and antibodies within the <em>Ehrlichia</em> genus. To address this, additional specific peptide testing was conducted at IDEXX Laboratories for <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. seropositive samples. In total, <em>n</em> = 1572 feline serum samples were tested using the SNAP® 4Dx® PLUS. All US states were represented by at least 3 samples, and 2.6 % of cats demonstrated evidence of exposure to ≥1 vector-borne pathogen. Cats in the present study were most commonly exposed to <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. (1.40 %), which contrasts previous seroprevalence reports in cats, in which <em>B. burgdorferi</em> predominates. Seroprevalence of <em>Anaplasma</em> spp. was followed by <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (1.15 %), <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. (0.38 %), and lastly <em>D. immitis</em> antigen detection (0.13 %). Feline exposure to tick-borne agents observed in the present study was compared with canine seroprevalence reported by the Companion Animal Parasite Council over the same time period. We found that feline exposure was 14–28 % of the exposure prevalence reported in dogs. Although less common than canine infection, continued investigation into feline infection with <em>B. burgdorferi</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp. is warranted. Feline susceptibility to these agents, transmission dynamics, pathogenicity, and immunologic response remain poorly described.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101369"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145419547","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":"Reports of Microthoracius mazzai (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) infestations in alpaca (Vicugna pacos) herds from Austria and Germany","authors":"David Ebmer ,&nbsp;Johanna Czerny ,&nbsp;Maria Sophia Unterköfler ,&nbsp;Merlin Karbe ,&nbsp;Robert Gruber ,&nbsp;Ivan Stimac ,&nbsp;Hans-Peter Fuehrer ,&nbsp;Anja Joachim ,&nbsp;Jutta Pikalo","doi":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) constitute obligate and permanent insect ectoparasites of mammals and exhibit a hematophagous lifestyle. In South American camelids, three species of the genus <em>Microthoracius</em> have been described, however, reports outside South America are scarce. Here we describe infestations with <em>Microthoracius mazzai</em> in three alpaca (<em>Vicugna pacos</em>) herds from Austria (Styria and Salzburg), and Germany (Bavaria). Overall, lice infestations were detected in eight animals. Four of them exhibited a massive generalized infestation. Lice specimens were identified as <em>M. mazzai</em> using morphological keys. First molecular characterization of <em>M. mazzai</em>, including DNA barcodes based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene, is provided. Although rarely reported outside South America, lice of the genus <em>Microthoracius</em> should be considered as the cause for pruritus and dermatitis in South American camelids worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23600,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports","volume":"66 ","pages":"Article 101371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145468315","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}