Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110701
Olfat A. Mahdy , Mai A. Salem , Mohamed S. Kamel , Mohamed A. El-Saied , Asmaa K. Al-Mokaddem , Radwa Ashour , Reem M. Ramadan
Ovine fascioliasis, caused by Fasciola species, challenges livestock productivity worldwide and remains insufficiently characterized at the molecular and immunological levels in endemic regions, such as Egypt. In 150 slaughtered sheep, the prevalence was determined, mitochondrial COX1 was sequenced for species identity, hepatic cytokine transcripts were quantified via qRT-PCR, oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, TAC, TOS, and OSI) were assayed, and histopathology was evaluated. The prevalence was 15.3 %, with non-significant sex/season effects. COX1 phylogenetics confirmed that Fasciola hepatica identity was closely related to global haplotypes. Infected livers showed upregulation of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β) 4.0 × (, TNF-α) 6.6 × () and regulatory (IL-10 (5.3 ×), TGF-β (4.7 ×), and IL-4 (4.4 ×) cytokines, with downregulated IFN-γ (0.45 ×). Oxidative stress markers, including MDA (5 ×), TOS (6.1 ×), and OSI (3.6 ×), were significantly elevated, alongside a compensatory rise in TAC (7.8 ×). Histological examination revealed hepatocellular degeneration, bile duct hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and fibrosis. These results elucidate the complex immune modulation and oxidative imbalance during F. hepatica infection and emphasize the necessity of integrated molecular and functional diagnostics to enhance fascioliasis management in sheep.
{"title":"Concurrent evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers, cytokine expression, molecular identification, and histopathological findings in sheep naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica","authors":"Olfat A. Mahdy , Mai A. Salem , Mohamed S. Kamel , Mohamed A. El-Saied , Asmaa K. Al-Mokaddem , Radwa Ashour , Reem M. Ramadan","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ovine fascioliasis, caused by <em>Fasciola</em> species, challenges livestock productivity worldwide and remains insufficiently characterized at the molecular and immunological levels in endemic regions, such as Egypt. In 150 slaughtered sheep, the prevalence was determined, mitochondrial COX1 was sequenced for species identity, hepatic cytokine transcripts were quantified via qRT-PCR, oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, TAC, TOS, and OSI) were assayed, and histopathology was evaluated. The prevalence was 15.3 %, with non-significant sex/season effects. COX1 phylogenetics confirmed that <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> identity was closely related to global haplotypes. Infected livers showed upregulation of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β) 4.0 × (, TNF-α) 6.6 × () and regulatory (IL-10 (5.3 ×), TGF-β (4.7 ×), and IL-4 (4.4 ×) cytokines, with downregulated IFN-γ (0.45 ×). Oxidative stress markers, including MDA (5 ×), TOS (6.1 ×), and OSI (3.6 ×), were significantly elevated, alongside a compensatory rise in TAC (7.8 ×). Histological examination revealed hepatocellular degeneration, bile duct hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and fibrosis. These results elucidate the complex immune modulation and oxidative imbalance during <em>F. hepatica</em> infection and emphasize the necessity of integrated molecular and functional diagnostics to enhance fascioliasis management in sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110701"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110714
Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues, Maria Clara Oliveira Sousa, Rodrigo da Costa Maia, Giovanna Cirqueira Ribeiro Borges, Amanda Ferreira Rezende, Ana Carolina Sousa, Gustavo Martins Felix Silva, Adriane Suzin, Matheus Augusto Ferreira Fernandes, Matias Pablo Juan Szabó
This study compared four strategies for controlling Rhipicephalus microplus in steers under field conditions in the savannah Biome (Cerrado) of Brazil, including two control groups: traditional strategic control (T1), palliative control (T2), an alternative experimental strategic control (T3), and pasture spelling during the dry season (T4). Twenty-four Girolando steers were allocated into four groups (n = 6) and monitored for tick infestation over an 11-month period. Efficacy was assessed using cumulative and monthly tick counts on steers, tick-free periods, and indicators of pasture disinfestation. Mean cumulative counts of ticks per animal were 10.3 (T1), 33.5 (T2), 10.2 (T3), and 10.1 (T4), corresponding to reductions of 69.3 %, 69.6 %, and 69.9 % in T1, T3, and T4, respectively, relative to the palliative control. Aggregated tick counts were significantly higher only in T2, whereas all strategic approaches resulted in similarly lower overall infestation levels. Tick-free periods differed markedly among treatments: T1 achieved the longest cumulative tick-free period (169 days), followed by T3 (142 days, occurring in two discontinuous phases) and T4 (134 days), while no sustained tick-free period was observed in T2. Notably, pasture spelling produced the longest tick-free period independent of residual acaricide activity (64 days). The non-parasitic phase of tick populations was suppressed during the cold and dry season. From May to August, larval production and survival in the field were reduced by 89.3 % and 67 %, respectively. Pasture infestation declined during spelling, attaining absence of larval clusters after 99 days of cattle removal. Overall, pasture spelling provided tick control comparable to acaricide-based strategies while substantially reducing chemical use.
{"title":"Alternative strategic control of Rhipicephalus microplus in the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil, by exploiting abiotic conditions","authors":"Vinicius da Silva Rodrigues, Maria Clara Oliveira Sousa, Rodrigo da Costa Maia, Giovanna Cirqueira Ribeiro Borges, Amanda Ferreira Rezende, Ana Carolina Sousa, Gustavo Martins Felix Silva, Adriane Suzin, Matheus Augusto Ferreira Fernandes, Matias Pablo Juan Szabó","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study compared four strategies for controlling <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> in steers under field conditions in the savannah Biome (Cerrado) of Brazil, including two control groups: traditional strategic control (T1), palliative control (T2), an alternative experimental strategic control (T3), and pasture spelling during the dry season (T4). Twenty-four Girolando steers were allocated into four groups (n = 6) and monitored for tick infestation over an 11-month period. Efficacy was assessed using cumulative and monthly tick counts on steers, tick-free periods, and indicators of pasture disinfestation. Mean cumulative counts of ticks per animal were 10.3 (T1), 33.5 (T2), 10.2 (T3), and 10.1 (T4), corresponding to reductions of 69.3 %, 69.6 %, and 69.9 % in T1, T3, and T4, respectively, relative to the palliative control. Aggregated tick counts were significantly higher only in T2, whereas all strategic approaches resulted in similarly lower overall infestation levels. Tick-free periods differed markedly among treatments: T1 achieved the longest cumulative tick-free period (169 days), followed by T3 (142 days, occurring in two discontinuous phases) and T4 (134 days), while no sustained tick-free period was observed in T2. Notably, pasture spelling produced the longest tick-free period independent of residual acaricide activity (64 days). The non-parasitic phase of tick populations was suppressed during the cold and dry season. From May to August, larval production and survival in the field were reduced by 89.3 % and 67 %, respectively. Pasture infestation declined during spelling, attaining absence of larval clusters after 99 days of cattle removal. Overall, pasture spelling provided tick control comparable to acaricide-based strategies while substantially reducing chemical use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110714"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110713
Anthony M. Feez, Imtiaz Randhawa, Nigel R. Perkins, Benjamin J. Wood, Swaid Abdullah
Buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) is recognised for its impact on cattle health, welfare, and production. It is ranked the number one endemic pest for the Australian beef cattle industry by Meat and Livestock Australia. An accurate estimation of fly numbers is essential to evaluate treatment efficacy, phenotyping of susceptible animals for genetic improvement and determining threshold levels to guide integrated pest management strategies. Traditionally, fly numbers are estimated through visual scoring which is inherently challenging as it involves estimating moving flies on a restless host. This study used digital photography and an open-source, semi-automated software package DotDotGoose to count fly numbers on individual animal images. These were then compared to the visual fly scores on the same animals. A random selection of 98 images was used and fly numbers were counted on these images in duplicate by four assessors, one experienced field researcher and three novice assessors. The fly counts on individual images were analysed for consistency and agreement and a consistency and agreement of 99 % was achieved within the four assessors, classified as excellent. The analysis further showed that visual assessments and manual visual counts by experienced assessors consistently underestimated fly numbers compared to the digital image counts. Our results suggest that a digital counting platform offers a more reliable alternative to visual scoring for buffalo fly counts. It improves accuracy and consistency and enables remote image analysis, lowers time and labour costs, and provides the potential for automated real-time monitoring and reporting of fly numbers.
{"title":"A comparison of traditional visual scoring and a digital object counting approach to assess buffalo fly burden on cattle","authors":"Anthony M. Feez, Imtiaz Randhawa, Nigel R. Perkins, Benjamin J. Wood, Swaid Abdullah","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110713","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110713","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Buffalo fly (<em>Haematobia irritans exigua</em>) is recognised for its impact on cattle health, welfare, and production. It is ranked the number one endemic pest for the Australian beef cattle industry by Meat and Livestock Australia. An accurate estimation of fly numbers is essential to evaluate treatment efficacy, phenotyping of susceptible animals for genetic improvement and determining threshold levels to guide integrated pest management strategies. Traditionally, fly numbers are estimated through visual scoring which is inherently challenging as it involves estimating moving flies on a restless host. This study used digital photography and an open-source, semi-automated software package DotDotGoose to count fly numbers on individual animal images. These were then compared to the visual fly scores on the same animals. A random selection of 98 images was used and fly numbers were counted on these images in duplicate by four assessors, one experienced field researcher and three novice assessors. The fly counts on individual images were analysed for consistency and agreement and a consistency and agreement of 99 % was achieved within the four assessors, classified as excellent. The analysis further showed that visual assessments and manual visual counts by experienced assessors consistently underestimated fly numbers compared to the digital image counts. Our results suggest that a digital counting platform offers a more reliable alternative to visual scoring for buffalo fly counts. It improves accuracy and consistency and enables remote image analysis, lowers time and labour costs, and provides the potential for automated real-time monitoring and reporting of fly numbers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110713"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146137227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110710
Abdullah Al Bayazid , Sourov Sutradhar , Anas Bin Harun , Jannatul Bakia Tamanna , Maksuda Akter Mily , Md Robiul Karim
Linguatulosis, caused by Linguatula serrata, commonly known as the tongue worm, primarily affects food animals and carnivores and poses a potential zoonotic risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of L. serrata in these hosts. A comprehensive search identified 55 studies involving 36,242 samples from food animals and 1530 samples from carnivores across four continents. The results indicated significant variability in prevalence rates, with food animals showing a pooled prevalence of 19.1 %, and carnivores exhibiting a higher pooled prevalence of 35.5 %. The prevalence in food animals varied across species, with goats having the highest prevalence at 32.6 %, followed by camels (19.3 %), cattle (15.8 %), sheep (13.6 %), and buffalo (10.6 %). The analysis showed substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98.9 % for food animals and I² = 96.6 % for carnivores), which was influenced by factors such as host species, diagnostic methods, and sample types. Meta-regression analysis showed that host species was a significant moderator of prevalence. Sensitivity analysis and bias tests confirmed the robustness of the findings, with consistent pooled prevalence estimates and no significant publication bias. Geographic analysis showed regional differences, with particularly high prevalence rates in Bangladesh, India, Iran, and Nigeria. The study also observed temporal fluctuations, with peak prevalence recorded during 2016–2020 for food animals and 2006–2010 for carnivores. These findings emphasize the need for targeted surveillance and control strategies, particularly in regions with high transmission risks, and the importance of standardized diagnostic methods to reduce variability in future studies.
{"title":"Linguatulosis in food animals and carnivores: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Abdullah Al Bayazid , Sourov Sutradhar , Anas Bin Harun , Jannatul Bakia Tamanna , Maksuda Akter Mily , Md Robiul Karim","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Linguatulosis, caused by <em>Linguatula serrata</em>, commonly known as the tongue worm, primarily affects food animals and carnivores and poses a potential zoonotic risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of <em>L. serrata</em> in these hosts. A comprehensive search identified 55 studies involving 36,242 samples from food animals and 1530 samples from carnivores across four continents. The results indicated significant variability in prevalence rates, with food animals showing a pooled prevalence of 19.1 %, and carnivores exhibiting a higher pooled prevalence of 35.5 %. The prevalence in food animals varied across species, with goats having the highest prevalence at 32.6 %, followed by camels (19.3 %), cattle (15.8 %), sheep (13.6 %), and buffalo (10.6 %). The analysis showed substantial heterogeneity (I² = 98.9 % for food animals and I² = 96.6 % for carnivores), which was influenced by factors such as host species, diagnostic methods, and sample types. Meta-regression analysis showed that host species was a significant moderator of prevalence. Sensitivity analysis and bias tests confirmed the robustness of the findings, with consistent pooled prevalence estimates and no significant publication bias. Geographic analysis showed regional differences, with particularly high prevalence rates in Bangladesh, India, Iran, and Nigeria. The study also observed temporal fluctuations, with peak prevalence recorded during 2016–2020 for food animals and 2006–2010 for carnivores. These findings emphasize the need for targeted surveillance and control strategies, particularly in regions with high transmission risks, and the importance of standardized diagnostic methods to reduce variability in future studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110710"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110715
Dilcia Yobed Miranda-Miranda , Cindy Goretti Marin-Tun , Concepción Manuela Capetillo-Leal , María Gabriela Mancilla-Montelongo , Carlos Alfredo Sandoval-Castro , Juan Felipe de Jesús Torres-Acosta
This study investigated the in vitro exsheathment kinetics of Trichostrongylus colubriformis L3 using three protocols: ruminal medium (RM), abomasal medium (AM), and a two-stage incubation (RM+AM). The characteristics of L3 exsheathment at various incubation times in each medium were described. For the RM, T. colubriformis L3 were incubated for 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 24 h. Separate incubations with Haemonchus contortus L3 were used as controls for the RM conditions. For the incubation in AM, the L3 were incubated for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. In the two-stage incubation (RM+AM), the L3 were first incubated in RM (0, 2, and 4 h), and then transferred to AM (5, 6, 7, and 8 h). Linear and nonlinear models were used to describe the L3 exsheathment kinetics in T. colubriformis and H. contortus in RM, AM, and RM+AM. During the RM incubation, the exsheathment kinetics for T. colubriformis followed a log-logistic function, with a slower exsheathment rate at 24 h (63.84 %, T50=8.88 h) compared to H. contortus (74.36 %, T50=4.67 h). After 9 h of RM incubation, 52 % of the T. colubriformis L3 completed its exsheathment, while 90 % of H. contortus larvae had fully exsheathed from 6 h onward. Incubation in AM without prior exposure to RM resulted in < 5 % exsheathment. The incubation in RM+AM resulted in linear kinetics, with 50 % exsheathment at 7.6 h. After 8 h of incubation in RM+AM, 90 % of the exsheathed T. colubriformis L3 completed the process. The exsheathment of T. colubriformis L3 began in the RM following a Log-Logistic function. Exposure to RM was necessary to induce T. colubriformis exsheathment in the AM.
{"title":"The in vitro exsheathment kinetics of Trichostrongylus colubriformis L3 in ruminal, abomasal, and two-stage incubation protocols","authors":"Dilcia Yobed Miranda-Miranda , Cindy Goretti Marin-Tun , Concepción Manuela Capetillo-Leal , María Gabriela Mancilla-Montelongo , Carlos Alfredo Sandoval-Castro , Juan Felipe de Jesús Torres-Acosta","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the <em>in vitro</em> exsheathment kinetics of <em>Trichostrongylus colubriformis</em> L<sub>3</sub> using three protocols: ruminal medium (RM), abomasal medium (AM), and a two-stage incubation (RM+AM). The characteristics of L<sub>3</sub> exsheathment at various incubation times in each medium were described. For the RM, <em>T. colubriformis</em> L<sub>3</sub> were incubated for 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 24 h. Separate incubations with <em>Haemonchus contortus</em> L<sub>3</sub> were used as controls for the RM conditions. For the incubation in AM, the L<sub>3</sub> were incubated for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. In the two-stage incubation (RM+AM), the L<sub>3</sub> were first incubated in RM (0, 2, and 4 h), and then transferred to AM (5, 6, 7, and 8 h). Linear and nonlinear models were used to describe the L<sub>3</sub> exsheathment kinetics in <em>T. colubriformis</em> and <em>H. contortus</em> in RM, AM, and RM+AM. During the RM incubation, the exsheathment kinetics for <em>T. colubriformis</em> followed a log-logistic function, with a slower exsheathment rate at 24 h (63.84 %, T<sub>50</sub>=8.88 h) compared to <em>H. contortus</em> (74.36 %, T<sub>50</sub>=4.67 h). After 9 h of RM incubation, 52 % of the <em>T. colubriformis</em> L<sub>3</sub> completed its exsheathment, while 90 % of <em>H. contortus</em> larvae had fully exsheathed from 6 h onward. Incubation in AM without prior exposure to RM resulted in < 5 % exsheathment. The incubation in RM+AM resulted in linear kinetics, with 50 % exsheathment at 7.6 h. After 8 h of incubation in RM+AM, 90 % of the exsheathed <em>T. colubriformis</em> L<sub>3</sub> completed the process. The exsheathment of <em>T. colubriformis</em> L<sub>3</sub> began in the RM following a Log-Logistic function. Exposure to RM was necessary to induce <em>T. colubriformis</em> exsheathment in the AM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110715"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110700
Li-Qun Wang , Guang-Xue Liu , Pan-Hong Liang , Li Li , Tao-Shan Li , Ai-Ming Guo , Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda , Ke-Ke Wu , Yi-Xuan Wu , Hong Yin , Hong-Bin Yan , Xue-Nong Luo
Cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of T. solium, remains a major neglected tropical disease with severe clinical and socioeconomic consequences in endemic regions. Although cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling is fundamental to parasite development and survival, its therapeutic relevance in T. solium has not been comprehensively explored. This study provides an integrated molecular and functional characterization of the T. solium PKA catalytic subunit (TsPKA-c) and evaluates its potential as a novel therapeutic target for cysticercosis control. Recombinant TsPKA-c was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified in an active form, demonstrating robust kinase activity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed strong evolutionary conservation among cestode PKA homologues, underscoring its essential biological function. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed stage-specific expression in both larval and adult parasite forms. Optimal enzymatic activity occurred at pH 7.5 and 35°C, with kinetic parameters showing a Km of 36.37 ± 2.64 µM and Vmax of 0.7648 ± 0.013 nmol/min/µg. Pharmacological inhibition experiments identified H89 as a highly potent inhibitor of TsPKA-c (IC50 = 14.55 ± 1.5 µM), exhibiting greater efficacy than PKI (14−22) (IC50 = 23.09 ± 0.5 µM). Both inhibitors induced significant dose- and time-dependent mortality in T. pisiformis cysticerci, with H89 causing rapid lethality. Metabolic analyses demonstrated a marked reduction in glucose uptake following TsPKA-c inhibition, accompanied by alterations in excretory-secretory protein profiles. Collectively, these findings establish TsPKA-c as a critical regulator of parasite metabolism and survival, supporting its strong candidacy as a promising molecular target for the development of novel anti-cysticercosis therapeutic strategies.
{"title":"The catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in Taenia solium cysticerci (TsPKA-c): A promising molecular target for the development of novel anti-cysticercosis therapeutics","authors":"Li-Qun Wang , Guang-Xue Liu , Pan-Hong Liang , Li Li , Tao-Shan Li , Ai-Ming Guo , Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda , Ke-Ke Wu , Yi-Xuan Wu , Hong Yin , Hong-Bin Yan , Xue-Nong Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of <em>T. solium</em>, remains a major neglected tropical disease with severe clinical and socioeconomic consequences in endemic regions. Although cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling is fundamental to parasite development and survival, its therapeutic relevance in <em>T. solium</em> has not been comprehensively explored. This study provides an integrated molecular and functional characterization of the <em>T. solium</em> PKA catalytic subunit (TsPKA-c) and evaluates its potential as a novel therapeutic target for cysticercosis control. Recombinant TsPKA-c was successfully expressed in <em>Pichia pastoris</em> and purified in an active form, demonstrating robust kinase activity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed strong evolutionary conservation among cestode PKA homologues, underscoring its essential biological function. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed stage-specific expression in both larval and adult parasite forms. Optimal enzymatic activity occurred at pH 7.5 and 35°C, with kinetic parameters showing a Km of 36.37 ± 2.64 µM and Vmax of 0.7648 ± 0.013 nmol/min/µg. Pharmacological inhibition experiments identified H89 as a highly potent inhibitor of TsPKA-c (IC50 = 14.55 ± 1.5 µM), exhibiting greater efficacy than PKI (14−22) (IC50 = 23.09 ± 0.5 µM). Both inhibitors induced significant dose- and time-dependent mortality in <em>T. pisiformis</em> cysticerci, with H89 causing rapid lethality. Metabolic analyses demonstrated a marked reduction in glucose uptake following TsPKA-c inhibition, accompanied by alterations in excretory-secretory protein profiles. Collectively, these findings establish TsPKA-c as a critical regulator of parasite metabolism and survival, supporting its strong candidacy as a promising molecular target for the development of novel anti-cysticercosis therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110700"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110704
Connor Leong , Ruby Scanlon , Aisling Kyne , Thomas J. Sharpton , Michael L. Kent
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a widely used biomedical model and offers powerful high-throughput screening capabilities for assessing chemical bioactivity. We have previously employed adult zebrafish infected with the intestinal nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa to investigate nematode–microbiome interactions, nematode-promoted intestinal neoplasia, and anthelmintic drug discovery. Here we transition this model to a larval zebrafish infection infection to enable larger-scale experimentation and ultimately accelerate anthelmintic discovery. Infection conditions were optimized across 5–30 days post fertilization (dpf). The 30 dpf larvae exhibited the most robust and reproducible infections in multi-well formats, as well as the highest survival relative to younger stages. We described worm development from hatching through larval progression and maturation, addressing a major gap in foundational data with fish capillarids. Using in vitro–hatched larvae and infected larval and adult zebrafish, we documented developmental trajectories from 1 to 37 days post-exposure. Change-point analysis identified putative ecdysis transitions at the following worm lengths (mm): L1/L2 = 0.220, L2/L3 = 0.571, L3/L4 = 1.174, and L4/L5 = 1.584. Finally, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for anthelmintic screening by exposing fish to larvated eggs in the presence of emamectin benzoate (macrocyclic lactone) or fenbendazole (benzimidazole). Both compounds reduced worm burdens after 3 days, with the strongest effects at higher concentrations (0.7 µM emamectin benzoate; 0.3 µM fenbendazole). Together, these findings establishes a proof of concept for larval zebrafish infection platform which bridges the gap between in vitro and mammalian in vivo assays, enabling scalable, efficient, and biologically relevant screening for anthelmintic drug discovery.
{"title":"Pseudocapillaria tomentosa infections in laboratory larval and Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Development and advances in an in vivo anthelmintic drug discovery model","authors":"Connor Leong , Ruby Scanlon , Aisling Kyne , Thomas J. Sharpton , Michael L. Kent","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110704","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110704","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zebrafish (<em>Danio rerio</em>) are a widely used biomedical model and offers powerful high-throughput screening capabilities for assessing chemical bioactivity. We have previously employed adult zebrafish infected with the intestinal nematode <em>Pseudocapillaria tomentosa</em> to investigate nematode–microbiome interactions, nematode-promoted intestinal neoplasia, and anthelmintic drug discovery. Here we transition this model to a larval zebrafish infection infection to enable larger-scale experimentation and ultimately accelerate anthelmintic discovery. Infection conditions were optimized across 5–30 days post fertilization (dpf). The 30 dpf larvae exhibited the most robust and reproducible infections in multi-well formats, as well as the highest survival relative to younger stages. We described worm development from hatching through larval progression and maturation, addressing a major gap in foundational data with fish capillarids. Using <em>in vitro</em>–hatched larvae and infected larval and adult zebrafish, we documented developmental trajectories from 1 to 37 days post-exposure. Change-point analysis identified putative ecdysis transitions at the following worm lengths (mm): L1/L2 = 0.220, L2/L3 = 0.571, L3/L4 = 1.174, and L4/L5 = 1.584. Finally, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for anthelmintic screening by exposing fish to larvated eggs in the presence of emamectin benzoate (macrocyclic lactone) or fenbendazole (benzimidazole). Both compounds reduced worm burdens after 3 days, with the strongest effects at higher concentrations (0.7 µM emamectin benzoate; 0.3 µM fenbendazole). Together, these findings establishes a proof of concept for larval zebrafish infection platform which bridges the gap between in vitro and mammalian in vivo assays, enabling scalable, efficient, and biologically relevant screening for anthelmintic drug discovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110704"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110698
Kamila Bobrek
Heterakis infection, caused by small nematodes that inhabit the caeca, is one of the most frequently reported parasitic infections in poultry. Despite its prevalence, the impact of Heterakis spp. on avian health remains inconsistently described. This study retrospectively analysed the association between Heterakis dispar infection and other diseases in farmed geese. Among 194 necropsied reproductive geese from 2015 to 2023, 143 were found to be infected with Heterakis dispar, whereas 51 were not. In geese with caecal nematodes, bacterial infection was the dominant cause of death (89.5 %). Peritonitis caused by Escherichia coli was identified as the cause of death in 58.7 % of Heterakis-infected geese and 41.2 % of non-infected geese, with a positive association. Conversely, a negative association was observed between Heterakis dispar infection and two other bacterial diseases: pasteurellosis accounted for 29.4 % of deaths in the nematode-negative group and 15.4 % in the nematode-positive group, whereas erysipelas accounted for 21.6 % and 8.4 %, respectively. No association was observed between Heterakis dispar infection and other conditions such as tetratrichomoniasis, necrotic enteritis, arthritis, or neoplasms. Presumably the larval stage of the Heterakis life cycle, which involves penetration of the caecal wall, may facilitate secondary infections by bacteria naturally residing in the caecum, particularly E. coli. These findings highlight a possible role of Heterakis dispar in predisposing geese to specific bacterial infections through damage to the mucosa of the caecum.
{"title":"Association between Heterakis dispar infections and concurrent diseases in reproductive geese: A retrospective necropsy study","authors":"Kamila Bobrek","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Heterakis</em> infection, caused by small nematodes that inhabit the caeca, is one of the most frequently reported parasitic infections in poultry. Despite its prevalence, the impact of <em>Heterakis</em> spp. on avian health remains inconsistently described. This study retrospectively analysed the association between <em>Heterakis dispar</em> infection and other diseases in farmed geese. Among 194 necropsied reproductive geese from 2015 to 2023, 143 were found to be infected with <em>Heterakis dispar</em>, whereas 51 were not. In geese with caecal nematodes, bacterial infection was the dominant cause of death (89.5 %). Peritonitis caused by <em>Escherichia coli</em> was identified as the cause of death in 58.7 % of <em>Heterakis</em>-infected geese and 41.2 % of non-infected geese, with a positive association. Conversely, a negative association was observed between <em>Heterakis dispar</em> infection and two other bacterial diseases: pasteurellosis accounted for 29.4 % of deaths in the nematode-negative group and 15.4 % in the nematode-positive group, whereas erysipelas accounted for 21.6 % and 8.4 %, respectively. No association was observed between <em>Heterakis dispar</em> infection and other conditions such as tetratrichomoniasis, necrotic enteritis, arthritis, or neoplasms. Presumably the larval stage of the <em>Heterakis</em> life cycle, which involves penetration of the caecal wall, may facilitate secondary infections by bacteria naturally residing in the caecum, particularly <em>E. coli</em>. These findings highlight a possible role of <em>Heterakis dispar</em> in predisposing geese to specific bacterial infections through damage to the mucosa of the caecum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110698"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145941331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110702
Sara Marcos-Herraiz , Sara Alonso Fernández , María José Irisarri , Jaime Arroyo Díaz , Francisco Ponce-Gordo , Azucena González-Coloma , Juliana Navarro Rocha , Iris Azami-Conesa , María Teresa Gómez-Muñoz , María Bailén
Lamiaceae and Asteraceae plant species have been widely used in Mediterranean ethnomedicine for gastrointestinal disorders. They are also known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasite, and anti-virus properties. Giardia duodenalis is the most prevalent intestinal protozoon in children and young dogs worldwide. Its zoonotic potential and frequent therapeutic failures with nitroimidazoles underscore the urgent need for alternative treatments. This study investigated the antigiardial activity of essential oils (EOs) from 22 medicinal plants belonging to Lamiaceae and Asteraceae, together with their major constituents. EO composition was determined by a metabolomic approach (GC-MS). Parasite metabolic activity was assessed using the MTT assay, and ultrastructural changes were examined by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The strongest antigiardial effects were observed with Lavandula luisieri, Thymus vulgaris, Mentha suaveolens, Satureja montana (IC50 <25), L. lanata, and T. zygis, (IC50= 27.9–71.5 µg/ml). The highest selective indexes were obtained with γ-terpinene, caryophyllene oxide, carvacrol and thymol (SI≥1.3–2.4). Synergistic interactions were detected with linalyl acetate and linalool (present in Lavandula EOs), linalyl acetate with ρ-cymene or thymol, or combinations of ρ-cymene, γ-terpinene, thymol, and carvacrol (present in Satureja EOs). Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed membranolysis, enlarged periplasmic vacuoles, and cytoplasmic loss in trophozoites exposed to γ-terpinene after 1 h. These findings provide phytotherapeutic evidence supporting essential oils from Lavandula, Mentha, Thymus, and Satureja as promising antigiardial agents. Their main components γ-terpinene, caryophyllene oxide, carvacrol and thymol could have potential applications in veterinary parasitology.
{"title":"Phytotherapeutic potential of Lamiaceae essential oils and their monoterpenes against Giardia duodenalis.","authors":"Sara Marcos-Herraiz , Sara Alonso Fernández , María José Irisarri , Jaime Arroyo Díaz , Francisco Ponce-Gordo , Azucena González-Coloma , Juliana Navarro Rocha , Iris Azami-Conesa , María Teresa Gómez-Muñoz , María Bailén","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lamiaceae and Asteraceae plant species have been widely used in Mediterranean ethnomedicine for gastrointestinal disorders. They are also known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasite, and anti-virus properties. <em>Giardia duodenalis</em> is the most prevalent intestinal protozoon in children and young dogs worldwide. Its zoonotic potential and frequent therapeutic failures with nitroimidazoles underscore the urgent need for alternative treatments. This study investigated the antigiardial activity of essential oils (EOs) from 22 medicinal plants belonging to Lamiaceae and Asteraceae, together with their major constituents. EO composition was determined by a metabolomic approach (GC-MS). Parasite metabolic activity was assessed using the MTT assay, and ultrastructural changes were examined by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The strongest antigiardial effects were observed with <em>Lavandula luisieri</em>, <em>Thymus vulgaris, Mentha suaveolens, Satureja montana</em> (IC<sub>50</sub> <25), <em>L. lanata</em>, and <em>T. zygis,</em> (IC<sub>50</sub>= 27.9–71.5 µg/ml). The highest selective indexes were obtained with γ-terpinene, caryophyllene oxide, carvacrol and thymol (SI≥1.3–2.4). Synergistic interactions were detected with linalyl acetate and linalool (present in <em>Lavandula</em> EOs), linalyl acetate with ρ-cymene or thymol, or combinations of ρ-cymene, γ-terpinene, thymol, and carvacrol (present in <em>Satureja</em> EOs). Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed membranolysis, enlarged periplasmic vacuoles, and cytoplasmic loss in trophozoites exposed to γ-terpinene after 1 h. These findings provide phytotherapeutic evidence supporting essential oils from <em>Lavandula</em>, <em>Mentha</em>, <em>Thymus,</em> and <em>Satureja</em> as promising antigiardial agents. Their main components γ-terpinene, caryophyllene oxide, carvacrol and thymol could have potential applications in veterinary parasitology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110702"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-27DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110683
Esma Kozan , Büşra Karpuz Ağören , Mahmut Sinan Erez , Ferhat Fatih Karaman , Mevlüt Akdağ , Mustafa Abdullah Yılmaz , Oguz Cakir , Abbas Tarhan , Esra Küpeli Akkol
The increasing resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) to conventional anthelmintic drugs has intensified the search for alternatives. This study evaluated the anthelmintic efficacy of Avena sativa L. seed extracts using in vitro and in silico approaches against GINs of sheep. Aqueous (AS–H₂O) and n-hexane (AS–n-hexane) extracts prepared from A. sativa seeds were tested against GINs using egg hatch and larval motility inhibition assays. Both extracts demonstrated clear dose-dependent ovicidal activity, achieving 100 % egg hatch inhibition at concentrations ≥ 12.5 mg/mL, while lower concentrations (6.25–1.5625 mg/mL) produced partial but substantial inhibition. Nonlinear four-parameter logistic modelling yielded EC₅₀ values of 2.16 mg/mL for AS–H₂O and 3.14 mg/mL for AS–n-hexane, indicating greater ovicidal potency of the aqueous extract. The AS–H₂O extract exhibited superior anthelmintic activity, with a 24 h mortality rate of 81.33 % and an LC₅₀ value of 3.62 mg/mL, compared to 74.66 % and 6.24 mg/mL for the AS–n-hexane extract. LC–MS/MS analysis of AS–H₂O extract identified six phenolic compounds: fumaric acid, (−)-quinic acid, protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, naringenin, and apigenin. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of these compounds—particularly naringenin (−8.4 kcal/mol)—to the colchicine-binding site of β-tubulin, a key antiparasitic target. These findings highlight the potential of A. sativa seed extracts, especially the aqueous form, as natural and sustainable anthelmintic agents for parasite control in livestock.
{"title":"In vitro anthelmintic activity of Avena sativa seed extracts against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes: Phytochemical and in silico insights","authors":"Esma Kozan , Büşra Karpuz Ağören , Mahmut Sinan Erez , Ferhat Fatih Karaman , Mevlüt Akdağ , Mustafa Abdullah Yılmaz , Oguz Cakir , Abbas Tarhan , Esra Küpeli Akkol","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) to conventional anthelmintic drugs has intensified the search for alternatives. This study evaluated the anthelmintic efficacy of <em>Avena sativa</em> L. seed extracts using <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in silico</em> approaches against GINs of sheep. Aqueous (AS–H₂O) and <em>n</em>-hexane (AS–<em>n</em>-hexane) extracts prepared from <em>A. sativa</em> seeds were tested against GINs using egg hatch and larval motility inhibition assays. Both extracts demonstrated clear dose-dependent ovicidal activity, achieving 100 % egg hatch inhibition at concentrations ≥ 12.5 mg/mL, while lower concentrations (6.25–1.5625 mg/mL) produced partial but substantial inhibition. Nonlinear four-parameter logistic modelling yielded EC₅₀ values of 2.16 mg/mL for AS–H₂O and 3.14 mg/mL for AS–n-hexane, indicating greater ovicidal potency of the aqueous extract. The AS–H₂O extract exhibited superior anthelmintic activity, with a 24 h mortality rate of 81.33 % and an LC₅₀ value of 3.62 mg/mL, compared to 74.66 % and 6.24 mg/mL for the AS–<em>n</em>-hexane extract. LC–MS/MS analysis of AS–H₂O extract identified six phenolic compounds: fumaric acid, (−)-quinic acid, protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, naringenin, and apigenin. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of these compounds—particularly naringenin (−8.4 kcal/mol)—to the colchicine-binding site of β-tubulin, a key antiparasitic target. These findings highlight the potential of <em>A. sativa</em> seed extracts, especially the aqueous form, as natural and sustainable anthelmintic agents for parasite control in livestock.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110683"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145915346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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