Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110703
Xueqiu Chen , Lingyun Mou , Manqin Deng , Jingju Zhang , Jiaming Yu , Jianfang Li , Hongli Zhang , Guangxu Ma , Yi Yang , Aifang Du
Haemonchosis, caused by the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, poses a significant global threat to small ruminant health and productivity. Current diagnostic methods, such as fecal egg flotation, cannot detect early-stage or latent infections, hindering timely intervention. Building on prior identification of the secreted BPTI/Kunitz inhibitor domain-containing protein SPI-I8 as a key H. contortus antigen released during initial infection, we developed two diagnostic methods using recombinant Hc-SPI-I8B (rHc-SPI-I8B). First, an indirect ELISA with rHc-SPI-I8B as the coating antigen demonstrated detection of H. contortus infection in sheep as early as 10 days post-infection (dpi), with a sensitivity of 1:200. Concurrently, an immunochromatographic test (ICT) was established by conjugating rHc-SPI-I8B with 20 nm gold particles, achieving a sensitivity of 1:40, detecting antibodies at 11 dpi, and remaining effective beyond 100 dpi. Both methods exhibited high specificity, showing no cross-reactivity with positive sera of Echinococcus granulosus, Fasciola hepatica, or Fasciola gigantica. Additionally, they showed high stability and reproducibility (inter-/intra-assay CV <10 % for ELISA). Both approaches provide efficient tools for early diagnosis of haemonchosis.
{"title":"Development of an indirect ELISA and an immunochromatographic test method for early detection of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep","authors":"Xueqiu Chen , Lingyun Mou , Manqin Deng , Jingju Zhang , Jiaming Yu , Jianfang Li , Hongli Zhang , Guangxu Ma , Yi Yang , Aifang Du","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Haemonchosis, caused by the parasitic nematode <em>Haemonchus contortus</em>, poses a significant global threat to small ruminant health and productivity. Current diagnostic methods, such as fecal egg flotation, cannot detect early-stage or latent infections, hindering timely intervention. Building on prior identification of the secreted BPTI/Kunitz inhibitor domain-containing protein SPI-I8 as a key <em>H. contortus</em> antigen released during initial infection, we developed two diagnostic methods using recombinant <em>Hc</em>-SPI-I8B (r<em>Hc</em>-SPI-I8B). First, an indirect ELISA with r<em>Hc</em>-SPI-I8B as the coating antigen demonstrated detection of <em>H. contortus</em> infection in sheep as early as 10 days post-infection (dpi), with a sensitivity of 1:200. Concurrently, an immunochromatographic test (ICT) was established by conjugating r<em>Hc</em>-SPI-I8B with 20 nm gold particles, achieving a sensitivity of 1:40, detecting antibodies at 11 dpi, and remaining effective beyond 100 dpi. Both methods exhibited high specificity, showing no cross-reactivity with positive sera of <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em>, <em>Fasciola hepatica</em>, or <em>Fasciola gigantica</em>. Additionally, they showed high stability and reproducibility (inter-/intra-assay CV <10 % for ELISA). Both approaches provide efficient tools for early diagnosis of haemonchosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110703"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039149","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 : 2026-01-18DOI: 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":"2026-01-18","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 : 2026-01-13DOI: 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":"2026-01-13","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 : 2026-01-12DOI: 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":"2026-01-12","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 : 2026-01-08DOI: 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":"2026-01-08","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 : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110699
Rodrigo Morchón , Elena Infante González-Mohino , María Victoria Esteban-Mendoza , Manuel Collado-Cuadrado , Víctor Arcila-Quiceno , José Alberto Montoya-Alonso , Elena Carretón , Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) is a globally distributed vector-borne zoonosis affecting canids and felids, which can be fatal by compromising the cardiorespiratory system. This study analyzes the annual and monthly infection risk in Colombia by integrating ecological niche modeling for Culex quinquefasciatus—the most important and widely distributed vector in the country—with the temperature-dependent number of D. immitis generations within the vector. Results identified the human footprint (78 %) as the primary determinant of vector distribution, surpassing climatic variables and confirming the synanthropic nature of transmission. The monthly analysis revealed sustained potential transmission year-round in lowlands and coastal areas, contrasting with a marked thermal barrier in the Andean region, where altitude limits parasite development despite the presence of the vector. External validation confirmed the model's robustness, locating 84.68 % of reported cases within very high-risk zones. Heartworm infection in Colombia is a non-seasonal urban phenomenon, strictly modulated by altitude. These findings call for replacing seasonal prophylaxis with continuous preventive protocols and prioritizing epidemiological surveillance under a One Health approach along the country's main demographic corridors.
{"title":"Assessment of monthly infection risk of heartworm infection in Colombia: integrative ecological niche modeling of Culex quinquefasciatus and Dirofilaria immitis","authors":"Rodrigo Morchón , Elena Infante González-Mohino , María Victoria Esteban-Mendoza , Manuel Collado-Cuadrado , Víctor Arcila-Quiceno , José Alberto Montoya-Alonso , Elena Carretón , Iván Rodríguez-Escolar","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heartworm disease (<em>Dirofilaria immitis</em>) is a globally distributed vector-borne zoonosis affecting canids and felids, which can be fatal by compromising the cardiorespiratory system. This study analyzes the annual and monthly infection risk in Colombia by integrating ecological niche modeling for <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em>—the most important and widely distributed vector in the country—with the temperature-dependent number of <em>D. immitis</em> generations within the vector. Results identified the human footprint (78 %) as the primary determinant of vector distribution, surpassing climatic variables and confirming the synanthropic nature of transmission. The monthly analysis revealed sustained potential transmission year-round in lowlands and coastal areas, contrasting with a marked thermal barrier in the Andean region, where altitude limits parasite development despite the presence of the vector. External validation confirmed the model's robustness, locating 84.68 % of reported cases within very high-risk zones. Heartworm infection in Colombia is a non-seasonal urban phenomenon, strictly modulated by altitude. These findings call for replacing seasonal prophylaxis with continuous preventive protocols and prioritizing epidemiological surveillance under a One Health approach along the country's main demographic corridors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110699"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967085","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 : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110697
Olfat A. Mahdy , Mai A. Salem , Fady Sayed Youssef , Mohamed S. Kamel , Reem M. Ramadan
Herein, we present the development and comprehensive evaluation of green nanoemulsions derived from date seeds (DNE) and licorice (LNE) as antiparasitic agents targeting clinostomiasis in freshwater fish. Focusing on Clinostomum (C.) complanatum and Euclinostomum (E.) heterostomum—parasites that pose significant health risks to humans and cause substantial economic losses in aquaculture—these nanoemulsions were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The analyses confirmed their uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale size, and robust colloidal stability. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding affinities between key phytoconstituents and essential parasitic enzymes, with glycyrrhizin exhibiting the highest affinity (−9.28 kcal/mol) for Euclinostomum cytochrome c oxidase. Key constituents in DNE included caffeic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, and 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid; LNE featured glycyrrhizin among other phenolics. Both DNE and LNE induced marked, concentration- and time-dependent mortality in excysted metacercariae, with species-specific potency: LNE was more effective against C. complanatum (LC₅₀ = 0.032 %) while DNE showed superior activity against E. heterostomum (LC₅₀ = 0.004 %). Comet assays further revealed significant, dose-dependent DNA damage in both parasite species, with DNE causing more pronounced genotoxicity in E. heterostomum and LNE inducing greater DNA fragmentation in C. complanatum. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived nanoemulsions as sustainable alternatives for parasite control in aquaculture, offering targeted, species-specific efficacy while minimizing ecological risks and reducing reliance on synthetic chemotherapeutants. The integration of such green nanotechnological approaches represents a promising strategy for effective disease management and the advancement of sustainable aquaculture practices. These results highlight the date seed and licorice-based nanoemulsions as promising in vitro antiparasitic candidates which justify further in vivo confirmation.
{"title":"Date seed–and licorice–derived nanoemulsions inhibit clinostomid metacercariae recovered from naturally infected Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): First report","authors":"Olfat A. Mahdy , Mai A. Salem , Fady Sayed Youssef , Mohamed S. Kamel , Reem M. Ramadan","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Herein, we present the development and comprehensive evaluation of green nanoemulsions derived from date seeds (DNE) and licorice (LNE) as antiparasitic agents targeting clinostomiasis in freshwater fish. Focusing on <em>Clinostomum (C.) complanatum</em> and <em>Euclinostomum (E.) heterostomum</em>—parasites that pose significant health risks to humans and cause substantial economic losses in aquaculture—these nanoemulsions were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The analyses confirmed their uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale size, and robust colloidal stability. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding affinities between key phytoconstituents and essential parasitic enzymes, with glycyrrhizin exhibiting the highest affinity (−9.28 kcal/mol) for <em>Euclinostomum</em> cytochrome c oxidase. Key constituents in DNE included caffeic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, and 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid; LNE featured glycyrrhizin among other phenolics<em>.</em> Both DNE and LNE induced marked, concentration- and time-dependent mortality in excysted metacercariae, with species-specific potency: LNE was more effective against <em>C. complanatum</em> (LC₅₀ = 0.032 %) while DNE showed superior activity against <em>E. heterostomum</em> (LC₅₀ = 0.004 %). Comet assays further revealed significant, dose-dependent DNA damage in both parasite species, with DNE causing more pronounced genotoxicity in <em>E. heterostomum</em> and LNE inducing greater DNA fragmentation in <em>C. complanatum</em>. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived nanoemulsions as sustainable alternatives for parasite control in aquaculture, offering targeted, species-specific efficacy while minimizing ecological risks and reducing reliance on synthetic chemotherapeutants. The integration of such green nanotechnological approaches represents a promising strategy for effective disease management and the advancement of sustainable aquaculture practices. These results<!--> <!-->highlight the date seed and licorice-based nanoemulsions as promising in vitro antiparasitic candidates which justify further in vivo confirmation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110697"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967037","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 : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110696
Adam D. Hayward, Fiona Kenyon
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections of ruminant livestock have traditionally been controlled through regular, “suppressive”, treatment with anthelmintic drugs, but this has resulted in the evolution of anthelmintic resistance and reduced efficacy. There is now a critical need to reduce anthelmintic use to maintain anthelmintic efficacy by creating refugia where susceptible GIN reside. Targeted selective treatment (TST) strategies only treat animals that need it, ensuring animals affected by GIN maintain their performance, while animals unaffected by GIN are not treated unnecessarily. TST is generally agreed to reduce anthelmintic use without drastically reducing animal performance or increasing GIN faecal egg count (FEC), but there is considerable variation in results reported by studies comparing TST with other strategies. To explore the effectiveness of TST and identify factors affecting previous results, we applied meta-analysis to data collected from 20 studies comparing TST to other strategies. Overall, TST was associated with a statistically significant, but small, reduction in animal performance, no effect on worm FEC, and 50 % lower anthelmintic use. Experimental design affected study outcome: basing treatment decisions on body condition scores resulted in less favourable outcomes compared to other methods. Meanwhile, TST was associated with negligible reductions in performance compared to “suppressive” treatment, and although FEC was increased slightly in the TST group, anthelmintic use was reduced by around two-thirds. Differences between TST and “strategic” treatments were smaller, but TST still reduced anthelmintic use by 25 %. Overall, the results support the use of TST to reduce anthelmintic use while maintaining efficacy and animal performance.
{"title":"Impacts of targeted selective treatment on performance, nematode faecal egg counts and anthelmintic use in sheep: A meta-analysis","authors":"Adam D. Hayward, Fiona Kenyon","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections of ruminant livestock have traditionally been controlled through regular, “suppressive”, treatment with anthelmintic drugs, but this has resulted in the evolution of anthelmintic resistance and reduced efficacy. There is now a critical need to reduce anthelmintic use to maintain anthelmintic efficacy by creating refugia where susceptible GIN reside. Targeted selective treatment (TST) strategies only treat animals that need it, ensuring animals affected by GIN maintain their performance, while animals unaffected by GIN are not treated unnecessarily. TST is generally agreed to reduce anthelmintic use without drastically reducing animal performance or increasing GIN faecal egg count (FEC), but there is considerable variation in results reported by studies comparing TST with other strategies. To explore the effectiveness of TST and identify factors affecting previous results, we applied meta-analysis to data collected from 20 studies comparing TST to other strategies. Overall, TST was associated with a statistically significant, but small, reduction in animal performance, no effect on worm FEC, and 50 % lower anthelmintic use. Experimental design affected study outcome: basing treatment decisions on body condition scores resulted in less favourable outcomes compared to other methods. Meanwhile, TST was associated with negligible reductions in performance compared to “suppressive” treatment, and although FEC was increased slightly in the TST group, anthelmintic use was reduced by around two-thirds. Differences between TST and “strategic” treatments were smaller, but TST still reduced anthelmintic use by 25 %. Overall, the results support the use of TST to reduce anthelmintic use while maintaining efficacy and animal performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110696"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145915347","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 : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110693
Weimei Wang , Xiaobin Yi , Yu Han , Ping Feng , Ruonan Bo , Mingjiang Liu , Jingui Li
Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), a pathogenic protozoan parasite, poses a significant threat to the global poultry industry due to its severe impact on intestinal health and growth performance. Given the limitations of conventional anticoccidial drugs, such as the development of drug resistance and chemical residues, it is imperative to explore natural alternative strategies for effective control. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic anti-coccidial effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and Bacillus subtilis (BS). PPE exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, whereas BS, contributes to maintaining intestinal microbial balance. Broiler chickens were challenged with E. tenella and treated with 400 mg/kg PPE in feed and 400 mg/L BS in drinking water, using diclazuril (DIC) as a positive control. The results demonstrated that the PPE+BS combination significantly alleviated cecal lesions, reduced oocyst it mainly parasitizes on the mucosa of the cecum output and mortality, lowered organ indices, suppressed inflammatory responses, and restored body weight gain. The anti-coccidial index (ACI) reached 163, indicating moderate efficacy. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that PPE+BS restored microbial homeostasis by increasing the abundance of Firmicutes, reducing Escherichia coli and Enterococcus, and restoring Micrococcus to levels comparable to uninfected controls. To further explore the potential of the intestinal probiotics, Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) and Lactobacillus curvatus (LC), isolated and identified from chicken feces, achieved comparable anti-coccidial efficacy when combined with PPE, confirming the role of specific probiotics in the observed synergy. In conclusion, the combination of PPE and BS represents an effective and sustainable strategy for controlling avian coccidiosis, primarily through modulation of the gut microbiota and enrichment of beneficial probiotics.
{"title":"Synergistic anticoccidial effects of pomegranate peel extract and probiotics against Eimeria tenella via mitigating inflammation and restoring gut microbiota","authors":"Weimei Wang , Xiaobin Yi , Yu Han , Ping Feng , Ruonan Bo , Mingjiang Liu , Jingui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Eimeria tenella</em> (<em>E. tenella</em>)<em>,</em> a pathogenic protozoan parasite, poses a significant threat to the global poultry industry due to its severe impact on intestinal health and growth performance. Given the limitations of conventional anticoccidial drugs, such as the development of drug resistance and chemical residues, it is imperative to explore natural alternative strategies for effective control. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic anti-coccidial effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and Bacillus subtilis (BS). PPE exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, whereas BS, contributes to maintaining intestinal microbial balance. Broiler chickens were challenged with <em>E. tenella</em> and treated with 400 mg/kg PPE in feed and 400 mg/L BS in drinking water, using diclazuril (DIC) as a positive control. The results demonstrated that the PPE+BS combination significantly alleviated cecal lesions, reduced oocyst it mainly parasitizes on the mucosa of the cecum output and mortality, lowered organ indices, suppressed inflammatory responses, and restored body weight gain. The anti-coccidial index (ACI) reached 163, indicating moderate efficacy. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that PPE+BS restored microbial homeostasis by increasing the abundance of Firmicutes, reducing <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Enterococcus</em>, and restoring Micrococcus to levels comparable to uninfected controls. To further explore the potential of the intestinal probiotics, <em>Lactobacillus salivarius</em> (LS) and <em>Lactobacillus curvatus</em> (LC), isolated and identified from chicken feces, achieved comparable anti-coccidial efficacy when combined with PPE, confirming the role of specific probiotics in the observed synergy. In conclusion, the combination of PPE and BS represents an effective and sustainable strategy for controlling avian coccidiosis, primarily through modulation of the gut microbiota and enrichment of beneficial probiotics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110693"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967044","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}
Fasciola gigantica, the predominant cause of fasciolosis in tropical regions, is a major cause of economic loss to the global farming community and is also recognised as a significant human pathogen. The surface tegument of the fluke, situated as it is at the host-parasite interface, is a metabolically active and highly dynamic secretory organ mainly concerned with ensuring the survival of the parasite in a hostile immunological and physiochemical environment. The period of migration of the juvenile fluke through the hepatic parenchyma of the host is critical in establishing a mutually sustainable host-parasite relationship, but due to technical difficulties has been inadequately investigated. Here, the tegument of migrating juvenile F. gigantica collected from the hepatic parenchyma of experimentally infected mice 4 and 7 weeks after infection was examined by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by cytochemistry using the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazine-osmium (PATCO) and Ruthenium Red methods. T1 secretory bodies in the surface syncytium maintain the surface glycocalyx by exocytosis in response to sloughing of immunocomplex as the fluke encounters the effectors of host immunity. Their bounding plasma membranes engender a superficial zone of microvilli which appear to give rise to detached tubules and extracellular vesicles. These may have a role in host-parasite communication and immunomodulation. T2 secretory bodies in the tegument contain stable glycoprotein, and their main contribution may be to preadapt the apical surface for changes in the physicochemical environment when the fluke enters the bile ducts. A novel type of tegumental cell, termed T3, has been described in the sub-syncytial zone. T3 secretory bodies may contribute to the syncytial proteome or spine formation in the growing juvenile flukes. The surface secretory activity in migrating juvenile flukes may offer a battery of stage-specific soluble and membrane-associated molecular products with potential for therapeutic exploitation.
{"title":"Fasciola gigantica: Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of tegumental secretory activity and extracellular vesicle formation in juvenile flukes migrating in mouse liver","authors":"R.E.B. Hanna , G.P. Brennan , M.W. Robinson , P.-E. Kajugu , J.M. Quinn , C.E. Bennett","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110694","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2026.110694","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Fasciola gigantica</em>, the predominant cause of fasciolosis in tropical regions, is a major cause of economic loss to the global farming community and is also recognised as a significant human pathogen. The surface tegument of the fluke, situated as it is at the host-parasite interface, is a metabolically active and highly dynamic secretory organ mainly concerned with ensuring the survival of the parasite in a hostile immunological and physiochemical environment. The period of migration of the juvenile fluke through the hepatic parenchyma of the host is critical in establishing a mutually sustainable host-parasite relationship, but due to technical difficulties has been inadequately investigated. Here, the tegument of migrating juvenile <em>F. gigantica</em> collected from the hepatic parenchyma of experimentally infected mice 4 and 7 weeks after infection was examined by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by cytochemistry using the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazine-osmium (PATCO) and Ruthenium Red methods. T1 secretory bodies in the surface syncytium maintain the surface glycocalyx by exocytosis in response to sloughing of immunocomplex as the fluke encounters the effectors of host immunity. Their bounding plasma membranes engender a superficial zone of microvilli which appear to give rise to detached tubules and extracellular vesicles. These may have a role in host-parasite communication and immunomodulation. T2 secretory bodies in the tegument contain stable glycoprotein, and their main contribution may be to preadapt the apical surface for changes in the physicochemical environment when the fluke enters the bile ducts. A novel type of tegumental cell, termed T3, has been described in the sub-syncytial zone. T3 secretory bodies may contribute to the syncytial proteome or spine formation in the growing juvenile flukes. The surface secretory activity in migrating juvenile flukes may offer a battery of stage-specific soluble and membrane-associated molecular products with potential for therapeutic exploitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"343 ","pages":"Article 110694"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145915344","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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