Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"The possibility of the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus linnaei) dispersing through veterinary facilities in urban areas","authors":"Maria Carolina A. Serpa ,&nbsp;Jonas Moraes-Filho ,&nbsp;Isabella P. Pesenato ,&nbsp;Gabrielle R. de Andrade ,&nbsp;Thiago F. Martins ,&nbsp;Igor S. Silito ,&nbsp;Lina C. Binder ,&nbsp;Marcos Amaku ,&nbsp;Marcelo B. Labruna","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus linnaei</em> is the most important tick infesting dogs in urban areas of many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where it can complete its life cycle within human dwellings. This study evaluated the role of veterinary facilities (hospitals, clinics, pet shops) and green areas (parks, public squares) as sources of dispersal of <em>R. linnaei</em> to households. During February 2021-September 2023, we visited 34 veterinary facilities and 51 green areas within São Paulo city. In each facility we inspected the internal premises (waiting/reception, inpatient and exam rooms) for the presence of ticks in cracks, holes and crevices in the structures. When ticks were found, they were collected and taken to laboratory for identification and molecular testing for <em>Ehrlichia canis.</em> Epidemiological information was obtained from each facility via a questionnaire. In the 51 green areas, all with high daily frequency of visiting dogs, the search for ticks was carried out by cloth dragging (60 min/area) and dry ice traps (10 or 11/area). Overall, 12 (37.5 %) veterinary facilities reported seeing ticks at least once in the premises, and 28 (87.5 %) facilities reported seeing ticks on dogs at least once. During our visits, <em>R. linnaei</em> ticks were found on the premises of five (15.6 %) facilities, significantly associated with the high number of animals treated per day. All developmental stages of <em>R. linnaei</em> (including eggs, ticks at premolting period, ovipositing females, and nymphal exuvia) were found in the veterinary facilities, suggesting that this tick species was able to complete its life cycle within the facility. Ticks from three facilities were found infected by <em>E. canis.</em> In the green areas, ticks were collected from six (11.8 %) areas and were all identified as <em>Amblyomma</em> spp. The results of this study support the hypothesis that veterinary facilities are an important source of acquisition and dispersal of the <em>R. linnaei</em> tick among dogs in urban areas. The results also serve as a basis for invalidating the widespread popular belief that, in urban areas, dogs are infested with ticks only when they frequent green areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110680"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879080","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}

{"title":"Investigating the olfactory function of microplusin-like proteins in Rhipicephalus microplus through molecular docking and dynamics simulations","authors":"Afito Luciano ,&nbsp;Yuxin Huo ,&nbsp;Sha Tan ,&nbsp;Mandie Liu ,&nbsp;Yuting Ma ,&nbsp;Binta J.J. Jallow ,&nbsp;Seydou Fane ,&nbsp;Bing Zhang ,&nbsp;Fanming Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are responsible for transmitting infectious pathogens of public health and veterinary importance worldwide. Chemosensory perception in ticks constitutes a fundamental pathway in host location and disease transmission. This study aims to analyze the function of the <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> microplusin-like protein (MLP) in the perception of volatile organic compounds. To obtain the results, AlphaFold2, Swiss Model, and AlphaFold3 were utilized for protein prediction. UCSF Chimera, AutoDock Vina in Linux, and Discovery Studio Visualizer were employed for docking analyses and interaction visualizations. The GROMACS software in a virtual Linux environment was used for molecular dynamics simulations. Out of 46 volatile molecules selected based on literature and used for docking, the four top compounds were evaluated for their interaction, including squalene with a binding energy of −5.183 kcal/mol, uric acid with −5.169 kcal/mol, beta-ionone with −5.037 kcal/mol, and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol with −5.035 kcal/mol. The stability of MLP with the top two compounds, squalene and uric acid, was evaluated through molecular dynamics simulations. The uric acid complex was more stable. It showed lower and more stable root-mean-square deviation (∼2 nm), as well as hydrogen bonding (2–4 bonds), smoother solvent-accessible surface area, and gyration radius profiles. In contrast, the squalene complex showed greater conformational variability, lacking hydrogen bonding. The Gibbs free energy landscape and principal component analysis revealed that squalene had stabilization at the start of the simulation. In contrast, uric acid showed stronger long-term conformational convergence and stabilization by the end of the simulation. This study demonstrated the potential role of microplusin-like protein in recognizing volatile organic compounds. It provides insights into the potential to develop new tick-control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110677"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145775672","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}

{"title":"Rising seroprevalence of Borrelia spp. in free roaming felines in the eastern Tennessee valley","authors":"C. Black ,&nbsp;S. Pruitt ,&nbsp;J. Weisent","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110675","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110675","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the range and potential spread of tick-borne pathogens is vital for the protection of susceptible animals and humans. Free-roaming feline populations may serve as unique sentinel hosts for tick-borne illnesses because of their high association with human-populated areas and high interface with ticks. Our study analyzed indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) of feline serum collected from 2019 to 2020 and 2013–2014). Samples were screened for <em>Ehrlichia spp.</em>, <em>Rickettsia</em> spp., and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. Due to the high seroprevalence of <em>Borrelia</em> spp., additional samples were tested over multiple time periods to characterize potential chance. Results demonstrated <em>Borrelia</em> spp. in 41.3 % of the 2019–2020 samples and 9.7 % of the 2013–2014 samples. Generalized linear models were constructed to determine the factors correlated with positive <em>Borrelia</em> spp. cases; however, none of the models were statistically significant for predicting <em>Borrelia</em> spp. infection in free-roaming cats. This novel detection method demonstrated high prevalence of <em>Borrelia</em> spp. likely <em>B. burgdorferi</em> in free-roaming cats in the Eastern Tennessee Valley region of the U.S., an area that has seen significant changes in tick population and human disease in the past 20 years. While the specific role of free-roaming cats as sentinel hosts in disease cycling is still unknown, free-roaming cats may serve as reliable predictors for human infections over time. This study underscores the importance of implementing parasite prevention measures for ectoparasites and vectors in trap-neuter-release facilities and highlights the impact that free-roaming cats may have on vector-borne diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110675"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145782883","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}

{"title":"Comparative evaluation of the ovicidal activity of Azadirachta indica and its green synthesized silver nanoparticles against Fasciola gigantica eggs","authors":"O.P. Ummukulsoom,&nbsp;P.A. Ahammed Shareef","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fasciolosis, caused by <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> and <em>F. gigantica</em>, is an important veterinary disease of livestock, leading to health complications and substantial economic losses. The eggs produced by the adult flukes pass out of the host along with the feces that ensure the propagation of their infection and lifecycle. Therefore, targeting the eggs to control this parasite could check the snail infection and the completion of life cycle, and the spread of fasciolosis. The present study evaluated the ovicidal activities of ethanolic extract of <em>Azadirachta indica</em> leaf and its green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AI-AgNPs) against <em>F. gigantica</em> eggs in comparison with triclabendazole (TCBZ) <em>in vitro</em>. <em>A. indica</em> extract and AI-AgNPs were prepared and characterized following standard protocols. The eggs were incubated in distilled water (DW) containing 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml <em>A. indica</em> leaf extract, AI-AgNPs, and 1.5 µg/ml TCBZ at 28 ± 1 °C for 24 h and then in DW for 14 days. The effects of treatment were assessed based on the inhibition of development and hatchability of eggs at various stages. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ for AI-AgNPs were significantly lower (0.53 mg/ml and 2.62 mg/ml, respectively) than neem extract (1.46 mg/ml and 16.7 mg/ml) and TCBZ (1.47 µg/ml and 3.54 µg/ml). AI-AgNPs showed an ovicidal activity of 95.18 % at 4 mg/ml, significantly higher than the neem extract (71.48 %) and TCBZ (75.49 %). Statistical analysis showed that AI-AgNPs had a significant impact on mortality across various developmental stages. The present study suggests that AI-AgNPs could offer an alternative to conventional anthelmintics like TCBZ.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110672"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737272","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}

{"title":"Prevalence, infestation, and morphological characterization of the fish parasitic isopod Alitropus typus","authors":"Kavanat Beerahassan Rajeena ,&nbsp;Vadavanath Prabhakaran Vineetha","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The infestation of crustacean parasites affects the freshwater and marine fishes, causing retarded growth rate, reduced production, low reproduction, and mass mortality. Fish parasites from the isopod family Aegidae, in recent years, have received increased global attention due to their serious socio-economic, ecological, and welfare consequences in finfish aquaculture. This is particularly true for the buccal-inhabiting genus <em>Alitropus typus</em>, which has emerged as a major parasitic threat to freshwater and brackishwater fish populations across tropical and subtropical regions, adversely affecting the health of both farmed and wild-caught fish. As research on this group increases, so does our understanding of their prevalence, infestation, and morphological characterization. The present review focuses on the infestation, intensity, prevalence, and diversity of <em>A</em>. <em>typus</em> in different fish communities. The biochemical composition of crustaceans and various control strategies, including the use of chemicals, vaccination, and biological treatments, are briefly described and explained. The risk of parasite transmission from the aquaculture enterprises to wild fish populations underscores the urgent need for the initiation of control programmes to safeguard the original endemic fish stocks. The review aims to highlight the advantages of using bacteria as an alternative treatment to eradicate parasites in aquaculture and to show the possible negative environmental impacts of chemical treatments used in fish farming systems. Finally, we also highlight the potential of the bacterial consortium to control parasites in fish farming as it assures health health-promising effect to the fish community due to parasiticidal activity without any side effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110676"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828654","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}

{"title":"How can Mentha piperita oil affect Trichinella spiralis adults and larvae? In vitro and in vivo studies","authors":"Maha Mohamed Gomaa ,&nbsp;Inass Ibrahim Ahmed Zaki ,&nbsp;Hoda Adel Rashed","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The alarming concerns of the current anti-trichinosis therapeutics; low efficacy against encysted larvae, serious side effects, and resistance emergence necessitate seeking an alternative therapeutic option. The well-reported therapeutic potentials of peppermint essential oil (PEO) in multiple disorders involving parasitic infections inspired us to explore its anti-trichinosis capacity. This study assessed the <em>in-vitro</em> impact of PEO on <em>Trichinella spinalis</em> adult worms and muscle larvae at three concentrations (2.5 %, 5 %, 10 %) for two durations (4, 24 h). Additionally, its <em>in-vivo</em> efficacy against intestinal, muscle invasion, and late convalescent phases were evaluated in experimentally-infected mice. The phytochemical analysis of PEO revealed high content of menthone, menthol, total phenolic acid, and total flavonoids. It had potent antioxidant properties evidenced by monitoring DPPH scavenging activity (73.6 %) and NO serum levels. <em>In-vitro</em>, PEO had significantly-affected the survival and the cuticular ultrastructure of adults and muscle larvae, inducing the highest mortality rate and the most obvious damage at 10 % after 24 h. <em>In-vivo</em>, PEO treatment induced a significant reduction in parasite burden in the different stages of infection. PEO exhibited a superior activity over albendazole against invasive and encapsulated larvae. Histopathologically, PEO showed a marvelous amelioration of inflammatory infiltration and tissue damage in intestines and muscles and significantly reduced CD3⁺ immune-stained T-lymphocyte percentage. In conclusion, PEO revealed an obvious anti-trichinosis activity both <em>in-vitro</em> and <em>in-vivo</em>. The antioxidant capabilities and the anti-inflammatory possessions qualified it to be a promising, safe, therapeutic alternative for trichinosis. However, further studies should be conducted to standardize its dose and duration in human.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110663"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682103","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}

{"title":"International multicentre study to validate the Segmental Sedimentation and Counting Technique (SSCT) for the surveillance of Echinococcus multilocularis in red fox","authors":"Gérald Umhang ,&nbsp;Fanny Bastien ,&nbsp;Christophe Caillot ,&nbsp;Gunita Deksne ,&nbsp;Jacek Karamon ,&nbsp;Rebecca Davidson ,&nbsp;Maira Mateusa ,&nbsp;Małgorzata Samorek-Pieróg ,&nbsp;Azzurra Santoro ,&nbsp;Federica Santolamazza ,&nbsp;Relja Beck ,&nbsp;James O’Shaughnessy ,&nbsp;Rebecca P.K.D. Berg ,&nbsp;Pikka Jokelainen ,&nbsp;Anna Lunden ,&nbsp;Pavlo Maksimov ,&nbsp;Epp Moks ,&nbsp;Marja Isomursu ,&nbsp;Antti Oksanen ,&nbsp;Ants Tull ,&nbsp;Franck Boué","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110678","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110678","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fox tapeworm, <em>Echinococcus multilocularis,</em> is the etiological agent of the severe zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis. The Sedimentation and Counting Technique (SCT) has long been considered the gold standard for detecting these worms in the intestines of dead foxes. Several alternative methods, including the Segmental Sedimentation and Counting Technique (SSCT), have been developed, aiming to reduce time of analysis while maintaining high sensitivity. In this study, the performance of the SSCT was first evaluated by comparison with the SCT in the context of <em>E. multilocularis</em> surveillance in three countries and, secondly, a proficiency test scheme was organized to assess the capability of national reference laboratories for parasites in 14 European countries to perform the SSCT. The analysis of 375 small intestines of positive red foxes (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>) divided in four equal segments showed that combining the second (S2) and fourth (S4) segments achieved the highest sensitivity (99.2 %). Moreover, the same segment combination reached 100 % sensitivity among 11 infected raccoon dogs. The SSCT based on the analysis of the segments pair S4/S2 can therefore be recommended for the diagnosis of <em>E. multilocularis</em> infection in red foxes. For raccoon dogs (<em>Nyctereutes procyonoides</em>), the S4/S2 segments pair analysis also seems highly promising, though additional data are needed. Results from this proficiency test confirm the easy implementation of the method, even in laboratories without routine experience in scraping methods. Overall, this study demonstrates that the SSCT can be considered a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive reference method for post mortem diagnosis of <em>E. multilocularis</em> infection in red foxes, including for large-scale surveillance programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145834770","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}

{"title":"In vitro and in silico evaluation of nematicidal lectin compounds from Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds targeting gastrointestinal helminths","authors":"Renata Cristina Borges da Silva Macedo ,&nbsp;Mirna Samara Dié Alves ,&nbsp;Francisco Chagas Barbalho Neto ,&nbsp;Pablo Leandro Filgueira Feitosa ,&nbsp;Mário Luan Silva de Medeiros ,&nbsp;Edgley Alves de Oliveira Paula ,&nbsp;Michele Dalvina Correia da Silva ,&nbsp;Ana Carla Diógenes Suassuna Bezerra","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioactive plant molecules are a promising alternative for chemically controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the nematicidal activity of lectins from <em>Artocarpus heterophyllus</em> seeds against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and to evaluate their molecular targets using immunofluorescence and docking analyses. The three formulations (crude extract, protein fraction, and an isolated lectin mix) were subjected to the hemagglutinating activity assay and the egg hatching test (EHT). In addition, the isolated lectins in the mix were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for an immunofluorescence evaluation of their helminth labeling potential. The crude extract and protein fraction were tested in a 100 % concentration, and the isolated lectin mix was tested in different concentrations, and all presented an inhibitory effect on egg hatching. EHT results showed that the crude extract and the protein fraction inhibited 95.5 % and 88.1 % of egg hatching, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest activity for the isolated lectin mix led to 24.4 % egg hatching inhibition. Moreover, immunofluorescence showed that FITC-conjugated lectins did not recognize embryo molecules inside the eggs but recognized molecular targets in the larvae. The molecular docking results suggest a significant interaction between the lectins ArtinM and Jacalin and membrane proteins of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. Altogether, data show that the crude extract, protein fraction, and the isolated lectin mix inhibited egg hatching. In addition, isolated lectins interacted with biomolecules from first-stage larvae and showed <em>in silico</em> molecular interaction with membrane proteins of the evaluated nematodes. Finally, our data suggest that <em>A. heterophyllus</em> is a promising alternative for developing new antiparasitic drugs against sheep endoparasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110664"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678849","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}

{"title":"A roadmap in detecting frequently reported bovine babesiosis: From blood smear to CRISPR","authors":"Binaka Prabashini Dasanayaka ,&nbsp;Sisira Lal Pathirana ,&nbsp;Ama Jayawardana ,&nbsp;Shiroma Mangalika Handunnetti ,&nbsp;Narmada Fernando ,&nbsp;Bandula Prasanna Galhena ,&nbsp;Sisira Jagathpriya Weerasena ,&nbsp;Andreas Nitsche ,&nbsp;Samantha Sudarshini Iddamaldeniya ,&nbsp;Ann-Kathrin Dietzsch","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Current diagnosis of <em>Babesia bovis</em> and <em>B. bigemina</em> relies on direct microscopy, nucleic acid detection, and serology. Light-microscopic analysis of Giemsa-stained smears still serves as the primary diagnostic modality at the point of care. However, carrier cattle, particularly those harbouring <em>B. bovis</em>, often carry parasites at levels far below the detection threshold, and such levels are sensitive only to DNA-based detection approaches. Early probe-hybridization techniques have been largely replaced by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), nested formats, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)-which enable species-specific discrimination within closed-tube systems, thereby minimizing contamination risk. Species‑level identification is essential for clinical management, surveillance, and experimental studies. Duplex TaqMan qPCRs simultaneously distinguish <em>B. bovis</em> from <em>B. bigemina</em>, surpassing the analytical sensitivity offered by nested PCR (nPCR) methodologies. Reverse-line-blot (RLB) hybridisation broadens the diagnostic scope by concurrently detecting co-infections of <em>B. bovis</em> and B. <em>bigemina</em> and mixed haemoparasitic species in one workflow. However, the analytical sensitivity of RLB remains inferior to that of qPCR in detecting low-density and carrier-state infections of <em>B. bigemina</em>. RLB remains useful for retrospective genotyping when amplification is impractical or fails. Field-ready isothermal approaches have expanded the scope of molecular diagnostics beyond laboratory settings, facilitating field-level application and rapid on-site detection. Coupling Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with a lateral-flow dipstick (LFD) (LAMP-LFD) enables pen-side direct visual detection. Antibody tests are essential tools for herd-level surveillance. A recent chimeric Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that combines three immunodominant <em>B. bovis</em> antigens broaden strain coverage and boosts diagnostic reliability. Recombinase polymerase amplification coupled to CRISPR-Cas12a cleavage has achieved single-target detection of <em>B. bigemina</em> from tick salivary-gland DNA, paving the way for innovative pen-side platforms, once cost and technical hurdles are overcome. Importantly, vector-based detection using appropriate tissues bearing an optimum level of ticks is species-dependent. <em>B. bigemina</em> sporozoites concentrate in nymph/adult salivary glands, whereas <em>B. bovis</em> sporozoites are produced mainly in larval salivary glands, so monitoring programs should stratify sampling accordingly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110662"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678846","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}

{"title":"Pharmacokinetics of a fipronil pour-on formulation and its efficacy against Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae) in horses","authors":"Marisa Beatriz da Silva Rocha ,&nbsp;Barbara Rauta Avelar ,&nbsp;Gabriela Carmelinda Martins dos Santos ,&nbsp;Thais Paes Ferreira ,&nbsp;Thiago de Sousa Vieira ,&nbsp;Gabriela Ferreira de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Bruno Toledo Gomes ,&nbsp;Guilherme Marcondes Klafke ,&nbsp;Thais Ribeiro Correia ,&nbsp;Yara Peluso Cid ,&nbsp;Fábio Barbour Scott","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to standardize a stall-trial methodology for horses in order to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a 1 % fipronil pour-on formulation against <em>Dermacentor nitens</em>. Brazilian pony breed horses were housed in individual stalls within a covered barn and artificially infested with <em>D. nitens</em> larvae on alternate days from day –31 to –1 before treatment. The animals were treated on day 0 with a fipronil 1 % pour-on at a dose of 1 mg/Kg body weight. To determine the therapeutic efficacy, the number of engorged females naturally detached from control and treated groups was recorded for 29 days after treatment. To evaluate the persistent efficacy, further larvae infestations were performed on days 7, 14 and 21 after treatment and tick counts were recorded until day 50. The determination of fipronil and its metabolite fipronil sulfone concentration in the plasma was performed at times of 0, 4 h and on days 1, 2, 7, 12, 14, 15, 16, 21, 28, and 48 after treatment. The overall acaricidal efficacy was 91.83 % from day 1–29. The persistent efficacy was 99.69; 99.19 and 99.32 % against tick infestation challenges performed on days 7, 14 and 21, respectively. In plasma, the Cmax of fipronil was 0.71 ± 0.30 µg/mL on day 7 and 0.27 ± 0.06 µg/mL for fipronil sulfone on day 21. The implementation of a stall trial with horses enables the evaluation of the effectiveness of acaricides against all life stages of ticks without interference from environmental factors. The observed reduction in the number of detached, engorged ticks indicates that Fipronil 1 % pour-on is effective against all parasitic stages present on the animal: larvae, nymphs, and adults. Therefore, fipronil 1 % pour-on is both therapeutically and preventively effective against <em>D. nitens</em> in horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"342 ","pages":"Article 110674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737273","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}