Veterinary parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Development of a visual rapid detection method for aquatic animal-derived Trypanosoma via MIRA-LFD","authors":"Xue-Mei Yuan ,&nbsp;Xin-Zhi Weng ,&nbsp;Xia-Lian Bu ,&nbsp;Jing Chen ,&nbsp;Jing-Biao Jiao ,&nbsp;Xian-Qi Peng ,&nbsp;Wei-Song Ma ,&nbsp;Ling-Yun Lin ,&nbsp;Lei Huang ,&nbsp;Xiao-Yi Pan ,&nbsp;Hong-Xia Hu ,&nbsp;Ling-Wei Xu ,&nbsp;Jia-Yun Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110636","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110636","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trypanosoma</em> is a genus of flagellated protozoan parasites that commonly infect the blood of various vertebrates, including aquatic animals. Under natural conditions, these pathogens are vectored by leeches and may induce clinical manifestations such as anemia, edema, and appetite suppression in hosts. Prolonged infection can lead to severe weight loss, ultimately contributing to economic losses in aquaculture. In this study, we developed a rapid diagnostic assay combining Multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (MIRA) with Lateral flow dipstick (LFD) visualization for detecting aquatic animal-derived <em>Trypanosoma</em>. Using Small Subunit Ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) gene as the detection target, specific primers and probes were designed. The optimal primer and probe combination were selected via primer screening. Through the optimization of reaction conditions and specificity and sensitivity testing, a method for detecting trypanosomes in aquatic animals was established using MIRA-LFD. The optimal reaction temperature for MIRA is 45℃. The reaction time is 15 min, and the result observation time is 5 min, resulting in a total duration of the entire detection process of 20 min. The specificity test results indicated that the method can specifically detect trypanosome DNA, with no cross-reactions observed with eight common parasites of aquatic animals (e.g., <em>Argulus</em> sp., <em>Cryptocaryon irritans</em>) or five host species (e.g., large yellow croaker, koi carp). The sensitivity test results demonstrated a detection limit of 8 pg/µL for trypanosome DNA (1000-fold higher than conventional PCR) and could detect as few as 1 trypanosome, compared to 100 trypanosomes required for conventional PCR. This method successfully detected trypanosome DNA from various tissue samples of large yellow croaker (<em>Larimichthys crocea</em>), including gill mucus, blood, and kidney tissue. In contrast, the PCR method only detected trypanosome DNA in blood samples. Clinical validation with 24 samples revealed 100 % detection rate for positive samples by MIRA-LFD, outperforming PCR’s 83.33 % (10/12) rate. The MIRA-LFD method developed in this study for detecting aquatic animal-derived trypanosomes is rapid, simple, highly sensitive, and specific. It requires no sophisticated or expensive equipment, making it ideal for basic laboratories and on-site testing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"341 ","pages":"Article 110636"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145445992","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":"First report of marine leech Limnotrachelobdella okae infestation in miiuy croaker (Miichthys miiuy): An emerging threat to Chinese mariculture","authors":"Shunli Che ,&nbsp;Zequan Mo ,&nbsp;Hai Zhang ,&nbsp;Haoran Tang ,&nbsp;Xueming Dan ,&nbsp;Yanwei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>From January to April 2025, an unprecedented epizootic outbreak of <em>Limnotrachelobdella okae</em> infested <em>Miichthys miiuy</em> in China, reducing survival rates to 7.69 % and causing massive economic losses. Clinical manifestations included ulcerative lesions, gill filament pallor, and anorexia. The present study aimed to characterize this emerging parasitic threat and the involved pathogenic mechanisms. Leeches collected from infected fish were morphologically and phylogenetically identified. Although first documented to induce mortality in <em>M. miiuy</em>, <em>L. okae</em> exhibited broad host plasticity. Pathological impacts were assessed via hematological profiling and histopathology. The pathological effects of the infestation included a cascade of hemorrhagic anemia (40 % decrease in red blood cells and 39 % decrease in hemoglobin), systemic immunosuppression (69 % decrease in white blood cells), and anemia-induced multiple organ dysfunction (liver, spleen, head kidney, and trunk kidney). Furthermore, field data confirmed temperature (&gt;20 °C) as the dominant driver of epidemic termination (Pearson’s r = -0.717, <em>p</em> = 0.045). Environmental tolerance assays of <em>L. okae</em> demonstrated strict cryohalophilic dependence, with optimal viability at 5–15°C and 15–25 ‰ salinity, and complete mortality was observed at 25 °C. The present study identified <em>L. okae</em> as an emerging threat to mariculture diversification. The present findings expand the spectrum of high-risk parasites jeopardizing marine aquaculture. Elucidation of the behavioral ecology and pathogenesis of <em>L. okae</em> will advance targeted surveillance and mitigation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"341 ","pages":"Article 110637"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145460022","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":"Resistance concerns and coccidiosis management in rabbit farming: Insights from robenidine, diclazuril and feed evaluations","authors":"D. Häner-Grolimund ,&nbsp;D. Stucki ,&nbsp;J. Schwarz ,&nbsp;D. Wiederkehr ,&nbsp;C.F. Frey","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rabbit coccidiosis, caused by <em>Eimeria</em> species and presenting in both hepatic and intestinal forms, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in meat rabbits (<em>Oryctolagus cuniculus</em>). Effective control strategies are urgently needed. This field study assessed the efficacy of two coccidiostats - robenidine and diclazuril – as well as a nutritionally optimized feed (referred to as “altered feed”), either on its own or supplemented with a resin acid-based additive, in managing coccidiosis. A total of 579 rabbits were allocated to five distinct feeding groups across two farms during two consecutive fattening cycles. Rabbits receiving diclazuril exhibited significantly lower oocyst per gram (OPG) values in environmental fecal samples and a markedly reduced risk of liver coccidiosis compared to all other groups (p &lt; 0.0001). In contrast, robenidine did not have a significant effect on OPG values, although it reduced the risk for liver coccidiosis. An overall mortality of 20.9 % was observed, with gastrointestinal and pulmonary alterations identified as the main causes of death in necropsy. This highlights the critical need for improved health management during the fattening cycles. The altered feed, particularly when supplemented with the resin acid-based additive, shows promise but warrants further investigation, as it performed either similarly to or better as the commercial feeds in terms of morbidity and mortality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"341 ","pages":"Article 110651"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145496828","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":"Effectiveness of ultrasound in sheep as a monitoring tool for the long-term control of cystic echinococcosis","authors":"Beatrice Mercaldo,&nbsp;Maria Chiara Alterisio,&nbsp;Antonio Bosco,&nbsp;Antonio Di Loria,&nbsp;Elena Ciccone,&nbsp;Sergio Esposito,&nbsp;Laura Rinaldi,&nbsp;Paolo Ciaramella,&nbsp;Jacopo Guccione","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound (US) in sheep compared with the necropsy (gold standard) as an <em>in-vivo</em> monitoring tool used in a long-term control program of cystic echinococcosis (CE). The study involved 10-randomly-selected farms, divided into a Treated-Group (TG, n = 5, receiving a control protocol for CE) and a Control-Group (CG, n = 5, no protocol), enrolled over 6-years in an endemic area of southern Italy. All sheep of ten farms destined for slaughter underwent liver and lung US followed by necropsy, during the study period. From a total of 1’175 sheep, 50.0 % (593/1’175) belonged to the TG and 49.5 % (582/1’175) to the CG were enrolled. Overall, the US showed a Sensitivity (SE) of 87.9 %, a Specificity (SP) of 72.3 % as well as a positive- (PPV) and negative-predictive-value (NPV), and Accuracy of 74.4 %, 86.7 %, and 79.7 %, respectively. A moderate Cohen’s Kappa-Coefficient (<em>K=</em>0.599) were also detected between the two techniques. The generalised linear mixed model showed that distribution (p &lt; 0.001) and type of lesion (p &lt; 0.001) significantly influence the US performance. The higher SP and PPV in CG likely result from a greater disease prevalence and presence of older lesions; the higher NPV in TG might reflect the beneficial effects of the control program and lower disease exposure. Although technical and logistical challenges have to be addressed for its use, a US conscious integration into continuous surveillance program might promote the early <em>in vivo</em> identification of infected farms, limiting necropsy dependence for CE monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110610"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145091600","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":"Development of an optimized culture medium using meso-inositol and mannitol to maximize chlamydospore production of Duddingtonia flagrans","authors":"Manuela Southwell ,&nbsp;Milagros Junco ,&nbsp;Silvina Fernández ,&nbsp;Gisele Bernat ,&nbsp;Sara Zegbi ,&nbsp;Inés Guerrero ,&nbsp;Federica Sagües","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110613","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110613","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biological control using nematophagous fungi such as <em>Duddingtonia flagrans</em> offers a sustainable strategy to reduce gastrointestinal nematode populations in grazing animals. However, large-scale application requires efficient chlamydospore production without compromising fungal viability and efficacy. This study aimed to optimize a solid culture medium enriched with meso-inositol and mannitol to enhance chlamydospore production and assess its impact on nematode predatory capacity for their subsequent use as biological control agent. Different formulations were tested by supplementing Glucose Sabouraud Agar with various concentrations of meso-inositol (1.1–2 %) and mannitol (2–5 %). Cultures were incubated for up to 35 days, and chlamydospores were extracted and quantified under optical microscope at 3, 4, and 5 weeks of culturing. The highest yield – 6.95 × 10⁷ chlamydospores/plate - was obtained using 2 % meso-inositol and 5 % mannitol after 35 days of incubation at 27 ± 0.5 °C and 70 ± 5 % RH. <em>In vitro</em> fungal predatory activity against gastrointestinal nematode larvae from naturally parasitized sheep was maintained across all formulation treatments, with parasite larval reduction exceeding 70 % (p &lt; 0.0001), indicating that the optimized medium did not impair nematophagous efficacy. These findings contribute to the development of scale-up fungal culture strategies for producing commercially-based <em>D. flagrans</em> suitable for its incorporation into integrated control programs of livestock parasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110613"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096577","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":"Anthelmintic efficacy and sublethal effects of trichlorfon in pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) naturally infected with Dawestrema cycloancistrium","authors":"Jeffesson de Oliveira-Lima ,&nbsp;Patricia Oliveira Maciel-Honda ,&nbsp;Jayne Barros de Aguiar Silva ,&nbsp;Liana Bezerra Dias de Lima ,&nbsp;Sandro Estevan Moron","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110630","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110630","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Trichlorfon is an organophosphate commonly used to control fish ectoparasites due to its cholinesterase-inhibiting action. Due to recurring issues with monogeneans in pirarucu, this active ingredient has been frequently used in this aquaculture system. The present study aimed to simultaneously evaluate the antiparasitic efficacy and physiological effects of trichlorfon in <em>A. gigas</em> juvenile naturally infected with monogenean <em>Dawestrema cycloancistrium</em>. In the <em>in vitro</em> assay, parasitized gill arches were exposed to trichlorfon (0.1 mg/L - 10 g/L) under controlled conditions, with parasite motility analyzed every 30 min. A 100 % mortality rate was observed after 30 min at 10 g/L and after 3 h at 10 mg/L; concentrations ≤ 1 mg/L caused only a reduction in parasite motility. In the <em>in vivo</em> trial, 96 juveniles were separated into four groups: control, 10 g/L for 30 min, 10 mg/L for 3 h and 10 mg/L for 96 h. The 10 mg/L for 96 h treatment showed the highest efficacy (96.9 %), significantly surpassing the others (49.7 % and 42.3 %; p &lt; 0.05). However, this prolonged exposure induced hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, reduction in ALT and AST levels, and hyperglycemia. It is concluded that trichlorfon short-bath protocols, such as 10 g/L for 30 min or 10 mg/L for 3 h did not cause significant physiological alterations but resulted in only partial efficacy (∼50 %). Prolonged exposures at 10 mg/L for 96 h should not be recommended for <em>A. gigas</em> due to their hematotoxic and hepatotoxic effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110630"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145318616","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":"Late pregnancy is associated with an increase in regulatory cytokines and a decline in nematode-specific antibody levels in sheep infected with Teladorsagia circumcincta","authors":"Adam D. Hayward ,&nbsp;Andrew W. Greer ,&nbsp;David Frew ,&nbsp;Margaret Oliver ,&nbsp;Alison A. Morrison ,&nbsp;Yvonne Bartley ,&nbsp;Yolanda Corripio-Miyar ,&nbsp;David J. Bartley ,&nbsp;Fiona Kenyon ,&nbsp;Mara Rocchi ,&nbsp;Alasdair J. Nisbet ,&nbsp;Tom N. McNeilly","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gastrointestinal nematode <em>Teladorsagia circumcincta</em> is a prevalent and economically important parasite of sheep. Sheep develop acquired immunity to <em>T. circumcincta</em>, characterised by nematode-specific antibody production and a type 2 T-helper (Th) cell response. During late pregnancy and early lactation, ewes experience increased nematode faecal egg count (FEC) known as the peri-parturient rise (PPR). The PPR is associated with a decline in nematode-specific antibodies, but research on the role of Th cell-mediated immunity in the PPR is limited. Here, we characterised the cellular and humoral immune responses of <em>T. circumcincta</em>-infected ewes fed at two dietary levels during the peri-parturient period. Diet had a limited effect on any trait, likely due to the high body condition of the ewes entering the study, but all ewes experienced a pronounced PPR. The PPR was associated with a decline in nematode-specific IgG, and antigen-dependent declines of IgA and IgE around parturition. Levels of the Th1-associated cytokine IFN-γ and the Th2-associated cytokine IL-4 showed antigen-dependent declines during the peri-parturient period. In contrast, the regulatory cytokine IL-10 increased around parturition in response to a generic mitogen, nematode antigens and Heptavac® vaccine, suggesting a generalised regulatory immune phenotype. Our results provide a comprehensive view of the immunological changes during the PPR and suggest a possible role for regulatory T cell responses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110617"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159031","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":"Morphological and molecular identification of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in dairy cattle, Bos taurus from intensive dairy cattle farms in some areas of China","authors":"Jiashu Lang ,&nbsp;Huikai Qin ,&nbsp;Jinfeng Zhao ,&nbsp;Kaihui Zhang ,&nbsp;Zi Yan ,&nbsp;Ziyang Qin ,&nbsp;Junqiang Li ,&nbsp;Yayun Wu ,&nbsp;Yixuan Niu ,&nbsp;Yifan Zhang ,&nbsp;Longxian Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110621","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110621","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coccidiosis is among the most prevalent diseases affecting dairy cattle globally, imposing significant economic losses on the dairy industry annually. To better understand the epidemiology and species distribution of <em>Eimeria</em> spp. in key dairy-producing regions of China, as well as to improve species-level identification, we developed an integrated approach combining morphological characterization with single-oocyst selection technology and multi-locus-nested PCR amplification. This method enables comprehensive genetic profiling of individual oocysts through multi-locus genotyping. A total of 900 fecal samples were collected from the rectums of dairy cattle, the overall prevalence of <em>Eimeria</em> spp. infection was 34.78 % (313/900). Thirteen <em>Eimeria</em> spp. were identified with the following distribution: <em>Eimeria alabamensis</em> (12.46 %, 39/313), <em>E. auburnensis</em> (28.43 %, 89/313), <em>E. bovis</em> (42.81 %, 134/313), <em>E. bukidnonensis</em> (5.75 %,18/313), <em>E. canadensis</em> (27.80 %,87/313), <em>E. cylindrica</em> (30.67 %,96/313), <em>E. ellipsoidalis</em> (37.06 %,116/313), <em>E. pellita</em> (0.30 %,1/313), <em>E. subspherical</em> (28.12 %,88/313), <em>E. zuernii</em> (50.48 %,158/313), <em>E. illinoisensis</em> (25.56 %,80/313), <em>E. wyomingensis</em> (3.83 %,12/313), <em>E. ildefonsoi</em> (1.28 %,4/313). Among these, <em>E. bovis</em> and <em>E. zuernii</em> were the predominant species. Our study contributes new data of <em>Eimeria</em> spp. infection in dairy cattle from key dairy-producing regions of China. We provide updated morphological characterizations for several <em>Eimeria</em> species, for the first time in China, the presence of <em>E. ildefonsoi</em>. Additionally, we performed comparative sequence analysis of the <em>SSU</em> rRNA and COI loci. The results revealed sequence homology ranges of 93.00 %–100.00 % (<em>SSU</em> rRNA) and 83.30 %–98.80 % (COI) among the 13 <em>Eimeria</em> species examined. Phylogenetic analysis based on these two loci effectively differentiated all 13 <em>Eimeria</em> species. This study represents the first report of single-oocyst-derived sequences for <em>Eimeria</em> spp. in dairy cattle at the <em>SSU</em> rRNA and COI loci, establishing a robust method for precise species identification and expanding the genetic database for bovine <em>Eimeria</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110621"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221486","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":"Virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs identifies amlodipine as a novel anti-Gyrodactylus kobayashii agent with therapeutic potential in aquaculture","authors":"Xiaoping Tan ,&nbsp;Tianqiang Liu ,&nbsp;Gaoxue Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parasitic infestations remain a major challenge in aquaculture, causing substantial economic losses. Current treatments for gyrodactylosis predominantly rely on unapproved chemicals, which often exhibit suboptimal efficacy. In this study, a molecular docking approach was employed to elucidate interactions between FDA-approved drugs and key residues within the active site of <em>Gyrodactylus kobayashii</em> proteins. Using AutoDock Vina, we screened a library of FDA-approved compounds and identified amlodipine and colistin sulfate salt as the most potent candidates against <em>G. kobayashii</em>. The minimum concentrations required to achieve complete parasite eradication within 24 h were 13.0 mg/L for amlodipine and 16.0 mg/L for colistin sulfate salt. Given its lower toxicity to goldfish, amlodipine was selected for further investigation. In vitro assays demonstrated that amlodipine exhibited significant anthelmintic activity, with 18 mg/L eradicating 60.67 % of <em>G. kobayashii</em> within 2 h. Subsequent in vivo trials involving goldfish infected with <em>G. kobayashii</em> revealed that a 24-hour bath treatment with amlodipine reduced the total worm burden, achieving an EC₅₀ value of 10.537 mg/L, and 100 % efficacy at 13.0 mg/L. Acute toxicity assays determined an LC₅₀ of 19.653 mg/L for goldfish following 96 h of exposure to amlodipine. Furthermore, expression analyses of xenobiotic-sensitive genes (<em>cyp1a</em> and <em>hsp70</em>) indicated significant modulation post-treatment, with a gradual return to baseline levels over time. To further elucidate the mechanistic effects of amlodipine, we investigated the expression of key genes within the MAPK signaling pathway, including <em>JNK</em>, <em>P53</em>, <em>SMAD4</em>, <em>JNK3</em>, and <em>C-JUN</em>. Results showed that the expression of these genes was significantly influenced by both the concentration and duration of amlodipine exposure. These findings underscore the potential of virtual screening methodologies for identifying effective anthelmintic agents targeting specific proteins. This approach offers promising implications for the aquaculture industry, which has historically lagged behind other sectors in drug research and development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110605"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145046343","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":"Mitochondrial genome of Strongylus edentatus confirms monophyly of the genus Strongylus within Strongylinae","authors":"Zhonghuai Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhuo Lan ,&nbsp;Yuan Gao ,&nbsp;Hongyu Qiu ,&nbsp;Junfeng Gao ,&nbsp;Chunren Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Strongylus vulgaris</em>, <em>Strongylus equinus</em>, <em>Strongylus edentatus</em> and <em>Strongylus asini</em> are important equine nematodes, classified under the genus <em>Strongylus</em> (subfamily Strongylinae). However, this taxonomy is controversial. Thus, the mitochondrial (mt) genome of <em>S. edentatus</em> collected from horses in Heilongjiang Province, China was sequenced and compared with those of closely related species to clarify the classification and phylogenetic relationships of this genus. The circular mt genome of <em>S. edentatus</em> was 14,765 bp long, comprising 12 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and three noncoding regions. All protein-coding genes were transcribed in the same direction and had a type 3 gene arrangement. The genome contained 22 intergenic spacers (1–146 bp) and four overlapping regions (1–14 bp). The A+T content was 78.15 %, reflecting a strong nucleotide and codon usage bias. The mt genome of <em>S. edentatus</em> showed higher similarity with that of <em>S. equinus</em> (96.3 %) than with that of <em>S. vulgaris</em> (76.9 %). Phylogenetic analyses showed that <em>S. edentatus</em> and <em>S. equinus</em> were classified on the same branch, forming a sister branch with <em>S. vulgaris</em> within Strongylinae, with <em>S. edentatus</em> and <em>S. equinus</em> having a closer phylogenetic relationship. Although traditionally assigned to Strongylinae, <em>Strongylus</em> and <em>Triodontophorus</em> did not cluster together. This study provides the first complete mt genome of <em>S. edentatus</em> and confirmed that <em>S. equinus</em>, <em>S. vulgaris,</em> and <em>S. edentatus</em> belong to the genus <em>Strongylus</em>, which is monophyletic, with the subfamilies Strongylinae and Cyathostominae being paraphyletic. Thus, overall, this study provides valuable data for addressing taxonomic ambiguities in the Strongylidae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23716,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary parasitology","volume":"340 ","pages":"Article 110607"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145046352","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}