Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants in Franceville, Gabon","authors":"Krista Mapagha-Boundoukou ,&nbsp;Larson Boundenga ,&nbsp;Mohamed H. Mohamed-Djawad ,&nbsp;Neil M. Longo-Pendy ,&nbsp;Patrice Makouloutou-Nzassi ,&nbsp;Mourad Ben Said ,&nbsp;Gael Darren Maganga","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal parasites represent a major constraint on the health and productivity of small ruminants worldwide. In Gabon, and particularly in Franceville, data regarding parasite diversity, prevalence, and associated risk factors remain scarce. Understanding these aspects is crucial to develop effective, targeted control strategies and to safeguard animal health and food security. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2019, covering both dry and rainy seasons in Franceville, southeastern Gabon. A total of 120 fecal samples (113 sheep and 7 goats) were collected from twelve farms representing semi-intensive and extensive husbandry systems. Samples were analyzed using flotation and sedimentation coprological techniques to identify and quantify parasite eggs and oocysts. Host and environmental data, including age, sex, physiological status, farming system, and season, were recorded. Statistical analysis included prevalence estimation, Chi-square tests for association, and linear regression models with model selection based on Akaike's Information Criterion. The overall gastrointestinal parasite prevalence of 91.7 % was observed, consistent with regional African data. Ten parasite genera were identified, encompassing nematodes, cestodes, and protozoa. The most prevalent were <em>Oesophagostomum</em>/<em>Haemonchus</em> complex (64.6 %), <em>Eimeria</em> spp. (53.3 %), <em>Strongyloides</em> spp. (42.5 %), and <em>Trichostrongylus</em> spp. (38.0 %). Nematodes exhibited the highest mean infection intensity (∼1577 eggs per gram), followed by protozoa and cestodes. Risk factor analysis revealed that juveniles had higher prevalence of infestation, but lower parasite loads than adults, males carried higher burdens than females, and pregnant females had significantly elevated parasite loads (∼2.5 times higher). Extensive farming was associated with increased prevalence and burden, while seasonality influenced genus-specific occurrence. Limitations included small sample size for goats and absence of molecular diagnostics. This first study in Franceville (Gabon) demonstrates a high burden and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants, with key host and environmental factors influencing infection dynamics. The findings highlight the urgent need for genus-specific, integrated control measures adapted to local husbandry and seasonal patterns, especially targeting vulnerable groups like pregnant females. Future longitudinal studies employing molecular tools are recommended to refine parasite identification and optimize intervention strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of some parasites, a One Health approach is essential to improve animal health, public health, and food security in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00465"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scorpion species distribution and sting epidemiology in Dena and Boyer-Ahmad, Iran – Implications for management","authors":"Mohsen Fakhraei ,&nbsp;Raziyeh Shahheidari ,&nbsp;Amir Hossein Roozitalab ,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi ,&nbsp;Mohsen Kalantari","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scorpion envenomation represents a significant public health burden in Iran, particularly in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, which reports 40,000 to 50,000 cases annually. The ecological adaptability and diversity of scorpions contribute to their widespread distribution, heightening the risk of human encounters and the associated economic and psychosocial impacts. This epidemiological study investigated scorpion distribution and sting patterns in Dena and Boyer-Ahmad counties, southwestern Iran, during a six-month sampling period from spring to September 2024. Specimens were collected diurnally and nocturnally using UV light within 500-m radii of predetermined sites, primarily from beneath rocks and old walls in desert environments. Among 208 identified scorpions, <em>Hottentotta zagrosensis</em> (<em>n</em> = 132) predominated, followed by <em>Hemiscorpius lepturus</em> (<em>n</em> = 28), <em>Compsobuthus rugosulus</em> (<em>n</em> = 24), <em>Mesobuthus eupeus</em> (<em>n</em> = 20), and <em>Orthochirus sp.</em> (<em>n</em> = 4). The Buthidae family accounted for 86.53 % of specimens. Concurrently, clinical and demographic data from 156 sting cases recorded in local health centers during 2024 were analyzed. Males comprised 54.5 % of cases, with hands (48.1 %) and feet (37.2 %) being the most frequent sting sites. Most incidents occurred indoors (82.7 %) and between 6 p.m. and midnight (31.4 %). Notably, no fatalities were reported. This research provides the first comprehensive faunistic and epidemiological data for these counties, revealing <em>H. zagrosensis</em> as the dominant species. The findings establish a critical foundation for developing targeted ecological management strategies, public health interventions, and conservation efforts to mitigate scorpion-related risks in southwestern Iran.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145269922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of topical Ivermectin in controlling human Demodex infestation: Evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Anon Paichitrojjana ,&nbsp;Kitsarawut Khuancharee ,&nbsp;Anand Paichitrojjana","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Demodex</em> mites are usually harmless but can contribute to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis, and demodicosis. While new therapies like lotilaner, niclosamide, and berberine show promise against <em>D. folliculorum</em>, ivermectin remains widely used for its strong antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the direct effectiveness of ivermectin in reducing <em>Demodex</em> mite density in associated skin diseases is not fully quantified.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between December 2014 and December 2024. Eligible studies have assessed the effect of topical ivermectin on <em>Demodex</em> mite number or density using standardized diagnostic methods. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data were pooled using a random-effects model where appropriate.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 2344 studies were identified, with five studies (<em>n</em> = 180 participants) meeting the inclusion criteria. All studies reported significant reductions in <em>Demode</em>x mite count or density after daily application of topical ivermectin 1 %. Meta-analyses demonstrated a mean reduction of 70.01 mites/cm² and an 80 % decrease in <em>Demodex</em>-positive (≥5 D/cm²) rates. A 16-week treatment duration was associated with a notable reduction, with effects sustained for up to 12 weeks post-treatment. Only mild, localized adverse events were reported, with no systemic side effects observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Topical ivermectin is effective and well-tolerated for reducing the number and density of <em>Demodex</em> mites. A 16-week treatment course significantly decreases mite burden and improves clinical outcomes with minimal adverse events. However, the potential for mite repopulation after treatment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring. Study heterogeneity and the limited number of included trials warrant cautious interpretation of the findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00461"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Culicidae vector ecology in southern Iran: Integrating Faunistics and molecular analysis of blood-feeding preferences to strengthen malaria surveillance in transition zones","authors":"Mohsen Kalantari,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Culicidae mosquitoes are pivotal vectors of malaria and arboviral diseases, necessitating continuous surveillance in transitional zones where ecological and anthropogenic factors amplify transmission risks. This study investigated the fauna and blood-feeding preferences of Culicidae in Shiraz, southern Iran—a region adjacent to malaria-endemic provinces—using molecular methods to inform vector control strategies. From April 2023 to January 2024, 1249 adult mosquitoes were collected across urban and rural sites via pyrethrum spray catches, CDC light traps, and manual aspiration. Morphological identification revealed <em>Culex pipiens</em> (39.0 %), <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> (23.6 %), and <em>Aedes caspius</em> (19.6 %) as dominant Culicinae species, while <em>Anopheles dthali</em> (80.6 % of Anophelinae) and <em>An. sacharovi</em> (19.4 %) comprised the primary Anophelinae. PCR-RFLP analysis of mitochondrial “cytochrome <em>b</em>” gene fragments from 50 blood-fed females demonstrated distinct host preferences: <em>Anopheles</em> spp. primarily fed on rodents/dogs (41 %) and humans (28 %), whereas <em>Cx. pipiens</em> exhibited marked anthropophily (54 % human blood meals). Spatial clustering of <em>An. sacharovi</em> in irrigation-rich northern Shiraz (<em>χ</em>^<em>2</em> = 12.7, *p* &lt; 0.01) and mixed human-livestock blood meals in <em>Cx. pipiens</em> highlighted ecological overlap favoring zoonotic spillover. These findings underscore the dual role of <em>Cx. pipiens</em> as an important vector for arboviruses and the residual malaria risk posed by <em>Anopheles</em> spp. in transitional zones. Molecular techniques proved critical for precise blood meal identification, surpassing traditional serological limitations. The study advocates for integrated vector management—combining targeted insecticide use, environmental modification, and cross-border surveillance—to mitigate malaria resurgence and emerging arboviral threats. Sustained entomological monitoring, leveraging molecular tools, is essential to safeguard Iran's malaria elimination achievements and address evolving public health challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00460"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145160340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strongyloides seroprevalence in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: Epidemiological profiles and comparison of two assays","authors":"Emelia Osman ,&nbsp;Rahmah Noordin ,&nbsp;Rozita Mohd ,&nbsp;Lydia Kamaruzaman ,&nbsp;Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap ,&nbsp;S. Izuddin Mohd. Zali ,&nbsp;Nur Afrina Azhar ,&nbsp;Nor Suhada Anuar","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Strongyloides stercoralis</em> infection poses significant risks to individuals with suppressed immune systems, including patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, data on its prevalence in this population, particularly in Southeast Asia, remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence using two assays, as well as to describe its epidemiological characteristics and associated laboratory parameters among patients with advanced CKD at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 220 patients with stages 4 and 5 CKD were recruited. Serum samples were screened using a commercial IgG-ELISA (Bordier) and an IgG4-based rapid diagnostic test (IgG4-RDT). Epidemiological and clinical data were collected through structured interviews and medical records. The overall <em>S. stercoralis</em> seroprevalence was 44 %, with 41.8 % detected by IgG4-RDT and 6.8 % by IgG-ELISA, showing only slight agreement (κ = 0.2). These findings suggest that, despite the impaired humoral immunity typically observed in advanced CKD patients, specific IgG4 responses remain sufficiently detectable. It may reflect both a relatively preserved IgG4 response and the higher sensitivity of the IgG4-based assay in this population. No significant associations were found between seropositivity and demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, or laboratory parameters. However, cough was significantly associated with seropositivity. The results highlight a potentially underrecognized burden of <em>Strongyloides</em> infection among Malaysian CKD patients. Incorporating serological screening, particularly with the IgG4-RDT, into nephrology care may facilitate early detection and better management. Future studies are warranted to assess treatment outcomes and preventive strategies, including ivermectin prophylaxis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00458"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Level, trends and factors associated with early seeking care for children under five with a fever in Guinea","authors":"Sidiki Kaba ,&nbsp;Mamadou Dian Dilé Diallo ,&nbsp;Facinet Conté","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00459","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00459","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity in Guinea. To contain it, the National Malaria Control Programme, following the guidelines of the World Health Organisation, prioritises the mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, seasonal chemoprevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women and the proper management of all confirmed cases. The latest survey on malaria and anaemia indicators conducted in 2021 indicates a malaria prevalence of 17 % among children under five. Among these children who had a fever in the two weeks preceding the survey, only 32 % of cases were treated within 48 h in 2021, compared to 37 % in 2018. This represents a decline in the use of health care services, even though the prevalence of malaria remains high. In light of this observation, it is essential to identify the factors that explain this low use of health care and/or treatment for fever in children under five in Guinea.</div><div>In this context, the data used comes from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey and the 2021 Malaria and Anaemia Indicator Survey. Factors associated with early recourse to care for children with fever in Guinea are identified through descriptive and explanatory analyses.</div><div>The results show that early recourse to care for children with fever is low and declining, while the prevalence of malaria infections has remained unchanged (17 %) since 2018. Indeed, early recourse to health care for children is low in rural areas, in poor households and in the regions of Boké, Kindia, Labé and Nzérékoré.</div><div>Research into the factors associated with children suffering from fever seeking care early, particularly in endemic areas, could help to identify new strategies for eradicating malaria in Guinea. The impact of such research could be profound, saving countless lives and improving the health of the country's children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00459"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distribution of ixodid ticks of cattle and associated risk factors in and around Guder town, west Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia","authors":"Isayas Asefa Kebede ,&nbsp;Kirubel Abreham ,&nbsp;Asemamaw Alemayew ,&nbsp;Dimamnesh Worku ,&nbsp;Tefera Tarekagne ,&nbsp;Megersa Akasa Debele ,&nbsp;Segni Bedasa Gudina ,&nbsp;Abrahim Dawed Ahmed ,&nbsp;Haben Fesseha Gebremeskel","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are the most prominent ectoparasites of cattle, causing significant losses. From March to May 2024, a cross-sectional study was carried out in and around Guder town of the west Shewa zone of the Oromia region, Ethiopia, to identify species of ixodid ticks infesting cattle and estimate their prevalence and associated risk factors. Adult ixodid ticks were collected from 200 cattle using systematic random sampling methods and classified into species based on their morphology using a stereomicroscope. Of the examined cattle, 75.0 % (95 % CI: 68.5–80.6) were infested with one or more tick species. The highest prevalence of tick parasites was recorded in Mamo Mezemir kebele, male, young, extensive management system, and good-body condition of cattle, with prevalences of 94.7 %, 87.5 %, 86.7 %, 77.6 %, and 80.0 %, respectively compared to counterparts. Four genera of ticks were identified viz. <em>Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), Hyalomma,</em> and <em>Rhipicephalus.</em> A total of 702 ticks were collected<em>. Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi</em> and <em>Hyalomma rufipes</em> were the most (38.7 %) and least (8.1 %) abundant tick species, respectively. The peasant associations and sex were the only risk factors associated with the tick infestations (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Cattle in the Mamo Mezemir kebele were 17 (OR = 16.9; 95 %CI: 1.9–149.2) times more likely to be infested by ticks than those in other regions. This study shows that ticks were a most significant concern for cattle in the studied area. Thus, strategic tick control, which includes the use of acaricides, and creating awareness for the livestock owners about the impact of tick infestation is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00454"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144891993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Sliding mode control with stochastic modeling and mobility interaction for managing epidemic spread in high-population regions” [Parasite Epidemiology and Control, Volume 30 (2025), Article number e00439]","authors":"Dewi Suhika,&nbsp;Roberd Saragih,&nbsp;Dewi Handayani,&nbsp;Mochamad Apri","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00451","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00451"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144932014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rare detection of dermal Leishmania infantum in two pediatric patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in southern Iran","authors":"Mohsen Kalantari ,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi ,&nbsp;Qasem Asgari ,&nbsp;Masoud Yousefi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00452","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00452","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study highlights the rare detection of dermal <em>Leishmania infantum</em> in two pediatric patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in southern Iran. Both patients had a history of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and presented with atypical facial lesions. Molecular assays confirmed the presence of L. <em>infantum</em> through species PCR targeting the cysteine protease B (cpb) gene, revealing 702/741-bp amplicons. Phylogenetic analysis describes two pediatric CL cases in southern Iran caused by a strain of L. <em>infantum</em> closely related to the LIPA59 genotype. This detection in immunocompetent children challenges the traditional association of L. <em>infantum</em> solely with VL and highlights its capacity for atypical dermal manifestations. These findings underscore the necessity of molecular diagnostics to differentiate <em>Leishmania</em> species, as misidentification risks ineffective treatments and potential disease progression. Enhanced surveillance integrating PCR-based methods is critical to track dermal strains in regions where VL and CL overlap, particularly given potential ecological or genetic drivers of atypical tropism. Addressing this emerging threat requires integrated strategies to mitigate the dual burden of cutaneous and visceral disease in vulnerable populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00452"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144757327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The use of systemic immune inflammatory index as a predictor for nematodes infections in horses","authors":"Falmata Kyari ,&nbsp;Cephas Joseph Pogu ,&nbsp;Ismaila Alhaji Mairiga ,&nbsp;Lawan Adamu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nematode infections are a significant health concern in horses, causing a range of clinical signs and economic losses. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and management.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Examining the application of the systemic immune Inflammatory index (SII) as a predictor for nematode infections in horses, using platelets count, leucocytes count, and neutrophils count.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 horses, consisting of 66 horses with nematode infections and 98 horses without infections. The SII was computed using the platelets count, leucocytes count, and neutrophils count. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the SII's diagnostic accuracy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nematode infections were severe in horses with mixed infections, with an average of 1805.90 ± 292.68 eggs per gram (epg). Notably, among specific species, <em>Cyathostomum</em> spp., exhibited a significantly different average of 2264.29 ± 132.61epg compared to other nematodes. There is a significant negative correlations between the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) and the Eggs per gram count for nematodes infections at (<em>r</em> = −0.6023; <em>P</em> &lt; .0001). The SII values were significantly lower (0.06) in horses with nematode infections compared to those without infections (0.19) at <em>p</em> &lt; .001. With an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.990, the SII demonstrated exceptional diagnostic precision. For the SII, the ideal cut-off value is ≤0.108, with a sensitivity of 98.5 % and a specificity of 100 %. The ROC curve was validated using the Youden index (J) with a higher value of 0.9848 indicating better performance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study demonstrated that the SII is a reliable predictor for nematode infections in horses, using platelets count, leucocytes count, and neutrophils count. The SII is a non-invasive, reasonably priced method for identifying and diagnosing nematode infections in horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00453"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144809955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}