Food and Waterborne Parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Integrative taxonomy uncovers Clinostomum chaacci and an unidentified congeneric metacercaria infecting Hoplosternum littorale (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) in the Peruvian Amazon Basin","authors":"J.D. Chero ,&nbsp;L.A. Ñacari ,&nbsp;G.A. Murrieta Morey ,&nbsp;C.L. Cruces ,&nbsp;E. Cacique ,&nbsp;N. Huaman ,&nbsp;D. Lopez ,&nbsp;A. Mondragón-Martínez ,&nbsp;R. Martínez-Rojas ,&nbsp;J. Yunis-Aguinaga","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00306","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00306","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Clinostomum</em> Leidy, 1856 is a cosmopolitan genus of digenean trematodes whose metacercariae commonly infect freshwater fishes and amphibians as second intermediate hosts. In South America, the diversity and taxonomy of <em>Clinostomum</em> metacercariae remain poorly understood, due in part to the morphological similarity of larval stages and the scarcity of molecular data. This study provides the first integrative evidence of two phylogenetically distinct <em>Clinostomum</em> lineages infecting the callichthyid catfish <em>Hoplosternum littorale</em> (Hancock, 1828) (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a benthic catfish of commercial and subsistence importance in the Peruvian Amazon. Morphological analyses (light and scanning electron microscopy) combined with molecular data from mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (28S rDNA) market revealed two lineages with clear genetic differentiation. Specimens from Loreto were conspecific with <em>Clinostomum chaacci</em> Sereno-Uribe, López-Jiménez, González-García, Ortega-Olivares &amp; García-Varela, 2025, previously reported from several fish hosts across Central and South America, whereas those from Ucayali formed a distinct and highly divergent lineage (11.9–12.7 % cox1 divergence) closely related to <em>Clinostomum</em> L1, representing a potentially undescribed species. The detection of <em>C</em>. <em>chaacci</em> in <em>H. littorale</em> constitutes a new host record and expands the known distribution of this species to the western Amazon Basin. The detection of <em>Clinostomum</em> metacercariae in fish muscle tissue raises potential zoonotic concerns, especially in regions where raw or undercooked fish is consumed. These findings underscore the need for integrative taxonomic approaches to unravel hidden diversity in <em>Clinostomum</em> and emphasize the need for broader parasitological surveys and public health awareness in Amazonian communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article e00306"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145842010","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":"Preliminary observations on muscle distribution of Anisakis sp. L3 in European hake off Southwest Ireland","authors":"F. Atroch ,&nbsp;L.F. Rangel ,&nbsp;P. Ramos ,&nbsp;C. Ayra-Pardo ,&nbsp;M.J. Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the distribution of <em>Anisakis</em> sp. L3 within the edible muscle tissue of 15 European hake (<em>Merluccius merluccius</em>) specimens captured off the Southwest Irish coast during the spring of 2023. European hake is a commercially valuable species, but it is frequently and heavily infected with species of the genus <em>Anisakis</em>, which pose significant zoonotic risks. All examined hakes were infected, with a mean intensity of 743.3 ± 215 larvae per fish and a mean density of 17.7 ± 6.7 larvae per gram of muscle. While the distribution of parasites was symmetrical between the left and right sides of the fish, significant differences were observed among the four muscle sections. The anterior ventral region (belly flap) was identified as the area most severely affected by infection. The removal of belly flaps has been demonstrated to achieve an 83 % reduction in <em>Anisakis</em> sp. presence, signifying a straightforward yet efficacious measure to mitigate the risk of human infection and enhance seafood safety. No significant correlation was found between the host features measured, including total length and eviscerated weight, and the parasitic load. These findings underscore the significance of targeted processing techniques in enhancing the safety of European hake for consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00303"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578785","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":"Prevalence and molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in endemic communities in Caraga region, Mindanao, Philippines","authors":"Vachel Gay V. Paller ,&nbsp;Jasmine Renette D. Jimenez ,&nbsp;Allen Jethro I. Alonte ,&nbsp;Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. ,&nbsp;Billy P. Divina ,&nbsp;Kezia W. Kozel ,&nbsp;Martha E. Betson","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fish-borne trematodes are a group of parasitic flatworms whose life cycle successively passes through various snails and fresh and brackish water fish, and terrestrial vertebrate hosts including humans. Human infection is common in countries where eating raw fish is practiced such as in the Philippines. Limited investigation in endemic areas along with misdiagnosis makes it challenging to address these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence, identify risk factors for, and molecularly identify fish-borne trematodes in eight helminth-endemic communities in Mindanao, Philippines through a household-based cross-sectional study. Fecal samples were collected from 1152 residents (age 10–59 years) from 386 households in the study communities and from 92 dogs and cats. These were examined microscopically for trematode infections. Molecular analysis of microscopy-positive fecal samples was conducted using the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) gene. Further, household-heads were surveyed to investigate risk factors for infection.</div><div>The overall prevalence of infection in humans was 4.1 % (<em>n</em> = 47), with higher infection prevalence in Surigao del Norte province, where fish is often eaten raw or undercooked (as <em>kinilaw</em> and <em>sugba</em>). Males and adults were found to be more at risk of infection. Only 2 animals were positive, both of which are dogs. Molecular findings revealed three fish-borne trematode species: <em>Haplorchis taichui</em>, <em>Stellanthchasmus falcatus</em>, and <em>Opisthorchis viverrini</em>. To our knowledge, this study reports the first molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines. The results help address knowledge gaps on fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines and can be employed to improve control using evidence-based and targeted approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00302"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578786","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":"High frequency of DNA detection of toxoplasma gondii and zoonotic Sarcocystis spp. in ready-to-eat meat products purchased in Switzerland","authors":"Z. Medici ,&nbsp;N. Marreros ,&nbsp;S. Molteni ,&nbsp;M.C. Ferreira de Sousa ,&nbsp;W. Basso ,&nbsp;G. Moré ,&nbsp;C.F. Frey","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00301","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> and <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. are globally distributed, intracellular, cyst-forming coccidian parasites that infect a wide range of animal species, and humans. These protozoan parasites have indirect life cycles and can be transmitted to hosts through food sources, such as infected meat. Resulting infections may pose serious health risks, especially for immunocompromised individuals and developing foetuses. While their prevalence in Switzerland has been studied serologically and molecularly in live animals or after necropsy or slaughter, there are no studies on ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. This study aimed to assess the presence of these parasites in RTE meat products sourced from Swiss supermarkets, retail stores and local butcher shops. A total of 201 RTE meat products consisting of pork, beef, poultry, game, and equine meat, as well as mixes thereof, were tested. Hundred-gram samples were homogenized, followed by a sequence-specific magnetic capture and real-time PCR for <em>T. gondii</em> DNA, and a crude DNA extraction and PCR – Sanger sequencing for <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. For two zoonotic species (<em>S. suihominis</em> and <em>S. hominis</em>), additional PCRs were performed. Furthermore, the homogenates were analyzed for <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. cysts by stereomicroscopy. Variables associated with the presence of these parasites were identified by multivariable LASSO regression. <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> DNA was detected in 14.9 % (30/201) of the samples, while <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. DNA was present in 58.2 % (117/201). Zoonotic <em>S. suihominis</em> DNA was found in 3.2 % (4/125) of the samples containing pork, and <em>S. hominis</em> DNA in 29.6 % (24/81) of the samples containing beef. No viable cysts were observed in any sample. The presence of <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was associated with the variables pork, salami-like products, and wild boar. <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. DNA was positively associated with beef and salami-like products, and negatively with chicken and Swiss pork. <em>Sarcocystis hominis</em> was positively associated with Swiss beef. These findings reveal a notable rate of RTE meat products positive for zoonotic parasites, suggesting a potential public health risk. Further research is needed to evaluate their role in transmission to humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00301"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525888","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":"Anisakid larvae in the organs of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus (L.): Host or parasite superiority?","authors":"Bahram Sayyaf Dezfuli ,&nbsp;Giovanni Bernacchia ,&nbsp;Morena De Bastiani ,&nbsp;Martina Pinca ,&nbsp;Emanuela Franchella ,&nbsp;Luca Bellini ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Castaldelli ,&nbsp;Luisa Giari","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Members of the Anisakidae family, in particular the genus <em>Anisakis</em> are among the most common seafood-borne parasites which may lead to anisakidosis, a zoonotic disease. <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) (Rudolphi, 1809) can infect humans by means of the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish harbouring the third-stage larvae of this nematode. Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations were performed on the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel <em>Scomber scombrus</em> (L.) from the Bay of Biscay. Results showed the presence of a high infection level of third-larval stages of an anisakid species in the visceral organs and rarely in the flesh of the host. A subsample of 15 live nematode larvae from 5 fish were genetically identified by mtDNA <em>Cox2</em> gene sequencing and found to belong to the species <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>). Of 41 Atlantic mackerel examined, 36 individuals (88 %) harbored <em>A. simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) L3 larvae, with an intensity of infection ranging from 5 to 650 larvae per fish (86.97 ± 17.26, mean ± standard error). A total of 3131 larvae were counted and the number of calcified larvae was significantly higher than that of live ones (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). The most parasitized sites were the serosa covering the intestine and the pyloric caeca as well as the mesenteries which encircled the gonads. In most infected organs, a granuloma surrounded the calcified and live larvae with a more intense response around the former. Within the granuloma epithelioid cells, fibroblasts and collagen fibres were recognized, outside the granuloma, mast cells (MCs), melano-macrophage aggregates (MAs) and macrophages were frequent and to a lesser degree rodlet cells (RCs). This is the first study that has investigated the cellular immune responses in the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel against <em>A. simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) larvae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00300"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525889","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":"Giardia and Campylobacter: Fifteen years (2010–2024) of waterborne outbreaks in Europe","authors":"Antonino Pace ,&nbsp;Paola Pepe ,&nbsp;Massimiliano Fabbricino ,&nbsp;Vincenzo Mignano ,&nbsp;Lavinia Ciuca ,&nbsp;Laura Rinaldi ,&nbsp;Ludovico Dipineto","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00299","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Waterborne diseases affect millions of people annually, challenging public health worldwide. Despite the advancements in water management, high-income countries remain at risk, mainly because of faulty or ageing water infrastructure. <em>Giardia</em> and <em>Campylobacter</em> are two key waterborne pathogens and leading agents of gastrointestinal illnesses. Both can be transmitted through contaminated water under similar environmental and sanitary conditions, with co-infections worsening symptoms and complicating diagnosis and treatment efficacy. This review examines waterborne outbreaks in Europe, over the last 15 years (2010–2024), focusing on <em>Giardia</em> while adding an additional perspective on <em>Campylobacter</em>. Over 30 outbreaks were reported during the study period, primarily in Ireland and Nordic countries. Recreational and drinking water sources were the most commonly implicated, with contamination events often associated with specific incidents or treatment failures, and heavy rainfall suggested as contributing factor to pathogen entry. In addition, climate change is discussed as a major driver exacerbating waterborne disease risks through extreme weather events. The review highlights persistent vulnerabilities in water safety across Europe, and emphasizes the importance of mitigation strategies, which include risk assessment, early detection and continuous surveillance, improved water treatment and climate-resilient infrastructures, along with interdisciplinary collaboration with different stakeholders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00299"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466320","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":"Detection and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in yaks in Xinjiang, China","authors":"Zhenjie Zhang ,&nbsp;Huigang Zhao ,&nbsp;Bowen Zhang ,&nbsp;Fuchang Yu ,&nbsp;Aiyun Zhao ,&nbsp;Junqiang Li ,&nbsp;Meng Qi ,&nbsp;Rongjun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. is an important protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhea in both humans and animals worldwide. In the present study, a total of 826 yak fecal samples were collected from six counties in Xinjiang and tested for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> using PCR. Based on the <em>SSU</em> rRNA gene, 20 samples tested positive for <em>Cryptosporidium</em>, resulting in an overall infection rate of 2.4 % (20/826). Hejing County exhibited the highest infection rate at 5.6 % (16/288), with significant ``<em>Cryptosporidium</em> species and one genotype were identified: <em>C. bovis</em> (<em>n</em> = 12), <em>C. parvum</em> (<em>n</em> = 3), <em>C. ryanae</em> (n = 3), <em>C. occultus</em> (n = 1), and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> sp. rat genotype IV (n = 1). Subtyping via the <em>gp60</em> gene revealed two subtypes for <em>C. bovis</em> (XXVIb, <em>n</em> = 4; XXVIc, n = 4), one subtype for <em>C. ryanae</em> (XXIa, n = 1), and one subtype for <em>C. parvum</em> (IIdA19G1, n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these subtypes clustered with reference sequences from other regions and hosts, without distinct geographical or host specific isolation. In conclusion, the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection in yaks in Xinjiang is low, and the subtypes of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> exhibit genetic diversity among different bovine species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00298"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417687","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":"Dose-dependent tissue tropism and efficacy of early BKI-1748 treatment in chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep","authors":"Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez ,&nbsp;Rafael Calero-Bernal ,&nbsp;Natalia Velasco-Jiménez ,&nbsp;Irene Gallego-Moreno ,&nbsp;Carmen Pérez-Díaz ,&nbsp;Rocío Bustamante ,&nbsp;Ryan Choi ,&nbsp;Matthew A. Hulverson ,&nbsp;Andrew Hemphill ,&nbsp;Wesley C. Van Voorhis ,&nbsp;Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of microscopic cysts of the zoonotic apicomplexan parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> in mutton is relatively common. <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is frequently transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat and infected people may suffer from neurological, ocular and pregnancy disorders. Experimental infections in sheep have provided clues on the <em>T. gondii</em> tissue tropism during the chronic stage of infection. However, data regarding infections involving low challenge doses is lacking. Following challenge of sheep with 1000 sporulated oocysts of the Type II TgShSp1 strain, parasite DNA was detected in all sheep at 62 days post-challenge, with detection rates of 87 %, 79 %, 66 % and 66 % in the brain, heart, tongue and <em>biceps femoris</em> muscle, respectively. By contrast, after challenge of sheep with a dose of 10 oocysts, parasite DNA was detected in tissues of only 5 out of 8 animals (62.5 %). The <em>biceps femoris</em> muscle was the most frequently infected tissue (parasite DNA detection rate of 50 %), resembling the pattern observed in naturally infected sheep. In addition, the administration of multiple doses of the compound BKI-1748, which reached therapeutic concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, to infected sheep at 2 and 7 days post-challenge prevented the establishment of the chronic <em>T. gondii</em> infection in the treated animals. Therefore, BKI-1748 could be a promising tool for improving safety in mutton intended for human consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00297"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417585","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":"Molecular characteristics and zoonotic potential of enteric protozoans in domestic small ruminants in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China","authors":"Meiru Hou,&nbsp;Xuewei Liu,&nbsp;Lu Zhou,&nbsp;Jiawang Zhou,&nbsp;Yuxi Zhang,&nbsp;Tianshuai Ma,&nbsp;Hongyu Qiu,&nbsp;Chunren Wang,&nbsp;Junfeng Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>Giardia duodenalis</em>, <em>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. are four common zoonotic intestinal protozoa, that cause frequent foodborne and waterborne outbreaks worldwide. Despite their public health importance, epidemiological data remain scarce from Heilongjiang Province in China. Fecal samples were collected from 845 sheep and 166 goats across 13 regions of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. PCR-based methods were used to detect these pathogens and PCR products were sequenced to determine the species/genotypes. The overall infection rates for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>G. duodenalis</em>, <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. were 4.15 % (42/1011), 2.67 % (27/1011), 12.15 % (127/1011), and 3.56 % (36/1011), respectively. The mixed infections with two or more protozoa occurred in 2.97 % (30/1011). The geographic location was a significant risk factor for the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. in domestic small ruminants. Four <em>Cryptosporidium</em> genotypes (<em>C. xiaoi</em>, <em>C. ubiquitum</em>, <em>C. bovis</em>, <em>C. andersoni</em>), seven <em>E. bieneusi</em> genotypes (BEB6, COS-I, CHS8, CHS7, CHG1, CHG3, J), two <em>G. duodenalis</em> assemblages (assemblage E, assemblage A), and six <em>Blastocystis</em> subtypes (ST10, ST14, ST26, ST5, ST15, ST30) were identified. This study provides critical data for developing control strategies with significant implications for zoonotic risk assessment in Heilongjiang Province.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00296"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363644","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":"Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in goats’ milk and aborted goat kid tissues from Pakistan","authors":"Muhammad Yaser Khan ,&nbsp;Alessandra Barlaam ,&nbsp;Nicola Ferrari ,&nbsp;Alessia Libera Gazzonis ,&nbsp;Giovanni Giuseppe Normanno ,&nbsp;Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez ,&nbsp;Lucy Jane Robertson ,&nbsp;Annunziata Giangaspero","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis is one of the most widespread foodborne diseases in humans and one of the major abortive pathogens in small ruminants. In South Punjab, Pakistan, the goat sector is pivotal in the economy and goat milk is commonly consumed raw. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> DNA in goat milk and to genotype any isolates; additionally, the prevalence and genotype of <em>T. gondii</em> in aborted goat kid foetuses were investigated. From three farms, previously identified as highly seropositive, milk samples were collected from 40 goats at three different lactation intervals: 15–30, 90, and &gt; 120 days after parturition (360 samples in total). Foetal brain and placenta tissue samples were also collected from three aborted goats. A 162 bp fragment of the 529-bp repeat element was targeted for detection of <em>Toxoplasma</em> DNA by real-time PCR. Positive samples were genotyped using nested-PCR targeting four genetic markers (GRA6, SAG1, 5’-SAG2, CS3). <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was detected in 14 milk samples (3.9 %), with higher detection in samples &gt;120 days lactation stage (6.7 %). Between farm detection ranged from 2.5 % to 5.8 %. All aborted tissues were positive, except one foetal brain tissue (83.3 %). DNA isolates revealed type II in all samples, except one milk sample, and four aborted tissues, with either type I or III. Our results highlight that consumption of raw milk poses a potential risk to the health of consumers in this region, and the importance of implementing sanitary and/or management measures among herds to reduce <em>Toxoplasma</em> transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00295"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363643","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}