International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife最新文献

{"title":"Complete mitochondrial genome pathological characteristics and scanning electron microscopic observations of Armillifer moniliformis isolated from Manis javanica","authors":"Xianghe Wang ,&nbsp;Sitong Chen ,&nbsp;Fuyu An ,&nbsp;Xinyu Liu ,&nbsp;Hongmei Yan ,&nbsp;Zhenquan Zhang ,&nbsp;Zi-Guo Yuan ,&nbsp;Yan Hua","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101183","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101183","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Armillifer moniliformis</em> is a multi-host parasite, with previous studies documenting various wild animals as well as humans serving as its intermediate hosts. However, to date, there have been no reports of pangolins being infected with this parasite. Necropsy revealed <em>Armillifer moniliformis</em> formed cysts on the abdominal greater omentum and multiple organs (lungs, liver, etc.). Scanning electron microscopy showed its typical structures (oral hooks, abdominal annuli), while histopathological examination indicated infected organs exhibited congestion, inflammatory infiltration, and calcification. At the molecular level, identification based on the 18S rRNA sequence demonstrated that this parasite shares 99.89 % homology with <em>Armillifer moniliformis</em> and has a close phylogenetic relationship with it. In addition, <em>Armillifer moniliformis</em> parasites were isolated from the host, and their DNA was extracted for Illumina and HiFi sequencing, resulting in the assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome of <em>Armillifer moniliformis.</em> The assembled circular mitochondrial genome had a total length of 16516 bp and comprised 13 unique protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. The overall nucleotide composition of <em>Armillifer moniliformis</em> was 62 % A + T and 38 % G + C. The protein-coding genes of the parasite encode a total of 3538 amino acids, utilizing four types of initiation codons (ATA, ATC, ATT, and ATG) and three types of termination codons (TAA, TAG, and T). The genome contained 4 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 158 dispersed repeats (≥20 bp). Phylogenetic trees based on 13 protein-coding genes showed <em>Armillifer</em> and <em>Linguatula</em> formed a Pentastomida clade (100 % bootstrap support), which together with Branchiura and Ostracoda constitutes Oligostraca; Crustacea and Hexapoda form a monophyletic Pancrustacea clade. In this study, an <em>Armillifer moniliformis</em> parasite was isolated and identified from the Malayan pangolin. This work not only expands our understanding of <em>Armillifer moniliformis</em> species but also provides a crucial foundation for further investigations into their taxonomy, diagnostics, and biological characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101183"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection of vector-borne and hemotropic pathogens in raccoons (Procyon lotor) from a tropical ecotourism area in Costa Rica","authors":"Jennifer Calderón-Bailey ,&nbsp;Ernesto Rojas-Sánchez ,&nbsp;María Mata-Masís ,&nbsp;Mauricio Jiménez-Soto ,&nbsp;Antony Solorzano-Morales ,&nbsp;María José Zuniga-Moya ,&nbsp;Javier Varela-Amador ,&nbsp;Karen Vega-Benavides ,&nbsp;Gaby Dolz","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2026.101187","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2026.101187","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interactions between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans in ecotourism settings could facilitate the circulation of pathogens with zoonotic potential. Raccoons (<em>Procyon lotor</em>), due to their synanthropic behavior and adaptability, may serve as hosts for several infectious agents at these interfaces. This study aimed to investigate the presence of vector-borne and hemotropic pathogens in free-ranging raccoons inhabiting Manuel Antonio National Park (MANP) and its surrounding communities, a major tourist destination in Costa Rica. Between 2021 and 2022, nineteen raccoons were captured using Tomahawk traps, anesthetized, clinically examined, and sampled for hematological and molecular analyses. DNA extracted from blood was screened using real-time and conventional PCR assays targeting <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp., <em>Rickettsia</em> spp., <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp., <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp., and canine protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1). Of the individuals tested, 6/19 (31.6 %) were positive for <em>Anaplasmataceae</em>, 4/14 (28.6 %) for <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp., and 6/14 (42.9 %) for CPPV-1. One raccoon was confirmed to carry <em>Mycoplasma haemocanis</em> (99 % nucleotide identity with GenBank accession MN294708), representing the first molecular identification of this species in raccoons worldwide. Coinfections were detected in five animals. No raccoons tested positive for <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. or <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp. Hematological profiles were largely within reference ranges; however, mild leukogram variations and occasional hyperglobulinemia were observed, with no consistent infection-associated pattern. These findings provide molecular evidence of pathogen presence in raccoons from a high-tourism area and highlight their potential epidemiological relevance at the wildlife-human interface. The results underscore the need for sustained One Health surveillance to better assess pathogen transmission risks in tropical ecotourism settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101187"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of Hexametra angusticaecoides (Nematoda: Ascarididae) in Italian bats: a squamate-associated nematode in mammals","authors":"Renata Fagundes-Moreira ,&nbsp;Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan ,&nbsp;Emiliano Mori ,&nbsp;Leonardo Ancillotto ,&nbsp;Simone Vergari ,&nbsp;Gianna Dondini ,&nbsp;Claudia Chini ,&nbsp;Riccardo Paolo Lia ,&nbsp;Domenico Otranto","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101184","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101184","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Hexametra angusticaecoides</em> (Nematoda: Ascarididae) is a nematode typically associated with squamate reptiles, particularly lizards (Family Chamaeleonidae, Agamidae, Diplodactylidae). In reptilian hosts, it localizes primarily in the respiratory tract or coelomic cavity and may induce granulomatous lesions, especially under captive conditions. Its life cycle is presumed to be indirect, involving arthropods as paratenic hosts, yet it remains scarcely understood. Despite its broad reptile host range, natural infections in mammals have not been documented to date. Here, we describe the infection by <em>H. angusticaecoides</em> in mammalian hosts. Overall, ten filiform nematodes were recovered from the subcutaneous connective tissue and abdominal cavity of one Kuhl's pipistrelle <em>Pipistrellus kuhlii</em> and one Savi's pipistrelle <em>Hypsugo savii</em> from urban areas in Italy. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial <em>cox</em>1 gene revealed 100 % identity with <em>H. angusticaecoides</em> sequence from panther chameleons (<em>Furcifer pardalis</em>). This unprecedented finding suggests a potential case of parasite cross-class, dead-end infection event, likely resulting from the ingestion of infected arthropods in ecotones shared by reptiles and bats. It highlights the exposure beyond traditional host boundaries without indicating a breakdown of host specificity in ascaridoid nematodes and emphasizes the need for further investigations into the biology, transmission routes, and ecological interfaces that may facilitate cross-class events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101184"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic characterization of Contracaecum cf. overstreeti (Nematoda: Anisakidae) larvae in Mugil cephalus fish from the pacific coast of Ecuador","authors":"Manuel Calvopina ,&nbsp;Carlos Bastidas-Caldes ,&nbsp;Fernanda Hernández-Alomía ,&nbsp;William Cevallos ,&nbsp;Richar Rodríguez-Hidalgo ,&nbsp;Hiromu Sugiyama","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101185","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports the genetic characterization of Anisakidae larvae infecting the flathead grey mullet (<em>Mugil cephalus</em>) fish. Larvae were recovered from fish captured by artisanal fisheries and sold in a coastal town in northwestern Ecuador. In total, 19 larvae were obtained from nine fish, all larvae were exclusively encysted within the muscle tissue. Molecular identification was performed by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal region ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2, the mitochondrial cox2 gene, and the EF-1α gene. Comparative analyses with sequences available in GenBank, followed by phylogenetic reconstruction, confirmed the larvae as <em>Contracaecum overstreeti</em>. This constitutes the first molecular evidence of <em>C. overstreeti</em> in this edible fish from Ecuador and provides new host–parasite records. The identification of this zoonotic nematode in marine fish of human consumption underscores the need for expanded surveillance in other neotropical marine ecosystems and in other commercially important fish species and highlights potential infection to humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101185"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological and molecular characterisation of an intestinal trematode from the marbled lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus in Kenya reveals a new species of Heterorchis (Digenea: incertae sedis)","authors":"Nehemiah M. Rindoria ,&nbsp;José C. Dumbo ,&nbsp;Felix O. Olonde ,&nbsp;Iva Přikrylová ,&nbsp;Willem J. Smit ,&nbsp;Wilmien J. Luus-Powell","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101182","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101182","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Heterorchis</em> Baylis, 1915, is a poorly reported genus of parasitic digeneans with ambiguous phylogenetic affinities. Four members of this genus have been described exclusively from Africa, although two of these taxa are regarded as <em>species inquirenda</em>. The material for this study was collected from the intestine of Marbled lungfish, <em>Protopterus aethiopicus</em> Heckel, 1851, in Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya, between May and October 2023. An integrated approach of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and molecular techniques was employed in the study of the trematode. Morphological analysis revealed a new species characterised by distinctive features, including the extent of the intestinal caeca in the post-excretory vesicle field, a large excretory pore located posterior to the testes, and the cirrus-sac reaching the level of the seminal receptacle. Phylogenetic trees from Bayesian Inference and maximum-likelihood analyses of the <em>28S</em> rDNA dataset formed a separate clade comprising sequences of <em>Heterorchis</em> spp. The interspecific distance of 2 % (25 bp) was calculated between the present sequence and those available on GenBank, MW586924, for <em>Heterorchis</em> cf. <em>crumenifer</em> Baylis, 1915. The infection indices were recorded as prevalence (P) = 46.7 %, mean intensity (MI) = 1.25, and mean abundance (MA) = 0.58.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101182"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zoonotic nematode larvae in Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) from Greenlandic waters: Occurrence, fillet distribution and association with Mushy halibut syndrome","authors":"Natacha L. Severin ,&nbsp;Andrea K. Bisbjerg ,&nbsp;Kitt U. Ristinge ,&nbsp;Kaan Kumas ,&nbsp;Liliana I. Ferrão ,&nbsp;Per W. Kania ,&nbsp;Kurt Buchmann","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zoonotic anisakid nematodes commonly infect wild fish, and their presence in commercially caught species represents a consumer hazard due to risk of anisakidosis. The Greenland halibut (GLH) is a species of high commercial value to many countries, including Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), where GLH is the second most exported marine species. Despite this, the occurrence of anisakid nematodes in the flesh of GLH remains poorly studied. Additionally, the relationship between anisakid infection and ‘Mushy halibut syndrome’ (MHS), a condition affecting the fillet quality of GLH, has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to extend our knowledge of the occurrence of anisakid nematodes in GLH, with emphasis on fillet distribution, and explore associations with MHS. GLH (n = 104) from three offshore fishing grounds underwent necropsy and parasitological examination of the main fillet and belly flaps. Overall prevalence of third-stage larval infection was 44.2 %, while mean intensity and abundance were 4.6 and 1.3, respectively. When examining the fillets, third-stage larvae were predominantly found in the belly flaps. For a subsample of fish (n = 55), the investigation included parasitological examination of the body cavity and liver as well as extended necropsy, quality index method assessment and age estimation. The isolated third-stage larvae belonged to three species: <em>Anisakis simplex</em> s. s. was most common (n = 721), followed by <em>Contracaecum osculatum</em> (n = 36). <em>Phocanema bulbosa</em> was found in the body cavity and liver only (n = 11). MHS was associated with higher infection levels in the belly flaps and liver, lower condition factor and higher gonadosomatic index. The results presented here have implications for wild fish stock monitoring and food safety. Recording of the parasite prevalence and distribution in GLH can assist risk management and provide information on the status of the fish species in the ecosystem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101181"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydatigera krepkogorski from Asiatic wild cat (Felis silvestris ornata) in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, northwestern China: a case report","authors":"Peiyue Deng ,&nbsp;Shanshan Zhao ,&nbsp;Guanhao Feng ,&nbsp;Suwen Wang ,&nbsp;Wenbo Tan ,&nbsp;Yuanzhi Wang ,&nbsp;Gang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To date, there has been no report on <em>Hydatigera</em> species (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) in Asiatic wild cat (<em>Felis silvestris ornata</em>). In this study, we reported a case: a total of 99 tapeworms were found in a nature-killed Asiatic wild cat in Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China). Based on morphological characteristics and two genetic markers, the cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit I (cox1) and <em>16S</em> rDNA genes, ten representative tapeworms were identified as <em>Hydatigera krepkogorski</em>. Furthermore, phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that the tapeworms in an Asiatic wild cat was the closest to H. krepkogorski in wild rodents in Turpan region, XUAR. This work firstly describes H. <em>krepkogorski</em> in the Asiatic wild cat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101180"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Life in cold blood: Exploring the cryptic diversity of species of Haemogregarina in Southern Africa's terrapins","authors":"Monique Barnard ,&nbsp;Daryl Codron ,&nbsp;Haley R. Dutton ,&nbsp;Stephen A. Bullard ,&nbsp;Louis H. du Preez ,&nbsp;Edward C. Netherlands","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Species of <em>Haemogregarina</em> (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) are among the most common and widely distributed obligate apicomplexan blood parasites of primarily aquatic ectothermic vertebrates. Several species of <em>Haemogregarina</em> have been described infecting terrapin species globally, only two of which, <em>Haemogregarina maputensis</em> and <em>Haemogregarina pelusiensi,</em> have been described from <em>Pelusios sinuatus</em>, in Southern Africa. Several initial descriptions of species of <em>Haemogregarina,</em> including <em>H. maputensis</em> and <em>H. pelusiensi</em>, were based on the morphological analysis of erythrocytic parasite life stages. As species of <em>Haemogregarina</em> display high morphological similarity in the peripheral blood gamont stages, the integration of morphological and molecular techniques is essential in the study of these parasites today. Herein, the diversity of <em>Haemogregarina</em> species in freshwater terrapin hosts from Southern Africa is assessed using morphological and molecular techniques. Three genotypes were identified, two of which conform morphologically to <em>H. maputensis</em> and <em>H. pelusiensi</em>, warranting the supplemental description and molecular characterisation of these species. The third appears to represent a cryptic sister species of <em>H. pelusiensi</em>, exhibiting some variation in early developmental stages, warranting the description of a new species, <em>Haemogregarina afrolatens</em> n. sp.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First report of the complete mitochondrial genome of an Ophidascaris species from the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in China","authors":"Wei Hu,&nbsp;Ying Xun,&nbsp;Rong Cheng,&nbsp;Tian-Yin Cheng,&nbsp;Lei Liu,&nbsp;Guo-Hua Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Species of the genus <em>Ophidascaris</em> are zoonotic nematodes primarily parasitic in snakes, but limited genomic resources have hindered phylogenetic resolution and species delineation. To date, no ascarid nematodes have been documented in hedgehogs, making this finding noteworthy. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of <em>Ophidascaris</em> sp. larvae recovered from European hedgehogs (<em>Erinaceus europaeus</em>) in China was sequenced using Illumina technology, annotated, and compared with published sequences. The mitogenome (14,624 bp) contains 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and—as in other nematodes—lacks the atp8 gene. Comparative analyses showed nucleotide divergence (14.4 %–17.1 %) from <em>O. wangi</em> and <em>O. baylisi</em>, supported its distinct genetic identity. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed its placement within the <em>Ophidascaris</em> genus with strong statistical support. This study provides the first complete mitogenome of an <em>Ophidascaris</em> species recovered from a hedgehog and suggests that hedgehogs may serve as intermediate hosts, thereby expanding the known host range. The mitogenome generated here provides valuable molecular markers for species identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, and future epidemiological surveillance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antigenic and genotypic relatedness of buffalo-derived Theileria parva from Zambia to cattle-derived parasites and vaccine stocks","authors":"Chimvwele Namantala Choopa ,&nbsp;Walter Muleya ,&nbsp;Lubembe Donald Mukolwe ,&nbsp;Paul Fandamu ,&nbsp;Kgomotso Penelope Sibeko-Matjila","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The African buffalo (<em>Syncerus caffer</em>) is the natural reservoir of <em>Theileria parva</em>, a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite that severely constrains cattle production across eastern, southern, and central Africa. While the antigenic and genetic diversity of cattle-derived <em>T. parva</em> (causing East Coast fever) is well characterized in Zambia, little is known about the buffalo-derived parasites. The latter cause the equally fatal Corridor disease and impact the epidemiology and control of bovine theileriosis, particularly where live vaccines are used. This study investigated antigenic and genotypic diversity of <em>T. parva</em> from three Zambian buffalo populations, in comparison with cattle-derived parasites and vaccine stocks (Katete and Chitongo). Analysis of Tp1 and Tp2 antigen genes revealed contrasting diversity. Tp1 epitopes showed limited variation, whereas Tp2 exhibited extensive polymorphism, especially among buffalo-derived sequences. None of the variations have been previously reported in Zambia, suggesting ongoing diversification. Phylogenetic analysis showed paraphyletic clustering of buffalo and cattle parasites. However, some buffalo genotypes grouped closely with vaccine strains, suggesting potential cross-protection. Only two Tp2 sequences from buffalo-derived parasites clustered with those from cattle or vaccines, highlighting a risk of vaccine break-through. Population genetic analysis using multilocus genotyping demonstrated higher allelic richness and diversity in buffalo-derived parasites compared to cattle-derived. Although buffalo parasites showed greater multiplicity of infection (MOI) and unique alleles, principal coordinate analysis revealed limited genetic sub-structuring and shared alleles across hosts. These results suggest a common ancestry and overlapping transmission cycles. The greater MOI in buffalo populations highlights higher genetic exchange and can complicate control efforts. Overall, the study demonstrates extensive antigenic and genetic diversity of buffalo-derived <em>T. parva</em> in Zambia. These findings have critical implications for current vaccine efficacy, emphasizing the need for continuous molecular surveillance, strict livestock movement control, and vaccine efficacy trials to ensure effective management of <em>T. parva</em> infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}