Pub Date : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101157
Kelsey Longstaff , Niel L. Bruce , Nico J. Smit , Kerry A. Hadfield
Although Borneo lies within the highly biodiverse Coral Triangle, its reported isopod diversity remains poorly documented and underexplored. This study documents four species of the corallanid isopod genus Argathona collected from elasmobranch hosts in Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo, namely A. lineata, A. magnocula sp. nov., A. lebara sp. nov., and A. terputa sp. nov. Specimens were identified based on detailed morphological characters. Argathona magnocula sp. nov. is characterised by a posteriorly elongate frontal lamina that is three times longer than its posterior width; eyes separated by ∼34 % of head width; a pleotelson with a sub-truncate posterior margin and dorsal fields of hyaline setae; and uropodal rami barely extending beyond the pleotelson. Argathona lebara sp. nov. is distinguished by its short, broad frontal lamina (shorter than wide), small eyes, deeply concave maxillula mesial lobe, and exceptionally long antennae reaching pereonite 7. Argathona terputa sp. nov. features a broadly truncate pleotelson, short antennula (extending only to the eye's posterior), and uropodal rami that do not extend past the pleotelson apex. It can be separated from A. lineata by its broader pleotelson margin, shorter frontal lamina, reduced setation, and the presence of two simple setae on the maxillula mesial lobe. This study describes three new species, reveals novel host associations with four elasmobranch species, and transfers Alcirona grandis into the genus.
{"title":"Three new species of Argathona (Isopoda: Corallanidae) from Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo, with the first records from elasmobranch hosts","authors":"Kelsey Longstaff , Niel L. Bruce , Nico J. Smit , Kerry A. Hadfield","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although Borneo lies within the highly biodiverse Coral Triangle, its reported isopod diversity remains poorly documented and underexplored. This study documents four species of the corallanid isopod genus <em>Argathona</em> collected from elasmobranch hosts in Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo, namely <em>A. lineata</em>, <em>A. magnocula</em> sp. nov., <em>A. lebara</em> sp. nov., and <em>A. terputa</em> sp. nov. Specimens were identified based on detailed morphological characters. <em>Argathona magnocula</em> sp. nov. is characterised by a posteriorly elongate frontal lamina that is three times longer than its posterior width; eyes separated by ∼34 % of head width; a pleotelson with a sub-truncate posterior margin and dorsal fields of hyaline setae; and uropodal rami barely extending beyond the pleotelson. <em>Argathona lebara</em> sp. nov. is distinguished by its short, broad frontal lamina (shorter than wide), small eyes, deeply concave maxillula mesial lobe, and exceptionally long antennae reaching pereonite 7. <em>Argathona terputa</em> sp. nov. features a broadly truncate pleotelson, short antennula (extending only to the eye's posterior), and uropodal rami that do not extend past the pleotelson apex. It can be separated from <em>A. lineata</em> by its broader pleotelson margin, shorter frontal lamina, reduced setation, and the presence of two simple setae on the maxillula mesial lobe. This study describes three new species, reveals novel host associations with four elasmobranch species, and transfers <em>Alcirona grandis</em> into the genus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101157"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145570745","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101156
Andrés Martínez-Aquino , Arturo Rincon-Sandoval , Carlos A. Flores-Lopez , Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos , M. Leopoldina Aguirre-Macedo , F. Sara Ceccarelli
The trematode Opecoelus adsphaericus is a common parasite of Clinocottus analis in rocky intertidal biotopes of southern California (USA) and northwestern Baja California (Mexico). Since the original description of O. adsphaericus, morphological and molecular data have been lacking. This study aims to characterize the morphological and molecular variation of this trematode to support future inter- and intra-specific comparisons in the genus Opecoelus. Over a year (August 2021–September 2022), ten sampling events were carried out to obtain biological material for morphometric and molecular analyses of O. adsphaericus at El Mosquito (n = 9) and Playa Piedra Blanca (n = 1), Baja California. Morphometric data were obtained from 44 specimens, along with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. Intra-specific morphological variation was quantified using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Eight nuclear 28S gene sequences were obtained for phylogenetic analysis (Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood), while 27 mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences were generated to characterize population genetic variation. The phylogenetic analyses placed O. adsphaericus within the Opecoelinae clade of Opecoelidae, as a sister group to Opegaster. This relationship suggests that Opegaster may be synonymous with Opecoelus, although broader taxon sampling is required to test reciprocal monophyly and clarify generic boundaries. The PCA revealed marked morphological polymorphism in O. adsphaericus. Our morphological analysis detected morphometric characters among O. caballeroi, O. cameroni, and O. pacificus that largely overlap with those reported in this study and with the original description of O. adsphaericus, suggesting that these taxa may represent junior synonyms of O. adsphaericus. Based on the analyzed barcode dataset, O. adsphaericus shows high intraspecific genetic variation at both study locations. Future research on populations along the Baja California Peninsula and California may reveal greater genetic and morphological diversity.
{"title":"Phylogeny, taxonomy and intraspecific variation of the rocky-intertidal trematode Opecoelus adsphaericus (Opecoelidae: Opecoelinae), a parasite of Clinocottus analis (Perciformes: Cottidae) from Baja California","authors":"Andrés Martínez-Aquino , Arturo Rincon-Sandoval , Carlos A. Flores-Lopez , Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos , M. Leopoldina Aguirre-Macedo , F. Sara Ceccarelli","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The trematode <em>Opecoelus adsphaericus</em> is a common parasite of <em>Clinocottus analis</em> in rocky intertidal biotopes of southern California (USA) and northwestern Baja California (Mexico). Since the original description of <em>O</em>. <em>adsphaericus</em>, morphological and molecular data have been lacking. This study aims to characterize the morphological and molecular variation of this trematode to support future inter- and intra-specific comparisons in the genus <em>Opecoelus</em>. Over a year (August 2021–September 2022), ten sampling events were carried out to obtain biological material for morphometric and molecular analyses of <em>O</em>. <em>adsphaericus</em> at El Mosquito (n = 9) and Playa Piedra Blanca (n = 1), Baja California. Morphometric data were obtained from 44 specimens, along with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. Intra-specific morphological variation was quantified using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Eight nuclear 28S gene sequences were obtained for phylogenetic analysis (Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood), while 27 mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences were generated to characterize population genetic variation. The phylogenetic analyses placed <em>O</em>. <em>adsphaericus</em> within the Opecoelinae clade of Opecoelidae, as a sister group to <em>Opegaster</em>. This relationship suggests that <em>Opegaster</em> may be synonymous with <em>Opecoelus</em>, although broader taxon sampling is required to test reciprocal monophyly and clarify generic boundaries. The PCA revealed marked morphological polymorphism in <em>O</em>. <em>adsphaericus</em>. Our morphological analysis detected morphometric characters among <em>O</em>. <em>caballeroi</em>, <em>O</em>. <em>cameroni</em>, and <em>O</em>. <em>pacificus</em> that largely overlap with those reported in this study and with the original description of <em>O</em>. <em>adsphaericus</em>, suggesting that these taxa may represent junior synonyms of <em>O</em>. <em>adsphaericus</em>. Based on the analyzed barcode dataset, <em>O</em>. <em>adsphaericus</em> shows high intraspecific genetic variation at both study locations. Future research on populations along the Baja California Peninsula and California may reveal greater genetic and morphological diversity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101156"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519409","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-31DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101155
Cora Delling , Magdalena Schollmeyer , Florian Hansmann , David Pruß , Nadine Barownick , Ronald Schmäschke
The nematodes Aspidodera spp. are occurring in different mammals of the southern Nearctic and Neotropical region. Six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) are mainly found in South America and act as suitable hosts for different Aspidodera species. Here, a case of an Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos from a German zoo is described. A 17-year-old male six-banded armadillo found in poor body condition was euthanized for ethical reasons. The parasitological examination of the gastro-intestinale tract revealed an infection with nematodes of the superfamily Heterakoidea. Sequence analysis targeting the 18S rRNA confirmed high identities with isolates of Aspidodera sp. (accession number: EF180070; 100 %) and Aspidodera raillieti (accession number: KX954128; 99.86 %). Analysis of faecal samples of the remaining female armadillo led to similar results. This case description broadens the knowledge about parasitic infections in armadillos from zoological gardens in Europe.
{"title":"Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) from a German zoo","authors":"Cora Delling , Magdalena Schollmeyer , Florian Hansmann , David Pruß , Nadine Barownick , Ronald Schmäschke","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101155","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101155","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nematodes <em>Aspidodera</em> spp. are occurring in different mammals of the southern Nearctic and Neotropical region. Six-banded armadillos (<em>Euphractus sexcinctus</em>) are mainly found in South America and act as suitable hosts for different <em>Aspidodera</em> species. Here, a case of an <em>Aspidodera</em> sp. infection in six-banded armadillos from a German zoo is described. A 17-year-old male six-banded armadillo found in poor body condition was euthanized for ethical reasons. The parasitological examination of the gastro-intestinale tract revealed an infection with nematodes of the superfamily Heterakoidea. Sequence analysis targeting the 18S rRNA confirmed high identities with isolates of <em>Aspidodera</em> sp. (accession number: <span><span>EF180070</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>; 100 %) and <em>Aspidodera raillieti</em> (accession number: <span><span>KX954128</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>; 99.86 %). Analysis of faecal samples of the remaining female armadillo led to similar results. This case description broadens the knowledge about parasitic infections in armadillos from zoological gardens in Europe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101155"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145464833","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101153
Prince S. Molokomme , Nehemiah M. Rindoria , Wilmien J. Luus-Powell , Iva Přikrylová
Capillaria pterophylli Heinze1933 is an intestinal parasite of ornamental cichlids, known for its pathogenic impact in aquaria. Despite its veterinary significance and widespread presence in ornamental aquaculture, limited molecular data and phylogenetic information are available for this species. This study aimed to provide an integrative redescription of C. pterophylli based on morphological observations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular data, with the determination of epidemiological indices (prevalence and mean intensity). Between September 2022 and November 2023, 414 individuals of 18 ornamental cichlid species were sampled from shipments originating in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Fish specimens were dissected to screen for gastrointestinal nematodes. Morphological identification was carried out using standard light microscopy and SEM. Molecular analyses targeted the 18SrDNA gene, followed by phylogenetic inference using maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and neighbour-joining approaches. Capillaria pterophylli was confirmed in three species: Andinoacara pulcher (Gill, 1858), Pterophyllum scalare (Schultze, 1823), and Uaru amphiacanthoides Heckel, 1840. The highest prevalence and mean intensity were recorded in P. scalare from Indonesia (52.94 %, MI = 18.7). SEM revealed diagnostic features such as a rounded anterior end, barrel-shaped eggs with fine surface sculpturing, and a subterminal anal pore. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA region confirmed the placement of C. pterophylli as a sister taxon to other Capillaria species parasitising avian hosts, suggesting a complex evolutionary history. This study expands the known host range of C. pterophylli by reporting two new host records. The findings highlight the pervasive risk of pathogen introduction via the ornamental fish trade and underscore the critical need for integrating molecular tools into biosecurity and surveillance protocols to mitigate future transboundary spread.
{"title":"Capillaria pterophylli Heinze, 1933 (Nematoda: Capillariidae Railliet, 1915) in imported ornamental Cichlidae from Asia into South Africa: the first molecular data and scanning electron microscopy","authors":"Prince S. Molokomme , Nehemiah M. Rindoria , Wilmien J. Luus-Powell , Iva Přikrylová","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Capillaria pterophylli</em> Heinze1933 is an intestinal parasite of ornamental cichlids, known for its pathogenic impact in aquaria. Despite its veterinary significance and widespread presence in ornamental aquaculture, limited molecular data and phylogenetic information are available for this species. This study aimed to provide an integrative redescription of <em>C. pterophylli</em> based on morphological observations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular data, with the determination of epidemiological indices (prevalence and mean intensity). Between September 2022 and November 2023, 414 individuals of 18 ornamental cichlid species were sampled from shipments originating in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Fish specimens were dissected to screen for gastrointestinal nematodes. Morphological identification was carried out using standard light microscopy and SEM. Molecular analyses targeted the 18SrDNA gene, followed by phylogenetic inference using maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and neighbour-joining approaches. <em>Capillaria pterophylli</em> was confirmed in three species: <em>Andinoacara pulcher</em> (Gill, 1858), <em>Pterophyllum scalare</em> (Schultze, 1823), and <em>Uaru amphiacanthoides</em> Heckel, 1840. The highest prevalence and mean intensity were recorded in <em>P. scalare</em> from Indonesia (52.94 %, MI = 18.7). SEM revealed diagnostic features such as a rounded anterior end, barrel-shaped eggs with fine surface sculpturing, and a subterminal anal pore. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA region confirmed the placement of <em>C. pterophylli</em> as a sister taxon to other <em>Capillaria</em> species parasitising avian hosts, suggesting a complex evolutionary history. This study expands the known host range of <em>C. pterophylli</em> by reporting two new host records. The findings highlight the pervasive risk of pathogen introduction via the ornamental fish trade and underscore the critical need for integrating molecular tools into biosecurity and surveillance protocols to mitigate future transboundary spread.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101153"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145464834","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101152
Yujin Kim , Min Gyou Lee , Hyang Hee Lee , So-Jin Yang , Ji-Eun Lee , Eunji Kim , Yi Deun Ha , Eun Ju Kim , Jung Mi Seo , Sun-Hee Kim , Changjong Moon
Wild rodents act as crucial reservoir hosts for various tick-borne pathogens, such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Neoehrlichia mikurensis, which are responsible for the emergence of zoonotic diseases in humans. While tick-borne pathogens have been examined in various animal species, the genetic diversities present in wild rodents and their ectoparasites remain poorly understood. This study examined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of A. phagocytophilum and N. mikurensis in wild rodents, mites, and ticks from South Korea. PCR amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA, msp4, and groEL genes were performed to genotype A. phagocytophilum (16S rRNA and msp4) and N. mikurensis (16S rRNA and groEL). A. phagocytophilum was identified in 25.8 % of rodents and in ixodid ticks collected from rodents, with a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.8 %. A. phagocytophilum was detected in mites (MIR: 0.4 %) from rodents, indicating their potential role in pathogen circulation. Of the 461 wild rodents included in this study, five (1.1 %) tested positive for N. mikurensis. Furthermore, one positive pool was identified in Ixodes nipponensis nymphs (MIR: 0.1 %), representing the first documented occurrence of N. mikurensis in ticks in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the A. phagocytophilum sequences obtained in this study cluster with sequences from South Korea and China associated with rodents or I. nipponensis, while remaining distinct from those of European origin. The N. mikurensis sequences clustered with East Asian strains, forming two distinct groups separate from European lineages. These findings corroborate the hypothesis that wild rodents and their ectoparasites play a role in the natural maintenance and transmission of A. phagocytophilum and N. mikurensis in South Korea. Given the growing acknowledgment of these pathogens as emerging threats to human health, continued surveillance and molecular characterization are essential to understand their regional distribution and implications for public health.
{"title":"Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Neoehrlichia mikurensis in wild rodents and their ectoparasites in South Korea","authors":"Yujin Kim , Min Gyou Lee , Hyang Hee Lee , So-Jin Yang , Ji-Eun Lee , Eunji Kim , Yi Deun Ha , Eun Ju Kim , Jung Mi Seo , Sun-Hee Kim , Changjong Moon","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wild rodents act as crucial reservoir hosts for various tick-borne pathogens, such as <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em> and <em>Neoehrlichia mikurensis</em>, which are responsible for the emergence of zoonotic diseases in humans. While tick-borne pathogens have been examined in various animal species, the genetic diversities present in wild rodents and their ectoparasites remain poorly understood. This study examined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> and <em>N. mikurensis</em> in wild rodents, mites, and ticks from South Korea. PCR amplification and sequencing of the <em>16S rRNA</em>, <em>msp4</em>, and <em>groEL</em> genes were performed to genotype <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> (<em>16S rRNA</em> and <em>msp4</em>) and <em>N. mikurensis</em> (<em>16S rRNA</em> and <em>groEL</em>). <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> was identified in 25.8 % of rodents and in ixodid ticks collected from rodents, with a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.8 %. <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> was detected in mites (MIR: 0.4 %) from rodents, indicating their potential role in pathogen circulation. Of the 461 wild rodents included in this study, five (1.1 %) tested positive for <em>N. mikurensis</em>. Furthermore, one positive pool was identified in <em>Ixodes nipponensis</em> nymphs (MIR: 0.1 %), representing the first documented occurrence of <em>N. mikurensis</em> in ticks in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> sequences obtained in this study cluster with sequences from South Korea and China associated with rodents or <em>I. nipponensis</em>, while remaining distinct from those of European origin. The <em>N. mikurensis</em> sequences clustered with East Asian strains, forming two distinct groups separate from European lineages. These findings corroborate the hypothesis that wild rodents and their ectoparasites play a role in the natural maintenance and transmission of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> and <em>N. mikurensis</em> in South Korea. Given the growing acknowledgment of these pathogens as emerging threats to human health, continued surveillance and molecular characterization are essential to understand their regional distribution and implications for public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101152"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465975","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101149
Efrén Estévez-Sánchez , Ana M. López-Beceiro , Clara González-Serrano , Ana Montoya , Juan P. Barrera , Blanca Fernández , Valentina Marino , Pablo Moraleda-Berral , Clara Gómez-Velasco , Juliana Sarquis , Rocío Checa , Luis E. Fidalgo , Guadalupe Miró
Thelazia callipaeda is a vector-borne parasite infecting the eyes of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans, across Europe. In Spain, it is endemic in several regions, with high prevalence reported in dogs and cats, but data on wildlife remain scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of T. callipaeda in Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) from northwestern Spain and explored epidemiological factors associated with infection. Between 2016 and 2025, 182 wolves from Asturias and Galicia (A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra) were sampled after necropsy. Eyeworms were collected and identified using morphological and molecular methods, with all specimens corresponding to T. callipaeda genotype h1. The overall prevalence was 17 %, with higher rates of infection in Galicia (18.2 %) than Asturias (8.7 %). Infections were restricted to Ourense (37.2 %) and Lugo (26.5 %). Parasite burdens were higher in females and immature wolves (1–3 years) compared to older animals and those in good body condition (BC 4–5). The distribution of infected wolves was associated with the vegetation around Miño and Sil river basins, which may favor the development of the vector Phortica variegata. Lower prevalence in pups could be linked to smaller eye size and lower body condition, while sex- and age-related differences may reflect behavioral or immunological factors. These results indicate that Iberian wolves can act as reservoirs of T. callipaeda in northwestern Spain, underscoring the need for further research into their role in the epidemiology of this zoonotic parasite.
{"title":"Thelazia callipaeda infection in Northwestern Spain: what role does the Iberian wolf play?","authors":"Efrén Estévez-Sánchez , Ana M. López-Beceiro , Clara González-Serrano , Ana Montoya , Juan P. Barrera , Blanca Fernández , Valentina Marino , Pablo Moraleda-Berral , Clara Gómez-Velasco , Juliana Sarquis , Rocío Checa , Luis E. Fidalgo , Guadalupe Miró","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Thelazia callipaeda</em> is a vector-borne parasite infecting the eyes of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans, across Europe. In Spain, it is endemic in several regions, with high prevalence reported in dogs and cats, but data on wildlife remain scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of <em>T. callipaeda</em> in Iberian wolves (<em>Canis lupus signatus</em>) from northwestern Spain and explored epidemiological factors associated with infection. Between 2016 and 2025, 182 wolves from Asturias and Galicia (A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra) were sampled after necropsy. Eyeworms were collected and identified using morphological and molecular methods, with all specimens corresponding to <em>T. callipaeda</em> genotype h1. The overall prevalence was 17 %, with higher rates of infection in Galicia (18.2 %) than Asturias (8.7 %). Infections were restricted to Ourense (37.2 %) and Lugo (26.5 %). Parasite burdens were higher in females and immature wolves (1–3 years) compared to older animals and those in good body condition (BC 4–5). The distribution of infected wolves was associated with the vegetation around Miño and Sil river basins, which may favor the development of the vector <em>Phortica variegata</em>. Lower prevalence in pups could be linked to smaller eye size and lower body condition, while sex- and age-related differences may reflect behavioral or immunological factors. These results indicate that Iberian wolves can act as reservoirs of <em>T. callipaeda</em> in northwestern Spain, underscoring the need for further research into their role in the epidemiology of this zoonotic parasite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101149"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145464835","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101151
Wojciech Piasecki , Geoffrey A. Boxshall
This paper represents a rare case in parasitology where a reversal of the Principle of Priority of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) would be beneficial to all users, including not only scientists but also the general public. In some rare cases, a long-established name turns out to be a junior synonym when an older, less-known name claims the priority. Unfortunately, such situations have the potential to disrupt intergenerational continuity of parasitological nomenclature. After 193 years, one of the best-known European fish parasites could have lost its well-established name in favor of its senior synonym, long forgotten by history and predating the now junior synonym by 49 years. The parasite under scrutiny is Tracheliastes polycolpus von Nordmann, 1832. In the interest of nomenclatural stability, however, we propose to maintain prevailing usage by reversal of precedence under Article 23.9 of the Code. Our paper, in addition to its taxonomic aspects, may have a profound effect on the use of this name in parasitology, zoology, and the study of fish diseases.
这篇论文代表了寄生虫学中一个罕见的案例，其中颠倒国际动物命名规则（ICZN）的优先原则将有利于所有用户，不仅包括科学家，而且包括公众。在一些罕见的情况下，一个历史悠久的名字变成了一个次要的同义词，而一个历史更悠久、知名度更低的名字占据了优先地位。不幸的是，这种情况有可能破坏寄生虫学命名法的代际连续性。193年后，欧洲最著名的鱼类寄生虫之一可能已经失去了它那久已确立的名字，取而代之的是它的高级同义词，它早已被历史遗忘，比现在的低级同义词早了49年。被研究的寄生虫是Tracheliastes polycolpus von Nordmann， 1832。然而，为了术语的稳定性，我们建议根据法典第23.9条的规定，通过颠倒优先顺序来维持通行的用法。我们的论文，除了其分类学方面，可能对这个名称在寄生虫学、动物学和鱼类疾病研究中的使用产生深远的影响。
{"title":"Priority vs. tradition—Tracheliastes polycolpus von Nordmann, 1832 (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) revisited!","authors":"Wojciech Piasecki , Geoffrey A. Boxshall","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper represents a rare case in parasitology where a reversal of the Principle of Priority of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) would be beneficial to all users, including not only scientists but also the general public. In some rare cases, a long-established name turns out to be a junior synonym when an older, less-known name claims the priority. Unfortunately, such situations have the potential to disrupt intergenerational continuity of parasitological nomenclature. After 193 years, one of the best-known European fish parasites could have lost its well-established name in favor of its senior synonym, long forgotten by history and predating the now junior synonym by 49 years. The parasite under scrutiny is <em>Tracheliastes polycolpus</em> von Nordmann, 1832. In the interest of nomenclatural stability, however, we propose to maintain prevailing usage by reversal of precedence under Article 23.9 of the Code. Our paper, in addition to its taxonomic aspects, may have a profound effect on the use of this name in parasitology, zoology, and the study of fish diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101151"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415841","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101148
Joseph P. Heaver , Shinto K. John , Katharina Seilern-Macpherson , Simon Spiro , Vicky Wilkinson , Andrew A. Cunningham , Becki Lawson
Avian haemosporidian parasites (AHPs), which include the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, are protist parasites affecting at least 2000 species of birds with near global distribution. Outside of isolated, evolutionarily and immunologically naïve avian populations, the effects of AHPs on wild bird populations are poorly understood but have historically been considered benign. There is growing evidence to suggest, however, that high exoerythrocytic parasite burdens can cause disease and mortality in some host-parasite interactions, even in populations which have co-evolved alongside AHPs. Here, samples from 857 wild birds of 62 species, 27 families and eight orders were collected during post-mortem examinations over a 15-year period as part of a nationwide wildlife disease surveillance scheme and were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. In total, liver and/or spleen tissues from 13.5 % of birds (n = 116) tested PCR-positive, comprising 8.9 % (n = 76) and 4.7 % (n = 40) infected with Plasmodium and Haemoproteus spp., respectively. The highest rates of Plasmodium infection were seen in the families Paridae (36.3 %; 4/11 birds examined) and Turdidae (34.5 %; 51/148), consistent with previous reports. Spatial analysis revealed a significant cluster of Plasmodium-positive cases in Southeast England with possible explanations including climatic effects on parasite development or spatial variation in vector abundance. A total of 30 AHP lineages (20 Haemoproteus spp. and 10 Plasmodium spp.) were detected, 23 of which have not previously been reported in Great Britain, with four being apparently novel. Tissue samples from a subset of 13 Plasmodium-positive Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) underwent histopathological examination, which revealed evidence of exoerythrocytic parasites, or other lesions consistent with avian malaria, in four and five cases, respectively. These changes were considered of equivocal significance in four birds, with only one bird diagnosed with acute malaria as a contributory cause of death.
{"title":"The lineage diversity, spatiotemporal distribution and pathological significance of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus spp. infection of wild birds in Great Britain","authors":"Joseph P. Heaver , Shinto K. John , Katharina Seilern-Macpherson , Simon Spiro , Vicky Wilkinson , Andrew A. Cunningham , Becki Lawson","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Avian haemosporidian parasites (AHPs), which include the genera <em>Plasmodium</em> and <em>Haemoproteus</em>, are protist parasites affecting at least 2000 species of birds with near global distribution. Outside of isolated, evolutionarily and immunologically naïve avian populations, the effects of AHPs on wild bird populations are poorly understood but have historically been considered benign. There is growing evidence to suggest, however, that high exoerythrocytic parasite burdens can cause disease and mortality in some host-parasite interactions, even in populations which have co-evolved alongside AHPs. Here, samples from 857 wild birds of 62 species, 27 families and eight orders were collected during post-mortem examinations over a 15-year period as part of a nationwide wildlife disease surveillance scheme and were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of <em>Plasmodium</em> and <em>Haemoproteus</em>. In total, liver and/or spleen tissues from 13.5 % of birds (n = 116) tested PCR-positive, comprising 8.9 % (n = 76) and 4.7 % (n = 40) infected with <em>Plasmodium</em> and <em>Haemoproteus</em> spp., respectively. The highest rates of <em>Plasmodium</em> infection were seen in the families Paridae (36.3 %; 4/11 birds examined) and Turdidae (34.5 %; 51/148), consistent with previous reports. Spatial analysis revealed a significant cluster of <em>Plasmodium</em>-positive cases in Southeast England with possible explanations including climatic effects on parasite development or spatial variation in vector abundance. A total of 30 AHP lineages (20 <em>Haemoproteus</em> spp. and 10 <em>Plasmodium</em> spp.) were detected, 23 of which have not previously been reported in Great Britain, with four being apparently novel. Tissue samples from a subset of 13 <em>Plasmodium</em>-positive Eurasian blackbirds (<em>Turdus merula</em>) underwent histopathological examination, which revealed evidence of exoerythrocytic parasites, or other lesions consistent with avian malaria, in four and five cases, respectively. These changes were considered of equivocal significance in four birds, with only one bird diagnosed with acute malaria as a contributory cause of death.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145570744","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101150
Ryanka Edila , Seongjun Choe , Mustofa Helmi Effendi , Lucia Tri Suwanti , John Yew Huat Tang
Tapeworms of the genus Spirometra are important zoonotic parasites, yet their taxonomy remains unsettled and molecular species-level data from Indonesia are scarce. We examined plerocercoid larvae isolated from Javanese keelback water snakes (Fowlea melanzosta) collected in East Java, Indonesia. Infection prevalence in F. melanzosta was high (84 %), with 143 spargana recovered from subcutaneous tissues, musculatures, and the body cavities of 25 snakes. Morphological and histological features were consistent with Spirometra. Molecular analysis was used for accurate species-level identification. Partial mitochondrial cox1 sequences from five isolates were generated and analyzed phylogenetically. All sequences clustered unambiguously within the S. mansoni clade (PP = 0.99), alongside global reference isolates. Our analysis also reclassified a 2007 Indonesian isolate, previously assigned to S. erinaceieuropaei, as S. mansoni, retrospectively clarifying a misidentification. This study provides the first prospective molecular confirmation of S. mansoni in Indonesia, and underscores the role of semi-aquatic snakes in transmission cycles. These findings highlight the urgent need for expanded molecular surveillance and integrative taxonomy to clarify the epidemiology and zoonotic potential of Spirometra in the region.
{"title":"Molecular confirmation of Spirometra mansoni (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) in Javanese keelback water snake (Fowlea melanzosta) in Indonesia","authors":"Ryanka Edila , Seongjun Choe , Mustofa Helmi Effendi , Lucia Tri Suwanti , John Yew Huat Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tapeworms of the genus <em>Spirometra</em> are important zoonotic parasites, yet their taxonomy remains unsettled and molecular species-level data from Indonesia are scarce. We examined plerocercoid larvae isolated from Javanese keelback water snakes (<em>Fowlea melanzosta</em>) collected in East Java, Indonesia. Infection prevalence in <em>F. melanzosta</em> was high (84 %), with 143 spargana recovered from subcutaneous tissues, musculatures, and the body cavities of 25 snakes. Morphological and histological features were consistent with <em>Spirometra</em>. Molecular analysis was used for accurate species-level identification. Partial mitochondrial cox1 sequences from five isolates were generated and analyzed phylogenetically. All sequences clustered unambiguously within the <em>S. mansoni</em> clade (PP = 0.99), alongside global reference isolates. Our analysis also reclassified a 2007 Indonesian isolate, previously assigned to <em>S. erinaceieuropaei</em>, as <em>S. mansoni</em>, retrospectively clarifying a misidentification. This study provides the first prospective molecular confirmation of <em>S. mansoni</em> in Indonesia, and underscores the role of semi-aquatic snakes in transmission cycles. These findings highlight the urgent need for expanded molecular surveillance and integrative taxonomy to clarify the epidemiology and zoonotic potential of <em>Spirometra</em> in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101150"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145361721","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-15DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101147
Bridget M. Graffeo , Ghazanfar Abbas , Charles Gauci , Kabir Brar , Leonardo Brustenga , Tharaka Liyanage , Megan Fisher , Jessica Haining , Jasmin Hufschmid , Ian Beveridge , Abdul Jabbar
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is an introduced species to Australia whose population and spatial distribution have grown irreversibly. Due to their opportunistic feeding habits, extensive populations of foxes now inhabit urban and rural environments, where they coexist with humans and domesticated animals. The proximity of these predators presents public and animal health concerns as they harbour diseases that can cross between species. Accordingly, monitoring potential disease risk and prevalence in urban foxes is warranted. This study investigated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in urban and rural foxes around Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The gastrointestinal tracts of 51 opportunistically collected foxes were thoroughly examined to collect adult helminth (i.e., nematode and cestode) parasites from the stomach as well as from the small and large intestines. The results showed that 92.2 % of foxes were infected with at least one gastrointestinal helminth parasite. Based on a morphological identification of worms, the detected nematode parasites were Toxocara canis (66.7 %) and Uncinaria stenocephala (56.9 %), while the identified tapeworms included Dipylidium caninum (39.2 %), Taenia spp. (11.8 %) and Spirometra mansoni (5.9 %). Single cases of Trichuris vulpis and Physalopetra sp. infections were detected. This study highlights a human and domestic animal health risk, as a crossover of parasitic infections is possible in areas where these parasites coexist.
{"title":"Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of urban and rural foxes around Melbourne, Australia","authors":"Bridget M. Graffeo , Ghazanfar Abbas , Charles Gauci , Kabir Brar , Leonardo Brustenga , Tharaka Liyanage , Megan Fisher , Jessica Haining , Jasmin Hufschmid , Ian Beveridge , Abdul Jabbar","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The red fox (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>) is an introduced species to Australia whose population and spatial distribution have grown irreversibly. Due to their opportunistic feeding habits, extensive populations of foxes now inhabit urban and rural environments, where they coexist with humans and domesticated animals. The proximity of these predators presents public and animal health concerns as they harbour diseases that can cross between species. Accordingly, monitoring potential disease risk and prevalence in urban foxes is warranted. This study investigated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in urban and rural foxes around Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The gastrointestinal tracts of 51 opportunistically collected foxes were thoroughly examined to collect adult helminth (i.e., nematode and cestode) parasites from the stomach as well as from the small and large intestines. The results showed that 92.2 % of foxes were infected with at least one gastrointestinal helminth parasite. Based on a morphological identification of worms, the detected nematode parasites were <em>Toxocara canis</em> (66.7 %) and <em>Uncinaria stenocephala</em> (56.9 %)<em>,</em> while the identified tapeworms included <em>Dipylidium caninum</em> (39.2 %), <em>Taenia</em> spp. (11.8 %) and <em>Spirometra mansoni</em> (5.9 %). Single cases of <em>Trichuris vulpis</em> and <em>Physalopetra</em> sp. infections were detected. This study highlights a human and domestic animal health risk, as a crossover of parasitic infections is possible in areas where these parasites coexist.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320243","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}
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